Friday I'm In Love

September 26, 2014 Kelly Donohue

September 26, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Today I’m pairing some of my new favorite fall pieces with a couple of my older fashion faithfuls, and I have to admit, I am in love with the combination. I recently picked up these rich burgundy colored mid rise cut skinnies from Zara and not only do they fit great, allowing for day after day wear, but because this cut lops a few inches off the bottom of the typical skinny jean, it places a real emphasis on your footwear, allowing you to show off your latest fall booties and adorable heels. As you’ve probably noticed, I can’t get enough of booties at the moment, but who can really? These triple buckled beauties are actually from last season, but they are still very much in style and I found a similar, affordable pair for you to check out below.

In addition to the denim jeans that I have been living in, I have also been pairing this cropped denim Madewell tank with just about everything this week. The lovely indigo color pairs perfectly with just about everything and the cut is both flattering and flirty, while also managing to be both classic and elegant. I just love tops like this- the styling possibilities are infinite! Oh and the best part about it? It’s on sale right now!

I finished off the look with this cozy, bat-winged, black and white cardigan from Forever 21 and added a pop of extra color with my new lip stain from Sephora.

So it’s safe to say, I’m never taking this outfit off. They say “true love never dies”… right?

Denim Crop Top: Madwell (On Sale now!)

Lips: Rouge Infusion Sephora

Comfy Black & White Cardigan: Forever 21

Mid Rise Cropped Fit Jeans: Zara (similar)

Necklace: Madwell

Booties: Aldo (similar)

Clutch: GAP (similar)

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Photos Taken By: Courtney Locks

Marketing.

September 22, 2014 Kelly Donohue

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

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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 Kelly Donohue

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!