These Commes Des Garcons Converse Chuck Taylors were a total pain in the butt to order, but I'm happy to say they're now all mine (and just as cute as I had hoped!) Had to pretty much jump through hoops to get these sneakers, but so glad that I waited it out and finally got them, even after a few order mishaps with Nordstrom (we won't get into that... )! They're definitely the perfect shoe for Coachella - comfortable, and I adore the cute little heart on the side that is smile-inducing. Can't wait to wear them to death this summer! I love new shoes always, but there's nothing like a new pair of Chucks, is there?

Clearly not dressed up in this post, but this is pretty much my uniform for a day-to-day L.A. casual look. I have to wear flats or comfortable booties for those days I'm running around or going from one meeting to the next to happy hour. Flannel is always classic so I threw it over this silk sleeveless tunic tank as a layering option, which we always need in California! I find myself wearing jeans all the time lately and this pair is one of my favorites from Genetic. What's your favorite denim brand right now?

Can't forget to mention my hair! I've been living in braids. It's my absolute favorite way for my hair to look cute when I have zero time to style it! What do you think of of the french braid trend? I've literally created a whole Pinterest board about hair and fashion, LOL! I'm obsessed! You can check it out here- I always want to hear new ideas if you have some good ones for chic hair styles!

xo

-Genevieve

All photos in this post Copyright The Style Sauce, 2016.

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Today I'm super excited to announce my newest column I've so appropriately called, "I Love L.A". Here's the deal: I've lived in Los Angeles for 10 years, and in that amount of time I've seen so much change about L.A., and also discovered some really cool sh*t, be that fashion, restaurants, music, events, whatever. I really wanted to start this topic of conversation on my blog because I feel like Los Angeles is really special, and there's a lot to talk about when it comes to the City of Angels that I want to share with all of you.

In the past year, there's been a huge shift in the fashion industry, with everyone from Tom Ford to Saint Laurent doing shows here. There's no question it promises to just get bigger and better. Besides the emerging fashion scene, one can't talk about L.A. without mentioning the restaurants, shopping, beaches, artists, music, and all around kick ass-ness of this city. Really looking forward to sharing with you guys some of my gems and discovering new ones along the way.

Now, back to today's post! To begin, we're kicking off in Silverlake. As you all know I'm a die hard Venetian, but when it comes to the East Side of Los Angeles, it's hard to find a pocket that's cuter than Silverlake. Some of it's charms include some of the most adorable tree lined streets in all of the city, and some of the best design shops and boutiques on the West Coast. 

To kick off the day we ventured to La Mill coffee- an L.A. staple for the past 19 years. For a coffee addict like me, this is THE SPOT to go to, given it has an extensive coffee menu and an equally delicious brunch menu to match. I opted for the healthy route- broccolini with poached eggs and a side of rosemary/parmesan breakfast potatoes, while my brunch partner, Brian, went for the Belgian waffles which he definitely did NOT regret. Both were equally good, and I'd recommend trying either option.

The scene at La Mill Coffee.

Our server at La Mill, Soren, was so nice and knowledgeable about everything while eating there! He had a thing or two to teach even the biggest coffee snob (me). Definitely ask for him next time you pop in for a bite or cappucino.

Obviously, we had to snap a couple of outfit photos while we were in town! Here I'm wearing a pair of self-made DIY fringed Levi's, vintage Malesherbes Louis Vuitton bag, white Kit + Ace washable silk kimono, Zara top (last spring), Sam Edelman "Trixie" buckle sandals, and my favorite neck tie du jour- a white bandana I bought for 5 bucks in Palm Springs.

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       Today's post comes to you from one of my favorite places EVER: The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Granted I've been working A LOT and playing very little, my New Year's Resolutions are a little different than most people's. I wouldn't even call them "resolutions". I'm trying to have a better lifestyle going forward, and it includes having more fun. Yes - It's just as important to have fun as it is to work, and I find that in the past few months all I've been doing is working.  We all need to work smarter, not harder. What's the point in life if all we do is sit around on our computers and in meetings stressed out over spreadsheets and SEO advantages? There's a time and place for work, but life must be a balance, so for that reason I'm choosing to relax more. That means not compulsively checking my e-mail on the weekends or taking on extra work load because I think I can (when really I can't). We all have our limits, and what I've learned from over stretching myself last year is that it isn't getting me anywhere, anyways.

So, here's my lesson of the day: smile more. Stress less. Be productive in increments, but don't overdue it. 

Anyway, to tie this all back to today's post, this whole mentality I've recently adapted really boils down to why I was in Palm Springs last weekend to begin with. I decided to be more relaxed and happy this year and that starts with vacations, even if they're tiny ones. We literally had no reason to go to the desert last weekend, but, Brian  (that's my boyfriend who takes the pictures in this post for those of you who are new here),  and I both had stressful weeks and said F*** it, let's go. So we did.

Our destination was the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, because it never disappoints. It has the perfect hip meets luxury meets laid back boho vibe. It's hard to feel stressed out here. Not to mention, it's very instagrammable. I've stayed at the Ace Hotel before and depending on the time of year it can be a different experience, but always a pleasurable one. This time of year in Mid-January is fairly relaxed, which is great when you really just need some R and R. Going in high season and especially for Coachella, expect a party season with a packed poolside. Either way I love it here. 

Check out all the photos we took below and let me know what you think.

Xo, Genevieve

All photos in this post copyright The Style Sauce, 2016 and Brian Gove. 

Upon arrival at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club you'll be greeted by their iconic ACE sign.

The Ace Hotel lobby where they frequently have live acoustic music playing.

The patio with fireplace rooms at the Ace are sure to keep you warm and entertained even when it gets colder at night. Great place for conversation with friends too.

The rooms at The Ace are simple and clean... and awesome for a great night's sleep.

Me by the fire at night.

There was a wedding at our hotel during our stay, so touches of cute love notes were everywhere.

The pool is always a must when in Palm Springs.

Absolute FAVORITE meal poolside- the chicken tacos!!! You must try these!!!!

Channeling Wendy Peffercorn by the pool in my Wildfox one-piece with Ladybug

Wendy Peffercorn, the iconic hot lifeguard from The Sandlot. Chick stole my look. 

On our way out of town we had to pull over and take a few photos for the quintessential roadside shot. Here I'm channeling another time in denim on denim, a white bandana, and cat eye sunglasses