A Nor-Cal weekend Part 2 : Pinnacles National Park + Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Sitting on one of the sandstone formations in Point Lobos!

            When it comes to vacation, Mr. Lovey and I are park people. I imagine it's because we've had our share of city living. Between the two of us, NYC, Chicago, Boston, and SF have been home at some point! Lucky for us, California has an amazing selection of National Parks, and natural wonders. Hence for part 2 of my NorCal weekend (you can read part 1 here), I have a few park pictures to share with you today!

            With a weekend trip, time is of the essence. Initially, I had hoped to re-visit Yosemite, as it's a quintessential National Park, however at this time of year, it's largely closed. Instead, Mr. Lovey and I decided to focus in on Pinnacles National Park (the newest NP!), as well as make a quick morning stop and Point Lobos State Park in Monterey.

The coastline here was absolutely gorgeous! That and you'll get to spot the occasional sea lion or sea otter.

1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - is a beautiful park within Monterey county. (You've probably heard of Monterey Bay as being one of the most beautiful pieces of California shoreline. The park has a gorgeous shoreline trail that makes for a nice morning stroll (or run), as well as a cover for scuba divers.

         Along the shoreline, you can soak in all the breathtaking hues of marine blue. It's a great spot for wildlife as well. At the little cove above, we heard the barks of sea lions, and even a couple basking in the sun and swimming in the surf. The park is said to have sea otters as well (sea otters are the cutest!), though I didn't personally see any that day. I'd recommend bringing binoculars, if you have a pair. We didn't think to bring them, but we noticed a number of people who'd brought them for a better view of the wildlife.

The shores are lined with pretty, variegated sandstone formations!

          As a side note, I actually hadn't planned on a hike, so I ended up walking the trail in my suede J.Crew flats. It probably wasn't the best choice of footwear, but other than collecting some dust and pebbles, they worked out reasonably well!

2. Pinnacles National Park - is the newest national park in the U.S.. Previously it had been a National Monument, but was upgraded in 2013! The park's variegated terrain formed as a result of multiple volcanic eruptions that occurred some 23 million years ago.

        The park itself has convenient proximity to the more urban San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. Interestingly, unlike most other National Parks, it's most popular in the cooler months (as summer temperatures can be extreme), making it perfect for my December trip!

It's a good idea to wear a helmet, in case rocks rain down from above! (Incidentally, they don't protect your face, as I found out the hard way...)

          As Pinnacles National Park (given its name) is a great climbing destination, we decided to enlist the help of a guide through Outdoor Adventure Club! We ended up having a fantastic time; our guide Eric set up a number of top-roped routes for us to try, in addition to a 100 ft (or so) rappel down a cliff. From a climbing perspective, the conglomerate rock can be a bit hard on the hands, but it makes for some pretty fun features.

        I'd definitely recommend a climb here if you have time. A lot of local climbers enjoy the spot in winter, as other popular destination like Yosemite are less available. With a guide, it's accessible to outdoor  beginners as well. For non-climbers, there are a lot of hiking trails throughout the park, including a couple cave routes!

As you can see, a lot of great potential climbs in Bear Gulch! 

         Both Pinnacles National Park and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve were unexpectedly gorgeous stops on my weekend trip to NorCal (see part 1 in San Francisco here). Both are beautiful stops for a winter weekend trip! There's so much to do in the region, I'd love to visit again. I'd definitely love to trek up Half Dome in Yosemite, as well as visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, amongst other things!

        Thanks for reading! What parks have you visited recently? Which would you recommend?

Love, Dovey.

Blurple (and Leopard)

         Hello, at long last! There's something magical about the month of October that's pulled me out from a blogging slumber. The crisp sixty degree weather has me drawing my windows open, wrapping myself in fleece blankets, and enjoying the change of seasons.

        I've also been reveling in the rich, gorgeous colors of fall, that seem to be everywhere you turn. I found unexpected delight in the rich 'blurple' shades of these ornamental cabbages decorating the walk to work! My goal is to incorporate this new color inspiration into my wardrobe this month!

       Speaking of my work wardrobe, I've picked up a few new basics that I've been totally loving this month. First, are my J.Crew Gemma leopard flats, which I've been wearing almost non-stop. I'm hoping J.Crew comes up with more pretty patterns in this design. I've also been loving my Lululemon Jet Crop Slim pants in black. (ends of which are seen above). They're a sneaky way to sneak comfort into my work wardrobe! Pair these with a J.Crew featherweight cashmere sweater, and I'm good to go!

