Venice Vibes.

August 6, 2014 Kelly Donohue

August 6, 2014

Venice Beach, CA.

Anyone who has spent time vacationing in Los Angeles has likely made a visit to the famous Venice Beach. Whether grabbing dinner at one of the trendy new spots on Abbot Kinney, bar hopping on Main Street, renting bicycles to cruise along the ocean, or simply heading over to check out the freaky (but mostly awesome) dancers, musclemen, and eclectic bunch of characters that camp out along the boardwalk, the overall vibe is the same. Venice brings out the carefree, laid back spirit in just about everyone-myself included. That means that whenever I have the chance to get myself over there I take it!

This past weekend, not one but two of my friends celebrated their birthday in the Venice area and so it was a perfect excuse to make the twenty minute trek over to the simple beach town. Day or night, no one ever gets too dressed up in Venice and so even if you’re worried that your beach plans might carryon into nighttime escapades, you’re pretty much covered as long as you’re wearing anything over your bathing suit.

I embraced the scene and wore a strappy lace halter maxi dress from Forever21. While it proved to be as comfortable as a nightgown, the detail and the tie up the back also made me feel quite lovely. If you’ve kept up with me for a bit, you know that there is nothing I love more than summer and so there’s also nothing I love more than a dress that reminds me of just how summery it at this very moment. Perfect for a summer getaway or simply a dinner out on the beach with your man, this dress will impress.

I paired my Venice-worthy dress with jewelry from a local Southern California boutique, Aplaya. I love working with local shops and businesses and Aplaya certainly captures the essence of the California coast, handcrafting each piece from REAL seashells! There are too many beautiful (AND INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE) pieces to select from but if you haven’t had the chance, head over and check them out! I mean, this necklace was $12… does it get much better?

I think not!

The Jaws Bracelet: c/o Aplaya

Simple Pearl Necklace: c/o Aplaya

Strappy Halter Dress: Forever21

Sandals: Off Broadway Shoes

Shop More of This Look!

Photos by: Brigida Santos

TGIM.

August 4, 2014 Kelly Donohue

THANK GOD IT'S MONDAY.

I'm choosing to make the most of this Monday by taking advantage of stellar August deals. Early August is truly a great time to shop. With plenty of time left to enjoy warm summer weather and sales that will make you want to grab 7 of each item, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for the best deals of the season! Here are some of my favorites.

1. Urban Outfitters Chambray Tunic 2. J. Crew Sea Bag 3. Ruche Pastel Wedges 4. J. Crew Linen Fantastique Tee 5. Madewell Beach Tee 6. Alex and Ani Anchor Studs

A Little Sale Shopping Inspiration!

Town Pool.

July 28, 2014 Kelly Donohue

July 28, 2014

Nantucket, MA.

I’m throwing a little twist at you guys this Monday: I’m bringing back a look from Nantucket and announcing my weekly feature now up over on TownPool.com. I am so excited to be working with them and so I wanted to honor Nantucket today with this outfit that I wore while out on the town a couple of weeks ago.

Now Nantucket is known for being quite posh, always flocking with prepsters and millionare types. I mention this because there is a very specific feeling that always manages to grab on to me the moment I arrive… I’m not rich! So while it’s fun and perhaps even essential to splurge on most things while you’re vacationing in Nantucket, there are definitely ways to look the part without spending a fortune and I reveal lots of tips of how to achieve this over on Townpool.com.

Today’s dress is a Forever21 triangle print black and white cocktail number with a triple bow detail in the back. It’s girly and classic, perfect for Nantucket. In these shots, I was on my way to dinner and actually braved the streets in these forgiving wedges from NineWest. They’re simple and perfect for just about everything this season. And finally I added a sail-bag clutch (made out of actual sails) and a bright pink Nantucket whale bracelet to polish off the look. I was able to find both of these lovely pieces in the shops on the island.