Cooler Days

blazer: similar HERE| blouse: ZARA| skirt: c/o HERE| shoes: HERE
Photography by A. Robinson

Fall blew into Los Angeles over the weekend with gloomy clouds, gusty winds, and steady rain showers. In fact, I had to dodge raindrops to quickly capture a few shots in this look featuring a floral print skirt from the new Draper James for ELOQUII Fall Collection. In case you're not familiar with Draper James, it is a fashion/accessories/home decor brand owned by Reese Witherspoon. Reese says that she started the company 'to honor her Southern heritage, particularly her grandparents who were, and are, the greatest influences in her life'. She also says, "My grandparents taught me everything I know about gracious Southern living. From them I learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit."

I'm wearing the Draper James for ELOQUII Floral Dot Skirt. What I especially love about this midi skirt is that it can easily be styled across seasons! For instance, I can see myself wearing it with a bright yellow tank top during the warmer months 😊 Can you tell I'm missing summer already?! LOL! Since it was chilly, I opted to style it with layers this time around, adding in pops of color by way of red - my lip stain, cape blazer, and shoes.
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Paradise Found

Earrings: Kate Spade| Dress: c/o HERE| Purse: ZARA| Slides: TopShop, sold out

There aren't many hidden gems in downtown Los Angeles, yet I officially declare the location of today's post as one of them. I stumbled upon it a few months back while attending a sample sale hosted by Cult Gaia. From the street view, the plaza looks dull and unordinary. However after a brief descent down a flight or two of stairs, it feels like you've stepped back in time. You stand smack dab in the middle of an old factory- with a vintage car thrown in for good measure. This site was particularly fab to me because I love old buildings, and somehow it gave me the feeling that I was someplace entirely different, even far far away from the hustle & bustle that is downtown Los Angeles. 
Until next time,
Xx

Bold Blooms

Earrings: ZARA| Kimono: c/o HERE| Purse: Coach, old

A lesson that I have learned repeatedly over the years: 

NEVER SAY NEVER.. especially when it comes to fashion 😁
There are a number of style features that I don't LOVE on my clothing, included among them are kimono sleeves, elastic waists on dresses, and maxi length skirts. However, the dress that I am wearing in today's post incorporates all of the aforementioned and yet--- I LOVE IT! Somehow all the features come together superbly, plus the color and print is absolutely standout on its own accord. I snagged this dress via a recent Gwynnie Bee shipment, I'm happy to say it is a definite keeper 😉 Check out a free trial offer HERE.
Until next time,
Xx

Weekend Roaming

Earrings: HERE| Dress/kimono: HERE (currently less than $20)| Purse: Coach, old| Shoes: c/o HERE

BABES!!! Can you believe that today marks the last Monday in AUGUST?! This entire year has been a complete blur! I stand in disbelief that we are on the doorstep of September already!  don't want to say farewell to SUMMER yet! Nonetheless, life experience has taught me the importance of facing facts 😉 It is time for me to mentally prepare myself - summer really is almost over. The change in the weather was noticeable over the weekend, instead of soaring up near 100 degrees, it was humid and in the 80s. Per the forecast, this week we won't get past the 70s. Although I'm sure warmer temperatures will return before all is said and done, I am still ever mindful that summer is truly on its way out. That brings me to the topic of transitional pieces. This kimono makes for a great transitional piece! It's light enough for warm days, yet also functional for easy layering in the fall months. That's right, this wrap dress is actually a kimono styled as a dress 😁 
Based on the reviews of other shoppers, I sized up for this piece, which allows me to be able to wear it as a true wrap dress. Although it came with a belt, I swapped that one out for an older belt in my collection from Banana Republic. I added in olive-colored accessories as a neutralizer and hit the door! 
Over to you Babes: Are you ready for summer to end?!
Until next time,
Xx

Flower Power

Dress: c/o Gwynnie Bee --> Purchase HERE or borrow via Gwynnie Bee HERE
Earrings: Kate Spade, sold out| Purse: Free People, sold out| Pink sandals: HERE

I can't say seem to say no to beautiful floral prints, the dress featured in today's post is no exception. It's by a brand that I've shopped for nearly 2 decades, Elie Tahari. In the 90s/early 2000s it was a no-brainer, go to brand, for fantastic power suits. In fact, I had at least 15, acquired from my first love retailer, Lord & Taylor.
Over time, the brand has continued to evolve and expand, now offering a variety of beautiful dresses, on trend accessories, fabulous shoes, and even home goods. I'm a definite fan! 
What are some brands that you have appreciated over the years?
Until next time,
Xx

