Romp Around

Santa Monica, CA

Who doesn't love a good staycation? Affordable, easy to plan and often spontaneous, these quick getaways have lead to some of my best adventures. And in California, you don't have to drive too far to change up your scenery. Every town, every neighborhood, really, has it's own unique personality and charms. It's one of the many reasons why I love living here.  So while I don't get around to doing them nearly as much as I'd like, I make an effort to force my friends to do them with me at least a couple of times a year.

A few weeks ago, some pals and I rented a bungalow on the beach for the weekend in Santa Monica. We woke up, swam in the ocean and tried out a few restaurants we'd never been to along Ocean Avenue. The place that we stayed at was only minutes from my apartment, but I felt worlds away! Oh how a quick change of scenery can really recharge your soul.

I wore this MakeMeChic romper to dinner and then also as a breezy beach coverup (I packed light!). So versatile and chic, I love the pretty blue pattern and tassels. Undeniably great for summer, the flowy long sleeves also make it a perfect transitional piece for fall! 

Romper: c/o MakeMeChic

Bangles: c/o Charming Charlie

Wedges: Nordstrom (similar)

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Photos By: Joe Yu

Cinco de Mayo Glow.

May 5, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

When I have a craving for delicious salsa, I usually go to my sister and beg her to make her famous homemade (should be canned) version.  But on days like today, when we find ourselves on opposite sides of the country, I’ve got to resort to the next best thing: LA Mexican food- and that’s not too shabby either!

To be quite honest, growing up in New England, I never really had a whole lot of Mexican cuisine (Italian and seafood are the specialties over there NOT Mexican) and so for most of my early life, I was pretty convinced that I simply didn’t like it.  It wasn’t really until I moved to LA, that I learned how delicious a burrito or some fresh guacamole could be!  In fact, I don’t even remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo before I moved out to California.  With so many delicious restaurants to choose from- the real tough question becomes deciding which one to pick for the festivities of the night.  I’ve included just a couple of my favorite local spots but there are truly too many great ones to even count all over the Los Angeles area.  Not one of them, however, has a salsa that rivals my sisters so the first one that serves Erin’s salsa will truly have my heart as being the very best!

We took these photos very early in the glow of the morning and I just can’t get over how beautiful the weather has been here lately.  Although today has been a bit of a reprieve from the heat-wave we’ve been having, it’s still a gorgeous warm day.  I chose to wear a bit of a Cinco de Mayo inspired look with this key-hole tank from Old Navy and then paired it with some bright yellow jeans from Forever21.  Best part about this outfit? It’s Under $100.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Remember that time I went to Mexico last summer?  Take me back please!

Kelly's Under $100 Look: 

Tank: $24.94 Old Navy

Sandals: $49.99 ShoeMint 

Jeans: $15.80 Forever21

Total: $90.70

My Favorite Local Mexican Spots:

1. El Carmen: MID CITY

This quaint little Mexican spot is tucked away on 3rd Street and while it’s not very big inside, it’s perfect for catching up with friends, has an amazing happy hour.  It’s simply adorable and the service is great.  I love that when I walk inside, I immediately feel like I’ve been transported someplace else. Suddenly the busy third street madness is left behind and the fun atmosphere, delicious margaritas and great prices make this a favorite neighborhood go-to of mine.

8138 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048

2. Mexicali: THE VALLEY

I lived in Sherman Oaks for several years and  whenever friends would venture out to my neck of the woods, this was my go-to spot.  I had many a fun night over at this place (including my 21st birthday) and they have great, strong PITCHERS of margaritas, which are always fun if you’re going out with a group and they have tons of different varieties, including the Jessica Simpson margarita, that has no sugar- perfect for all you dieters!  The patio seating is wonderful as are the kobe beef tacos and ladies- the servers are always very cute men (at least they were back when my roommates and I were frequenting this place!)  Can’t go wrong with this old faithful.  12161 Ventura Blvd.  Studio City, CA 91604

