Hi, Barbie!

 

With the release of the new Barbie movie less than a day away, it seems like everywhere you look everything is Barbie! Thinking more on it, Barbie-mania has been going on for months now, but who can resist indulging in all things pink in celebration of the release of the movie? So, in celebration of the Barbie movie, I am styling this pink and white striped button down top, which is definitely something I think Barbie would wear, with a few different skirts. This pink and white top is so versatile and goes with so much in my wardrobe that I can't choose which skirt I liked it best with!

 

As you can see, the skirts featured in this post all have a tropical theme with pineapples, palms, and flamingo prints. While I am featuring different skirts, I kept the same accessories for all of the outfits. I definitely think both this fun pink straw bag and my metallic pink shoes would be accessories found in Barbie's closet! You will notice that there are also several colorful murals that I am using for this post. The good news is that these murals can all be found at Dot's Cafe in Pasadena! Because the murals are all pink, or at least have some pink found in them, I think Barbie would approve of them too!

l

 

Top: J. Crew Factory here

Pineapple Skirt: J. Crew similar pineapple print skirt

Flamingo Skirt: J. Crew similar flamingo print skirt here

Palm Skirt: Nordstrom

Bag: J. Crew similar pink straw bag

Shoes: J. Crew here

Shop the Look

Red, Pink and Lobster

 

I'm back, just in time for the Fourth of July! I haven't posted here on my blog for over a month due to being busy finishing up the school year, but now that I've settled into summer vacation mode I'm ready to get back to blogging again, which, hopefully, means posting at least a couple times a week. Anyway, it's hard to believe that it's the Fourth of July already! While this lobster dress from J. Crew Factory is not the most patriotic thing one could wear for the holiday, it does have red and the starfish that adorn the print are, after all, stars, so I think it can work!

 

I have always loved lobsters, not to eat, but just because they are oddly beautiful and strange creatures. I actually don't eat lobster, not really for ethical reasons, but just because I don't eat seafood. (I know, that's strange.) One year, I went to marine biology summer camp and we got fresh caught lobsters, not to study but to eat, and I had so much fun playing with them that I was disheartened to see them being thrown into the boiling pot! Anyway, apparently the musical group the B-52's were equally enamored by this magical crustacean, hence the song "Rock Lobster". Artist Salvador Dali was also inspired by them, creating a telephone featuring their likeness, so I think I'm in good company with my fascination with and reverence of lobsters!

 

Dress: J. Crew Factory here and lobster top version

similar here and here

Shoes: Old Navy similar bow espadrilles

Bag: c/o Talbots similar colorful straw bag

Belt: SheIn here

Earrings: Target similar colorful raffia earrings here

 

Shop the Look

 

 

Mad Hatter

 

This summer, I have officially become obsessed with hats! I've always had a few hats in my wardrobe but I recently added a couple more to my collection.  One new addition is this orange hat that I got on sale a few weeks ago from Anthropologie. I like that it offers a bright pop of color to any outfit plus some much needed protection from the hot summer sun! (It's both practical and fashionable, which is not something I can say for many things in my wardrobe!) One other thing I really like about this hat is that it's well made, so I know it's something that I will be able to wear for years to come. Below are some other colorful hats that I love for summer!

 

 

Despite buying a couple hats, I'm trying to shop my closet this summer. I cleaned out my closet at the beginning of summer and I realized that I should try to get more use out of the things I already own rather than buying more things. This colorful popover dress from J. Crew has been in my closet for a few years and I love the popover style! In fact, I love it so much that I own this style dress in a few different prints! I thought this print was a perfect match with my orange hat against this fun restaurant in L.A. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed for lunch when we went to take these pictures but, based on the fun exterior, I definitely want to come back when they are open to dine!

 

l

 

Dress: J .Crew similar here, here, and here

Hat: Anthropologie here

Shoes: Loeffler Randall here

Bag: Louis Vuitton similar here

 

Shop the Post

 

 

Pink and White in Pasadena

 

A couple weeks ago, I posted about a pink and white skirt from Ann Taylor that I love because of the versatility of the print. Well, today I am back in the matching pink and white top! I previously paired the skirt with a fun, floral tee shirt but with this top, I decided to go for white pants for more of a classic look. That being said, I can't do an outfit without one or maybe two pops of color! So, of course, I have my Ferragamo rainbow flats on with a bright yellow bag.

