The Embroidered Dress

The weather has been so nice lately, a little bit of June Gloom but then the marine layer burns off and it's warm and sunny.  Perfect for exploring Balboa Park, especially after work while we still get lots of extra hours of sunshine.
I'm all about simplicity when it comes to getting dressed.  If I can wear a dress that already has detailing in it, I'm set.  Saves me from having to accessorize, which I do on occasion but most days I'm scrambling to get out the door. This white dress with embroidery from Forever 21 has been getting a lot of wear already this year.  I paired it with my new, favorite lace up sandals.  So comfy, and just a bit of a wedge for a little extra height.  Surprisingly, I can actually run in these sandals and keep up with the kids!  What's your summer go to look? Thanks for stopping by and checking out my little piece of the web.

Dress: Forever 21// Sandals: Dolce Vita

Essential Floral maxi dress

Something I'm a sucker for... maxi dresses.  I always have to ask myself, do I really need another one? And, yes, I usually do!  I especially love it when I score one for less than $30.  I picked this dress up at Forever 21 recently.  I love the bold print and color, simple as that.  Perfect for summer nights in San Diego.

Dress: Forever 21

The embellished dress

Pockets equals comfort.

The more strappy the better!

I'm a big fan of embellishment, the more detailed, the better for me.  Plus I'm not the best at accessorizing, so if it can be done for me by way of a dress then I'm pumped!  I got this dress a few years ago and it's turned out to be a go to for me on many occasions.  It's comfortable enough in flat sandals for a day in the park but easily dressed up while still having that casual vibe to it.  Wore it recently to an outing for wine and sliders.

Dress: Anthropologie//Shoes: Dolce Vita

Balboa park and a love affair with the bougainvillea

Casa del Prado Theater

Beautiful bougainvillea everywhere!

Lily pond outside of the Botanical garden

Balboa park is magical.  I started coming here when I first moved to San Diego, in 2003.  At that time it was all about wine and cheese picnics with friends on a lazy Sunday or an outdoor movie, projected onto the wall of one of the museums.  Fast forward a good 6 years and I was pregnant with my first, Michael. We lived within walking distance of Balboa so many nights of the week we would take long walks through the park.  After my son was born we went there almost daily.  We had to, there was a newborn in the house and we were living in our 472 sq foot condo, fresh air was in order! I went back to work and my husband stayed at home for a few years. Everyday, without fail, he'd strap Michael into the Bjorn or Ergo and be out the door to Balboa Park.

Yesterday was a great day.  I got off of work a little bit early, picked the kids up from school and we headed out for an adventure.  I'll never grow tired of this amazing place, how could you?  The architecture is beautiful, there are flowers constantly in bloom, history and art museums and I find myself, now having two kids, discovering new things I'd never before seen or noticed, every time we go.  If you are ever in San Diego, Balboa Park is a must see.

What are your some of the must see places in your city?  I would to love to hear about them.

Cobalt blue on repeat

Pops of color are kind of my gig and this cobalt blue has been on repeat lately.  Ditto the rolled denim.  This is a new favorite top from Zara, feminine but with a little edge.  I don't know why I held onto this dinosaur for all the pics...he was peeking out of the ivy so I grabbed him.
Wore this out for dinner with friends.  I plan on pairing this top next with white skinny jeans, I think. What do you think?
And these shoes are a spring/summer go to.  They're Ann Taylor from last season but they always have some variation of this ankle strap in stock.  I was drawn to the pale gray because it's a neutral that I have found goes with everything.  I tend to stick with neutral shoes and these heels are so comfortable. (I love bold colored shoes but I sometimes feel like they make me look shorter, not a good thing!)  

Top:Zara// Denim:Joe's Jeans// Heels:Ann Taylor

Anything but basic black sheath

Every morning I think I'm going to get up earlier than the kids and get myself ready for work before they wake up.  On occasion this happens.  But most mornings my son has usually found his way into our bed around 5 and we all fall back asleep a little bit longer.  There's nothing better than all the morning cuddles to start the day.  But this then means I'm a little bit late getting up and scrambling to find something to wear.  On those days it's best to put on a black sheath and heels and be out the door for the work.  I've had this Ann Taylor sheath for more than a few years and it never disappoints.  A few pleats in the front so it's a little forgiving and the pockets give it a casual cool look.  One of my favorites.

Dress: Ann Taylor// Heels: Ann Taylor

The almost backless dress

I can't believe how big Fiona is getting, 3 1/2 already!

Last night I went to Cultures and Cocktails at the San Diego Museum of Art.  In theory it's a super idea, have a cocktail, enjoy some art.  But lately the events have been really crowded and loud, it's almost like a club scene, or maybe I'm just getting older and have less patience for crowds!  Regardless, I got to spend quality time with some of my favorite chicks and had an excuse to wear this dress that I picked up recently from Zara.

It's right up my alley, bold color, bold prints and the open back is so pretty.  This dress will be on my repeat for me as the weather keeps warming up.  Thanks for taking a peek!

Dress: Zara// Heels: Calvin Klein