Basics in Santa Barbara

Happy Monday!

This weekend was a big one for me…I turned 30!  I'm actually kind of excited.  It means that I have a new chapter of my life beginning.  My husband and I spent my birthday weekend in Santa Barbara. I plan on doing a post later this week on all of the fabulous things that we experienced there!Stay tuned!  In the meantime, this outfit was perfect for exploring the city and climbing to the top of city hall's observation deck (as shown here).  Stay tuned!  

xoxo,

Abbie

// Tee:  Madewell (size up; I'm wearing a medium) // Denim: Joe's // Flats:  Nordstrom (super comfortable!) // Hat:  Local Boutique (obsessed with this one) // Handbag:  Prada (less expensive here; under $50 here) // 

Athletic Wear

 Hi All!

This weekend the hubby and I went for a hike near the ocean.  It was gorgeous.  Whenever we do go do something that requires me to be a little more active, I always try to dress in layers that can adjust to the changing temperatures and have the ability to transition to lunch afterwards.  Also, can we just discuss these sneakers…I'M IN LOVE!  They are so adorable.  I'm not a sneaker girl but these have just a bit of something-something to them that make my heart skip a beat.

xoxo,

Abbie

// Jacket:  old; adore this one // Tee: Madewell (I sized up to a Medium for a boyfriend fit) // Scarf:  Forever 21 (only $12!) // Leggings: Nike (old; love these) // Handbag:  Goyard // Shoes:  Kate Spade (on mega sale ) // Sunnies:  Celine // Watch:  Michele // 

spring inspiration

// Top (under $25!) // Jacket ($68) // Heels (In Love!) // Denim // Handbag //

Here's some spring inspiration for you all.  I'm dying to wear this outfit!  I think I may have to order this top & these shoes soon as am I full blown obsessing over them.
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo,
Abbie

Floral Dress

 Happy Tuesday!

Hope your week is going well.  It has been HOT for Winter here in California.  I'm talking high 70s and 80s.  I'm personally dying for it to cool back down as I want to wear all my layers as long as possible.  However, I am excited to be able to wear this little floral number.  It's super adorable, light and airy.  The best part is that it is under $50!  I'm also thinking it would look fantastic with a half tuck into some white denim with nude pumps.  

xoxo,

Abbie

 // Dress:  Gray Monroe // Pumps:  Christian Louboutin (own and love this less expensive version) // Clutch:  Saint Laurent (love this less expensive one) //

Black Lace

Happy Friday!

I got this dress in the mail last week and let me just say I cannot wait to go out and wear it again.  It's just too cute.  I was so thrilled when it arrived and I tried it on within seconds of tearing open the package.  When I showed my husband, a man of few clothing words who rarely tells me if he likes something or not, immediately said, "Now that dress, I really like!"  I didn't even prompt him with a question to elicit that response.  It's that good.

Be sure to check out Gray Monroe's website as I've already purchased another dress from them and am in love.

xoxo,

Abbie

 // Dress:  Gray Monroe (the monroe dress) // Pumps:  Christian Louboutin (own and love this less expensive version) // Clutch:  Saint Laurent (love this less expensive one) //

Red Blazer & Leopard Heels

Happy Friday Eve!

My blazer, tee and denim trend continues today.  I'm seriously addicted.  I love nothing more than a good structured jacket with some destroyed skinnies and heels lately.  There's something so elegant yet effortless about it all.

I have to tell you all that this is one of only a few pieces of red in my closet.  For years (and often still at times) I have had real difficulty getting myself to wear red.  I always thought that it did nothing for me.  Well, my tastes must be slightly changing again as I am falling head over heels for the pieces of red that already exist in my wardrobe as of late.  While this blazer is a few years old, an updated style is now made that is even better.  This is the blazer that most closely matches this one and I have to say that it is worth every penny.  The construction of it and attention to details is perfection.  I am currently trying to talk myself out of purchasing it in other colors.  However, if my love affair with this type of uniform persists, it may be a necessary purchase.

xoxo,

Abbie

// Blazer: J.Crew (past season; updated version here (most similar to mine-wool), here (linen), & here (regent style))Tee:  Madewell (I sized up to a medium) // Denim:  Joes // Handbag:  Chanel (less expensive here) // Heels:  Christian Louboutin  // Sunnies:  Celine // 

Peplum & Blazers

Hello!

