Tag:

collaborations

These 7 For All Mankind jeans are the gems I’ve been looking for when it comes to coated denim. When I first saw them I got a very downtown-meets-uptown-meets-errands vibe, which I’m kinda all about. To be sure they were as amazing as I thought, I took them on a test drive through the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Yep! I was right and I love them so much I can barely take them off! They’re the perfect marriage between faux leather leggings and distressed denim. This pair runs slightly large, so I sized down, but the slim fit is great, especially with oversized loungewear.

For this look, I stayed with 7FAM and paired the coated denim with this super luxurious leopard coat with faux fur trim and finished it off with patent booties. I love this outfit, but I definitely can’t wait to wear the jeans with sneakers and camel coats, too. That is if the temps ever decide to dip—wishful thinking in SoCal. We’ll see. Now, I can’t wait for a night out!

 

 
Thank you 7 For All Mankind for sponsoring this post!

 

We recently purchased an oval marble table for our dining room and I was on the hunt for the perfect chairs to match. I felt some pressure because I had purchased some chairs in the past we had regretted, they fell apart easily and were uncomfortable to sit on. However, I was determined to make this a better situation. I did some research, even asked readers and followers on Instagram stories what are their favorite furniture brands. I finally put together a couple looks I loved on Pinterest and boom, my vision for our dining room was taking shape. I ended up choosing two velvet chairs from Anthropologie and 6 from Houzz.com. The latter was a sizable purchase so I did what I always do, check and see if I can find a promo code. Those who know me well, know I love coupons (though I’ll admit I have zero time for them now) and my mom used to pay me for the coupons we used on our grocery trip. That early training sparked my habit for always looking for the best deal. My mission was to find antique gold cafe chairs and find them before Thanksgiving. That’s not too much to ask for, right? So when I was ready to check out and purchase the chairs on Houzz.com, I noticed the promo code was empty. I looked for a promo code for Houzz.com on RetailMeNot. A site I had used a couple times before. I’m happy to announce that I found a promo code that saved me $100 off on the chairs and called Reid at work who was proud of me for doing the research and most of all, finally picking out chairs. Now, before every purchase, I check RetailMeNot, just in case, so as to not miss a promo code that could potentially mean huge savings. Also, I recently downloaded the app, chose my preferences, mine were kids, fashion and of course, shoes. I didn’t turn on post notification ( since that makes me a little crazy) and signed in seamlessly with my Facebook account. What’s your next big or small purchase? Whether its a gift for your mom, your son your co-worker, a new vacuum or like me, 8 new chairs, take my advice and check RetailMeNot first. You will thank me later. and by the way, the app is free 🙂


Tucker & Tate Clothes

While the idea of shopping for four kids sounds fun in theory – and it can be – it’s also a lot of work. There aren’t a lot of stores or brands that carry something that’s comfortable, can withhold busy kids, and that aren’t cheesy. For how young my kids are, they really do love picking out their clothes, so I want them to like what they’re wearing as well.

 

Nordstrom is always a one-stop shop for our family when shopping. I get a ton of my clothes there, in store or online – the inventory is excellent either way, and we can shop for the kids at the same time. Their return policy is like any other, so in case a kid grows out of something before they can even wear it, it’s simple to take back. The kids and I like going in store to pick out their clothes, especially before the new school year or holidays.

 

A Nordstrom brand we turn to often is Tucker & Tate. My girls love that they carry colorful, floral skirts and dresses, booties that “look like mom’s”, and the boys dig the beanies and cool shirts. Honestly, some of the stuff is so cute I’d wear it myself! If you’re doing any early fall shopping for the kids, I highly recommend checking out Tucker & Tate. I think your kids will be happy, too!

 

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

tucker and tate dress NORDSTROM:: knit leggings NORDSTROM :: booties SIMILAR 

boys hats NORDSTROM :: boys thermal t-shirts NORDSTROM :: boys sneakers  :: similar shorts

My Outfit

 similar jeans :: similar shirt :: booties :: LA bag 

 

 

It’s funny how events come at perfectly unpredictable times.  Reid and I recently had the opportunity to take surf lessons at Manhattan Beach.  This was perfect.  Reid’s birthday was just around the corner and as a land locked kid growing up in Nebraska, Baywatch episodes conjured up dreams of hitting the surf.  Look at us now, living the California lifestyle we literally dreamed about as kids.

