Pinterest Hairstyle - Twisty Bun

via Pinterest

This is a great updo for work, weekend errands or summer weddings and parties. It is almost as quick as a fancy ponytail but much more graceful. Just a bun, two easy twists and a few bobby pins and you are polished while staying cool with your hair up. You can also easily add a few cute embellishments to add some flair to your hair. Happy Coiffing!

Blue Baby

Blues Baby.

There are those colors you are inherently drawn to. For me its blue and pink. My closet is dominated by shades of blue and this outfit is no exception. It is tons of blues with a touch of tortoise shell. I previewed this outfit last week in my blazer showdown with Dawn, but I felt it deserved its own post to stand alone. What is the color that you are most drawn to?

Layering some gold necklaces from Etsy and Dogeared.

Dress: Ann Taylor, Shoes: C.Wonder, Bag: Coach, Watch: Kate Spade, Bangles: Margaret Elizabeth,
Blazer: Banana Republic, Headband: J.Crew, Earrings: Banana Republic

Bag: Coach, Shoes: C.Wonder

Packing Away the Boots

My dad and his girls. Raquel (our sister from another mister), me, Dad and Dominique. It's a framer!

Memorial Day weekend was eventful as ever at the family Square Dance in Prattsville, NY. For decades now my parents have hosted an annual Square Dance complete with softball game, bbq and beer olympics at my parents' house in upstate NY. Last year was brutal with snow and rain and while this year the rain returned (always a risk during the spring in NY), the weather was warm and the rain stopped early in the afternoon.

Enjoying the shotski on Saturday afternoon.

On Friday night we all convened at the Prattsville Tavern in town. The local bar is full of character and the bar tender is just wonderful. We had so many people we essentially ruled the bar and they stayed open really late just for us. I even rocked my Prattsville Tavern shirt I got back over Eater's Amazing Race competition.

Dominique and I at the Prattsville Tavern on Friday Night. 

On Saturday was the big dance. It rained early but nothing dampened our spirits. My sister built a shotski out of my dad's old ski and we found ways to celebrate while we waited for the guests to arrive.

Dominique and Dan on Saturday.

The parents (or old folks) won the softball game yet again. Perhaps it was because I had to sit out due to my injury (wink wink). After the game we had food galore and then moved onto the big dance. It was a great time although my leg repaid me with swelling up massively.

My wonderful moms! My mother-in-law Peggy joined us all the way from California!

Our patriotic pup. Thanks Raquel for the great pic of Speights.

After the big dance we had a huge bonfire in the yard. Quinn was the father of dragons and got that fire roaring even after it had been rained on throughout the day. Kara brought us extra large marshmallows to enjoy as well. All in all it was a great night!

Quinn, Father of Dragons aka the Quinndling.

Basking in the glow of the fire. Dan, Peter, Lisa, Kristen and me. Thanks Kristen for the photo.  

On Sunday a bunch of us were still upstate and we all partook in another year of beer olympics. This is mostly so we can finish off the kegs of beer so my parents can return them. We had games of beer pong, flip cup, boom ball, and baseball as well as dizzy bats and hey game (hot potato with a beer can). At the end of the day we all enjoyed round two of the barbecue and my dad, sister and I watched Sunday night baseball the three of us like old times.

Our fans during Beer Olympics!

Three generations on Sunday.

Early Monday we hit the road to fly back home. It was sad to say bye to my wonderful family, but luckily I will get to see them all in just over a month when we take our family vacation to Europe!

Wednesday Wishes

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring ann taylor shoes

Kate Spade stripe top / Out of Print scoop neck tee / Ann taylor shoes / Pave jewelry / Pom Cord Collar / Navy belt / Colorblock bandeau tank - solids - Women's swim - J.Crew / J.Crew Boy shirt in tropical floral / Campbell capri in double seersucker - Slim - Women's pants - J.Crew / Neon Nautical Rope Bib

Just a few things I am eyeing this Wednesday. I love the casual laid back vibe, especially these vibrant necklaces. I would love to pair that Madeline top with these J.Crew seersucker crops. Madeline was my favorite book as a kid. I memorized the entire book and used to narrate it as I turned the pages! I am also on the hunt for great summer tops for the cooler beach breezes for nights at Hermosa pier as well as delicate shoes in a great neutral print. What are you eyeing this Wednesday?

SCBS Monthly Link Up: Road Trip Survival Kit

Summertime Road Trips can be amazing but without an amazing survival kit it won't be nearly as fun. I shared this post on Trend Influencer Magazine (I'm a staff writer for the online magazine) a few weeks ago and thought it would be perfect to share with all of you for today's linkup.