Beach Please | Part 2

Earrings: Old| Bikini top: c/o HERE| Bikini bottom: c/o HERE| Sarong: c/o HERE

Check out the first post in this series, Beach Please | Part 1, HERE
As promised, here's another look shot during my recent excursion to the beach! My favorite type of beach day involves laying out in the sun for hours on end, enjoying a bit of solitude, occasionally reading, snoozing, and engaging in thought provoking conversation. Did you notice that I did not mention getting in the water? Haha! The weather has to be extremely hot (usually it is hot in the city, but cooler at the beach) or the water temperature quite warm for me to anticipate frolicking in it. The pacific ocean surrounding Los Angeles boasts a cool temperature almost all year long - I rarely anticipate getting in it. While taking these shots the waves were crashing against the shore continuously, I tried to avoid getting wet but it was impossible.
With such a wide array of swimwear now available in my size, I love taking more than one suit with me to the beach. When I take a beach/water themed vacation, I can totally take a different swimsuit to wear every single day. You can probably guess that when it comes to travel, I am not a light packer...
I really like the color and floral print of this suit, it is bright, summery, and pretty. The fact that a matching sarong was available truly added a golden cherry on top. Sidebar: I am considering wearing this sarong over jeans...👀
Fashion is all about having fun!
Stay tuned for the final post in this series: Beach Please | Part 3!
Xx

Subtle Blooms

Sunnies: HERE & HERE| Earrings: J. Crew, sold out| Duster: c/o HERE
Shorts: c/o HERE| Tank top: Old| Mules: Old

Floral prints will always have a place in my wardrobe. If I were to do an actual poll (I'm afraid to), floral prints probably top striped prints in my current repertoire of clothing. Bold florals, dark florals, pastel florals - whatever type of florals there are - I happily take them ❤
When I spotted this set (sold separately) on TORRID's site, I knew I had to have it. When it arrived in the mail - I was enamored at first sight.
Not only does it boast a gorgeous soft floral print, it is made of a fine rayon material and feels wonderfully cool and airy to wear during hot weather. The shorts are lightly lined, which is nice, as they would be almost totally sheer w/o the lining.
I resisted my initial urge to style this set with red (similar to the look HERE), instead I stayed within the same color palette by way of cream and yellow (although I did wear my favorite red lip stain). 
Until next time Loves,
Xx

Hot & Cold

Coat: c/o HERE| Jumpsuit: c/o HERE + shop plus sizes HERE| Purse: Coach

What's hot one day and cold the next? SPRING!!! 😎😎😎I can't keep up with what the weather will be from one day to the next...I have to check it every single morning so that I know what to wear! Is it summer yet - asking for a friend, LOL! At least during summer the weather is generally consistent...albeit consistently hot...
Moving on to today's look: On a gusty day I opted to rock a print toss in one of my favorite color duos, black & white. Is there ever a time when black & white does not go well together? I mean seriously - can anyone list even one instance? I'll wait.
I ❤ wearing black and white together- see previous blog posts HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and the list goes on. It felt absolutely logical to pair a fun animal print jumpsuit with a fabulous floral trench coat. Sidebar: Both pieces feature a hint of gray, which compliments black & white quite nicely. To keep the theme going, I added silver rimmed sunglasses, silver hoops, and a leather purse with grey hardware.
I'm looking forward to styling both of these pieces again - as I would LOVE to wear this coat as a dress 👀
Until next time,
Xx

Pastel Floral Playsuit

Sunnies: ALDO| Playsuit: c/o HERE (shirt available HERE)| Boots: Guess| Faux fur purse: Old, another option HERE

I recently wore this floral playsuit to a local product launch. 
One of the great things that I appreciate about being a style blogger: I am never short on things to wear when events pop up... 
It was a bit chilly on this particular day, I layered a tweed jacket over the romper as the material is very lightweight (total ideal for warmer weather). In addition to the beautiful floral print, I especially like the ruffled details around the shoulders and upper arms. 
Now, about what I didn't like: Something about the fit was off. I felt like the elastic around the waist fell in an odd place on my body. Also, the crotch inseam was a bit off, it was long, but somehow it would bunch up here and there...I'm thinking these issues may be a direct result of me having a short torso. 
Until next time Babes,
Xx