Come Rain or Shine

Modern Vintage Boots (also seen here), La Mer watch, Forever 21 bag and skirt, H&M top

You can see how wet the sidewalks are from the rain.

Cupcakes from Vanilla Bake Shop

I celebrated a birthday last week (Thursday, to be exact) and opted for smaller, more intimate celebrations over one big event. While my birthdays of the past signified big parties, lots of people, and trendy venues, they've evolved into quiet nights, dinners with friends and, of course, cupcakes! We went to dinner with friends on Saturday and due to the rain, gloominess, and unreasonably cold temperatures, this was the first year I've ever worn winter boots and a long sleeved top for my July birthday. Regardless of the weather, we had a fantastic time. Thank you to Gabe and my friends and family for making my day (and the entire week) very special!

Blood, Sweat, and Tears

After yesterday's yoga post, I decided to continue with the theme of fitness and post about my gym. I've been working out at Equinox for over 4 years and it's literally become my second home. The facilities are immaculate, the classes are cutting edge, and the locker room is every bit as nice as Burke Williams' (or any upscale spa). They offer every class imaginable from Hula Hooping (which is so fun, by the way) to Yoga Power Hour to Ballet Barre. Equinox is not only a great gym, but also the epitome of people watching. I always find myself entertained to look over and see that I'm jogging next to Bradley Cooper or Ryan Gosling. While it is definitely a bit pricey, this is absolutely one splurge I can justify and the price actually motivates me to go sometimes! I spend the majority of my mornings doing yoga here and it's become second nature for me to get up at the crack of dawn to work out. If you live near an Equinox, you should absolutely go in and check it out. Where do you work out? Do you prefer gyms or exercising outdoors?

Yoga Guest Post at Lemons and Laundry

Today I'm doing a special guest post at Lemons and Laundry. Marcie's blog is definitely a favorite of mine due to her creativity, style, and talented photography skills. Here's a copy of the post.

lululemon wunder under crop and scoop neck tank

For the past 8 years, yoga has been one of my favorite workouts and has increasingly become a prominent part of my life. I enjoy so many aspects of it, including the stress relief, strength training, intensity, and playfulness. Practicing inversions such as handstands, forearm balances, and other arm balances have become one of my favorite pass times. I love the challenge a new pose presents and the triumphant feeling when I can put my body into a pose I never thought possible. Two things that I ALWAYS use while practicing yoga are lululemon attire and my Jade yoga mat. During my yoga sessions I live in the Wunder Under Crop and either the Scoop Neck Tank or the Power Y Tank. While lululemon is a bit of a splurge, their moisture wicking luon fabric stretches with your body, is pre-shrunk, and lasts forever. It also feels less like "gym clothes" and transitions well into a day of running errands or grabbing lunch with a girl friend after yoga class!

Buy This, Not That

Mossimo (Target) Oscarina Striped Canvas Loafer $16.99
Madewell Ropey Soles Simple Espadrilles $48.99

I first saw these flat espadrilles on Marissa and was pleasantly surprised to hear she bought hers at Target! A few weeks later I saw them in Madewell and fell in love all over again. Blue and white stripes have become a favorite of mine this summer and I can picture myself wearing these with bermuda shorts and racerback tanks on lazy weekend days. Normally $48 wouldn't seem too pricey for a pair of shoes, but after knowing the Target pair cost $16.99 I couldn't help being partial to the cheaper pair. What do you think of flat espadrilles? Which pair would you prefer?

Floral Fever

Giorgio Armani sunglasses, Franco Sarto wedges, Forever 21 dress, Anthropologie belt, Michael Kors watch, Francesco Biasia bag, Dogeared necklace

I admit that I was initially hesitant to jump on the floral bandwagon. There was something so 1993 about this look that I couldn't shake. But the more I saw it, the more it grew on me and now I can't get enough. I recently bought this dress from Forever 21 and I couldn't love it more. It's comfortable, stylish, and perfect for any day to night activity. What are your feelings about floral prints?

Summer Booties

1. Pour La Victoire Rianna Peep Toe Buckle Booties $208.60 (sale)
2. Belle Sigerson Morrison Zip Wedge Booties $350

3. Vince Camuto Fast $149

4. DV by Dolce Vita Cooper $135

5. Ash Kate Studded Boot-Flint $300

6. Modcloth Never Give Up Taupe Heel $44.99

One of my favorite aspects of style this summer is the idea that "anything goes". This couldn't be more true when it comes to footwear this season and boots are no exception. They've broken away from the "winter" stigma and have reinvented themselves as summer staples. I pair my summer booties with practically everything-shorts, dresses, leggings, jeans, etc. How do you feel about converting boots into your summertime attire?

Tickled Pink

Frye boots, Anthropologie cross body bag, belt and bracelets, H&M shirt dress, Ray-Ban Aviators, gifted key necklace

Gabe and I had a fabulous long weekend, filled with friends, bike rides on the beach, fireworks, dinners, mid-day strolls, and baking (I made my browned butter rice krispie treats as seen here). These pictures were taken on our walk to dinner on Saturday. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect (around 70 degrees) and we finally felt like summer had arrived. I often feel that the 4th of July is the unofficial beginning of "summer weather" in Southern California and I'm hoping this year is no exception. I'm looking forward to a warm season filled with many outdoor activities such as bike riding, rollerblading, surfing, beach outings, and lazy days in the sun (with SPF, of course). What do you love most about summer?