A STYLE BLOG by vocabulary boutique

From Graphics to Fabrics, we love fashion and design! This is a San Diego boutique blog featuring our new arrivals, style tips, lifestyle inspiration, outfit of the week, and all things fashion & fabulous #articulateyourstyle

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Boss Ladies Unite!

Vocabulary Summer Shoot in collaboration with You & Yours, CocoSanDiego and Art in the Find.

June 13th, 2018 Maternity leave has me thinking about me and mine... so perfectly aligned with our You & Yours collaboration! wink wink Laura Johnson, boss lady extraordinaire, used to work with me at vocabulary years ago.  She made herself necessary in about 5 minutes, and I've loved and respected her ever since.  Sharp mind, big open heart, strong hugs (my favorite) fun style and a passion for spirits.  Yeah, she is a delight, and so is her love child: You & Yours Distillery. She asked me to collaborate with a dream team of ladies, and that day I thought, wow, look who is on my team! I'm so grateful!   Courtney, Conni, Laura and I had a hoot pulling looks together, talk about a Good Friday! #ilovemyjob I had to share this coral accordion midi skirt by French Connection.  From boss lady to wedding guest, how gorgeous is this number, paired easily with a blouse, tee, or body suit: cultivating that summer chic that is perfectly accessorized with a craft cocktail.Thirsty?  Head over to You & Yours and try any of the options, all of which are an absolute delight, EVEN the mocktails. Cozy up on the sofa and drink in the decor that is everything I want my next home to look like.

Ps. I'm working my normal schedule until July 1st. Our new arrivals are AMAZE! Pop in to see me, the goods, and meet our new stylist, Suher!

xoxo, Cecelia #articulateyourstyle                   #articulateyoursummer

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June 6th, 2018 Our outfit of the week is in alignment with the talk of the town.Yesterday several fashionista friends reached out to me to share the sad news of Kate Spade's passing.  I'm lighting a candle for her now, and while my heart goes out to her family I thought of the somewhat disappointing changes made to her company and clothes over the last few years and moved on with my day...Then one more conversation in the afternoon with Jenna (a collector of Kate's bags - one featured here) and I started realizing how many ways this woman has been a part of my life.  I started remembering how I felt when I first found her pieces.  SO COLORFUL! SO PRETTY! SO SMART, so well articulated... You catching this?!  She is the inspiration for vocabulary in many many ways.   I once gave a gift to my now husband of images that told the story of our first year together all cut from my first Kate Spade calendar which I could barely afford but certainly could NOT live without.  This collage still hangs on our wall today. He bought me a party dress from her for Christmas one year and it is one of my ALL TIME favorites! She used cotton faille, no one uses cotton faille-and they SHOULD! She (and her team of course) taught me how to instagram before instagram.  How much story could exist in an image.  She made playful adult, she allowed color to be cool, and used a woman's wit to showcase her products, instead of her breasts!!!  Ladies, she was groundbreaking, and while I ate it all up and recommended my clients do the same, I didn't exactly realize all that she was providing.  She created space for fun to be a part of our everyday life, while mixed with class and intelligence.  This, at a time when many many women are walking around with "juicy" embroidered on the bottoms of their many velour track suits, which is also fun & adult but at a slightly different vibration. I have always been a fan of bows and sparkle, she did them well, and she invited me to wear them while writing an old fashioned thank you note to my grandmother with a colorful pencil at a desk, designed to inspire a cocktail party that would certainly ensue as the work day commenced, because it all matters equally and there is grace in every aspect of our lives. Kate Spade, merci! et champagne s'il vous plait! (and because I prefer the way "kisses" sounds in french)                            Bisous, Cecelia

Ps. The farmer's market has moved a block away.  Two great things about this: you can park much more easily on West Cedar Street when you head into vocabulary on Saturdays with less people in the fitting room all at once.  You can still easily pop in before or after grabbing your market goodies.  #WIN WINP

ps. Need a new spot in the 'hood?!  Nolita has opened and it looks, feels and tastes delicious!!!

 #livecolorfully #ceceliasguidetolittleitaly #articulateyourstyle

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5 things Jenna Pilant LOVES about Kate Spade.

