I hope you know, your my favorite thing about the west coast.

aaaand I'm back! did you think for a moment that newport beach may have swallowed me whole? well, it almost did. it was such a whirlwind adventure that I am still recovering from all of it. the driving, in particular. lauren and I had a blast and ran all over the LA area. sadly, I have very little time to sit and relish in the after glow of a fantastic adventure, as I have another road trip ahead of me. six days and counting until I leave for the fifteen or so hour drive up to san francisco. on that note, lets chat about last weekend for a hot minute.

are we loving my early 90's/late 80's look here? after a long day of driving on friday, we woke up early the next day and decided that some shopping and people watching was in order. Lauren took me over to balboa island. I can't believe that in all of my trips to southern california, I had never been to this quaint town. I fell in love. hard. pretty much the entire time I was busy scheming in my head of how I was going to be able to move there. its adorable, people. anyways, I had been waiting to wear my navy/white polka dot dress that I thrifted from good will a few weeks ago. it was seriously like four bucks. are you kidding me?

since it was chilly that morning and a tad foggy in balboa, I decided to toss on my light denimn wash jacket with some tights and boots. I have summer type dreams of wearing this dress with my red wedges and white fedora. soon, ladies. soon.

the over the shoulder purse was thrifted from good will as well. and on the same day, I might add. I couldn't believe how well they matched up. I forgot, like the crazy that I am sometimes, to do a close up of the gorgeous purse. next time, I promise. you will have to forgive me... can't you see I am JUST having my morning coffee in this pic? I don't believe I was functioning at full capacity yet.

have I mentioned yet how quaint, beautiful, and fantastic balboa island was?

who doesn't love peace frogs? well, this girl does. fersure.

yuuuumm. salt water taffy, you get in my belly.

balboa was full of boutiques and neat shoppes. I think I found maybe a hundred things that I wanted to buy and take home with me that day. I do believe lauren even found me trying to coax a pair of really expensive shoes to "come home with me and live in my closet with my other babies". dude. sometimes shopping makes this fashionista loco.

the sales woman at this store proudly informed us that the designer that made these necklaces was hosting a trunk show for the kardashians that day. I think she thought it would convince us to buy one. did it work? absolutely not.

why yes, I do adore this girl.

after a good morning in balboa, we headed up the coast to huntington beach. we hunted around and found the best vintage shop. we each found a dress and were pretty proud of our thrifting skills.

dear california, you are too beautiful for words.

since it was so lovely out, we walked to the end of the pier.

left over sidewalk art from earth day. <3>

I'm ridiculously amazed out how the "H" managed to get itself cut out of both of these shots.

back to balboa once it warmed up to have a look at the auh-mazing sail boats. since it was a weekend, everyone was out enjoying the sunshine.

including us. lauren loves california, so we are including her in the "honorary california girls" club

as the afternoon was fading, we went to track down our tickets for the film festival! we were so excited to be seeing a premiere that night. as you can see clearly indicated below with the universal symbol of awesome: a thumbs up.

check back tomorrow to hear about the premiere night and our dinner in hollywood: sunset blvd style.

on an ending note, the adorable sally from candy cane is married left me an award! thanks so much!

Instructions for the award:
1. Put the logo on your blog within a post.
2. Pass the award on to 15 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I would like to pass this on to some ladies who truly make me smile. whether you are doing it with your fantastic fashion, your killer wit, or your "loving life" attitude...I adore you all. nuff said.

1. terra at stylish white female

2. jade at lowbrow style
3. clare at between laundry days
4. kyla at blue collar catwalk
5. christina at fabulocity in amish country
6. amy at the bargain hunter extraordinaire
7. christen at la rue neuve
8. emily at crazy world
9. rene at the adventures of an epic baker
10. kate at kismet & kate
11. allison at a bite of allison
12. teresa of blooming on bainbridge
13. emily at a radiant mephit
14. court at the photo beginnings
15. lisa at knit, teach, ride

its a long list, but I think all of you are fantastic!

that all for today. :) off to yoga...

peace. xoxo