Skirts & Hearts in LA

Blouse - Macy's, Skirt - Target (similar here), Heels - Aldo (similar here) (and here), Clutch - Forever 21

Being in LA has been so much fun and I don't think I'm ready to go back to the central coast.  There is so much inspiration around here and I've been taking full advantage of the weather by wearing skirts and tank tops while going out for lunch and shopping (cuz you know I've been doing a lot of that :) I wore this skirt with the gorgeous heart printed blouse (borrowed from my mom's hehe) for a date out with my husband. We strolled around Beverly Hills admiring the Christmas lights and window shopping before enjoying a nice dinner.  It was perfect.  My husband and I dated and fell in love in this city so we have a lot of places that we like to go back to since they hold such dear memories.  I hope you enjoyed this post and have a beautiful Monday!

xoxo,

Grace

Downtown

Jacket - J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket, Blouse - Foreign Exchange, Belt - American Eagle, Jeans - Abercrombie & Fitch, Heels - Target, Bag - Michael Kors Hamilton Tote

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! It has been so amazing to get to unwind and spend time with my family.  Time has really flown this year and it is crazy to think that we're less than a week from 2014! I'm in a bit of denial about the situation.  Anyways, these pictures were taken last week before my husband and I headed down to LA for our holiday break.  The J.Crew downtown field jacket has been on my wishlist since I saw it on pinterest (darn you pinterest!) and I have a serious love for jackets and blazers so of course I had to have it! My mom saw that I had pinned this and got it for me as an early Xmas gift and I was sooo excited! She always gives me the best gifts. She'll get me things throughout the year too, like new jeans for no reason, or a silky new blouse just because and I end up wearing everything she gives me over and over again because she just knows my style so well --moms are just wondeful aren't they? I hope you liked the outfit and I suggest you check out the jacket at J.Crew, it comes in the mossy brown color and a blue color as well. I will be posting more frequently in the coming week since I'm off work and don't have to go into the office, yippee!! Thank you all again for your wonderful comments! I love getting to read them and finding new blogs to follow as well! 

xoxo,

Grace

Classic Outfit Featuring My Dream Bag

 

Beige Blouse // Black Skirt // Heels // Tank Top // Daniel Wellington Watch // Messenger Bag (top // Messenger Bag (bottom)

So there is a little bit of a story behind my obsession with the outfit above and the bags featured but let me start off by saying I know it is kind of a spring time outfit and you're probably thinking what the heck it is the middle of winter, not summer! Well you see, I  keep finding myself day dreaming of spring and summer. Getting dressed requires so much less effort and things are more simple and easy during warmer weather. To be fair, you could totally wear this kind of outfit any time of year with the right accessories. Now, here's the little story behind this post:  I fell in LOVE (no exaggeration) with this messenger bag ever since I saw Amanda Seyfried wear it in the movie Letters to Juliet (picture above is a still from the movie). She wore it all throughout the movie and it just looked amazing with everything! I knew I had to have it the moment I saw it!  Well that was 3 years ago. Turns out this bag is highly coveted, due in large part to the movie,  and it is always sold out online, not to mention it is a bit pricey. But rightfully so, because it truly is the most perfect, stylish and practical bag that you could use everyday for years to come. It is the perfect companion for work, for everyday life, and for all your traveling adventures across the world to far off, exotic lands (I told you my mind wanders).  So I have been lusting over this bag on and off for the past 3 years and one day, it will be MINE (unless they stop making them, then I'll cry like a baby). Here are a few more shots from the movie showing the bag in all its glory. :)

I really think this would make a perfect holiday gift for your best friend, a boyfriend/husband, mom or dad, your favorite aunt? I mean really, who wouldn't want to receive such a classic, made-to-last, versatile, piece of leather craftsmanship? Can you tell I'm obsessed? 

 Xoxo, 

Grace

Mango Trousers

Blazer - H&M (similar here), Blouse - Target, Pants - Mango (get them here), Shoes - White  House Black Market, Handbag - Michael Kors 

I really love searching for "work outfit" ideas on pinterest but I'm not a huge fan of the conventional work trousers.  They're always too long on me, get super wrinkly  or just look weird but when I found these Mango cotton trousers (as they're called on their website), I've been kind of living in them! Mango is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop and their selection of work appropriate attire leaves nothing to be desired. For the ladies working the 9-5, you need these pants in your closet! These, these and these are neccessary as well. Work has been crazy for me these days and I'm sure a lot of you can relate to the rush of office deadlines, morning traffic, the blurred afternoons spent drinking cup after cup of coffee to remain somewhat awake as you squint at your screen (you get the picture), but rest assured, these pants will keep you going (I like to think of them as my magic trousers).   Ok I'll stop rambling about the damn pants.  But seriously, this week needs to fly so I can be on my way to enjoying holiday vacation bliss with my husband and our puppies! What are your holdiay plans?  Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful Wednesday!