1. Kate Spade was a woman who wasn’t afraid to put her own name on the line.  

2. As one of the most powerful female American contemporary designers of the ‘90s, Kate Spade changed the way we all viewed accessories. 

 3. Kate Spade encouraged us to live more COLORFULLY and to leave a little SPARKLE wherever we go. 

 4. Kate Spade was fearlessly cheerful with her lifestyle brand and built a fashionable cult-like following with her clothes and accessories that made it hard for a woman not to smile. 

 5. Being a born and raised Nebraskan, I also loved that Kate Spade was from Kansas. She went from Midwest roots to designing something so much bigger than one woman. It made me believe that if she could do it, one day I could do it too.

Kate Spade Brand Success Story here ! excerpt:  "Our story lives in the tradition of all of the spirited, madcap heroines who have come to New York City and made it both the inspiration for and the location of their story," says Kristen Naiman, Kate Spade's vice president of brand creative. "So if you think of the heritage of Sex and the City, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Nora Ephron, and Joan Didion, it's all of those women that come to New York looking for that story, and it's the adventures that they have along the way that truly comprise it. We're in the business of telling that story: the imperfect journey, and the perfect dream."

A book available here: Kate Spade New York, Looks we Love

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Cecelia’s guide to Southpark in collaboration with Coco San Diego! A few of our fav.s that are not to be missed in this charming neighborhood.

Buona Forchetta- for Michelle pizza. That’s amore!

Communal Coffee-Lavender Latte, lavender donuts, and beautiful florals from native poppy flower stand

Cafe Madeline - les crêpes

Lulu’s nails - for a mani, a pedi, and a scented scrub & soak

Grant’s Market - love a local market with sadwiches to go

Mariscos - fish tacos from the food truck in the Target City Parking Lot

The Rose Wine Bar - for great bites and an awesome ambiance!

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May 23rd, 2018 I have loved polka dots my whole life!  One of the first dresses I designed was for my 8th grade graduation: strapless, high-low with a full, two tiered taffeta skirt in white with black polka dots.... My mom manifested my dream design, and I was in HEAVEN in that dress! Thank you Mom! I have always loved the silhouettes and prints of the thirties, often dots, and now both are everywhere.  One question I don't love in fashion is what's "in" right now.  It makes me cringe because ultimately you can find or make just about anything you desire in the world of fashion.  Polka dots were never "out" but they are VERY present right now, meaningso many options! Stripes and Dots together make me swoon!!! To me they feel fun yet chic simultaneously, a great combination, and who better to show off our favorite jumpsuit by Sanctuary than Jenna Pilant, SD fashion blogger and upholsterer!  This woman's BIG personality and HUGE love of prints & color is like a celebration of all things vibrant.  She popped into Herb & Wood Eatery (my new Little Italy fav. for breakfast or a pizza) to balance her palate in more ways that one, ha ha! We will be featuring more of  Jenna's colorful creations in the coming weeks.  Can't wait?! Follow her on insta! or check her out her blog: Lucky Little Mustard Seed! photos by 656 photography

Have a wonderful week, and get in here to try on our new dots, denim and chic summer dresses! xoxo, Cecelia

Ps. WE ARE HIRING, join our team!  see post here! or keep scrolling:)

Pps. I Just enjoyed this article on San Diego and living in the present:)  Thought I'd share, thanks Pat!  Perfect for a day when I'm craving that perspective that comes from time and distance.

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NEW arrivals in stripes and polka dots... swoon!

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Thank you to all of you that joined us at our Spring Brunch and donated to the mother’s day celebration for the women and children at Tommie’s House, YMCA San Diego!    

