This is 30

January 26, 2017 Kelly Donohue

Santa Monica, CA

Well, it’s official, I’m a 30 year old lady! And while I wasn't exuberant about the number at first, I have come around to embracing it. Do I feel like I'm exactly where I want to be in my life? No way! But I certainly feel like I am getting there. The truth is, I don't think I will ever feel like I am there. Life is a constant journey and I will never stop wanting more out of it.

My twenties were carefree and full of BIG dreams. I danced, I traveled, I slept a lot more than I do now. I had very little money and also a lot fewer concerns. But it wasn't all fun and games...I dealt with major heartbreak, a shift in my career, I lived on a friends sofa for a summer and my dearest friend, my Mum, was diagnosed with cancer.

I guess my point is this: I used to look ahead with all these lofty goals and dreams for myself (and the people in my life) and now I've learned to let go a bit. There are simply too many things that are out of our hands. The only thing we can control is the kind of person we want to be while we are here. To be a kinder, better, braver, smarter person, that is all I can hope for my future.

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 a fantastic group of people that I love and cherish so dearly.

Turtleneck: c/o SHEIN

Skirt: Forever 21 (Sold out but similar here)

Sneakers: Steve Madden

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Romp Around

September 5, 2016 Kelly Donohue

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

Perfect Pastels

August 23, 2016 Kelly Donohue

Santa Monica, CA

Free-spirited and ultra-flirty, this is the maxi dress I’ve been living in lately. It’s a great transitional piece and the refreshing floral print will brighten even your busiest Tuesday. But what I REALLY love about it are the colors. Somehow SheIn has managed to design a dress that incorporates an entire rainbow of pretty pastel shades—without being too overwhelming. It’s perfection.

Pair with sandals for an afternoon event or tall wedges for night on the town, either way it’s sure to stand out. No matter the occasion-- drinks, casual Fridays, birthday parties, beach dates--I’ve found an excuse to wear this long breezy number.