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: Spring Trends
Springtime Is For Dainty Dresses
Spring is easily my favorite season. The weather warms, flowers bloom, and fashion gets fun! Don’t get me wrong – I love fall fashion with its chunky sweaters, tailored coats, and boots galore. But spring fashion is much more bright and colorful, not to mention light and breezy. When spring styles start hitting the stores, I start thinking sunshine and tropical vacations. It literally makes me FEEL good, like a breath of fresh air. Speaking of air, blue is a major color story this spring, and it’s an especially popular color for dresses (mostly lighter shades or subtle stripes). Unfortunately for my wallet, I have a thing for blue dresses. I won’t even tell you how many I own in various iterations, however I didn’t own a lace version until now. I’ve seen multiple takes on the blue lace dress this spring, and this particular dress was the right style at the right price. I wore it for Easter brunch last month, but it could easily be worn for a Mother’s Day event or a spring/summer wedding.
Spring Style Mashup: Outfits & Exposés
True story – a few months ago I got braces, and I haven’t posted since because I hate the way I look. It’s pretty sad because I’ve shot plenty of outfits, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to post them. I feel like my whole face looks different. My mouth definitely does, and it’s just too weird. So I’ve been staring at these photos on and off for months, wondering what to do. I straight up contemplated giving up blogging for the next year and half, but the problem is I like it too much and I’m not eager to quit. So I’ve concluded that I have to suck it up and deal with my new look if I want to keep going. This isn’t easy for me because I’m image conscious (duh!) and I feel so awkward with braces – they’re ugly, and my mouth looks all poofy, and I feel like I’m 12 years old. PLUS if I want to get glammed up and wear lipstick, it draws even more attention to the problem. And that’s just the superficial side of things – I’m not even addressing all the pain and discomfort at this point! That being said, I’m absolutely loving what’s new this spring, and I don’t want to miss out on the fun…
Fun With Fringe & Faux Fur
I’m approaching 6 months pregnant now and my belly has definitely started to grow. This is a moment I always dreaded as a worst fear. Every time anyone ever asked me about babies, I would think please no, my body just isn’t made for that…
Trending: Leather & Suede
Trend Transitions | Almost Sweater Weather
As I sit and write this, it’s actually cold and rainy outside, and it finally feels like fall is here! A few days ago when I shot this look, it wasn’t quite as cold, but it was overcast and cool enough to wear a little sweater. I styled this outfit because I wanted to show how easily you can transition a spring trend into fall. Gingham was probably the standout spring print. Florals and stripes are always big for spring, but this past season gingham was the fun, fresh wildcard. It’s incredibly versatile however, because black and white prints have classic, seasonless appeal. These particular pants are not heavy enough for a cold winter day, but they definitely work for a cool-ish fall day. I could have layered a lightweight coat or jacket for additional warm, and opted for booties instead of sandals, but again it wasn’t quite that cool. I just got really excited to wear a sweater 🙂 Alsoooooo, I’m wearing Lime Crime’s velvetine in cashmere on the lips. It’s honestly one of my favorite colors for fall/winter!
SHOP THE LOOK
Sweater: Banana Republic (similar here & here) / Pants: LOFT (exact here & similar here) / Sandals: Sam Edelman (similar here & here) / Sunglasses: Quay X Shay (sold out, similar here) / Earrings: BaubleBar (similar here) / Necklace: BaubleBar (similar here) / Bracelet: JewelMint (similar here) / Handbag: Ted Baker (similar here)
Photography by Jessica Kircher
Sunday Brunch | Mint Culottes
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
Style Me Senseless 