Here is a Letter From Courtney Cordero, Coco San Diego, organizer 

WOW! This past Saturday was hands down one of the most special events I have been to and definitely hosted. I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful I am for each one of you that contributed to making these 8 young women feel special. The photos below speak for themselves. They capture their beauty, their pure happiness and contagious smiles. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of something bigger. You truly made a difference by either donating your time and talents, feeding them, contributing to a gift, and so much more! It is humbling to know that our San Diego community and local businesses care about those around them! :-) Here are pictures from the day of the event.  

gorgeous photos: Hale Productions

If you want to know more about Tommie’s Place or what our YMCA Youth & Family Services offer, you can check it out here: https://www.ymca.org/community-support/ymca-youth-and-family-services Thank you again for all that you do! Courtney cocosandiego.com

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We are hiring!

vocabulary boutique | assistant manager

vocabulary boutique in Little Italy boasts a beautifully curated collection of everyday chic and delightfully unique treasures in Women's Apparel, Accessories, Home Decor, Paper, Gifts and don't forget Baby! We are looking to expand our team with an Assistant Manager. This is a part-time position including some weekends. Our close knit team works together to ensure that our customers are delighted in each interaction they have with us, that we bring unique products to our community, and that we create a space of positivity that our shoppers can take home with them.

Qualities

Able to execute tasks and projects on behalf of Owner

Able to translate the vision of the owner/company to the day to day tasks needed

Able to assess customers needs and provide assistance and information on product features

Able to multi-task, while being attentive to customers and remaining flexible to the needs of the business

Enjoys communicating with others

Enthusiastic, friendly and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding service

Able to self-direct & take initiative without direct supervision

Willing to learn new systems & processes to deliver expected results

Demonstrates efficient & fair problem solving skills

Interested in establishing and achieving sales & marketing goals

Available to work a variety of hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Skills

Customer Service experience (not industry specific)

Refined attention to detail and organization skills

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Strong written and verbal communication skills

POS experience

Compensation

To be considered based on experience and proficiencies

Role & Responsibilities

Store Management

Customer support during shopping experience

Customer outreach

Track information about customers in agreed upon manner

Work with team to draft & send email and handwritten communications

Private client meetings

Customer service (answering emails, answering social media messages)

Maintaining store cleanliness & organization

Light janitorial duties

Inventory Management

Help with sourcing new products

Place orders (manage shipments & timing)

Merchandising & store design/layout

Back store room management & organization

Team Management

Provide coverage at store in the event team member is unavailable

Internal team management

Support ongoing team meetings

Developmental exercise

Role playing with selling

Support in defining & reiterating goals

Email resumè and cover letter explaining why you would would like to join our team and why we should hire you. Please also include three social media links that represent your style.

[email protected]

Vocabulary Boutique

414 W. Cedar St.

San Diego, CA 92101

www.vocabularyboutique.com

619.203.4066

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Mother’s Day Picks

1. Rosette Facial Soap, sculpted in the shape of a flower, incredibly good for even the most sensitive of skin. Cause who has more skin in the game than Mom!?

2. Archipelago’s latest fragrance, Rose. Heaven in a scent. We’re burning it right now! Did you know that Mother Mary is the only human whose body actually went to heaven with her soul?  Well, that’s what my mom told me, and she knows everything!

3. Oil nouveau... absolutely amazing oil for every face, jam packed with incredible nutrients for your skin. C’mon she is worth it!

4. The perfect sunhat with a touch of humor, because we all know how a mother needs to keep her humor with her at all times, when we bringing all the drama of our days to pile at her feet!

5. a love note!  with or without a bouquet of flowers.  Showing gratitude and celebrating all that “mom” means to you.  What’s better than a hand written note, showing her you learned that thank you’s are valuable, and you can write them in a timely manner, like maybe have it for her right on Sunday, or just before!  Hurry if you are mailing it!

6. White skinnies, ha ha! Lots of moms shy away, show them you can keep your chocolate ice cream to yourself and they CAN wear white!

7. A fun graphic tee...because there is so much to say, but how nice to offer them a little quiet, let their shirt do the talking!  

Hmmm 7 gift ideas for 7 days of the week of mother’s day?! I’m just sayin’ ... get in here, and  love your mama! xo, Cecelia

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ALOHA!   Join Us for our 3rd Annual Spring Brunch! We’re hosting brunch bites, sweet treats, mimosas & discounts just for you! This year’s brunch will benefit YMCA. 

Everyone who RSVPs will enjoy 40% off any one item.  

