Apple Crazed

October 28, 2014 Kelly Donohue

October 27, 2014

Julian Orchard, CA.

Apple picking. Could there be a more perfect autumn ritual? And oh what lovely things come with it! Fiery fall foliage, round-red apples, and crisp fall air… well those were all the things that came along with fall trips on the farm in New Hampshire growing up. But now that I’ve found myself in Los Angeles, the season-less land of sunshine and sand, I have had to venture elsewhere to get my fill of festive harvest fun. Luckily, there are several quaint “apple towns” just a couple hours outside the city that have a far-away country feel.

In years past, I’ve spent time visiting an orchard called Oak Glen, but this year I decided to change things up and try out a little town, just an hour outside of San Diego called Julian. Lovely and not-so little, this place was full of things to do! We could have definitely spent another day there to be honest. Complete with apple orchards, candy stores, hard cider stands, wine tasting rooms, unique shops, vintage-style diners, pie shops, pumpkin patches and even chillier air, it made us all a bit more excited about the season ahead!

For my day at Julian, I decided to wear a breezy burgundy floral capped sleeve dress (on sale now!) from Forever 21 with some deep brown Charming Charlie leggings and ivory combat boots. This look was fun and femme while still ultra comfy and cozy- especially with the addition of the open-knit cardigan.

Dress: Forever 21 (ON SALE NOW!)

Open Knit Cardigan: Forever 21 (Similar/ exact is sold out)

Combat Boots: Forever 21

Leggings: c/o Charming Charlie

Home sweet home. The little town was full of adorable nooks, with a timeless old school charm waiting to be discovered around every corner.

While I don’t love buying apples from the grocery store, there is just something that makes handpicked fruit taste oh so much sweeter. Right?

Mom’s is a must. It’s full of delicious treats. We stopped in for apple pie and candied apples but they also have just about everything else that is yummy like apple cider and warmed baked treats- YUM!

Blue Door Winery was a favorite among our many stops. Not only did it have an adorable outdoor seating area, but it also had some of the tastiest sangria I’ve tried since Barcelona!

...And then this happened while I was walking down the street. I mean, who doesn't love a lama on the loose?

Oh what fun!

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Photos By: Courtney Locks (who is also in some photos this week!)

Back to Basics.

October 16, 2014 Kelly Donohue

October 16, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Classic pieces that transition effortlessly from one season to the next season? Now that is my cup of tea.

I found this ultra femme indigo pleated dress at the Gap and instantly knew that it was a must-have. Not only does it embody a flattering vintage-style fit and flare cut (which I LOVE), but it also serves as a forever-staple piece that has infinite styling possibilities. Add a pair of thick printed tights with a beanie and this dress is easily carried over into winter or wear with some sandals and a wide-brimmed hat and this becomes your favorite summer go-to.

So, while you know I love to hop on board the latest trend just as fast as the next lady, sometimes it’s fun to simply stick to easy breezy basics.

What do you guys think?

“Stick to the classics, and you can’t ever go wrong. I see old ladies on the street who have fabulous style and realize it’s because they are probably wearing really classic items that they’ve had for years and years. I think if you find something that suits you, you should just stick to it. – Alexa Chung

My thoughts exactly!

Pleated Indigo Dress: Gap

Leopard Scarf: Forever 21 (Similar)

Booties: Chinese Laundry/ Ruche

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Photos By: Courtney Locks

The Smartest Accessory.

October 9, 2014 Kelly Donohue

October 9, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Have glasses really become a fashion essential? I’d say, judging from the overabundance of eye-catching eyewear that's been getting face time over the last few years — be it on the runways or on the red carpet — it's clear that glasses have transformed from geek necessity to chic accessory. So, while it’s a victory for all you longstanding four-eyed ladies out there, it’s also a win for the rest of us prescription-less folk, because it makes for yet another accessory to polish off everyday ensembles.

Admittedly, I’ve held off on this trend, for fear that I’d be selling out as a “hipster” or a “poser” of sorts. In fact, when I finally broke down and wore these to work last week, I felt the need to expose myself telling anyone who commented on them that they were in fact fake- “They’re not prescription!” I’d confess. However, I quickly realized that I was being silly because no one, in an office full of fashionistas, even batted an eye. The truth is, this trend has been going on for quite some time so most people are already doing it- they’re probably just a little more discrete than yours truly.

That being said, I love being able to reach for these tortoise-framed glasses from Firmoo whenever my look needs a perk. Today I’ve paired them with this three-quarter sleeve Houndstooth plaid dress from Forever21 and my go-to pair of riding boots. The bold retro-inspired frames and tall boots help to give this otherwise classic printed shift dress a charming 60’s mod feel.

I hope I’ve inspired you to take the plunge and add a touch of mainstream grownup style to your collection of accessories! If not- perhaps this little offer from Firmoo.com will help?

To choose from select frames and get your own pair of Firmoo glasses click HERE and use the special code: FREEFIRMOO at checkout!