Start Your Week off Bright

October 21, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 21, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

While most people stick to coffee as a Monday morning wake up remedy, I have to admit, I’m not really into the ever-popular cup of joe. I’m sure that will change one day, but as of right now, I have yet to take the plunge over to the caffeinated side. Now every once and a while I’ll take a swig here and there and I actually do love the delicious flavor (it’s my go-to ice cream flavor). However, I’m just not a fan of the coffee jitters that come along with its desired morning perk. Thus, I’m essentially a non-coffee drinker, and so I’ve had to look elsewhere to find that extra early morning energy we all so desperately crave.

Oh and let’s face it, after a long relaxing weekend, that extra boost is even more essential. Some of my biggest concerns this past weekend included: whether or not to hike the hard side of Runyon Canyon, what kind of champagne to take to my pal’s delicious homemade birthday brunch, and which of my many Boston shirts to choose to wear while cheering on the Sox in game 6 would bring them the best luck? Don’t worry though, while excruciatingly tough, it appears I made all of the right decisions. No one complained about the champagne, I’m not sore at all today- a result of taking the easy hiking trail, and most importantly, I’m pretty sure it’s because of little old me and my lucky “Believe in Boston” t-shirt, that the Red Sox are headed to the World Series!

Yes, I think we can all admit that the carefree, lax, decision making that is oh so acceptable on the weekends, and yet suddenly stripped away, and unacceptable, as soon as Monday rolls around, can be a difficult transition to maneuver. That’s why, today, I’m looking towards this bright pink and polka-dot number to pull me through and provide me with that extra liveliness that only Ryan Seacrest seems to have been naturally blessed with. As I’ve mentioned before, bright colors really work to energize and make you feel refreshed and awake- perfect for Monday morning slumps. This adorable sequened pink sweater from social butterflies pairs well with my polka-dot jeans from H&M keeping the look casual and fun for the start of the week- now that’s a cup I can sip on all day!

Sweater: C/O Social Butterflies

Jeans: H&M

Loafers: Urban Outfitters (Similar)

Silver ring & bow bracelet: C/O Social Butterflies

Just can't keep a smile off my face in this little number:)

Pumpkins

October 18, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 18, 2013

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, West Hollywood, CA

Pumpkin.

Isn’t there just something inherently delightful about the very word itself? Pumpkin. It’s adorable. Whether it reminds me of something that is simply delicious, or something that I simply adore, there aren’t many words I can say that about, and for that reason alone, I gotta say I love pumpkins. In fact, I love them so much, that every year around this time, even if only for a minute, I convince myself that it would be a miraculous idea to dress up as a (twenty something year old) pumpkin for Halloween. Which, let’s face it, just isn’t an adorable idea at all. That’s what happens though, throw the word pumpkin in there and suddenly I’m swooning.

This past weekend some friends and I took a little ride over to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, in West Hollywood, which is just a hop skip and a jump away from my place. It’s a fun little spot with games, rides, and toys—ya know, perfect for toddlers, families, oh and grown adults who are still considering the idea of dressing up as a pumpkin for Halloween. That being said, there is something truly wonderful about being at places like Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, that are so quickly able to transport us back to our childhood days. My family and I had a tradition of going to pick out our pumpkins at a tiny red barn called Peter’s Farm in Salem, NH, growing up, and although it was simply a small open barn without games, prizes, or pies, I loved that little place because it was our spot. Back then, I (like most people I imagine) always wanted the biggest one on the lot and it seems that not a lot has changed today. After attempting to pick up what felt like a 40 pounder, and then imagining the long trek up several flights of stairs to my apartment, I finally settled upon a medium sized pumpkin, which my boyfriend carved into a delightful version of Frankenstein. Ah so you see, pumpkins really are all they’re cracked up to be… endless hours of entertainment, years of festivity, and countless positive memories all wrapped up in one little word.

For my day at the pumpkin patch, I thought what could be better than these adorable new overalls from Social Butterflies? I have been waiting, probably since my first trip to Pete’s farm, for overalls to come back in style and low and behold they are now back! I love Social Butterflies’ black skinny take on this classic style and I just had the most fun in this outfit all day. I paired it with a cropped t-shirt because it’s been warm here, but for colder weather, you could pair it with a long sleeve or sweater.

Hope this post inspires a weekend of festivities beyond your childhood imagination!

Overalls & bracelet: C/O Social Butterflies

Boots: AmericanRag/Macy’s

T-shirt: Forever21 (Similar)

Photos by: Jennifer Biswas

Falling In Love with Fall

October 11, 2013 Kelly Donohue

October 11, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

Crisp autumn air and earlier sunsets have contributed to what actually is beginning to feel like a bit of a change of seasons around these parts. This week, it seems like there has been a real shift: jackets and, yes, scarfs are out in full force. Coming from the east coast where those types of garments are actually worn out of necessity, I’m still not sure that I’ll ever get used to seeing Los Angelinos dive into cozy hats and scarves as soon as the evening temps hit the fifties, but I’m slowly adapting. Who knows, maybe even some day, I’ll be one of them. Don’t worry Mom, I’ll never stop liking the Patriots or saying the word “wicked”.

Where was I? Ah yes, pumpkins, fallen leaves, and scarecrows decorate the street corners and last night I spent the evening with friends eating pumpkin pie, cinnamon apple goat cheese with cranberry bread, hot spiked apple cider, pumpkin bread, and apple pie. The only thing missing were some carmel apples and we could’ve started our own country fair over here! We relaxed with some Halloween flicks and laughed the night away. I have to admit that I barely watched any of the movies because the only Halloween movie I can tolerate is Hocus Pocus, anything else remotely scary is too scary for me and that’s a fact.

My outfit this afternoon represents one of my favorite looks of the season. Just like everything Ruche seems to put out, this mustard midi skirt is classically chic and how great is the color for the fall? It’ll inspire you to whip up your very own pumpkin bread… I swear! I paired it with my black belt and lace top from Forever21 and this adorable hunter green floppy fedora hat from Social Butterflies. I feel so totally me in this outfit I could wear it for days.. in fact, I just may wear it all weekend!