       Thanks for reading! And I hope the month has found you well! What fall basics have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

Saturday Snapshot

        Happy Saturday! I've been having way too much fun shopping J.Crew recently. Thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or so I'm assuming), there have been some pretty good deals to be found at J.Crew and around the web! Here are a couple of recent pick-me-ups.

1. J.Crew Puff-Sleeve dress in Super 120s (Heather Flannel) - I've been all about fitted dresses this summer. It's a perfect addition to my work wardrobe (and outside of work as well). That, and I love grey anything. If you're interested, I think they're still around, however I'd caution that the underarm area is a bit anteriorly cut. Usually I'm wearing a coat on top, so it's a non-issue.

2. J.Crew Lanie Stacked Heel Sandals (Black) - What isn't to love about a 4" heel? I've been obsessing over the Lanie heel all spring and summer. I love the narrow stacked heel - it's a bit more casual than a stiletto point, without being too chunky/casual (you know what I'm talking about, right?!). I wish I had a nude pair as well, but they sold out in the blink of an eye.

      I've amassed so many new wardrobe finds in the recent weeks --- I hope I'll have time to share more of them with you in the near future! What  good finds have made their way into your wardrobe recently?

Love, Dovey.

Sunday Snapshot

       I'm about to head out for dinner, but I have a few minutes to share a Sunday Snapshot! Here's a quick diary of the beauty and fashion topics on my mind as of late...

1. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
It's the talk of the town, so here are my two cents. I haven't picked out anything as of yet, which is fine by me. I did contemplate a pair of Cole Haan boots, but found out they had leather soles (not so practical for Chicago snow). I'm currently considering a new strap for my MICHELE.

2. NARS in shades of grey
I'm loving grey again, which is nice, as the shade works well for my complexion. I just painted my toes with NARS Storm Bird (click for review). I've been incorporating a slight wash of NARS Tzarine (a classic!) into my eye color as well.

3. J.Crew dresses
J.Crew dresses are a current everyday staple. I love the simple designs and the fact that for me, the sizing is pretty straightforward. (It's nice to order without worrying about fit!) I just placed an order for a silk taffeta dress in 'Aged Driftwood' and a super-120's wool dress in 'Heather Flannel.' (Again, shades of grey...)

4. A casual clutch collection
Lately I've been collecting cute clutches. I tend to favor natural textures and prints, like my J.Crew Cork Clutch, shown here! I'm excited for my latest acquisition, the J.Crew Stationery clutch in raffia to get here.

3. Harper's Bazaar August 2014
I'm loving the oceanic blue on the cover of this month's Harper's Bazaar! Typically, mid-toned blues get little play in my wardrobe, but I'm hoping to find some way to incorporate them in this month. I considered a dress, but I might stick with smaller accents like a blue nail lacquer instead.

        Thanks for reading! What's on your mind / shopping / collection list as of late? What colors are you loving this month?

Love, Dovey.

J.Crew Camden Jeweled Sandals review + photos

         The shoe lover in me has emerged as of late. (I suppose it's a summer phenomenon, there always seem to be cute new sandals to collect!) On that note, I'm particularly excited about my new J.Crew Camden sandals! The design was a particularly popular one... By the time I saw photos in the catalog and floating around on Instagram, they were no longer for sale. I managed to snag a pair on pre-order during the second wave of availability. After over a month's wait, they finally arrived in the mail!

        You know I love a good nude sandal. I especially love how they blend into the background and allow other elements to shine --- in this case the large jewel encrusted bling seen here! I have yet to take them for a spin on Chicago's streets, but they seem comfy at first fit. My only concern is for the longevity of the crystal detailing and the shoe itself. I recently returned a pair of J.Crew slides as the sole quite literally peeled off the front of my relatively new shoe (I'm guessing from moisture, as it happened after a rainy day; I was surprised, to say the least). That said, the J.Crew Camden sandals were made in Italy, unlike the former, so I'm hoping they hold up to a reasonable standard of quality.

        Overall, I'm thrilled to have my new J.Crew Camden jeweled sandals in hand (or should I say on foot?) I love the unique combination of nude leather and jeweled bling. I can't wait to slip them on during what's left of Chicago's summer! At this point, it seems that the Camden sandal sold out (again) before making it off pre-order. The newer J.Crew Ankle Strap jeweled sandals are an available alternative, though the crystals are significantly toned down in this version.

