sneaky

[madewell blazer {last seen here}, target tee, j-brand jeans, steve madden sneakers, pashmina scarf, rebecca minkoff bag, ray-ban aviators, michael kors watch, bracelets- david yurman/tiffanys, ring- jewels by the sea] 

I warned you all it was coming. If you follow me on instagram, you already knew I purchased them. I've had these wedge sneakers stashed away for a few weeks now, waiting for the right time to unveil my unoriginal find. Actually, I wear these bad boys about twice a week now...but you get what I mean. My point is that I jumped on the wedge sneaker bandwagon, and I don't hate it (sorry, G).

I hope everyone is having a lovely week!
xx

brunch necessities

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of brunch. Pretty much any Saturday or Sunday I'm down to sit on a restaurant patio chowing down on some eggs benny and sipping champagne, especially now that the weather is warming up.  But as much as I love eating out, there's something even more special about a homemade brunch with friends.

image via pinterest

Full disclosure: my homemade brunches are usually thrown together at the last minute with literally no planning and no frills.  I text a few friends like an hour before, they volunteer to bring some ingredients, and we cook whatever we have on-hand (read: I flip a few pieces of bacon and focus on pouring champagne while other people cook). But a few weeks ago one of my co-workers invited some of us over for brunch at her place, and homegirl went all out. She'd gone to the flower mart downtown for impressive blooms, had created a bloody mary station, and labeled everything from the mixers to the homemade butters with pretty signs.

It was such a refreshing afternoon, and now I'm thinking a proper springtime brunch at my place is in order very soon. Here are a few pretty finds that have my hostess wheels turning.

1 martha stewart crafts labels//2 williams sonoma ceramic cake stand//3 target glass pedestal serving plates//4 ball mason jars//5 spritz striped straws//6 fresh spring flowers for the table

I love the concept of labeling any liquids or flavored butters, creating a drink station for screwdrivers or bloody marys with various mixers, or concocting a light and tasty punch. And don't forget the mimosas!
xx

foodie friday: the fat cow

The Grove was the first mall I ever visited in L.A. and I instantly fell in love. Not only did I love that it was outdoors, but the space has such a vibrancy about it. Between the slew of amazing shops, the fountain show, and the concerts or fashion shows randomly happening in the middle of it all, I didn't think it could get any better.

Enter The Fat Cow, a charming rustic eatery created by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.  The newly-opened hub offers an array of classic + modern comfort foods crafted with fresh ingredients from local farmers and the Farmer's Market (which is adjacent to The Grove). I've only been a couple times so far, and I can already tell this will be a go-to spot. Bonus: it's super close to my office.

 Brussels sprouts pizza with pancetta

 Can you spot me? :)

Market salad + Fat Cow cheeseburger with bacon jam (love the branding on the bun!)

Along with the excellent food, I've been relatively impressed with the service thus far. The staff is all incredibly friendly and make you feel special, even if you're just walking through the restaurant.

Not To Be Missed

Brussels sprout pizza, Fat Cow cheeseburger (you must add the bacon jam--I wasn't sure what it was, but the server sold me on it and it was smokey, sweet, and perfection), market salad

On my next visit, I'll have to try the lobster mac 'n' cheese, obviously. Also, I've been averting my eyes from their dessert bar because of Lent, but everything looks absolutely incredible. It will definitely be one of my first stops after Easter. If you're in L.A. you should definitely check this place out! It's the perfect spot for a quick and easy lunch, especially if you can sit near the fountain on the patio.

Happy Friday, loves!

xx

the chop

[stylemint striped tee, babakul pants, jessica simpson pumps via nordstrom rack, rebecca minkoff bag, polo ralph lauren glasses, j.crew necklace, michael kors watch, ring-gift from my aunt]

Well, I did it! For a while there I thought I was going to chicken out, but I chopped about eight inches off my hair. And I have to say (as corny as it might sound), it's an incredibly liberating feeling. My head literally feels ten pounds lighter, which means I'm sure everyone who walks by me thinks I have issues because I can't stop flipping my head around.

The weather here has been ridiculous lately: in the 80's one week, and 50's in the next. Yesterday was finally a gorgeous, typical SoCal day...not too hot, not too cold. An excellent first day of spring! Of course I had to bust out some color and my comfiest pants. These guys feel like I'm wearing pajamas, so I threw on some heels to chic it up a bit.
What did you wear for the first day of spring?
xx

wednesday wear

By the time the middle of the week rolls around, my to-do list seems to be growing and my patience for the weekend wearing. On these oh-so-busy days, I tend to throw on my boyfriend jeans, get my hair out of my face, and get down to business.  But since most of us still need to look polished in our comfortable getups, I've compiled a few casual + chic looks that are easy to emulate with the pieces already hanging in your closet.

image via atlantic-pacific

Throw on a great jacket and some pointy-toe pumps with your boyfriend jeans, and the look becomes the perfect choice for anything on your calendar. 

image via brooklyn blonde

It's pretty much impossible to not be comfortable in a classic v-neck. Keep it simple with a black + white color palette, a sleek ponytail, and red lips.

image via could i have that?

