The Benefit of Supporting Small Businesses

In a few short days I'll be on my way to sunny California (Los Angelos and San Diego to be exact). So in the spirit of vacation, I've styled this very beach/resort-appropriate outfit with some help from my friends at Emmer & Oat, Mighty Oak, and TISH Jewelry, all of which are quaint online shops. I'm not going to deny that I'm a sucker for shopping at those large cooperate stores from time to time. But there's something special about supporting small business like these, because you can find unique pieces that are made with love and care!

Let's start with this Front Tie Sun Dress, by Emmer & Oat shall we? First of all, doesn't it look like the perfect little number to wear out to dinner while on vacay? Well that's exactly what I'll be using it for soon enough! It's comfortable, it's chic, and the fabric is exquisite. I'm serious! One of the best reasons for shopping at a quaint online boutique like Emmer & Oat, is that you can find quality-made, unique apparel. This goes for all of Emmer & Oat's products -- I actually featured two of their tops in my previous post, each of which are just as lovely as this dress!

Next, we have this adorable Transparent Tote, by Mighty Oak. I have used this little guy way too many times already -- I'm obsessed! Transparent and wooden handbags are both big trends right now and my friend Teresa, the boss lady behind Mighty Oak, executed this brilliant design which incorporates both. Aside from the lovely wooden handles, this bag also comes with a zippered faux leather pouch inside to hold your belongings without they having to be on display for the whole world. This is truly a must-have item.

And last but certainly not least, I'd like to draw your attention to the dainty Rose Quartz Bracelet that I'm wearing. This is another piece, that I keep using over and over again. First, I'm a sucker for anything light pink, so there's that. But also, the bracelet's minimalist design really lends itself to being worn with just about anything. Lateisha, from TISH Jewelry, is a talented artist who hand-creates beautiful jewelry, this bracelet just being one example. I also own the Pink Silk Tassel Earrings, and this Rose Quartz Shield Necklace, both of which I've featured in some of my latest blog posts. And surprise, surprise, both pieces are also pink! I highly suggest checking out the rest of her collection as I'm sure you'll find something that catches your eye.

And that's all I have for you today folks. Be sure to follow along on Instagram as that's where I'll be posting about my journey through California!

Outfit Details:

Dress // Purse // Sandals // Bracelet // Sunglasses

Photographer #1:

Bill McGuiness (BF+BFF)

Stylist, Model, Photographer #2, and Writer:

Yours,