      Thanks for reading! Have you ever pre-ordered shoes? What is your experience with the quality of J.Crew shoes? If you've added any cute sandals to your wardrobe this summer, do share!

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more from my shoe collection, check out my post on the J.Crew Lillian low wedges!

J.Crew Quilted mini purse in Trellis Vine review + photos

            Lately I've been in the mood to accessorize. Maybe it's the summer heat, or maybe it's the fact that I have a 'winter' complexion that doesn't work as well with traditionally warm summer tones; I've been keeping a simpler beauty routine and been on the hunt for accessories and accoutrements instead! 

           When it comes to purses, I'm always fond of items that come in color! As someone with a profoundly neutral taste in clothes, I find brightly hued bags to be quite complimentary to my style. My latest find is the J.Crew Quilted mini purse in Trellis Vine. (I was lucky to find this at a nice discount too!) I'm really looking forward to adding this gorgeous garden green to my summer rotation!

Love the gold chain on this J.Crew mini purse! I've been favoring small gold details this summer...

        The J.Crew Quilted mini purse is constructed from soft quilted leather. Trellis Vine a dark green with just a hint of blue (I'm thinking it's a little less blue than in my in-the-shade photos here. It's more standard green in sunlight). The clasp detail is a hinge; it does seem like metal that can be scratched easily, so I'll be keeping that in mind. Inside, there's a zip pocket, pouch pockets, and of course the standard J.Crew plaque label.

        I love how the chain can be tucked inside; being able to convert to a clutch format is something I prefer in a little purse. Overall, I'm pleased with the quality (so far) for the price I purchased it at. It can be tough to find a for-fun find at a quality to cost balance! I haven't had the chance to road test this item, so I can't comment on durability - I love J.Crew, but their items can be variable in that regard!

            Overall, I've been loving garden greens lately, so my J.Crew Quilted mini purse in Trellis Vine was a fabulous find! I'm thinking it's a shade that should wear nicely from summer to fall. (Plus, I've been in the mood to collect clutches lately, so all the better!)

          Thanks for reading! What pretty purses have you picked out this summer? Are you into colors or neutrals? Have you found anything fun at J.Crew recently?


Love, Dovey.

J.Crew Lillian mirror metallic low wedges in 'metallic gold' review + photos

         I've indulged in a bit of spring shoe shopping as of late. (After all, there's nothing like end-of-Uggs season to inspire the need for cute kicks!) Though I've shared a few style picks on my Instagram (@cuteandmundane), I've been meaning to share more with you on the blog for some time now! Today I'm talking shoes, with my newest aquisition / obsession, the J.Crew Lillian mirror metallic low wedges in 'metallic gold'.

           I chose the J.Crew Lillian mirror metallic low wedges in 'metallic gold' to match my new architecturally detailed party dress. (It's the J.Crew Carson dress in silk dupioni in 'carribbean sand', in case you're curious!) I had been quite set on a mirrored gold shoe, and had initially planned for one with a higher heel; unfortunately, that plan was set back by a two month backorder. I decided to try the lower heeled Lillian wedge instead.

           I find the J.Crew Lillian wedge in 'metallic gold' to be quite versatile. At 1 3/4", it's quite a bit shorter than I'd like for an evening shoe, yet has enough character thanks to its golden mirrored finish. It can easily be repurposed as a shoe to be worn on a more casual basis, which I'm looking forward to doing this summer.

           When worn, I found the J.Crew Lillian wedge in 'metallic gold' to be quite comfortable, though I haven't walked long distances yet. The shoe is made in Italy. The semblance of quality makes the price slightly more palatable. The shoe felt pretty true to size, though I tend to have a pretty standard sized foot in general. If anything, it errs on the roomier side on the heel end, which I felt made it more comfortable.

         I'm having a mirrored gold moment lately, so I'm head over heels (pun intended) for my J.Crew Lillian mirror metallic low wedges in 'metallic gold'! (The color is so fabulous that I'm still eyeing the backordered stiletto version as well). I love that this pair should work for both events and everyday. In terms of matching accessories, I've picked out a cute pair of Kate Spade studs to coordinate. I'm still toying with the idea of a matching clutch, though that's still a work in progress!

