A Styling Mom

This time I'm talking about my own styling mom! I had the pleasure of "styling" her for our trip to California, which just happened to be an item on my Forty Before 40 list! I wanted to style someone for an upcoming event, and then blog about it, and I can't think of a better event than our big trip! My mom has always been stylish. I covet her wardrobe from the 60s and 70s and so wish she had held on to some of those pieces. I can just imagine wearing them today.....but I would need to be 40 pounds lighter! She was a twig!

 

Today, at 64, she is still on trend! She rocks dark jeans, Tory Burch flats, and designer handbags! She refused to conform to the masses and color her hair, so she sports an amazing silvery gray bob! She wears bright red polish on her toes, drinks vodka tonics with lime, and is simply the coolest mom I know!

 

You can imagine how much fun we had playing around in her closet, a closet that I envy. Not because of the volume of clothes but by the sheer size of her closet! So jealous! I have to profess this by saying, we did shop for a few things before playing dress up, but most of the pieces came from what she originally had. Let's check it out! This is what we started with!

 

 

We all headed to Disneyland on Friday and want to be comfortable for the long day of walking, playing and overall merriment that comes with Disney! We chose jeans, a long gray sweater with pink accents, a v-neck t-shirt, and fun scarf. Again, layers were our key for the trip! It was HOT! I don't think we even made it into the park before the sweater was off. And, the scarf was off maybe an hour after that! A white t-shirt was the best piece packed! Oh, and this wasn't the scarf she packed. She ended up taking a raspberry scarf of mine that better complimented the look! Cute flats for comfort and style. And, a cross-body bag for the bare essentials!

 

 

On Saturday, we are going to the zoo while my mom, aunt and Joan head to Balboa Island. They had zero interest in spending the day with the animals! Balboa Island is the most adorable town! It is literally the size of a postage stamp and it sits right on the water. The houses are amazing and we would love to rent one for a month or longer. Incredibly picturesque. We decided to go a little more chic for the day. I picked dark jeans, a black cami, a long black sweater, scarf and flats. The cross-body bag is such a great bag for trips. It won't allow you to carry much, which is exactly what you need, and leaves you hands-free! Great investment if you don't have one already! Also, don't be afraid if your accent color, like these purples, aren't exact matches. You don't want to be too matchy-matchy!

 

And, she didn't wear any of this! HA! Again, another hot day in Southern California. She opted for the cami and the Ann Taylor sweater featured below.

 

 

Sunday is the big day, my birthday, and we spent the afternoon on Rodeo Drive! Nothing too terribly exciting is planned. We had drinks and appetizers at the Regent Beverly Wilshire pool (champagne of course) and a stroll around Rodeo Drive to shop! You have to look maj for this swanky little strip, so I went all out luxe! Black leggings, a leopard print sweater, black cami, and croc flats will look amazing! So chic and she looked amazing!

 

For dinner, we are going to Newport Beach. I decided on the Pelican Hill Resort because the views look amazing! I figured we don't get to look out over a grand pool, golf course, and the Pacific Ocean on a daily basis, so what better time than now! It's kid and adult friendly and not terribly dressy. We had a hard time on this look. Originally, we planned pants around this gorgeous red jacket, but the shoes didn't work. Then, hanging toward the back of the closet, we stumbled on this dress! Perfection! Strappy little heels and a clutch finish it off!

 

By the time we got home, we didn't have that much down time before heading to dinner, so she stayed in the above outfit. It was perfect for the venue!

 

 Monday we're were off to Santa Monica to spend the day at the Pier. The last time I was there, we had a blast, and I think my mom did too! Another casual day of events so I went with jeans, a color block cardigan, cream cami, scarf and flats. That bag is getting a workout this weekend!

 

 Sadly, on Tuesday, we flew home. Back to reality, right? I didn't photograph a final look because honestly, I didn't know what she wanted to wear. I know flying out she's wearing leggings, a sweet cream cardigan with black polka dots and cami. Comfort with a little style is how we fly!

 

What do you think of her looks? Did I style her appropriately for weather? I'm not at all concerned about "age appropriate" because that simply isn't an issue here! Age is a number, right? Hey, guess what, number 22 is complete on the list!



