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Organza + Valentino

I love a good midi skirt, especially one that’s embroidered! Posting about this skirt has been long overdue.

It’s feminine, elegantly flared, and pairs perfectly with my “tough” (lol) Valentino Rockstud Bag. I’ve been obsessed with the Rockstud collection since I was 18, back when I interned at Valentino in South Coast Plaza. The collection was fairly new then and I couldn’t wait to get to work each weekend so I could check out each and every piece of the new arrivals.

Anyways, now that you guys know how much I adore Valentino’s Rockstud collection, I’ve linked a few options below…

Categories: Style, travel

Birthday Getaway at Lake Arrowhead

My boyfriend and I had the BEST time in Lake Arrowhead this weekend! We packed our bags and booked an Airbnb in celebration of Justin’s big 30th Birthday.

We stayed at a lakefront cottage complete with a fireplace, jacuzzi, and panoramic views of the lake…it was heaven! Once we arrived, I decorated the cottage while Justin ran to the store.

I wanted to surprise Justin with a cake when he returned from the store, but I needed his help finding it since the cake actually got delivered before we arrived. Apparently, the cleaning crew signed for it (thinking it belonged to the homeowner). We had to sneak into the detached garage to find the package containing the cake…it was quite an adventure.

Luckily, the cake was completely boxed up still and had little ice packs to keep it fresh! Close one, haha.

I managed to get a picture of Justin and the birthday decorations! He loved them.

We had the best time playing in the snow, visiting the Lake Arrowhead Village, and driving around the snowy streets. I’ve only seen snow a few times, so it was really exciting for me to see the trees and snow-covered meadows.

Justin actually spent quite a bit of time in Lake Arrowhead while growing up (he had some family there), so it was cool to see all of his old hangout spots and the house he used to live in. He was a great tour guide and answered all of my random questions about living in a snowy area, haha.

The lake views were absolutely stunning!

I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful the views were from our cottage! I hope this Airbnb stays in business so we can revisit sometime soon…I’m already mentally planning our next trip.

Categories: Lifestyle, Style

Gucci & “Dad Blazers”

Ladies, it’s time to steal your Dad’s blazer (just kidding – because today, I’m helping you find some good picks that are 2021 approved!).

I pulled this blazer from the verrrry back of my closet and instantly remembered why I love Zara so much. Their jackets have the most flattering cuts and look expensive without actually being expensive. I paired it with a black pleated skirt from Amazon (my new go-to!), Shein turtleneck, and a velvet Gucci Marmont shoulder bag with gold hardware.

I’m adding some of my fav “Dad Blazers” below, so you don’t have to raid anyone’s closet, haha. They’re at a few different price points, but my favorite has to be the Veronica Beard blazer.

Categories: Style

Beverly Hills & Heels

I’m finally getting around to posting about this outfit and, guys, LOOK at these HEELS! I felt like Cinderella while shooting this look with my boyfriend (Justin) in Beverly Hills last weekend.

I actually got these heels on Amazon after one of my favorite bloggers (Rach Parcell) recommended them – they’re a dupe for Amina Muaddi’s insanely popular Begum Plexi heels. They’re super comfy and surprisingly sturdy due to the heel’s “pedestal” shape. I’m normally not a huge fan of “dupes,” but I know the PVC trend is really hot right now and had to give it a try. I was not disappointed! If you’re interested in trying this PVC/pedestal heel trend out for yourself, you can find the exact heels I purchased here.

Categories: Lifestyle, travel

Secret Rosé Garden at Beverly Wilshire

First things first – I moved! I’m Beverly Hills’ newest resident. I couldn’t be happier to be writing this blog post from my distresses-to-perfection shabby chic dining table, which is strategically placed right next to an AC vent because it’s so hot out (an apartment tour is coming soon, haha). This heat wave is killer, especially when you’re struggling to assemble impossibly complicated furniture…

I have to tell you guys about an incredible pop-up that I visited a few weekends ago! As soon as I heard about the Secret Rosé Garden at Beverly Wilshire, it shot up to the very top of my “must visit” list. This roses + rosé themed pop-up certainly took us by surprise.

