Summer Sunset

Shorter Days Coming

Seal Beach, CA

Shorter days and longer nights are approaching as summer ends and fall begins. So saying goodbye to summer inspires a late afternoon drive to Seal Beach to enjoy another beautiful California sunset. It is a favorite spot for my husband and me. Seal Beach is where he learned to surf in his preteen years. Now, it’s a frequent destination for us throughout the year, even though his surfing days are over. WIPEOUT! LOL!

ATTIRE: Red top (Dressbarn), floral pants (LOFT), black sandals (Dansko Shoes)

Down the Homestretch

Saying Goodbye to Summer

Cabrillo Beach, CA

A nostalgic trip to the beach is a reminder that summer is coming to an end. Although in SoCal, many would agree that the weather is consistently pleasant. Yes, it can get extremely hot during the summer months. However, when fall and winter weather patterns settle in, the climate does cool down. So enjoy the weather change and get ready to wear a warmer wardrobe.

ATTIRE: Jean jacket (Coldwater Creek), striped top (JC Penney), ivory jeans (LOFT), sandals (Birkenstock)

Summer's End

True Colors

Corona, CA

The Labor Day weekend makes known that summer is coming to an end. It is a time to prepare for new beginnings and to launch new endeavors. In Southern California, it announces the political campaigns of candidates for your consideration. So here’s a thumbs up to the strongly supported contender for the 41st district, Will Rollins. Go to: https://willrollinsforcongress.com for more information.

ATTIRE: Patriotic shirt ( Molokai Shirt Company), blue trousers (LOFT), white tennis shoes (Ecco Shoes)

San Diego "Blues"

Petco Park

San Diego, CA

The Dodgers and Padres have developed quite a rivalry. So going down to San Diego to support the Blue Crew is an experience in competitive cheering and showing your true colors. As every fan knows, your team loyalty must be displayed on your attire. So “Root, root, root for the Dodgers!” or your favorite team.

ATTIRE: Vintage Dodger shirt (Thrift Store in Hawaii), tan Bermuda shorts (JC Penney), Dooney & Bourke purse (Marshall’s), bucket hat (Dodger giveaway promotion)

Seattle Summer

Beat the Heat

Seattle, WA

As summer winds down the homestretch, an enjoyable visit to Seattle to reunite with dear friends was a wonderful get-away. The Seattle weather was a pleasant change from our SoCal heat. However it was the “cool” company that made the trip so unforgettable. Thank you, Kathleen and Peter!

ATTIRE: Plaid shirt (Goodwill Thrift Stores), wide-leg jeans (JC Penney), Coldwater Creek white jean jacket (Poshmark), tan capris (Chico’s), Seattle Mariner tee (Target)

Patriotic Passion

Celebrating the USA

Corona, CA

With the numerous patriotic holidays throughout the year, there are many occasions to don the red, white and blue apparel. So even though Independence Day is the culmination, celebrate with this trio of colors often. Remember to accessorize with a hat, jewelry and whatever else adds to the festive flare.

ATTIRE: Red and white striped tee (JC Penney), denim capris (LOFT), white sandals (Earth Shoes), jewelry (Made by Marina)

Rachel's Tree

Remembering Rachel

Covina, CA

My cousin Rachel was very proud of this majestic Monterey Pine that graces her front yard. The tree is over one hundred years old, and if it could tell what it has seen, the stories would be endless. Since Rachel’s passing in April, the stately endurance of this grand tree reminds me of her bigger than life presence in our family and friends’ lives. We miss her silly chatter, her enthusiasm for football, her love of history, her faith in God and her countless acts of kindness.

ATTIRE: Jean jacket (Coldwater Creek), striped top and wide-leg pants (LOFT), tan deck shoes (Cobb Hill Shoes)

Past Meets Present

Heritage Park Victorian Village

San Diego, CA

The Victorian Era (1837-1901) was characterized by countless transformations in society including architecture. The style blended the Jacobean, Italianate, Gothic and Queen Anne of the past with the emerging Arts and Crafts movement within the design industry’s advancements. Together, these styles embodied the maximalist flair of the times. You can see some of San Diego’s preserved examples of Victorian architecture in Heritage Park. I am not one of them! LOL!

