Mostly Monochrome

March 19, 2015 Kelly Donohue

March 19, 2015

Los Angeles, CA

We’ve all got solid color separates in our wardrobe. Essential to our everyday, these staple pieces are truly great for any season.

Today, I’m sticking with separates that are both similar shades of gray. When pairing pieces that are within the same color hue, I find, that if done right, the outcome can be as striking as wearing a bold pattern or vivid color. The key is to mix different textures and designs. It doesn’t have do be anything dramatic but you’ll want to make sure that the fabrics and cuts are different enough from one another so that variety and depth is added where it otherwise may be lacking.

The ruffles and sophisticated structure of this peplum top from Ruche contrasts perfectly with my light-wash, more casual, denim skinnies. I cheated and added a touch of color with an orange statement necklace but since I am new to trying out this trend, I figured I’d start off slow. Mixing blacks, whites and neutrals are a great place to start. We all have to start somewhere, right? I’m hoping to become brave enough to pull off a brighter, bolder monochromatic look by the end of spring/beginning of summer. What do you guys think of mixing similar shades? Any pros out there?

Peplum Top: Ruche http://bit.ly/1EiyiPZ

Gray Skinnies: Nordstrom

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar here)

Bracelet & Rings: Madewell

Black Pumps: Aldo (On Sale)

Shop This Look:

Photos By: Courtney Locks

Another French Friday.

July 25, 2014 Kelly Donohue

July 25, 2014

St. Jean Cap Ferrat, France.

Just when you thought I might be getting over my obsession with Europe, more specifically, France, I’m back with another post from the loveliest place, Cap Ferrat. But trust me there’s oh so much more to see!

Paloma Beach was one of the many highlights of my stay in France. I spent a couple days there, enjoying the spectacular views of tall mountains tumbling into the sea. The water was warm, clear, and calm- a perfect combo for swimming. Compared to the freezing water back east and the rough water in California, this was a real treat. Also, the high salinity of the water made me feel like I could float all the way over to Italy!

Exquisite French villas lined the streets of this tranquil town. I loved the bright colors of the homes, contrasting with the pretty flowers that climbed up the walls, embodying a real Mediterranean vibe. During this portion of the trip, I was lucky enough to be able to stay at the home of an incredibly gracious family friend, and that is where most of today’s pictures were taken.

Today’s outfit is a bit dressier because we were headed out to dinner in Eze and I knew nothing about the tiny medieval village, except that it was known for its beauty and charm. What I didn’t know about were the world famous panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, so Eze certainly did not disappoint. As quaint and adorable as this place sounds, it also had a restaurant with seafood so delicious I think I’m still dreaming about it.

I simply love the colors and the fun tribal prints and stripes on this dress. Summer is the time to go for lots of fun and color- this one manages to do both while keeping it dressy enough for a night out in the French Riviera. Oh and this is the last time you guys will see me wearing these little black ALDO heels. I left one of them somewhere along my travels, London maybe? Who knows! All I know is I am down a shoe. Just call me Cinderella!

Dress: Forever21

Heels: Aldo

Ring: H&M

More Must-Have Summer Dresses Here!

Heureux Vendredi!

Older And...

January 24, 2014 Kelly Donohue

January 24, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Well, it’s official, I’m another year older (crossing over into my late twenties) and I feel just that… older. Ha! I am not sure that I feel all that much wiser, taller, or more accomplished. In fact, I feel quite the opposite if I’m being honest. At twenty seven, I pretty much figured I would be a mature woman, ruling the world, and some days, I still feel like a high-schooler, who is trying to figure out where I belong in this great big world. But who says I need to be doing anything other than just that? While that is certainly a bit scary to feel like you don't quite have it all figured out, it also brings with it a great deal of excitement.

That being said, I think the best is yet to come for this whimsical-minded dreamer of girl.

My mum always says, "Are you wearing your party dress?" when I talk to her on my birthday, and so this outfit was inspired by her. Its sparkly, flowy, girly, and in my opinion, the ultimate party dress! I actually meant to wear it for New Years, but since I chose something else for that night, I figured this would be a perfect little number for today's celebration. So it's a party dress and party shoes only kind of day for (just for you Mum). Oh and by the way, I am so very grateful to have such great friends and family, who spoil me on this day and remind me each year how truly lucky I am to have them.

So I guess, overall, while I do feel older, I certainly also feel luckier each year. It's such a privilege to be able to spend my ups and downs surrounded by the fantastic group of people I love and cherish so dearly. It's an exciting challenge to constantly want more for yourself, to always seek a better opportunity and to strive for a better tomorrow and learn from your yesterday and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.