Hitchcock Blonde

73 and Sunny

 

 

 

 

Dress: Brandy Melville, Shirt: J.Crew, Boots: Marc by Marc Jacobs

My roomate asked me what the weather was going to be the other morning:

Me: "73 and sunny."

Her: "Great. I can wear a sweater!"

Fall in Los Angeles, folks.

I love my Lilly Pulitzer items, but wearing neon pinks and greens mid-October seems wrong. I know, I know, it's always summer somewhere. To keep cool and stay true to the season, I broke out one of my favorite purchases of the summer, a black shift dress that feels like a worn-in t-shirt. Especially when I'm running around campus from class to class, comfort is key; this outfit may be my new go-to this Fall. 

 

 

Nailpolish: Deborah Lippmann's "Jessa," Ring: Henri Bendel

Back to School Wish List

(From left) - shirt: Ralph Lauren Blue Label, agenda: Lilly Pulitzer, sandals: Jack Rogers, bracelet: KJP, iPhone case: Kate Spade, shorts: Lauren James, travel bags: Vineyard Vines, shoes: Sperry Top-Sider, glasses: Super, palette: Bobbi Brown, hat: J.Crew, scarf: Lilly Pulitzer 

South Carolina

Getting back into the swing of things after a vacation is always difficult, but adjusting has been especially hard for me because I fell in love with where I went. I had been to South Carolina before, but I was only 11; I wasn’t able to really appreciate the state’s history, food, beauty, or culture. I was finally able to do that this time around.

My family stayed on Kiawah Island, but we also visited Charleston. Despite the heat and humidity, both parts of South Carolina were so enjoyable to visit and take in. The people we met were all very sociable and friendly, the shopping was fantastic, and the meals were delicious. Shrimp and grits with sweet tea was my go-to, but fried okra, a shrimp BLT, fresh biscuits (though I think my mom’s are better), and pecan pie were also amazing.

 I loved spending time with my family, and was glad I had the chance to have lunch with a friend in my sorority at school who lives there. She said I looked more Southern than she did when we met up, and I relished in the compliment. Ladies and gentlemen of the South know how to dress. I am already looking forward to my next trip back to South Carolina, but in the mean time, I’ll be sure not to take California’s lack of humidity for granted. Overdosing on Lilly Pulitzer apparel can’t hurt, either. (The Summer Sale is in a few weeks!)

Bikini: Ralph Lauren, Hat: Marley Lilly

The wall of bowties at M. Dumas & Sons.

Had to wear Lilly to meet up with my friend, Ruthie, and our moms.

My mom and I both wore Lilly and Jacks to dinner on our last night.

Watermelon Brights

In an effort to brighten my mood (I’ve been cooped up watching movies and eating too much ice cream after having my wisdom teeth removed), I put on some of my brightest clothes and looked like a watermelon. Ok, so I didn’t realize that my color combination matched my favorite summer fruit, but I did feel much better doing so. There’s something about bright colors and fun prints and accessories that just work together; that explains my Lilly obsession! With all the free time I’ve had – in addition to finishing a season of 30 Rock – I splurged on some Lilly items for summer that I can’t wait to wear. I am and always will be a firm believer in retail therapy. 

top: Gap, shorts: Lilly Pulitzer, belt: Banana Republic, sandals: Jack Rogers, bracelets: KJP & a gift from a friend, necklace: Max&Chloe, nail polish: OPI's Strawberry Margarita

Lusting Over Lilly

Currently lusting over...

shorts/sandals/scarf/necklace/top/skort/iPhone cover/dress/bikini

*

I'm also obsessing over these. Monogrammed Jacks? Yes, please!

Los Gatos

I love being a tourist in my own city, but sometimes it’s fun to venture out a little further. The other day I went with my mom and brother to Los Gatos for the afternoon. They had both been before, as my brother had a waterpolo tournament not far from the downtown area, but it was my first time to the town. Los Gatos is quaint, charming, and has good places for lunch and shopping. My first trip was definitely not my last, and the next time I go I’m hoping to catch a movie in their cute movie theater!

