Casual Cutoffs & Crops

Nothing shouts summer like worn-in denim cutoffs. They are a necessary part of my uniform this time of year. I have worn them with tees, tanks and crops, and it always works.

"THEY'RE JUST SO EASY TO THROW ON, AND OF COURSE THERE'S THE IMMEDIATE COOL GIRL ATTITUDE BOOST THEY GIVE YOU." 

They're just so easy to throw on, and of course there's the immediate cool girl attitude boost they give you. When I was in L.A. I wore them all the time, and I can confirm that, yes, the cool girl attitude boost is totally a thing.

photos by Paula Young Photo

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To The Seaside

I should probably start by saying that I am so not mentally ready for life after a weeklong vacation, so there's that. But really, how could you be when your days are filled with sunshine, good food, and occasionally, a fun trip to a beach.

Manhattan Beach was my first seaside stop in L.A. and it gave me the perfect excuse to run around the beach in my trusty swim bottoms paired with a fun embellished top. And run around the beach I did.  

"GET OUT THERE, BE FREE & MOST IMPORTANTLY, PRANCE MY DARLINGS, PRANCE!"

Now, I don't want to get all preachy, but I will say this: If you don't allow yourself the joy that comes with twirling on the beach in an itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-yellow-polka-dot-bikini (or its equivalent), you're truly doing yourself a disservice. Get out there, be free and most importantly, prance my darlings, prance!

photos by Paula Young Photo 

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Back To Cali: Travel Diary

I'll be honest gals: this week back from L.A. has thrown me for an absolute loop. I think I've just settled back in. That doesn't mean I'm not missing the west coast, though. I'll be lusting over these images all weekend, from my beachside days to the strolls downtown.

Santa Monica Ferris Wheel

Beach Day at Hermosa Beach

I loved this house I spotted walking to the beach -- I need more yellow in my closet!

The Last Bookstore in DTLA -- look it up! New & vintage books and art!

I had lunch for one at Ace Hotel after my meeting with Living Doll L.A. 

Just about everywhere in California had fresh fruit stands -- this is at Echo Lake Park

Palms at Echo Lake Park

Lovely lunch at Lemonade -- some of the freshest food!

first two images Paula Young Photo

Pack Light

One thing I don't do when I'm traveling is check a bag -- I've lost luggage that way (and I hate paying extra for luggage). That means when I fly I have to stuff everything into a carry-on. And when I say stuff, I mean I have to hop on the suitcase to close it.

For my L.A. trip, I tried something different. Instead of packing way too many outfits, although I really wanted to, I brought things I could rework. This outfit is a more casual version of this one. Yes, I am an outfit repeater, sue me!

With my chambray knotted, easy d'orsay flats and sparkly arm candy, it had a totally different vibe than the first time I wore this jumpsuit. That, and the fact that there was no way I would run into anyone who'd seen me in the same outfit, of course. 

photos by Paula Young Photo

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Santa Monica Pier

I arrived in L.A. right at the beginning of a heat wave, which meant 90 degree days in March. Mild spring weather right? 

When the temperatures start rising, Californians run to the beach. I ran to Santa Monica Pier, a colorful beachside spot that doubles as a cute amusement park. The breeze from the ocean was a godsend that day, as was the fresh fruit from an unexpected fruit stand. 

Yes, fresh fruit you can pick out and have cut right in front of you. I didn't even miss my traditional fried fair favorite, funnel cake. California will do that to you, I guess.

photos by Paula Young Photo

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Pink On Melrose

I'll be quick because today is another beautiful day in Los Angeles, and I am so looking forward to a lazy, late breakfast. Needless to say,  I'm enjoying the heck out of the west coast!

Over the weekend I spent some time on the iconic Melrose, and per the demand of my Cali girlfriend, Kaye, I stopped at the famously pink Paul Smith store. 

And while my chambray button up tied around this black jumpsuit gives a cool girl vibe, I was anything but as I was snapping tons of pics like a true tourist.

photos by Paula Young Photo

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california love: travel diary

This is the grand and final round up of my L.A. trip. I know, I know, y'all are rejoicing. I've been talking about the trip for a solid two weeks, but can you really judge a girl? 

- Marble & gold at Bottega Louie -

- The prettiest display of macaroons - 

- More sweets - 

- I can only hope to have a luxuriously stocked bar like this one day -

- Pizza is never a bad idea -

- A rainbow of macaroons - 

- A sunny drive down Hollywood Boulevard -

- The palm trees - 

- You can't go to L.A. and not stop here -

- A quiet moment at The Getty -