Donations to YMCA result in additional discounts!  When I came home from my baby shower, and spread out the beautiful, abundant, and incredibly generous gifts to show my mom via facetime (because she couldn’t be there in person) I burst into tears.  Overwhelmed by the love, support and resources we have surrounding us.  I want to spread that abundance, that love, support and joy to those who may need support from outside their immediate friends and family.  That’s us!

This week, and during Sunday’s Brunch, we will accept cash, new, or gently used items for mothers and infants ages newborn to 5.  When you donate, you will receive 20% off your entire purchase at vocabulary. See you Sunday! xoxo, Cecelia

RSVP HERE

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April 25th, 2018 Oh my heart!  Our adventure to Southpark included a pit stop at Communal Coffee, where you can grab coffee, donuts and Native Poppy Flowers all in one spot!  How much sweetness can you get at one location?!  Our morning was all a-buzz and hearts fluttering, with the beauty of CocoSanDiego in our outfit of the week!  Everyone who tries on this top comes out with a shoulder shimmy.  Now that's my kind of garment, inspiring lightness, dancing and a beautiful smile! Speaking of inspiration, this morning I received a very loving and supportive note from my Dad.  First thing.  He was cheering me on, and it felt so good to receive! My husband and I are talking a lot about our childhoods, stories just keep coming up, because we are becoming parents right?!  I look forward to being a guide, a support and cheering on our child.  How to do it?  I'm thinking open heart and open mind, which leads me to think that's the best approach with everyone.  If we are taking good care of ourselves, meeting our own needs and trusting that we are safe in this world, we don't need others to provide that for us.  We can share our hearts openly and allow others to do the same.  A little less, I need you to be this way for me, and a little more, wow, what an interesting human you are! Maslow's hierarchy of needs keeps coming up as well. First I learned about it from Alison, Salud Shoppe, who uses it to help fair trade factories assess and provide for workers' needs in order to achieve company goals, LOVE! She will be helping us achieve a long term goal of vocabulary's, which is carrying a graphic tee line that is fair trade, organic and in collaboration with a local artist.  Makes my heart POUND!  I will certainly keep you posted.  So I shared the concepts at our team meeting, and we looked at needs we need to fulfill for ourselves. There is always work to be done, growth and expansion are continuous right?! You know these seeds get planted and I feel the need to spread them.  When I receive so many hits in a week, I just have to share, not knowing why, not knowing if its relevant.  I know you don't have to read, and I trust the messages are received by those who need and desire them.  Here's to wearing our hearts on our sleeves and sharing ourselves.xoxo, Cecelia

Ps. Save the Date!  Our Spring Brunch is Sunday, May 6th 11:00am, click here to RSVP

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April 18th, 2018 Oh HELLO SAN DIEGO!  It's almost as beautiful as you outside today.  Our orange trees are thriving, our new accessories are as playful and festive as they come, and our Spring Collection is simply stunning!  Stellar pieces that are just as comfortable and chic as you need them to be, and we've got stars in our eyes...We have teamed up with Courtney Cordero, aka COCO SAN DIEGO! Her vibrant spirit, generous heart and fun fashion sense have us all gitty wth excitement to share our outfits of the week this month.  This little summer dress is a simple silhouette, simply beautiful, and the star print is the sweetest!  You know I LOVE a dress that can be worn with sneakers, sandals or heels without compromise.  This is it, so grab your converse, your sunnies and pack your crossbody.  This month we will be highlighting some of our favorite spots in South Park, and reminding you how good a staycation can really be.  Stay tuned, but for now, check out her insta by clicking here ASAP!Hope y'all filed your taxes and got HUGE refunds, or more like me,  were able to pay your bills, in full and on time.  Wishing you a year of abundance! xoxo, Cecelia

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April 11th, 2018 You’re my favorite!

