Los Angeles Episode 2

Last week, I made a quick trip to Los Angeles for the CNN Heroes Tribute Awards Event.
However, my friend, Jenn and I did find some time to do some shopping on the very hip and vibrant Melrose Place. There are hundreds of unique shops and great one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else. Jenn and I had such a great time exploring the shops and buying interesting, cool pieces.

After shopping, we dropped our bags and swapped our flats for heels and enjoyed a night on the town. We met up with some LA regulars – and former Midwestern transplants. These wonderful friends joined us for drinks, dinner, and great stories at Bottega Louie. This hot spot was hopping with cold drinks, great dishes, and the most delicious macarons.

The trip was kick ass, and you will be seeing some of the pieces I bought in future posts. Now… how can we bring some of that LA warmth to the Midwest?  

Top:  Kirra Fashion Top, PacSun

Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes: Payless

Purse:  Gap

Earrings:  Banana Republic Outlet

Scarf:  Macy's

Necklace:  Thrifted
Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop
Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

All Things Pencil

School is back with a vengeance and in honor of Fall I thought it was fitting to discuss one of my favorite topics - Pencils.

Pencil Review
Remember when you were in class and you had that terrible eraser that would smudge on a scantron test and get all over your hand? That was legitimately the worst! Over the years I've had tested my share of pencils and have discovered a wonderful utensil - the infamous Ticonderoga. This pencil is amazing. No smudging and it never goes out of style. To this day, I still turn to my trusty pencil for any important meeting.

Other winning combos:
Palomino Blackwing 602 - perfection
Dux Adjustable Brass Pencil Sharpener
Dux Aluminum Pencil Sharpener

Shirt:  Banana Republic
Skirt:  Banana Republic
Shoes:  Lela Rose, Payless
Belt:  Nine West
Bag:  Target
Earrings:  Target
Bracelet:  Everything Engravable

WILL

Roomie Will is back and looking fly! He's all set for another semester on the Dean's List.

T-shirt: Macy's 

Vest:  Rue 21

Pants:  Old Navy

Shoes:  Shoe Carnival

Necklace:  Rue 21

Glasses:  Hot Topic

Watch:  Everything Engravable  

Black Bracelet:  Music Fest

Polo on the Prairies - Easter Seals Event

Because of my job I have the opportunity to attend some local charity events. This particular event was for Easter Seals where they featured a polo match, wine samples and a tasting of many local restaurants. The attire on the invite said "casual chic." Hence, here is my attempt to look....casual chic.

Blazer:  Banana Republic

Dress:  J. Crew (convertible swing dress, 2009)

Belt:  Thrifted

Necklace:  H&M

Bracelet:  Banana Republic  

Shoes:  Payless Shoes

SARAH

Meet Sarah - my wonderful friend who is smart as a whip, trendy and today's photographer. 

Sarah

Dress:  Kohl's, Simply Vera

Shoes:  Macy's

Belt:  Thrifted, $1

Necklace:  Limited

Clutch:  Borrowed from Aili, Thrifted