Pom-Poms & Polkas: Off-The-Shoulder Top + Ripped Jeans + Slip-ons

Happiest of weekends to you! This week was a long one, eh? I, for one, was not feeling my all-time best. What can ya do, though? You can get outside, that's what. I need to make sure I make it to the beach today or tomorrow. Because, in the words of Matt and fellow hippies of the world, I need to "get grounded." (For those who have no idea what I'm talking about you can Google "benefits of grounding" for an explanation. Then you can judge, if you see fit.)

Aqua off-the-shoulder top with pom-pom detail (also seen here): H&M
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Light wash distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

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Black and white polka dot slip-on sneakers (also seen here, here & here): American Eagle

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Tortoiseshell sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): Jeffrey Bay

Neon yellow crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target
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What do you do to pull through a rough week? As annoying as it sounds, I really try to get to yoga and/or be outside as much as I can. Those natural endorphins are clutch.

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In The Midi of Nowhere: Striped Midi Dress + Ankle Strap Wedges

Hello! Let me just start this here blog post off with a super non-cliche question: where is the time going? For serious, when did it get to be nearly May? (Insert "It's gonna be MAY" Justin Timberlake meme.) The old adage of "Time flies the closer you get to 30" (or however the saying goes) must be true.

Sky blue and white vertical striped midi dress with open back and bow detail: c/o PinkBlush

This PinkBlush dress may be my new spring favorite. I love the longer length, how breezy it is for the heat, and the open back detail is so unexpected. I definitely will be wearing this on repeat throughout the upcoming hotter months!

Nude ankle strap wedge sandals (also seen here): Old Navy

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Brown skinny belt: Forever 21

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Neon yellow crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

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14K gold "A" initial cuff bracelet (also seen here, here & here): c/o Blue Sunflowers

14K gold "D" and "L" initial necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o Sivado Studio

Do you think 2017 is flying by? I honestly feel like it'll be Christmas all over again before we know it!

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Linking up with Trend Spin

Inexpensive (Or Free!) Spring Date Ideas

Happy Friday, we made it! Ya know what that means? Date night! I l-o l-o l-o- l-o-v-e dates. (Did anyone at all catch on to my Ashlee Simpson reference...? Probably not, unless you're my sister.) But something I don't love? The price tag that can sometimes go with a night out. I mean, honestly, the costs really can add up if you're doing the classic drinks, dinner, movie, fro-yo, Lyft combo. Thankfully though, with springtime surrounding us all in her gentle, warm grasp we now have a whole array of new and affordable quality time possibilities! Scroll down for warmer weather fun inspiration 💃
(PS: these don't even have to be with a significant other - you can totally do them with your friends and family, too!) 

Prep A Picnic Pack up a blanket, some snacks, and a dog if ya have one (if you don't, but you are ready to take on the responsibility, hit the shelter first and go adopt one, because dogs are one of the best parts of life), and hit your favorite park. Or, even better and more adventure-y, go have your picnic at a park you've never been to before!
Attend Movies On The Lawn/Beach/Public Place If you Google "free outdoor movies" in your area or something similar to that phrase, you should be able to find complimentary film showings. In San Diego, for example, the Hotel del Coronado offers free movies on the beach throughout the spring and summer months - and you can even bring your dog!
Pick Your Own Flower/Veggie/Fruit At A Local Farm Same as with the movies, you should be able to search online or on Facebook to find a local farm that has Pick Your Own ______ (insert spring specialty, such as strawberries) Days. There is a place here in SoCal called Suzie's Farm that I've been itching to check out. They are organic and have pick your own SUNFLOWERS! How fun would that be?! Not only are you getting a cheap outdoor activity, but you also get to take home a souvenir bouquet (or fresh fruit and veggies for groceries for the week, or whatever it is you are picking). Win, win, win!
Check Out Groupon & LivingSocial Deals You know those touristy things you've always wanted to check out, but don't want to spend a ton of money on? For me, that is a whale watching tour or sunset cruise. While I wouldn't say these are particularly "cheap" date ideas, with the help of sites like Groupon and LivingSocial we can get them at a steep discount. New experiences for a fraction of the cost? Sign me up, baby.
Hit Up The Farmers Market Who doesn't enjoy meandering around with a loved one in nice weather, while also checking off an errand at the same time? Farmers markets are perfect, because you get people watching, live music, free samples, and/or a variety of foods and businesses you've probably never gotten to experience before!
Go On A Hike Looking to explore a new area while also getting your sweat on? Take a hike (literally and figuratively). There's no better activity to enjoy fresh air and exercise than taking a hike. Plus, it's totally free!
Do Your Part & Volunteer Your local trails, bodies of water, or even your own neighborhood have trash all up in them. Yes, it is a bummer. But it is also reality. So why not pull out your gigantic pile of plastic grocery bags that are under your sink (you know they're in there) and put them to good use by picking up litter with your loved one? You get to spend Q.T. together, beautify your surroundings, and help Mother Nature!
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You may have noticed a theme that these almost all involve being outside in some capacity. What can I say? After living many years in the frigid Midwest and in the desert, I like to take advantage of the post-cold and pre-super-hot temps.
Now I gotta go take my own advice and try out some of these for myself!
Which spring dates are you most excited for?

