Sing the Blues.

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(J.Crew Chambray Shirt; Forever 21 Vest – old; Madewell Skirt – old, similar here; Topshop Wedges – old, similar here; Vintage Bag)
I’m incredibly sentimental when it comes to clothing and because of this have the unrealistic desire for items to last forever.  Unless forced, I almost never get rid of most items (not in a hoarder type way, more in a museum archival way) but sometimes, when a beloved piece becomes admittedly too worn out I’m forced to give in.  Consider this outfit an ode to the life of my blue wedges…

Bought as a birthday present to myself (because we all deserve those right?) a few years back, these beauties paired with a surprising amount of outfits, had just the right amount of retro pin up style, and survived many a hot summer night in New York City.  Alas, hot summer nights sometimes leads to cold beers which sometimes involve rather dirty floors and even though I insisted on moving them all the way to the other side of the country, I’m now realizing they may need to be retired.  What better way to send them out in style than with a monochromatic blue look?  I balanced the distraction of a geometric skirt with this neutral trench vest (I allow one neutral ‘cheat’ piece to every otherwise single hued outfit), and matched the lightness of the wedges to my chambray shirt.  Finished off with a vintage clutch in similar shades (fun fact: this clutch is beautifully embroidered with the initial MV – I found it in a thrift store in Philadelphia and while the letters hold no personal significance I’ve become quite attached to this quirky little piece… I’m guessing you’re not surprised).
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Dress Down.


While there are about a million differences between New York and Los Angeles, one of the most apparent to me on a daily basis (besides traffic of course) may be that Southern California has mastered dressing down in a way that it’s East coast counterpart most likely never will…

As someone who admittedly is not inherently very casual (I don’t own a pair of sweatpants and wouldn’t think of wearing flip flops anywhere besides on the actual beach), this is something that I’m just beginning to wrap my head around.  And while I don’t think I’ll every fully embrace the slouchy tee and legging-ed look of some LA dwellers, I’ve been starting to add a touch of casualness to my everyday looks.  Here, dress down options for both the boys and the girls this summer.  In a washed out palette of grey, yellow and sea glass greens and blues, for him a tee shirt, tailored trousers and two tone sneakers look cool without trying too hard.   For her, a floaty floral wrap dress (with a casually dipped hem) needs little more than a cross body bag, simple stud earrings and suede heels (platforms give these an added ease).  Go on, loosen up a bit.  



Get Your Shine On.


Maybe it’s the fact that Southern California already feels like summer.  Or maybe it’s that I keep hearing a particular country song by the same name.  But either way, these days I’m itching to get my shine on…


I especially love silver and gold accents when paired with the simplest of neutrals.  Here, a few affordable options:

Nest: In a mix of neutral throw pillows I love the idea of one tossed in with a bit of shine.  This metallic woven option from West Elm is particularly pretty.

Dressed:  I’ve seen similar wedges around lately, but on Friday I spied this pair at DSW and have been thinking of them ever since.  A totally walkable height in a go with everything tan, they’ve got shine without feeling too fussy.  And at less than $40 they’ve convinced me my summer won’t be complete without them.  

The Rest: I don’t know about you but these shiny little poms from Ban-do just plain make me happy.  I’d clip them on the toes of a pair of neutral pumps, sneak one onto the side of a messy low bun, attach them to a clutch or bag, or place one on the top of a gift as the finishing touch.  Whatever way you use them, they’re guaranteed to add a small dose of shine to your daily routine.  

Weekend Flashback.

weekend-flashback-blog-recap-instagramAhh, the weekend.  I rested, I ran, I slept, I shopped, I suntanned.  It was all so glorious.  Here’s hoping you had a 48 hours as rejuvenating as mine. 

PS – Want to follow all of my daily snippets? Find me here on instagram!      

The Remix.

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It’s Friday?!? This work week has been one long ‘what day is it?’ mixed up blur.  So to celebrate it’s end I’m offering up a few of my current favorite mixed up pairings (how cute is that Parisian inspired print above, especially when paired with a cheery red polka dot print?).  I promise I’ll be back in full swing next week people – but until then, Happy Friday!