Make ......your favorite! Is a common saying at my house.  My husband tells his staff to "make work your favorite" on a regular.... a reference to Elf, if you weren't aware. Then I say "6 inch ribbon curls!..." ha!  I don't know many movie quotes but I LOVE that one! So I was thinking about all my favorite new arrivals and I kept hearing him say it - laughing to myself, and now I'm laughing with all of you.  I've had a challenging week with growth and expansion. Sometimes growing pains hurt, whether its physical, emotional, financial.  It's at those moments I find that humor is necessary and the smallest wins must be celebrated or illuminated. Let silliness prevail and get things onto a lighter note, as this life is hopefully long and fulfilling, there will be plenty of growth spurts. We're getting through each day the best we can right? I believe everything is here to support your highest good, whether or not that's apparent today, and made it my mission to find that good this week.Need a song for that? Stronger by Kanye says it well. I was singing this at the top of my lungs on my buying trip to LA Monday, and by the time I arrived I was ready to take on the world! What resulted, was an incredible day of finding the most beautiful Spring pieces for your wardrobe.  I squeeled many times throughout the day, girl, believe me!  You will want to pop in and see what we have for you:)Whether it's comedy, a wine, a walk, or your outfit, get your favorites together to support you on your easiest or most challenging of days, and make the most of this life.You got this, and we're here to help!xo, CeceliaPs. If you try any of these pieces, please come out of the dressing room. All I want is to wear them and that is DEF not happening for a good six months. I'm happy to enjoy you wearing them!

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April 4th, 2018 Some of you have been wondering where this baby is in my photos, HERE IT IS!  lol    This pregnancy has offered me a new perspective on dressing with versatile pieces.  This is not a maternity dress and yet feels amazing at 6 months along.  I wore it on a date with my husband last weekend with my hair all big and curly and felt a little like Beyoncé, not gonna lie.  Not a bad feeling to have at this stage in the game.  I love that we have some glorious baby mama images out in the world.  I've been inspired, and I hope this is a fun contribution.   We captured this outside of El Camino, a great spot in Little Italy for tacos and a dj on a Friday or Saturday Night.  While I won't be there this weekend, I'd love to hear about all the fun you are having around town.  My bedtime has always been early but El Camino used to be one of my favorite exceptions! I'll be back, just give me a minute...or a year...to adjust to my expanding role in this life. Speaking of...Expansion. Someone came to discuss a second location with me yesterday, in a new development in Del Mar.  What do you think?  I have always wanted to open a second vocabulary, in order to serve more of you.  I've wondered when and where this will happen, and I have always wanted this to be demand based... that's where you come in.  Let me know how this can serve you and yours.   In the more immediate future, we intend to expand our audience by collaborating with some very fun and fashionable San Diegans for our outfits of the week.  They will take our vocabulary looks to new places, along with our hearts and minds.  I've been so impressed with the intentions of the women I'm meeting along this path, what makes their hearts pound, and how fashion plays a part in their very big stories.  I'm excited to share with you in the coming months.  

Continuing down our path of brand awareness, we have a new story for you on the blog in alignment with the arrival of new FashionABLE bags. They are good, inside and out, and to carry a bag that feels as good as it looks, well, what's better than that?! click HERE for our love story. Happy Wednesday! xo, Cecelia

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At Vocabulary Boutique we strive to honor, uplift, and support women. Whether it be a rockstar outfit that will make you shine, a perfect gift for a loved one, or an accessory that you can feel good about, we are here to help. We want to make a difference for all women and one way we make this happen is simply by carrying a very special brand. ABLE is a lifestyle brand behind many of the impeccable leather bags and vibrant scarves in our store. There is a story behind the clean stitchwork and rich finishes. A story of change and empowerment for women around the world. Able’s mission is to end generational poverty by working with women in communities that are in need of jobs. Generational poverty can leave women in hopeless situations when they deserve a chance to have a job with dignity and end charity dependency. When we unite with women and increase their ability to thrive the communities in which they operate thrive as well. Able’s transparency is refreshing and reassuring that their mission is authentic and WORKING. They have created a social impact measurement program, accountABLE, that digs up the good and bad in factories so you can feel good about what brands you are supporting. They go the extra mile to document, verify, and even correct problems in all processes and work environments. This project has even inspired other companies to do the same! How amazing is that?

