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    Outfit, Travel

    The Madonna Inn and San Luis Obispo

    May 25, 2015
    Photos by Ale Veyna, Sarah Veyna and Me
    I’m finally getting around to posting my pictures from my trip to The Madonna Inn and San Luis Obispo. I had been wanting to visit the Madonna Inn for quite some time and finally got around to planning a trip about two months ago. I decided to book a room for my sisters and myself after having a horrible week that convinced me that I needed to schedule time for self-care and relaxation. I’m glad I did because it was so much fun to get away for a weekend and explore a new place!
    Outfit Details:
    H&M Faux Leather Jacket (Similar)
    Handmade Gingham Top and Skirt worn as a dress (Similar here and here)
    Madewell Loafers (Similar here and here)
    ASOS Striped Bikini Top
    Topshop High-waisted Bikini Bottoms



    The exterior of the Madonna Inn is as cute in person as it is in all the pictures I had seen of the place before I visited. The entrance to the Madonna Inn is very colorful and cheerful. I also loved the beautiful winding staircases on the outside of all the buildings housing the suites and rooms.

     

    My sisters and I stayed in the Fleur de Lis Suite while we were at the Madonna Inn. I have to admit that it wasn’t my first choice room–I had listed the Sky Room as my first choice when I made my reservation– but it far exceeded my expectations when I arrived and was able to see how incredible it was. This suite is pink and decorated with French inspired paintings and wallpaper. My favorite parts of the room were the pink wardrobe, which looked straight out of a Disney movie, and the gorgeous light fixtures. I have to admit that I was definitely picking up some decor inspiration for my future home while I was there.

    My sisters and I ran to the pool and jacuzzi area almost immediately after we had checked into our room. We were lucky that the pool area wasn’t too busy when we got there, and most people left soon after, so we were able to enjoy it all to ourselves. That basically means that I didn’t have to feel embarrassed when my sister Sarah and I worked on our synchronized swimming routine. I’m just kidding! Neither one of us is coordinated enough to do that. However, we did have fun swimming around from one end of the pool to the other.

    Since neither my sisters nor I had been to San Luis Obispo, we decided to explore downtown. I liked that this area was very walkable and most places we wanted to visit were in close proximity. We got to see the mission, do some window shopping, and even managed to squeeze in a short coffee shop crawl during the few hours we were there. Our first stop was Scout Coffee which not only has amazing coffee, but is also beautifully decorated and even has an an atrium located behind the counter area. We also stopped by Kreuzberg Coffee Company, a cool coffee shop with a European theme.
    Before we headed back home, we had to stop by the famous Bubblegum Alley. All I have to say about the alley is that it was really cool and disgusting at the same time. My sisters and I walked in, took a quick peek around, and then turned around and headed in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, it was a fun way to end our trip.
    I hope you all enjoyed this post and thank you for stopping by my blog. Have a wonderful week!

     

    xoxo,
    Helen
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    Outfit, Travel

    Downtown Santa Barbara

    May 19, 2015

    Photos by Ale Veyna and Sarah Veyna

    Outfit Details:
    Forever 21 Wide-Brimmed Fedora Hat (Similar here and here)
    Denim Jacket (Similar)
    RVCA Shirt (Similar)
    Madewell Jeans
    Madewell Bag
    Madewell Loafers (Similar here and here)
    My sisters and I drove up to the Madonna Inn this weekend and decided to stop in Downtown Santa Barbara on our way there. I hadn’t visited Santa Barbara since my friends and I drove up the week before our college graduation, which was 4 years ago, so it was nice to do some exploring and get reacquainted with the city. We walked around and explored some of the cute antique and consignment shops in the area. We also stopped by The French Press, a cute coffee shop that I also visited last time I was in town. I was surprised that I still remembered where it was after not being there for a couple of years. That must mean that my coffee radar is on point!
    I have to say that I feel so happy and relaxed after this weekend. I have such a habit of always feeling like I need to be working on something, but I need to remember that sometimes it’s okay to take a break from it all and just focus on yourself. My sisters and I were quick to jump into the pool and jacuzzi after we checked into the Madonna Inn, where we were able to get in some much-needed rest and relaxation. We also had so much fun exploring the hotel, which is so cute. I’ll get around to posting more photos from my trip in upcoming posts, but I’m taking some time to let the experience sink in a little before I do.
    xoxo,
    Helen
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    Outfit

    4 Ways to Wear Hats This Spring And Summer

    May 14, 2015

    Photo by Ale Veyna

    Lately, I’ve been trying really hard to incorporate hats into my everyday outfits as a way to shield my face from the sun and keep my skin as healthy as possible. I’ve also realized that hats can be very useful when you have a bad case of messy hair, like I often do, and just need something to hide it. Despite all the advantages, I have to admit that wearing hats has been very challenging for me because it can be hard to style an outfit around such an obvious accessory. That is why I thought it would be a fun idea to come up with a couple of ways to wear hats this spring and summer.
    Outfit Details:
    Forever 21 Hat | Yumi Shift Dress | Swedish Hasbeen Sandals (More affordable option) | Cambridge Satchel Company Bag (More affordable option)
    I’m definitely on a mission to buy a cute boater hat to wear during these warmer months. I love that the brim of this hat is large and flat because it keeps the sun rays away without getting in your face. I also love that this style of hat immediately adds a very romantic and retro feel to any outfit. I can see myself wearing a boater hat with a cute summer dress and sandals.
    Outfit Details:
    Wool Baseball Cap | Everlane Sleeveless Top | Vans Sneakers | Madewell Higher Rise Skinny Skinny Jeans
    I’ve been seeing baseball caps everywhere these past few seasons, and have been really tempted to purchase one of my own. My problem is that I don’t know if I could pull off wearing one without looking like I’m trying too hard. If I were to wear a baseball cap, I would incorporate into a simple black and white outfit for a minimalist and effortless look.
    Outfit Details:
    Moorea Seal Hat ( A percentage of your purchase helps support Health and Wellness Charities) | Blue Chambray Dress | Urban Outfitters Ankle Boots | Madewell Necklace
    I love floppy hats because they fit so well with my personal style. I just love how versatile this style of hat is–you can wear it with jeans and a t-shirt, a casual dress, or even style it with a maxi dress for a a fun and glamorous 70s-inspired look. In the summer, I would probably keep things simple and wear this style of hat with a shift dress, sandals or a pair of ankle boots, and a cute necklace. You don’t need to put too much effort into the rest of your outfit when you have a fun statement piece like this.
    Outfit Details:
    Free People Lace Hat | Madewell Maxi Dress | Madewell Bracelet | Madewell Earings | Seychelles Sandals
    Wide brim hats, such as fedora and rancher style hats, are also a great option for spring and summer because they look great with a variety of casual outfits. I personally would wear this style of hat with a fun maxi dress and sandals. If you’re going for a more rugged look, you can also pair it with a nice button down and denim shorts.
    —
    I hope you’re all having a great week. I’m personally counting down the days until the weekend since I’m driving up to San Luis Obispo to visit the Madonna Inn. I’ve wanted to visit this place for so long and I’m glad to finally have the opportunity to do so before I leave California. I also can’t wait to finally have some time to relax by the pool, and I’m just excited to explore the city since I’ve never been.
    xoxo,
    Helen
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