As much as we like dining out, every once in a while my husband and I love taking a more casual/outdoorsy route and opting for a cute picnic. It’s always been our thing, I remember how much I loved pinching with my parents when I was little, and it was the same for my husband, so when we got married, we kind of kept the tradition going. Sometimes they are a little more casual, sometimes we like to go all out and dress them up a bit ( like in the case of today’s post for example ), but the one thing that doesn’t change is the fact that we enjoy them all the same. Good food, good conversation, and a great view just never fails to make our night!

This particular picnic was a little less impromptu than usual. We were in the area a few weeks ago, and just fell in love with the eerie yet incredibly beautiful, almost surreal desert landscape and so we got the idea of setting up a Moroccan-inspired picnic next time we were in Joshua Tree.

To be completely honest with you, I am not entirely sure what it is I love more, setting up and planning a picnic, or sitting down to eat. I am totally obsessed with home decor and could spend hours shopping for a new set of pillows, a cute throw, or pretty little decorative objects to add to my vanity, so planning a themed picnic always gets my creative juices going.

Normally, I start from the ground and sort of build up. A cute rug or a blanket to sit on, a few pillows so we can comfortably lounge around and a pretty table or a tray to make our food set up feel just a little more special. A few finishing touches, like flowers, pretty plates or lights and lanterns ( really made it feel absolutely magical for us ) like in the case of today’s set up is all you really need to complete the look.

Rachel Zoe Dress (similar here, here, and here) | Buji Baja Tote (similar here and here) | Rate Ziggy Sandal | Anthropologie Tasseled Constance Pillow, Ember Lantern, Kapona Tray Table, Open Market Throw Blanket

I don’t think it’s a secret that Tulum happens to be one of my favorite vacation places. Since I’ve talked so much about it, I thought it’d be fun to mention some of my favorite spots to hangout, eat, and just enjoy everything Tulum has to offer! Because I am a complete and total foodie, one of the reasons why I find Tulum so appealing is because the food scene is absolutely amazing! From romantic dinner spots, chic cocktail hangouts with a great view, to casual breakfast places, trying to narrow down our ever expending list of must-go places is not an easy task, but the ones we never fail to visit whenever we find ourselves in Tulum are the ones below:

Nomade Tulum – one of my favorite hotels in Tulum, and one of the main reasons why is the food. They have delicious lunch and dinner, but my favorite is hands down breakfast. So many options, and there is definitely something for everyone there. My highlights include rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon, delicious fresh fruit, and coffee with the best coconut milk I’ve ever had. Besides the food, the ambiance of the place is just everything!

Be Tulum – a hotel located right next to Nomade and it happens to be a perfect place for lunch. Beach Bar, which is situated right on the beach, is such a perfect place to take an afternoon break and eat some good food. A personal favorite was avocado toast and a mango smoothie (mangos in Mexico are so delicious!).

Arca – this is hands down the best dinner spot in Tulum. I loved everything about it—from the ambiance of the place to food and drinks: amazing all around. The place is popular so I highly recommend getting a reservation to avoid waiting as much as possible. Definitely coming back here once I’m back in Tulum again.

Raw Love – loved that place for a healthy breakfast or simply a midday snack. They have a variety of smoothies and bowls that are packed with the yummiest fruit and superfoods. The Super Coco bowl was my favorite although you can’t really go wrong there. They also have delicious coffees and teas. Super chill vibe around the place—think hammocks, swings, and feet in the sand.

Azulik Hotel – an absolute must to visit and a perfect place to grab drinks at sunset. The property is completely different from everything else in Tulum—it is a bunch of tree houses that together make this amazing hotel. The restaurant/bar space is absolutely stunning! You need to go up the stairs where you’ll eventually find the dining area with a beautiful view of all the greenery around—feels like you’re in a jungle. So grab a margarita and enjoy the view!

Alice McCall Oh Deer Me Dress | Woven Tote (similar here, here, and here) | Planet Bibi Baby Pink & Beige Tunic | Hat Attack Summit Sunhat and Panama Continental Hat | Cocobelle Delfina Sandals | Olive & June Saturday Sandal | Misa Tote (similar here) | Prada Midollino Large Leather Trimmed Canvas and Wicker Tote

So you may have noticed that I’ve been on a bit of a color kick as of late, and the prettiest yellow maxi dress I am wearing in today’s post is definitely one of my favorites at the moment! One part swim cover-up ( technically speaking that’s what it is ), and one part wear-anywhere dress perfect for any casual outing paired with cute flats and a woven tote, yet just as relevant for cocktail hour should you choose to dress it up with heels and a clutch! Basically, there is literally no wrong way of wearing this sunny, happy little number and of course when it comes to vacation wear, you know just how much I appreciate clothes that can take me from the beach ( or the pool in this particular instance ) to cocktail hour!

