Author Archives: Luisa Lucia

April Shopping Haul: Spring Style With Kohl’s

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I’m NOT typically one to shop at Kohl’s for clothing.  However, I popped in there last week on a mission to find semi-affordable bedding, when I was derailed by an eye-catching floral kimono.  Kimonos are trending right now and I happened not to own one, so I decided to try it out, and of course found a few other things in the process.  Without further ado, I give you my (accidental but worthwhile) Kohl’s shopping haul… p.s. Please forgive the crazy wind that was blowing when we snapped these pics!

Items 1 & 2: Mudd “Chiffon Kimono” & “Core Cami” (I paid $24.99 & $14.99 )
I knew I needed the kimono because I seriously fell in love with this print, and I’m into lightweight, flowy pieces right now.  I happened to spot a matching tank, and liked the idea of wearing them both with some summery black pants.  Styled here with a JewelMint beaded necklace and lace flares from Nightcap.

Item 3: My Michelle “Geometric High-Low Tank” (I paid $25.99 )
Again, I was drawn to the colors/print, and even though this isn’t a to-die-for piece, it’s very nice quality for the price.  I like the fishtail back, and would most likely wear this with a structured blazer for a fun business casual ensemble.  Styled here with a Forever 21 choker, JewelMint pendant necklace, and BaubleBar cuff.

Item 4: Joe B “Border Print Wide Leg Pants” (I paid $24.99 )
I’m obsessed with these lightweight, high-waisted palazzo pants!!  The rayon fabric is airy and breathable, perfect when the weather heats up.  The high waist creates the illusion of a long and lean silhouette, ideal to pair with a trendy crop top.  And of course I looooove the colorful border print.  Note that the stock photo does not do these justice, and my snaps are more true to color.  Styled here with a JewelMint necklace, vintage crop top, and BCBgeneration wedges.

Items 5 & 6: So Rad “Ponte Crop Tank” & “Crepe Printed Midi Skirt” (I paid $11.99 & 16.99 )
Tbh, I’ve had my eyes peeled for a matching top/skirt set for a while now. Most of the ones I’ve liked were a bit outside my budget, and a lot of the cheaper styles weren’t doing it for me.  This set turned out to be an ultra cheap, but still relatively chic option.  I adore the pale minty green with black and white palm print!  Styled here with CRAP Eyewear sunnies, a vintage necklace, and Jessica Simpson wedge sandals.

Sooooo seriously, the crazy part is that I paid less than $120 for ALL of these items.  That’s nearly a whole new spring wardrobe for the price of like one item!  And even though most of these pieces are on the trendier side, I don’t mind because I love the colors/prints regardless, and I know they’ll see wear throughout this spring and summer.

Annnnnnnd btw, did you know Michelle Smith of Milly is doing a collab with Kohl’s?!  Can you even believe it?  The collection is in stores April 23rd, but you can preview it here!

Tuesday Shoeday: Festival Style With Vince Camuto

Posted in Fashion & Style by

As if you haven’t already heard enough about it, right now is “Festival Season”.  For anyone who doesn’t know, festival season refers to the spring/summer barrage of (outdoor) music festivals running wild across the country.  The most popular of these is Coachella, which takes place out in the California desert.  The ideal So Cal location makes it a haven for celebrities and fashion bloggers, not to mention fashion brands.  Festival style is a huge part of festival season.  Some people go JUST for the fashion. And as you might guess, festival style is all about mastering the art of laid-back boho.  For this edition of Tuesday Shoeday, I decided to style some festival inspired looks paired with Vince Camuto sandals.
Festival DayI absolutely adore the Vince Camuto “Evel” sandal, especially in midnight blue.  I think it’s a great casual chic daytime option.  I love the idea of wearing this shoe with denim cut-offs and a midi-length printed kimono.  A fringe crossbody bag would be the perfect handbag to complete this look.  Don’t forget sunscreen and a straw hat to protect your skin for long days in the sun!!  You can easily fake a tan with some golden bronzer if desired.
Festival NightDress it up at night with the Vince Camuto “Troy” sandal.  This high-heeled gladiator is equal parts sexy and boho.  Pair with a floral print flowing mini dress and feathery statement earrings for a boho glam party look.  Don’t forget to top it off with some vampy red lipstick!

The Little Black Jumpsuit

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I’m not a huge fan of jumpsuits and rompers.  They don’t necessarily suit every body type and (in my case) the proportions are hard to pull off if you’re petite.  Every once in a while I spot a jumpsuit I like, but when I try it on it’s always too long through the torso and the legs.  Then a few months back I stumbled upon a brand new store while hitting the outlet malls during a road trip.  Agaci is trendy and inexpensive, and probably meant for teenagers and 20 something’s, but because I’m petite a juniors fit often works for me.  I spotted this chic little jumpsuit, and much to my surprise, when I tried it on it fit perfectly.  It didn’t even need a hem!  At only $30 the price was right, so I scooped it up and the rest is history.  Of course I prefer to wear it with a belt for added waist emphasis (a good idea no matter your body type).  And heels are a must unless you’re long legged…I suggest a pop of color versus black with black (which is much too boring)!  This doesn’t mean I plan to go jumpsuit crazy, but I am happy with this one purchase.  What about you…love em or hate em?  Let me know in the comments!

