Holiday Dreamin'

November 19, 2014 Kelly Donohue

November 19, 2014

LACMA. Los Angeles, CA

I love tradition.

Growing up in a family with plenty of traditions, my days were usually full of silly little routines. From the basic- Family Dinner Fridays (which have now turned into date nights for my parents) to the not so basic- speaking in whacky made-up languages around the house (to see if we could still understand each other) they made us unique and made our days more memorable.

That being said, I don’t’ think there’s really anything like the traditions I share with my family during the holiday season. I have a lot of cousins and ever since I could remember, we put on a Thanksgiving “show” for the adults in my family. Since I was the youngest, I always played the turkey. I wore a paper bag with some feathers smeared on it and I loved it. While I had no lines aside from “gobble” and got killed almost immediately upon entering the living room floor, I always felt like I had the most important part. Over the years, we've outgrown that tradition but we've replaced it with some great new ones.

Over time, inevitably changes come our way. Whether people enter or leave our lives or a new city or job has forced us to uproot, those traditions and those memories live on. And that is why I simply love this time of year.

Today’s look is one of my many go-to holiday outfits this season. Effortlessly chic, I think a classic fall dress is always great idea for Thanksgiving festivities. I love that this dress has a cozy sweater top but also a flowy chiffon skirt. It’s a darling option for most any casual dinner this season. Don’t you think?

Dress: c/o Marshalls

Buckle Pumps: Nine West

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

Check Out More of my Favorite Holiday Dresses Here:

Marketing.

September 22, 2014 Kelly Donohue

September 22, 2014

Larchmont Village, CA.

There is no better place to find local, sustainable food than a farmers market. Loaded with the freshest fruits, veggies, diary and meats and you can get your hands on, more and more people- not just chefs, but home cooks too- are developing an appreciation for these lovely European style markets. And with fall in the air, you’d better hurry up and take advantage of the seasonal vegetables and outdoor markets while you still can.

For the past couple of months, I have decided to make it a Sunday ritual to swing by my neighborhood farmers market. Just so you know, I am the farthest thing from a chef, however, this new habit of mine has started to inspire me to eat healthier and… yes wait for it… even COOK for myself! While you certainly won’t be seeing me on an episode of “Chopped” any time soon, improvements have been made!

My best pal Courtney who lives right across the hall is quite crafty in the kitchen, and usually joins me on my Sunday market runs- she affectionately calls these outings “marketing” trips. “We’re marketing!” she says, and she helps me adopt better techniques of carrying my basket and picking the ripest of fruits- you know, something only a seasoned “marketer” would know to do.

Anyways, last night I teamed up with her to make a delicious zucchini, heirloom tomato, and ricotta pasta with a side kale salad for dinner. We picked up ALL of the ingredients from Larchmont Farmers Market and I’m not sure if it was the delicious produce, or Courtney’s masterful skills masking mine, but I’m beginning to feel like I can pull off a meal or two these days- and a pretty tasty one at that!

Welcoming a bit of cooler fall weather, I sported this red plaid fit and flair dress and classic cropped sweater, both from Forever 21. Effortlessly charming, this lightweight, fitted dress is both flattering and comfortable for a stroll around the market. The vibrant red plaid makes a statement of its own, which is why I kept it simple on this lazy Sunday morning with my black Forever 21 Oxfords and everyday gold initial necklace.

I hope this inspires you to take advantage of the local markets in your neighborhood. If you feel like you are in a rut, always picking up the same items at the grocery store, eating because its obligatory, then I suggest you get out there and take advantage of the local farmers markets in your neighborhood. Not only will you find inspiration for new dishes in every corner, but the quality, and price of the products are simply unbeatable!

Plaid Dress: Forever 21 (SOLD OUT) Suggestions Below!

Cropped Black Sweater: Forever 21

Black Oxfords: Forever 21

Tote Bag: ASOS

Shop This Look!

For all the latest fall pieces I am currently coveting, be sure to check out my shop page!

Photos Taken By: Courtney Locks

Time.

February 7, 2014 Kelly Donohue

February 7, 2014

Beverly Hills, CA

After a beautiful weekend in San Diego, an interesting time in court serving jury duty, and a tearful goodbye to the comedian I’ve grown up with and come to admire- Mr. Jay Leno- it’s been quite the week! And while I know it may sound like a lot, I truly cannot believe an entire week has already flown by. Where does the time go these days? All I know, is there just never seems to be enough.

On my twenty-first birthday, (yes this was actually on the top of my list) my friends and I attended a taping of the TONIGHT SHOW with Jay Leno. And let me just tell you; it was everything I could’ve hoped for and more! Jay met us before the show, took pictures with us and of course- found ways to poke fun at all of our majors at UCLA. It was during the writer’s strike and so the show was relying much more on guest interaction because they were not able to get as many celebrity guests/ write as many bits as usual. Lucky for us though, he came to us to participate on the show and then after that, his hilarious guest, the “Fruitcake Lady” (have you ever seen her?), baked a cake for him and he came over and gave his piece to me for my birthday. Pretty much the nicest guy ever- right?

Growing up in Boston, my parents adored him and had him on our television every night. If I had to be up late doing homework or if my Mum and I were up late chatting, we’d always have Jay on in the background. I’ll never forget how relieved I felt when I finally got a TV in LA after I first moved out here because it meant I didn’t have to feel so alone at night. His show has always been so comforting and it was like taking a piece of home with me. Thus, I made sure to tune in for last night’s final show. It was wonderfully touching and candid – leaving me once again wishing that there was simply more time.

Today’s outfit is inspired by today’s break in the rainy weather we’ve been having the past couple of days. It’s still on the chillier side here in LA but it’s nothing tights and a sweater can’t fix! I adore the Peter Pan collar on this dress- it adds so much to what is otherwise a quite simple piece. I dressed it up with this belt from the Melrose Trading Post and voila! A neutral classic outfit, put together for under $100, that is perfect for this Friday afternoon.

Happy Friday!