Mum's the Word.

May 13, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Once again, I have my Mum to thank for the majority of today’s outfit.  In an incredibly thoughtful little care package, she’s managed to pull off a look that is wonderfully me.  While there is certainly no one on the planet that knows me better than her, I am always still amazed when she’s able to find clothing that is so classically me.  It may be because I talk to her on the phone more times a day than is probably healthy to speak to anyone, or because I tell her everything that is going on in my world- what I currently find interesting, the latest trends, what restaurants I’ve been enjoying lately- and because she is and perhaps will always be, my number one fan on this little fashion blog, I guess it makes perfect sense that she would be up on my sense of style, but still she always amazes me. 

Even though I’m too often miles apart from my Mum in distance, I feel so lucky to have someone as wonderfully thoughtful, caring, and loving as her to call on every day.  There is no one like her and I am thankful for her each and every day that I get to pick up the phone and hear her smiling  voice on the other end.  So while it’s a couple days late, I’m keeping the spirit of Mother’s Day alive this morning.  Here’s to you Mum for all the care packages, dance parties, FaceTime dates, late night phone calls, unwavering support, and love you’ve always given me.  You are the very best.

My mum sent over this adorable light denim dress and coral boho necklace, both from Forever21.   Denim dresses are absolutely essential for this season and this one is great because it is so lightweight (and also light in color) that it’s perfect for a hot day like today.  However, there are also a ton of other options that you should check out that I’ve included at the end of this post so be sure to do that!  I decided to let my hair air-dry today so apologies for the mess but as I mentioned, it’s become quite warm over in LA again and so using a hairdryer in my non-air conditioned abode was not feeling like an option this morning.  I finished this airy outfit off with some chocolate wedges from Steve Madden which I got for half the price at Marshalls and also an adorable clutch with nautical stripes from the GAP. Oh and guess what? The outfit is juust a hair short of fitting into my Under $100 Look so I put it in there anyways!

Hope you all had a Happy Mother’s Day!

Juuuust Over Kelly’s  $100 Look:

Dress: $22.80 Forever21 (SIMILAR)

Clutch: $39.95 GAP

Belt: $5.00 Melrose Trading Post

Sandals: $34.99 Steve Madden via Marshalls

Necklace: $9.80 Forever21

Close enough right?

TOTAL:  $112.54

Shop Essential Denim Dresses & These Accessories Here!

Photos taken by: Courtney Locks

Breezy.

May 7, 2014.

Los Angeles, CA.

It’s a windy one out there today- a refreshing change from the steamy weather we’ve been having lately.  It feels like a true spring day and it doesn’t get much lovelier than that, does it?

I am getting back to my roots today with this outfit, which reminds me of summers on Nantucket and everything else that I adore about the east coast this time of year.  It is perfectly dressy enough for a day at the office but casual enough to feel comfortable, which I love.

The shirt-dress is an essential item for your spring/summer wardrobe and can be accessorized in so many ways.  I loved the rich navy color of this shirt-dress by Loopsway and was thrilled when I heard that one of my favorite online jewelry boutiques was branching out into clothing.  Loopsway will be launching a clothing line that’s just as adorable as its jewelry collection- so this is just a sneak peek, but I can’t wait for you guys to see the rest!  I finished the outfit with a vintage inspired statement necklace (I love the blue and teal colors-perfect for spring!) from Urban Peach Boutique and these comfy yet girly oxfords from Macy’s.  

Treat yourself to some flowers this week.  Waking up to a beautiful vase of roses might just change your whole day for the better!  It's nice to do little things for yourself and treat yourself right- sometimes we forget to do that (I know I definitely do) but I'm really trying to remember to do that this week so whether it's taking a long walk and enjoying the quiet alone, reading a good book at night, or cooking yourself an amazing dinner- do it- and do it just for you!

Shirt-dress: c/o Loopsway

Belt: c/o Loopsway

Oxfords: Macy's

Necklace: Urban Peach Boutique

Bracelets: Mickey's Girl & flea market

Shop similar look here!