ATTIRE: Vintage Italian leather jacket (Salvation Army Thrift Stores). striped shirt (JC Penney), boot-cut jeans (LOFT)

PEO Initiation

New Sisters

Corona, CA

As our women’s Philanthropic Educational Organization prepares to get down to the business of raising funds to promote women’s education, we welcome new sisters. With our increased membership, we have more resources to help with the task at hand. So off I go, dressed in my “uniform,” to welcome our new members.

ATTIRE: White three-quarter sleeve blouse (Goodwill Thrift Stores), black ankle-length pants (LOFT), daisy scarf (part of PEO “uniform”), black loafers (Bass Shoes)

Not Quite Summer

Waiting for Summer

Ocean Beach, CA

It’s almost summer in SoCal. We appreciate the “May Gray” because we know that summer is right around the corner. Once it arrives there is no escape from the heat, so enjoy the cool weather. While the brisk breeze makes us shiver, remember soon you will be shedding your outerwear for shorts, sandals and tank tops. Wait, isn’t that what we always wear out here?

ATTIRE: Purple v-neck top (JC Penney), jacket and jeans (LOFT)

Bon Voyage

Queen Mary

Long Beach, CA

On June 1, 2023, the Queen Mary will reopen! Since 1967, the Queen Mary has been moored in Long Beach as a tourist attraction, hotel, fine dining restaurant and venue for special events. The ship carried 2.2 million passengers in peacetime and 810,000 military personnel in WWII. Here in Long Beach, an estimated 50 million have visited. Visit queenmary.com for more information. Bon Voyage!

ATTIRE: Hawaiian shirt (Goodwill Thrift Stores), fuschia cuffed trousers (LOFT), white leather tennis shoes (Ecco Shoes)

Cinco de mayo

Fiesta!

Temecula, CA

It’s time to celebrate again! Cinco de mayo (Fifth of May) is a David and Goliath story in Mexican history. It commemorates the victory of Mexico’s small army over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It was a morale boost to the Mexican army and helped to establish a sense of national unity and patriotism for the Mexican people. So, here’s to love of country and a sense of pride!

ATTIRE: Embroidered dress (Best of Old Town in San Diego, CA)

Celebration

Bowtie Birthday Bash

Corona, CA

A dear friend just turned 95 years young. To celebrate his birthday and his love for wearing bowties, all the guests honored him by donning the traditional neck attire. It was a challenge to learn how to tie a bowtie, but with the help of YouTube, it was a lesson learned. What a fun embellishment to this wardrobe. Happy Birthday, Bill!

ATTIRE: Bowtie (JC Penney), shirt and trousers (LOFT), silk blazer (Coldwater Creek), belt (Target)

A National Celebration

Women’s “Herstory” Month

Riverwalk in La Sierra, CA

March is Women’s History Month. It has its origins as Women’s History Week beginning in 1982 by an act of Congress and evolved into Women’s History Month in 1987. Today International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the world. It celebrates the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. So what better way to culminate the month than to style the versatility of my Frida Kahlo tee!

ATTIRE: Frida Kahlo tee (Target), tan Old Navy pants (Goodwill Thrift Stores), gingham pants (Land’s End), jean jacket (Coldwater Creek), faux suede moto jacket and straight-leg jeans (LOFT)

Desert Woman'Show

Women’s Health, Fashion and Fun

Palm Desert, CA

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the DESERT WOMAN’S SHOW and the GREATER PALM SPRINGS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL offer everything from women’s wellness and fashion to a cornucopia of tasty bites and spirits from the valley’s best. The Marketplace showcases plenty of shopping, while the Indoor Expo features daily fashion shows. Spotlight 29 Casino sponsors the food and wine festival. It’s a popular event to attend. So if you’re in the area in February, don't miss it! (www.desertwomansshow.com)

ATTIRE: Fair Isle cardigan (Land’s End), turquoise shirt (JC Penney), burgundy boot-cut cords (J. Jill)

On Safari

Living Desert

Palm Desert, CA

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a non-profit zoo and desert botanical garden located in Palm Desert, CA. It is home to over 500 animals representing over 150 species. This outing is a safari, where you go on a look or touch experience of the many animals and plants. But beware of the cheetahs. They are known for their friendly approach to humans. LOL!!

ATTIRE: Marled burgundy sweater (LOFT), burgundy boot-cut cords (J. Jill)