Desert Afterglow

[ Ever Romper, Gap Espadrilles, Ariel Gordon Pave Circle Ring, Vintage Bangles and Necklace, J.Crew Hat ]

Our long weekend in the desert couldn't have been more perfect. We managed to check off all our favorite things we like to do in the short three day stay at the La Quinta Resort & Spa. Besides a serious poolside bronze-a-thon, we had dinner at two amazing restaurants—Morgans and Sense—stopped by Elizabeth & Prince my favorite boutique in La Quinta, caught up on new June Magazines, took an early morning walk around the resort and sat outside in the late night heat. Here's a look at an outfit I wore out to dinner one night. 

Sunshine ahead

[ Poolside reading material, my favorite hat and sunglasses ]

Tomorrow the beau and I are headed to the desert for a weekend of seriously needed sunshine and R&R. I've been counting down the days until we arrive at my favorite spot, La Quinta Resort & Spa, throw on our bathing suits and grab a margarita on the patio—see my past visits here and here. Here are a few essentials I'm packing with me on my trip. What are you doing for the long Memorial Day weekend? 

 [ Strapless bikinis from Mikoh Swimwear and Eres ]

 [ Black fringe sandals—seen here—and my new espadrille platforms from Gap ]

 [ Pale pink lipstick (lingerie pink by YSL) and gloss—seen here. Perfect for Palm Springs! ]

[ Brightly colored sundresses ]

Jewelry, Cupcakes and Bubbly

Initial Pendant Necklaces

Last weekend I hosted a trunk show for Ariel Gordon Jewelry here in Santa Barbara and it couldn't have been a better way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends. After a few hours of trying on almost every piece of Ariel's I have a running list of the ones I'm saving up for. At the top of this very long list? A perfectly dainty gold bangle, a bezel set cuff and the Pave Tetra Spike Necklace. Between trying on jewelry and sipping some prosecco I caught up with some friends and fellow bloggers Katie of Ink & Post, Raya of The Paper Pony and Samantha of Cashmere Fog. It was the perfect way to cap off the weekend. 

Me and Ariel Gordon

Displayed AG jewelry

A friend trying on the Silk Woven Bracelet.

 Vanilla cupcakes from Whodidly. The next best thing to jewelry... sugar.

 AG bracelets—currently obsessing over the Pave Circle Bracelet with sapphires, sigh.

Silk Woven Bracelets. I picked up a couple of these to layer and haven't taken them off since. 

Photographs by Raya Carlisle Photography

Bronze Away

With warmer days slowly creeping in, I've found myself slightly embarrassed by my pasty, exposed limbs. I've never been one to get a deep dark tan, but for a redhead I do pretty well when it comes to getting just a little glow. While I love soaking in some vitamin D, I'm more inclined as of late to protect my skin—thanks to my dermo for freaking me out. So here are some ways I'm faking my sun-kissed skin. See my tips on taking the self-tanner route here. 

1. Benefit's Dallas, $28—A mix of bronzer and blush. It gives that just left the beach flush. 

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads, $32—These bronzing/exfoliating pads are an easy and fast way to get a sun-kissed glow. 

3. Sun Self-Tanner, $18—I've been using this brand since college. It's hands down the best. 

4. Nars Body Glow, $59—Smells like hawaii and makes you look like you just came from there too. 

5. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $50—Has just enough sheer to give a good glow. 

6. Trish McEvoy Bronzer Brush #37, $68—I can't stand how some brushes just don't work. This one blends bronzer perfectly.

7. Jergens Natural Glow body lotion, $9—The easiest way to keep up a good tan, real or fake. I can't live without this lotion in the summertime. 

8. Benefit Girl Meets Pearl, $30—I love putting this on under my powder bronzer just above my cheekbones. It gives a natural looking glow. 

Denim Daze

[ A.P.C. Tank, Mother Denim Drama Jean, J.Crew Hat, Gap Espadrille Wedges, Ariel Gordon Rings ]

Being a California girl my whole life, sometimes all I need is a good pair of jeans and a tank to get me out the door. I've been pairing my new Mother Denim jeans with some of my favorite summery tops, which has been my uniform lately. I love the option of wearing something loose and flowy or tucking it in to show of the high waist fit. I was torn about heming these jeans so I could wear them with flats or leaving them long for heels. When I found these espadrille wedges at Gap, I decided to leave them extra long for the time being. 

