Howdy! (I can't pull off "howdy.) You may notice something a little different in today's post... I cut 8 inches off my hair. 😱 (Don't lie, you know you noticed how long -- re: stringy -- my hair had been getting over the past few months.) I donated it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. Making the decision to donate my hair also forced me to cut it much shorter than I otherwise would have. I am so happy that I did, though, because now it'll help make a wig for a woman battling cancer - and I love my new 'do! (Special shout out to Kayla at Headlines Salon in Encinitas, who cut my hair! If you are in the San Diego area, I definitely recommend her.)
So other than my new haircut, there is another upcoming thing I am excited about. That's right, baby: Fourth of July! Today's outfit is an idea for something you could wear to a cookout, parade, beach day - it honestly works for pretty much any casual 4th event. And it is COMFY - just how I like my holiday attire! (For other 4th of July outfit ideas, you can also check out this post and this post.)

Red, white, and blue striped knit tank top: American Eagle

Light wash cutoff denim shorts (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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

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Brown ankle strap espadrille wedges (also seen here, here, & here): Gap

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The Jacksons "Love" jute tote bag (also seen here): via Tucci Boutique

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Gold statement necklace (also seen here): c/o Crown Jewelry

Madewell gold cuff bracelet (also seen here, here & here): c/o Shopbop

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I've been loving trying out new ways to style my short hair. Luckily for me, one of my all-time favorite cruelty-free hair care lines, Kenra, has three new products that I am obsessed with for creating waves like these. Their Grip Collection, which includes the Whip Grip Mousse, Air Grip Spray, and High Grip Spray, has become my go-to for lightweight, textured curls.

(You can find Kenra products at Ulta!)

What are your plans for the 4th of July next week? Matt and I will probably go to a local park that has the best vantage point of the city so we can see all the firework shows over the water. And, just like every other grill out holiday, we'll most likely make some veggie burgers. Mmmm. I'm drooling already.

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I was given Kenra products to try, powered by BrandBacker. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own opinions and text.

Summer Chill: Knit Sweater + Printed Shorts + Ankle Strap Wedges

Hello there! Matt and I are back from our trip to Los Angeles. We had such an amazing time, especially at the Jason Mraz birthday concert at The Hollywood Bowl. It was the best show either of us has ever been to! We also ate at about 40 different vegan restaurants in a span of less than 48 hours - all of which were FANTASTIC. (I'm thinking about doing a post soon of our favorite vegan L.A. spots, so keeps an eye out for that 😊 ) And now it's back to the Monday reality of life... AKA lots of laundry.

Oversized dark gray chunky knit sweater (also seen here): H&M

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Red and white printed shorts (also seen here): Old Navy

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Nude ankle strap wedges (also seen here & here): Old Navy

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Urban Expressions vegan turquoise weaved crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): DSW

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24K gold "A" initial bar necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o oNecklace

Did you have a good weekend? It's always hard coming back to "real life," but the lengthy, sunny summer days of San Diego are making it a much easier pill to swallow. Long live summertime (and long live chunky sweaters with shorts!)!

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Light & Bright: Embroidered Top + Cutoffs + Espadrilles

Happy Almost The Weekend (AKA "Friday")! Matt and I are headed on a road trip up to L.A. today. We are going to see my very favorite singer's concert at The Hollywood Bowl: Jason Mraz! I am so excited. I love his concerts and we've never been to The Hollywood Bowl before. It's also Matt's first time ever going to Los Angeles, so if you have any recommendations, please let us know (especially any and all must-visit vegan restaurants)!

Free People pink lace bralette: c/o Shopbop

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White flowy tank with embroidery detail: Marshalls

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Light wash cutoff jean shorts (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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Navy blue and white polka dot flat espadrilles (also seen here & here): Old Navy

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Gold chevron drop earrings (also seen here): Nordstrom Rack

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

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Surprise three-day weekends are such a treat, aren't they? Especially when they involve a road trip and a concert, baby! Be sure to follow along on Instagram (@alliegee319) if you want to see some Jason Mraz concert Insta Stories 😊
What are you up to this weekend?

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Red-dy To Go: Off-The-Shoulder Dress + Espadrille Flats + Crossbody Bag

Happy last day of spring! This week is an exciting one for a few reasons. First, it's the first official day of summer tomorrow. (Woo hoo!) Then I am chopping off 8 inches of my hair to donate. (Ahh!) Then Matt and I are headed on a road trip to L.A. (Yay!) And finally, we're going to the Jason Mraz concert at The Hollywood Bowl. (HOORAY!) This is one of those weeks that I am just so giddy for -- but also admittedly very nervous too, because I am pretty scared to have shorter hair again. I haven't had my hair above my shoulders since, like, 2009! 😳

Red off-the-shoulder dress: ASOS

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Nude skinny braided belt (also seen here): Forever 21

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Black and white espadrille flat slip-ons (also seen here): American Eagle

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

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Multicolored stone cuff bracelet (also seen here & here): Charming Charlie

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

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Are you celebrating or dreading the beginning of summertime? Having spent the last four summers in Phoenix, this is the first time in many years that I am actually excited for this season. (And for my Arizona pals who are currently dealing with 120-degree temps, I feel for you. Our home is open to you to come visit anytime!)