The #livefashionable bags we carry at Vocabulary are some of my favorite products in the store. Countless times there have been “where has this bag been all my life?!” moments. It brings me even more joy when i share the impact their purchase is making. It is truly an honor to unite locally and globally with women through quality craftsmanship and an important cause. The effortless sophistication and simplicity of Able bags make them the go to bag for any occasion. We carry a variety of sizes and styles so there is options for a night out, your next adventure, and an everyday bag. There’s nothing like having a fresh wallet or a vibrant scarf to start a new season right! I encourage you to experience the beauty and quality for yourself by stopping in and asking us to guide you to our latest Able products. Looking for a new way to rock a scarf this spring? Ask us to show you some fun ways to switch it up! We look forward to assisting and inspiring you! xo, Megan

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There are times when I find pieces that are just so so yummy!  The colorful design and embroidery of this blouse, similar to the ice cream dress we had in February, are as delicious as this strawberry napolean I'm enjoying from Solunto. Design love fest and feast for the eyes are two of my favorite sayings when it comes to playful color and great design on a garment.  They so capture how I savor it, how delightful it is for my senses to see and touch, and how festive it makes me feel, joyful really, to wear such artistry. Mood enhancer, yes! A perfect pairing for these warm and sunny Spring days we are experiencing this week, and the perfect addition to your Easter Basket, if that's a traditional treat in your house. 

I have recently been told the story of the Germanic Goddess Eostre, or Ostara, and her close friend the hare, who decorated beautiful eggs for her. Once a year she would pass them out in her village.  Perhaps where the Easter Bunny gets its roots, and the tradition of decorating eggs for hunting? 

My mom used to decorate the most beautiful eggs for us, with our names so as we searched for our baskets we would know if it was ours or a sibling's by the name on the egg.  Those were glorious mornings, celebrating Spring and the thrill of the hunt for small treasures.  A pack of gum was usually included and she NEVER let us have gum, and certainly a chocolate bunny.  YUM!  Our bountiful baskets were a Feast for the eyes and the lips! We have beautiful dresses for your Easter Celebrations and delightful additions for your baskets.  Pop in and Happy Spring!

xoxo, Cecelia

Pps. Our new denim is not so skinny and we are LOVING it!

Why I love Solunto?!  There is always a table, there is not only a dessert menu, there is a dessert COUNTER, the main waiter is an angel from heaven, and la pizza e deliciosa! 

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LA MADE LOVE

We are gearing up for great things this Spring. The most important one being helping you feel confident that you are articulating your style in a way that connects to your authentic self. Fashion is such a great tool to voice your vibe, feel YOU, and support brands that resonate with you. Whether it be their aesthetic, where or how it’s made, the fit, the color story, the simplicity, or the ever so perfect details, there is a reason we often go back to the same brands. Here at Vocabulary Boutique, we have been diving into the stories behind the brands we carry, and we would like to share our findings! Every company has a story and since a part of their story is on our shelves it becomes a part of our story.  We are asking the question: who made this and how, and we want to be excited by the answer!  This month we are featuring a favorite that will be a part of expanding our collection into leisure and activewear this year. We are putting the spotlight on one of our favorite made in USA brands, LA Made. It’s So-Cal style at its finest: the softest fabrics, impeccable fit, and versatility combined wth a serious hip factor. Founded in 2004, LA Made took understated fashion to a new level, producing high end staples in house. The founders have been producing quality garments for premium brands since 1989 and saw an opportunity to launch their own brand when customers kept asking for quality, quick turn items. Add a long necklace or scarf to a classic LA Made tee and your look is chic and brunch ready. The yummy fabrics make transitioning into the workplace easy. Just throw on a blazer and a statement necklace to dress it up a bit. Our latest LA Made addition is a little black tank dress that will have heads turning on a night out. The comfort is truly divine. Let us help you find the next go to staple in your closet. ADDED VALUE: buying USA made limits your impact on the environment, provides jobs for our neighbors, and ensures laborers are treated fairly, a GREAT reason LA Made has our attention! Our new arrivals are full of pretty pastels and black & white classics that are perfect for your Spring adventures.

Here’s to putting a spring in your step! xo, Megan

pictured: 1. new sports bralette in lavendar with the the best water bottle EVER and beauté nouveau hydrating facial spray bc your skin gets thirsty too girl!

2. essential tees n tanks

3. LA made tee in blush is the sweetest and softest! Here with some of our fav.s: neutral accessories and Florence Skinnies by DL1961.