THE BLACK TRENCH

And so we continue on our journey through my California pictures.  If you are paying attention, these shots are from the same day as "california lovin'".  The only difference is that I am sporting this awesome black trench.  =)  After we drove around and down Mulholland Drive, we decided to stroll through the Sunset strip.  The last time I was in California, I remember having a fun time perusing all the shops that line this street.  However, the problem that day was that the stores were closing as soon as we got there.  Epic FAIL!  That's the tricky part with California.  The stores start closing but the sun is still up and shining.  In Chicago, I associate stores closing with the sun going down.  It didn't occur to me that at 7pm in California, the sun is still fairly high above us.  Luckily there was one store that still had it's doors open.  Kin Los Angeles FOR THE WIN!  And like a true shop-a-holic, I was lured to the store by racks of clothes displayed outside with a sign that said 50% off sale. My dad quickly ran to the other side of the street.

Although I did not find anything on the 50% off rack due to sizing availability, I spotted this thin black trench hanging on a mannequin.  Something about it's shapelessness and flowy thin fabric called out to me saying "You will need me on those 8 random days out of the year where it's about 60-70 degrees in Chicago."  I looked at the price tag and it was about $100 and it was a done deal.  And of course having Papa DOS nearby, I had to get some shots with it so I could share them with you guys.  I also did get another jacket from Kin Los Angeles that is a bit heavier for the fall.  I can't wait to bust that one out as well.

SPECIAL THANKS to Morgan for being so awesome to me at the store and making me drool over so many hot LA designers.  I am still lusting for that forest green hat on the hat wall.  Hmmmmmm.... =) Morgan, you were so fun to shop with!  I wish I had remembered to take a photo with you.  Gah I'm an awful blogger.  I guess this guarantees that I'll be back!

Trench Coat - UNIF  |  Vest - Elizabeth and James (old)  |  Tank Top - Free People  |  Jeans - Rich and Skinny  |  Shoes - B Brian Atwood  |  Bag - Chanel  |  Accessories - Cusp, Stella & Dot, Suo, Brandy Melville

-DOS

CALIFORNIA LOVIN'

I'm back!  Well actually I've been back all week.  But readjusting to being back at work and trying to fix the damn two hour difference my internal clock is on was tough.  I had suuuuuuuuuuuuuch a fab time in California.  I was with The Hubster, Papa DOS, and my little sissy on a little family vaycay.  This was much needed especially because it came right after a crazy weekend in Vegas for one of my bestie's bachelorette party.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably saw a glimpse of our time in Vegas.  =)

I gotta say, being on the west coast for a little over a week felt amazing.  Weather in California is so great.  It was a bit chilly but being from Chicago, I can handle a bit chilly.  The sun was consistent and shining every day which just automatically brightens my mood.  Every time I'm there I think, "Man, I could move here fo sho!"  (Although I say the same thing every time I visit NYC)  If I had my way I would do two years in California and two years in New York.  

My Cali trip was filled with a lot of... well... eating.  Hahaha...  I think I ate my weight in seafood.  GAH!  So goooood!  Thanks to Danny for always showing us the best spots in LA.  I also got to visit my very first vineyard thanks to my darling Minnie and her boytoy who so graciously took me and The Hubster in for two days until my dad and sis arrived.  Minnie took me to South Coast Winery in Temecula, California while our two boys played together.  Hehehehe...  In other words, we got drunk while they played golf somewhere.  California has such wide open spaces.  The vineyard literally took my breath away.  The other girls just stood there laughing at me while I stared out into the open horizon with my mouth hanging open.  And that was BEFORE the 11 tastings of wine.  Thanks for showing me such a great time!  <3<3<3  And Pam and Tre, I hope you read this.  You two are buckets of fun!  "You know them young ones these days, they into the pinky toes."  LOL!

This day was the day we went cruising on Mulholland Drive.  It was so beautiful.  Next time I want to drive through it with a convertible.  Something sporty and sassy.  Hehehe.  Such breathtaking views!  There are little pockets that are designated look out spots that have great views of the city.  <3  Not to mention on the other side are some BALLER houses!  Whut whut!  Lots of gated houses on this road.  Made me wonder who lives there.  You also wonder where is the closest gas station and grocery store???  Do they get that stuff just helicoptered down?  Man that's so BOSS!  Anyhoo!  I have more California posts coming up so I'll tell you more later.

Cardigan - Brandy Melville  |  Vest - Elizabeth and James (old)  |  Tank Top - Free People  |  Jeans - Rich and Skinny  |  Shoes - B Brian Atwood  |  Bag - Chanel  |  Accessories - Cusp, Stella & Dot, Suo, Brandy Melville

I hope you are all still checking in on the blog here and there.  Sorry I was so MIA!  I appreciate all my loyal readers.  Especially the ones that reach out to me.  <3<3<3 xoxoxoxoxo

-DOS

Wednesday Wishlist 2/15/12

AllSaints Spitalfields Native Leather Jacket - $1050

TEXTILE Elizabeth and James Jimi Flare Jean - $225

Alexander McQueen Leopard Skull Silk Chiffon Scarf - $475

Acne Ry Angora Blend Sweater - $250

L.A.M.B. Nathan Leather Booties - $355

Elizabeth and James "Puck's Garden" Black Sapphire Ring - $295

ASOS Slot Through Portfolio Clutch - $36

Sorry about the total skip on last week's Wednesday Wishlist!  Here's a great one for ya!  I adore this AllSaints jacket.  It has so many cool design elements.  You have got to click the link and check out the back side of this jacket.  So yummy.  The TEXTILE Elizabeth and James flares are also so great.  The frayed hem makes it so casual and free.  I've also been itching to get another Alexander McQueen scarf and nothing can beat skulls AND leopard print right?!  The Acne sweater is a definite must in every closet.  Something so easy to throw on when you don't want to think about your outfit.  The L.A.M.B. shoes are perfect for any outfit and definitely can hold it's own in the wow factor.  It has just a tad bit of fringe and we all know how I feel about fringe these days.  <3  I'm not so good with jewelry and rings just because nothing ever really fits me that well.  But I can acknowledge that this Elizabeth and James ring is flippin' awesome!  Also loving this portfolio clutch from ASOS.  I think I'm definitely going to have to snag this when pay day comes around.  Oh wait, that's today!  Woot!  More outfit posts from NYC to come so keep visiting daily!  =)

-DOS