Summer Style, Fall Colors

DSC02919DSC02923DSC02949DSC02957

DSC02965

So far the heat has not let up.  I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed, because October feels very “fall” to me.  As soon as pumpkins start popping up in stores, (and with Halloween around the corner) it seems a given that the weather should turn cool.  I yearn to bust out my ankle boots and lightweight coats, but we’re not even close right now.  I can barely think about boot shopping, and that’s NOT normal.  I’m kinda over the bright colors and airy florals that define the spring/summer season, but I still need to dress comfortably for the heat.  Enter this slouchy shirtdress from H&M.  It’s super lightweight and breezy, but the olive color is very fall-propriate!  I chose to accent the dress with hints of gold and amber in my accessories, further emphasizing the autumn palette.  It might not be the cozy sweaterdress I wish I was wearing, but it’s a step in the right direction.  Out of curiosity, what kind of weather are you experiencing in other parts right now?!  Xxo Luisa

SHOP THE LOOK

Shirtdress: H&M (here) / Gladiator Sandals: ShoeMint (similar here & here) / Earrings: A/X (similar here & here) / Necklace: vintage (similar here & here) / Handbag: Juicy Couture (similar here & here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Sunday Brunch | Mint Culottes

DSC03024DSC03032DSC03035 DSC03034

DSC03074

DSC03081

Culottes were a fun spring trend that I didn’t immediately jump on board with.  I dig the style, but I am only five feet tall, and they tend to be most flattering on women of an average height – not too short and not too tall either.  However, as a bite-sized fashionista, I like to defy stereotypes, rocking midi-skirts and maxi dresses with ease.  So when I spotted these adorable mint-colored culottes on clearance at T.J. Maxx (for $7!!), I knew I had to try them on.  Turns out the length was fine (not to mention heels can work wonders for a short gal)!  And although I realize it’s October, we’re experiencing record-breaking 90 degree heat right now in So Cal, so my bright spring culottes made an appearance for Sunday brunch. I tried to incorporate a hint of fall with the rest of this color palette, because although it’s hot, I’d like to think summer is nearing an end.  Apologies for the extra-long hiatus btw!!!  I’ll get around to blogging about my crazy intense remodel experience sometime soon…maybe once the house is done.  In the meantime, I hope to bring you some proper fall looks sometime very soon.  Xxo Luisa

SHOP THE LOOK

Printed Blouse: River Island (similar here & here) / Mint Culottes: Spacegirlz (similar here & here) / Black Pumps: Boutique 9 (similar here & here) / Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear (here) / Statement Earrings: Jewelmint (similar here & here) / Cuff Bracelet: BaubleBar (similar here & here) / Striped Bag: Henri Bendel (similar here & here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Summer Sale Steals

Okay sooooo life has been way hectic lately and I’ve been super MIA here on the blog.  Just a quick post to alert y’all to this awesome 70% off sale happening NOW at Loft.com.  I scored a ton of stuff for under $200 because it’s an additional 70% off already reduced prices.  The best news is, there’s a huge selection of sale merch…it’s not just a few items here and there.  A lot of sale styles are summer ready, so you can easily get some wear out of them for the next month or so.  Happy shopping and I promise to be back in full swing sometime very soon!!

Loft Sale

SHOP THE LOOK

Embroidered Shirtdress / Mosaic Tunic DressFull Bloom Maxi DressTropical Midi Dress

Long Live The Little White Dress

DSC02840
This post was inspired by the Lucky Community prompt.  Fortunately, I just scooped up this little white dress at Banana Republic last month, and I hadn’t worn it until now…

DSC02825 DSC02822 DSC02814DSC02885DSC02860
DSC02890

I’m a huge fan of white dresses, especially in the spring and summer months when it really doesn’t feel right to wear black.  However, my big thing with white is always adding a pop of color.  I can’t do all white…it’s too bland for my taste.  For a flirty white dress, I’m inclined to wear red heels and a red lip, to channel that classic retro vibe.  For this look I also added an emerald green clutch, and kept the rest of my accessories simple.  This particular dress could go for day or night, but here I wore it for an evening dinner in historic Claremont village.