Leaving on a Jet Plane - What I Packed!

We are on our way! We're goin' back to Cali and I am so excited! I can't say I'm excited about turning 40, but it's better than the alternative. And, I'm older and wiser, right? Okay, I'm just plain older!

However, just because I'm turning 40 doesn't mean I am not stylin', in my opinion only! So I've tried to pack accordingly. I can't wait to show you my creations! I have to admit, I didn't pack as many repeats as I would like, but that's okay. It's my birthday, right? I am repeating shoes and a leather jacket. That counts for something.

We fly out on Halloween so I have to sport the appropriate colors! Orange and black it is! I've paired skinnies with my orange Kate Spade cardigan, a white tank or v-neck t-shirt, and a black blazer to keep warm on the plane. (I freeze on planes!) I'm wearing my Rebecca Minkoff booties because they are so easy to pull on and off during security and, they go with a couple of other looks for the trip. And speaking of Halloween, McKinley has the most adorable sweater for the day! I'm packing his costume for later in the evening because he will trick-or-treat!

On Friday, we are headed to Disneyland and I don't know who's more excited, me or McKinley? We have been prepping him for the experience. We started with the Johnson County Fair by riding our first rides at a small fair. We headed to World's of Fun later in the summer and Camp Snoopy was amazing! He had a blast and we loved watching him. Now, he's telling us how he's going to tell Mickey and the gang "hi"! How adorable is that!!! 

We have been told to wear light layers so layers it is! I'm starting with a tank and v-neck sweater and adding a fun scarf and leather jacket. As it warms up, I can remove the jacket and push up the sweater sleeves. I plan to live in boyfriend jeans, so comfy, and these new Converse tennies that feel like I'm walking on clouds! I got them on sale at DSW over the weekend! On sale and an additional 40% off the sale price. Gotta love that! Oh, and they are a repeat shoe for the trip!

Saturday we are taking a drive to San Diego to visit the zoo. I can't wait for this. This was on my Forty Before 40 list and so hope I really get to check it off! Fingers crossed. I plan to wear boyfriend jeans, a light-weight, pullover sweater, tank, and navy scarf with darling birds! Again, I'm wearing the Converse tennies and leather jacket!  

Sunday is my birthday and we're heading to Rodeo Drive! I just thought it would be fun to walk around, window shop at places I love but can't afford, share a bottle of champagne with all of my family and just relax! Doesn't that sound like the best day? It does to me! I am going to sport my Chanel inspired sweater/jacket from Ann Taylor. Remember when I blogged about it during my Dream to Reality Friday? I thought I would pair it with a light t-neck, faux leather shorts and my Rebecca Minkoff booties. And how luxe does my necklace look? Super chic! If it's too cool for shorts, I will pair it all with my skinnies.

For dinner, we are heading to Newport Beach and dining at the Coliseum Pool and Grill at the Pelican Hill Resort. It's a gorgeous resort and I thought the terrace that over looks the pool, golf course and ocean sounded like a dream! And, they have a kids menu which is perfect for McKinley. I think everyone in our party will find something to their liking. I had originally thought of wearing these, but I have decided to go a completely differnt direction. I got a gorgeous black, leather dress for my birthday and I thought the Ann Taylor sweater would look awesome over it! And, if it's too cool for the dress, I will wear my Rachel Zoe winter white pant suit. Either way, I don't think I can go wrong!

 How fabulous are the shoes? Another early birthday gift that will be stunning with either look! 

Monday we are heading to Santa Monica to play on the Pier! And, I am meeting up with my college friend Brandy who I haven't seen in 20 years! I honestly can't wait!!! This is one of the looks I have in mind, but I'm waiting for these pants to arrive. If they do, I plan to pair them with my sleeveless black t-neck, denim jacket and booties. And, of the look I don't wear to Santa Monica, I will wear it home. This Old Navy sweatshirt has been a great investment. I wore it again last week, not photographed, and I thought this time around it would be cute paired with a denim button down and jeans. And those booties, can't get enough of them!

And that's it! I hope I've packed appropriately for activities and weather! My biggest beef with travel is not having my closet handy. However, there are stores all around us and things I might just have to buy! I love vacay!