I wish I am more of a morning person, because there is something quite magical about the light early in the day. These photos were shot outside my cabin in Big Sur last week (if you recall reading my post about it here) and I am really pleased with how they turned out! I wore this vintage-looking shirtdress from Hong Kong I have had for years, now that I think about it, it might have been over ten years! I love how simple yet detailed it is... the embroidery, the high collar, and the laced hem. I paired it with these slingback booties from Forever 21's genuine leather collection that I can't keep off my feet and the Sia bag from Sole Society that arrived right in time for my trip! It is the perfect overnight bag! Hmm maybe now I will feel more motivated to wake up earlier to capture the dreaminess of the morning sunlight.

Embroidered shirtdress by Lady Story from Hong Kong.

Chartreuse hat by RVCA c/o Lulu's.

Sia bag c/o Sole Society.

Genuine leather slingback booties c/o F21.

Kisungi bangle c/o Made.

Beneath the Redwoods

January 31, 2014

Embroidered shirtdress by Lady Story from Hong Kong.

Chartreuse hat by RVCA c/o Lulu's.

Sia bag c/o Sole Society.

Genuine leather slingback booties c/o F21.

Kisungi bangle c/o Made.

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I am always trying to come up with excuses to acquire new things to freshen up my home and this time is... new year, new decor! Let's be real, we can't paint the walls whenever we feel like it or switch out an entire set of couch and loveseat every week. So, to keep things fresh, small gesture such as adding and rearranging decorative accents will do the trick! I love my "Hello" pillow by Cushion Cut Decor, it brightens up the room and makes me smile every time I see it! Oh and a personalized mug from BeYOUtifully Obsessed with the letter T on the front and my blog name on the back, don't you just love her calligraphy too? I also picked up a few things from Lulu & Georgia... a cute wishbone bauble, a beautiful porcelain forbidden apple, a candle holder with wooden accent and a fur rug that I love to use on my couch and chair. Speaking of Lulu & Georgia, we have partnered up to offer you 20% off your entire purchase, simply use code "newyearspruceup20" at check out. Hurry though, offers expire this Sunday 2/2. And while you are at it, also check out the Lulu & Georgia blog to see how others spruce up for the new year as well!

Keeping Things Fresh

January 29, 2014

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I love layering easy pieces that effortlessly flow on any casual days. I actually wore this when we went for a walk along the coast, sans the chunky platforms of course, I wore flats during my stroll. This shift dress by Gentle Fawn is perfect for any occasions, great for lounging around on lazy days but you can also dress it up too! I paired it with a cocoon sweater that has an interesting lengthy silhouette. If you look closely at the knit, you will see that it is actually a smoky charcoal interwoven with mustard which creates an awesome shade of olive brown. Last but not least, notice how my bag sort of matches the circular pattern on the dress? I sure am detail oriented!

Marilyn dress c/o Gentle Fawn.

Lengthy cocoon sweater by Romeo & Juliet Couture.

Auna boots by Jeffrey Campbell from Free People.

Embroidered and studded circle bag c/o Isabella Fiore.

Sunglasses c/o ZeroUV.

Smoke and Mustard

January 28, 2014

Marilyn dress c/o Gentle Fawn.

Lengthy cocoon sweater by Romeo & Juliet Couture.

Auna boots by Jeffrey Campbell from Free People.

Embroidered and studded circle bag c/o Isabella Fiore.

Sunglasses c/o ZeroUV.

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A few days ago, we went to Big Sur for a mini getaway and stayed at the quaintest and coziest Big Sur Cabin at Glen Oaks. Upon our arrival, we got a lovely private tour of the property and checked out all the different cottages and cabins. We ended up spending most of our time in and around the cabin soaking in the clawfoot tubs in our private backyard, making s'mores and sipping wine while listening to the sound of the Big Sur River (which was just a few steps away). I loved that our cabin was away from everyone and everything, it felt like I had acres and acres of land just to ourselves. For supper, we dined at Glen Oaks' restaurant Big Sur Roadhouse which had a great ambiance. Everything we ate was delicious especially the buttermilk biscuit, it came with this honey butter that was out of this world! I had such an amazing time, stay tuned for more photos!

Big Sur Cabin

January 27, 2014

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I give up. One day I tell myself not to acquire any more cat related things, the next day I go get a cat shirt. Seriously though, how could I resist a button up with little embroidered cats? I also love that the blue and white gingham looks like chambray in a distance. I could pair this shirt with anything really... jeans, pants, shorts, pinafore... but I decided to wear it with a leather skirt with awesome scalloped laser cut details, a simple yet structural satchel, and the cutest velvet heart flats! Anyways, keeping this short and sweet as I am about to head out the door for a mini getaway in Big Sur!

Embroidered cat gingham shirt from OASAP.

Scalloped laser cut leather skirt by Solemio from GoJane.

Black structure satchel c/o Lulu*s.

Mrs. Heart flats c/o Loly in the Sky.

Cats and Gingham

January 22, 2014

Embroidered cat gingham shirt from OASAP.

Scalloped laser cut leather skirt by Solemio from GoJane.

Black structure satchel c/o Lulu*s.

Mrs. Heart flats c/o Loly in the Sky.

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It is hard to believe that I am wearing this outfit in January! I suppose that's winter in California for you. Luckily, because of this heat wave I was able to finally wear these strappy platforms from Feminine & Masculine's resort 2014 collection that I have had my hands on for awhile. They are definitely not your typical sandals, in fact, they are a little out there but I am okay with that. I love the tri-color combo and that cotton candy pink is just so good. With a pair of statement shoes like these, I kept the rest of my outfit rather simple. I wore a plushy soft boxy cropped top with subtle leopard print fur details which also reminds me of cotton candy, a striped skirt, and white satchel.