Winter To Spring Transitional Style

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The weather in So Cal has been kind of crazy lately.  Just two weeks ago it was cold and rainy and even snowing in some parts.  Now our high is peaking close to 90!!  Overall though, spring is easily So Cal’s most beautiful season.  Once the weather levels off, temperatures tend towards ideal (70-ish) with a warm spring breeze, and of course flowers are blooming everywhere.  The foliage here is not to be beat…even the weeds are pretty, lol.  During this season it’s not quite warm enough for summer clothes, but a lightweight knit would do perfectly.  I spotted this slightly cropped, oversized sweater at H&M a few weeks ago and knew I had to have it…I love the silhouette and the embellished neckline! Here I paired it with a (super old) printed maxi and some wedge gladiator sandals that I’ve had for years and absolutely love.  The jewelry is by JewelMint (i.e. cute and affordable).  This look was shot strolling around my local neighborhood at the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains…

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Photography by Jessica Kircher

Wanderlust: Palm Desert

IMG_1190 If there’s one thing I love almost as much as fashion, it’s traveling.  I absolutely adore the excitement of an adventure – whether it’s visiting someplace new, or returning to a favorite destination.  I think I inherited the travel bug from my dad, who was born in Italy and traveled the globe before settling in the US and starting a family.  He’s been to every continent including Antarctica!!  I haven’t gotten that far yet, but I do have some exciting trips on the schedule for this year, which brings me to this post.  I was just in Palm Desert last weekend.  My hubby had a work retreat – the type where spouses are welcomed – so I totally took advantage.  They booked us a suite at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, and I spent the weekend stuffing my face with free food and relaxing in the desert sun. IMG_1167IMG_1159IMG_1201IMG_1193IMG_1163IMG_1243IMG_1217 The grounds at the hotel were absolutely lovely, with beautiful desert foliage galore.  Our room was also super swanky and reminiscent of Palm Springs in the 60’s with deco furniture and a step-down sunken living room.  Meals and drinks were comped all weekend courtesy of my hubby’s employer, so I went all out with the wine, cheese, coffee, and deserts! Friday night (arrival in paradise)… IMG_0989IMG_1004IMG_1009IMG_1038IMG_1069 Saturday morning (attending very official work events)…IMG_1174IMG_1128IMG_1147IMG_1161 Saturday night (after lots of wine and great conversation)…IMG_1219IMG_1212IMG_1237 The Palm Springs area is one of my favorite local destinations.  It’s just a short road trip by car, the weather is always lovely, and the environment is picturesque pretty.  I like getting dolled up resort style for trips to Palm Springs, so wardrobe is always a consideration!  My outfits definitely had an impact because loads of hubby’s colleagues were asking for style advice 🙂 IMG_1188IMG_1183 We did attempt an afternoon hike not far from the hotel, mainly because I felt horrible for eating so much, but also because we do like hiking.  Unfortunately, the wind was crazy fierce in the canyon where we were walking, so I didn’t last long with mounds of dust getting blown up into my face – I had a MAJOR (but thankfully short lived) allergy attack, with snot and tears dripping down my face.  It was NOT cute, though the surroundings were beautiful. IMG_1247IMG_1245 On the last day it started to rain, which is essentially unheard of out in the desert, duh!  But I can’t complain because everyone knows So Cal needs the water.  Before hitting the road, we stopped for brunch at the renowned Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe, and even though we had to wait an hour to be seated, it was well worth it.  I had a plate of veggie soy-rizo, which was super yum, but the nutter butter cookie probably did me in.  Wayyyy too much food for a tiny person, because I literally finished the cookie as well as my meal and was queasy the rest of the day.  (I tend to overeat when on vacation, can you tell?) Other than the slight over-indulgence, I had an absolutely fabulous time, lol.  Let me know what you think about this travel post!!  If you like it, I can back track and post about my trip to Yosemite in January, which was also a lot of fun.  PLUS, I’m heading off to London next week and will definitely do a recap of that trip upon my return.   Annnnd I have more fabulous destinations coming up later this year, including Florida in May.  Happy Friday!!  Xxo

Tuesday Shoeday: Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster Shoe Love

 
Here at Style Me Senseless, every Tuesday is a day to celebrate shoes!  Today I’m highlighting a British footwear designer, Sophia Webster.  Webster started out as a design assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood, and debuted her own line not too long ago (back in 2013).  Her colorful, whimsical designs caught my eye right away, and are a favorite among fashion insiders.  Gorgeous as they are, they’re not exactly affordable, with shoes averaging about $600 a pair.  However, you can find discounts on older styles via sites like The Outnet.  You can also shop for Webster’s designs at Net-A-PorterNordstrom, and Saks. Her design aesthetic is definitely “loud” which is something I love because I think it’s fun to be creative with fashion.  However, if you have more minimalist tendencies, her shoes are probably not for you. Sooooo what do you think?  I’d love to know how others feel about her designs.

A Little Bit Boho

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My style isn’t super boho, but I do love flare and wide leg jeans, so I’m pretty thrilled they’re back in style this spring.  Truthfully, I wear them regardless, and as previously mentioned, I wayyyyy prefer flares over skinny jeans.  People tend to think that short girls shouldn’t wear wide leg jeans, but that’s totally bogus.  Yes, I usually have to have them hemmed to the right length, then I throw them on with wedges, and I actually look taller.  Here I styled a pair of high-waisted, wide leg 7 Jeans that I’ve owned for years.  I paired my jeans with a cropped fringe tank, a printed scarf, a floppy hat, a bucket bag, and of course wedge sandals.  Obviously I live in So Cal to be wearing this outfit right now!  All the elements come together in a way that’s fresh and modern, but of course with a nod to 70’s style.

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Photography by Jessica Kircher

Tuesday Shoeday: Dolce Vita

I absolutely adore Dolce Vita for shoes.  For a long time they also made apparel, but it appears they’ve phased that out to focus on what they do best.  They offer two lines – their main line, Dolce Vita, and the slightly lower priced but still very appealing DV.  I own shoes from both.  The designs are similar though the quality of fabric tends to be a bit higher with Dolce Vita versus DV.  I’m happy with all my Dolce Vita shoes…the DV line may not be as high quality, but they’re definitely budget friendly and still super cute.  Sooooo here are some of my top picks for spring, straight from the Dolce Vita website.

Annnnddddd here are some of my very own shoes, from previous appearances on the blog…

DV by Dolce Vita sandals (older style)

DV by Dolce Vita sandals (older style)

Dolce Vita wedges (I adore these shoes!)

Dolce Vita wedges – I adore the bright blue suede with gold detail.

The Dolce Vita "Kleat" bootie - I'm in love with these and wore them all winter.

The Dolce Vita “Kleat” bootie – I’m in love with these and wore them all winter long.  On sale for a killer price at 6pm!!