Marketing.

September 22, 2014

Larchmont Village, CA.

There is no better place to find local, sustainable food than a farmers market.  Loaded with the freshest fruits, veggies, diary and meats and you can get your hands on, more and more people- not just chefs, but home cooks too- are developing an appreciation for these lovely European style markets.  And with fall in the air, you’d better hurry up and take advantage of the seasonal vegetables and outdoor markets while you still can.

 For the past couple of months, I have decided to make it a Sunday ritual to swing by my neighborhood farmers market.  Just so you know, I am the farthest thing from a chef, however, this new habit of mine has started to inspire me to eat healthier and… yes wait for it… even COOK for myself!  While you certainly won’t be seeing me on an episode of “Chopped” any time soon, improvements have been made!

 My best pal Courtney who lives right across the hall is quite crafty in the kitchen, and usually joins me on my Sunday market runs- she affectionately calls these outings “marketing” trips.   “We’re marketing!” she says, and she helps me adopt better techniques of carrying my basket and picking the ripest of fruits- you know, something only a seasoned “marketer” would know to do. 

 Anyways, last night I teamed up with her to make a delicious zucchini, heirloom tomato, and ricotta pasta with a side kale salad for dinner.  We picked up ALL of the ingredients from Larchmont Farmers Market and I’m not sure if it was the delicious produce, or Courtney’s masterful skills masking mine, but I’m beginning to feel like I can pull off a meal or two these days- and a pretty tasty one at that!

 Welcoming a bit of cooler fall weather, I sported this red plaid fit and flair dress and classic cropped sweater, both from Forever 21.  Effortlessly charming, this lightweight, fitted dress is both flattering and comfortable for a stroll around the market.  The vibrant red plaid makes a statement of its own, which is why I kept it simple on this lazy Sunday morning with my black Forever 21 Oxfords and everyday gold initial necklace. 

 I hope this inspires you to take advantage of the local markets in your neighborhood.  If you feel like you are in a rut, always picking up the same items at the grocery store, eating because its obligatory, then I suggest you get out there and take advantage of the local farmers markets in your neighborhood.  Not only will you find inspiration for new dishes in every corner, but the quality, and price of the products are simply unbeatable!

Plaid Dress: Forever 21 (SOLD OUT) Suggestions Below!

Cropped Black Sweater: Forever 21

Black Oxfords: Forever 21

Tote Bag: ASOS

Shop This Look!

For all the latest fall pieces I am currently coveting, be sure to check out my shop page!

Photos Taken By: Courtney Locks

When in Doubt Wear Red.

September 15, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

For me, getting back to the workweek after a relaxing weekend is always a bit of challenge.  Now couple my usual “case of the Mondays” with the recent heat wave that’s kept temperatures in my third floor, un-air-conditioned apartment well into the 90’s, and imagine the snails pace that I am moving at this lovely September morning. Oh yes, I was feeling more like a seventy-five year old lady attempting to hold the triangle pose in a hot yoga class than the young sprite that I am when I first rolled out of bed this morning.

Therefore, I decided to skip layering for today, seeking refuge in just one perfect lightweight item in my closet.  Without having to think about putting a whole ensemble together- one of the many perks of wearing a dress- this flirty number from Ruche has a vintage fit-and-flare silhouette and manages to make even the most unpolished of ladies (like me!) look put together. 

The deep red color is also great for Mondays because, believe it or not, wearing brighter colors, like red, has actually been proven to give the wearer a boost of energy.  So if, like me, you are in a bit of a rut, or you're constantly reaching for grays and blues, it is great to change up your color palate.  You’ll quickly pull yourself out of that funk that you’re in and find yourself with a bit of added confidence.  Try it out!  In the words of designer Bill Blass, “ When in doubt, wear red”.

And for all of you lucky ladies who are enjoying cooler fall weather, this dress pairs well with tights and a cardigan too!

Dress: Ruche

Booties: Ruche (also love them in black!)

Rings: TopShop

Lips: Urban Decay from Sephora color 69

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Photos By: Courtney Locks

An Indian Summer Giveaway with Aplaya!

September 8, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

On this Monday, I'm excited to be partnering with Aplaya Jewelry on hosting a giveaway!  They are giving one of my lucky readers all three of their latest pieces: Tiki Bracelet, Arrowhead Necklace, & the Surfboard Outline Bracelet (all pictured below).  If you are unfamiliar with Aplaya, it’s a local Southern California jewelry boutique that perfectly captures the lifestyle and essence of the California coast.  All of the pieces are one of a kind, handcrafted with REAL seashells, and the entire collection is as affordable as it is beautiful.  It’s truly my kind of shop! I have featured and worn their jewelry a bunch already this summer but since the weather has continued to stay so warm, these pieces are actually perfect for last minute beach getaways and Indian Summer weekends.  In fact, wearing pieces like these actually help to keep a bit of summer alive all year long! 

TIKI BRACELET

ARROWHEAD NECKLACE

SURFBOARD OUTLINE BRACELET

To enter the giveaway, just follow the instructions below in the Rafflecopter form. Open to all readers. You can also gain bonus entries by liking them on Facebook.  Oh and leave additional comments below for bonus entries.  This giveaway will close and be announced on Friday. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway