A Beautiful Date with Dooney and Bourke

{Written while getting ready to watch a Masterpiece Theater series that was somehow accidentally recorded by my brilliant DVR (maybe because it knows I love Downton Abbey? ) called Indian Summers and I am so excited! It looks like a goody.  Stay tuned for my review!}  A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an invite to a dinner and a preview of Dooney and Bourke's new line of handbags.  Like most of us, my memories of Dooney and Bourke involve my dad, dragging my brother and I to Nordstrom at Christmas time for yet another purse (and matching wallet, and key chain and checkbook cover and make-up bag-- ohhh, the coordinating accessories they had) for my mom-- do you remember those bags that had the duck on them and came trimmed in brown leather? Well, my friends, those are not the Dooney bags of today.   I was awed by the beautiful designs that I saw-- gorgeous leather, contemporary, luxe designs, and that craftsmanship we've come to expect from this iconic brand.  The bag I am carrying is the Barlow bag from the City collection and its perfect. It is thoughtfully constructed and has just the right amount of pockets and places for your keys and your cell phone and it comes with the cross-body strap, which I adore. Who doesn't love the ability to roll hands-free? I love this. I look for this kind of versatility and quality and this bag has it.    Pop on over to the website http://www.dooney.com/home and take a peek. I really really love the Alto collection-- go look! They are gorgeous.  I paired it with a simple sheath dress and heels from Banana Republic, because is easy and fuss-free ever a bad thing for the office? Not in my book!  Hope your (3 day?) weekend was lovely, dearest reader! Thanks for stopping by! Sweetly- Michelle

Bag: Here || Dress: Here || Shoes: Here ||

Fall (ish) Florals

Hii you! Happy mid-week! We are here already! How happy does that make you??Ok, so I was meh on floral pants for work. Dresses, skirts, shirts? Sure thing. Pants?? I don't know... I bought a pair of cute floral heels that I've worn once (maybe) and I felt like it was one of those things where I want to like it and I think I should like it and then it just sits in my closet- you know that feeling, right? Not these fine floral friends, friends! These pants are so cute! I've already worn them 3 different ways- versatile, easy to dress up or down- love them! And it's nice to mix up my conservative wardrobe a bit with this.! Best thing ever? A Forever 21 find! You can't pass up something this inexpensive (says me to myself no matter what the price is!)😀  You can find them here. I paired them with a long one button jacket from Banana Republic (here and it's on sale now! Yay!) This the most versatile piece. I wear blazers all the time- with jeans and heels on casual Friday's at the office, with rolled up sleeves, white tennis shoes and cut off denim shorts and with boots and leggings.  I popped on a pair of heels and grabbed one of my vintage Gucci bags and away I went!  Hope this day is going to be a wonderful one for you and as always, I am so grateful that you stopped by! Xxoo Michelle

Denim + Denim













For the most part, we want #GDSL to showcase anything and everything that appeals to our lives and the many hats we wear- attorneys, mommies, yogis, runners, friends, daughters, wives and everything in between.  A big chunk of my daily life is in the office so professional-attire will be a focus for me but every now and then, we may throw a cute casual outfit here on the blog. And guess what? Today is one of those days!  

What do you do with left over Saturday night hair and an early Sunday morning park play date (besides heavily caffeinate)?   You throw on a cute flower headband (I am bananas for big flowers--and feathers, as long as we are on the topic!), jean shorts and a loose, lightweight button down.  I also got to use my new Stella and Dot clutch, which gives this outfit (and any outfit I bet) a nice little pop of color.   Perfect!  Happy day sweet reader! Hope your day is wonderful and thank you so much for stopping by! Xo Michelle

Moody (Navy) Blues

 

Well hello there! Let me tell you about the crazy weather that was going on when I was taking these pictures-- it got cloudy and rainy really quickly and COLD (Southern California cold. So like, 69 or 70. Freezing, in other words) The good news is that even though it was windy (read: hair flying everywhere) and my teeth were chat chat chattering, the sky turned an amazing pink. We've been over this before but I am practically dumbfounded over sunsets. Actually, the sky in general. My phone is full of pictures of great big clouds and beautiful skies full of pinks and red.  I look up at the sky all of the time and it rarely disappoints and really, how can you have a bad day with all of that beauty surrounding you?  Answer: You can't!  Take my word for it. Look up.

I would have to think about whether I would wear this outfit to work because it might be a little short for a law office (for me anyway). I am really particular about the length and silhouette of pieces because dressing for the office as a woman is (for better or worse) establishing credibility and nothing undermines that faster than a too short hemline or too much cleavage.  Maybe someday, we can all be judged by what is on our inside but until we stumble into that Utopia, I'm not taking any chances!!   I think this little set is perfect for an after- work function or dinner and a show. The skirt and shirt are both from Zara and are a really nice quality- heavy and textured.  It's a deep, beautiful shade of navy, too. In the summer, it would be really cute with a neutral strappy sandal and an arm full of bangles.  I pulled this bag out of the closet for the first time in a long while. I love this bag. Wait, I love all bags.  I have every Gucci bag I've ever purchased going back maybe 15 years and I never sell them.  They are like family to me.  I'm a Gucch-a-holic (we all have our problems though, am I right!?)  😊

We hope your day and your week are just lovely and hey! Thank you so much for stopping by!  Xoxo 🎀🍭Michelle