This post is kind of an addendum to my December budget post, as most of these purchases were made in the last three days of December. I decided my pink velvet heels weren't a good fit and went to J.Crew Factory to exchange them. I found a Point Sur jumpsuit that was 60% off it's already reduced price and thought it would be fun to bring to California. Then due to my poor planning I didn't hem it in time (it's like four inches too long, so not even going to work with heels). In some fantasy world I was going to have all this time before my flight, I was going to run errands, hem a jumpsuit... Instead I frantically packed and then unpacked trying to get my suitcase under weight.
I also made some purchases that I had sent to California; the Zara straw handbag which I wanted over the summer and successfully talked myself out of got marked down and I could no longer resist. I also decided to give a Knixwear bra a try, since I'm so tired of my painful underwire bras. I'd say the bottom line is, I like it enough. It's not a 'wear with everything' kind of bra, and doesn't replace my underwire bras, but it's great for casual days. I don't typically include bras in these roundups, but if you are thinking about trying it and want to know my thoughts, I'd be happy to share.
Over the weekend my sister, her roommate, her roommate's dog Henry, and I went on an overnight trip to San Diego. Our first stop was in La Jolla to brunch and visit the seals. Even though I know my sister and I stopped there on our 2016 trip, I don't recall taking much time to wander around the town, which is quite adorable.
When I saw this pink hotel, I knew my pink backdrops had to continue, and I was excited to get Henry in on the shoot. I hope Chloe doesn't feel offended I'm walking other dogs!
The Rundown Red and White Printed Wrap Dress H&M similar SandalsTarget Black Straw BagZara Beaded Hoop EarringsGorjana Necklace"Greer V" Gorjana similar Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Couture Curator" Essie Dog Henry
While I'm often spoiled and have a friend, family member, or fellow blogger around to help me out with outfit photos, while I'm in California I'm going to have to work hard to figure out the solo outfit photo shoots. When I'm home, I have my go-to spots, where I know the light is good, the foot traffic is low, and I've worked out the angles. Here I don't have a clue where to go, and I suspect finding a public spot that is also a bit more secluded will be even more of a challenge.
I feel like I got a little lucky with this spot, it was about 12 blocks up from the beach in Santa Monica, and this alleyway was right off a main street with lots of shops, and tons of pedestrians. Fortunately since I was able to move off the sidewalk they were mostly out of the way, and then only a few cars drove down the alley that I had to worry about. Plus it was such a cute pink building!
The Rundown Grey Leopard Top Joie via ThredUP similar Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar JeansBanana Republic Camera Bag"Palma"ONA White Mules"Bianca" Target Gold Ball EarringsKohl's Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses"Caravan"Ray-Ban Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
Los Angeles is not wanting for street art, not to mention that around nearly every corner is brightly painted wall. While a bright turquoise wall might not have seemed like the obvious choice with Manhattan Beach within eyesight, it was a very bright and blustery afternoon, thus necessitating a little shade and shield from the wind, so that my new necklaces from Happiness Boutique could be shot in their best light.
Happiness Boutique is a fun, affordable jewelry boutique, with everything from statement earrings to delicate layering necklaces, and they kindly sent me over the half moon and rhombus charm necklaces, which are both gold plated stainless steel. They are priced under $30, thus making them a budget friendly addition to a jewelry collection.
I'm sure you know by now what a weak spot I have for delicate gold jewelry, and I love when the pieces are easy to layer. Both the necklaces are the same length, but have extenders on them, so they are easy to adjust and create the look I want, which today was a bit bohemian, especially with my wind tousled curls.
Want 10% off your order? Use code iamchiconthecheap for any order over $22. Valid until 2.28.19.
The Rundown Black Maxi Dress Gap similar Denim Jacket Gap similar SandalsTarget Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique Rhombus Charm Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
No typos in this post title, this really is called Central Park. While it has nothing on its New York namesake, it is a cute little park, replete with turtles, ducks, and cactus balls. Though I probably shouldn't be mentioning that I took photos here at all, as it's strictly forbidden, and there are park rangers there to enforce the rule.
This is what it looks like to take outfit photos while looking over your shoulder.
The Rundown Grey Tee c/o ThredUP similar White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar Huarache Mules"Camila" Rebecca Minkoff Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly Scalloped EarringsBauble Bar Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
"Wont you be cold in that?" my sister asked me as we headed out the door. No, I don't think so, as I'm still very much a Connecticutian where partly cloudy and 65° equals bare legs, no question.
She then went on to ask if I'd be alienating my readers by posting spring looks in January. Even though at this time I might normally be posting outfits in my heaviest of winter layers, I know in a few weeks everyone, even those still freezing Connecticut, will start posting spring fashion at the expense of the feeling in their fingers and toes. This year I'll just be a bit ahead of the curve.
The Rundown Texture and Thread Wrap TopMadewell Distressed Denim Pencil Skirt Banana Republic similar White Mules"Bianca" Target Black Straw BagZara Gold Hoop EarringsAmazon Necklace"Scottie"LuxbyUK Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