My husband and I on our spur of the moment trip up CA-1

The number one essential for an amazing road trip is of course a great road trip partner. Every Thelma needs their Louise, ever Bonnie needs their Clyde, but the perfect companion only goes so far. A kick ass survival kit goes a long way to having an amazing time. Here is what I pack for every great trip.

My sister and I road tripping from St. Louis to NY in 2008.

1. An amazing and massive playlist loaded onto my iPhone. Conversation is fantastic but you need great tunes. Between my iPhone and my XM Radio, I can easily rock out for hours. I especially love great 80s and 90s tunes that I can sing out loud too for hours.

After we'd been rocking out for a few hours, clearly.

2. My iPhone for mapping and chatting. It is always good to have your phone ready especially for an emergency call or checking directions.

3. An iPhone charger. Shocking I know. With rocking out to tunes for hours, mapping your way and touching base with friends, your iPhone may need a little juice.

4. Water bottle. Keeping hydrated is so important, especially on long drives. I like to take 1 or 2 big reusable water bottles on the road so I can fill them up each morning at the hotel and have hydration all day long.

5. Mini Cooler. Packing a few provisions is key. I like to usually pack a few peanut butter sandwiches in case you hit a stretch of road with little to no food options.

6. Gum. Enough said.

7. Granola Bars. Good for an emergency snack or an accompaniment to that peanut butter sandwich. Also double as great breakfast options when you hit the road early in the morning.

8. Quarters. In case you want to stop and smell the roses along your way, a few bucks in quarters are essential for any meters you may encounter.

9. Cash. Along with quarters I like to carry a mix of smaller bills, especially on road trips in Cali as we have so many State Parks to stop at, but most are self serve parking on the honor system. So it's especially important to have a bunch of singles and fives to pay the parking.

This was a stop at a CA state park. Glad I had those singles!

10. Sunglasses. An absolute must. I always have at least one pair in my car in case a friend needs to borrow a pair too!

11. Camera. Whether it is your iPhone camera or a digital SLR, a camera is an absolute must. I am such a big photographer and when road tripping my camera is always handy in case I want to pull over for the perfect shot.

12. Comfortable but Cute Outfit. Since you are most likely going to be stopping to take pictures a cute outfit is of course desired, but one that is comfortable is a must. I usually go with shorts or a skirt and a button down chambray shirt. I also like to have a baseball cap handy as the wind blowing through your hair can get it pretty ratty.

13. No hurry. This is an essential state of mind. When road tripping I find the most important thing is to be in no rush. It's about the journey not the end destination, so take your time, stop at that roadside attraction or state park, rest when you are tired and eat when you are hungry. Most importantly, just let yourself have fun!

Roadside America is one of those roadside attractions that is worth the 30 minute stop. Largest model town in the US.

Some of the best road trips I have ever taken were a spur of the moment weekend trip with my husband up the California coast and driving back from St. Louis after my college graduation with my baby sister. Both times we had zero rush and the trip was more important than the final destination.

This roadside beach was worth the stop for sunset.

 

Blazer Showdown

Today Dawn of of Project Beaute and are hosting a style showdown showcasing two styles each for the ever versatile and one of my favorite closet staples, the blazer. I find myself in Blazers day in and day out and love them for all occasions. Dawn and I are both New Yorkers by birth, and as a result for life of course. So we are featuring the blazer in a little East vs West coast. As I am more preppy in my fashion and Dawn is more rock and roll, its really fun to see how we both take a staple and make it our own. How do you style your blazers?

Blazer: Banana Republic; Dress: Ann Taylor; Bag: Coach; Shoes: C.Wonder; Bangles: Margaret Elizabeth;
Watch: Kate Spade; Rings: Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring and Kate Spade Knot;
Necklaces: Etsy and Doegard; Earrings: Banana Republic; Headband: J.Crew

Blazer: mark., Avon Products; Top: Forever21; Skirt: Calvin Klein; Boots: Steve Madden;
Bag: orYANY; Earrings: mark., Avon Products

Blazer: J.Crew; Top: Tuckernuck: Shorts: Old Navy; Clutch: Kate Spade Outlet; Shoes: Jack Rogers Custom;
Watch: Kate Spade; Bracelet: Anthropologie; Rings: Enagement, Wedding and Kate Spade; Earrings: RueLaLa

Blazer: mark., Avon Products; Tank: H&M; Denim: Levi's; Shoes: Aldo; Earrings: Forever21

Her blog features amazing beauty tips and tricks. This girl knows what she is talking about. I wanted to introduce you all to her blog a bit more, so I asked Dawn to participate in one of my blogger Q&A sessions as well. See her responses below and go check her out!

