...Is Anybody There?

Hey! It's me! Yep, Freck! Yes, I took an unexpected hiatus for a little while, but you knew I couldn't stay away long. I've missed contributing to the blogging world! Trust me, I've still been reading all of yours.

 

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So all has been going very well out here. Needless to say, Santa Monica, our new home, is extremely different that Chicago. I can't get over the fact that there are mountains everywhere! It's absolutely beautiful. Do you see them in the photo above? Gorge.

 

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I'm just now getting my interior design spark back and really digging into wedding planning more. I know, it only took me four months. ;) We just got our engagement pictures back which I'm absolutely dying over. If you're in the market for a photographer, give this gal a holler!

One last thing (for now!), did you notice that my url has changed from somewhereinchicago.blogspot.com to somewhereinsantamonica.blogspot.com? So fun!

More to come. Feels good to be back!

Monique Lhuillier :: Ready To Wear

Guess who just found out that Monique Lhuillier has a ready-to-wear line? This gal.

A little background: TF and I don't have cable. We have Apple TV which includes Netflix. While browsing, I stumbled upon Designers, Fashions and Runways, a show that includes three different designers per episode. It's pretty low budget, but it's fun to see the behind the scenes of these fashion runway shows and learn more about designers like Monique, Oscar De La Renta, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg and some new up and comers.

So yes, I stumbled upon an episode with Monique Lhullier and discovered that she has a ready-to-wear line. Well, ready-to-wear if you have a large budget and somewhere fantastic to go every day.

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Love it.

Uniform.

Yep. I gots one. I didn't even mean to have one, I just sort of fell into it. Do you know what I mean? The go-to outfit when you're not feeling up to being creative? I sure hope so. 

Here's what I'm talking about:

 I literally have this American Apparel shirt in every color. I swear this really is the most amazing v-neck. Ever.

This type of lightweight scarf always ends up around my neck. I've been sporting this trend for three years. Is it time to let it go? Shh. I can't, it spruces it  up any plain jane outfit in a snap!

These Levi's have become my staple. They don't stretch easily and if I roll them up right above my ankle they're pretty darn cute. Winning!

These TOM's, 

and these sperry's always end up on my feet. Hey, I walk to work. Don't hate.

So sure, my uniform isn't so bad. It's adorably tom-boyish...for the first couple of weeks..but now, it's a full on bad habit. Help! I need a new go-to!

Make it stop! 

Well, Hello!

Hello Friends! As you've likely noticed, I've been off the radar for quite some time. I'm not coming back completely yet, I simply wanted to check in and say 'ello and give a quick update! Life is good in Santa Monica and time is flying by! Our Summer has been busy and chock full of wedding fun, new adventures on the West coast, and then of course settling into our humble abode. On the radar now includes a couple trips to Chicago and my hometown as well as a potential trip to Vegas with my ladies.

 

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That's all for now! I hope all is well and that you're enjoying your Summer as much as I am. 

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Life is good.

I Need An Excuse.

to (purchase and) to wear this somewhere...

Freck's Friday Fancies LXXXXI

When I lived in Chicago, investing in a nice pair of sandals or great wedge heels didn't seem practical since the weather was always so sporadic. Seriously, it only takes one experience of being stuck out in the rain and ruining a great pair of heels for me not to invest in a nice pair. I know what you're thinking, duhr, look at the weather. Well, I promise I did, but even the meotorologist couldn't predict the weather sometimes in Chicago.

So! Now that I'm in Santa Monica where it's upper 60's, lower 70's and sunny daily, I think this is a great excuse to get that great pair of summer shoes I've always wanted! :)

Here are this week's fancies...

 

Cynthia Vincent Juno

 

kind of obsessed with these - Sam Edelman Randall

these are Aerosoles.  ...I know.

 

ridiculous, love them. Calvin Klein Blaire

 

Luxury Rebel

 

Franco Sarto always seems to catch my eye

That's all! On the to-do list this weekend is painting our new bedroom, painting some lamps and finding some killer bedside tables. What's on yours?

1-2-3 go! :) 

Have a great weekend!

Fish Tacos

That's whats a-cookin'. I swear, I can't get enough of them.  They're everywhere on the West Coast!

 

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No, I don't miss the sausage and meat back in Chicago. 

 

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I'm loving all the different kinds of fish that I wasn't able to get in Chicago.

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Where ma' fish lovers at?

Our New Home.

Well, we made it! It's been wonderful thus far. I really can't complain about anything except for that I of course miss my family and friends back in Illinois so very much, and I also miss all of our belongings, which we still don't have, and won't have until Tuesday. Woohoo, can't wait!

We just now got the internet today, and I've got to run and get ready for TF and my third year anniversary dinner here down the street from us. So excited. :)

For now, I'll leave you with some amazing photos via Pinterest of our new digs. Enjoy!

3rd Street Promenade


under Santa Monica Pier


huckleberry - psst I had this for breakfast this morning!


beach walk


bountiful


Umami burger


at Santa Monica Place

Happy weekending!

Freck's Friday Fancies LXXXX

Tomorrow is the big day! Can't believe it, so excited for this new adventure!

Like I mentioned earlier, we put the majority of our belonging's onto the moving truck last Saturday, and out of all those items, I absolutely miss my bed the most. As soon as we get all of our stuff in Santa Monica, making the bed will be the first task on the to-do list!

So naturally, here are this week's fancies...

Georgina


Pleats


Rosette (the color of this bedding is called Duck Egg!)


June Lane


Square Tuck

Can you tell that I'm really into neutral, calm bedding? :) Can't wait to have it back!

Happy Friday everyone. Have an exciting and adventurous weekend.

Six Days.

We're getting there! The move went great. I highly recommend Allied. The men that came to partially pack my belongings and put everything on the moving truck were phenomenal. This was my first time having men do the lifting and packing my dishes and other valuables and I don't think I'll ever do it myself again.

This process is stressful enough already, so having their help (and kindness) was awesome. Big fan. :)

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Saturday night TF and I had our going away party. The turn out was far better than we imagined, over 30 people! The love and support we have here in Chicago is absolutely going to be missed. We're so blessed and the idea of leaving these amazing people has been really difficult to deal with. But! It's an amazing opportunity and we're very excited. We'll come back to visit and thank goodness for Skype. :)

ohsocute!

For now, we're hanging out in my studio with an aerobed and a couple suitcases. Livin' the dream.

Six days to Santa Monica! :)