Fall Festivities

Oak Glen Apple Orchards

Apple picking.  Could there be a more perfect autumn ritual?  And oh what lovely things come with it! Fiery fall foliage, bright red apples, and crisp fall air… well those were all the things that came along with fall trips on the farm in New Hampshire growing up.  But now that I’ve found myself in Los Angeles, the season-less land of sunshine and sand, I have had to venture elsewhere to get my fill of festive harvest fun.  Luckily, there are several quaint “apple towns” just a couple hours outside the city that have a far-away country feel. 

Last year, I spent some time visiting an orchard called Julien, but this year I decided to go back to my usual spots on Oak Glen Road. Lovely and not-so little, it’s always packed this time of year. Complete with apple orchards, candy stores, hard cider stands, corn mazes, unique shops, vintage-style diners and pumpkin patches, it made us all a bit more excited about the cozy season ahead. Oh and do you guys remember my best friend Courtney? We went to college together, we lived in apartments across the hall from each other and whenever we can, we spend our days off adventuring around the city together. She's a true gem of a friend and I'm so lucky to have her in my world.

 For my day at the apple ranch, I decided to wear this new off the shoulder gingham midi dress from SheIn. It’s the perfect fall frock and because it was still well into the upper 80’s here last weekend, I paired it with breezy sandals. We can pretend it’s fall here all we want but the weather would like to say otherwise!

Gingham Off the Shoulder Dress: c/o SheIn

Sandals: Nordstrom

Belt: Farfetch

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Photos By: Joe Yu

New York City

Manhattan, New York

A little over a week ago I went to New York.  I explored the city, caught up with friends and got a big healthy taste of fall. It was oh so refreshing!

The weather was in the sixties most of the time and for early November, I think that’s something to write about.  The trees were paintbrush colors of red, yellow and pumpkin orange, and every street corner was filled with motion, charm and life.

 I stayed in Gramercy Park neighborhood with one of my best pals, Lizzy, and we spent the weekend eating, drinking and exploring places that I had never been before. I wanted to stay forever! I guess I will just have to visit again soon. 

 Here are some highlights from the trip:

Union Square Farmers Market: If you follow my instagram, you know that have an addiction to fresh, local markets. I go at least weekly to the farmers market by my office and sometimes I hit up larger ones on the weekend too. So I know my way around a FM but this one, was easily the BIGGEST and BEST one that I have ever been too. I have to be honest, I was a little overwhelmed at first. But that’s nothing a pumpkin donut can’t fix right?

 Park Avenue Autumn: This gorgeous restaurant updates its menu and décor according to the season. Seriously. So as soon as those leaves fall, it will turn into a brand new place. Pretty cool right? They incorporate local and seasonal ingredients to create a unique experience each and every season. It was so beautiful and delicious I can’t wait to go back!

 The Whitney Museum of American Art: Oh I loved it! Newly redesigned, this museum has exhibits both inside and outside. It faces the Hudson River and overlooks the highline, which makes for some stunning views. We both enjoyed the Motley exhibition the most. His colors were bold and his stories, rich.  It’s a gorgeous museum. If you have the chance— get over there!

 Clinton Hill, Brooklyn: We spent a night with friends exploring Clinton Hill. We drank wine outside at this quaint little spot called Choysters, did dinner at Emily Pizza and grabbed drinks around town. Brooklyn has got a charm.  What more can I say? I must explore it more. Great drinks, great food, great times.

 The Highline: Beautiful, unique and just minutes away from The Whitney Museum, it’s truly the perfect time of year to explore The Highline. This pretty public park is located about 20 or 30 feet above street level and is lined with gorgeous, leafy orange and yellow trees.

 Ok I could go on but I’ll stop. I’ll just say this. I love New York.

Checkered Top: Ruche

Yellow Turtleneck: The Loft

High-Waisted Denim Jeans: H&M

Riding Boots: Steve Madden via 6PM

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Venice Vibes.

August 6, 2014

Venice Beach, CA.

Anyone who has spent time vacationing in Los Angeles has likely made a visit to the famous Venice Beach.  Whether grabbing dinner at one of the trendy new spots on Abbot Kinney, bar hopping on Main Street, renting bicycles to cruise along the ocean, or simply heading over to check out the freaky (but mostly awesome) dancers, musclemen, and eclectic bunch of characters that camp out along the boardwalk, the overall vibe is the same.  Venice brings out the carefree, laid back spirit in just about everyone-myself included.  That means that whenever I have the chance to get myself over there I take it! 

This past weekend, not one but two of my friends celebrated their birthday in the Venice area and so it was a perfect excuse to make the twenty minute trek over to the simple beach town.  Day or night, no one ever gets too dressed up in Venice and so even if you’re worried that your beach plans might carryon into nighttime escapades, you’re pretty much covered as long as you’re wearing anything over your bathing suit.

I embraced the scene and wore a strappy lace halter maxi dress from Forever21. While it proved to be as comfortable as a nightgown, the detail and the tie up the back also made me feel quite lovely.  If you’ve kept up with me for a bit, you know that there is nothing I love more than summer and so there’s also nothing I love more than a dress that reminds me of just how summery it at this very moment.  Perfect for a summer getaway or simply a dinner out on the beach with your man, this dress will impress.

I paired my Venice-worthy dress with jewelry from a local Southern California boutique, Aplaya.  I love working with local shops and businesses and Aplaya certainly captures the essence of the California coast, handcrafting each piece from REAL seashells!  There are too many beautiful (AND INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE) pieces to select from but if you haven’t had the chance, head over and check them out!  I mean, this necklace was $12… does it get much better?

I think not!

The Jaws Bracelet: c/o Aplaya

Simple Pearl Necklace: c/o Aplaya

Strappy Halter Dress: Forever21

Sandals: Off Broadway Shoes

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Photos by: Brigida Santos