TOP  (similar here)  ||  JEANS  ||  ANKLE BOOTS  ||  JACKET  ||  BAG 

Do you guys have outfits that just feel like you? I don't think there's just one of these kinds of outfits for everyone -- I have a lot of outfits that I put on that feel like me (like this one and this one). But I love putting something together that just feels right, you know?

I sometimes have a hard time pinpointing my own style, but consistent thing is basics with a little twist. My ankle boots are a classic style, but the cutouts make them special and unique. I love a good striped top, and this one has a tie up neckline that makes it stand out. I love a neutral bag with a fun tassel, or a pair of jeans with just enough distressing. They're just the little things that add personality and interest to an otherwise basic outfit!

Shop my look and a few other "basics with a twist" pieces from Nordstrom in the widget below!

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photos by rad and happy

created in partnership with nordstrom

I know it's cliché, but honestly can't believe we're at the tail end of August already.

July and August are always busy months for John and I. With both of our birthdays, our anniversary, and lots of other little events thrown in, summer's end always comes much sooner than we think it will. So when people start posting about number of days left until pumpkin spice lattes, I'm looking around like "What? What month is it even?!" 

But I have done my research, and it is in fact August 23rd. And we still have one whole month of summer left. The weather is warm, but a slightly cooler breeze rolls around at night--perfect for a pair of cute scalloped shorts and a light sweater!

Bonus: the adorable high-waist shorts I have on below are on sale for $9.99. Say what?! YES, $9.99.

They fit perfectly and I love the gold button details as a simple, but classy finishing touch. 
(For size reference, I'm wearing a small.)  

Check them out here and the rest of the outfit details below.

Hope your summer's been lovely, friends! :)

Scalloped "Claire" shorts c/o Catch Bliss (exact) Grey open-stitch sweater- Banana Republic (exact) | Love this other one from BR | More budget-friendly versions: cute boat neck, LOVE this off-the shoulder Nude ballet flats- Target | Similar NY&Co pair here and Sam Edelman pair here | Obsessed with these sparkly bow flats here Necklace c/o Sira & Mara | Similar version here

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Splendid Cardigan  ||  Ankle Boots  ||  Felt Hat  ||  Tassel Bag

August always brings Fall Fever for me. It's still super hot, but all of the sweaters and boots are hitting stores so I have it on the brain. So I'm starting to prep for those cooler months with pieces that transition well, and then work through Fall and into winter. 

These are four pieces you should have in your closet for Fall! 

1. Lightweight cardigan. This one is so insanely soft, and also warm but lightweight enough to wear in the evenings on a cool summer night, or on a crisp autumn afternoon. It's also great for traveling or layering! 

2. Light colored ankle boots. If you follow me on instagram, you'll see how obsessed I am with these ankle boots right now. A light colored pair is great for the end of summer, and the cutouts make them easy to wear even on warm days. They would also look amazing with shorts or a skirt (I wore them with a pencil skirt right here) during the warm months before Fall.

3. Felt hat. A felt hat is a total Fall staple. I love how they instantly add texture and warmth to any outfit. This one is the perfect neutral color and is only $36!

4. Neutral crossbody bag. With all the rich textures and hues of Fall, I like to have a neutral bag that can go with everything. My bag size of choice is always a medium/small sized crossbody bag, and I'm in love with this one. The braided strap and tassels make it unique and fun while still being really neutral and simple. 

What are your must haves for Fall? 

created in partnership with Zappos

Hat: Janessa Leone (and here) | Skirt: Zara (old – love this one) | Tee: Current/Elliot | Booties: Sam Edelman (old) | Necklaces: David Yurman, Adornmonde & HRH Collection

This past weekend was spent hanging with the family, going by our friends pool and enjoying a few indulgent meals, including the most incredible blueberry pancakes. The past few months, since having Nate, I have been trying to eat a bit healthier than I have in the past. I've always been fairly healthy, but this time around with having some baby weight to lose, I've been a little more strict.

Mondays through Fridays, I've eliminated complex carbs after breakfast, eating a diet that's significantly more plant based and giving up on dairy, most of the time. Quite honestly, I thought it would be a lot harder, but I actually feel better and lighter, weight aside, than I have in a long time. BUT…. when the weekend rolls around, I indulge. I can't give up pizza, pancakes and other treats cold turkey. I mean, let a woman live a little.