Describe your personal style in three words.
1. rocker chic
2. fun
3. cool

I can’t leave home without: my iPhone 

If I wawnere any accessory, I would be: a pashmina

What are your three favorite places to shop?
1. Zara
2. H&M
3. DSW

What is your favorite travel outfit? t-shirt and jeans

What outfit do you go to when you want to feel strong and powerful? a bold burst of color paired with an amazing pair of stilettos

What is your go-to handbag right now? I have this extra large Betsy Johnson black leather tote that has faux zippers down the front. my sister gave it to me years ago but every time someone sees it they ask where I got it...love!

What are you reading right now? if you can believe wuthering heights because I never read it as a kid lol

What is a guilty pleasure of yours? sometimes when I want a "seventh day" I indulge myself by eating a bag of Reese's peanut butter cups

What company/blog milestone are you most proud of? because my blog is still very young (it's only been three years and the last year I've been really working hard) I love it when I get follows and shoutouts from brands like glam glow, becca cosmetics and other established bloggers like Renae Bluitt ofinhershoesblog.com and Lara Eurdolian of prettyconnected.com. it shows me there's space for all of us and my voice is being heard and appreciated.

What blogs have you visited recently? inhershoesblog.com, sweetjellybean.com, fancieland.com,ectblogmag.com

Color Therapy: Yellow

Color Therapy by preppy-lizzy featuring yellow earrings

J Crew cotton dress / Long cardigan / J.Crew j crew shoes / Kate spade handbag / SHOUROUK yellow earrings / Kamali Kulture cat eye sunglasses

I had mentioned on the blog a few weeks back that after color coding my closet I noticed I had next to no yellow in my closet. I actually had only one shirt and zero dresses. I decided it was time to add a few pops of yellow to pop against a summer tan. Lemon yellow is popping up everywhere from Kate Spade to Ann Taylor so its a perfect time to grab some great options.

Do you have any of those colors in your closet that are missing?

Get Your Boots On!

Memorial Day by preppy-lizzy featuring J.Crew

This weekend I am sticking to a color palette of navies, blacks and whites. We will be in upstate New York for the annual family Square Dance party and it is a weekend of comfortable clothes, food, drinks and dancing. With my brace I am restricted to leggings or shorts, and I figure I am going to stick to a pretty basic color palette. What are you packing for Memorial Day weekend? Are you going on a trip or a stay cation?

Power of the Sheath

The Sheath Dress by preppy-lizzy featuring a sheath dress

Milly dress / Dressy dress / Maeve petite dress / Banana Republic sheath dress / Ann Taylor sheath dress / Christin Michaels sheath dress / Ellen Tracy petite dress / Banana Republic clothing

I am a huge sheath dress fan. They are so classic and ladylike and flatter all shapes and sizes. They make you feel powerful and sexy. They are perfect for work, a date or even running errands. They transition flawlessly from day to night and are so easy to style. I love a dress, it's a one piece wonder. 

Nordstrom Semi-Yearly Sale!

Nordstrom Sale by preppy-lizzy featuring petite tops

Kate Spade navy blue dress / Kate Spade dress / Sandra Ingrish petite top / The North Face down vest / KUT from the Kloth jean shorts / Jane bleecker / SJP wedge sandals / Kate Spade red shoes / Olivia Moon Screenprint Sweatshirt Green/ Navy X-Small

Nordstrom's semi yearly sale is underway and there are thousands of amazing pieces on sale. It is a great time to snag some beautiful designer pieces at great rates. If you are looking for a great new dress, pair of premium denim, great shoes or killer new handbag, now is the time! Here are my favorite picks of the sale!

Currently... May Edition

Currently...May by preppy-lizzy featuring Kate Spade

Reading: Wool by Hugh Howley. My husband recommended this book to me after he devoured it. He found it through user ratings on Amazon and I have to say after the first few chapters I am hooked. Why are all these people living in a Silo? And why can no one go outside? The mystery is killing me!

Eating: Peanut Butter Smoothies. These have been my jam in the mornings lately. I use 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or chocolate), 2 tablespoons of Skippy Natural Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter (AMAZING) and 1 banana. It is amazing and tastes just like peanut butter cup. Yums!