P.S. Scroll down to shop more maxi favorites in this pretty shade of yellow!

Lazul Dress (similar here, here, and here)| Raye Ziggy Sandal | Buji Baja Macrame Tote 

And so… my color obsession continues with today’s post. Perhaps it’s knowing that summer is just around the corner, or maybe it’s the beautiful flower fields in Carlsbad that offer the most romantic rainbow of gorgeous blooms on all shades imaginable, but I simply can’t get enough of bright color combos at the moment.

Funny thing is that for a long time wearing pink and red together was considered to be quite the fashion faux pas; yet lately, it is this particular combo that became an “it” pairing in the fashion world. But that’s what I love about the fashion moment we are enjoying right now, anything goes is the new thing, and we are finally free to experiment with colors, textures, styles, and express our sartorial identity as we see fit.

My personal rule when it comes down to combining two bright colors is keeping my accessories neutral. Let the two bright shares be the focal point of your outfit, and keep everything else as simple as possible. Here I went with espadrilles and a straw bag. It ended up being a perfect outfit for the day we had—chic with bright colors yet toned down with casual bag and shoes. Another favorite way to combine these colors is to go for a red blouse and a pink accessory, like a shoulder bag, while keeping the rest of the look simple. What about you guys, what’s your favorite way to combine bright colors?

Elizabeth and James Frances Skirt (also love this, this, and this) and Desmond Cropped Top (also love this, this, and this) | Cult Gaia Small Round Tote | Soludos Embroidered Floral Sandals

Can’t tell you how excited I am to tell you that this year, I will be partnering with Michael Kors to promote their new Michael Kors VIP Loyalty Program. As you already know, I am a huge fan of the brand and have been lucky enough to partner with them on multiple occasions in the past, so when they approached me for a chance to help spread the word about their newest launch, I couldn’t be happier!

I think I’ve always had a very special relationship with MK. My personal style motto has always been to wear what feels good on and makes me feel good when I wear it, so comfort, quality and of course that chic factor are definitely a priority for me. And that is exactly why Michael Kors, which essentially embodies that motto to a T, has always been my go-to brand for pretty much everything. Another reason why my love for MK runs deep is because I never quite know where my adventures will take me next. Projects come up last minute, and I am often going from a beach, to a city, to deep desert all within a span of a few weeks, but regardless of where it is that I am going I know that I can always count on finding that chic little white lace number ( how insanely gorgeous is that suit I am wearing in today’s post ), a flowy cover-up perfect for a day at the beach, or cute and comfortable separates to wear in the city.

Now, why am I so excited about the VIP Loyalty Program and KORSVIP App in particular? Well, there are a few reasons. First and foremost the App is a really convenient way to shop. Order online and take advantage of free shipping and free return policy, or if you’re in a hurry to get that item same day ( like I am most of the time ), you can easily locate it at an MK store near by. Another reason is personal styling. Say for example I am looking for a cute city outfit, after completing a super simple online quiz ( your color preferences, lifestyle, and style identity ) all you do is select the “ASK A STYLIST” option and in no time at all you will get a recommendation for a complete look tailored specifically to your sartorial preference and personal style. Love that!

The VIP Loyalty Program of course comes with all kinds of perks and rewards. Depending on the tier you’re in ( determined by the number of points you accumulate in a year, which you do every time you shop ), you can get anything from Birthday Rewards, Annual Member Gifts, early access to New Arrivals ( my personal favorite ) and even access to special MK products. Basically, there are a lot of reasons to join, so if you happen to be an MK fan like I am, you guys should definitely check it out ( CLICK HERE to find out more )!

Special thank you to Michael Kors for partnering with me on this post.