        Thanks for reading my first shoe review! Are you a fan of metallic shoes? Do you have a go-to shoe for summer events? What kicks have you added to your collection lately?

Love, Dovey

A few of my favorite things - November 2013

            I've always felt that November heralds the twilight of the calendar year. Deep blues and majestic hues color the long shadows cast upon the Northern hemisphere, punctuated by the festive glow of tiny twinkling lights that mark the beginnings of the holiday season. These wintry chroma certainly feed my flair for vivid colors, and also (incidentally) complement my 'winter complexion! Today, for my monthly A few of my favorite things series, I''ll be sharing snapshots of the threads and maquillage that I've adorned (and adored!) this November!

1. Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine
While most are donning perfumes laden with sugar and spice at this time of year, I've been helping myself to a seasonal slice of citrus! My spritz of choice has  been Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine, a blood orange concoction that's anything but sweet. It has the bitterness of an orange rind, tempered by the slightly sour clarity characteristic of real citrus fruit!

My sample of Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine. (Thanks mom!)

2. Illamasqua Lover powder blusher
Illamasqua Lover adds the perfect whisper of peachy orange to my complexion. It also happens to be a great pairing to my embroidered sweatshirt below. I have a considerable collection of Illamasqua blushers, as the formula works well for me and agrees with my skin.

3. CHANEL Poudre Universelle in 20 Clair
When it comes to complexion, I've really come to rely upon CHANEL for my incredibly sensitive skin. CHANEL Poudre Universelle in 20 Clair is my latest acquisition from the line; the sheer finishing powder adds just the right touch to any look.

4. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner in 13 Mat Black
I've stashed away my brown pencil liners in favor of liquid blacks. There's nothing I like better than a crisp long-lasting line! The dramatic contrast is particularly flattering on those with cool winter complexions like myself.

4. Butter London Union Jack Black nail lacquer* (reviewed here)
I've been all about noir nails this month! Black is an unusual lacquer shade for me, but it's a perfect complement to this season's monochrome styles. My favorite has been Butter London Union Jack Black, which applies beautifully and dries fairly quickly; it's been a great go-to for nights out.

5. My custom MAC Quad
As you know, I'm a big fan of the MAC custom quad, which allows me to precisely arrange the color combinations I require. As you can see, my current custom foursome contains a set of very basic, monochromatic colors, including MAC Blanc Type, MAC Electra, MAC Concrete, and MAC Soot. MAC Blanc Type is my newest acquisition; it's the perfect cream base with pink undertones.

6. J.Crew floral sweatshirt in navy
Normally I'm not a pattern person, but it was hard to resist this gorgeous embroidered sweatshirt from J.Crew fall! I love the Dries van Noten-esque feel of the patterning, and the defining contrast between the navy and coppery orange threads. I've been wearing this comfy-cool piece all month long.

Closeup of the embroidered paneling on my J.Crew floral sweatshirt in navy.

          I hope you've enjoyed my favorites this month! I've really been embracing navy and noir this November, inspired by the lengthening shades of winter light. Orange punctuation makes for a natural embellishment on this twilight aesthetic, adding a hint of the warm candle-lit glow seen twinkling through frosty windows!

        Thanks for reading! What perfume, makeup, or threads have you been loving this November? Do we share any favorites?

Love, Dovey.

*Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.  

A few of my favorite things - September 2013

        It's been a perfect confluence of seasons here in Chicago; I've been soaking up summer in the skyline-piercing midday sunshine and feeling fall in the cool Lake Michigan breeze. Transitional months are always a fun time to people-watch; some reach for sandals, while others can't wait to don sweaters. Personally, I like to revel in a mix! Today I'm sharing seven of my favorite pieces this September; they're all quite versatile and perfect for the changing seasons!

1. J.Crew classic link bracelet - This classic piece of J.Crew jewelry adds a little oomph to monochrome ensembles. Look closely and you can appreciate the unique asymmetric detailing in each link! I've been sporting this bold gold bracelet with anything from my casual J.Crew Kiss Kiss tee to my creme colored Tippi knit.

J.Crew Classic Link Bracelet

2. CHANEL Double Perfection Lumière foundation in B20 - My love affair with this foundation is still going strong. It's quick to use and provides the perfect finish! With healthy skin, a dusting of powder is all I really need.

