T.G.I.F.

May 2, 2014 Kelly Donohue

May 2, 2014

Fryman Cyn. Studio City, CA.

Every once and a while it’s good to get away. Sometimes that means exploring some place new with friends for the weekend, sometimes it’s hopping on a plane and taking trip to another country, and sometimes it simply means taking an hour out of the day to enjoy the quiet breeze away from the city traffic. For me, (and most everyone else in LA) hiking the canyons around Los Angeles have become a wonderful escape from the bustle of the city. Whether I’m blasting Beyonce and attempting to jog up parts of the trail on solo exercise runs, or catching up with friends while trying to conceal my huffing and puffing between laughter and talking, I am so grateful for the many trails that overlook this beautiful city.

As cliché as most people think it can be to “go hiking” here, it’s always a place where I can go and feel free, relaxed, and appreciative of everything this great city has to offer. Looking past the smog at all the tall buildings, lavish homes, and private pools, it’s hard to imagine that Hollywood is just a couple minutes away from the oasis provided by these natural trails. Sometimes it even feels like I’m back home in New Hampshire with all the greenery, wildlife and flowers, but regardless, I have always found these hikes to provide a retreat of sorts from the chaos of the city, which can be found just a couple miles away.

Courtney and I went this morning to Fryman, which is closer to the Valley and a little quieter than some of the trails near Hollywood. Even though we started pretty early, we couldn’t escape this incredible heat and roasted up there! It was still great though and I must say, it is always my favorite way to start out the day. Oh and look at all the beautiful yellow flowers! They were absolutely everywhere- glad Court wasn’t wearing yellow or else I would’ve lost her!

Anyways, I hope you are all able to do something fun this weekend. Whether you try out a new lunch spot or get out of town, it’s always important to recharge your soul. TGIF!

I got all my workout gear from Forever21. They really have the cutest options and of course, they’re incredibly affordable! Who wants to break the bank in something they’re going to be sweating in anyways?

Strappy Sports bra: $10.80 Forever21

Shorts: $12.80 Forever21

Tank: $10.80 Forever21 (Similar)

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

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Hot in the City.

May 1, 2014 Kelly Donohue

May 1, 2014

Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

Things have really started to heat up over the past couple of days here in LA- we are having temperatures in the high eighties- AT NIGHT- and I think that’s pretty wonderful. There is nothing better than being able to step outside at night without a jacket and lately, if you can’t already tell by simply looking the size of my frizzed out/ over-humidified hair, it’s quickly transformed from spring LA weather, to hot and humid Floridian weather overnight.

When we have little bursts of warmth like this, I tend to find myself acting like a bit of a vacationer- venturing to different parts of the city, traveling further away to catch up with friends, and making it in time for few more happy hours than usual. Yesterday I swung by the Palihouse in West Hollywood to try out their happy hour and it was pretty great! We also swung by Barney’s Beanery caught a bit of the King’s game (not that I’m a King’s fan- I support the Bruins of course) and relived our college days, reminiscing about how much more exciting and wild we were back then. It doesn’t get much better than an impromptu night out with friends with make the middle of the week feel like a Friday!

I have to confess that I did not do much of my own styling today. In fact, this entire little outfit was sent to me as an Easter gift by my fashionable Mum! She’s pretty great huh? She really knows what I like and I loved taking a little break from thinking of what to wear for a change, so thanks Mum- you’re hired! The skirt, top and necklace are all from Forever21 and the sandals- you’ve seen, but those are from Marshalls. Best part about this look? It’s under $100.

Oh if you’re looking for an easy way to style your hair with braids, while keeping cool in the heat, try out this braided headband look! I’ve included a tutorial below but trust me, if I can do it- it’s an easy one!

Kelly's Under $100 Look:

Skirt: $12.80 Forever21

Top: $15.80 Forever21

Sandals: $34.99 Marshalls/ Steve Madden

Headband braid Tutorial: Here!

Total: $74.39

Photos by: Richard Manus

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Rosy.

April 25, 2014 Kelly Donohue

April 25, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Every once in a while it’s fun to blend in a little right? Ok, well it all depends on the context, but in my case, today, I loved fitting in with my beautiful surroundings. There’s a lovely little rose garden outside of my place and while I often marvel at the fact that I live in such girly building (I’ll have to post pictures some day) with roses out front and private vanity rooms in every apartment, I often imagine that Audrey or Marilyn may have visited this old Hollywood gem back in the day as I walk up the little walkway home. A girl can dream right?

Anyways, it’s Friday so I decide to have some fun and add a bit of color to this otherwise cloudy spring day with this collared floral dress. It has a bit of a European vibe with the collar and the pleated bottom and puffy sleeves, which I absolutely love. Check out some similar ways to get this look below & have a great weekend!