Look of the Day: Black and White Stripes in Santa Barbara

(Reader Advisory: following blog post contains an extreme amount of bragging on the glorious state of California.)

Living in California has many, many perks: endless coastlines, lush mountains, laid back and friendly residents, wine country, acres and acres of agriculture, and even beautiful, serene deserts. As an outdoorsy girl, this is the state for me! Luckily, this is the second year in the row where I took a road trip down the coast to bask in California's backyard treasures. This time, my mom and stepdad took me along for the ride-- working remotely as a stylist has its benefits! Santa Barbara was our first stop of the trip, which has to be one of the prettiest cities in Cali. 

Since we were trekking down to SoCal, I had to fill my bag with easy, relaxed pieces. No fuss, just effortless and casual. Even my hair was fuss-free in a side braid!

Keep scrolling to see what I mean...

Gap white ankle length denim, black and cream striped sweater, Mossimo studded neutral sandals, and Express gold chain and beaded necklace. 

Natural makeup with Bare Minerals foundation, M.A.C. blush and eyebrow pencil, Clinique mascara, and Makeup Forever lipstick.

This sweater makes me want to sing, "Miss Mary Mack, Mack Mack..."

Who knew a courthouse could be so beautiful?

My mom (right) and her friend, Marta (left).

View from the bell tower.

Yum!

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

Airplane Chic

Airplane Chic by pumps-and-lipstick featuring black sandals

Stripe maxi dress
$94 - whistles.co.uk

Balenciaga black sandals
matchesfashion.com

Proenza Schouler royal blue bag
forwardforward.com

Today, I'm heading on a plane back today from Vegas after SIX long days. Yes, you read that correctly. SIX days in Vegas. Don't get it twisted, it was half work and half play. Coincidentally, my best friend's birthday extravaganza lead immediately into the MAGIC convention. 

After days of shopping, laughing, gambling, partying, walking the strip, checking out vendor booths, making purchases, networking, and the like, all I want to do is be comfortable as possible. What do I call comfort? A long maxi dress! I'm loving this look with wedges studded wedges and the pop of color with a cobalt blue satchel. Even though I'm currently not in wedges, I wish I wasn't so terribly exhausted so I can strap on a pair. Sandals today it is!

Anyway, they're calling for my group to board—cattle call style on Southwest. Happy Thursday!

Look of the Day: Ladies Who Lunch

Don't you just love those types of friends where you can go a while without seeing each other and then finally reunite and act like you live together? Yeah, well that's me and jewelry artisan, Jessica Linehan of Bobbi J. With our chaotic schedules, we were lucky set a date, time and location for a little lunchy-poo. On this particular day, the sun couldn't shine any brighter in Union Square and we were so fortunate and had to take advantage before the fog rolled on in. 

We decided to take a stroll down Maiden Lane before we grabbed a bite to eat before my class. Scroll on down for our looks of the day in beautiful San Francisco:

Jessica Linehan 

Handmade Bobbi J jewels. Soon to be available on bobbijsf.com

Coastal Cruisin': Day Two of Road Trip

If you live in California, and haven't driven down Highway 1, what the hell are you waiting for?! By far, this is one of my most favorite places to visit in California with endless beaches, rolling hills, and sea breezes. 

I went a bit preppy this day with a white collared shirt and striped sweater paired with denim and black patent leather ballet flats. With the fog and sea breezes, I ended up throwing on a Rag and Bone trench coat too.

Keep scrolling for more shots of gorgeous scenery from Monterey, Carmel, and Morro Bay...

Color Kaleidoscope: Top Spring Trends

For details, click here.

I know I'm not the only one leaping for joy that spring has finally arrived! I feel like the younger Black/Latin version of Martha Stewart by initiating a full-force, spring cleaning haul, gardening on my rooftop patio with flower printed gloves on and jumping up and down when I see the calla lilly bulbs I planted months ago starting to sprout in my terracotta pots. Someone get me a book deal and a TV show stat!

Stripes + Florals = Perfect Pairing

The top two in-demand prints this season are stripes and florals. In stripes, your look can be clean, nautical and classic. In florals, your look exudes femininity and playfulness. With the two together, magic happens! Pairing the two prints together makes me want to prance and skip down the street in bright and vibrant roses and daisies and big sailor stripes! Remember to: mix textures, keep accessories at a minimum, wear only one dominant print and keep prints in the same color family. Most importantly, have fun!

Hope you're loving the happy print pairing as much as I am! Let me know what you think!