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Geo-Metric System: Open Back Top + Black Skinny Jeans + Flats

Who here has been to San Diego before? One of the top places "locals" (I kinda hate that word, by the way) will tell out-of-towners to visit is Balboa Park (which is where today's blog photos were taken). It is a gigantic park full of gorgeous views, hiking trails, all types of museums, cafes, huge gardens, a dog park, and just about everything one can ask for on a 75 degree day. That's probably why Matt and I end up there many a weekends ourselves. We don't even live extremely close to it, but we just love all that it has to offer. So if you're thinking of heading to SD, make sure to add Balboa Park to your list!

Madewell geometric printed crop top with open back detail (also seen here): c/o Shopbop

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Black skinny jeans (also seen here): Old Navy

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Cognac belt (also seen here, here & here): Gap

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Black pointed toe d'Orsay flats (also seen here & here): Old Navy

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One of the things I most love about living in Southern California is that we get to experience all of these fun "touristy" places whenever we want. I'll never stop being grateful for that.
What are your favorite must see spots in your city?

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California Casual: Vegan Leather Jacket + Blouse + Distressed Jeans + Flats

Hi! How was your weekend? Matt and I spent quite a large chunk of time binge-watching most of 13 Reasons Why. (That TV show is utterly heart wrenching. I highly recommend watching it, if you haven't yet.) We did manage to fit in a little productivity though, thankfully. We got some hiking in, and I volunteered at the farmers market... and there I got My First Sunburn of 2017... despite that I had sunscreen on. So yeah. SPF, folks - remember to reapply it even when you're not near a body of water.

Black vegan faux leather moto jacket (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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Off-white lace blouse: Target

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Light wash distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

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Leopard print d'Orsay pointed toe flats (also seen here, here & here): American Eagle

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Tortoiseshell sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): Jeffrey Bay

Cognac belt (also seen here, here & here): Gap

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Urban Expressions turquoise weaved crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): DSW
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How was your weekend? I hope it was fun, and I wish you strength on this fine Monday. We can do it!

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The Future Is Bright [Colors]: Embellished Sweatshirt + Ripped Jeans + Sneakers

Hey there, we made it to the weekend! And the best way to spend Saturday and Sunday, in my humble opinion? Running around town in a sweatshirt, ripped jeans, and sneakers. I'm so grateful that "athleisure" is considered socially acceptable now. A few years ago, this outfit would have just been called "lazy day wear," but now you're "like, totally on trend" when you step out in public in comfortable clothes. 💁

Beaded coral embellished crew neck cropped sweatshirt (also seen here): Macy's

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Gray tank top: Forever 21

Light wash distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

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Multicolored striped canvas sneakers (also seen here): Old Navy

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Neon yellow crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

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Turquoise statement necklace {also seen here, here & here): c/o Mourning Dove

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Are you on board with wearing "Fashion Formerly Known As 'House Clothes'" or do you prefer to dress up in some sense when you brave the outside world?

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