A Very Mary-Kate & Ashley Circa Early 2000s-Inspired Brunch Look

Growing up, I was literally the world's biggest Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fan. As a 90s kid, who wasn't? Everything from their movies to books to style was something I looked up to so much. I still watch their old movies to this day because it brings back such nostalgic memories for me. 

Right around the '99-'03 stage was the time when MKA really were killing it with their outfits - they truly embodied every authentic and stereotypical '00s trend. These were my glory days. Pretty sure you'd be lying if you said you didn't dress like them, too! 

Recently, everywhere I go I've been seeing a lot of the same trends come back. Of course, my (still) MKA-obsessed self is more excited than ever. I don't care what anyone says - the late 90s and early 2000s fashion was the best and it should just come back forever! Okay, maybe I'm just biased... but I know I am not the only one who thinks so!

With that said, I wanted to create a brunch ensemble based off of one of my favorite Mary-Kate and Ashley styles - a very hip, Oriental-style look.

Back when they were just kids as well as teenagers, they took touches of that style here and there and made it their own - you know, with black chokers, cross body bags, light wash denim and tiny-framed colored sunglasses.

I went into Urban Outfitters and to my pleasant surprise, a ton of their new stuff instantly gave me all the MKA feels. I saw the Kimchi Blue Kiki Zip-Front Tank and knew this was the piece to create a whole look from! 14-year-old Mary-Kate & Ashley would approve of it, but it is still modern enough that it could really be worn any day now.

I fell in love with the front zipper and the intricate detailing and design of the top. It screams "Mary-Kate and Ashley would wear this!" Not to mention, it's a crop top - my favorite style top since '97. Still going strong!

The next step was the bottoms. While I could have easily paired this bold top with a pair of black skinny jeans, I went with some looser fitting high-waisted "mom shorts" to really accentuate the 90s vibes. A crop top and high-waisted anything, really is extremely "in" in LA and is a go-to for any brunch!

Of course I finished off the look with a Riccova choker (because obvvvviously) and some chunky heels to take the look from super casual to a look that was a bit more elevated...literally.

I am such a 90s kid and I love that styles I was wearing and looked up to 15 or so years ago are coming back and they can totally be modernized. Isn't it funny now though that these shorts I'm wearing fall under the category of "hipster?" All the hipsters can line up and thank Mary-Kate and Ashley for setting the trend. Bet you'll never think of a crop top and mom shorts combo the same.

And that my friends, is my ode to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Catch me at brunch, with a bellini in hand while reading an old MKA mag or two re-learning the trends I used to follow so religiously. It may be a little challenging, but if the Olsens can solve any crime by dinner time, then I can definitely come up with more ways to incorporate their "old school" early 2000s style into some more dope brunch looks.

Photography by Emma Lynn Cinema

All That Glitters is Gilded & Green at The Hudson LA

All that glitters is gilded and green... What I love about The Hudson is that since it's got more of a low-key ambiance, dressing down and comfortably is encouraged! However, I am always for dressing an outfit up with accessories and heels, of course. The Hudson is the perfect place to don your best "dressy casual look."

The look I went for during my brunch at The Hudson was utility vest chic - my army green Moto Vest from Nordstrom paired with a white crop top and high wasted distressed black jeans was the perfect combo for the occasion - relaxed and edgy, yet appropriate for a day of still "going out." 

I paired the casual look with my nude Steve Madden heels. I was so happy because I was super comfy during the entire brunch, between my outfit and the shoes.

My favorite part of this look was accessorizing with lots of gold jewelry - my personal favorite!

I'm really big on layering necklaces and wanted to create a cute, luxe gold chain-y type vibe to add some interest to the solid, color-blocked outfit. I wore the "Sharpen Your Hangs" Tassel Choker from NastyGal, but the fun came in with my other necklaces - delicate statement pieces.

The second necklace I layered was my "Happy Hour" 14k Gold-Plated Smiley Face Chain Pendant necklace from Twin Stars Jewelry! I'm a big Emoji-user gal so I thought this added a fun flair to the overall look. Plus, I love that the little guy's eyes are mini crystalized hearts!

My third necklace is my favorite - I got so many compliments on this because a little personalized touch! My Riccova Retro Layering 14k Gold-Plated 'B' necklace is encrusted with cubic zirconia and totally pulled the layered look together. I adjusted it to be a bit longer than the Smiley Face necklace. The 3 differently styled necklaces looked so effortlessly fab together!

On to the bracelets! I am all about arm candy, so I stacked a few of my favorite gold bangles and bracelets together. 

My Riccova Cuff Bracelet is the perfect dainty bangle - encrusted with tiny flecs of cubic zirconia, it adds the perfect subtle sparkle. With it, I paired the Riccova Hexagon & Pavé Pendant Bracelet (You can find the necklace version of it here) for some more delicate stacking.

On my other wrist I wore one of my For Keyps Goldtone Bracelets - I love this one because it's a pale lavender color that really matches with anything. It added the glittering touch I needed. 

Finally, of course I wore my gold "Brielle" ring on one finger, and my Katie Dean Jewelry "Wrap Arrow Ring." These two are my go-tos! The "Wrap Arrow Ring" is gold-plated and adjustable which I love because some days I could wear it as a regular ring, and others like a midi. I can't get enough of versatile pieces!

Annnd that, my friends is how I gilded-up my dressy casual look for brunch at The Hudson LA. What do you plan on wearing for your next visit to The Hudson?

Photography by: Patrick Muniz

Red Hot Crop at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

If you're spending your mid-morning brunching at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, you can expect that you'll be dining both inside and out - at The Boxwood and on The Rooftop. Let's take a sec - no matter the season, it's (most of the time) going to be warm and sunny, with a chance of it being.. well, warm and sunny in LA! So, as always it's necessary to dress appropriately for the weather, but take into consideration where you are.

Since The London is a celeb favorite, notably infamous for hosting press junkets and fabulous events, the pressure is on to have your look be on point. But, the restaurant is also known for its "California cool" ambiance and cuisine, so no need to wear a ball gown (unless specified) to brunch!

I wore a really simple outfit, but one that was totally fit for the hot weather - especially since we did cocktails on the roof. Boy, was it incredibly hot! 

I wore a high wasted bodycon skirt, a red lace crop top, wedges and a black choker (my recent staple).

In Southern California, you can always get away with something a little more on the casual side.

What are you wearing to your next visit to The London? 

Photography by Patrick Muniz