Cape Town

{cape: c/o sammydress | blouse: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | skirt: urban outfitters (similar) | heels: justfab}

So, when the "cape" trend first came on the scene, I was wary. It basically just seemed like a coat with misplaced and/or missing armholes. However, when I got the opportunity to browse the endless (and super affordable!) pieces on SammyDress, I was instantly smitten with this cape! When it arrived on my doorstep (don't you just love online shopping?), I knew it was the perfect piece to top an evening look. How sweet would this outfit be at wedding or a holiday party? FYI, cape + black and white + Peter Pan collar = my new favorite thing! (P.S. Be careful when posing, as not to look like a nun.)

What do you think of the cape trend? Are you on board?

Perfect & Preppy: Joules USA

{shirt: j. crew factory (similar) | vest: c/o joules usa | jeans: old navy | booties: forever 21 (similar) | glasses: c/o glasses usa}

Before a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Joules... however, as soon as I took one look at the homepage of their website, I was smitten! Their precious patterns and perfectly preppy styling sold me! I have always loved the idea of puffer vests, however, anytime I've ever owned one, I've felt like a marshmallow stuffed into a windbreaker! This one, however, is my new exception! Firstly, it isn't made out of that awkward, noisy plastic material - it's a really super-soft blend. Secondly, I love the bright color and the sweet floral lining! Last but not least, this vest is going to keep me WARM in the winter! (I know, I know, I live in Southern California, but hey - a girl can dream of a vacation fit for a snow bunny! In the meantime, it will be perfect for morning recess duty!) Joules has so many great vests to choose from!

Check out some more adorable options from Joules!

(hat / purse / dress / necklace / heels}

Last year at Coachella, a friend of mine described my outfit as "J. Crew goes to Coachella." I think he meant it as a compliment... I certainly took it as one! Well, this is my on-the-streets version of that desert look! The perfect little printed dress, beautiful tortoise and brown accessories, and a lovely little panama hat are so perfect for Sunday brunch!

{earrings / watch / heels / jeans / blouse / belt}

I love this silk blouse! I have been obsessing over sky blue for awhile now, and this shirt might just have to be mine soon! Pair a pretty blouse with flared jeans, a classic heel, and some statement earrings, and you've got an outfit that's perfect for Casual Friday!

{blazer / flats / shirt / necklace / earrings / skirt}

I know, I know... I went a little full-fledged Gossip Girl here, but I couldn't resist! These bow flats are just too cute! I love pairing bows with blazers, plus anchors and pearls put this preppy look over the top - in the best way!

Head over to Joules and let me know - what's your favorite piece?

Hot Kiss Denim Shorts

{shirt: target (similar) | shorts: c/o hot kiss denim | boots: target (similar) (similar) | sunglasses: target | bangles: from craft fairs/street fairs (similar) (similar) (similar) (similar) (similar)}

With summer lurking in the wings, it's about time to pull my shorts out of hiding - and maybe pull my legs out of hiding, too! Honestly, with the weather being so entirely unpredictable here in Southern California, you never know where the weather is going to take you lately! I tend to automatically associate cutoff jean shorts with casual attire, but there are definitely ways to dress and spruce up a cute pair of shorts, especially this adorable embellished pair from Hot Kiss Denim! They have so many fun prints and styles to choose from! Check it out...

{necklace / tee / shorts / purse / booties}

First and foremost, I think it goes without saying that cutoff shorts are perfect for festival season! This palm tree-printed pair just scream Coachella! to me! Pair it with a nice, light white tee, a beautiful statement necklace, a cross-body, and some comfy booties, and you are set for a lovely day in the sunshine!

{earrings (similar) (similar) / belt / flats / blouse / cutoffs}

The right pair of shorts is so easy to dress up for a Sunday brunch! Lace embellishments add just the right touch of femininity. A beautiful blouse in a jewel tone accompanied by a classic ballet flat and gorgeous statement earrings, and you are sure to outshine your bottomless mimosas! ;)

{earrings / watch / shorts / blouse / sandals}

While usually associated with bohemian style, the right pair of cutoffs can go mod, too! This daisy printed pair is perfect paired with tailored black and white pieces and classic accessories!

Which is your favorite way to style jean cutoffs?

Unseasonable Sunshine

{vest: j. crew (similar) | dress: sosie (similar) (similar) (similar) | necklace: caroline g. | sandals: urban outfitters (similar) | sunglasses: target}

So, Southern California's winter has been nothing short of schizophrenic this year. 3 days of cold, 3 days of rain, 3 days of sweltering heat, 3 days of comfortable sunshine... rinse and repeat. Not only are my allergies very confused (sniff sniff cough cough), but my wardrobe can't figure it out either! This does not seem like something I should have been able to wear in the winter! I actually wore this outfit last June (when it's supposed to be 90+ degrees...) to the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival with my gal pals, but since I never took outfit photos, it gets to make its blog appearance now!

Basics + Statement Necklace

{shirt: popbasic (similar) | jeans: target (similar) | boots: sam edelman | necklace: via stitchfix (similar)}

As I mentioned recently, I love an outfit that consists entirely of basics. A traditional Breton striped shirt, some comfy jeans, and the perfect bootie make for an easy, yet tailored traditional look. Kick that classic look up a notch with a bold statement necklace, and you have the perfect mix of classic and trendy!

This perfect combination works for a fun night out...

{jacket / tee / heels / necklace / jeans}

a day at work...

{blazer / shell / flats / necklace / skirt}

 or a weekend brunch!

{necklace / heels / dress / cardigan}

(California) Winter Woes

{jacket: j. crew | shirt: nordstrom (similar) | jeans: seven for all mankind (similar) | flats: justfab (sold out in brown - available in black)}

I'm sure you've all heard of the polar vortex plaguing the nation. Well... Southern California was hit by our own version of the polar vortex recently... 4 straight days of pouring rain. I know, I know - terrifying. I'm kidding, of course, but seriously, this outfit only lasted so long, until on the way out of my door, I stepped ankle-high into a deceptively deep puddle, and had to return home to temporarily change into rain boots simply to get to my car. Like I said... terrifying. Nevermind my brand-new umbrella blowing backwards and upside down into the wind and having to reshape its wires back to normal on my way home. Terrifying.

Friday's Fancies: Green

So, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I have very mixed feelings regarding St. Patrick's Day. While I enjoy drinking (duh), I do not specifically enjoy being told what to wear, and more importantly, I do NOT enjoy being pinched! Seeing as I'll be spending Monday with some 3rd graders, I'd best peruse my wardrobe for green - I don't need any of those little leprechauns causing me trouble!

The  way I see it, find your favorite shade of green, be it avocado, emerald, or sage, and let it compliment an otherwise neutral outfit! Mix your cute, tailored basics with with some St. Patty's spirit, and you're good to go!

{blazer / tee / necklace / jeans / purse / loafers}

{hat / bangle / heels / dress}

{purse / shirt / earrings / skirt / loafers}