 

With 10 years of marriage under our sheets 😉 I want to express the importance of doing things with your mate that they enjoy.  It’s a simple concept really.  Something we teach our kids every day.  You do what your mate enjoys and they’ll do what you enjoy.  It really does keep the spark ignited!

Surfing was an opportune moment to share something with Reid that he has always wanted to do.  I on the other hand, was dreading ruining my recent blow out.  However, I sucked it up and gave it my all.

 

Honest to say, this day was the first day I ever stepped into the Pacific Ocean.  Reid and I learned something new together, shared in our vulnerability, expressed a little friendly competition and most of all showed each other that we are in love and a good team.  Even though I’ve never intended to learn how to surf, I relish in the memories this day made in the story of our marriage.

 

What does your mate enjoy doing?

 

I had the opportunity to drive around Los Angeles in a Mercedes AMG convertible with a driver from Germany and photographer. I won’t lie, it wasn’t my worst job and I spent the day smiling (despite the LA traffic) with my hair blowing in the wind. Our goal was to visit as many LA hotspots as possible in this beautiful ocean blue Mercedes AMG convertible. Who knew LA had so many instagrammable spots? Actually you probably guessed it is FULL of photogenic hotspots, but we only had half a day, so I included 4 below. What are some of your favorites? I’d love to hear.

:: Mercedes AMG C63 in ocean blue ::

white pants SIMILAR :: blue top SIMILAR ::

white off the shoulder top SIMILAR :: cutoffs FRAME :: heels SIMILAR :: black jeans NSF

BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL – 9641 Sunset Blvd, 5 star LA hotel aka “The Pink Palace” is home to bar Nineteen12 and a pool where you are sure to capture a Kodak moment.

RODEO DRIVE – Beverly Hills, start at Sunset Blvd, end at Beverwil Drive, for iconic classics like Fendi and Louis Vuitton buildings.

THE BROAD MUSEUM – 221 South Grand Ave, a must see contemporary art museum.

LACMA – 5905 Wilshire Blvd. We didn’t have time to visit this gem, but I recommend visiting the lights at sunset, amazing!

Click the below images to shop my Instagrams



my jeans :: my gingham top :: cashmere cardigan :: her top :: shorts   :: his top similar  and shorts similar

I partnered with Abercrombie & Fitch sharing some of our summer favorites. On this particular morning, the beach was unusually cold, so layers were appreciated. My 7 year-old kept stealing my cashmere cardigan as we approached the aquarium at the end of the pier. It was worth the chilly walk up! The kids loved seeing small sharks, starfish to pet and slippery eels. In a strange way, the walk to the pier and fresh ocean air always seems to give us an appetite for ice cream at Manhattan Beach Creamery. I don’t fret too much when the kids spill all over their shirts. Everything from A & F has been washable and durable, two aspects I love about A & F kids clothes not to mention, they are right on trend. How cute the the shoulder ruffle on her top? I want one in my size so we can be twins. Meanwhile, I’m staying cozy with this cashmere cardi and lightwash jeans that surprisingly go with everything. Which are your favorites?

More Faves from A & F:

Thank you Abercrombie & Fitch for sponsoring this post!



ruffle blouse :: flare jeans :: red sandals similar and similar :: gold earrings ::

 

Nordstrom Rack has beautiful essentials and many of my favorite brands at a discount. Think ruffles, gold earrings, flare jeans, and chic sandals. I love that this red ruffle blouse can be dressed up or down with white jeans or white pants. Options are key when my Monday often requires a blouse to transition from school drop-off to meetings to date night. Thankfully, Nordstrom Rack is a one-stop-shop for cute basics for the whole family. A friend told me about their mini Hunter boots and cute tops for my girls. So cute! See here my previous post with Nordstrom Rack. My advice is act fast to secure your size.

RUFFLE TOPS

FLARE JEANS

RED SANDALS

Thank you Nordstrom Rack for sponsoring this post!



Spring is not just a season to open the windows and air out the house, but a great time to refresh your favorite room in the house.  Reid and I collaborated with Anthropologie Home to give our living room a fresh new look and feel with a few minor and major changes. Here is what we did.

