IN FULL BLOOM

Not usually a fan of floral prints, falling in love with this muted grey, black and white number came as a bit of a surprise! Most of the time, I find floral prints a bit too busy or loud, yet there is absolutely nothing overpowering about this understated floral print. Quite on the contrary, the overall effect I think, is rather soft and elegant. 

Initially, I envisioned pairing it with a leather jacket and a pair of black sneakers but I suppose the girly side took over and I couldn't resist wearing it with heels. Come to think of it, I couldn't resist quite a few things... like waiting to wear it on a trip I specifically got it for, rather than donning it on a  weekday afternoon outing with my hubby:) But of course, at this point I've come to accept the fact that I lack self control when it comes to cute new dresses:) ... and shoes, and bags and pretty much everything in between. Basically, if it's new I need to wear it right away, regardless! Does that happen to you guys too? 

ASOS midi dress in floral organza | ILLESTEVA Boca mirrored sunglasses { in blue here } | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | CARVELA Gosh black strap heeled sandals via ASOS | SARINA SURIANO Crystal orbis pearl bangle | TIFFANY & CO Atlas open ring | WANDERLUST & CO rings 

THE FINE PRINT

Though normally, my motto for weekend dressing is comfy and simple, I must admit, every once in while I really enjoy trading in my weekend uniform for something a bit more glamorous, getting my hair and make up done and spending an evening somewhere fabulous... Luckily, last Saturday was exactly such an occasion. One of my good friends got married and since the ceremony was really formal, I got to dress up and wear what is probably my favorite dress of all time.

I found it on a recent trip to Ted Baker, and snatched it up as  quickly as humanly possible. The funny thing is that I don't wear print all that much. You know me, I am very comfortable in my solid brights or black and white. Yet, every once in a while, when I come across a printed gown as gorgeous as the one I am wearing in today's post, I kick myself for not wearing print more often. 

But of course not all prints are created equal. What I love about this one is how delicate, elegant and feminine it is. Oh, and that stark contrast between vibrant red and soft pink is just out-of-this-world beautiful. Honestly, when I came a cross a dress like this, I find myself wishing I could dress up  everyday... Ah, wouldn't that be fun! Are you guys with me on this one? :) 

P.S. If you happen to be a fan of Ted Baker like I am, CLICK HERE to shop now at 20% off! Happy hunting, Everyone:)!

TED BAKER Nelum maxi dress, Isla patent cross body bag & Neevo pointed toe court shoes | NIALAYA Skyfall collection gold jewel ear cuff 

PERFECT GETAWAY :: RANCHO VALENCIA

I said it before and I'll say it again, even a few days away from the madness make a world of difference. If you follow me on INSTAGRAM, you may have noticed, Emil and I spent a few very relaxing days at Rancho Valencia recently, doing what we love best, i.e. working on our tans, dining and exploring. Though this was our first time staying there, it will definitely be one of many to come for even now, as I am writing this post, I find myself panning our next visit, though perhaps for a slightly longer period next time, so that we can truly explore all the wonderful things Rancho Valencia has to offer.

So, if you are planing to visit, here are a few suggestions:

WHAT TO DO: Taking a yoga class at the Serenity Yoga Pavillon was truly amazing. Fact that my class took place outside at sunset, on a platform literally floating on water, made this one of my most memorable moments ever, not to mention the best yoga session I've ever had!

Nourishing Citrus Drench at the Spa was a truly indulging experience. I arrived at the spa feeling a bit tired and sluggish ( direct result of staying up way past my bedtime, catching up on some work the night before ) and walked out feeling rested and elated, with silky smooth citrus-scented skin. 

Playing a game of croquet: do a know how to play croquet? Absolutely not, but that hasn't stopped me before and most definitely didn't this time around! In fact, I think messing up was the major part of the fun. 

WHAT TO EAT: If you are as obsessed with cheese boards as I am, than you will definitely appreciate artisanal cheese board at Rancho Valencia's Veladora! Paired with a nice glass of wine, it was a perfect finishing touch after every meal. 

Lobster tacos are always good, but great lobster tacos are even better, and lobster tacos at The Pony Room were just that! Absolutely great! 

By the way, if you have any tips on what to do/see at Rancho Valencia, please share them in the comments! 

BANANA REPUBLIC Floral pleated midi skirt, heritage ivory safari blouse | CHLOE The Marcie mini textured leather shoulder bag | GUCCI Candy ankle strap sandals | MICHAEL KORS Brockton chronograph watch { similar here } | BANANA REPUBLIC Tina hat | SHOSHANNA Window eyelet beach shirtdress | ASOS flat gladiator sandals | NIALAYA panther ring, cross over gold ring, panther bangle in gold & white diamonds, stingray bracelet & rose gold & matte onyx bracelet 

SPLASHY FLORAL

So, I'll be the first to admit that head-to-toe floral print ( well almost heat-to-toe ) is probably a bit of a bold choice and surely, if this print was in color, I probably wouldn't have worn these two together. But, and call me crazy here, but I think the black and white color combo, actually makes this floral very wearable. To tone down this look a bit, I kept the rest of the outfit achromatic by adding black and white platforms and my go-to-black-bag for every occasion ( I am sure you are sick of seeing my Boy, but I love him and cannot bear to be without him ). Finally, I just couldn't resist the urge to introduce a little color to this look and since bright nails seemed like the right way to go, I painted my digits in the brightest, prettiest teal ever, or as I like to call it, the best nail color butter LONDON ever created!

Rebecca Taylor Splashy Flower culotte & top | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Stella McCartney black Britt shoes | DVF Haley studded sunglasses | Eddie Borgo cone earrings { in silver here } | butter LONDON nail polish in Slapper 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle