Peaks & Valleys.

April 8, 2014 Kelly Donohue

April 8, 2014

Santa Monica, CA.

It’s in the high 80’s-low 90’s today in Southern California and that means: it’s stifling in the valley, hot in Hollywood, and warm enough to head to the beach in a bathing suit without freezing your bones off. When I first moved to LA, I never quite understood how the weather worked. I lived in the valley and as an escape, I’d often pack up my things and head from my sunny spot by the pool to the beach- only to find a 15 degree weather drop and a wall of clouds. That’s why beautifully warm days along the coast (like today) are so wonderful.

I decided to wear this bright floral skirt from Urban Outfitters- perfect for a day in the sun- it embodies everything spring. I paired it with a lightweight pastel tank from Forever21 and some adorable new strappy sandals from Marshalls/ Steve Madden. Best part of this spring look? It’s under $100!

Kelly's Under $100 Look:

Tank: Forever21 (Similar) $9.80

Skirt: Urban Outfitters $39.00

Sandals: Marshalls $34.99

Total: $83.79

Hope you’re enjoying your day and if you’re in LA- hope you’re playing hookie today at the beach like me.

Today’s photos were taken by the talented Leo Jaramillo with makeup and hair by Kristen Koskella.

Check out more of Leo's work here: http://leonidasjaramillo.com

Spring Essentials.

April 4, 2014 Kelly Donohue

April 4, 2014

Pan Pacific Park, Los Angeles, CA.

I love casual Fridays.

On this breezy April afternoon, I decided to try out my new lace top from Ruche and dress it down a bit with some of my favorite polka-dot jeans from H&M. While it is great to follow the latest trends, its also necessary to pick up a few classic pieces for your wardrobe. This lovely white lace top will certainly be a go-to over the coming months! Oh, and while I love that it’s buttoned up- making it feel slightly sophisticated, the shear back allows just a touch of youthful edge.

Enjoy your weekend!

Top: Ruche

Jeans: H&M

Sandals: Ruche

Little Blue Purse: Forever21 (similar)

Photos taken by: Courtney Locks

Springtime.

March 27, 2014 Kelly Donohue

March 27, 2014.

Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA.

It’s a beautiful, crisp and windy day in the neighborhood today. It reminds me of an early east coast spring day- the air is slightly warmer than it has been all winter, the sun is brighter and the air seems fresher.

Growing up in New Hampshire, my family made frequent visits to the local farm on Sundays, after church, and it was always around this time of year that the new bunnies, chicks, and ducks were born. My sister and I longed for airy spring-like days like today, because we knew it meant that the adorable baby animals would be arriving soon. We probably had about fifteen bunnies and a couple of ducks growing up, (we were expert convincers) and even when we were well into high school, Erin and I continued to take trips over to the farm to check out (and attempt to convince my parents they needed to take home) their newest selection of adorable fury friends.

Thinking back on all of this reminds me that I REALLY need to get another bunny… and it also reminds me that spring is a wonderful time of year to allow yourself to get excited about something new- to celebrate change, and fresh beginnings.

I decided to celebrate spring today in the most seasonally appropriate dress I currently own. Perfect for a lunch date with the girls, this dress is new from Ruche and the color and sweetheart top are so flattering and feminine- I simply adore it! I paired the dress with some simple nude heels from Forever21, a pop more color with earrings from That'smineboutique and finished it off with this dainty bracelet from Mickey’s Girl.