1. We de-cluttered the entire room and got rid of old and unread books. This is a good first step for everyone.

2. We changed the living room paint color from a yellowish tan to a crisp white. Paint is your best friend! If you’re on a budget, start with paint. Be very careful when choosing white paint though; know your lighting and color tone. You don’t want to end up with sterile.  We have found Benjamin Moore’s Decorator White to be a great, versatile white.  See how the artwork and furniture pop!

3. We then created a mood board with all the furniture and accessories we have and want. Consider ALL your furniture too, not just the furniture currently in the living room. Switching furniture from other rooms in the house is another cheap design trick.  Let the room evolve and repurpose unexpected pieces in your space, and if you can, add one major statement piece. We added the Anthropologie blue slub velvet couch, which not only became the statement piece for the entire room, but it anchored the look and design.  It is decadent and sleek as you might imagine; the selection in Anthropologie’s home collection is surprisingly large. We chose a settee so that we could float the couch in the center of the room.We moved our vintage sectional into our TV room, which is much better for watching movies as a family.

A. We relocated our mid century credenza to be under the picture window.

B. We moved our bar cart from the dinning room to the entry foyer.  I love how it gives a whole new purpose to the bar cart.  Now it’s a place to leave our keys.  Plus, we don’t drink (that much) anyway!  It’s better for displaying pretty books and keys.

4. We added new artwork to the fresh white walls and moved our beloved Los Angeles sign to the bedroom.  A few years ago we started the tradition of gifting artwork for our wedding anniversary.  Last year was the Los Angeles sign and this year is the ocean painting from Anthropologie.  I love how it pulls the slush velvet blues from the couch. Add life to your space, literally, with greenery.  Don’t be afraid to go big.  As long as the branches don’t scratch the ceiling, I say go for it.

5. Lastly, add updated pictures to your frames.  We recently worked on a project with photographer Justin Coit and created a new gallery wall of our favorite family pictures.  The kids love seeing the beach as we go up and down the stairs and through the living room.  The drift wood branch was a souvenir from our most recent beach outing and contrasts the metallic bar cart beautifully.  Plus it give us memories of the beach every time we walk through the front door. Love our refreshed living room!

Thank you Anthropologie for partnering on this post! 

Velvet Slub Couch :: ANTHROPOLOGIE :: Summer sky wall art ANTHROPOLOGIE :: brass frames ANTHROPOLOGIE : settee :: gold pillows ANTHROPOLOGIE ::

my sweater :: jeans :: mug ::

Shop the items by clicking the image below

Order your custom velvet couch here!



While it may seem like Abercrombie + Fitch is catering more to the younger set (think tweens and teens), a recent shopping trip there was an eye-opener. Abercrombie + Fitch has stepped it up and I’m loving all the colors, enviable basics, and great classic styles that made it so popular in the first place. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice I’ve been wearing this trench coat on repeat. Thankfully, this taupe beauty happened to arrive at my doorstep during the heart of LA’s crazy cool and wet February weather. Also, these jeans and gingham top, like most Abercrombie + Fitch items are under $100.
Oh, and did I mention the kids’ section? The selection is melt-your-heart good.  The darling shorts are still darling after lots of active wear–and still in one piece, without holes. They’re cute AND shenanigan-proof. Can you ask for more? And I was more than happy that he actually liked his hat well enough to keep it on. His dad is even jealous of that hat.  It’s the little things in life that make you smile, right? Thank you Abercrombie + Fitch for sponsoring this post and reintroducing me to the brand and new styles. Go find some new favorites!

Photos by Tasha

His HAT  // His WHITE SHIRT // His SHORTS //

My JEANS // My PLAID SHIRT // my TRENCH COAT


Few items steal the show like embroidered denim. I’m loving this trend for three reasons:


1. its here to stay
2. it’s easy to style
3. it looks great with a crisp white shirt, and everybody’s got one of those
Here I styled it with a creme mock-neck top, camel blazer and nude heels. I took advantage of Topshop’s take home service (have you heard of it?? It is as brilliant as it sounds). As soon as I tried on the embroidered denim, I was sold. It has a super flattering fit, from thigh to ankle, and I can’t wait to wear these with black boots and a leather jacket. You wouldn’t think so, but there really are so many options. Thankfully, as a busy wife and mom, I didn’t have to leave the house to try this hot trend. Between the love and the delivery (and option for no-hassle returns), this was my kind of shopping. Thank you Topshop for partnering on this post!

embroidered denim TOPSHOP  :: mock neck FP :: Blazer BR ::

Newer Posts