Winter Brights

Most of us have those colors in our wardrobe that we turn to endlessly. For me, it’s neutrals like navy, white, and the occasional black. Yet while those classic color staples serve a wardrobe well, they can get a little ho-hum when January rolls around. That’s why I love incorporating brights into my everyday wardrobe. Just a single pop of color, like a coral lip to match my sweater’s stripes or a colored pant, goes a long to way to creating a look that’s refreshing and fun!

Sweater, Old Navy; Pants, Target; Shoes, Target (similar here and here); Sunglasses, Nordstrom BP; Lipstick, Maybelline ‘Coral Craze.’

After the rainstorm last week, Los Angeles has seen some gorgeous, sunny-yet-mild days. With another storm set to hit soon, an afternoon trip to El Matador State Beach in Malibu seemed like the best way to soak up this short-lived, spring-like weather. While I wouldn’t call myself a beach kind of girl, I much prefer the L.A. beaches during the winter rather than the summer; they’re uncrowded and the mild temperatures are ideal.

If you haven’t been to El Matador State Beach, I highly recommend making a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s my kind of beach – small, secluded, and scenic, with a little hike to start. It’s not really a beach for swimming like those down the coast, but there are some neat caves and rock formations to explore. It sort of reminds me of the rocky beaches I grew up with in my home county of Mendocino, which is perhaps why I’m so fond of it. There is paid parking in the small lot just up from the beach (other parking along the PCH) and bathrooms at the trailhead. Definitely pack a picnic and stay to watch the sunset; you’ll miss some of that evening traffic and it’ll be perfect tease for warmer weather to come.

West Coast friends, take a moment this week to stop and smell the salt air!