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 

Minnie+George

I am so excited and honored to take part in the Minnie + George lookbook, a project in which 10 bloggers were asked to shoot one of the new bags in the collection.  Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon by Lori Caldwell, Minnie + George bags are simple in design, yet expertly crafted with leather hides sourced from a 4 generation family business in Oregon, Oregon Leather Co.   Lori named the company after her parents, Minnie and George Caldwell, who were/are her biggest supporters and have demonstrated the importance of love, hard work, dedication and commitment to personal excellence; qualities she exemplifies in her work and craft.  All of her bags are classic, minimalist and durable and there is a bag that seems to fit everyone's personal style!

I took my Standard Hand-Stitched Tote to my neighborhood park for a mini picnic with my friend Courtney who helped me snap a few shots.

 

Click HERE to check out the whole collection as it unfolds over the next week and don't forget to look for tomorrow's bag on The Mop Top.

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

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

All Things Pineapple

This is my favorite time of the year as a few of my favorite fruits come in season: pineapple, watermelon and blackberries. It seems like this season, it is all things pineapple, everywhere! This trend is getting me excited for summer days spent reading by the water (after teaching summer school of course) and evening BBQs with friends and tiki drinks on the porch.

All via Pinterest

Black & Blue

During Spring, the weather can quickly transition from sunny and warm during the day to breezy with a chill in the evening.  After a day spent romping around, it is nice to transition into the evening by simply putting on a cardigan.

Gifted Romper, Forever 21 cardigan, Madewell sunnies,
Revlon Black Cherry lipstick, vintage bangals

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

Here's Where the Story Ends

It already feels like summer has come early to LA. Everyday this week, the temperature has reached 85-90 and I am loving the warm evenings to enjoy a drink on the porch with my husband.  My warm weather uniform is a dress, denim around my waist and sunnies. 

Forever 21 dress, Anthropologie chambray,
Vintage Coach bag, U/O sunnies and sandals

Black Swan