{The theater is lovely, but the Elm Street sign is definitely a little eerie.}

{The perfect chair in NapaStyle. How waspy do we look?}

{Very waspy look - I felt a little Stepford Wife-y.}

blouse: American Apparel, jeans: J.Brand, bag: Kate Spade, glasses: Prada, necklace: (?), flats (not pictured): Sam Edelman 

Cinco de Mayo Style

Besides Christmas, I’m willing to call Cinco de Mayo my favorite holiday. Not only is it an excuse to eat copious amounts of Mexican food (my favorite), but it’s also a preview of the summer months to come. And it’s my birthday! With the warmer weather and chips and guacamole out in full force, it’s the perfect excuse to start wearing or adding to your summer wardrobe. With Cinco de Mayo and the heritage associated with the holiday in mind, here are some colorful clothes, accessories, and beauty products that will have you looking muy caliente all summer long.

 

(From left): dress: Tory Burch / sandals: J.Crew / lip pencil: Nars / bag: Chloé / sunglasses: Karen Walker / sandal: Birkenstock / clutch: Clare V. / bikini: Missoni / nail polish: Deborah Lippmann / shorts: Aerie / necklace: Kate Spade / top: J.Crew / dress: Madewell

Easter Sunday

Easter Break was just what I needed to recharge before the last few weeks of school. Watching the Giants beat the Dodgers at AT&T park with my mom, relaxing with my dogs and brother, and having breakfast with my dad in the neighborhood in San Francisco where I grew up were a few of my favorite things I did. My favorite day of Easter break was, of course, Easter! I love going to mass on Easter Sunday and seeing everyone dressed in pastels and looking their best, but I really love coming home to my mom’s Easter Sunday Southern-style brunch. A HoneyBaked ham and homemade biscuits, corn soufflé, and ambrosia were the main components, but this year’s addition – and highlight – was the strawberry lemonade cake my mom made. I may have had more than once slice… 

My mom and I both wore Lilly (my dad even sported his pink and green Lilly tie) and my brother was wearing Vineyard Vines. My family brought a little bit of the South to Northern California this Easter! If I could wear this dress every day for the rest of my life, I would. It’s impossible to have a bad time when you’re wearing Lilly, and just looking at this dress puts me in a good mood. Obsessed!  

Dress/Jewelry/Clutch: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes: Nine West (I think)

DVF @ LACMA Outfit Post

My favorite museum is The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, but Los Angeles' LACMA and Getty Villa are easily in my top list. I've heard the light display (center photo below) is even more beautiful at night, so I'll have to take a trip there after dark sometime soon. I also need to visit the Getty Center before the "A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography" exhibition ends the first week of June. I did a report on her in high school and, along with the multitude of other royal figures I've done projects/reports on in the past, am always eager to learn more about them. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to LACMA after loving the DVF exhibition I saw a few weeks ago, which was as fun to look at as it was to take photos of - and with - as seen below.

Jacket: Zara/Top: JCrew/Jeans: J.Brand/Shoes: Tory Burch/Bag: Kate Spade

Busy

It’s too easy to use being “busy” as an excuse to not do things. I have a love-hate relationship with busyness, as in the moment – in most cases – it causes me a great deal of stress. However, when I’m not busy, I tend to overthink and preoccupy myself with tasks and projects that might not be so helpful in the long run, like taking more than a half dozen Buzzfeed quizzes in a single sitting. I can define the past month as being especially “busy,” as was this past weekend. Rather than the stressful busy, this weekend was a busy one in the best way. 

{DVF Journey of a Dress Exhibit at the LACMA}

{Picturesque afternoon on the Santa Monica bluffs before my first Purre Barre class}

{Insane Sunday brunch at The Kettle}

{Spring Fest at my school}