THIRD STREET PROMENADE

More California pics!  Woohoo!  I think this is the last batch.  These were taken in Santa Monica and more specifically, Third Street Promenade.  This was such a cute shopping area.  It's kind of like an outdoor mall, but it's also a street, but no cars can go down this street, but it looks like a street with sidewalks and everything.  We did go to the pier for a bit and tried to hit up the beach but it was actually pretty chilly.  I thought I would be able to soak some rays and had my suit on, all ready to go but it was total fail.  So we went shopping instead.  Specifically for sweaters.  

This was where my sister and I discovered Brandy Melville.  I haven't had that much fun shopping at an actual store in quite some time.  As you may know, I am a big online shopper.  Mostly because I barely have time to peruse stores.  Brandy Melville was amazing.  I loved the very California feel of the store.  Loose knit sweaters, cut off tanks, distressed shorts and jeans, skulls, leathers, studs... it was heaven.  Needless to say, I found a cardigan for the day, and then some.  It was also really fun because I got to watch my sister go nuts.  This store is totally her style.  I found it extremely entertaining because usually I am the one that goes overboard when we go shopping.  This time, she was the one with a huge pile going into the fitting room.  At one point she looked at me and yelled "I LOVE EVERYTHING!"  Hahahaha...  And when she hit the jewelry section, it really got funny.  It was lots of "Oooh cute!" "Oooh love!" "Awww adorable!" "Need this!" "I think I want two."  She definitely did more damage than I did that day.  If you are in the Santa Monica area.  I highly recommend spending half the day at Third Street Promenade.  Also allocate about 2 hours to Brandy Melville.  Hehehe... =)

Top - Kaitlyn  |  Shorts - Kaitlyn  |  Cardigan - Brandy Melville  |  Shoes - Gucci  |  Bag - Louis Vuitton  |  Sunnies - Kaitlyn  |  Jewelry - SUO, Brandy Melville  |  Watch - Michael Kors

-DOS

UP HIGH WITH TIE-DYE

Happy Monday all!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I, myself, had a pretty relaxing one.  Very much needed.  I spent it pool side, going to the spa, and watching endless episodes of Breaking Bad.  That show is addicting as hell.  Definitely a recommended show to watch.  I also watched the last Batman film.  Every bit as amazeballs as everyone thought it would be.

This shoot is another one from my California trip taken by the talented Papa DOS.  This was the day we tried to find the best place to view the Hollywood sign.  The Griffith Observatory is a beautiful sight and definitely worth the trip but I was hoping to get a closer view of the Hollywood sign.  I know there is a way to get up there using residential roads but our phones were all fail on the route so we ended up here.  The views of LA were gorgeous from this height and there are so many great hiking trails.  I'll definitely be back with obviously better hiking shoes.  Hehehe...  I finally got an opportunity to post some photos of my favorite summer jeans.  Made by Rich & Skinny, the Hendrix jean is super fun.  Not only is the purple color amazing, but the white tie-dye up the sides are a great added detail.  I am also so glad I brought along some type of sweater on this trip.  It got a bit chilly as the sun went down which we did not really anticipate when we were packing.  After we were done with this shoot, we headed straight for K-town and killed it with a huge order of Boiling Crab.  Just thinking about it is making me drool.  If you ever find yourself in LA, Boiling Crab is a MUST HAVE!  You will not be disappointed, as long as you order it with "the whole shi-bang"!

Sweater - Free People  |  Top - Urban Outfitters  |  Jeans - Rich and Skinny  |  Shoes - Christian Louboutin  |  Bag - Louis Vuitton  |  Sunnies - Kaitlyn  |  Watch - Michael Kors  |  Jewelry - ASOS (ring) , SUO, Stella & Dot, CUSP

-DOS

SHOP THIS LOOK

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