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Today is one of our favorite days of the year, watermelon, the smell of hamburgers on the grill, and a picnic at the park. I still can’t believe this marks our second summer in California. It has been a whirlwind, but I’m grateful for the endless summer and new friendships we have made here easing the distance from family. So grateful!

5 Things I love about Summer

1 the beach – a no brainer. Manhattan Beach is our favorite! 2 the pool is so chill and no sand clean-up! 3 cold drinks like kombucha and matcha with boba taste especially good when it’s super hot out. 4 Ice cream, we love scoops in Highland Park! 5 Dressing for 4th of July – I love all things red, white, and blue

5 Things I’m loving at Nordstrom Rack:

1 kids flipflops and shoes (A friend of mine told me Nordstrom Rack is the best value for kids shoes, and she was right! Stock up on snow boots)  2. Anything FRAME 3. VINCE 4. RAG & BONE 5. Denim Shorts

 

sweater FRAME similar and similar (size up!) I also like THIS :: jeans FRAME :: sunnies CHLOÈ :: sandals I also like THESE  :: photo’s by Felicia Lasala

watch :: overall dress :: off the shoulder top :: stripe bag :: sandals ::  all REBECCA MINKOFF

I’m so excited to partner with Rebecca Minkoff as they launch their new line of watches! I chose this RM gold tone studded leather wrap watch – loved the double wrap because it looks most similar to jewelry. I paired my brown leather accessories with a white overall dress and white top I’m obsessed with because of its ruffle three-quarter sleeve. Such a great buy. See more RM Watches here! Have a great weekend, we’re excited to get back home to LA next week.

Suede for summer makes total sense when paired with an off the shoulder ruffle top, jeans and mules. It’s an easy going outfit that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And yes, my obsession with ruffles continues, here and here. P.S. I wouldn’t be kind if I didn’t tell you the Shopbop sale starts today! Spend under $500 and save 20%, spend over $500 and save 25% with code EVENT17. Check out my top picks below. Currently I have these jeans, this tank, and this dress in my cart. Sale ends 4/14, so hurry go get your size!

what I’m wearing: suede jacket similar and similar :: sage top :: jeans  :: sunnies :: lip color Stila in beso :: Photo’s by Tasha ::

More ruffles: 

8 SHOPBOP Sale Picks:

 

Top 5 One-Pieces:

Last week, we visited the Pasadena Library and it was simply stunning. We didn’t have long to explore, but we were able to peruse the wood paneled reading rooms, awesome kid space, and old fireplaces, so much charm. I can’t wait to take Reid back there! Also, the outdoor espresso bar is a cute little destination that’s quiet and somewhat private. Definitely worth a visit. Here are 4 more places worth a visit in LA:

Pasadena Library 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101

LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Getty Villa (huge, and don’t forget a selfie on the amazing tile)17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Huntington Library and Botanic Garden 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

Griffith Observatory Griffith Park, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

flats zara similar :: jeans  and here (fits tts) :: top :: trench similar :: lip Stila in beso :: aviator glasses :: Photo’s by Tasha

5 Cold Shoulder tops under $100

3 Things I’ve learned as a Mom:

1. Not everything will be perfect. Plan for the worst. In which case, my mom bag is stocked with lollipops, trail mix, almonds for me and hubby and Fig bars for the kids from Costco. I’ve learned these items make anything from traffic delays to waiting at the doctor’s office, MUCH smoother.

2. Enjoy the moments. This is harder than it reads. And to do this successfully you will have to say NO to what is good for what is BEST. Lots of discernment is needed to decide. Sometimes I give up potential brand partnerships and events, to spend quality time with my kids.

3. Don’t judge. Every mom and child is at a different place – I used to look at parenting so differently as a single – now I get it and give every mom some grace. Especially during that 4 pm, grocery store line when they’re grabbing for candy and chocolate. Been there. If you’re a mom, what have you learned, please share in the comments. Read more of my mother’s day commentary here.

 

silk polka dot shirt BODEN :: olive jacket BODEN :: skirt ASOS  :: my boots HUNTERS in matte black

his pants BODEN :: his sweater BODEN :: his sneakers BODEN 

Valentines Day is coming up and Reid and I are headed someplace warm, sans kids. We’re super excited to get away and can’t wait for an excuse to sit by the pool without an interruption. So, this Valentines Day, I’m loving bright pink ruffles (no surprise), trusty Levis, and blush ankle strap heels. If you’re unsure how to style bright and loud colors, pair them with jeans and a muted suede trench. It looks a lot more pulled together. Since we’re talking about Valentine’s Day, here’s me and Reid’s engagement story if you missed it. Hope you are off to a lovely week!