Michael Kors Floral Lace Jacquard Cargo Jacket, Floral Lace Jacquard Mini Skirt, Blakely Leather Tote, Polynesia Sunglasses, Shelly Leather Slide

Hello Everyone! Since I’ve been traveling quite a bit, especially as of late, I thought I’d dedicate today’s post to my favorite beauty products to travel with. Generally speaking, when it comes to my beauty on the go must-haves, multitaskers otherwise known as products I can use in multiple ways, is what I aim for. Packaging is another thing I always consider: compact, easy to pack and use is the name of the game. Last but certainly not least is of course performance. When I’m at home, there is absolutely nothing I love more than trying new beauty goodies, but when it comes to travel, I am not particularly fond of surprises, so I generally go for time-tested favorites that I know will get the job done!

Erborian Cleansing Micellar Water – I absolutely love traveling with this product because it can do so many things – it’s a makeup remover, toner, and refreshing water that is moisturizing without being greasy. I love that it’s a product I don’t need to rinse off and I like easy to use products while on the go.

Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner – I typically use different shampoos and conditioners, but when I travel I always go for something hydrating. I don’t know whether it’s different water, dry airplanes/hotel rooms, or excessive heat my hair endures but it tends to get really dry so hydrating shampoo and conditioner are a must. I love the Moroccan Oil hydrating shampoo and conditioner because it gives me just enough moisture without weighing down my hair.

Moroccan Oil Treatment – have loved this product for so long and love to travel with it. I like to put a little of it on the ends of my hair to give it a little shine ( I do it either when my hair is wet or when I’m done styling it or both! ). If my hair is extra dry, I like to use it as an overnight treatment and put it all over my hair ( going a little lighter on the roots and heavier on the ends ). Also, when my hands/nails get a bit dry, I use this oil on my cuticles before going to bed.

Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil – love this product so much. I mostly use it on my body. When I was in Tulum about a month ago, I spent quite a bit of time in the sun and this product was perfect to put on after a whole day of laying out and getting my tan on. It’s pure oil so it has no alcohol that dries out your skin which is perfect. This is basically my perfect after-sun product.

Palermo Body Replenishing Salt Soak – travel days can get hectic at times so to balance out the crazy schedule I like to bring products to give myself a mini spa day from time to time. I love this salt soak because the packaging is travel friendly ( roughly 6-7 uses ), it smells amazing, and it’s a perfect way to add a little something extra to my bath.

Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish – I always make sure to travel with a body scrub. Just like my hair, my skin gets dry and a bit rough ( especially in very dry or cold climates ) so exfoliating every once in a while is a must. I recently tried this body polish and I really liked it because it does the job without being too abrasive on the skin. Besides being gentle, it smells so good ( I’ve been obsessed with all things rose for some time now ).

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Eau de Parfum – I can’t take all my favorite perfumes when I travel so I typically go for a fresh scent that would be appropriate for day, night and anything in-between. Lately I’ve been loving this Tiffany scent – it’s modern yet sophisticated. It leaves a perfect trace and lasts all day long.

Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color – lip colors are totally personal preferences, and I love a coral lip. This Tom Ford one has been my go to – it’s bright enough to show up on my lips, yet it’s pretty sheer and feels really light upon application. Aside from color payoff and consistency, it’s very moisturizing and I’ll take any moisture I can get especially when traveling.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator – love this illuminator to travel with because of the packaging, so compact and convenient to throw in a purse or a travel bag. Love to use this as a highlighter on my cheekbones and brow bones, inner corner of my eyes, shoulder, collar bone and anything else that needs a bit of glow!

Pour Moi Desert Day Cream and Tropical Day Cream – you guys know how much I love Pour Moi Skincare ( I did an entire blog post on it, click here if you want to read it! ). But long story short, ever since I discovered climate based skincare, I can’t travel without it anymore. I never thought how different the needs of my skin are based on where I am and trying Pour Moi products definitely made me realize that.

After I recently did a post on my favorite restaurants in Tulum, I realized that I haven’t done one of these for Los Angeles in some time, and we have so many great ones. So if you live here or plan to visit, here are my favorite lunch and brunch spots in LA:

Cafe Flora – beautiful cafe to grab something light and quick to eat while shopping at newly opened Mansur Gavriel on Melrose place. A ton of healthy options there—I absolutely loved their carrot salad, it’s very light and simple yet tasty. My husband ordered avocado toast and scones, both were delicious as well. I know Alfred’s Coffee is right around the corner as well, but my iced almond milk latte from Cafe Flora was one of the best I’ve had lately.

Catch LA – although I love Catch for dinner, brunch is definitely something I prefer more when heading over there. Last time I was there I got to try the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, and I can confidently say that they were the best pancakes I’ve ever had—fluffy on the inside and a bit crispy on the inside, basically pancake perfection in every way possible. Aside from the food, I love the decor of this place–perfect opportunity to take some photos.