Listening: 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack. After going to the Eat See Hear movie with Leeann, Kate and Brianna, I have not been able to stop listening to this soundtrack. It is great for the car. Trust me.

Watching: Fargo. The Cohen Brothers are two of my favorite movie directors and I love that they are producing the TV series based on the movie Fargo. As always FX does it again. It is a super dark comedy, but I find myself itching for the show to start each Tuesday night.

Craving: I have almost no red tops in my closet. Second only to the lack of yellow and I am in love with this Kate Spade top. Red, a peplum and a bow? Sold. Just waiting for a Kate Spade sale. Hope it doesn't sell out before then!

Dreaming: Amsterdam. I am so excited for our family vacation to Europe this summer. Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland and Scotland are all on the docket. We are going everywhere but Scotland with my family and then Dan and I are staying an extra week in Scotland. So excited!!

Graduation Gift Guide for the College Bound

Graduation Gifts Part 2 by preppy-lizzy featuring an ipad hard case

Tory Burch summer pajamas / Longchamp tote bag / Monogrammed Hot Pink Sunshine Satchel Duffel Bag | Marley Lilly / Kate Spade ipad hard case / Zooka Bluetooth Speaker / Walker

Today's Graduation gift guide is all about the college bound student and setting them up for success. Wether it is a trendy case to tote their tablet to class, a wireless speaker for those amazing late night dance parties or a monogramed overnight bag ready for those weekend trips home, setting up your college bound family and friends for success makes being away from home for the first time so much easier.

Wednesday Wishes: Happy Birthday Dad

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring vintage home decor

Nike shoes / Coach bag / Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses / SailorBags Soft Heavy Duty Cooler / Vintage home decor / Polywood outdoor wood chair / Vintage Baseball Glove Mitt print over an upcycled vintage dictionary... / Weber Genesis S-310 LP Gas Grill

Today is my Dad's birthday, so Wednesday Wishes is all about the perfect gift for Dad either for his birthday or for Father's Day coming up. A lot of times he has gotten a combo present as the two dates are pretty close and one nice present is often a better deal than two smaller ones. Some of these choices are the smaller ideas like a great pair of sneakers, or a cool baseball glove print for his office, or a travel cooler, while some are a little bigger like a new grill, beautiful leather wallet or new aviators. No matter what it's all about picking a gift that has meaning and you know your dad will love. Happy Birthday Dad!

Tuesday #Shoesday: Square Dance Gear

Tuesday #Shoesday by preppy-lizzy featuring Frye

Frye boots / Tory Burch leather shoes / New Balance The Made in USA National Parks 990 Sneaker in Blue

My family's annual square dance is this weekend and were checking out the weather to see if it is going to be warm compared to last year's rain and snow. It is an annual party my parent's host at their house in upstate New York, complete with softball game, barbecue and an actual square dance band. The first square dance was for my parents' 40th birthdays but now has become more of a party for my sister and my friends. 

You need a bunch of different footwear for the day including sandals for the warm weather, sneakers for the kids vs. adults softball game (not sure how we all still classify as kiddos) and of course my Frye cowboy boots for the big dance. More on the party to follow on the blog next week! Stay tuned!

Stripes & Quatrefoil

Sweater: Target (old) (similar), Skirt: Boden, Blouse: Lilly Pulitzer (old) (similar), Bag: Coach (old) (similar), Watch: Kate Spade, Earrings: Design Darling, Necklace: Etsy (similar)

Last Monday I started back at work with half my day in the office and the other half at home remotely working. Since I am still in the full leg brace for another month, I need to find work appropriate outfits that are comfortable and fit over my brace, hence pants are pretty much out right now. I am living in full skirts and dresses right now and there is nothing wrong with that.

Shoes: J.Crew (old) (similar)

My first day back I rocked a super nautical navy and white stripe A-line skirt from Boden, a yellow quatrefoil print sweater from Target (Merona) and a silk ivory tie blouse from Lilly Pulitzer. The Lilly top is probably the most subdued Lilly item I own, but I have to admit it is a great layering piece and blank canvas.

Bag: Coach (old) (similar)

I love the retro vibe of this outfit and its ode to my super preppy East Coast nature. The super sunny sweater with the nautical skirt also just feels like summer and being on the sailboat back home. This will definitely be a look put on repeat.

Top 10 Playlist - May Edition

This May is all about songs I can rock out to in the car. Whether it is Country or Classic Rock or Pop it is easy to roll the windows down and sing like no one is listening!

