cALI cOLD

Hat: Old| Coat: HERE| Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren| Cut off shorts: DIY project| OTK boots: HERE| Clutch: Vintage| Leather gloves: Old, similar HERE

Baby it's COLD outside! Fortunately, I snagged this furry delight just in time - in fact, I plan to LIVE in it for the remainder of winter 😊 LOL! No, but seriously, I'm currently planning a trip to a COLD climate and this furbaby will most certainly be packed in tow! Who says that faux fur can't be just as warm as the real thing?! 
I ❤ the texture of this coat, and the patchwork pattern adds in a dimension of fun. Although, I do wonder why couldn't it have been designed with a collar??? 
Anywho, for its first debut in the real world, I paired it with a black monochrome fit - silk blouse, cut off denim shorts, and OTK boots (recently acquired while on holiday). 
Looking ahead, I can also see this fuzzy thriller paired with practically any pastel color, white, cream, and red - just to name a few...
What furry acquisitions have you made this winter?!
Until next time Babes,
Xx

Cozy Scarf Season

Sunnies: Similar HERE| Black OTS top: Similar HERE| Oversized scarf: ZARA, similar HERE 

Embellished skinnies: c/o HERE| Black velvet booties: c/o HERE

It's officially winter time here in The States, which means bring on all the cozy weather wear! I am a HUGE fan of vibrantly colored, extra large, super sized, chunky scarves. I been rotating a number from my growing stash since about November ... when the chill hit the air here in SoCal. I snagged the one that I am wearing in today's post at Zara a few weeks ago. Isn't it beautiful?! The color, knit pattern, and size make me love it 😍
For your viewing pleasure, below is a snapshot of a few scarves that are on my radar for purchase, including shoppable links (links are ordered from left to right) 😉

Option 1 (Red)

Option 2 (Multicolored)

Option 3 (Blue)

Option 4 (Multicolored)

Until next time Babes,

Xx

How to Wear White in Winter

Hey Babes!  How are you getting on these days? It’s been a bit challenging on my end- I've received a series of bad news within the past week or so. 
Life is full of the unexpected, as I tell myself time and time again. Realistically speaking, there is never an opportune time for bad news. I took some time to reflect on the facts. Most importantly, I reflected on my core values and how I want to move forward. I spent time with friends. I remembered the things that truly matter. The end result: I remain vigilant. I remain undeterred. I am still smiling. I am still focused, perhaps even more so. 
I am determined.
Today’s look features a so-called fashion “Don’t”, that is wearing white in the Winter! I’ve never been a fan of rigidity or unnecessary rules. Actually, breaking fashion faux pas has becoming a fulfilling hobby- LOL! I’m no stranger to white in the Winter (see another example here) but this look is especially close to my heart. You see I recently won a contest hosted by Monique over at Curves and Chaos, and this dress is a direct product of that 😃 Thank you Monique!!! ---> Check out her blog and Instagram page Babes!
You’ll notice that I opted to pair this white shirtdress with black, which is in my opinion the perfect balancing act. To top it off, I can easily picture a black trench coat, a knit black shawl, or a black faux fur over-sized wrap. Getting dressed is all about wearing what makes you feel good and look your personal best. Don’t be nervous to experiment with the unexpected or to stick with your tried and true color palettes when it suits your fancy!

Until next time,
XO

Hat: Nordstrom, similar here & here| Earrings: Here| Dress: Here| Boots: Here| Handbag: Vintage

Purple Reigns

Today's post is short and sweet. One of the benefits of being married to a golfer is the beautiful views enjoyed from golf resorts; Perfect photo opportunities! I wore these jeans not too long ago,  but I wanted to wear them again. 
Have you ever had a hankering to wear something that you just wore not too long ago?

Faux fur: Victoria's Secret (Came attached to a sweater)

Silk blouse: Ralph Lauren (also seen here)

Skinny Jeans: NYDJ (also seen here)

Stilettos: Nine West

Rhinestone evening bag: Vintage, thrifted

School Days: High End to Low End in Tartan & Stripes

Today's outfit was inspired by the school uniforms worn back in my day. I had to wear one, and detested it because I felt like it stunted my creativity. Now I rock it my way, by choice. You know which ones I am referring to: 

That navy blazer and plaid skirt deal! 

I wholly embrace tartan, and have done so since it was called plain ole "plaid"! LOL! 

It seemed only logical that my tartan blazer should be mixed with stripes and bold color.

This outfit is a mix of so-called high end brands, and their more budget friendly counterparts. I am a thrifty gal myself, yet I prefer to shop a wide range of brands to sift out quality, well-made pieces. Sometimes I find them in Saks Fifth Avenue (on sale of course), and other times at local thrift shops. In my opinion, quality and durability out weigh 'trends'. The majority of the time, I buy classic pieces, that are intended to last many years. For the fun, less practical side of me, I also purchase pieces that are trendy and hip to stay current, and to add additional flair.

This is easy business attire, and was taken to evening chic status by adding a vintage clutch. 

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Blazer: Evan Picone, Vintage & thrifted (worn here)

Shirt: Finity, Saks Fifth Avenue

Tie: Yves Saint Laurent, thrifted

Pants: NYDJ (also seen here)

Baby Jane's: Nine West (another go here)

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke Milano Collection (seen all throughout the blog)

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Over to you, do you mix high and low end brands? Do you fancy tartan as much as I do?

Black is the New Black: Sequins, Silk, and Waxed Denim

Straw hat: Vintage, thrifted

Silk shirt: Ralph Lauren, thrifted

Black beads: TJMaxx (seen here)

Sequins blazer: American Rag, thrifted

Waxed denim jeans: NYDJs (similar seen here and here)

Patent leather pointy toes: Nine West

Patent leather clutch: Vintage, thrifted