A Note to America.

Keep-Running-America-Running-Shoes-Pray-for-Boston

I don’t discuss fitness often on the blog here, but in my personal life running is something that’s very important to me.  I can’t quite explain it, but I imagine I found running in the way that some people find religion – it’s this solitary activity that tends to restore my faith in the world.  I almost always run alone except for when I run in half marathons and at those times, it’s the exact opposite of my usual experience in that other runners and the family, friends and volunteers around me all work together to encourage me to continue.  

Yesterday’s events in Boston really affected me.  And it’s not that other similar events have not, it’s just that as a runner the thought of anyone doing anything to harm the support that surrounds a race of this size is pretty heart wrenching.  At times like these it’s confusing and difficult to know how to continue.  But last night, I came home upset and could only think of one thing.  So I laced up my sneakers and hit the pavement.  Keep Running America.      


Weekend Flashback.

Weekend-flashback-instagram-blog-recapEven with it staying light longer, lately my hectic work week’s have made days feel short.   In order to combat the feeling that Monday through Friday is a complete blur (and Saturday and Sunday simply aren’t enough) I’ve been trying to find little moment’s to relax, repeating words of encouragement, and – when all else fails – putting on a pair of dancing shoes and heading downtown to celebrate Saturday nights.  Even if Monday morning isn’t far off.  

 

Love Fest.


Aside from a seriously inspiring blog/career, I’m here to argue that Bri of DesignLoveFest fame has possibly the most swoon-worthy, recently made over living room in Los Angeles. That airy lighting?  Those mid century lines?  The endless eclectic accents?  It’s all just so good…


And until I can curate a space this well, I’m going to settle for wearing a similar look.  A key to making this mix look clean rather than cluttered is to ground things with a clean solid color – like that rad turquoise couch or a pair of suede slingbacks.  Next, go graphic and playful with your patterns.  The geometric covered chairs and modern art pull it off for the space above, and these standout printed jeans from Kate Spade’s Saturday line are a similar statement.  Finally, contradict the bright colors and rich textures with sleek metallic accents.  A few golden side tables or slim bangles, finish things off with a midas touch.
How-to-ware-it-housewares-fashion-get-the-look-designlovefest

How-to-ware-it-housewares-fashion-get-the-look-designlovefest

How-to-ware-it-housewares-fashion-get-the-look-designlovefest





On Location.

On-Location-Culver-City-Forever21-Dress-American-Eagle-Dress-BCFootwear-Ruffle-Wedge(Forever 21 Dress – similar here; AE Denim Jacket – similar here; Ruche Wedges)

I still haven’t gotten over the novelty of living just a few minutes away from the studios that produce some of my favorite TV shows and movies.  But after living in LA for just over 6 months now, I can certainly understand why they would choose this particular part of the country as Hollywood’s home.  Even a small park in our neighborhood looks worthy of being a set location (the giant film camera only adds to the idea)…

With so much beauty to explore, one of my favorite weekend activities has become taking “Sunday strolls” with the boy.  With no fear of rainy days, we simply pick a new location each week and walk it out.  These excursions don’t really call for anything fancy fashion wise, but I have a bit of an old fashioned streak when it comes to getting dressed (if I could change into a new outfit before dinner every night, Downton Abbey style, I totally would).  So while a denim jacket came in handy for a breezy afternoon, a silky bow front dress and walkable wedges dressed the look up just enough.   


On-Location-Culver-City-Forever21-Dress-American-Eagle-Dress-BCFootwear-Ruffle-WedgeOn-Location-Culver-City-Forever21-Dress-American-Eagle-Dress-BCFootwear-Ruffle-Wedge

On-Location-Culver-City-Forever21-Dress-American-Eagle-Dress-BCFootwear-Ruffle-Wedge



Name of the Game.


In the 90’s initials were preppy (LL Bean and Ralph Lauren were key players), in the 00’s they were for trendy (think Paris Hilton carrying a monogrammed purse with a tiny dog inside), and now in the 10’s it seems they’ve turned decidedly hipster (this succulent planter box in the shape of a giant initial pretty much proves my point).  And I’m going to be the first to admit that I don’t hate their latest makeover…


A mix of heritage inspired and sweetly feminine, here are a few ways to get the updated initial look without breaking the bank:
Nest: I think I’ve featured the personalized whiskey decanters from West Elm before, but the initials version just came back in stock and I’m still really coveting these.  So perfect for a gift, or just to bring a little personalization to your at home bar.
Dressed: There is something so delicate and pretty about thin little rings like these.  I love them in a stack of all 3 of your initials, or a simple single band in your significant others initial as a subtle declaration of your love (way less clunky than the old “wearing their ring” tradition).
The Rest: I am a big advocate of keeping the art of hand written letters alive and there is nothing more classic than monogrammed stationary.  This set from Rifle Paper Co. is bound to make it’s recipients smile.