What I Learned As The Interviewer

As graduation looms upon many and it is time for interviews for first jobs I wanted to share what I have learned as the interviewer. I've been working as a recruiter over the last 5 years at SWE National Conference for my company and have to say it has been an eye opening experience. There are so many things I wished I knew going into the interview process and I figured I would share them with you all.

1. First impressions matter. I know many of us hope and are told for years that they don't it's what's on the inside that counts, but we make decisions about each other in the first few seconds of meeting one another. If your appearance does not reflect competence and professionalism, it is hard to make a lasting impression in an interview. Don't make it harder for yourself by having to compensate for a sloppy first impression. This includes good hygiene practices.

2. Dress for the job you are interviewing for. If it is a more conservative office, show your personality with a colorful but tasteful top. If you are interviewing for a more creative position, let yourself branch out. 

3. Wear comfortable shoes. A lot of times you are walking around with your interviewer and it is very noticeable if you cannot walk in your shoes. Don't wear high heels if you can't walk in them!

4. Prepare. Research the company you are interviewing with and come with questions. Show genuine interest in the company. If you are equally qualified as another candidate but show that you are not very interested, you will most likely lose out to your competition. Ask about the culture and work life balance not just what your salary will be. Ask about a typical day, travel, incentives, vacation and sick time, job flexibility, upward mobility, education assistance programs, employee resource groups, health care, etc. All this makes for a well rounded company. 

5. Just because your internships have not related to the field you are applying doesn't mean they are not applicable work experience. You may have gained leadership experience or knowledge about operating systems etc. Think critically about all your experiences including teaching assistant positions on campus. They all help develop skills. Know how to speak positively about your past work.

6. Apply to multiple positions at companies of interest. Many companies use online application systems and have dozens of hiring managers if not more. The likelihood of the same hiring manager seeing your application for multiple positions is rare at large companies. Help your odds by applying to anything of interest.

7. You don't need to know it all. You will most likely be trained on the job for any new position. What most companies are interested in is how you will fit into the company culture. We ask about your behaviors and how you would handle situations. We want to know you will be a good personality fit with your coworkers. Show ambition and drive.

Gym Rat Report: Week 10

via Pinterest

Since I am still on the rehab mend, I wanted to share a triceps workout this week. You can still work your arms while out, which I have been trying to do off and on at the gym. Still hitting the gym with crutches is a rather funny site and a bit cumbersome.

Kick Ass Triceps

1. Close Grip Push ups (4 sets of 20) With your hands in a triangle position (thumbs and pointer fingers touching), perform a traditional push up. These are also called diamond push ups.

2. Plank (4 sets of 60 seconds) In a push up position with feet shoulder width apart and shoulders square, hold with flat back for 60 seconds. 

3. Dips (4 sets of 20) In a seated position on a weight bench, drop your hips down by bending at the elbow and push back up. Repeat.

4. Power Squat (4 sets of 30) Start in a standing position. Jump out to feet shoulder width apart and bend into a squat. Jump back to starting position and repeat.

5. Dumbbell Triceps Kickback (4 sets of 20) With your knee on a weight bench, hold a 10-12 lb dumbbell in a bent position. Throwback til your arm is straight and parallel to the floor. Repeat.

6. Side Lunge (4 sets of 20) Standing with your feet together and holding 10 lb dumbbells in your hands, step to the side and lunge with a bicep curl.
7. Dumbbell Overhead (4 sets of 15) Holding a 15 lb dumbbell in both hands, hold overhead and bend behind head until arms are bent. Repeat.
8. Power Jumps (4 sets of 15) Standing on a small aerobic step, jump outwards off step to shoulder distance apart and then back to starting position. Repeat.
9. Skull Crusher (4 sets of 15) Laying flat on a weight bench. Hold a barbell of 30-40 lbs over your head with straight arms. Bend elbows with wrists towards your head and back up. Repeat.
10. Rope Pull Down (4 sets of 15). Using the weight machine. Holding rope at 45 lbs. Pull straight down. Keep legs planted firm and shoulder width apart.
11. Jackknife (4 sets of 40). Laying back on the floor. Hold legs straight in the air. Drop legs to parallel position on the floor and repeat.
12. Full Body Stretch. Stretch it all out!

The Way I Galaxy It

Headbands & Bagels is excited to pair with Modcloth to style the super adorable The Way I Galaxy It dress. The aerospace engineer in me loves the ode to space and I love that this dress is so versatile. I would pair it with the leaf belt in navy, these adorable pineapple earrings, this super nerdy chic math necklace and a bright blue tote. You can go for a date night with these silver wedges or for work with these dove grey vintage pumps. Anyway a perfect combination.