Photos by: Courtney Locks

Cinco de Mayo Glow.

May 5, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

When I have a craving for delicious salsa, I usually go to my sister and beg her to make her famous homemade (should be canned) version.  But on days like today, when we find ourselves on opposite sides of the country, I’ve got to resort to the next best thing: LA Mexican food- and that’s not too shabby either!

To be quite honest, growing up in New England, I never really had a whole lot of Mexican cuisine (Italian and seafood are the specialties over there NOT Mexican) and so for most of my early life, I was pretty convinced that I simply didn’t like it.  It wasn’t really until I moved to LA, that I learned how delicious a burrito or some fresh guacamole could be!  In fact, I don’t even remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo before I moved out to California.  With so many delicious restaurants to choose from- the real tough question becomes deciding which one to pick for the festivities of the night.  I’ve included just a couple of my favorite local spots but there are truly too many great ones to even count all over the Los Angeles area.  Not one of them, however, has a salsa that rivals my sisters so the first one that serves Erin’s salsa will truly have my heart as being the very best!

We took these photos very early in the glow of the morning and I just can’t get over how beautiful the weather has been here lately.  Although today has been a bit of a reprieve from the heat-wave we’ve been having, it’s still a gorgeous warm day.  I chose to wear a bit of a Cinco de Mayo inspired look with this key-hole tank from Old Navy and then paired it with some bright yellow jeans from Forever21.  Best part about this outfit? It’s Under $100.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Remember that time I went to Mexico last summer?  Take me back please!

Kelly's Under $100 Look: 

Tank: $24.94 Old Navy

Sandals: $49.99 ShoeMint 

Jeans: $15.80 Forever21

Total: $90.70

My Favorite Local Mexican Spots:

1. El Carmen: MID CITY

This quaint little Mexican spot is tucked away on 3rd Street and while it’s not very big inside, it’s perfect for catching up with friends, has an amazing happy hour.  It’s simply adorable and the service is great.  I love that when I walk inside, I immediately feel like I’ve been transported someplace else. Suddenly the busy third street madness is left behind and the fun atmosphere, delicious margaritas and great prices make this a favorite neighborhood go-to of mine.

8138 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048

2. Mexicali: THE VALLEY

I lived in Sherman Oaks for several years and  whenever friends would venture out to my neck of the woods, this was my go-to spot.  I had many a fun night over at this place (including my 21st birthday) and they have great, strong PITCHERS of margaritas, which are always fun if you’re going out with a group and they have tons of different varieties, including the Jessica Simpson margarita, that has no sugar- perfect for all you dieters!  The patio seating is wonderful as are the kobe beef tacos and ladies- the servers are always very cute men (at least they were back when my roommates and I were frequenting this place!)  Can’t go wrong with this old faithful.  12161 Ventura Blvd.  Studio City, CA 91604

3. Escuela Taqueria: MID CITY

This is probably my favorite spot hands down. Once just a tiny restaurant with only four or five tables, this place has moved and expanded to a larger location just down the street and while it’s still very tiny inside, the food manages to remain truly delicious.  It is a tapas style Mexican restaurant and so we always order a bunch of small dishes and share, which is great because then you’re able to try a little bit of everything.  My favorite dishes are the elote (corn), carnitas tacos, and the churros (which come with an incredible dark chocolate dipping sauce).  Oh and the best part? It’s BYOB! With so few restaruants that are set up this way now a days, it’s really kind of fun to bring your own beverages isn’t it? Not to mention, it really cuts the cost of the bill at the end.  This place is an absolute MUST!   7615 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

4. Mercado: SANTA MONICA

Unlike the others I’ve mentioned, this spot has a really distinguishable sleek and modern vibe and it’s got a nice trendy element to it as well.  Located close to the beach and all the great shopping in that area, it’s a fun spot!  The spicy cucumber margaritas are AMAZING and they have some of the best fish tacos I’ve had.  In my book, you really can’t go wrong if you’ve got those things nailed down.  1416 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401

Shop this Cinco de Mayo inspired Look:

Photos  taken by: Courtney Locks