Weekend Wear.

March 8, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Tall piles of clothes scattered throughout the house, a couple pairs of boots tossed underneath my couch, a makeup brush thrown in my dresser drawer, and dishes piled so high that the sink has become unusable… Yup, that pretty much sums up the disaster that was my apartment this week.  Charming…right?  I just had one of those chaotic weeks where I barely had time to change for the next job or audition, let alone put things away.  So instead of taking a moment at the end of the day to freshen up my place a bit, like some people might wisely choose to do, I chose to continue to add to the pile each day, pulling myself further and further into a messy, disorderly disaster.

But alas, today is a new day, a day of spring-cleaning, warmth, and celebrations!  I woke up, took out the piles of trash that were beginning to flood my apartment, deep cleaned the place, lit a few candles, danced around to Beyonce, and even organized my closet a bit.  And, after all that, I must say, it’s looking pretty great in here- no evidence of the week’s busy stresses left behind.  It certainly helps that I woke up to the sun shining through my window early this morning, that fresh-cut grass smell seeping through my windows, (they were up cutting the lawn of my apartment a little early for a Saturday but it was so gorgeous outside so I welcomed the noise & interrupted sleep) and a 80 degree heat.  Something about brighter days and the promise of warmth is simply motivating.  Have you gotten the spring cleaning bug yet?

This afternoon, I’m going to walk over to my dear friend’s birthday BBQ and celebrate with friends.  I can’t wait to get over there and eat a hot dog and sit in the grass!  While she usually laughs at me for driving to her place, which is only couple blocks away, I am proud that today, in the gorgeous weather I can say that I will be  sticking it out for the 8 minute walk… oh the things nice weather can make us do!

I chose to wear this casual weekend boho-inspired outfit from Forever21 because this weather simply calls for bare legs.  While it’s always a bit tough to get into the summery, bare skinned clothing, and expose those legs after months of hiding them out in pants- it’s great and oh so necessary to take the plunge!

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend & here’s to many more beautiful days ahead!

Earrings: c/o Thatsmine!Boutique

Cardigan: Forever21 

Dress: Forever21 

Booties: H&M 

Bracelets: Collection ( Alex&Ani, Kate Spade & others found at flea market)

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne Bradstreet

Photos taken by: Courtney Locks

The Calm Between the Storms.

March 1, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Believe it or not its been chilly and rainy for the past couple of days here and the whole city is in shock.  The notion that people must still drive, work, and essentially function without our faithful friend, the sun, is just very challenging for most Los Angelenos (myself included).  If you don’t believe me, just try driving on a day like today- you’d swear that everyone is still asleep at the wheel.  That being said, I must admit that the city of LA is really not built for any type of rain/weather. After about twenty minutes of heavy rain, crowded intersections, major freeways, and parking lots, will quickly transform themselves into streams, rivers, and miniature ponds.  With very little drainage, the sidewalks will gush with tiny waterfalls, and if you’re trying to get anywhere on foot without real deal rain boots and an umbrella, you might as well just wear a bathing-suit and go for a swim because you are going to get drenched.

In a place where you never really have anything but gorgeous weather, the saying “when it rains, it pours” truly applies.  When we do get weather, it comes at us hard.  Flood and mudslide warnings are in full effect and I went to sleep to the sounds of crashing thunder.  However, while it may be a drag to get rain in most places, I think everyone here loves and appreciates the rainy days.  Not only has it been desperately dry here, but it’s an excuse to take a break and relax for a change.  When it’s always so nice out- you tend to feel obligated to get out there and do something, but it’s nice to feel like you can just stay in, watch movies and do absolutely nothing every once and a while- at least that’s how I feel anyways! 

Thus, while I’m currently cozied up in my apartment drinking hot chocolate, listening to the pouring rain outside, this morning there was a break in the weather, and since Eric is in town this weekend,  and our Saturday morning ritual is to get brunch at Twist, we decided to take our chances and walk over, savoring the last few moments of dry air. 

I chose to wear my new strawberry coat from Zara, that I got for my trip back east, but was actually too cold to wear.  I love funnel collar.  It makes the look so versatile and allows the coat to be as sophisticated and warm (all buttoned up) or open and casual as you want, while giving it a great shape.  I also love the color.  Pastels are my new obsession for this spring, and so even though it’s still quite chilly, gloomy, and stormy, I love that this jacket still allows you to feel warm and bright.  I paired it with a cropped sweater tank and blue printed trousers, also from Zara.  These pants are incredibly comfortable and again, perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.  They are certainly going to be a staple in my wardrobe over the coming months. 

Happy weekending everyone & stay dry!

Coat: ZARA

Pants: ZARA

Booties: H&M

Cropped Sweater: ZARA

Photos By: Jennifer Biswas

Winter White.

February 26, 2014

Topsfield MA, Salem MA, & Boston MA

While I have certainly been MIA here on the blog front, I have to admit I have a pretty good reason… my sister got married!!  In the midst of one of the most bitterly cold and stormy winters that New England has seen in years, she planned a gorgeous, quaint, winter wedding at the beautiful Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA, and while the week was filled with unexpected snow showers, lightning, and rain, Saturday, her wedding day, turned out to be a “warm” and sunny 48.  An unexpected break in a string of chillingly cold and stormy weather, perfectly fitting for a perfect day.

When I arrived in Boston earlier in the week, I remember being astonished, first of all that the plane landed in the middle of the blizzard that was happening and second, about just how much snow had accumulated everywhere.  Even though my family provides me with constant weather updates, it doesn’t seem real when you’r living in 70 degree weather every day.  Then, as if he was reading my mind, the flight attendant got on the intercom and said “Welcome to Boston.  And welcome to an actual, real winter.”   I laughed a bit and then quickly found my scarf and hat and braced myself for the frost-filled air that was awaiting me outside. 

It was winter alright and I got a heavy dose right away.  Quick dinners in the city turned into longer ones, as I attempted to wait out the sudden blasts of snow that set in as we ordered our meals.  “Where did that come from?” I’d ask, but no one even seemed to notice. This has become their everyday.

I honestly think the weather made Erin’s wedding even more lovely.  She embraced the rainy weather at her rehearsal dinner by wearing adorable blue rain boots (“something blue”) with her white cocktail dress and coat.  The few photos that I’ve seen were stunning in the snow and the venue and hotel were both suited for a cozy winter venue.  The white candles that flooded the reception area and snow covered windowpanes were truly romantic.  Erin glowed in her stunningly classic gown, and my lively family kept the dance floor full throughout the night.

On the way into the church for the rehearsal.

The cozy Willowdale Estate.

On the way to the ceremony.

Pretty accessories.

I’m so thrilled that my sister found such a wonderful guy to spend the rest of her life with. She is so happy when he’s around- I could’ve been in LA to feel the love at this wedding.  I wish you guys nothing but the very best! xoxo