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Tuesday Shoeday: Rachel Zoe

Posted in Fashion & Style by

I’ve kind of loved Rachel Zoe’s line ever since it launched back in 2011.  The clothes are fab, and the shoes are even better.  They’re kind of pricey but not crazy high-end designer pricey…as in I could definitely afford a pair if I bought them on sale.  Since I’ve been MIA for a while, I thought it would be nice to offer a more in-depth Tuesday Shoeday today, and pair some of my current fave Rachel Zoe styles with on-trend spring outfits.  Without further ado….

RZ Seneca

My hands-down favorite style is the Seneca mule.  I’m a huge fan of heels, and this chunky style is more walkable than a traditional stiletto.  I love the sculptural feel and the metallic finish.  Wear with a trendy gingham print top (or dress) like this adorable peplum blouse from Zara.  This look could fly for day or night.

RZ Burke

If you’re not into heels, or you’re just looking for a more casual outfit, check out the Burke slip-on.  Equal parts chic and sporty, I love the woven leather texture.  This shoe would look great with a simple chambray shirtdress, like the one pictured (from Madewell).  Accessorize with a colorful tote and some trendy round frame sunnies and you’re good to go!

RZ SkylaFor a definite night-out ensemble, look to the sleek and sexy Skyla mule (also available in nude).  This shoe is the perfect combo of retro and modern, and would look smashing paired with an on-trend suede crop top.  The top pictured is super affordable via Oasis.  Wear with a flouncy skater skirt and a few key accessories for a hot night on the town.

The best part is, all of these styles are available via Piperlime, and right now they’re running a major sale with the discount code “chicsale”, so check it out and take advantage!!  Also, let me know if you like this more comprehensive format for Tuesday Shoeday, and I’ll be sure to do more in the future.

My Trip To Florida

Posted in Personal Updates, Travel by
A beautiful Cali sunset across the freeway on my way to the airport.

A beautiful Cali sunset across the freeway on my way to the airport.

Whew I’m happy to be back in LA!!  After two freezing weeks in England, then an emergency trip to Florida, I’m soooo behind on everything that I barely know where to begin.  The good news is, my dad appears to be doing better.  When my mom called during my trip to England, he was in really bad shape and we thought we might lose him.  By the time I arrived in Boca, he was still in the hospital and still very weak, but he had been moved out of ICU.  During the week I spent there, at first I wasn’t sure how he would fare, but by the time I left I saw a marked improvement and felt okay about heading home. It’s not easy to watch a loved one struggle and suffer, but I know he was happy that I was there to hold his hand, even if only for a while.  I want to share just a few snaps from my trip.  The truth is, I spent most of my time in the hospital, obviously NOT taking pictures.  But since my dad spent a lot of time resting, I did have some free time, mostly spent outdoors in the beautiful spring weather, or otherwise meeting with family.

How I dress for a day at the hospital. In a floral dress and my favorite Report gladiator sandals.

How I dress for a day at the hospital…in a floral dress and my favorite Report gladiator sandals.

How my brother dresses for a day at the hospital...in coated denim and gorgeous Dries Van Noten sneaks.

How my brother dresses for a day at the hospital…in coated denim and snazzy Dries Van Noten kicks.  We live for fashion no matter what.

Of course I chilled out in the backyard I grew up in <3

Of course I chilled out in the backyard I grew up in.

My dad is a lover of boating and fishing, so we've always lived on the water.

My dad is a lover of boating and fishing, so we’ve always lived on the water.

My grandmother lounging in the shade.

My grandmother lounging in the shade, looking so very Florida.

While digging through old photo albums, I found this gem of me as a baby, swimming with my dad <3

While digging through old photo albums, I found this gem of me as a baby, swimming with my dad ❤

My mom is an exercise nut and copes with stress by working out. She'll probably kill me for posting this pic...

My mom is an exercise nut and copes with stress by working out. (She’ll probably kill me for posting this pic.)

I joined her for early morning walks on the beach...something she does religiously.

I joined her for early morning walks on the beach…something she does religiously. 

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Breakfast with my grandmother at the Broken Egg Cafe, on our way to the hospital.

And a yummy organic lunch with my cousin at Farmer's Table.

And a yummy organic lunch with my cousin at Farmer’s Table, before I hopped on my flight back to LA.

Difficult Personal Update

Posted in Personal Updates by

I just got home from a nearly two week UK vacation.  I had a nice time visiting with my hubby’s family in London and Coventry, but unfortunately the trip was overshadowed by some sad news from back home.  My dad, who has been battling cancer for years, has taken a turn for the worse.  It’s crazy because he flew to California in December for my wedding and was doing pretty well.  Unfortunately, cancer complications can flare up suddenly and now he is barely coherent and barely hanging on.  I tried to alter my return flight to head straight to Miami (where my parents live) but the airline was unable to work with me.  I just arrived back in LA last night and will be flying out to Florida tomorrow. Things are pretty hectic and honestly I’m exhausted.  I wanted to share this because I haven’t updated in a while and I’m not sure when I’ll post again with everything going on.  I do want to blog about my time in England, though I won’t get to it just yet.  Right now my priority is to be there for my dad, as well as my mom and younger brother.  They’re by my dad’s side everyday at the hospital and I know they’re getting burnt out.  For now, I want to share these pictures from my wedding last December.  Dad was so happy and had such a nice time visiting with us.  I can’t believe he’s deteriorated so drastically, and I’m sure it won’t really hit me until I get there, which I’m not 100% prepared for.  I know I don’t have a lot readers just yet, but for anyone listening, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.