I have to admit that one of my very favorite things to do online is to read other blogs.  One of my favorites is The Teacher Diva.  Recently, she featured a very similar outfit and I knew that since I had these pieces in my closet, I had to recreate it.  This top is so amazing that I've already purchased it in the white color as well and am debating the blue print.  It has such a great fit!

This blazer is also fantastic.  It is on mega sale and my store had minimal sizes when I purchased mine. I tried on a size 4 (I'm normally a 0 and it was the only size left) and was shocked to see that it fit perfectly.  So that being said, size up!

In other news, I cannot believe that the week is already half way over!  It's pretty exciting to know that we are on the downhill slide to the weekend!  I hope your week is going well!

xoxo,

Abbie

 // Blazer:  Banana Republic (on sale!) // Top:  Anthropologie // Denim:  Joes // Heels:  Sam Edelman // Handbag:  Chanel (love this less expensive one) // Sunnies:  Celine // 

Uniform

Hi Everyone!

When I love a silhouette, I really love it.  Meaning, I wear it ALL THE TIME.  It becomes my uniform.  Lately, my favorite has been the combination of distressed denim (are you sick of me wearing them yet?), an oversized white tee, and a blazer.  I love the pairing of polished with distressed denim.  It seems like they aren't supposed to be paired together when you look at them individually, but then once you do, you know that they completely belong together.  Maybe I'm over exaggerating but I'm completely obsessed with the combination.  I would wear it daily if it weren't frowned upon to wear to work (sub in black skinnies for work).  Yesterday was a variation of this uniform, and I hate to say it but be prepared because this week as I have one more posting of my favorite silhouette coming up.  Do you have a go to uniform?

xoxo,

Abbie

 // Blazer:  Zara (old; currently craving this one & just purchased this one) // Tee:  Madewell (I sized up to a medium) // Denim:  Joes // Handbag:  Prada (love this less expensive option) // Heels:  Christian Louboutin Décolleté 554 (love and own this less expensive option…size up) // Sunnies:  Celine // 

Adding Interest

Hi All!

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I'm drawn to style that is classic with a twist.  I love the idea of having an overall classic esthetic and then adding in pops of interest with accessories.  These flats, while an investment, I can see myself wearing for years to come.  It took me years to pull the trigger on them and am so glad that I did.  In fact, I wish that I had snapped them up much sooner.  They are a subtle way of adding some fun to an otherwise neutral outfit.  Honestly, I've had them for four days and I've worn them for three of them.  I cannot get enough!

Another way that I enjoy adding interest is through jewelry.  This fox bracelet is so fun and I find myself wearing it multiple times a week.  My husband also picked up this gold-edged quartz arrowhead necklace this weekend for me. Due to its coloring, it is so simple to style and add into any outfit. I know I'll be wearing it for a long time to come.

What is your favorite way to add interest to your outfits?

xoxo,

Abbie

 // Blazer:  Banana Republic (old; similar here) // Tee:  Madewell (I sized up to a medium) // Denim:  Joes // Flats:  Charlotte Olympia (less expensive similar here) // Handbag:  Chanel (less expensive here) // Watch:  Michele // Necklace:  Waffles & Honey // Bracelets:  EllandEmm & Alexis Bittar Fox Bracelet // Sunnies:  Celine // 

All Things Blush

. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 .7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 .

It's no secret that blush is one of my favorite colors.  It wears with such simplicity and can basically be treated as a neutral.  Here are all of my blush favorites as of late.  Some of the above are on my wishlist and some are recent purchases.  By the way, if anyone wants to purchase that Prada bow wallet for me for my upcoming birthday, I'll love you forever! :)
xoxo,
Abbie