Labor Day Weekend.

August 30, 2014

Santa Monica, CA

While I don’t necessarily love the idea that Labor Day signifies the end of summer (I go into great detail about it in this post from last year), I cannot deny that the gorgeous weather and long-weekend festivities that usually coincide with this holiday are pretty great.  Instead of heading out of town like the rest of the city, I am soaking up the HOT California sun and enjoying what this place has to offer.  Catching up with friends, stopping by the beach, browsing around the local farmers markets and reading poolside are pretty high up on my to-do list this weekend. And hey! I may even try to catch up on some work.

I am such a big fan of this trapeze denim dress from TOPSHOP.  It is such a fun style and serves as a wonderful canvas for accessorizing.  I chose to dress it down today for some ocean side weekend activities with my Sperry seacoast canvas sneakers, beachy blue beaded necklaces from Old Navy, and a sun-shielding fedora from ASOS.  This dress has infinite options for accessorizing.  Dress it up with some booties and slicked back hair, or keep it Boho with a headband and some Birkenstocks.  Whatever you choose, make it your own!  That is what I love about dresses like this one, they give you the option to accessorize in so many different ways, which truly individualize the outfit!

Happy Labor Day weekend!

MOTO Trapeze Dress: TOPSHOP

Black Fedora: ASOS

Beaded Necklace: Old Navy

Seacoast Canvas Sneakers: Sperry Topsider

Canvas Tote: ASOS (similar)

Shop This Look Here!

Photos Taken By: Art Voskonian

Day & Night.

August 11, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

Slipping from BBQ’s, to work events, to after-dinner cocktails, and everywhere in between, these long days can be tough on your toes, but it shouldn’t mean you have to compromise your style.  This comfy and effortless outfit will wear well no matter what the time of day, keeping you looking lovely round the clock!

 It’s always a good idea to wear comfortable shoes or bring a pair of heels in your purse for a quick change.  Also a statement necklace/ pop of lipstick can really help to dress up the look.  However, this navy and white striped maxi dress from Lulu’s, paired with classic NineWest nude wedges, makes for an easy transition, as is, from casual daytime events to dressy summer evening activities. 

 What’s better than an outfit that feels like pajamas but looks like a chic little ensemble? Nothing.  This dress is quickly becoming a go-to for just about all of my summer events.   While the styling options are endless with a classic piece like this, I chose to add some classic touches with a blue and gold beaded necklace, a pink Nantucket whale bracelet, my sail-bag clutch, and a white jean jacket from Old Navy for chillier temperatures. 

 Oh, and check out my new friend, Sam!  He saw us snapping photos over at the dog park and quickly stole the show and a bit of my heart.  This tiny white fluffy dog followed us around the park, posing alongside me whenever he noticed I stopped.  He was a perfect model, making the shoot so much more enjoyable. You never know what your day has in store for you, but with an outfit like this, you know you’ll always be looking you’re best.

Dress: Lulu's

Wedges: NineWest (on sale at Saks here!)

Jacket: Old Navy

Bracelet: PinkPineappleShop

Necklace: Old Navy

Get a Similar Look Here!

Photos by: Courtney Locks

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