Lucky in Red

October 8, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 8, 2013

LACMA, Los Angeles, CA

Fortune Cookies don’t lie.

Ok, well we all know that statement, itself, is a boldfaced lie. However, I am choosing to believe that the fortune cookie I got yesterday stating: “Wear red and have good luck all week” was accurate. My pal, however, opened her cookie at the very same time only to find a strange, seemingly meaningless fortune: “Do you feel like you’re walking in mud?” Thus, we agreed to believe that since I was wearing red shoes and red nail polish at the time, mine had to be accurate and fantastic luck would surely be on it’s way for yours truly. As for my pal, well, since hers made little sense to us, we agreed to forget it and laughed it off as we finished our tasty cookies.

Last night I met my “walking in the mud” pal over at the LACMA, which is just a couple of blocks from my place! We were able to quickly check out the exhibit: Under the Mexican Sky: Gabriel Figueroa. Gabriel, a Mexican cinematographer, helped to lead what they called the “Golden Age” of Mexican Cinema, worked all over the world, with a variety of artists and directors and I was fascinated to see that his work still proves to inspire contemporary filmmakers today. The LACMA never disappoints and I am always so inspired by the works they are able to feature. I forget it’s practically in my backyard, but I really have to get over there more often!

After the exhibit, we grabbed a beverage at Ray’s and Stark Bar, located in the courtyard area of the LACMA. They have really amazing cocktails. I mean, they take their concoctions very seriously and who doesn’t appreciate a place like that? Last night, I tried out the Rose Wishes & Lavender Dreams, (doesn’t that just sound like a treat!) which is a gin based cocktail made extra yummy with St. Germaine, Rose, and some lemon and floral flavors, while my friend tried the Secret Cocktail, which was bourbon based, mixed with an egg white and some apple flavors—a little more daring, but perfect for the fall!

Finally, we ended our evening at our local Thai spot, where I got the great news about how lucky my week is going to be! I certainly won’t be taking this red nail polish off any time soon. The truth is we could all use a little luck from time to time, and if it takes a silly fortune cookie or a lucky color to make us feel like we are a little closer to getting there, so be it!

Here’s to hoping that luck finds its way into your world this week!

This lovely vintage inspired navy dress with a keyhole back and colorful prints from Urban Outfitters is charmingly fitting for a night out at the museum, but I think the pops of red brought in by the flats and nails make the look complete. I also love this new black clutch from Social Butterflies- just can’t get enough of this little boutique right now!

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Silver Ring: C/O Social Butterflies

Black Clutch: C/O Social Butterflies

Gold Star Ring: Nordstrom Rack

Red Flats: Material Girl/ Macy’s /eBay

Trends

October 4, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 4, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

As a Los Angelino, sometimes, even if they don’t quite suit you, life is just more pleasant when you get on board with some of the local trends. This morning I did just that and took a stroll through one of the many dog parks this fine city has to offer. If you're not familiar with Los Angeles, dogs rule this city, and so there are dog parks and furry friends everywhere! I never had a dog growing up and certainly don’t have the time to care for one now, so I guess that means I know very little about dogs and I guess that also makes me a weirdo, especially in this town… so shhh! I once dated a guy who put his dog on anxiety medication--Woah! What happened to the days of playing fetch to let off a little steam? Medicating a dog for anxiety just sounds a bit intense to me, but hey what do I know? I just said I hardly know anything about dogs!

Anyways, let’s get back on track… is it a silly move to head to a dog park without a furry friend in tow? Well, maybe. But it’s only a couple blocks from my place and it’s a refreshing way to start my day, so I’ve embraced this adorable pet friendly park. The best part? There are so many cuddly dogs to admire, I get all the puppy love I need in my day. The stroll is beautiful and there are parts of it that truly remind me of being my backyard, home, in New Hampshire. It’s a quiet, peaceful escape just blocks from my place, and what’s better, I don’t have anyone to clean up after! Either way, I say, embrace the local trends in your neighborhood, and make them fitting to your own personality or lifestyle.

For this casual fall Friday, I chose to put together this fun outfit that I absolutely love. It’s cozy, comfortable, and cute- perfect for a day like today. The bright orange Forever 21 skinnies add a great pop of color to the more neutral tones of the rest of the outfit and I predict that I will be living in this tribal printed sweater from Social Butterflies this season.

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you’re all in as silly of a mood as me today!

Skinnies: Forever21 (SIMILAR)

Tribal Sweater: C/O Social Butterflies

Necklace & Handmade Headband: C/O Social Butterflies

Booties: Forever21

Purse: Michael Kors (SPLURGE/STAPLE ALERT)

T-shirt: H&M (SIMILAR)

Wedding Hangover

October 3, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 3, 2013

Cambridge, MA

Greeted after an exceptionally long and delusional redeye, with pumpkin-flavored scones, and hugs, I am truly baffled each time I arrive at Eric’s spacious Boston apartment. How is it that it is four GUYS inhabit this miraculously clean and inviting space? I’m baffled. But after a long trip, it’s been great to have such a welcoming space to look forward to. Now anyone that knows Eric, even just a little bit, knows that he is clearly not responsible for the Martha Stuart living that is going on here, but nonetheless, I am loving it!

That being said, I spent very little time at the Boston Man-escape and most all of it with a group of just plain fantastic women. This past weekend was a whirlwind wedding extravaganza! Yes, that’s really the only way I can describe it. One of my dearest friends from childhood got married on one of the most glorious days of the year, in one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen, right in the heart of Boston, and I was able to celebrate with my entire family and close friends. It was truly beautiful. Cori, the stunning bride, thought of every detail: from treating us all to a day at the spa, to teaching us how to learn a traditional Greek dance (her husband was Greek so there was lots of Greek dancing at this wedding) and I personally loved the tradition of the Greek crowns at the ceremony- might be stealing that! It was jam-packed with fun. The bridesmaids were hysterical. We spent most of our downtime sipping mini- champagne bottles in between photos, attempting to do our best Jimmy Fallon #hashtag rants, and stealing one liners from Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids. What the heck could be better? Oh yeah, singing Miley Cyrus songs at the top of our lungs in the limo… that girl is all the rage right now! All jokes aside, we had an absolute blast and I feel so lucky to have been able to share in such a beautiful day with Cori. It is not often that you hold on to friends as long as we’ve held on to each other. When you find those friends- keep them close and hold on tight! Here’s to you Cori and many years of wedded bliss! #IwishIwasinHawaiiwithyou!

This green pantsuit today is comfy, fun, and may I say a bit of a risk for me. I felt like after days of partying- it was only appropriate to try something new and bold. Perhaps it was all the champagne, perhaps it was the Greek dancing- either way… I love this color for fall. In fact, I’ll go ahead and say it’s one of my favorite colors this season. Pantsuits are certainly not easy to pull off, but I must say, they give you a sense of sassiness and confidence we all need from time to time. Best part about this outfit? The whole thing is under $100 so get inspired!