shakin' lemonade

Stepping outside today (in a tee, maxi skirt, and sandals, by the way) reminded me that Spring is actually here.  Despite all the rain and cold we've had in SoCal this week, today is a warm, sunny, and beautiful day.  The kind of day where I love sitting on a pretty porch with friends, sipping refreshing cocktails into the evening.

 

I first tried a Shakin' Lemonade at one of my favorite restaurants, M Street Kitchen.  They serve this refreshing cocktail in a mason jar--and let's be honest, that makes me love it even more.  I also love how simple it is to recreate--all you need are three ingredients!

Shakin' Lemonade

What you'll need:

-Ketel One vodka (or whatever you favorite is--just make sure it's a good vodka)

-Lemonade

-Rosemary

What you'll do:

-Fill a glass (or mason jar) with ice and a sprig of fresh rosemary

-Pour desired amount of vodka into a shaker (I prefer 1-2 shots), and fill the rest with lemonade

-Shake it up!

-Pour contents into your glass and enjoy!

Simple and refreshing--can you think of anything better? I hope everyone has a warm, relaxing weekend!

xx

clutch envy

I've always considered myself a bit of a bag lady.  Not in the sense that I have lots of bags (I wish I did), but that I tend to carry giant bags in which I can stuff every possible thing into.  As of late, I've been trying to avoid this because they're annoying to carry and weigh my look down.  Especially once I began browsing fashion blogs, all I want is to throw the necessities in a fun clutch and run out the door.

From top left:
Zara leather clutch
H&M turquoise bag
H&M hard case bag
Zara plaited clutch
Asos envelope clutch
Forever 21 tribal clutch

Any of these would be the perfect finish or pop of color to a great spring look.  If you're in L.A., my friend often gets amazing deals for small bags in the Fashion District (we're talking $8 here, people). I also love searching local boutiques, and plan to look into some vintage places soon. Happy bag hunting!
xx

neutrals

[frenchi blazer, target tank, lush shorts, dolce vita for target wedges, rebecca minkoff bag, borrowed ray ban sunglasses, michael kors watch, david yurman bracelet, ring from kracked la, opi nails] 

What, you don't consider leopard print a neutral? I didn't either until recently.  I picked these silky shorts up from Buffalo Exchange a few months ago, and have been searching for ways to incorporate them into my weekday wardrobe.  Cue neutral blazer, tank, and accessories.  I love discovering versatility in pieces I already own and wearing them in new ways.

Today is pretty chilly here in SoCal, and there's rain in the forecast for the remainder of the week (I must have jinxed us).  I'm dreaming of the day when these photos were taken--it was so warm and lovely...hopefully the sun comes back soon because seeing these photos makes me realize I'm in desperate need of a tan as well.

Luckily this week will be a busy, productive one. I'm moving into my new office and gearing up for my new role at work!  What are you excited for this week?

xx

breakfast for one

Making breakfast for one person is quite the challenge.  I always had roomates in college, and we often slept past breakfast time.  Whenever I first moved to L.A. and was living alone, I was so broke I often stuck with cereal or whatever crumbs were left in my pantry.  Now that I have the luxury of living with roomates again, and also spend many weekends with the beau, breakfasts are quite the spectacle.  There have been many times when we all prepare a giant feast with more food than we can possibly consume in one sitting (although that doesn't stop us from trying).

But this weekend I was flying solo.  My roomates ventured into the desert for Coachella, and my boyfriend was coaching in Long Beach.  So when Sunday morning came and I felt my stomach rumble, I had no one to help me decide what to make or help me make it.  Luckily, I stumbled upon this recipe a few weeks ago and I've been dying to try it out.  The best part is that it looks fancy but it's actually very simple and filling.

Pesto Potato Egg Bake
What you'll need:
- 1 medium sized potato
- 2 eggs
- pesto
- blue cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- garlic
- salt + pepper
- basil

Here's what you do:
- preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- scrub and thinly slice potatoes
- toss potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- add crushed garlic
- cook potatoes over medium until just cooked
- spoon in the pesto and toss to coat evenly
- put potato mixture in ramekin
- bake for 5-10 minutes until crisp (I baked mine for 10 min.)
- top with eggs and cheese
- bake until eggs set
- top with lightly fried basil leaves (just pour a bit of oil in a pan and throw the basil in for a minute or two on medium heat)

Enjoy!
xx

*Recipe originally found via Wit & Delight

friday inspirations

A whirlwind morning (not a great one, I might add) has me counting down the minutes until I'm sitting on the patio at The Churchill sipping cocktails with some friends. 