3. Escuela Taqueria: MID CITY

This is probably my favorite spot hands down. Once just a tiny restaurant with only four or five tables, this place has moved and expanded to a larger location just down the street and while it’s still very tiny inside, the food manages to remain truly delicious.  It is a tapas style Mexican restaurant and so we always order a bunch of small dishes and share, which is great because then you’re able to try a little bit of everything.  My favorite dishes are the elote (corn), carnitas tacos, and the churros (which come with an incredible dark chocolate dipping sauce).  Oh and the best part? It’s BYOB! With so few restaruants that are set up this way now a days, it’s really kind of fun to bring your own beverages isn’t it? Not to mention, it really cuts the cost of the bill at the end.  This place is an absolute MUST!   7615 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

4. Mercado: SANTA MONICA

Unlike the others I’ve mentioned, this spot has a really distinguishable sleek and modern vibe and it’s got a nice trendy element to it as well.  Located close to the beach and all the great shopping in that area, it’s a fun spot!  The spicy cucumber margaritas are AMAZING and they have some of the best fish tacos I’ve had.  In my book, you really can’t go wrong if you’ve got those things nailed down.  1416 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401

Shop this Cinco de Mayo inspired Look:

Photos  taken by: Courtney Locks

Lucky in Red

October 8, 2013

LACMA, Los Angeles, CA

Fortune Cookies don’t lie.

Ok, well we all know that statement, itself, is a boldfaced lie.  However, I am choosing to believe that the fortune cookie I got yesterday stating: “Wear red and have good luck all week” was accurate.   My pal, however, opened her cookie at the very same time only to find a strange, seemingly meaningless fortune: “Do you feel like you’re walking in mud?”  Thus, we agreed to believe that since I was wearing red shoes and red nail polish at the time, mine had to be accurate and fantastic luck would surely be on it’s way for yours truly.  As for my pal, well, since hers made little sense to us, we agreed to forget it and laughed it off as we finished our tasty cookies.

Last night I met my “walking in the mud” pal over at the LACMA, which is just a couple of blocks from my place!  We were able to quickly check out the exhibit: Under the Mexican Sky: Gabriel Figueroa.   Gabriel, a Mexican cinematographer, helped to lead what they called the “Golden Age” of Mexican Cinema, worked all over the world, with a variety of artists and directors and I was fascinated to see that his work still proves to inspire contemporary filmmakers today.   The LACMA never disappoints and I am always so inspired by the works they are able to feature.  I forget it’s practically in my backyard, but I really have to get over there more often!

After the exhibit, we grabbed a beverage at Ray’s and Stark Bar, located in the courtyard area of the LACMA.  They have really amazing cocktails.  I mean, they take their concoctions very seriously and who doesn’t appreciate a place like that?  Last night, I tried out the Rose Wishes & Lavender Dreams, (doesn’t that just sound like a treat!) which is a gin based cocktail made extra yummy with St. Germaine, Rose, and some lemon and floral flavors, while my friend tried the Secret Cocktail, which was bourbon based, mixed with an egg white and some apple flavors—a little more daring, but perfect for the fall! 

Finally, we ended our evening at our local Thai spot, where I got the great news about how lucky my week is going to be!  I certainly won’t be taking this red nail polish off any time soon.   The truth is we could all use a little luck from time to time, and if it takes a silly fortune cookie or a lucky color to make us feel like we are a little closer to getting there, so be it!  

Here’s to hoping that luck finds its way into your world this week!

This lovely vintage inspired navy dress with a keyhole back and colorful prints from Urban Outfitters is charmingly fitting for a night out at the museum, but I think the pops of red brought in by the flats and nails make the look complete.  I also love this new black clutch from Social Butterflies- just can’t get enough of this little boutique right now!

Dress:  Urban Outfitters

Silver Ring: C/O Social Butterflies

Black Clutch: C/O Social Butterflies

Gold Star Ring: Nordstrom Rack

Red Flats: Material Girl/ Macy’s /eBay