All jokes aside though, I've received a lot of questions about my post baby diet and workout plan and I'm currently working on that post.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

xoxo,

Helena

photos by Keith Hodne

The post Carroll Gardens {Weekend Wear} appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

NECK SCARF  ||  CHAMBRAY  ||  WHITE DRESS  ||  SIMILAR STYLE ANKLE BOOTS (another good styling option here)

SIMILAR BLACK LEATHER JACKET  ||  BLACK HEELS (less expensive version here)

Although I love the changing seasons (not that we have much of that in SoCal), I hate putting away my summer clothes for several months while they're not as appropriate.

But instead of putting them away for Fall, a little styling makes them totally appropriate for cooler months.

I picked up this white midi dress from Nordstrom (which also comes in pink!) a few weeks ago, and although I should have bought it months ago since I could have worn it all summer, a little layering completely changes it up.

I paired it with a black leather jacket and heels for an edgy black and white look. It's a really simple outfit, but makes a statement with the bold black and white. Plus I love the combination of the romantic, flowy midi against the leather.

And for a more casual look, I wore a knotted chambray, some ankle boots, and added a neckscarf (which are super trendy -- and this one is only $12, but I'm also loving this one). The ankle boots make the outfit feel more seasonal, and the chambray and neckscarf add some warmth and texture.

These are two easy ways to change any summer dress into a dress appropriate for next season, but you can also see it here without any layering!

Shop more of my favorite midi dresses below -- I'm completely in love with the print on this one and this one, and this is a great transitional one!

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photos by rad and happy

created in partnership with Nordstrom

It's been a busy few weeks around here with lots of travel from both Philip and me. We're like ships passing in the night these days and can hardly keep track of each other's schedules!

But we're trying to soak up the last few weeks of summer with fun and low-key days for the boys before we dive back into routine.

Here's a few things that have been on instagram lately -- if you're not following along, I share lots more outfits that never hit the blog! I'm merricksart over there.

TOP  ||  SIMILAR SKIRT  (original is old j.crew)  ||  ANKLE BOOTS

CARDIGAN  ||  WHITE TEE  ||  JEANS  ||  ANKLE BOOTS  ||  HAT  ||  TASSEL BAG

ANKLE BOOTS  ||  TASSEL BAG

LACE UP TEE  ||  JEANS  ||  TASSEL BAG  ||  JACKET  ||  ANKLE BOOTS

TEE  ||  SWEATPANTS  ||  SNEAKERS  ||  TASSEL BAG

WHITE TEE  ||  JEANS  ||  SNEAKERS  ||  STRIPED TEE  ||  BAG  ||  POM POM 

TEE  ||  JEANS (40% off and they're my favorites)  || SANDALS  ||  SIMILAR BAG

WHITE DRESS  ||  BAG

Last weekend a few of my California blogger friends met up for a 24 hour stay at the Beverly Hilton. We started the evening with dinner at Ceccino's (where I had the most amazing dover sole), and dessert at Sprinkles Ice Cream.  

Pretty Plum Sugar sent us these gorgeous robes so we all piled in one hotel room dressed like twins and chatted til 2:30 am. Seemed like a good idea except that we signed up for an 8am spin class at FlyWheel the following morning. I'd only done one spin class before, but this one was in a big, dark room with super loud music so it was easy to just get in the zone and push myself. Totally want to find one in my area because it was such a great workout. 

Our hotel rooms at the Beverly Hilton were pool level and opened right up to the cabanas, so we took full advantage of the gorgeous pool area. After spin class we had breakfast by the pool (their omelet bar was insanely good), and then sat by the pool in their gorgeous cabanas. 

We finished the day with a lunch custom made by the on-sight chef. They spoiled us rotten with appetizers, gorgeous desserts, and amazing entrees. It was a completely whirlwind 24 hours, and exhausting, but so rejuvenating to share ideas and insights with likeminded women. Here's a few pictures of our weekend. 

PRETTY PLUM SUGAR ROBES c/o 

Leanne Barlow of Elle Apparel, Kailee Wright, Lisa of Lunchpails and Lipstick, and Jenna of Small Fry Blog.   

Leanne's cover up is DIY, Lisa's cover up is here, Kailee's coverup is here, Jenna's coverup is here, and a similar romper to mine is here. 

If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm a big proponent of flats.

Not surprisingly (but much to the chagrin of my 25-year old self), the older me is more occupied with comfort. But, why not comfort and style?

In comes Ann Blanche. I've posted about my love of these super cute ballet flats before. But today I want to tell you about an amazing sale that they're having at Jane.com. Each of the flats available for the sale are only $14.99!!

The sale goes until midnight this Sunday (Aug 21st). But be aware that they have only a limited supply for the sale. So if you're looking for a pair or super cute and comfortable flats for a great price, hurry!! You can shop the sale here: http://ift.tt/2b6AE0h