Giving Thanks

November 28, 2013 Kelly Donohue

November 28, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

I have never been much of a chef. In fact, I have always had an incredible knack for burning even the simplest of meals: easy mac, frozen pizzas, microwavable veggies, anything intended for easy and effortless - I’d somehow find a way to turn to charcoal. That’s why for Thanksgiving, a holiday focused so heavily on food, I’d always steered clear of the kitchen. Instead, I’d allow my Mom, aunts, and sister to work their cooking magic while I was usually more helpful in the “admiring department”- letting them know how great everything tasted (pretty important job if you ask me… in fact, I don’t know how they are surviving this year without their number one admirer).

This year, however, I stayed in Los Angeles for the holiday and so I figured in order to honor my family properly, I better try my best to cook at least one dish on my own. So after a delicious brunch this morning, I put on my Anthropology apron (which always makes me feel more official in the kitchen) and actually pulled off what appears to be quite a delicious pumpkin bread. Who knew I was capable of such a feat? Not only has it left my apartment smelling like a treat, but it’s made me feel a little more festive this Turkey Day afternoon.

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday isn’t it? We get to take a day off, eat delicious food, and remind each other how grateful we are to be here and have one another in our lives. It has always been my favorite holiday and though we may not be able to celebrate with some of our family or friends directly, it is just important to take the time to recognize all that they do for us and all that they mean to us. So this silly little pumpkin bread is for you guys back in New Hampshire, my (f)east coast family who may never get to taste this amazing pumpkin bread but who I love dearly and am forever grateful for each day.

Don’t hesitate to send your friends a little text or shout out of thanks- it’s important to recognize those who make your days brighter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cozy & Cloudy

November 20, 2013 Kelly Donohue

November 20, 2013

Beverly Hills, CA

After a week of sunshine and unseasonable warmth, it’s finally become a bit chilly over here in Southern California and therefore, I finally have reason to wear this oversized, comfy, sweater from Urban Outfitters. I picked it up on one of my recent trips back to Boston and I’ve been waiting and waiting for a day like this to be able to wear it!

It was back in early September, but on this particular day, it was already windy and chilly (and I was still dressed for summer) when I set out for an afternoon lunch with my Mum in Harvard Square. Unwilling to sacrifice my favorite lunch spot because of the cold, I was totally frozen by the time we finished our sandwiches at this adorable deli with outdoor-only seating. It was my Mum who actually saved the day (like she always does) and found this sweater I now so adore. How is it that Moms always know exactly what we need? After that, we went over to Starbucks, sipped on some hot chocolate, shared some wonderful time together, and I was warmer than a fireplace by the time we started walking again.

I plan on living in this sweater this season (especially when I go back east). My entire outfit today is preppy and inspired by that day I spent in Harvard Square with my Mum. Perhaps it’s because I am spending Thanksgiving away from my family for the first time ever, or perhaps the cloudy cold weather reminds me of home... either way you spin it- I’m a bit homesick today and so I let that come through in my wardrobe too. As you can see, this outfit is very fitting for an east coast stroll around campus or also a cozy cloudy late afternoon lunch date with friends over in Beverly Hills, which is where I'm off to now!

Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Button up: J. Crew (Similar)

Boots: Forever21

Purse: Marshalls

Photos Taken By: Jennifer Biswas

Throwback Thursday.

November 14, 2013 Kelly Donohue

November 14, 2013

Los Angeles, CA

So far the highlight of my week, and quite possibly my year, has definitely been the Q&A session I was able to attend on Monday night with Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Juliet Luis, Chris Cooper, & Dermot Mulroney. It was after a screening of August: Osage County, a truly phenomenal film, adapted from the play (which I never saw) but it’s honestly been a while since I’ve felt so truly excited about a movie. It’s the definition of a dark comedy and I loved every second of it. Perhaps it’s inevitably phenomenal because Meryl Streep is once again brilliant as is my girl Julia and the rest of the Oscar-deserving cast.

Hearing them all talk about their days of shooting together so candidly afterwards, just a few feet away, was just another reminder of why I love living in Los Angeles and it’s times like those that I feel so grateful for my time here. Although it was certainly exciting to see the studly George Clooney, I nearly had a mini-heart attack when I heard Julia Roberts speak for the first time. I grew up idolizing her and in many ways decided to pursue acting because of her. Whether you think that’s corny or not, it’s truth and I adored hearing her speak, it was an absolute treat!

The screening took place back in my old college town of Westwood, where they still have many of the old beautiful theaters intact. These gorgeous theaters are able to house thousands of people for screenings and premiers similar to the one I attended this week. It’s been a while since I walked around what was my “college town” and it was great to be back. It brought back a ton of wonderful memories and actually inspired today’s outfit!

Usually, I’m wearing outfits that are comprised of articles that are current and new. However, in honor of my return back to UCLA’s stomping grounds, I started looking through some old college photos, and my closet this week and realized that reinventing old classics can actually be more fun than wearing new pieces all the time. And let’s be honest, it is simply unrealistic and not cost effective to be buying new clothes all the time.

While some items undoubtedly go out of style over the years, there are some articles worth hanging on to. The other thing to keep in mind is that fashion is never perfect. This outfit I put together today is made up of garments that are all at least 3 years old (besides the purse) and hey, maybe you think it looks silly, but I definitely had fun reminiscing and putting the outfit together. Check out this picture from my junior year at UCLA wearing this H&M top ha! (I hung onto the shirt, and my pal Arthur, who's still one of my best friends, for six years! I'm telling ya, when you find the good ones, you have to keep them around.)

I realize that this look is a bit summery for this time of year, but it’s well into the 80’s today in Los Angeles so you could do something similar with tights and a jacket if you live in a colder part of the country but like the look.