Little Things

[ Summer scarves displayed on my chair ]

This week was stressful and hectic. It was so chocked full of getting things done that I swear the past 5 days happened in the blink of an eye. The one time I was able to kick back and relax was at night, when I'd watch Mad Men—I know I'm late to the party but I'm beyond obsessed—with a bowl of yogurt covered pretzels. Besides getting some R&R, I'm looking forward to hosting a trunk show for Ariel Gordon Jewelry this weekend and going to a close friend's baby shower. Here's a look at a few things that made my busy week a happy one. 

[ I have a newfound weakness for yogurt covered pretzels ]

 [ Magazines picked up for the much needed R&R over the weekend ] 

[ My new favorite love knot pinky ring by Ariel Gordon ]

[ A fringe tassel on a woven Claramonte bag I'm currently craving ]

Easy Peasy

I'm all about quick and easy recipes that call for minimal ingredients for the days that I don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. And since I'm always struggling to incorporate more greens in my diet, I decided to try out this pea prosciutto salad recipe I came across in Real Simple. Not only did it take me less then 20 minutes to make but the combination was utterly perfect on a warm day. I'll definitely be packing this dish on our next picnic. 

Soft and Subtle

[ Gifted UGG Australia Mongolian Wool Vest, Rag & Bone Amelot Dress, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff Bracelet, Ariel Gordon Love Knot Ring, Vintage Necklace and Bracelets, Target Boots, Maybelline Coral Crush Lipstick ]

I'll admit to sacrificing comfort when it comes to a hopelessly hot pair of heels but in other departments I always opt for soft fabrics and a non constricting fit. So when UGG Australia sent me this dreamy long haired wool vest, I couldn't wait to pair it with something equally cozy and feminine. I recently found this white dress by Rag & Bone and love the juxtaposition of the silky fabric mixed with the thick, pale wool and tan suede tassels. And since the vest has light tan/pink undertones I put on some coral lipstick for a little contrast. 

Save or Splurge

In the past, sunglasses were one of my weak spots when it came to shopping. I was constantly falling in love with a new pair and accumulated quite a collection of cheap finds and a few expensive buys. But after I bought a classic pair of ray ban aviators a year ago (seen here, here and here) I never turned back and rarely go digging in my sunglass drawer, until recently. Feeling guilty about craving a pricey Ralph Lauren pair (see here), I went looking at what I already had. Sadly, there was nothing remotely close to the perfectly round frame so I went on a hunt for something similar and easier on the wallet. I found this pair from Topshop that's much more affordable with a similar shape. So now the question is... save or splurge? 

Stolen: My Boyfriend's Riviera Club Shirt

An oversized button-down shirt is one of my favorite go-to closet essentials for days that require something comfortable and easy without sacrificing style. They're the most multi-purpose piece of clothing I own by far. I can just as easily throw one on with jeans and heels for a cocktail party or wear as a beach cover-up on a Summer day. And where do I find all these fabulous oversized shirts? Shh, the beau's closet. My most recent discovery is Riviera Club's El Dorado shirt. I've fallen in love with the thin stripes, raw edged pocket, contrasted lining and extremely soft fabric. Here's three ways I've been wearing the beau's shirt. 

1. Paired with jeans, heels and layered jewelry.

2. Since the shirt is oversized, I threw on this tight bandeau skirt with short boots. 

3. Last but not least, I live in this shirt at home. Because it's so soft, I never want to take it off. It's the ultimate option for a lazy Sunday morning. 

Raquel Allegra Summer 2011

With the arrival of Summer just around the corner, I've been craving light airy pieces and easy ensembles. Raquel Allegra's Summer 2011 collection couldn't come closer to exactly what I've been wanting. Ultra soft tees, dresses, skirts and tanks come in neutral colors and cool tie dyes. Using a shredding technique on some pieces, Raquel creates partially sheer sections on her garments which adds a billowy affect to oversized henleys and cocoon shaped cardigans. Basic yet so much better. Could i have that?