The Way I Galaxy It by preppy-lizzy featuring beige shoes

Going out dress / Grey pumps / Beige shoes / Blue handbag / Monserat De Lucca necklace / Retro jewelry / Navy belt

Eat|See|Hear: Outdoor Movies in LA

Last Saturday night, I joined Leeann of Join the Gossip, Kate of Nautical by Nature and Brianna at the first Eat|See|Hear event of the summer. The movie was 500 Days of Summer at Santa Monica High School and it was a great night. Eat See Hear puts on movies all summer long all over the city of LA and not only does it include a great movie, but live music and a number of food trucks from around the city.

Lady Blogger Night Out!

We noshed on fresh oven baked pizza, wachos (nachos + waffle fries), ice cream sandwiches and more. You can either buy regular admission tickets or Fashionably Late tickets (which get you prime seating). You can bring in your own nosh, chairs, pillows, blankets and even your furry friends.

Wachos = Nachos + Waffle Fries

The four of us had a great time together and I am definitely planning on attending at least one more movie this summer. The lineup is pretty great. Check it out!
May 17: Office Space at Santa Monica High School
May 24: The Big Lebowski at The Autry in Griffith Park
May 31: Napoleon Dynamite at Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood
June 7: Rush at The Autry in Griffith Park
June 14: Notting Hill at Santa Monica High School (free)
June 21: When Harry Met Sally at Santa Monica High School
June 28: Pitch Perfect at Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood
July 5: Jaws at The Autry in Griffith Park
July 12: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at Santa Monica High School (Christmas in July)
July 19: American Psycho at The Autry in Griffith Park
July 26: Super Troopers at Santa Monica High School
August 2: Blazing Saddles at The Autry in Griffith Park
August 9: Sixteen Candles at Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood
August 16: Purple Rain at The Autry in Griffith Park
August 23: The Princess Bride at La Cienega Park
August 30: Django Unchained at The Autry in Griffith Park
September 6: Dirty Dancing at Will Rogers State Historic Park
September 13: The Goonies at Centennial Square at Pasadena City

Hope to see you at one this summer!

Movie night essentials!

Wednesday Wishes: Hiding a Brace

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring a striped dress

Ted Baker blue dress / MABEL striped dress / Untold halter wedding dress / Sperry Top Sider beach maxi dress / Belted dress / Alexis chiffon skirt / Alice Olivia chiffon maxi skirt / Monsoon navy blue skirt / LC Lauren Conrad striped skirt / Pim Larkin Color Block Stripe Maxi

Rocking a full size brace from upper thigh to mid calf means that I am limited by my clothing options currently. Mostly I am restricted to some sort of maxi skirt or dress because while shorter a-line dresses and shorts are an option, I don't really feel like publicizing my brace if it is not necessary. Right now I am also wearing these compression socks to minimize the risk for blood clots after surgery, so until those come off, long skirts and dresses are my only disguise. Luckily I already had a few in my closet, but I am clearly on the hunt for a few more great pieces to mix in!

Fun Factory

This past Friday a few of us headed down to the Fun Factory on the Redondo Beach Pier for a few hours of nostalgic fun. The Fun Factory is a vintage arcade where you can get in touch with your inner 80s and 90s child and where tons of shows and movies have been filmed. An episode of Dexter during the Trinity Killer season immediately comes to mind actually.

Dress: Persifor, Bag: Coach (old) (similar), Hat: Tuckernuck, Shoes: Sperry Top Sider (on sale!), Watch: Kate Spade, Bangles: Margaret Elizabeth

Over the course of a few hours we were able to defeat Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons and walked away with the funniest mystery box prize ever.

Our epic Mystery Box prizes.

I wore this Persifor dress which I adore. It's a nylon jersey fabric that doesn't wrinkle and has great stretch (i.e. the perfect dress for a suitcase, hello Eurotrip!). It is amazing comfortable and goes great with my blue and pink Sperry Top Siders and Tuckernuck Panama hat. It felt like the perfect outfit for an afternoon by the beach and was really easy to wear with my brace and crutches.

I also was able to find a few other arcade gems including a Flinstones egg dispenser, a Dumbo air hockey table and the ever classic Skeeball. What is your favorite vintage arcade game?

Jumbo Dumbo Air Hockey.

I remember these at the grocery store as a kid.