xoxo,

Grace

'Tis The Season for Red

Dress - Victoria's Secret (similar here, here and here), Shoes - Zara, Clutch - Forever 21

I know, I know,a  red dress for the holiday season? How original. But I had to! I mean it is a classic for a reason and in my opinion, there is no better color for the season other than red. Plus this dress is a little different from some of the traditional red dresses out there in that it is a simple dress but the shape of it and the way the fabric gathers at the waist gives it that special little something. This is the kind of dress that would look great on just about anybody because it has such a flattering shape. It is the perfect shade of red, doesn't have any glitter, or embroidery or any of that kind of stuff and it is sensible but still sexy enough for a night out, (meaning you could wear it out for your holiday work party or even for just a night out with your hubby/boyfriend. Best part of all? Its super comfortable! I mean I could eat all night and not have to worry about sucking it in in this dress-- and during this time of year that little bit of help is kind of essential, (I promise to start working out in the new year after the pumpkin pie has had time to settle). The only thing I would add to this outfit is my soon-to-arrive camel coat I ordered online. A black or even a white coat would look great over this dress as well. I hope you enjoyed, thank you for visiting and I hope you find your perfect holiday dress for the season!

xoxo,

Grace

Winter Outfit Inspiration

 

Jacket - OASIS (here), Slouchy Sweater - (similar here and here), Pants - Seven Skinny Jeans (totally need these), Black Suede Ankle Boots - Cynthia Vincent (on sale here), Studded Clutch - 2BSTORES.com (here), Beanie - H&M, Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses - find here

 

This is pretty much my perfect winter outfit, maybe add in a scarf for extra warmth and you're set! I've been on a quest to find the perfect coat and I really love the style of the one above, especially with the black trimming on the cuffs.  Coats are so expensive though,  and finding a good quality one at a reasonable price takes some good hunting skills.  My quest continues, but I will let you all know the second I find one! I think the studded clutch adds some jazz to a rather neutral outfit so I'll definitely need to get one to add to my wardrobe. What are your favorite ways to jazz up winter outfits? Have you all found the perfect winter coat? I'd love to know! Thanks for all your wonderful comments, hope you have a beautiful day!

xoxo, Grace

Olive & Burgundy

Jacket - Forever 21 (love this one too), Scarf - Target, Blouse - H&M (here), Pants - Target (similar here), Bag - H&M (Old), Booties - BCBG (here)

Happy Friday!  It has gotten SO cold within the past few days and it is this time of year that I always struggle to find ways to stay warm while still looking put together.  If I could, I would totally wear PJ's to work but layering up in comfy clothes is the next best thing.  For the most part, I'm  a neutrals kinda girl, so this outfit is pretty close to what you'll find me wearing on most days-- a sheer blouse, a scarf and skinny jeans.  I've said it before but I'll say it again: Target has the best selection of scarves! Like the one I'm wearing, its got gold threading that sparkles in the light and the pattern kind of reminds me of a beautiful Persian rug.  Hope you all enjoyed, and thank you for all your sweet comments! Have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,
Grace

Style Icon: Rachel Bilson

Ever since she played the role of the giddy and adorable, Summer Roberts on The O.C., I've had a total girl crush on Rachel Bilson. I always look to her for fashion inspiration as she epitomizes effortless style--the kind that makes you think she just threw on a bunch of random things and just happens to look that great. Whether she's wearing frilly skirts with an edgy boot, a feminine dress with a grungy looking jacket or the perfect skinny jeans paired with a simple t-shirt, she always retains that "oh-I-just-threw-this-on-and-rushed-out-the-door," look that I think we all strive for.  I've always tried to emulate her style in some ways because I really admire her sense of fashion.  She doesn't always follow the latest trends, instead she sticks to what she knows works for her body and mixes classic pieces with bohemian style cuts and fabrics to create her looks. Plus she's just adorable. Who are your favorite style icons? I'd love to know! 

xoxo,

Grace

Turtleneck Kinda Gal

 

Turtle Neck - H&M (get it here), Skirt - H&M (here), Shoes Mango (similar here), Clutch - Forever 21, Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch (here)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I spent mine in LA with my family and friends and it was absolutely amazing--I even learned how to make my mom's famous turkey! Since we were in LA, I wanted to take the opportunity to take some pictures at the beautiful Los Encinos State Historic Park, it is a little gem hidden in the middle of a residential neighborhood. We strolled around the park and took some pictures before heading to dinner. It was a beautiful day, a little chilly but not enough to need a coat. Ever since I was little, I've been kinda obsessed with turtlenecks and at one point I had a pretty extensive collection. I still love them but it is getting harder to find the right fit and fabric, but the one I'm wearing is from H&M and is so comfy, perfect for chilly nights. Hope you enjoyed the outfit and happy December! I love this time of year, I pretty much sing Christmas music all the way up until Christmas and it drives everyone around me crazy...does anyone else do this?

xoxo,Grace