Alfred’s Tea – technically not a lunch or brunch spot, but I can’t publish this blog post without mentioning this place. I really love their tea and pastry selection, and it’s a perfect place to stop and grab something to-go if you’re short on time. Their boba milk teas are such a treat too! Matcha one is my favorite for sure.

Cafe Gratitude – this one has been my favorite for some time now. Everything on the menu is vegan but so delicious. I love their pizzas—they’re not on the menu so you have to ask what their pizza of the day is ( my favorite is Hawaiian or Mexican but all are yummy ). Their salads and bowls are very good too if you are looking for something lighter (recommend the Mucho bowl). Also, their desserts are incredible, you’d never think they’re vegan! Grab their tiramisu to-go if you’re too full, it’s amazing.

Le Pain Quotidien – favorite part about this place is that there are so many locations around LA, there’s one nearby no matter where you are. I love their tartines and egg dishes the most. The menu is pretty versatile with some really healthy options and then not so healthy (obsessed their mini pancakes and French toast). Their coffee is amazing as well, love their lattes (especially iced).

Ivory on Sunset – favorite place for a brunch with a side of beautiful view of LA. It’s located inside the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Blvd and is a perfect place to spend Sunday afternoon with your girlfriends—take in the sun and enjoy some brunch. I love their croissants, they’re super flaky so I definitely recommend trying those. Last time I was there I tried the Farro bowl and french toast, loved both!

What are your favorite lunch/brunch spots? Always on the hunt for good food!

I don’t know about you, but something about a pretty floral number always puts me in a good mood! My must-have summer staple, I definitely tend to update my wardrobe with at least a few perfectly twirl-worthy floral dresses for spring/summer. This year, what I am loving about them in particular is the great selection of prints, ranging from delicate and feminine to bold and bright, and since sale season is officially upon us, I thought it’d be fun to share some of my favorites with you guys!

Shopbop – has one of the best selection of pretty floral dresses on sale at the moment, but ( this one, this one and this pretty in pink number have to be my favorite at the moment )

Nordstrom – so, so, so many pretty floral numbers to choose from, but I simply can’t get over this one, this delicate little white dress & this midi summer staple.

Revolve – from mini to maxi and everything in between, there are definitely more than a few floral staples from Revolve I am loving at the moment, but this off-the-shoulder one & this one, are just too adorable!

Zimmermann Whitewave Pin Tuck Mini Dress (also love this, this, and this) | Saint Laurent Boots |  Farrah + Sloane Mila Short Fringe Bag

Not entirely sure how it happened but all of a sudden, crop tops and high-waisted, slightly loose-fitting trousers are my new favorite thing to wear and sort of unofficial uniform of the moment. A little sexy, yet still very polished and elegant, I love this combination because it works together absolutely perfectly!

The high-waisted pants help play down the sexiness of a crop top, and crop tops help to add a fun, playful element to what can otherwise be a very serious look. Love that! Also, though I am definitely a fan of high-waisted anything at the moment, it is the high-waisted cargo pants that I simply can’t get enough of! Casual, yet elegant, love this relaxed pant option when it’s cut in a slightly more polished way. Perfect for day and night, equally relevant with sexy heels and casual sneakers, I am also really into olive right now because it works so well with this season’s must-have woven accents ( click here for really cute options ).

What about you guys, what are you really into at the moment?

A.L.C. Tomlin One Shoulder Crop Top (also love this, this, and this) and Diego Pants (also love this, this, and this) | Farrah + Sloane Mila Short Fringe Bag in Black (also love this) | Manolo Blahnik Satin Lurum 90 Heels 

It’s funny, but a trip to Grand Canyon has been on our bucket list ever since Emil and I met almost 13 years ago. We certainly talked about it often enough, yet somehow life always got in a way of us actually going. Well this year, when we were brainstorming ideas for his birthday we figured this was our chance to finally make it happen, and a picnic with this kind of view, well… we couldn’t imagine anything more romantic than that!

The drive was a bit intense ( even though we ended up making a 2-day stop in Vegas ) but once we actually got there, it was definitely worth it! Even more beautiful and breathtaking than we could have ever imagined, the scenery was absolutely magical! One of the very few places where you still get to feel one with the nature, there was something incredibly serene, peaceful yet grandiose about the otherworldly landscape around us. Though we did plan on getting a bit of work done while we were there, we were so moved I think, by the experience of finally seeing it, we spent all of our time simply exploring, picnicking and making memories. After all, life is all about collecting experiences, and sometimes you simply cannot help  but to stop and enjoy the moment!

Love Shack Fancy Callie Ruffled Crocheted Lace Trimmed Cotton Midi Dress, Nora Ruffled Lacer Trimmed Cotton Voile Top, Ruffled Lace Trimmed Cotton Voile Mini Skirt, Stella Dress | Castaner x Manolo Blahnik Satin Flat Espadrilles (also love these) | Ulla Johnson Tautou Mini Leather Trimmed Wicker Shoulder Bag (also love this) | Anthropologie Tasseled Constance Pillow, Marcona Pillow, Gilded Lantern Candleholder | Hermine Van Dijck Tufted Throw Blanket

Crop tops with everything seems to be my style motto of the moment. Funny, I never used to favor them very much because I always fair on the more conservative side of fashion and crop tops just felt a little too revealing for everyday. Yet lately, I have a new found appreciation for them mainly because I finally found the way I could style them in a fun, playful yet totally day-time appropriate way.

For me, the key is that higher waistline! High-waisted jeans, pants or skirts, tend to play down the sexiness of the crop and add that slightly fashiony, cool element that makes crop tops look more edgy than sexy. Another trick is accessories. Love adding either sporty or edgy shoes or bags whenever I opt for a crop top. For today’s look, I went with a high-waisted mini and edgy embellished boots! Yet, I’ve work this top with boyfriend jeans and sneakers and the outlook was just as relevant.

What abut you guys, what are your thoughts on crop tops?

Marissa Webb Ariella Skirt (more sizes here) | LNA Aster Ribbed Crop Top (also love this) | Victoria Beckham glasses (similar here and here) | Schutz Makayla Boots

What’s your summer staple? Though I definitely have a few, lately it’s been all about a pretty floral dress for me! What makes it so special is the fact that it’s a timeless classic which never truly goes out of style, and somehow looks equally relevant from year to year, but also the fact that you can always count on a pretty floral frock to take you from day to night and everything in between.

Normally when choosing a floral dress the first thing I look at is print. Lately, I have been venturing into a slightly bolder territory as far as prints are concerned, yet when choosing a timeless classic, I still look for something a bit more versatile ( i.e. not too bold, or bright, or loud ). Next is of course versatility, could I wear this dress with sandals and boots alike, could I wear it during the day and restyle it for night with heels and some bold jewelry?  If the answers to those questions is YES, then I definitely know that I found a closet staple I will treasure, love and wear for years!

But what about you guys? What is your perfect summer dress?

P.S. Scroll down to see more printed dress opting I am loving at the moment!

Isabel Marant Floral Print Ruffle Dress (also on sale here and here and similar here and here) | Tod’s Gomino Leather Satchel | Chloe Rylee Cutout Leather Ankle Boots 

Though we’ve been to Napa Valley many times before, somehow every visit is unique and Napa never fails to impress us in a new and amazing way. Fairly close to LA, yet I can’t help feeling like we are in a different part of the world every time we visit. Peaceful, quiet and just breathtakingly beautiful, to me, Napa is one of the very few places where I can truly unwind, and forget  the hustle and bustle of LA, even if it is just for a few days. 

What made this particular trip especially lovely was the weather ( warm and sunny, it felt so good to get away from gloomy LA for a few days ) but also our latest discovery – the beautiful Las Alcobas resort, Georgian-style farmhouse, so gorgeous and picturesque, it was love at first sight the moment we saw it! Situated right in St. Helena which is a beautiful town, close to a couple of great wineries, like Beringer Vineyards for example ( highly recommend the wine tasting tour ). We’ve fallen in love with the area and took full advantage exploring all the wonderful things it has to offer like art galleries, cute coffee spots and antique shops.

Though we’ve definitely absolutely loved the resort in general and our room in particular, it was our patio overlooking the vineyards that really made Las Alcobas our new favorite place to stay in Napa. The most incredible view to wake up to every morning, personally I loved sipping my morning cup of coffee in absolute peace and quiet. Another daily ritual –  staying up late watching the night sky by the fire pit with a glass of wine. We never really get to see stars like that in LA and there is just something so incredibly majestic about a star-lit sky.

