A Dress and a View

July 8, 2013

Santa Monica, CA

I try to get down to the beach as much as possible.  It's only about 20 minutes (without traffic) but somehow, I still don't get there enough.  The air is fresher, cooler, and saltier at the beach, and that combo totally revitalizes my smog-filled LA soul.  Let's face it, we all need a cleanse every once and a while and instead of the ever popular juice cleanse, I choose the beach cleanse.  A bit less self-discipline involved, but yields a similarly positive effect. (I swear!)

Santa Monica is constantly bustling, especially this time of year, with tourists visiting from all over the world.  This, of course, makes for a beach that is much more crowded than usual.  However, it is such a HUGE beach (well according to me and my standards it is) that it can easily accommodate the busy summer crowd, while still allowing you to find your own peaceful little happy place.  

On the way to dinner last night, we found this quiet gazebo area located along the walkway on Ocean Avenue.  Complete with gorgeous views of the shore, some great shade, and a bench great for walking around in high heels, (who knew that was what they were made for!) this nook proved to be our perfect escape spot.

This adorable lace vintage-inspired dress and all the accessories just arrived from Ruche and I could not WAIT to have an excuse to wear them.  I just discovered this dream of a store a couple of months ago but the clothes are totally affordable, super feminine, and girly, which is right up my alley.. and probably yours too! 

Dress:   Ruche

Shoes: Aldo

Necklace & Purse: Ruche

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

July 5, 2013

Palos Verdes, CA

Every year, since I can remember really, I have spent the 4th of July on my parents boat in the Charles River, Boston.  With a group of friends from the marina, we raft aside about ten others to create a sort of long brigade of boats.  For people who have never been, I realize it might be kind of hard to picture so lets get down to basics: It quickly becomes a big floating party and we have amazing front row seats for THE BEST (that I've seen) fireworks display in the country. BAM!

That being said, this was my first year missing it! Tradition is big in my family, and I have to admit, not being with them yesterday was a little tough. However, I will be seeing them all in just a couple of days AND I got to spend the 4th at a gorgeous place in Palos Verdes.

Do any of you know this area? I had never been there before and truthfully I had no idea what kind of a treat I was in for.  Upon walking into Eric (my boyfriend) grandparents’ house, I embarrassingly yelled “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” His whole family could probably hear the ?! in my voice.  I have never seen such a beautiful view of the ocean.  As cheesy as this sounds, it looked like we were in heaven. It was honestly the kind of place where I imagine Oprah must have a home. In fact, I yelled that out at one point too, “Is Oprah your neighbor?!”

Anyways, it turned out to be a fantastic All-American 4th of July complete with BBQ chicken, wonderful people, pool time, cocktails, and Oprah-worthy views.

Hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July weekend! (GOD BLESS LONG WEEKENDS) 

Here's my patriotic look for the 4th of July!

Tank:   Forever21

Shorts: Urban Outfitters

Wine Wednesday!

June 28th, 2013

Malibu Wines, Malibu CA

A couple of weeks ago, one of my oldest and closest friends came to visit me from Boston.  Not only was it her first time in Los Angeles, but it was also her first time in California! (No pressure right?)  The whole trip was an absolute blast, I must say, but I think the both of us agreed that our Wednesday spent at Malibu Wines was probably the highlight.  

Now, I've been to several wineries up near Santa Barbara but I have actually never been to this quaint, much closer vineyard.  In fact, I'm shocked I didn't know about it.  One of the many perks of living in California are the gorgeous wineries, and I was quick to pick up wine-tasting as a hobby... a hobby I was eager to share with my east coast pal.  I'm pretty sure she's hooked now too! (this is my way of bribing my friends into visiting me more;)

There is just something about sipping wine during the day in a beautiful vineyard, while eating a wall of cheese, and listening bartenders throw around silly descriptor names like "chocolatey, biscuity, and clean", that just screams AMAZING!  Don't you agree? I personally love pretending to know what I'm talking about by throwing out this one phrase over and over: "Oh it has a great finish!"  I think I heard someone say that the first time I went to a tasting and it's been my go-to ever since.       

The thing about wine tasting is that although you are drinking alcohol all afternoon, it still appears to be quite classy. With that in mind, you want to dress accordingly. I wore this Forever21 dress that gives off that extra little air of sophistication (the kind I need in order to pull off my wine-tastng lingo with conviction) and paired it with some basic sandals (walking threw dirt in heals after a few glasses of wine is a challenge I decline, sir!)  I hope this outfit inspires new hobbies, sophistication, and a tall glass of wine this lovely July evening!

Dress: Forever21

Necklace: Target

Shoes: Forever21

Oh yea, and then I became a member. Oops!  Looks like I will be going back again soon.