a perfect day

Top: F21; Leggings: Marciano; Boots: Franco Sarto; Bag: Kate Spade; Sunnies: Oliver Peoples (both pairs)

Trevor and I escaped to Santa Monica over the weekend and it was such a wonderful afternoon. We walked around and did some shopping and then headed down to the beach, where we walked along the pier and then ventured into the sand. 

I'm crossing my fingers that this great weather extends into next weekend so that we can head back to the beach for another great afternoon!

feels like summer

Top: Marciano; Jeans: Levi's; Shoes: Rag & Bone

It's the middle of January and you could've fooled me, cause it feels like it's the middle of July. I'm not complaining, but the weather certainly feels like it's having an identity crisis. I don't want a polar vortex, but it would certainly be nice to be able to wear the sweaters I got for Christmas (which, at this rate, probably will never happen...)

the look for less: stuart weitzman '5050' boot

The Stuart Weitzman '5050' boot is TAKING OVER. I'm seeing them everywhere; on bloggers, celebs, and people on the street. I even bit the bullet and tried on a pair at my local Nordstrom, since I couldn't seem to escape them. But at nearly $600 - these boots just are not (and probably will never be) in my price range:

Stuart Weitzman '5050', $598 at Nordstrom

So, after I tried them on and decided that they were pretty spectacular, I knew that I had to find a substitute. 

Enter the Franco Sarto 'Motor' boots, which I just happened to see on Instagram after lurking the brand's hashtag. I couldn't believe my eyes. Was it even possible? A pair of boots that look SO much like the real deal - complete with the same stretchy fabric on the back of the leg?

Take a look for yourself:

Franco Sarto 'Motor' Boot, $159.99 on Amazon

And here they are on the leg (cause you better believe I bought these bad boys):

They're honestly incredible and I am SO happy with my purchase. I'm wearing them right now. 

The only issue I had with them initially was that they were kind of hard to zip. If you're familiar with the 5050, you know that you just pull them on, and the stretchy fabric on the back of the calf helps to fit to your leg. With these, I think you have to wear them to let the fabric "give" a little bit. Not a problem, considering I'm on my second day of wearing them and each time, putting them on gets a little bit easier. I do think that if my calves/thighs were any bigger, these boots would not work.

These boots run true to size and at 5'3 - they hit at the perfect point above the knee.

100% worth every penny.

pretending it's still the weekend

Sweater: LOFT; Tank: F21; Leggings: Marciano; Boots: Franco Sarto; Sunnies: Oliver Peoples 'Shean'; Bag: Kate Spade

It's kind of crazy how fast the weekend flies by in comparison to the work week. Two days at work seem to drag by, but the two days in the weekend are done in an instant. Wasn't it just Friday night?

The only thing getting me through these first weeks of January is the knowledge that in 53 days (WHO IS COUNTING?) I'll be in ITALY! As of right now, I'm going with Trevor, my sister and his sister - to a handful of places for a glorious ten days. Florence, Rome, Venice - WE ARE COMING FOR YOU. And knowing how life works, those ten days are going to fly by.

casual friday

Sweater: Forever 21; Shorts: Levi's (DIY); Shirt: Thrifted; Flats: JCrew

I got a remote for my camera so expect a lot of pictures like this in the future. 

I don't have to use camera slaves anymore!!