As I have previously mentioned, we really got lucky with the weather and it was warm, sunny and just lovely in general for the entire duration of our stay which of course meant that we spent a good chunk of our time laying out by the pool, taking in the view. Finding time to relax and enjoy the moment is something we have been working on; and the super relaxing ambiance of Las Alcobas definitely helped with that!

If you happen to stay at the hotel or simply find yourself in the area, both Emil and I highly recommend dinner or breakfast at Acacia House. As I am sure you already know, we are huge foodies, and trying and discovering new and amazing dining experiences is one of our favorite things to do. We’ve had both, breakfast and dinner and loved everything to the very last bite. As far as breakfast is concerned, we definitely recommend trying the pastry selection and greek yogurt with granola and for dinner, you can’t go wrong with burger and fries and the pesto spaghetti!

While visiting Las Alcobas, I obviously had to try out their spa. I’m a big believer in the restorative and rejuvenating power of a good body scrub so that is always my go-to when choosing a spa treatment ( the coffee body scrub was out of this world by the way ). The biggest beauty junkie, what I also loved about the spa is the fact that they use all natural beauty products, in fact, I had to pick up a few goodies to bring home with me to recreate the experience (or at least attempt to because that coffee body scrub really was that good ).

Ella Moss Wyatt Shorts (more sizes here) | Matt Bernson Studio Point Toe Mules | Elizabeth and James Fray Sunglasses | Miguelina Dakota Off the Shoulder Polka Dot Broderie Anglaise Cotton Top (also love this) | Caroline Constas Off the Shoulder Polka Dot Cotton Blend Poplin Top | Anthropologie Adventurer Straw Crossbody Bag | Love Shack Fancy Stella Dress | Castaner x Manolo Blahnik Espadrille Flats | Prada Midollino Large Leather Trimmed Canvas and Wicker Tote | Same Swim Bandeau Top and Brief Bottom | Rag & Bone Zoe Straw Fedora

Of all the favorite colors and of all the favorite dresses, this brilliant lavender perfection of a dress has to be my favorite one of all time. Easy and comfortable, elegant and yet just a bit sexy, this dress embodies pretty much everything I could ever want in a dress and more.

Love the color and the silhouette, 40s inspired dresses ( and midi ones in particular ) are definitely having a moment and personally, I couldn’t be happier. Perfect option for a casual anything ( so good with a woven tote and cute slip-ons ) I also love to dress them up a bit with wedge espadrilles and structured mini bags for cocktails or casual dinners. The one dress that will definitely go with me on every vacation this summer, I love the fact that I can still wear it in the city paired with leather slides and an oversized tote.

Another reason I love it, is of course the color! Universally flattering, lavender also happens to be one of those magical colors that looks great with pretty much everything. Perfect with silver or gold for evening, great with browns, taupes and creams for that I’m on vacation vibe, yet just as lovely with stark white and black to wear in the city! Basically great, great, great with absolutely everything and so naturally, I can’t get enough!

Yumi Kim Pretty Woman Dress | Sophie Anderson Macramé Shoulder Bag | Rag & Bone Zoe Straw Fedora | Elizabeth and James Fray Sunglasses | Hermes Oran Sandal (also love this) | Prada Midollino Large Leather Trimmed Canvas and Wicker Tote

I guess you can call me detail oriented because I honestly believe that it is in fact accessories that truly make an outfit and have the power to transform and elevate a look unlike anything else. In fact, when it comes to styling an outfit, most of the time I gravitate towards simplicity when it comes to clothing and go all out with accessories. A statement making bag, a pair of cute heels, or like it is in the case of today’s look, a few sparkly favorites from LAGOS jewelry.

I think I’ve always had a passion for jewelry. I remember when I was very little, I’d go into my grand mother’s jewelry box and spend hours and hours playing with pretty brooches, necklaces and rings. In fact, one of my favorite childhood memories was watching her get ready for an evening out. She had a beautiful pale blue evening gown on and kept debating which pair of earrings to wear: statement making pearl chandeliers or a more demure option – sparkly flower studs, and it is I think this particular moment that made me truly realize the power jewelry has to transform a look. Unlike any other accessory, jewelry can elevate a look, take it from day to night, add that perfect finishing touch to an otherwise very simple outfit, and make a look feel very modern and of the moment.

