It's Time For A Change

A Need For Change

I have been feeling very uninspired lately and its due to the million other fashion bloggers on Instgram doing the same thing I'm doing. I love fashion and discovering new and unique pieces as much as the next fashion blogger but I'm getting bored by the monotony of it all. If I'm getting bored I'm sure all of you are too!! This is why I decided on a change that will get me out of this creative rut and re-inspire all of you in a few different ways.

Now that I have started planning my Euro trip I have found such amazing inspiration in female travel bloggers around the world who are living the dream! I wish I could do exactly what they are doing but my job and bank account are preventing me from living out my dreams! Well that and my pesky fear of flying isn't doing me any favors either! I didn't want to let that stop me so I thought of a way were I can travel and discover new and exciting places while doing as little traveling as possible... and then it hit me, what if I discover and share all the fun, picturesque, unique and exciting places you could visit in California!?!?! I'm so excited and I am already compiling a list of places I want to visit and share with all of you! I would love to hear your thoughts and any suggestions you might have!

Open Book

When I first started blogging I had no idea what I was doing, I wanted to create amazing content and stand out from the rest. I didn't realize how much work it entailed to create beautiful images and content for the blog! As time went on I did research from how to upgrade the look of my blog to uploading high quality images to scouting locations for photoshoots. Trust me I don't have it all figured out yet but the little I know I want to share with all of you. I want to be an open book, I want to share the type of camera and the exact lenses I use for each shoot and I also want to share the exact location of my shoots. I remember how much research and Instagram stocking it took me to find cool places to eat or amazing locations to shoot in LA. It was hard because some bloggers chose not to share that information but my philosophy is if you have knowledge that can help others, why not share it?   

Location

Shoreline Aquatic Park

Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA 90802

Equipment Used

Shop The Post

Brunch

If you're in Long Beach and its brunch o'clock then I 100% recommend you visit Claire's At The Museum!! It's one of my favorite brunch spots in the area, from the breathtaking view to the yummy mimosas and delicious food you can't go wrong! It can get busy but as long as your there before 11:00am you wont wait longer than 15-20 minutes for a table. 

Address:

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

Santa Monica Promenade Shopping

My First Time

I remember my first trip to the Santa Monica Promenade and it was not a pleasant experience. The traffic was insane, the parking was daunting and almost nonexistent, and the lines at each store were at least 20+ minute waits. I swore to myself I would never come back again.  I must be a sucker for punishment or dedicated to conquering obstacles but I went back a few weeks ago and it was a much more pleasant experience. It's still the Santa Monica Promenade and there are always going to be crowds of people around at all times but I wanted to share a few tips that will make your visit a much more pleasant experience.   

Top: Forever 21 (similar here)

Skirt: Zara

Heels: Steve Madden

Bag: Cult Gaia

Earrings: H&M

1. Get There Early

I think this tip is very self explanatory but I must reiterate the fact that the earlier you can get to the Santa Monica Promenade the better your experience will be. My husband and I arrived in Santa Monica around 9:30am on a Saturday and there was already traffic on the 405 and the 10 fwy. The shops on the promenade open at 10:00am so I thought we would be one of the first people there. Unfortunately we weren't but it was much less crowded than arriving later in the day. I must admit it was much easier to find parking this time around which was one less stressor we had to deal with. 

2. Be Comfortable

I didn't follow this tip which is why I'm including it on the list. Wear light comfortable clothing because you will be walking a lot! I chose beauty over comfort when I put on my Steve Madden strappy sandals and I lasted a cool 2.5 hours before we had to make a beeline for the car. Thankfully I always carry a pair of flip-flops in the car but who wants to wear flip-flops with such a fabulous outfit. Needless to say that was the end of the road for us. Comfort is key in Santa Monica because its a pedestrian friendly walk everywhere type of city so wear some comfy flats and explore the city to your hearts content!  

3. Plan Ahead

By plan ahead I mean know exactly what stores you want to visit because it can get a little overwhelming. There are over 200 stores to choose from and you don't have time to visit them all in one day. I would say select your top 10 stores so you have a game plan and add a few as you go.

Nasty Gals Do It Better

The main reason I came to the Santa Monica Promenade was to visit one of my favorite online stores ... Nasty Gal. I love the unique selection they have online and decided to check out what goodies they had available in store. If your going to the store with the notion you will find a certain piece you have been eyeing online than you might be sadly disappointed. I had that same misconception and found virtually nothing I was lusting over online in the store. Major key ... call the store and verify before you visit. 

The Nasty Gal store is like a fashion feast for the eyes, every little corner is Instagram worthy and so unique it will leave you in a trance and wanting to shop more so you never have to leave! They even had a great husband resting area for those award winning husband's who still shop with their ladies!! You men are the real MVP!!! I must mention that the dressing rooms made me feel like I was in space or a Nasty Gal galaxy as you will see below. 

Nasty Gal Santa Monica

1254 3rd Street Promenade

Santa Monica, CA 90401

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