A crisp button down and relaxed jeans are a no-brainer for days when you're in a rush. I love the sunny hue of this Equipment blouse for spring, but it's a bit out of my price range. Find a more affordable alternative here.

image via sincerely, jules

There's nothing more easy-breezy than a maxi dress. Pair it with a leather jacket for an edgier look.

image via frankie hearts fashion

And of course there's the always classic button-down, crisp blazer, jeans, and booties. I mean, when does that combination ever not look perfect?

Another secret of mine, although small, is a manicure.  I almost always keep polish on my nails because it curbs my terrible nail-biting habit, and keeping it maintained also helps me feel more put together.
What are your go-tos when you're in that mid-week rush?
xx

time out

I'll level with you, my friends. It has been a rough couple of weeks for me.  My mom's birthday is in a couple weeks, and whenever that date draws near I always seem to go through a pretty big internal struggle.  With some big question marks on the horizon, and a few recent bad days, I've found myself missing her even more than usual. I've been experiencing a slew of those moments where I think the only thing to ease the pain would be talking to her. While I realize I can still do this, I really miss hearing her voice, her advice, and her loving encouragement.

image via pinterest

While it's been tough to feel inspired lately, I'm slowly starting to feel myself find those pretty little things that make the days (and those tough times) feel less intense.  Good + big things are coming...I can feel it!
xx

spring forward

I'm happy to report that my quest for packing lighter worked out (although visiting a friend who is the same size and had essentially everything I could need helped). But between a relaxing long weekend and Daylight Savings, today has been a rough one!

image via middle child complex

I'll be honest, I'm trying my hardest to get it together (for the blog, work, and life in general), but my bed is really comfortable...

There's a lot going on + a lot coming up in the next few months, so I'll need all the rest I can get!
xx

travel bug

My friend Linley is notorious for packing light, and by that, I mean light. Homegirl takes weekend trips with a large purse as a carry-on and that's it.  I'm headed to Scottsdale this weekend to visit one of my closest childhood friends, and I asked Linley for her weekender bag and tips for how to pack.  Between her advice and additional styling tips from Jacey of Damsel in Dior, I think I might actually be able to do this (fingers crossed). In case this doesn't seem like a huge deal, let's just say that my idea of packing is trying to cram a week's worth of stuff into the biggest suitcase I own....

images via pinterest

1. Everything should be one color family, with the ability to mix + match all items

2. Bring one flat, one heel to be prepared for anything

3. Always bring a chambray shirt--it can be worn with just about anything and add layers

4. Wear your chunkiest pieces (i.e. coat, scarf, shoes that take up space) on the plane

5. Pack jewelry in a clutch to keep it secure; clutch can be used for evenings

Wish me luck, loves! Are you going anywhere fun soon? What are your packing secrets?

xx

wednesday wear: spring brights

No matter the season, I'm always a fan of classic + clean color palettes.  I'm typically not super on board with head-to-toe color, lots of different colors, or neons, but when it comes to spring, I tend to open up my mind (and closet) a bit more to the trend that keeps on coming back for the season: bright colors.  It's not exactly new or groundbreaking, but it seems as though brights are here to stay and I'm embracing it now more than ever. Here are some looks I'm coveting and some pieces I wouldn't mind calling my own.

photo via middle child complex

The face of Burberry, Gabriella Wilde, in small pops of color. I absolutely love this timeless look!

photo via brooklyn blonde

I've never seen head-to-toe color (her shoes are also yellow) look so chic.  Helena keeps the look grounded with sleek hair and dark sunglasses and nails.

photo via damsel in dior

Print on print done right. I love how these colors play up one another, and the look is grounded by neutral accessories.

photo via kendi everyday

Chambray and colored jeans are always a perfect go-to for spring. The colored bag is unexpected,yet compliments the look.

photo via fash boulevard

Nothing screams spring like a colored blazer and whimsical print. Pink is obviously not my color, or else I'd be all over this! I would love to call this beautiful Alice + Olivia skirt mine.

Looking to incorporate more color into your wardrobe this spring like I am? Here are a few bright finds...

Clockwise from top left: Zara straight cut trousers//Zara color block clutch//Stella & Dot Jolie necklace//Modcloth I Lilac It Like that bag//Kain silk tank//Prabal Gurung for Target lace-up pump//Kate Spade mint patent pumps

PS--I made my appointment today to get my hair cut. I'm taking the plunge!
xx

joie

I first heard of Joie from one of my co-workers, and at the time it was still a relatively new brand. Launched in 2001, Joie's aesthetic is comfortable + chic clothing made for the gal on the go. Over the past couple years, the brand has really evolved and now functions as the perfect combination of laid-back California style and Parisian chic.

Joie opened a boutique on Melrose at the beginning of the year, and the mag partnered with the brand for the grand opening party. Here are a few images from the evening, as captured by the lovely + talented Emma Rosenblatt.

Photos by Emma Rosenblatt

I love the clean look of the new shop, and the relaxed feel of all the clothing and accessories. Following the event, I scooped up the day dreaming flats and they've definitely become a wardrobe staple.
xx