May Flowers

Jacket: Kate Spade; button up: JCrew; Skirt: Theory; Shoes: Tory Burch; sunglasses: Karen Walker; Necklace: Baublebar

It (not surprisingly) got chilly again this week. Boo. So I broke out my favorite Theory skirt and this lovely Kate Spade jean jacket that I bought last year (on sale!) to pull myself together. I honestly don't know what I would do without a jean jacket... It is honestly one of the most worn pieces in my closet! 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Good Girl Tips: How to Make the Perfect Care Package

All of the things I included in Matt's care package!

It's been a while since I posted a good girl tip, so when I found myself making a care package for my (unfortunately) deployed boyfriend, I thought it would make a good post. 

I absolutely love making care packages/gift baskets. I've been known to give them for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween... you name it! It is always a great way to show that you care and are thinking about the person. 

Obviously what you include will be different for each person, because I think it's important to think about the recipient's personality and predilections. For example, this past Christmas, I made Matt's mom and aunts each a set of flannel pajamas, in a print I picked specifically for them, and then I included bubble bath, lotion, etc. in scents that I knew they would love. It was a hit! 

Boys can be a little more difficult to pack for, but here are a few things that I think are always sure to go over well: 

• Magazines: Does the person like surfing? Gardening? Current events? Head over to your local book store and pick up a few that pertain to their interests. 
• Snacks: I know that Matt loves beef jerky and coffee, so I made sure to pack some, as well as a coffee mug from his favorite store. However, I know I'd want a box of English breakfast tea and some shortbread cookies, and my best friend would love some wasabi peas and dried fruit, so it's different for everyone! 
• Fun stuff: DVDs of their favorite movies, a fluffy blanket, maybe fresh socks (I included a lot of those for Matt!), whatever you think might make the person happy and comfy. 
• Bath stuff: I sent Matt some chap stick and a bottle of Dr. Brauner's soap, which can be used as shampoo/soap/everything and is eco friendly in his favorite scent. For my birthday, one of my best friend's made me a mani/pedi kit with cute nail polish, emory board, and remover wipes, and it was perfect! 
• A note: always include a note telling the person how much you care about them and maybe explain some funny things you included - I sent Matt a Star Wars theme Lego kit to help pass the next few months, but I didn't want him to think that it was totally random so I explained it in my little note! 

Last but not least, I think it's usually good to set a theme for what you're sending, whether it's a girls' night kit for a new mom, a comfy hospital kit for a sick friend, or a tailgating set for a football fanatic! Whatever it is, though, your friend is sure to love it! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

#targetdoesitagain

Sweater: Target; shirt: Vince; pants: JBrand; shoes: Sam Edleman; necklace: Jennifer Zeuner; bracelet: Lilly and Laura; sunglasses: Ray Ban; cup: Lilly Pulitzer

I love Target cardigans. I kind of collect them. And this is my newest addition: I couldn't resist when I realized that it had little multi colored sail boats all over! Paired with my hot pink JBrand jeans, it's the perfect layer. What can I say, #targetdoesitagain :)

Until next time,

xo

T

Wear now and wear later: Lilly Pulitzer Dress

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Lilly Pulitzer; Necklace: Kate Spade; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

I bought this striped Lilly Pulitzer dress last fall, and I wore it plenty with tan ballet flats and brown riding boots. However, I recently packed it up and brought it with me to North Carolina, and paired it with a springy Kate Spade necklace and my go-to Tory Burch sandals, plus my favorite jean jacket to layer once the sun went down. Dresses like this, that I can wear almost despite the season are always some of my personal favorites, because they are so versatile, and always a good investment. 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Cinco de Mayo Style

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Amanda Uprichard; Necklace: JCrew; Sandals: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

As a Californian with a native Californian for a mom and a Texan for a dad, I love Cinco de Mayo. Like a lot. Like perhaps an inordinate amount. I've had many a cinco bash, and I love me a good margarita and some tacos, or a corona on the beach with some chips and guac. Yes please! So, as a result, I dress up for cinco like most other people dress up for st. Pattys day. What can I say. 

Until next time,

xo

T 

Easy Peasy

Scarf: Gap; Shirt: JCrew; Shorts: JCrew; Shoes: Sperry Top Sider; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Bracelets: Tory Burch and miscellaneous Panamanian street vendors

The thing about the West Coast is that layers are important.  Fog has always been a major part of my life during the summer, so from an early age I learned the importance of  things like summer scarves. I love this one from Gap, mostly because it has hot pink (my favorite color) elephants (my favorite animal!) all over it - what better way to beat the early morning chill? 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Little Black Dress (Summer Edition)

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Parker; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner and Kendra Scott; Bracelets: Tory Burch and Panamanian street vendors; Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I was back in California earlier this week - just in time or an early summer heat wave! While it was rainy on the East Coast, I came home from my Panama vacation (I'll post about that soon!) to absolutely perfect weather. We celebrated my boyfriend's birthday on Wednesday night, and so I slipped on this little Parker dress.  I have the same one in a floral print as well, and this blouson silhouette is honestly one of my favorites for summer. I paired it with my warm weather go-to layer, the jean jacket, as well as my favorite Tory Burch sandals, and a few gold necklaces for good measure. Plus - a top knot kept my hair off my neck and my new Ray Bans kept the some out of my eyes! Always a must :) 

Until next time, 

xo 

T