I’d been to Beverly Wilshire quite a few times in the past, but I had never stayed there as an overnight guest, so I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond what I had already seen at The Blvd and in the hotel lobby. The hotel was built in 1928 on the site of the former Beverly Hills speedway – which, coincidentally, also used to occupy the land where my new building stands today (the speedway was MASSIVE and took up 275 acres of Beverly Hills).

To put it short, the hotel has an incredible history. I also must mention that Pretty Woman was filmed here, because I’d be a horrible Richard Gere fan if I didn’t, haha. The hotel has no shortage of interesting historical facts, so check them out here if you’re curious.

Anyways, back to the fabulously floral pop-up.

Not a single detail was overlooked – I honestly can’t say that I’ve ever been to a better experiential pop-up in my life! The only event that’s ever matched this level of thoughtfulness, originality, and detail was the Chanel Beauty House, which says a lot.

GUYS.

The MENUS. The FLOWERS.

The ATMOSPHERE.

We sat in the open-air dining area and ordered a picture-perfect assortment of pink items from the menu. The food and drink offerings were so fun and imaginative. The ambiance and service were also noteworthy. If you couldn’t tell already, I highly recommend visiting this pop-up!!!!

We ended our outing with a sunset game of badminton on the large, grassy rooftop lawn while admiring Beverly Wilshire’s picturesque view of Rodeo Drive. We had the BEST time!

P.S. I’m honestly DYING to do another home tour for my new place – so let me know in the comments if you’d like to see one on my YouTube!

Categories: Lifestyle, Style

Golden Hour on Melrose | STYLE POST

I am definitely channeling Blair Waldorf in today’s post! 🙂 This outfit is from a couple of days ago when I attempted to pay a visit to Carrera Cafe (which is frequently featured on my Instagram, so make sure to follow along!). My friend, Alison, and I set out to get some of LA’s most Instagram-worthy lattes but were suuuuper sad when we arrived and the restaurant had already closed for the evening…whoops! Surely we can’t be the only ones looking for a pick-me-up at 6pm, right? Haha, anyways, we will make sure to Google the hours the next time that we are feeling spontaneous and desperately searching for a latte (lol).

I loved this outfit that I put together so much that we took some photos of it by the infamous “pink wall” on Melrose! This hat is hands down my new favorite for fall because it can be dressed up or down.

Be sure to follow me on the @liketoknow.it app so you can easily shop my looks/makeup!

Categories: Beauty, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

YVES SAINT LAURENT | Black Opium vs. Black Opium Nuit Blanche

Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium perfume has been a longtime favorite of mine. In college, it was the fragrance I reached for on special occasions because I loved the way it faded over time into a sweet, feminine fragrance without being too overpowering. The noticeably charming fragrance features notes of coffee accord, orange blossom, cedarwood essence, and patchouli essence; making it an essential for any perfume hoarding, luxury lovin’ woman (haha, but really!). I would describe YSL’s Black Opium as the most luxurious of evening perfumes because it is exciting, feminine, floral, and an attractive choice for women of all ages.

YSL Beauty recently launched another gorgeously packaged fragrance called Black Opium Nuit Blanche. Similar to the original Black Opium, this is a warm feminine scent that I find just a little more subtle and wearable for daytime. It has notes of pink pepper, orange blossom, coffee, and vanilla and wears beautifully for hours on end. I have been wearing it every day this week and have already received SO many compliments on it! People have literally stopped me to ask what perfume I’m wearing. I love that it comes in several sizes – a smaller travel size spray (just $28!) as well as a 1.0 oz and 1.6 oz bottle.