But despite that, some amazing things have happened this week! I found out a few friends from home are visiting me this Summer, one of my closest childhood friends is having a baby boy in October, and to top it all off...I GOT A PROMOTION!! I've actually known about it for months (it's been a bit of a process), but my company found my replacement and so I'll transition to my new role within the next couple weeks. I have to say it's the best feeling when hard work pays off.

image via oh happy day!

Here are some other lovely inspirations from around the web:
Summertime picnics never sounded so lovely.
The next time it rains (let's hope not for a long time), I want to stay dry in style.
I just picked up this pretty stationery yesterday--I'm excited to catch-up with friends, pen-pal style.
Stunning homes will be popping up everywhere when people get their hands on this book.
Such a quirky, adorable trend.
If only this dress could be mine.
Pizza for breakfast.
A useful how-to for a chic topnot.
The sweetest elopement photos.
Vintage garden snapshots.

+ check out a couple of my recent articles on the LA Confidential website (here and here)!
Happy Friday lovelies!
xx

for good measure

[gap tee {similar here}, h&m trench {similar here}, j-brand pants {from the outlet}, target scarf, zara shoes, rebecca minkoff bag, michael kors watch, david yurman bracelet, feather ring- lavish in colorado, polo ralph lauren glasses]

It should be no surprise to anyone by now that I love a good bargain.  I'm always hunting for a good sale or outlet.  This entire outfit (except for the tee, which I've had for years), is comprised of new pieces. I bought the bag, trench coat, and pants for much cheaper than they were originally.  And the shoes...well, they weren't really on sale, but they're pretty so I couldn't resist.  Luckily, they were relatively inexpensive anyway.

Focusing on the pants for a moment--I bought them at the J-Brand outlet here in L.A.  It's located downtown (slightly in the ghetto), and everything is about 40-50% off.  I'm always searching for the perfect pair of jeans, so when my co-worker told me about this place I knew I had to stop by.  J-Brand is an exquisite fit, but can often run into the $200 dollar range.  But at the outlet, we're talking $90 tops. If you're in L.A., go. If you're not, then come visit me--I'll take you.

Lauren snapped these photos for me last week, when there was still a slight briskness in the air when you're in the shade.  But this week it's hot.  I have a feeling this trench won't leave my closet for a while now, but I'm more than okay with that.
xx

spring in your step

I wear heels often throughout the week, but many days my poor feet need a break--especially on the weekends. Lately I've had the urge to toss all my old flip-flops, (they're falling apart anyway) and introduce some chic strappy sandals into my collection. Here are some I'm coveting (badly).

Clockwise from top:
Aldo multi-colored flats
Steve Madden Rasscal sandals
Zara snakeskin print sandals
Madewell crisscross boardwalk sandals
Mossimo Supply Co. printed wilton flat
Rachel Zoe Gladys sandals (these are way out of my price range, but a girl can dream!)
Mossimo Supply Co. pearl flat sandals
Belle by Sigerson Morrison Randy sandals
Elizabeth and James Paige sandals (love that they're my namesake, don't love the price though..)
Asos canvas sandals
Forever 21 crossed strap sandals

I had to throw a couple designer pairs in there because apparently I love torturing myself.  But the majority of these are very budget friendly.  Cute and cost-efficient? As the lovely Bianca often says, "Get on my feet."
xx

weekend wear

[borrowed j-crew chambray shirt, zara jeans {similar here}, sam edelman flats {purchased from nordstrom rack}, louis vuitton bucket bag, michael kors watch, bracelets: david yurman, gift, and street vendor, moon rock ring from a colorado shop, sunglasses purchased from a farmers market, opi nails]

This was basically my uniform this weekend, and every weekend, for that matter.  As per usual, I went with my comfy + chic combo.  I have to say what I loved most is that the birthday boy and I accidentally coordinated perfectly--he happened to be wearing jeans and a red shirt when he snapped these photos for me.  We're a match made in heaven, obviously.

We celebrated the day by lazing around (both inside and outside), cooking (and eating) mass amounts of homeade food, playing with Rocky pup, and a bar crawl with all of his great friends (followed by more food).  A solid weekend in my book. What did everyone else do this weekend?
xx

happy weekend!

