The Heavenly [Giveaway]

This is a very big week for me.  In addition to teaching over the summer, we are moving to a new home, I am hosting my very first giveaway and I'm turning 30!  As I've transitioned from a mid to a late twenty-something, I noticed my style has gotten much more minimalistic.  Instead of purchasing a lot of small trendy pieces, I now focus on getting a few classic staples that can be worn in different ways.  

I first met Maggie of The Heavenly Jewelry on Instagram and was immediately a fan of her still-life photos and her rings!  I like that her geometric pieces can be worn everyday and can be casual or elegant.  In honor of my birthday, I will be giving away a set of earrings and rings.  To enter the contest, visit my Instagram (here)  for details.  

Basic Love Set and Parallel Ring

Bonus to all readers, Maggie is offering a discount in honor of her new lookbook and my birthday, just enter the code HEAVENLY30 for 15% off any of her lovely pieces.  Click HERE to shop!

D- Ring

Basic love earrings and Lune necklace 

White Out: Dog Days of Summer

Today is my last day off before I head back to work.  I didn't really get a "summer" this year as once I was done with the school year, I had one day off before teaching summer school.  This year, two weeks was enough time for me to clean out my closet and sell/donate half of my clothes, tidy up the house, make it to the beach once and a pool, finally complete The Sopranos and binge watch two seasons of House of Cards.  We are also currently dog sitting my husband's dog, Jazz, who stayed living with his mother when we got married.  So technically, my summer was filled with dog days (you can find the original meaning of the phrase HERE).   I have pretty much been living in all white the past few months and with the purging of my wardrobe, I made sure to keep simple staples with clean lines. 

Cheers to the end of my dog days of summer!

Cloth & Stone top, Madewell shorts and sunnies, Vans

Little White Dress

Lately all my time has been divided between planning/teaching summer school and rearranging my home.  I am focusing on getting organized (something I struggle with at home) and getting rid of things I do not need. In addition, when I have been purchasing any new clothes, I am making sure that they are items that are simple staples that will last through seasons.  This dress fits that description perfectly and is my favorite summer piece with it's simple lines and timeless look.

Zara Dress, Swedish Hasbeens Clogs, Madewell Sunnies,
Anthropologie Bag, Yanessa B necklace

Lovefool

Lately I have been on a bit of a spending freeze as we had some car problems a couple of months ago that cost us more than we would have preferred to spend on a car and we are taking a very budgeted mini-vacation in a week to NYC! But when I popped into Urban a few weeks ago and saw this dress, I had to get it.  It is perfectly 90s, reflects my current obsession with roses, the fit is so flattering and when I look at it, Lovefool by The Cardigans plays in my head. It is the perfect dress to throw on for any occasion (even walking Finn around the neighborhood) and will most certainly be a summer staple.  

Urban Renewal 90s Strappy Dress, Seychelles Sandals, 
Madewell Indio Sunnies, Anthropologie Bag

Palm Trees//Summer Breeze

Last week it was way too hot in LA and while summer officially begins in a month, it came early this year.  I found this dress at Crossroads a couple of weeks ago and thought I would need to wait until July/August to wear it, but I was able to wear it sooner than expected.  I love the indigo blue palm trees and the 1920s style drop waist.  Paired with some Swedish Hasbeens that remind me of the 20s/30s, I felt like an F.Scott Fitzgerald character named after a flower or herb, so naturally, we went out and I ordered a gin cocktail.

Dress from Crossroads, Clogs: Swedish Hasbeens,
Anthropologie Sunnies, Yanessa B necklace

Faded Palms and Stripes

Yesterday was Mother's Day and the weather was absolutely perfect for a backyard brunch at my parents house in Orange County with my entire family and both of my grandmas.  It is always so nice to go down and relax at home while just laughing all day with my siblings.  The day turned into an evening BBQ, a bike ride around the park and ended with everyone piled onto couches watching Frozen.   

Forever 21 shirt, Madewell jeans, Anthropologie shades, U/O shoes

Birkenstocks

A couple of years ago, if you had asked me what I thought about Birkenstocks, patchouli, body odor, tie-dye and northern California would all come to mind.  Now I find myself wanting a pair because they are durable, you can wear them with anything (including socks) and most important, they are so incredibly comfortable!

All photos via Pinterest

Eyes to the Wind

Yesterday was the last day of Spring Break for me and although we only left the house to walk around the park and walk down Sunset for some delicious vegan fare, it was a perfectly casual Sunday and I loved every minute.

Stones top (old) via American Rag, Matteo Overalls, 

Madewell Sunnies, Converse Hightops

Runnin' Down a Dream

I have been on Spring Break the past week and I must admit, I am loving the free time! I chopped my hair off and donated 12 inches (!!!), I have been working out everyday, our house never looked better and of course, multiple walks a day with Finnegan.  One more week of runnin' down a dream...

 

Target top and jacket, James Jeans, Clarks Desert Boots, 

Kara Crossbody Bag Indio Shades, Necklace ℅ Yanessa B,

PS- A huge thanks to Johnnie and Kristy at Blanc Noir for my new blonder chopped do