3. Butter London Tea with the Queen nail lacquer - Nude pinks fall in my 'signature shade' category, and this is one of my favorites.

4. Butter London Pink Ribbon nail lacquer - I always feel chic with a coat of sheer pink!

5. My MAC palette - I love popping and swapping colors in and out of my MAC palette. My current color selection includes Vex, Satin Taupe, Electra, and Concrete. Each shade is gorgeous alone or custom blended with another!

6. NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Appia - This gorgeous coppery brown is my go-to everyday eyeliner. It has a glowy warmth that works in summer as well as fall. Check out my comparison swatches here.

7. Georges Seurat 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' notebook - I love collecting cute notebooks and stationery. This little notebook was a gem of a find while discount hunting; the Seurat painting on the cover is a quintessential piece from Chicago's Art Institute! My La Grande Jatte journal is the perfect place to jot down Inspired by Art ideas during my museum trips!

On top of my Georges Seurat 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' journal, clockwise from top: MAC Vex, MAC Satin Taupe, MAC Concrete, and MAC Electra.

        September is one of the most beautiful times of the year --- I almost feel as if I'm living out the idyllic scene in Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte! With complementary conditions marking the transition to fall, I continue to be inspired by glowy shadows, natural pinks, and beautiful art. It's a very 'me' kind of combination!

        Thanks for reading! What colors and accessories have inspired you this month?

Love, Dovey.

On my mind

           This little prismatic rainbow was an unexpected surprise at a bus stop the other day. Sometimes grimy panes of glass can filter light into something beautiful. Speaking of transportation, I saw this pair of silver hummers. I couldn't help but wonder whose entourage was out rollin' in these gas guzzlers.

          I want to start my 'inspired by' posts again. They tend to be more difficult for me to put together because I have to find both a piece of art and a color palette that really speak to me in the moment. I have my inspiration, but don't have the colors yet! I need to order them from MAC. The painting below is of Paris. It's not my inspiration, but it's such an everyday-elegant city scene.

          I have to attend a wedding soon and realized I have no basic dresses to wear. The few I have are too fancy, too summer, or too patterned. I don't even have a LBD! Jeez. I figured it was time to buy a good basic dress I could wear to variety of occasions. I settled on a silk crepe dress from J. Crew in the color Graphite. I feel completely gorgeous in it. Light grey is definitely my color. I'm going to call this my 'LGD'.

          Speaking of J.Crew, Mr. Lovey took me to one outside my usual downtown location. It's surprising how well stocked stores outside of city epicenters are. They actually have things you want in stock. I was only there to return the dress that was too big, however I did have a good time ogling the color palette. Here's the accessory rack. I'm a real minimalist when it comes to baubles, so most of these things would be too much excitement for me. However, they do look nice clustered together.

          I'm going through a LUSH renaissance lately. After seeing mini moisturizers on Daydream Amy, I had to get a couple for myself. Bath Bombs (below) are what LUSH is famous for, but I'm more in love with their hair-care products. I'll share a LUSH haul sometime soon.

          October is one of my favorite months. I love the crisp air and all the colors that come with it. Here's a pile of gnarly pumpkins that really epitomizes that mood.

      Finally here's a bouquet that Mr. Lovey brought home for me. Flowers surely make a girl feel special =).

         So those are the eclectic things on my mind lately. In terms of makeup I've been enamored with Chanel as of late. I've been clicking and re-clicking on reviews of Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation on Front Row Beauty and Cafe Makeup. I'll likely be getting it in B10. I'm also ogling Chanel Rouge Carat nail polish which is swatched on Beauty Look Book. The glossimer in Sweet Beige, found on Natural N Chic makeup, will likely be a must-have for me as well. I'm also realizing that I should have picked up Chanel Graphite a long time ago. It would look nice with my LGD, and who am I kidding, I love grey. You can see Graphite and other great fall nail colors on Chiki's Nails. Right now I'm just lying in wait for a good beauty event before pouncing.

          Speaking of Chanel, I just watched the film Coco before Chanel, which is about Gabrielle Chanel's early life (pre-Nazi era). After seeing that and reading her wiki bio, I'm not sure whether to like or dislike her. Regardless, she was a true innovator and female mogul, a rarity in her time. The movie is worth queuing on Netflix if you have time. Thanks for reading! I hope your weekends went well. Any stores / nature / movies catch your eye this weekend?

Love, Dovey.