Road Trip.

April 11, 2014.

Santa Monica, CA.

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Well, it’s that time of year again, the time of year when local bars, my favorite brunch spots, and the busy streets of Los Angeles temporarily trade in their crowds for a more serene, laid back feel, as masses of Los Angelinos pack up and head out to the desert for what is known to be one of the best music festivals around- COACHELLA.  Ah yes, Coachella.  It’s always sounded like such a magical place to me.  I mean, any festival where you can dress like a hippie, ride a bicycle around everywhere, and expect surprise performances from JAY-Z and BEYONCE is amazing in my book.  However, I’ve always found that sometimes when you hear too much about something- kind of like when everyone tells you they just saw the best movie on the planet and then you go see it and you think to yourself, that wasn’t the best movie on the PLANET- it can never really live up to those dreamt up expectations.

That is why, instead of heading out to Palm Springs like the rest of LA this weekend, I have always enjoyed these next two weekends as a time to enjoy all the local spots that I never bother checking out because of their usual Disney-like long waits and I also plan to take a little road trip of my own down the coast to Laguna Beach or Newport.  The weather has been so amazing here this past week- it feels as though we’ve skipped over spring and landed right in the middle of summer… I hope it stays like this for a while!

This is my weekend getaway outfit.  This tiny floral dress from Windsor is Coachella inspired for all my pals headed to the desert and I paired it with this great cropped black sweater from Forever21 and some gladiator wedges.  I know that the crop-top look can be a bit scary and they are popping up all over the place these days.  Lately, in all the stores I shop at, all I see is crop tops, which I find to be a bit scary.  However, they can be so great when pairing them with high-waisted pants, shorts, skirts or over dresses like this look.  Give it a try!  Oh and I went for some extra color with these fun oversized rose colored shades, also from Forever21. 

Best part of this look? Its under $100!

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Kelly's Under $100 Look:

Dress: Windsor $24.90

Cropped Sweater: Forever21 $15.80

Wedges: Macy's $24.50

Sunglasses: Forever21 $5.80

Bracelet: Mickey's Girl $11.00

Total: $82.00

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Whether you’re getting out of town, following the crowds, or soaking up the quiet- enjoy your weekend!

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“Wherever you go, go with all your heart. “

-Confucius

Photos by: Leo Jaramillo. Hair and Makeup by: Kristen Koskella

See more of Leo's work here:   LeonidasJaramillo.com

Peaks & Valleys.

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!

 

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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.

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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

Pan Pacific Park, Los Angeles, CA.

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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!

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Top: Ruche

Jeans: H&M

Sandals: Ruche

Little Blue Purse: Forever21 (similar)

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Photos taken by: Courtney  Locks