I believe I've already mentioned this once, but this week has been beyond crazy.  Needless to say I'm definitely looking forward to this weekend.  And with rain in the forecast, it looks like it'll be a relaxing one. It's also the beau's big 2-5 tomorrow, so we'll be celebrating!

photo by angela + ithyle via design love fest

Here are a few things from around the web that kept me inspired this week:

Tips for rocking spring trends on a budget.
Maya Rudolph always seems to make me cry from laughing too hard.
Some cute puppy love (My roomate just got a kitty, so we're currently establishing puppy + kitty love).
A ballerina's dream.
This has me craving summer and the beach.
Katie Rodgers' work is so unique!
More tips for wearing brights this season--love how wearable these are.
I can't stop looking at the amazing pieces on this affordable shopping site.
A bar cart needs to be in my next home.
These little homeade pizzas will definitely be my next kitchen adventure.
iPhone cases are the ultimate accessory.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
xx

scarf print

[zara blouse {similar here}, bdg jeans, michael kors heels, rebecca minkoff bag, michael kors watch, bracelets: david yurman, lia sophia, cc skye, and madewell, jewelmint ring, polo ralph lauren glasses, opi nails]

Anyone who knows me is well aware I have a scarf addiction.  My collection is so large, I have to put half of them in a tub under my bed.  So needless to say, whenever I spotted this scarf print shirt at Zara...I absolutely had to have it. And the bag? I've been coveting a Rebecca Minkoff bag for a while, and had been planning to splurge for one as a treat to myself.  But lucky for my bank account I found this one for under $100. Holler.

I'll be honest and say I felt straight out of the '70s in this outfit (especially since I strayed from my usual curls).  And I loved every second of it.

I hope everyone is having a great week!
xx

weekend snapshots

Last week was one of those weeks that dragged on, and at the end of it I still felt unproductive.  Luckily, on Friday my company gave all employees a half-day, and I was able to regroup.  The entire weekend was spent relaxing, which was convenient because the past couple work days have been insane.

I took the beau on an early birthday surprise "staycation" this weekend. We went to Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, where (thanks to one of my amazing former co-workers), we were treated with an ocean-veiw room.  The modern space was very cozy and accommodating, and we spent most of our time there sipping cocktails on the balcony.  Easter Sunday was just as tranquil with movie marathons, mimosas, and mass amounts of chocolate. I gave up all sweets for lent, so needless to say I had quite the stomach ache toward the end of the day.

Cheers to a new week, friends!
xx

sweet salmon

Back in February, I shared this Honey Dijon Salmon recipe, and have been dying to try it ever since.  Finally, time was on my side this week and I was able to give it a whirl.

[ingredients: salmon, dijon mustard, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and orange juice]

I prepared the salmon in the morning before work, and it marinated all day.  When I came home, I just popped it into the oven and it was ready to go in about 12 minutes.

While the salmon was baking, I made a quinoa pilaf for a side dish.  I prepared it on the stove-top according to the package directions, and threw in sliced carrots and broccoli along with some favorite spices after it simmered for a few minutes.

The honey dijon marinade gave the flaky salmon the slightest sweet flavor, which I absolutely loved. I wish I'd covered the filet a bit more evenly with all the ingredients, but the overall result was still a bit hit!  I highly recommend this for a quick, health dinner. Salmon recipe first spotted here.

Bon appetit!
xx

a little laugh

I hope this quiz from Refinery 29 brings a little extra laughter to your day.  I originally spotted this here on a tough day, and it's still got me giggling. I've actually been lusting over the PS.1 for a while but it will forever be out of my price range (read: I will never pay that much for a bag). I think the "bitch lips" Chanel scenario is by far my favorite though. Which is yours?

I hope everyone is having a great week! I have a recipe to share with you tomorrow (provided it turns out well), and some very exciting news that I've been bursting to share for weeks.
Until then!
xx

tuxedo

[french collection blazer-gift {similar here}, target tank and pumps {similar here}, bdg jeans {last seen here}, clutch from lavish in crested butte, michael kors watch, cc skye ring, polo ralph lauren glasses, opi nails]

A blazer is my favorite way to dress up a simple outfit (I've done this before here and here).  Lately I've been enjoying ones with a little extra pizazz--like this tuxedo blazer from French Connection.  My lovely editor gave it to me a few months ago and I always feel so sophisticated in it.

My roomate Lisa has been in London visiting our friend Kristin for the past couple weeks, and she finally comes home tomorrow.  We're all so excited to see her! You can read all about their adventures here and here.  She's returning just in time for the amazing weather that finally decided to grace L.A.

I'm off to Malibu this morning for a meeting.  Staring at the ocean from my car window doesn't seem half bad to start off my day. Happy Tuesday!
xx