colors and shapes

Georgia O'Keefe said it best, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for."

easy like a sunday morning

Blouses that act like dresses are the ultimate bang for your buck. When on a cooler day, I might have worn this with skinny jeans and heals, here I am passing it off like a summer frock in 112 degree weather.

The teal embroidered pattern on the kimono style makes this blouse/dress hybrid an obvious wardrobe favorite. The embellished trim and tie waist are adorable bonuses.

The combination of teal and yellow is a color formula I go back to time and time again. Notice how they play off of each other in this number? They were meant to go together!

union station

Right across from Olvera Street is an equally historic part of Downtown LA - Union Station. The architecture is one of its most noteworthy characteristics, but the view inside and the gorgeous details in the travertine tiles, the decorative ceiling, and the balanced sight lines will keep any art/architecture enthusiast drooling.




These particular travertine tiles are like candy for my aesthetic and drive me crazy, they're so pretty!



Union Station seemed the obvious backdrop for a look that is downright retro and feminine. In the archives of Hollywood, Union Station finds itself in the original "Italian Job" and my favorite cult classic, "Blade Runner."


Image from Blade Runner Movie



Versatility is this blazer's middle name and is undeniably a universal wardrobe staple that I wear across the seasons. The camel color and puffy sleeves are to die for.

In this look, the blazer blends effortlessly with the white dress and an extra-wide caramel colored belt, a palette that is increasingly a go-to color combination for the summer. A saffron yellow petticoat peeks from underneath and gives the effect of a voluminous skirt. Subtle, but visually interesting.



The belt's details are satisfyingly edgy and understated.

olvera street

It's hard to imagine LA without the unforgiving traffic, its many disparate neighborhoods, and the millions of Los Angelenos who call it home. But every city has its humble beginnings and LA has it in Olvera Street. On a southeast corner in the heart of downtown is a relic of the city's colonial past and today's gateway to authentic Mexican eateries, shops replete with surprises, and a Dia de los Muertos event that will bring the dead to life!

My buddy, Jennifer, and I spent a warm Saturday afternoon in Olvera Street talking up a storm per our usual, eating churros like there was no tomorrow, and buying puebla dresses (my version of styling it to come!).

Shopping tip #1: While Olvera Street will keep you buying one serendipitous discovery after another, the merchants generally accept cash only. Buyers beware as you'll want to avoid the frustration that comes with scavenging for an ATM.



This vintage dress has the perfect ladylike shape for Jennifer and the muted yellow color is just as nostalgic. I see this dress and I think lemonade stands staffed by little ones selling drinks for $.25.

The eyelit details along the neckline and waist are both playful and utterly timeless.



Jennifer's wedges are possibly the most ideal sandal for summer: comfortable for strolling but noticeably original with a textured woven fabric lining the sides of the heel. Que cute!



Shopping tip #2: The merchants at Olvera Street tend to have many of the same things. It's worth walking through the entire strip, which is barely the length of a street block, to reconnoiter the stalls and identify items you may be inclined to buy. There's the potential of scoring a great deal or two here, so patience is key.

discovering the unexpected

The eye catching color and feminine shape in this dress capture the combination I'm craving for right now. The unexpected bold pattern is spontaneous and punchy. That this would remind me of Psychology 101 and a lesson on rorschach inkblots is an extra bonus. I see glaciers in the skirt of my dress. What do you see? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Rule of Thumb #6: Think outside the box. Limiting your scope can otherwise stifle your fashion potential. Case in point: this so-called dress is actually a nightgown!



A classic white button down is a standard for anyone's wardrobe. Combined with this dress, an otherwise preppy staple is fancied-up and unabashedly fun, playing off of the pattern and color contrasts in the overall look. Tied around the waist is the ideal final touch.