Get The Look

Dress: Banana Republic (purchased in petite) / Heels: BCBGeneration (sold out, similar here) / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Bracelet: Swarovski / Clutch: Nine West (old, similar here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher  

Foolproof Outfit Combo: Simple Tee + Maxi Skirt

DSC02598DSC02606

DSC02661DSC02658

One of my favorite ways to wear a maxi skirt is with a simple tee shirt. I prefer a shirt that’s fairly fitted so I can tuck it in if desired. This particular maxi is meant to sit high on the waist and looks best with a crop top or “tucked in” polished vibe. The simple tee makes for a clean silhouette and allows the skirt to really shine.  The tee itself is easy to dress up with a sparkling statement necklace.  I opted for complementary accessories for an overall tonal effect.  This is an easy chic daytime look, that you can also carry into the night depending on the venue.

Get The Look

Tee Shirt: H&M (old, similar here) / Maxi Skirt: Painted Threads (same skirt, different print) / Heels: Scene by ShoeDazzle (old, similar here) / Necklace & Bracelet: Ann Taylor (old, similar here & here) / Handbag: Nicole Miller (unavailable, similar here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

T.J.Maxx Mini Shopping Haul

Anyone who knows me (or follows this blog) knows that I’m a huge fan of deals.  I don’t like paying full price for anything if I can help it.  Often times that involves trolling my favorite brands for sales, but sometimes stores like T.J.Maxx come in handy too!  There’s a pretty nice T.J.Maxx right nearby, and I popped in over the weekend to scoop up some new soaps and such.  Of course I walked out with a bit more than planned, but I didn’t spend much at all, so it worked out perfectly.

IMG_2055 IMG_2058 IMG_2061

I specifically went shopping to pick up some hand soap and body wash.  I like fancy hand soap for the bathrooms and I prefer organic or all natural body wash (which amazingly T.J. stocks).  I picked up two pretty bottles of hand soap and some natural argan oil body wash that smells delicious.  I also got a bottle of Bliss Fabulous Foaming Body Wash (normally $20 ) for $8!  And then I got tempted in the checkout line by this adorable “bee happy” mug.  I almost didn’t grab it, but for $2.99 it was too cute, and given how much coffee I drink, definitely worth it.

IMG_2062 IMG_2065 IMG_2067

Of course, I had to scout out the shoes and handbags (just can’t help myself).  Glad I did because I found a lovely pale minty green Nicole Miller Handbag for $35 (original price $105) and an adorable pair of Lucky Brand espadrilles for $25 (original price $69).  Finally, I spotted this tee shirt which couldn’t be ignored because the statement is just too true.  I love how the tee, handbag, and flats all coordinate, and I plan to style a look with all three sometime soon.

Just in case you don’t make it into T.J.Maxx anytime soon (not to mention each one stocks different merch), here are some similar products available online: Coconut Vanilla Organic Hand Soap / Argan Oil Body Wash / Beehive Mug / Minty Bag / Coffee Tee

Thanks for reading and please don’t hesitate to comment!!  I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions ❤

CRAP Eyewear Is On Sale Right Now!!

You may have noticed that I wear my CRAP Eyewear “Diamond Brunch” sunnies ALL THE TIME.  This particular pair was a gift from hubby earlier this year.  I looooove the shape of them and I swear they go with everything.  They look fab with edgier outfits and ladylike outfits, and the black and white colorway is the icing on the cake (though they do come in other colors too).  I’m obsessed to the point where I wear them more often than my Dolces and my Pradas.  They are already super affordable at around $60 retail, and right now most colors are on sale via crapeyewear.com.  In fact, they’re having a summer sale, and many styles are 50% off.  Since I love this pair so much, I ordered another style, the “Saloma Tropic” in light pink.  The Salomas also look AWESOME and I can’t wait to try them out.

CRAP is a local LA brand, and I’m always happy to support up and coming local brands. The only drawback to ordering from their site is that all sales are final, so you can’t return if something doesn’t work out.  Regarding fit, I will say my Diamond Brunch sunnies fit perfectly, and I have an average size head (lol).  But seriously, you know how some sunglasses can be too snug or too loose? These are just right so I’d say they fit right in the middle.  If you’re really concerned, you can always order them via Nordstrom instead, where you can return them no problem if necessary!