Yet another reason why I love jewelry is fairly recent. Though Emil and I have always traveled quite a bit, these past 3 years we’ve been on the road so to speak a lot more than we’ve been in the past, which definitely improved my packing game but also gave me yet another reason to appreciate jewelry. Compact and easy to pack ( unlike the million shoe and bag options I would like to take with me, but never really have space for ) jewelry is a great travel companion. Perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to my day time looks, great when I pile on a few statement making favorites for an evening out, normally I like to take pieces that can easily be worn individually or together when I choose to opt for a more dramatic look.

Take today’s look for example. As we were heading to dinner with friends after our mini winery picnic, I wanted to spruce up my look with a few stacked jewels. Normally, when I layer jewelry, I tend to go for pieces with uniform look and feel yet also combine different colors, textures and shapes to create that very bold effect. For this particular outfit, I opted for stacked bracelets in gold and white, but what I love about LAGOS jewelry is the fact that though it certainly layers beautifully, it makes an equally impressive statement should you choose to go with just a few pieces. So for day time, I often go with a pair of hoops and a bracelet or two to add a bit of drama to my casual basics.

Self Portrait Guipure Lace Midi Dress (more sizes here) | Proenza Schouler Grommet Mules | Madewell Raw Edge Fedora | Cult Gaia Small Round Straw Bag | Lagos Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Bracelet, Beaded Bracelet with Gold, Gemstone Caviar Bracelet

Obviously a great casual option, I’ve been into dressing up my denim for day as of late. Aside from the fact that I really love the way jeans tend to dress down some of my dressier top and shoe options, combining dressy/casual pieces always makes for that effortlessly elegant look I tend to favor when it comes to day-to-day wear.

The pairing I am wearing in today’s post has been in heavy rotation as of late. The blouse is my latest find and obsession du jour! Love the cropped length ( great for pairing with high-waisted denim ), the subtle floral print and the puff sleeves, but what I love about it the most is the way it tends to elevate even the simplest of my denim looks. For today’s outfit, I choose to pair it with cropped denim, high heels and statement earrings, but I’ve worn it with skinny jeans and flat mules ( my favorite off-duty pairing at the moment ) and it definitely added that dramatic, dressier touch to what is otherwise a very casual pairing. Love that!

Citizens of Humanity Jeans (similar here and here) | Chanel Sandals (similar here, here, and here) | Blue Life Alice Wrap Top  (also love this, this, and this) | Le Specs x Adam Selman The Last Lolita Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses | Hereu Colmado Cutout Leather Tote

For all the time I spent talking about the importance of versatility and the power of transformation accessories can have on a look, I’ve never really done a post dedicated specifically to how I dress my staples up or down depending on occasion. So, for today’s post, I thought it might be fun to show you how I style one of my favorite summer staples, aka. a shirt dress, for day and night.

I think what attracted me to this pretty Veronica Beard striped number in the first place is the color combination ( I’ve really been into neutrals lately ) as well as the intricate cut and shape, which give this time-tasted staple a slightly more dramatic look and feel. Another reason, and this goes for pretty much most shirt dresses, is how comfortable it is to wear and how easily it transforms from a casual wear-anywhere day dress to a cute cocktail hour option.

During the day, comfort is key for me, which is why I tend to go for comfortable shoe options like flats or slides and opt for carry everything totes ( because let’s face it, we all carry our entire lives in our bags and roomy totes fit all of my absolutely can’t live without necessities ). The reason why I tend to favor this particular combination ( shirt dress, slides and tote ) is because I can wear it absolutely anywhere, from the beach to a casual outing in the city, and everything in between.

Heels are always my go-to shoe option for cocktail hour and a pair of nude heels with a touch of drama never fails to drive a look home. Not a fan of demure when it comes to shoes, it’s been all about transparency for me lately. Aside from the fact that this trend is having a moment right now, transparent heels pair well with pretty much anything not to mention the fact that they tend to elongate your silhouette unlike anything else. As far as bags are concerned, for night, I almost always opt for clutches and woven or rattan ones have become a bit of a staple for me. Love the summery, vacationy feel they add to the look, a great clutch always gives an outfit that polished, night-time appeal, yet the woven texture makes a look feel a bit less serious and adds that fun, dramatic element to a slightly more casual night-time options.

What about you guys, how do you dress your summer staples up or down?

Special thank you to ShopStyle for partnering with me on this post.

As you well know, I always believed that accessories make an outfit. Nothing really adds that perfect finishing touch quite like the right pair of shoes or a statement bag and although there are quite a few amazing accessory trends this summer, the one I personally can’t seem to get enough of is woven wonders.