If you’re a feminine scent kind of gal, make sure to sample Black Opium Nuit Blanch on your next trip to Sephora. I received Black Opium Nuit Blanch as well as Black Opium courtesy of Influenster for testing and review purposes, though all photos and opinions included in this post at my own. I have used the original Black Opium perfume for nearly 2 years, so I was absolutely thrilled to be selected to sample the new Black Opium Nuit Blanch. I hope you also get a chance to try + love these incredibly chic fragrances from the iconic Yves Saint Laurent beauty line.

Categories: Beauty, Style, Uncategorized

CHANEL | ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ

It is no secret that Chanel’s handbags and other fashion-focused products are undoubtedly iconic; created with the utmost attention to detail. The same exquisite quality and attention to detail is easily seen in Chanel’s line of luxury cosmetics. I decided to give two shades of Chanel’s ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ a try and, after experimenting with them for a bit, I am happy to report that I am very satisfied with their quality!

Ladies – this isn’t your average lipstick or lipgloss. One side of this lip duo houses an ultra-pigmented lip color while the other side houses a high shine, long-wearing lip gloss. The color payoff is incredible for a liquid base product and the high shine gloss seals in the color without leaving your lips looking dry, tacky, or messy. The two ultra wear lip colors that I purchased are Merry Rose & Light Rose. While experimenting with the application process, I learned that it is best to let the pigmented base coat fully dry before applying the clear high shine gloss.

Since Chanel is a luxurious cosmetic line, everything (in true Chanel-style) arrives beautifully wrapped. It truly feels like a treat to open their packages! And while the price may seem a little steep for a lip product, the color payoff is amazing, the ingredients are high quality, and you are essentially getting two products in one. I highly recommend Chanel’s entire line of ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ lip colors for women who like dual purpose products, high-quality packaging, long-wearing formulas, and saving a bit of space in their handbag or cosmetic bag.

Categories: Lifestyle, Style, travel, Uncategorized

Mission San Juan Capistrano + Ghost Stories…

Today I’m sharing a few pictures I snapped while visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano a few weekends ago. I actually went to school in San Juan Capistrano for what felt like forever (preschool – 8th grade), so I’ve been to this location quite a few times in the past for school and family related events. This time, I got to explore the Mission at a more leisurely pace and take in the history alongside my boyfriend who had actually never visited Mission San Juan Capistrano before.

It is no surprise that hundreds of people visit and re-visit the Mission every year! It was so beautiful and calm, but you could feel the dense, mixed history as you walked around the grounds.

I vividly remember kids from my elementary school joking around the day before our group tour about the ghosts that “continue to haunt the Mission.” I went home and Googled a bunch of ghost stories about the Mission and completely freaked myself out about the class tour….but I am happy to report that on my most recent visit, we did not see any ghosts (hahaha). I might have been a little (OR A LOT…) freaked out while visiting this location with my school as a kid, but now I think the Mission is equal parts beauty + history. The buildings and gardens are so beautiful and well maintained – it is no wonder that so many photographers, couples, and families visit this location for photo shoots. This is a must-see if you’re in Southern California – the grounds are so uniquely picturesque!

Categories: Lifestyle, Style, travel, Uncategorized

ROSE GOLD MINNIE EARS + DISNEYLAND TRIP!

Disney’s official website was sold out of the ever-so-Instagram-famous rose gold ears, but I found these EVEN BETTER and incredibly well made Rose Gold Minnie ears for only $30 online! They are truly SO unique with their plush bow design + beautiful rose gold sequins. I got so many compliments on these ears while we walked around the park! We had a great time and skipped the massive lines by going on a random Monday and getting as many FastPasses as Disneyland would allow. I can’t wait to visit again with my stylish Rose Gold Minnie ears!

Are you also a fan of unique Disney finds?! I saw so many cute pairs of ears while walking around the park and couldn’t help wanting to purchase them all, haha. I’m always interested in checking out other fashionable Disney pieces for future trips, so feel free to share your favorite Disney finds in the comments section! xo

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