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Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking: Army Jacket + Crop Top + Ripped Jeans + Sandals

Happiest of Fridays to you! There are only a few more days until the official start of summer, isn't that crazy to think? Even though it feels like it's been summertime for awhile now (sorry that you always get skipped over early, spring), I am excited about the real kickoff of the season. I'm ready to grill out with veggie burgers by the pool for 4th of July, swim in the ocean that will finally warm up (well, not that it makes a huge difference since the Pacific is always bone-chillingly cold), and spend the extra long days out in the sun. Le sigh... Summer lovin', indeed!

Olive green military jacket (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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Multicolored floral print ruffled crop top: Nordstrom Rack

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

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

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Nude and gold studded flat t-strap sandals (also seen here): Old Navy

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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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Turquoise stone necklace (also seen here): c/o Buddha Blossom Jewels

Gold bracelet: Target

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What are your summer plans? Are you going on a vacation? Matt and I are probably going to stay put this summer for a variety of reasons. Normally I would be bummed, but I feel like we still have so much to explore in our new home of Southern California alone! I mean, Matt's never even been to Los Angeles before. (But that actually changes next week, because we are headed to L.A. for the Jason Mraz birthday concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Ah, I am so excited!! Which reminds me, if you're not already following along on Instagram @alliegee319, I recommend doing so so you can catch some of the concert fun!)

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The Best Vegan Products At Trader Joe's

Update: Yes, I am still vegan. I used to think going vegan would be one of the more difficult life decisions I would ever make and stick to. It turns out this is far from reality. I've now been entirely plant-based for almost 6 months, and I have to say it so much simpler than I made it out to be in my head for so many years. One thing that makes it so easy? TRADER JOE'S. It is by far my favorite grocery store - and not just because it has the best inexpensive fresh flowers (although that certainly doesn't hurt). The reason I really, truly love T.J.'s? They have so many on-purpose vegan products, as well as plenty of "accidentally vegan" items! Below are my current favorite snacks for those who are vegan or are just trying to incorporate a little more cruelty-free into their diet. (And yes, you will quickly catch on that "delicious junk food" is the theme for these picks.)

1. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips So tasty by themselves as a treat, on top of shakes and desserts, OR even melted down for chocolate-covered strawberries!

Image via Trader Joe's Reviews

2. Reduced Guilt Pita Chips With Sea Salt These are so crunchy! I love them paired with hummus for a quick snack.

Image via Trader Joe's

3. Brownie Crisp Just as with the choco chips mentioned above, I love breaking these up into small bits and spreading their cocoa goodness on cashew milk ice cream!

Image via She Finds
4. Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk This is my favorite to use in place of coffee creamer! It's sweet, thick, and perfect for a splash of taste for my morning cup o' joe.

Image via Fit Girl Food
5. Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert This may be made out of soy, but it is SO creamy. (Plus it is super affordable compared to other dairy-free ice cream brands.)

Image via Trader Joe's
6. Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai Caffeine and vegan? Two words that make my heart very happy (as well as my tired brain).

Image via Trader Joe's
7. Marshmallows VEGAN MARSHMALLOWS?! As in, no gelatin? And they're under $3 for a bag? AND they actually taste good? Alert the S'mores Gods, because everyone's favorite summertime fireside dessert is still on the menu, baby!

Image via Trader Joe's

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I know I just devoted a whole post to a grocery store, but if you are recently vegan or are trying to become more cruelty-free in your diet, I hope this can be helpful on your next shopping trip. (Side note: You should totally consider buying your regular groceries here, too. Personally, we get our normal grocery supplies at TJ's - organic fruits and veggies, pasta, coffee, wine, etc. - and our bill is so much cheaper than other stores!) Plus, although most of Trader Joe's products are even labelled as "vegan" or "vegetarian" (which is so helpful and thank you so much for doing it, Trader Joe's. Like, seriously thank you), there are those few yumm-o "accidentally vegan" items that I don't want to you to miss out on! Besides, it is never fun being the person blocking the aisle, looking up ingredients on your phone to check what is or isn't safe for you to consume when you're avoiding animal products.
Trust me. I speak from much personal experience.

Now go forth and enjoy all the vegan chocolatey goodness out there!

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