Love the way woven accents compliment easy, breezy summer dresses, yet they look just as great paired with denim and sleek tops but I think what I love about them the most is the casual, summery vibe they add to an outfit. For today’s look, I choose to pair a cute polka dot number with woven leather flats and a roomy woven tote, but this shoe/bag pairing has been my go-to combo to wear anywhere and with everything because it never fails to complete every one of my looks in the most effortless manner.

P.S. Special thank you to Hotel Bel-Air for treating us with the most romantic picnic! We can’t wait to go back!

What about you guys, are you loving woven accessories this summer as well?

Faithfull Polka Dot Midi Dress (also love this) | Neil J. Rodgers Montana Mule (also love this and this) | Chan Luu Suede, Pearl and Silver-tone Bracelet and Pearl, Leather and Silver Bracelet | Alighieri Goodnight Moon Gold Plated Pearl Earrings | Street Level Woven Straw Tote | Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza Toquilla Straw Hat

The last thing I want to worry about when I’m on vacation is make-up and so I am always on a look-out for fuss-free beauty products that are super quick and easy to apply. Well, I am happy to say that I finally narrowed down my top 3 must-haves which will enhance your features without feeling too heavy or making you look like you have a ton of make-up on. My current top 3 consist of cream eye-shadow ( super easy to apply, the universal flattering purply shade will really make your eyes pop ), a  cream blush/bronzer ( love a multitasker and cream blush gives you that perfect on vacation glow ) and a super moisturizing shimmery nude lipstick.

Perfect Mono Shadow in Dahlia – I generally prefer cream shadows over powder because the color payoff is so much better, they stay on longer, and are so much easier to apply and blend. This particular one I love because of its beautiful shade! It’s the perfect deep purple shade with a bit of shimmer and velvet finish. The color is exactly what you see in a tub so it’s very pigmented which I love. The application couldn’t be easier—I’ve often use my finger to sweep it across my lids when in a rush. I’ve also used this eyeshadow as an eyeliner using an angled brush—super easy to apply and something different from my typical black liner.

Blush of Rose in Rosa del Deserto – this has been my go-to product as of late. When it’s summer time, I want to wear as little make up as possible—I don’t want to pile on bronzer, blush, and highlighter on top as all of that feels too heavy. I love this product because it’s a multitasker—it’s technically a bronzer but the shade is just so perfect that it doubles as a blush too (it gives me a hint of that peachy color and I’m obsessed). Because it’s cream based, it blends and melts into my skin so it looks super natural, and I love a natural look when it comes to makeup.

Shine Lipstick in Naked – it feels like I’m always on the hunt for a perfect nude lipstick. This one is definitely it for me this summer! It’s just a bit sheer so in a way it works with your natural lip to create the perfect nude shade on your lips; often when nude lipsticks are super pigmented and opaque, they tend to wash me out so I go for sheer ones. It’s super moisturizing too so it doubles up as lip balm. Another trick that I do with some lipsticks is apply them as eye shadow—this one gives a very subtle shine to your lids, love!

What about you guys, what’s your go-to on vacation make-up look? Or do you skip make-up entirely?

Lisa Marie Fernandez Pouf Linen Tie Blouse (also love this) and Linen Beach Skirt (also love this and this) | Castaner Carina Wedges | Mark Cross Harley Top Handle Leather Trim Bag | Sophie Anderson Macramé Shoulder Bag | ASN Hats The Sunset Hat | Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Naked, Blush of Roses in Rosa del Deserto, Perfect Mono Eyeshadow in Dahlia

Yet another big trend I can’t seem to get enough of this summer is sets! Great together or separately, sets are easy to wear ( especially the crop top/crop pant kind ) because they look equally relevant just about anywhere. Perfect beach-day option paired with casual slides and a tote, you can easily wear them in the city with dressier shoe and bag option.

Yet another reason to love them is because they are perfect travel companions! Take the striped number from Faithful the Brand I am wearing in today’s post for example, love it together, I can easily break it up and pair it with denim separates for day, or dressier top or pant option for night! Basically, it’s like a having 3 outfits in one type of a situation, and I am definitely on board with that!

Faithful The Brand Tomas Pants, De Fiori Top (also love this and this), and Taylor And Elsa Striped Triangle Bikini | Matt Bernson Studio Point Toe Mules | Staud Shirley PVC and Leather Tote Bag | Elizabeth and James Fray Sunglasses | Alighieri Il Leone Medallion Gold Plated Necklace