Insta-Classic

October 6, 2015 Kelly Donohue

Los Angeles, CA

It’s been a while! A lot has happened in my world but who cares about that. Really, all you need to know is that it’s finally starting to feel a bit like fall in LA. Exciting news? Yes. Because we dress for the seasons around here and it can get pretty unbearable to wear plaids and pants in 90 degree heat. There is no telling how long this cool-down will last and frankly I’m using that term generously, it’s still in the mid 70’s… but here’s to hoping!

For these months that are cool but not cold, and warm but not steamy, I look to transitional pieces. This feminine blazer from J.Crew is exactly that. It’s perfect for pulling any look together, any season. Great with ripped jeans, a baseball hat, a floral dress or in my case today, shorts—a fitted blazer is really girl’s best friend. And this one gets fancy with a pre-popped collar. I paired it with searsucker shorts, a pink blouse and some riding boots. I actually had to borrow these boots at the last minute because I forgot mine! Luckily my photographer, Shara, had a pair lying around.

Switch in a pair of heels and this is the easiest outfit to wear to work, while still looking appropriate. I guess that’s the power of a good blazer. Insta-classic!

Regent Blazer: J. Crew

Top: c/o Charming Charlie

Shorts: H&M (Similar)

Bracelet: Madewell (Similar here)

Riding Boots: Nordstrom

Shop This Look!

Photos By: Shara Cooper

Hello Yellow

September 16, 2015 Kelly Donohue

September 16, 2015

Santa Monica Community Gardens

This fall, yellow is in! From rich shades of lemon and banana to mustard golds and pretty canary hues, this warm color is showing up in a big way. I recently picked up this sunny feather-printed shift dress and paired it with black and gold accents. To finish off the look, I tied on a studded skinny belt, which added a nice little structure and contrast. What do you guys think? Can we take this summer shade into the colder months? You know my vote! I’ve included a few more of my favorite yellow pieces at the end of this post.

I’ve always admired the Santa Monica Community gardens from afar. A little lush piece of life centered in the middle of bustling Main Street, Santa Monica. It’s a quick escape from what has become our dry and dusty reality. A gardener was nice enough to let us inside the fenced-in gardens and so we explored each individual plot. A true oasis, it was filled with plants and flowers but also butterflies! They were everywhere and I could have stayed there all day.

Dress: Ruche

Watch: Kate Spade

Elephant Bracelet: Charming Charlie

Wedges: Ruche

More Yellow Favorites:

Photos By: Shara Cooper

The Right Stripes

September 9, 2015 Kelly Donohue

September 9, 2015

Santa Monica, CA

I always find a way to work stripes into my week. Regardless of the season, this staple print never seems to fail me. Stripes are wildly versatile and can be styled to give off a sophisticated, playful, classic or even quirky feel. That’s probably why I have such an obsession!

For the long weekend, I flew back to New England to join my family for a couple days on the coast of Maine. By day we sunbathed and explored the surrounding coves and inlets and by night we ventured into the town of Kennebunkport and enjoyed seafood and drinks with salted rims. It was quick, but left a long lasting summer-fresh feeling with me. And since it’s still hot and sunny back here in California, I’ve decided to ignore the calendar and go with a warm-weather look. This is another great transitional dress, perfect for both summer and fall, I got it just last week from Ruche but it is already sold out! The neutral colors pair well with practically anything and offer a nice change from the flashy bright summer colors we’ve grown to love over the past couple of months.