Cheers to the Weekend

beer in woman's hand, picture

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.

Woman and man toasting to the weekend with their beer glasses, picture

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.

Steel Bonnet Brewery in Scotts Valley, California, picture

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.

Picture of a woman's mule shoes and cropped denim

Cheers to the weekend!

On me: Universal Thread Mules // UO Blouse // H&M Oversized Sweater

Off The Shoulder Sweaters

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

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!

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

H&M

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

ASOS

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

ASOS

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

Missguided

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

Shopbop

off the shoulder sweaters, fall

Revolve

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” -Oscar Wilde

Fall Scarves

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.

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

“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

The LBD of Summer

Summer, Little Black Dress, Beach

Many times on this blog I’ve mentioned how important a Little Black Dress (LBD) is for every woman’s wardrobe, but usually I’m referring to a dress that is fit for a holiday party, last minute black tie wedding, or fancy date night.

Summer, Little Black Dress, Beach

Finding an LBD that can do all of those things AND be casual enough for the beach is a whole other story.

Summer, Little Black Dress, Beach

Let me introduce you to the LBD of Summer: this button-front cami is light and airy enough for hot, casual summer days, yet it easily elevates itself for a more dressy occasion with the right shoes and accessories. You’re welcome. 

Summer, Little Black Dress, Beach

“One is never overdressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” 

 Karl Lagerfeld

Red, White, & Blue

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Every year my family plans a big 4th of July get together, and it’s always a great time, but this year Joel and I couldn’t make it. At first I was bummed but then I realized this was the first time we could start creating our own traditions.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

After brainstorming about how we should spend the day, we decided on a miniature road trip—no surprise there. Joel loves driving, and I love being a passenger on scenic backroads and exploratory adventures.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

As we headed Southbound on HWY 1, we looked out over the coast and also drove through various parades that were taking place in each town. 

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Once we got to Carmel, we parked and went for a nice walk along the cliff. We enjoyed having the time to take our time and spend it a little more quietly than we usually did on Independence Day. That night we listened to fireworks going off in the distance from the comfort of our bed, content with how the day turned out. Even though things were different, they were still good.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

On Me: 

Nars Heat Wave Lipstick

Forever Blouse

Urban Sweater

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Articles of Society Jeans

Elk Wallet

The Tie-Front Shirt

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

My summertime style is a little bit more carefree and fun.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

As soon as the weather gets into the 80s, I find I just want to play around with my look. For example, I usually wear button downs tucked in. I like the form and shape it gives me.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Once Summer arrives though, I’ll usually do a tie in the front style. I’ll get the same structure to the look, but with a more casual flair and feel that is better in hot weather.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Changing how we wear clothing can be just as fun as getting something new and can drastically change the look and feel of the item. We all express ourselves through our styles, even those of us who claim we have no style and pay little attention to what we wear or how we wear it. It all goes into presentation. A tied button down says summer to me, and lets everybody else know I’m feeling it.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

For more Tie-Front tops, keep scrolling. Maybe you’ll be inspired to switch things up too.

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Nordstrom

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Nordstrom

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Off 5th

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Urban

summer, tie-front tops, button downs

Revolve

On Me: Similar Forever Blouse/ Urban Jeans/ Universal Thread Mules

 

Spring Uniform

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a fashion rut. Picking out my outfit each morning has become increasingly difficult.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I find myself growing tired of the usual spring trends such as crop tops and ripped jeans. When I was younger I was always the first one to hop on the most recent fashion fad and stay on until something cooler was in style. Now that I’m transitioning into my mid twenties, I am less eager to wear the latest and greatest and more inclined to put on something timeless and classic.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Enter the white button down, a good pair of jeans, and a versatile flat. This outfit has turned into my spring uniform quickly. It’s something I continuously gravitate towards when nothing else seems to fit my day or mood.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I love this look because it feels like something that Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 50s, yet still has a relevant appeal. It can be worn casually or make a strong statement at work or when out to dinner. It’s effortless and understated while still managing to turn heads.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo da Vinci

On Me: Express Top

Urban Jeans

White Mt. Flats

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Nine West Purse

Spring Sweaters

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

This time of year is always difficult to dress for—especially in the Bay Area. It starts out chilly and overcast, and by 1pm it’s 73 degrees and sunny.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

That’s why it’s so important to own a lightweight sweater that can help make the cold to warm transition effortless.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

I’m wearing my grandma’s vintage Eddie Bauer sweater. It’s the perfect amount of material to keep me warm in the morning but loose enough that I’m cool in the afternoon. My favorite aspect is the bright, white color that doesn’t attract the sun.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

My sweater is no longer available, but here are similar alternatives ideal for spring:

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Tory Burch

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Free People

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

On Me: Articles of Society Jeans

Universal Thread Mules

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.” 

― L.M. Montgomery

Swimsuit Cover Ups

With warm weather, the beach, and bathing suits on the brain, I can’t forget about an often overlooked yet equally (if not more) important summer staple…cover ups. There’s nothing worse than shopping for months and finally finding the bathing suit of your dreams only to realize that you have nothing to wear over it on your way out the door to a last minute pool side BBQ. We have all been there—your favorite low rise jean shorts look weird with a high waisted swimsuit bottom underneath; or maybe your bikini top isn’t sitting well beneath your tank. Or worse, your swimsuit ties are rubbing uncomfortably against your hips because your shorts are too tight with your bathing suit bottoms on, but you hate the tacky look of ties hanging out the waist of your jeans so you just can’t win. No matter what the issue might be, there usually is one (if not a couple) of set backs that make getting dressed for a swim day a drag.

Instead of going through this fashion fumble another year in a row, I’m planning ahead and shopping for cover ups early. To me, the best type of cover up is one that can be worn all year long, like an oversized t-shirt dress or a lightweight cardigan. Take a look at my cover up shopping list and save yourself from the stress of picking out an outfit that doesn’t make you feel confident. It’s not worth it.

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Vineyard Vines

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Anthropologie

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” –Charles Bowden

Athleisure Sneakers

The athleisure trend has been in full force for a while now, and though controversial to some, I’m 100% supportive of the movement! Especially when traveling and living in San Francisco, I found myself grateful many times that wearing sneakers with a stylish outfit was considered fully acceptable and even in vogue. After contemplating the new fad, I realized that the sneakers are, in fact, the defining piece to achieving the athleisure look! Think about it…no matter what you’re wearing—be it a dress, pea coat, or jeans—adding chic sneakers takes your style from everyday to sporty. And yes, some take the trend a bit more seriously by wearing their full on workout clothing and just adding a cute jacket to the mix, but when looking at the full spectrum of athleisure outfits, all you really need are some stylish sneakers to fulfill the requirements. In my hopes of supporting practical fashions, I thought I would share the perfect athleisure sneakers for a little extra inspiration! Check them out: 

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

B.Ø.C.

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Calvin Klein

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Nike

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Toms

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Dr. Scholl’s

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Aldo

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

FitFlop

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Ecco

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Nike

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Dr. Scholl’s

“Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.”― Coco Chanel