Summer Ride

Nordstrom Blouse, Urban Jeans, Clarks Shoes

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Joel and I love going for scenic drives. It’s our favorite way to pass the time.

Nordstrom Blouse, Urban Jeans, Clarks Heels

But first, we needed to stop for root beer floats from The Penny Ice Creamery here in Santa Cruz. They make the best ice cream in the area—from scratch! They always offer unique flavors and fun toppings, like marshmallow fluff. If you’re ever in Santa Cruz, make sure to stop by.

Nordstrom Top, Urban Jeans, Clarks Shoes

Once we got our sweet tooth fix, we started to work our way through the Santa Cruz Mountains. We decided to pull over at the top just as the sun was beginning to fall.

Nordstrom Top, Urban Jeans, Clarks Shoes

There is something so peaceful and serene about driving on the backroads. It makes the rush of everyday life feel a little less urgent.

Nordstrom Top, Urban Jeans, Clarks Shoes

My go-to outfit during the summer months is a pretty blouse, cropped high-waisted jeans, and a comfortable heel. I bought this top at Nordstrom a few years ago, but here are a couple of similar styles they have in stock now:

nordstrom blouse

Halogen

Nordstrom Blouse

Free People

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

―John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

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Windy Oaks

windy oaks winery

This weekend Joel and I went to Windy Oaks–a beautiful winery hidden at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Corralitos.

windy oaks winery

We are always up for an exciting car ride, so getting there was half the fun.

windy oaks winery

We couldn’t have picked a more perfect day for the adventure. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and there was a calming breeze to keep us cool.

windy oaks winery

The winery is absolutely stunning. We sipped delicious wine out on the patio overlooking what seemed like an endless amount of vines that flowed farther than the eye could see.

windy oaks winery

Eager to go exploring, we headed up the hill, making our way between the vines to take in the view.

windy oaks winery

We could have spent the whole day there.

White button down, high wasted jeans, wedge sandals

I opted for a casual outfit–a breezy button down with high waisted cut-offs and a pair of comfortable heels. If you’re ever in Santa Cruz, I highly recommend making the trek out there. And make sure to taste the Syrah–it’s almost as magnificent as the winery itself.

Striped button down, high waisted cut-offs, wedges.

“Life is too short, and I’m Italian. I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0.” Sophia Bush

On Me: Forever Top

Levi’s Jeans

Clarks Sandals

The First Day of Spring

Forever 21 Lace Top, Guess Jeans, Zigi Soho Mid Pumps

Spring is finally here! I’ve always felt that I gravitate towards Spring looks more than any other season. For me, Spring means cropped jeans, lace shirts, and playful heels.

Forever 21 Lace Top, Guess Jeans, Zigi Soho Mid Pumps

These high-rise straight-leg jeans by Guess are definitely a denim staple. You can wear them with a t-shirt and a pair of Keds on a lazy Sunday, or dress them up with heels and a fancy top for date night!

Forever 21 Lace Top, Guess Jeans, Zigi Soho Mid Pumps

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with my style. Taking fashion risks is one of the few things in life that don’t scare me. Rather than play it safe with a simple top that didn’t compete for the spotlight next to these statement jeans, I went with this eye catching top by Forever21. And luckily, they ended up complementing each other nicely.

Forever 21 Lace Top, Guess Jeans, Zigi Soho Mid Pumps

I finalized the look with these Ziginy Mid Pump heels. There is something so classic and “Audrey-esque” about round toe mid pumps–they tie a look together effortlessly.

“In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.” -Henry Rollins

The Last Days of Summer

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

With my senior year in full force, it’s hard not to look both back and forward with a sense of longing.

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

Believe me, I want to graduate desperately. If I could do it tomorrow I would! But I also want to go back to the simpler days of Summer when all I had to worry about was what I was wearing.

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

This blouse is one of my absolute favorite tops. It can be dressed up for an interview, but also worn casually on a windy walk out to the cliffs.

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

After having gone away for college, I am constantly reminded of just how much I took Santa Cruz for granted. Though the fast paced life of a big city can be fun, nothing compares to a laid back beach town.

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

I often wonder where I will be one year from now. I’ll probably be blogging about how much I miss San Francisco.

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Marie Curie

Topshop pants, Urban Jeans, Lucky Shoes

On Me: Topshop Blouse/Urban Jeans/Lucky Shoes

Wine Tasting

Jean Jacket, Black Jeans, Booties, Crop Top

This weekend Joel and I went wine tasting at the Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room in Davenport.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

We had a great time. With each sip, we tried to guess the notes for each wine–a perfect date night activity.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

We even ended up walking away with two bottles: the 2014 Old Telegram (Joel’s pick) and the 2013 Vinferno (my pick, obviously a dessert wine).

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

I always envisioned my first wine tasting expedition up in the Napa heat, with a floral print dress blowing in the wind. Since this was a spur of the moment idea, we decided to stay local. Therefore, I modified my idyllic outfit vision for the Santa Cruz wine tasting experience.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

This weekend really cooled off, so I opted for a pair of booties, jeans, and a denim jacket.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

I fit right in with the laid back and casual look of Santa Cruz.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

If you’re ever in town, I highly recommend trying this place. They were informative, fun, and friendly. What more could you ask for?

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” -Benjamin Franklin

On Me: BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap Jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

Suede

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

Suede is the perfect material for a Summer jacket.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

It’s lighter than a leather, but still edgy.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

During the colder months, I love to add my leather jacket to any outfit. It’s a statement piece that takes jeans and a t-shirt to the next level.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

The Summer months are way too hot for leather, unfortunately. Luckily for me, I discovered this replacement suede jacket from Bar III.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

I love the simplicity in it. Without too much going on, the cut and shape of the jacket complements any figure.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

Not only is this jacket flattering, but it’s also versatile. You can pair it with jeans or a dress–day or night. Definitely an essential for your closet!

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

On Me: Bar III Suede Jacket

Urban Jeans

Lucky Brand Sandals

Spring Must-Have: Flares

It’s no secret that Flares are on trend again. I was pretty apprehensive at first. I didn’t think Flares could be flattering. After some research, however, I have learned that depending on the fit, wash, and style, Flares can do quite the contrary.

If you’re frame is petite, try a Cropped Flare:

Gap FlaresGap

Otherwise, make sure your Flares are High-Rise:

Anthropologie Flares

Anthropologie

Keep your outfit simple:

Levis Flares

Levi’s

Add a heel:

Urban Flares

Urban

Play with different washes/colors:

American Eagle Flares

American Eagle

“Never forget that what becomes timeless was once truly new.” -Nicolas Ghesquiere

Mix & Match

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

I love to mix & match my clothing.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

That’s why fashion is so much fun–there are NO rules!

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

I bought the burgundy long sleeve pictured above thinking of it only as a dress.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

I imagined myself wearing it buttoned down with a belt to define my waist and maybe with tights and boots in the winter, but I had never once thought about unbuttoning it.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

As a dress, this piece of clothing sat in my closet for months. I would try it on from time to time, but never ended up wearing it.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

And then it hit me. I could try wearing this a different way–mix it up. So I did.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

Though I still think it would look cute as a dress, it suits me much better as a cardigan.

Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals

On Me: Brandy Hat, Forever 21 Tops, Levis Jeans, Lucky Brand Sandals