Shop some of my top looks for Valentine’s Day

What I’m Wearing

jeans LEVIS and THESE  :: heels VIA SPIGA SIMILAR and SIMILAR :: top STORETS  :: suede trench SIMILAR and SIMILAR 


Is your work wardrobe slacking? You may be surprised what a couple updates will do to your overall look. Welcome the ruffle sleeve, the gray topper, the pencil skirt and over-the-knee-boots. These are some simple chic pieces that will finish any look. I can easily trade the boots for flats and a leather jacket, or the pencil skirt for skinny jeans. The options are limitless when you have neutral basics. See more workwear in THIS earlier post. What’s your favorite go-to look?

gray coat SIMILAR :: ruffle top MCGUIRE :: skirt LUCY PARIS SIMILAR :: boots STUART WEITZMAN or THESE :: bag J.W. ANDERSON and THIS :: sunnies CHLOE

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I’m sharing a couple styling tips I use myself. To be honest, it’s not everyday I feel 100% in an outfit. It takes lots of trial and error to get an outfit right for an event, occasion, or the blog. When I don’t feel like wearing anything but pajama pants, aka having an ‘off’ day, I use the following tips:

1. Nude heels elongate the leg, making you appear taller.

2. A Belt – Cinching the waist is the easiest way to creating shape.

3. Pointed Toe shoes and boots – believe it or not, a pointed toe boot, heel or flat also elongates the legs, making you appear taller and therefore slimmer.

4. Wear monotone colors – for example, wear a let’s say black turtleneck with a black pencil skirt underneath a cozy shearling coat or colorful blazer. Instant slimming! No protein shakes, 35 min stair steps, or exhausting cardio required. Sound convincing?

THIS designer was onto something, chevron is an incredibly flattering shape. See my  top chevron picks here.

Shop the look below. I’m curious, what are your tips to looking the best in your own threads? I can’t wait to hear.

Shop Pointed Toe Heels

Shop Belts

Shop Nude Heels

Shop the outfit: tweed skirt STORETS :: tweed jacket STORETS  :: boots STUART WEITZMAN :: velvet bag REBECCA MINKOFF :: turtleneck SIMILAR :: jacket YUMI KIM and THIS

shop the post by clicking on the image

 

Shot in South Pasadena, CA,

braid by Tim at Ecco Salon. visit his page HERE, and visit him on instagram @tvuchsas.hair

 

I’m loving all knits this season and here are a round up of my top 5 favorite! Oversize and chunky knit are a must. Even in SoCal, we’re experiencing a chilly December, dare I say a real Winter? I’m loving oversize sweaters with jeans, and leggings. Stay cozy, and don’t forget my shop page is open 24/7.

5 Sweaters I’m Loving:

sweater JETSET DIARIES SIMILAR :: jeans EXPRESS (size down) :: trench TOPSHOP :: OTK boots VINCE CAMUTO (on sale!) ::

1-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-75841-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-76081-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-79421-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-7969-1 1-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-7709 1-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-7890 1-orange-jacket-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-7552

I’m working with Ann Taylor sharing two favorite looks. Sometimes I really love my job. And going to a fun store to find pieces to style is seriously fun. The other day I got to spend my afternoon at Pasadena’s Ann Taylor choosing pieces with the very lovely Sales Associate, Mariana. There was so much to choose from! From ruffly blouses and well-fitting faux leather leggings (yes! faux leather at Ann Taylor!) to plush coats with a tailored style, I had no trouble finding my eight pieces. Ultimately, it was the latter that sealed the deal. I mean, everybody knows I’m a sucker for faux leather. I styled a go-to career outfit, that also happens to double as a holiday look, and also an everyday lunching-with-friends look. Stock up now before your size is gone. Shop exact pieces here: 

(generally size down) geo print sweater (I also like THIS) :: red statement coat :: faux leather leggings :: or velvet skinny jeans :: heel Sam Edelman

2-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-8340

2-ann-taylor-shalice-noel-ryanbyryanchua-8463zip pencil skirt :: leopard blouse :: tulip ruffle blouse :: heel Sam Edelman

Thank you Ann Taylor for partnering on this post!