Joel recently stumbled upon his dad’s vintage Rolleiflex 2.8E camera from the 1950s.
We were inspired to take a stroll back in time and head to the beach for a few sunset photos. Looking at our modern day, fast-paced life through a retro lens was refreshing.
I hope we have other opportunities to slow down this summer.
On me: Levi’s // Nordstrom Blouse // Adrienne Vittadini Sweater // Fossil Purse
For my birthday this year, Joel and I did what we always do, got in the car and headed toward the coast. Instead of aimlessly driving the bending roads, this time we had a destination in mind: Folktale Winery and Vineyards.
On a previous backroad adventure, we had driven past the beautiful estate on Carmel Valley Road and made plans to come back and check it out on my birthday in the coming weeks. When we arrived, we were immediately greeted with champagne. Smiling ear to ear, we made our way to an empty table in the back.
As we took our seats, we looked around and enjoyed the ambiance. The soft noise of friends catching up filled the air, and the delicious smell of fresh bread put us at ease.
We ordered one of each tasting flight, picking and choosing our favorites, attempting to describe the creative flavors. Of course we couldn’t resist the Wood Fired Artisan Bread Board with Sea Salted Cultured Butter and Pimento Cheese, too. We felt like we were back in the UK, making sure to savor every last bite.
Once we realized our glasses were empty and the bread was all gone, we felt a rush of sadness, wishing we could stay a while longer. Joel and I became wine members that day. We laughed on the car ride home because we realized it was our first, big adult decision together. Folktale has that effect on you, or maybe it was just the wine.
I’ve always been a wine or cocktail girl. Sure, maybe a cider from time to time too, but a beer? Not my cup of tea, so to speak.
But when your boyfriend loves a refreshing, cold one after work, and there’s a fun brewery down the street from your house, you decide to give it a go.
As it turns out, my taste buds grew accustomed to hazy IPAs, and I have to admit, beer pairs best with a veggie burrito from Taqueria Los Gallos next door. If you’re ever in Scotts Valley, head to Steel Bonnet Brewing Company for good vibes, good beer, and good company.
Cheers to the weekend!
On me: Universal Thread Mules // UO Blouse // H&M Oversized Sweater
Have you guys noticed the recent hipster trend on social media? You know…the one that makes all of your photos look like they were taken with a disposable camera from the ’90s?
At a recent family get-together, one of my sisters, who is WAY cooler than the rest of us by the way, enlightened me. She showed me the Huji Cam App, immediately made me download it, and a photoshoot quickly ensued.
I was skeptical. As an amateur style blogger who values REAL cameras (both film and digital), the idea of using an app that imitates disposable film didn’t sound appealing.
Nonetheless, when she showed me the “developed” pictures, I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t get me wrong; you won’t find me posting all of my pseudo-fashion shoots from the Huji App, but there is something candid and heartwarming about the pictures from our gathering.
Maybe it has to do with the fact that the App looks and acts like old disposable cameras, meaning you have to take your shot looking through the tiny viewfinder, forced to press the shutter whether or NOT the subjects look absolutely perfect. Things are done with less focus and positioning, and as a result, turn out a little bit more authentic, in real time.
The convenience of having it all on your phone in an instant helps too. Usually I am impatiently waiting on Joel to develop our most recent batch of film, but in those cases, the quality is well worth the wait. My final opinion? The Huji App has a time and a place.
On Me: Forever Cardigan // Express Blouse
Though Santa Cruz was spared during the recent fires that engulfed most of California, I couldn’t help but feel affected by what was happening to my neighbors. When you see friends, family, and strangers lose everything, you can’t help but be reminded of what’s truly important in life.
We live in such a fast paced time where we are constantly in a high speed race to get the best job, nicest digs, and start our lives that we forget that our lives have already begun.
As one of the girls who is guilty of spending most of her time obsessing over the finish line rather than the race itself, I have decided that I am going to try to focus on what really matters to me in the present moment over the coming year. Everything else is just icing. Without further ado, here is my mindful New Year’s Resolutions list:
Make more time for friends and family
Do something nice for somebody every day
Give back
Travel
Face my fears every chance I get
Work hard
Take care of myself
Be kind
Learn something new every day
Be happy
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller
This holiday season I’m ditching a dramatic eye for a bold lip.
Not only is this look easier to achieve, but I think it is also appropriate for every occasion–family reunion, corporate holiday party, Christmas moviethon, etc. With a bold lip, you can keep everything else simple and neutral but still look like you put in effort without coming off over the top. My color of choice? Berry. This warm and bright shade is fitting for this time of year, but ultimately, any red will do, as long as it is BOLD.
To get my look:
“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”
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With Thanksgiving only a couple days away, there’s so much to do–grocery shopping, meal prepping, decorating, and most importantly…outfit planning.
It can be difficult to know what to wear as a guest. You don’t want to be over the top, uncomfortable, or too casual.
Wearing a romper or jumpsuit is the perfect answer. Rompers effortlessly evoke the appropriate combination of looking like you tried while still being able to move.
I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!
On me: Forever Jumpsuit // Alfani Heels // Adrienne Vittadini Sweater // Fossil Purse
Before you go, take a look at a few other rompers & jumpsuits I love:
Sometimes I feel like adding a little pizzazz to my outfit even when I’m slightly chilly, and I find showing a little shoulder does the trick. Off the shoulder sweaters are great for staying warm while showing some skin during the transitional months. If you too want to keep the bare shoulder trend alive, check out a few sweaters I’m loving!
“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” -Oscar Wilde
Summer is turning to fall quickly this year, and I’m more than ready for the shift of seasons. One of my favorite fall fashion pieces is scarves. They can dress up and add style to an average look, and their cozy feel is comforting on a brisk, chilly morning. Living under the redwoods, I find myself wearing a big, warm scarf at home in my loungewear on most fall evenings. One of my favorite fall looks is a messy bun or ponytail and a scarf, perfect for days when I am not up for doing my hair. If you’re not on the scarf bandwagon yet, keep scrolling for major scarf inspiration.
“Put on a sweater and really great sneakers with a big scarf, and you’ll look so stylish. For me, they are an everyday essential.” —Meghan Markle
Layering jewelry has been a fashion practice since ancient times, but the trend has really been taking off recently. I personally love the style. I have always gravitated towards more feminine, delicate looks as opposed to big, bulky pieces. Layers help make what was once reserved and shy into a subtle statement. Why wear one necklace when you can wear three? The secret is making sure that each individual item isn’t over the top on its own, so when they come together they mesh perfectly. Keep scrolling to see what I mean.
Check out my three favorite places to shop for jewelry right now:
Mejuri // BaubleBar // Sundance
“Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.” —Iris Apfel
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