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 

Everlane Luxe

 

I have been trying to simplify my wardrobe for some time and Everlane makes it easy for me.  Their clothes are perfect for casual settings or for work so I have been able to clear out the old clothes to make room for less but more suitable pieces.

Black Monday

Happy first day of December!!! I can't believe the holiday season is already upon us! The past 3 years, my husband and I have had to move during the month of December due to circumstances beyond our control (thanks LA windstorm of 2011) or because that is when our lease was up wherever we lived from 2012-2013 (again, thanks LA windstorm of 2011).  This is the very first holiday season since we've been married where we don't (fingers tightly crossed) need to move out...soooo we actually get to decorate and get into the Christmas spirit.  For that, I am super thankful!

p.s. did absolutely no shopping on Black Friday (per usual) as I get super anxious and overwhelmed by crowds so I look forward to last minute shopping, like most people, after school gets out for Winter Break!

U/O shirtdress//Nine West Monks//Madewell sunnies

Cranberry Cocktails

Lately I have been completely inundated with work. Between the end of the trimester grades, researching grad school options, completing my clear credential program and taking on extra responsibilities at work, I have somehow found time to start running again, pursue my personal interests in writing and begin updating my wardrobe.  Red is not a common color in my closet (as in I have only one red item and it's a vintage button-down blouse), but I thought I would take a chance. I was surprised at how flattering the color and style of this dress were!  I can't wait to wear this out to a holiday party to dance around while sipping on a spiced cranberry cocktail.  Tis the season!

deedee wine dress by Pepaloves // swedish hasbeens t-straps

Pretty Paisley

Even though we are technically well into fall by now, it sure doesn't feel that way in LA.  Days are still reaching the 80s and 90s and I'm still waiting for "first crisp" that evening when it is chilly, the air is crisp and it smells like fall.  Until that comes, I have been embracing the fact I can still wear dresses all day long.  This dress is from eShakti, a site where you can customize your size and how you want your item to look.  Categories such as length, sleeve style, neckline can all be changed to give you a tailor made garment perfect for you.  I love this dress for the colors, pattern and the way it flows when I spin.

Dress: ℅ eShakti, Anthropologie Sunnies, Madewell Belt

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

Street Spirit

This weekend we had a fundraiser event for my work which was the perfect excuse to get dressed up for an evening downtown filled with drinks, hors d'oeuvres and socializing.  We ended the night at the Ace Hotel rooftop bar with a few co-workers for a fun Saturday night out. 

Staring at Stars Dress from U/O, Anthropologie clutch,
 Swedish Hasbeens, Sonia Kashuk Lip color