 

The location I used for these photos is the Pasadena Playhouse. I have seen several plays at this theater but, sadly, I have not had the opportunity to attend since things closed down a couple years ago due to COVID. The Pasadena Playhouse first opened in the 1920s and was the theater where many stars were discovered and got their start before transitioning to the movies. I featured more images of this historic theater on one of the Reels I did last week on Instagram. While the theater is lovely in the daytime, I will have to make an effort in the evening to take in a show!

l

 

Top: Ann Taylor here

Pants: Zara similar white pants

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo similar rainbow flats here

Bag: Louis Vuitton similar yellow bag here

 

Shop the Post

 

 

With a Cherry On Top

 

Last week, I posted hitting the sale rack at Anthropologie and this week I am continuing the theme of great things that I have found on sale at Anthro! Today, I'm posting about this adorable sequin cherry top that I just recently ordered online from Anthro. While I was on the fence about whether or not to get this top, I'm really happy that I did because, when it arrived in the mail, I realized it's so much cuter in person than in pictures with its sequin and embroidered cherry details and ruffle sleeves! It's also a versatile top that can probably be worn throughout the year, at least here in California. Here I'm wearing the top with these purple shorts that I picked up on sale at J. Crew. (Yes, I have been hitting all of the sales this summer!) I also opted for a pair of gingham flats to accessorize my summer outfit. For work in the fall, I might pair the blouse with a pair of gingham pants because I think cherries and gingham are a perfect pairing!

 

As I previously mentioned, in addition to the cherries, one of the cute things about this top that makes it unique is, obviously, the ruffle sleeves. I would like to note that it was rather windy while taking these pictures and the sleeves were a bit problematic for photographs because they kept blowing up in the wind and hitting me in the face! (Maybe I should post a few of the outtakes!) I would say that if you live someplace where it is very windy and plan to be outside a lot, perhaps this is not the top for you, but otherwise I would highly recommend it!

 

Top: Anthropologie here

Shorts: J. Crew here

Shoes: Target similar gingham flats here and bow sandal version here

Sunglasses: YSL almost identical version here

 

Shop the Post

Firework Dress

 

Summer is really flying by, as it always does! I can't believe the Fourth of July is right around the corner but I'm gearing up by getting out my patriotic red, white and blue! I also love this fireworks dress as another, less traditional option for something to wear for the holiday. The print depicts fireworks but in a colorful and abstract way that makes the dress perfect to wear all summer long, not just on the Fourth. The print also comes in a red and white version that I think is even more fitting for the Fourth. I purchased a pair of shorts in that particular print and I'll be featuring them this weekend on the blog for a special Independence Day post!

 

Speaking of fireworks, the (illegal) fireworks festivities have already started here in Los Angeles and can be seen and heard in some neighborhoods already. (I guess some people really are excited about celebrating!) Luckily our dog William doesn't seem to mind the fireworks too much so we don't have to deal with him hiding, shaking or barking. I am looking forward to seeing the legal fireworks that they have in our city and surrounding cities from our backyard this Fourth of July, as it's one of my favorite traditions associated with the holiday!

 

Dress: LOFT here

Bag: Mansur Gavriel similar round pink bag here

Sandals: Brooks Brothers similar gold sandals here

 

Shop the Post

 

In the Groove

 

I've been on summer break now for about two weeks and it always amazes me how easily I can settle into the groove of being off from work! For example, it only took me a couple days to completely forget what day of the week it was! I've also settled into a much better pattern of sleep that has me feeling more well-rested and healthy again! Speaking of being "in the groove", today I'm featuring these groovy pants from J. Crew! What immediately caught my eye about these pants was, obviously, the fun print, which is one of J. Crew's signature "Ratti" prints that I adore. My husband said they looked very 70s inspired and that I should have worn the pants with Go Go boots! Well, I didn't go overboard with the retro vibe but I do like that the print and the bold colors are a nod to the 70s, which was a pretty groovy decade when it came to fashion!

k

 

One of the other nice things about being off on summer vacation is that is frees up a lot more time for blogging and visiting fun locations in the Los Angeles area. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a heatwave here in Southern California, so I am not as motivated as I usually would be to go out and explore but I hope to do more of that in the upcoming weeks...weather permitting!

 

Pants: J. Crew here and blouse version of this print here

Top: J. Crew similar ruffle top here

Shoes: Target similar purple sandals here

Bag: Gucci

Headband: J. Crew here

 

Shop the Post