I’ve blogged before about Mount San Antonio, the highest peak in Southern California, standing tall at 10,064 feet. I live in the suburbs outside LA right at the base of this lovely mountain, more affectionately known as Mount Baldy. It’s a 20 minute drive from my house to Mount Baldy Lodge, where you can grab a bite to eat or rent a cabin for your weekend getaway. Drive a bit farther and you’ll enter the Angeles National Forest where you can hike for miles along a mountain stream. Keep going and eventually you’ll reach the ski lifts – great for a quick ski day after a winter snowfall. Because it’s so very close I head to Baldy often. Usually for lunch at the lodge on their outdoor patio (or inside near the fire if it’s wintertime). When the weather is good I’ll hike the famed Ice House Canyon Trail, though I’ve never made it the full eight miles, not just because the hike is long but also because it’s a strenuous uphill battle. On this particular day I was heading up to the lodge for lunch when I was struck by beautiful yellow flowers covering the mountainside. We were blessed with heavy rainfall this past winter, which has brought so much color to our desert landscape.
Tag Archives: rebecca minkoff
Winter Wrap Dress + Fuzzy Uggs
I know that Uggs are controversial. Some “fashion people” really don’t like them. They’re either too clunky, or too casual, or simply too mainstream. I do not fall into that category. I dig them because as far as I’m concerned they’re super practical when winter comes round. I’m not a fan of running around in heels when it’s cold and rainy outside. Though you’d never catch me in sneakers or ballet flats, boots are my one exception to the no flats rule. I love wearing them with leggings and a chunky sweater, but I’ll also rock my Uggs with a dress.
Casual Cool Sweater Dress Style
Winter is for sweater dresses. At least that’s my motto. So of course I own lots of them, and every fall I like to invest in one or two new ones. This past year I had to wait it out because LO was born in September, and although I was dying to shop right away, things didn’t fit quite right. So this cozy Free People sweater dress was a more recent find, and to my delight I got it for a fabulous price. You guys know how I love sales!
Sunny Summer Preggo Style
Over the years, I’ve heard a lot about how it’s not fun being pregnant during the summer months. In my case I’m living out the third trimester during the hottest months of the year…here in the So Cal foothills we can reach temps above 100 degrees in August and September. But I have to say it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Probably for one because we get a very dry heat out near the desert…humidity is low, so it’s not crazy sweaty like it would be where I grew in South Florida. Also, I’m fortunate to have a swimming pool in my backyard, and swimming (or more like floating) is one thing I can still do at this stage in the game. Finally, I’ve suffered pretty bad lower back pain during my pregnancy, and I think the heat helps a bit, whereas cold weather would probably make it worse. The most important thing IMO is how you dress for the heat while pregnant. I’ve been living in breezy dresses for a few months now. It’s truly the easiest way to go!
Black & White Winter Tweed
Trend To Try: High Waisted Jeans
I know a lot of people are intimidated by high waisted jeans, or assume that they’re essentially mom jeans. But right now, high waisted styles are trending, and they’re definitely not reminiscent of mom jeans, if you know which brands to shop. I spotted this pair at Guess (whose jeans I’ve always been a fan of). The distressed detailing caught my eye, and it gives the jeans an edgier feel. I’m more likely to style them for casual wear, and paired them with this super soft tie front tee from LNA. Because I’m only five feet tall, I prefer to wear jeans with heels to enhance the leg lengthening effect. FYI high waisted jeans definitely work to lengthen your legs, and look good whether you’re taller or shorter! However, make sure they fall at the right length and don’t bunch up at the bottom. I had to have mine hemmed a few inches for the desired effect. Sooooo what do you think? Do you dig this look? Would you try it for yourself? Comment and let me know!
Get The Look
Tee Shirt: LNA / Jeans: Guess / Shoes: Steve Madden (old, similar here) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear / Necklace: BaubleBar (old, similar here) / Bracelets: BCBGeneration
Photography by Jessica Kircher
Vacation Packing For Florida
I’m heading off to Florida again tomorrow night! To be honest, my dad is not in the best of health, so he asked me to fly back for another visit (I was just there in March). But at least this time he’s out of the hospital and looking forward to enjoying some time with me and my hubby. Florida is not a traditional vacation for me since I was born and raised there (in a tiny beach town halfway between Miami and Palm Beach). But it’s still a nice resorty area and I will definitely sneak in some time for relaxation and meals with old friends. Traveling there at this time of year is always a bit of a challenge because it will be SUPER hot and SUPER humid. When I was there in March it was lovely, but not so for the end of May. Hence I’ll be packing a lot of lightweight, airy pieces and of course a swimsuit or two…
~ OUTFITS ~
We’ll be there exactly one week so I don’t need to bring a ton of stuff, but there are some key pieces I wouldn’t do without. I just scooped up this boxy printed crop top at H&M. It’s from the Conscious Collection and the material is super soft and light. I’ll probably pair it with some crochet shorts or slouchy cropped joggers. I’m also in love with the kimono/tank combo I scored at Kohl’s last month. Such a pretty print to pair with denim cutoffs (or simply throw the kimono over your swimsuit)! And of course a resort vacation wouldn’t be complete without at least one maxi dress. Stripes are a classic choice. This dress is great because it’s loose and airy. A bikini is an obvious must, and I love this floral embroidered suit from Topshop. I also bought this adorable palm print sundress from H&M. The fit is lovely, and it’s a perfect Florida piece that I’m really looking forward to wearing.
~ ACCESSORIES ~
I try to be smart about accessories, especially for shorter trips. No need to bring more than three pairs of shoes and two handbags, if you choose wisely. For this trip I’ll definitely bring my strappy black gladiators, some trendy flat espadrilles, and a nice neutral wedge. Between the three, I’ll have shoe options for all of my outfits! I’ll bring one handbag in a pop of color and the Rebecca Minkoff MAB is a great choice. It’s classic, and big enough for all my stuff, so this is probably the purse I’ll carry on my flight. Then I only have to worry about packing a smaller bag, and I like the idea of a leopard crossbody. The leopard is essentially neutral, but a little more exciting, and the small size makes is easy to dress up for an evening out. Of course I can’t forget sunglasses, which are a must no matter where I go. I love love love two-tone sunglasses in black and white because I feel like they go with everything. This pair is beyond cute! I always take my grey suede DVF luggage everywhere I go. That set is sold out now, but I absolutely adore this option, also by DVF. I might have to scoop it up as a back-up!
Stay tuned, because I’ll make an effort to shoot most of these looks while I’m there, and I’ll definitely post what I’ve got when I get back 🙂
Style Me Senseless 