Suburban Sunlight

Sometimes it's nice to leave the city and relax a little in suburbia. That's not a thought I express too often, but there's definitely a sense of relief when I find myself in an area where the whole street is available for parking.

I'll admit, I'm a true city girl at heart. Through thick and thin. I'll defend LA, even when I could string off a list of complaints and criticisms at a moment's notice. But who can't find negatives about anything if they try hard enough? It's much easier to dwell in the positive. Thinking about the opportunities and culture a city offers gives me butterflies. But suburbia provides the perfect refuge to slow down. Rent a movie and stay inside. Or have a photoshoot in the street, because the cars are that scarce!

Amidst the city lights, my frenzied brain needs a reminder: It's ok to relax. It's ok if I don't do everything. It's ok if I stay in on a Friday night. The world is constantly speeding around us, through us, but let's not lose sight of the value in breathing and resting in the moment.

 Blouse: Native (local boutique)

Lace skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Modcloth

<3 Taylor

*Special thanks to my photographer, Brittan.

Little Obsessions #4

1. Geometric Skirt 2. Bow Wedges 3. Feather Dress 4. Chalkboard DIY 5. Lush Beer Shampoo 6. Fabric Markers

Craft projects coming soon! I've had a lot of ideas rolling around in my head lately. I think it's even more important to spend time in creativity when most of my day is now spent at my desk job. Never let a day become dull!

Color Crush

According to pantone.com, one of the colors for spring is Cockatoo. Think seafoam and mint green. It is so gorgeous! I can't get enough of this color. So begins the search to add this color to my closet and my life...

Picture 1. Picture 2. Picture 3. Picture 4. Picture 5. Picture 6.

Little Obsessions #2

1. This wall art.

2. This marriage proposal featured on Green Wedding Shoes. One of the most creative, beautiful ones I've seen... I'll admit I shed a tear.



3. This look from Modcloth's new lookbook.

4. This Etsy shop, Fancy Clothes. Late birthday present for me!

5. This print technique. The more unusual, the better.

Coat Envy

Just when I thought we were heading into Autumn, it turned right back into Summer. Hello 80 degrees. That's ok. I'll go right ahead with baking my pumpkin pies and listening to Christmas songs obscenely early. Think of it as my version of a rain dance. 

Some days I wish I lived in a climate that justifies a closet of cute coats. A trench would definitely be included, if only to wear an outfit as lovely as hers: 

and oh, to wear this cozy coat...

I'd like to think I won't be eating my words in a couple months, but a girl's allowed to be fickle, right? I'll enjoy what I've got now and rock the sandals and bare legs!

<3 Taylor

Little Obsessions #1

Although I like to think summer is my favorite season with all the sun and beach opportunities, Autumn is nearest to my heart. The beginning of the holidays, spices, hot drinks, deep, rich colors, snuggling in cozy blankets, and walks in the crisp air... the list could go on. Though I'll admit I'm spoiled in LA, where "crisp" is other places' warm and beach days are still on the schedule. But I'm always obsessing over one thing or another so here are my current obsessions, heavily Autumn inspired.

1. THIS VIDEO:


Red Velvet Lookbook / Fall 2011 from elsie larson on Vimeo.

If you want these looks in your closet as much as I do, go here.

2. VANILLA CHAI & MUSTARD SEED CAFE. I know this season is all about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. A vanilla chai can be enjoyed year round, but that's only because they are the most delicious drink found on this earth. Exaggeration much? Well I did say these were my obsessions. And Mustard Seed Cafe is my favorite local place to drink these delicious concoctions. If you're in the Los Feliz/LA area, don't miss this gem of a place.

This is my favorite kind to make at home. Elephant Vanilla Chai (buy it here). I'm thinking the 4lb bag. Don't judge.

3. SWEET POTATOES. This probably sounds silly, but I dare you to try baking one. It's good even without the loads of butter, sour cream and cheese. Can your run-of-the-mill, Russet potato say that? I'm not convinced.
Sweet potatoes are especially tasty with pecans, like this recipe.
Mmm.
Instant taste of Fall!
Let me go google some more recipes right now...

4. BB DAKOTA on Modcloth. Particularly this cardigan.

Look at those beautiful Fall leaf colors!  All I want is to snuggle up with the above mentioned vanilla chai and a good read (possibly the new design*sponge at home book.). Sigh.

5. LAURA MARLING. A Creature I Don't Know just released this week. You won't regret spending your money on this one. Her voice is flawless and perfectly haunting. Autumn as represented by music and moving pictures:

Fall Inspiration

We've been experiencing 80 degree heat, but when the calendar hits September, I consider it time for Fall style. Boots and tights please! This Fall is all about 60's inspiration. The gorgeous collars, lace up boots, polka dots, and mod silhouettes all remind me why this is my favorite season. I can't wait for pumpkins, hot drinks, and holidays. Now if only the LA sun will cooperate and turn itself down a few degrees! The following are a few of my favorite collections so far.

The most lovely patterns and details, if only I could afford a piece or two of this collection by Lauren Moffatt:

 

 

 

 


I loved everything about this lookbook of styles for the office this Autumn. I would have posted every outfit, but after some time (which I'd rather not disclose), I was able to decide on these as my top two. The polka dots with the stripes is just flawless and that mustard yellow! Well let's just say I'm still in the middle of my romance with this color. Head over to Ruche to see all the other beautiful looks.

If you've never read the blog, A Beautiful Mess, now if the time to start. Call it a new Fall resolution? Trust me, you won't me disappointed. Elsie always has the sweetest posts. And if you're looking for some one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces to add to your wardrobe, then look no further than her shop, Red Velvet. Tomorrow her new collection becomes available, but items are limited and sell out fast, so stretch out your fingers and get ready to click away!

And last, but certainly not least, the new stylebook by Modcloth. In my eyes, they can do no wrong, and so far I have never been disappointed. There's not much I can say, except, I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! Take a peak for yourself: