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I love where I live, but I also love getting away for the weekend. One of the best parts of living in California is the number of amazing weekend getaways that are only a quick drive away. No flight necessary! Maybe I’ve been living in cities for too long, but a smooth ride with no stop and go traffic feels like a breath of fresh air. As much as I love keeping a travel bucket list and bookmarking new destinations to visit, a quick roadtrip is sometimes all you need to come back feeling refreshed. Here are some of my favorite roadtrip destinations in California, and ones that are on my bucket list.

My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations in California

My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations

Destinations in California, girl in a flower outfit

California glow and peace signs

My favorite weekend roadtrips from LA

+ San Diego

I visited San Diego last year and had an absolute blast. It definitely became one of my favorite SoCal cities – read more about my trip and itinerary here.

+ Palm Springs

Palm Springs is really one of my homes away from home. I love the desert, any time of year, no matter how hot it is. I’ve loved every place I’ve stayed at, but my favorites are Korakia Pensione and the Parker. Once you visit Palm Springs, you’ll know why.

+ Joshua Tree

Technically less than an hour from Palm Springs, but I typically visit the two separately. While Palm Springs is wonderful for food and laying by a pool, Joshua Tree feels more spiritual and down to earth. Not to mention, it’s just incredibly beautiful.

+ Big Sur

The road to Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country. Make sure to take the route along the ocean, and not the one that goes through farmlands in Central California : ).

+ San Francisco

Technically too far for my liking from Los Angeles, but I couldn’t leave SF out. The drive is doable and better with friends – but to be honest, a plane ticket is around the same price and much more convenient (IMO).

+ Napa Valley

Again, too far to drive to from Los Angeles – I’ve flown from LAX to Sonoma County and the flight was cheap and fast. I’d highly recommend. If you haven’t visited wine country in Northern California yet, it’s a lot of fun with your girlfriends or significant other.

+ Solvang / Santa Ynez

I loved visiting Santa Ynez for wine tasting and staying at nearby Solvang (definitely check out The Landsby if you can!).

 California

My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations in California

peace sign and a female

california casual

Roadtrip Destinations in California Wishlist

+ Ojai

I’ve been wanting to visit Ojai and stay at the Ojai Valley Inn for years. Only a couple hours out of the city, Ojai is a peaceful wellness sanctuary to recharge and unwind.

+ Yosemite

The natural beauty in Yosemite National Park is unparalleled – I’m not usually the type of person to camp, but I would make an exception when visiting the park.

+ Tahoe

The beauty of California is in how many different types of climates and land there are across the state. Tahoe is beautiful in winter and summer, depending on what you are looking for. It’s a little too far for driving from LA for my liking, so I may choose to fly into San Francisco and then drive for a ski weekend next winter .

Stay tuned for travel diaries and itineraries from upcoming roadtrips. If you have any questions at all about any of the destinations, please leave them below.

matching set: spell | hat: lack of color | boots: marc fisher

bag: saint laurent from tradesy (get $50 off your first purchase with my code AMYZ50)

 

 

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Dainty gold jewelry pieces rank at the top of the list for timeless jewelry you’ll wear forever. Trends aside, I always opt for dainty gold pieces over anything else because I know I will continue to year them for years to come. High-quality jewelry usually comes at a price, but there are some brands that bring affordable quality to your jewelry collection. Lately, I’ve been loving classic gold rings, 14k gold necklaces, Mejuri, and Missoma. If you’re looking to splurge, check out Logan Hollowell – everything is SO freaking cute.

You may already have several gold necklaces in your collection that you wear on rotation and mix or match with others. Of course, it depends on if you are a gold or silver jewelry kind of person! I prefer gold for day-to-day, but it’s definitely a personal preference! A general, but not hard-and-fast, rule is silver tends to complement cooler skin tones, and gold on warmer skin tones. The good news is, most online stores will carry pieces in gold and silver if one is not to your liking.

Right now I love how gold necklaces look when layered. The key is finding ones of different lengths with different details. Creating a necklace stack doesn’t have to be difficult, but it might take some effort. Some great layering options are this one, this one, and this one. I’ve linked some of my favorite gold necklaces below. Happy Shopping!

Dainty Gold Jewelry

Missoma Gold Chain – this brand is a favorite of Meghan Markle, and for good reason! Most pieces are under $250 and they’re the perfect complement to your summer closet.

+ AUrate Zodiac Necklace – the one I’m wearing in the photo – choose your sign. I love how thin and delicate it is – perfect for layering.

+ Mejuri Boyfriend Necklace – if you don’t have a pendant or coin necklace in your jewelry box yet, this is a great option. I love Mejuri for the prices and quality – it’s some of the best classic jewelry you can get for under $150.

+ Luv AJ Double Coin Necklace – love this layered coin necklace that will go with pretty much anything.

What are your favorite jewelry brands?

For more jewelry inspiration, check out my posts on minimal jewelry and fall layering for jewelry

White has always been my favorite color to wear – now that I’m engaged (a post for another time, I promise!!), I couldn’t be more excited to finally be able to shop exclusively for all things white. I actually purchased this LoveShackFancy dress on sale before I got engaged and it’s been only fitting that I wear it regularly this summer. By the way, if you haven’t heard of LoveShackFancy before you have to check it out – the cutest summer dresses, tops and skirts for the ultimate girly girl or romantic. I’ll link some of my current favorite pieces below. Anyway, here are the pieces in my all-white wishlist for brides to be I have my eye on for the time being, with many more to come…

All Things White - Wishlist for Brides to Be | by The Luxi Look

All White Wishlist for Brides to Be

All White Wishlist for Brides to Be

Click on items directly to shop

+ Silk Maxi Gown – this flowy silk caftan is perfect for beachy or tropical occasions.

+ Slip Dress – you can never go wrong with a classic slip dress! It’s a must for every closet.

+ Off the Shoulder Midi Dress – love this casual yet dressy look for a bridal shower or luncheon.

+ Heeled Mules – so chic and can be worn outside of bridal occasions. White shoes elevate every outfit!

+ Sundress – as I mentioned before, I love all things LoveShackFancy.

+ Bag – such a cute bag for summer! The croc material stays cleaner than leather as well.

+ Party Dress – obsessed with all things Retrofete – the perfect dress for your next cocktail party.

All Things White

All Things White - Wishlist for Brides to Be | by The Luxi Look

 The Luxi Look

dress: loveshackfancy | shoes: similar

More Shopping For The All-White Wishlist For Brides To Be:

All About White For Summer

White Sneaker Picks For Summer

Chloe Nile Bag

One of the more recent “it” designer handbags is undoubtedly the Chloe Nile bag. First spotted on the runway a couple years ago, the Nile is the latest in Chloe’s string of recent hit designer bags (following popular styles such as the Drew, Faye, and Tess). Many of Chloe’s bags are equestrian inspired, but I am particularly fond of the Nile bag. I’m very careful and selective about bags – as much as I would love to snatch up every new designer bag that hits the shelves, the reality is my budget simply does not allow for that. I have to be thoughtful about purchasing designer bags and view them strictly as a luxury want and not a need. With that said, I was really excited to add the Chloe Nile to my closet.

First, let’s talk about what makes an “it” bag. I’m sure everyone would love to know, especially the many designers that are constantly thinking of new designs and sending them out to various companies and individuals in the fashion industry. Stores can’t keep them in stock and somehow every cool fashion girl you know is carrying it.

A big part of a label’s image and perception?

Influencers. Celebrities, magazine editors, bloggers, social media influencers, the most stylish girl in your office. All of a sudden it seems like everyone has a bag and you just have to get your hands on it. Sometimes people will wait for months for a bag! The Chloe Nile debuted a couple years ago in Paris on the runway, and has been seen on the streets since then on many well known influencers. It’s easy to see why it’s been given the title of “it” bag.

"it" designer handbag

Chloe Nile Bag: Reviewing One of This Year's It Bags

Chloe Nile Bag

White is my favorite color to wear, but I’ve always shied away from white handbags. Because let’s face it, white leather screams disaster from a mile away. I’d like to think I’m more cautious and responsible now than I was in my late teens, so after doing extensive research on proper care for white leather, I took the plunge (I always like to do my homework before making a big purchase : )).

I opted for the small crossbody version of the Chloe Nile and it is my favorite bag to carry at the moment – I receive tons of compliments on the bag and the white color and grain leather freshens up any outfit (it comes in a variety of other colors as well – I love this metallic and this gray version as well)! If you’re considering this bag for yourself, read on for my honest review of this purchase.

Chloe Nile Bag: Reviewing One of This Year's It Bags

preppy summer outfit

Chloe Nile Bag: Reviewing One of This Year's It Bags

Reviewing the Chloe Nile Bag

Size + space:

The small crossbody bag is ideal if you’re on the go and traveling light. For reference, I have an iPhone 6s+ and in certain phone cases it does not fit in the bag. I can get away with my phone, a cardholder, chapstick, lipstick, and my keys in the bag. This size is perfect for daytime. The bracelet bag is even smaller. If you like more space in your bag, go for the medium size. Personally, I think the small is the perfect amount of space if you prefer smaller bags and do not want to carry too much stuff at any given time.

However, I will give a fair warning that it can feel a little too small at times. I love the look of the small size, and find the medium to be a little too big (starting to sound like Goldilocks here, I know) – I would recommend trying out the bag in store and seeing how it looks on you before purchasing (you should really do this before buying any bag!). I love the top handle and the fact that you can wear it with the shoulder strap or as a crossbody bag, it can be dressed up or down and a white bag is really the perfect summer accessory! But I do not know if this is a “forever” bag in my closet. You may feel differently!

Material:

The grain leather is well made and does not scratch easily. Of course, it never hurts to treat the leather on your handbags. So far I have not had any issues with my bag scratching and the metal bracelet part is not abrasive on the bag itself. But as with all quality leather goods, I recommend handling with care and taking to a professional to treat and clean.

Interior:

The inside of the bag is soft suede and looks beautiful. I imagine this would be difficult to clean if you got it dirty, so something to keep in mind if you are prone to accidents and spills.

Price:

Chloe bags tend to be less pricey than Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and YSL. The Nile collection tends to fall in the $1500 range (however, I have noticed the bags increase in price every year). So far the bag has strong staying power and is holding its value well for now. Of course, you should never buy a bag with the intention of turning it for a profit down the line – contrary to popular belief, most bags are not a good investment. Chloe bags in particular tend to lose a bit of their value over time, but a quick glance online shows that the Nile bag is still going strong.

Practicality:

The size and structure of the bag makes it ideal for daytime. However, I think it could also easily transition to night, especially in the summer. It’s actually one of the more versatile bags I’ve purchased in recent years. My only gripe is I wish it were slightly bigger and easier to open.

Chloe Nile Bag: Reviewing One of This Year's It Bags

"it" designer handbag

Chloe Nile Bag: Reviewing One of This Year's It Bags

Overall, if you’re looking for a small leather crossbody that works well from day to night, I recommend the Chloe Nile. This style isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and will continue to wear well for years to come. Chloe bags continue to be iconic and translate well long after they hit the streets. They also have decent resell value, if you ever decide to find your bag a new home.

What bags are you currently lusting over?

xx, Amy

dress: lpa (on sale!)bag: chloe | shoes: similar

jewelry: elizabeth stone | sunnies: raen

Happy Fourth of July!! I hope everyone is enjoying their day off and spending it in the sun. If you are looking to do a little summer shopping, these are the best Fourth of July sales I came across that I just had to share. Talk tomorrow! xoxo

Fourth of July Sales You Don’t Want to Miss:

Aritzia – up to 50% basics you’ll wear for years.

Barney’s – up to 75% off items.

Carbon38 – up to 75% off the cutest activewear.

Maje – extra 20% off sale using code HAPPYFOURTH

Revolve – up to 65% off items.

Saks Off Fifth – major deals to be scored this Fourth of July.

Shopbop – SO many cute summer finds.

Solid and Striped – some of my favorite swimsuits of all time on serious discount.

Urban Outfitters – flash sale on swim and tons of discounts on other items.

Have a fun and safe holiday!!

xx

You might also like, All Things Hair, Wellness, and Beauty with Bomane’s Ashleigh Marie, The Best Refreshing, Low-Cal, Vegan Afternoon Snack: Watermelon with TajinWhere to Sell All of Your Sh*t: Reselling Designer Handbags // My Experience on Poshmark, and Shopping Abroad: Everything You Need to Know about VAT and Saving When You Shop.

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