Today marks the last day of 2015. I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year this was! I believe that when life gives you an opportunity, you take it by the horns and make it your own. When I started Gal Meets Glam 4 and half years ago, I never would have dreamed that it would bring me to wear I am today. It was just a hobby, something I thought would be fun and creative while I was in school. Little did I know that my tiny place on the internet would lead me to all of you! It’s been such an amazing ride and creating the content here on Gal Meets Glam brings me so much joy and even more so when I get to connect with readers and see the joy it brings to you. Thomas and I have spent this past year pushing ourselves to be better, think outside the box and create the best possible images and content we can. With that being said, 2016 will bring even bigger and better things, so bring it on! Thank you so much for following along. Your loyalty and support is what drives Gal Meets Glam and we love you all so much!

Cheers! x T & J

Here are a few of my favorite moments from each month this year…

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The post 2015 appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Faithfull The Brand Dress (I’m wearing an xs), Kayu Bag, Madewell Sandals

Happy New Year! I still can’t quite believe 2015 is over, but a brand new year is always a welcome and exciting change. Even though technically it’s just another day, there is something so refreshing about the idea of a re-charge and a clean slate. I’m excited to share a few posts over the next week from our Christmas trip to Maui. It was our first tropical Christmas and I loved every single thing about it!

One thing Thomas and I always research when traveling is where the best spots to watch sunrise and sunset are. After arriving to Maui, we found Maluaka Beach online and headed over just before golden hour. It ended up being a total gem and the perfect spot to watch a beautiful sunset across the water. The beach was almost completely empty, with just a few couples and families sitting out waiting for the sun to go down.

After spending our first day on the island at Big Beach, we headed home to freshen up and shower before dinner. I couldn’t wait to slip on this Faithfull The Brand dress from the moment I bought it. I love breezy pieces like this while on vacation- minimal accessories required and it can be worn as a beach coverup or a dress for dinner and drinks. The high slits and off the shoulder style make it perfect for a warm evening.

We got lucky with our first sunset being one of the most memorable from the trip. We ended up bookmarking this spot and came back later in the week during the day, with it still being one of the most quiet beaches we’d visited. Back home in rainy San Francisco has me wishing I was sitting on this beach again, with my toes in the sand and a warm glow from the setting sun on my face.

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Outfit Details:

Paige Coat c/o, J.Crew Sweater, Paige Jeans, Hunter Boots, APC Beanie (similar here)

Thomas and I arrived home from Carmel on Friday afternoon after spending the week with our family to celebrate the New Year. We’re two people who rarely like to sit for longer than we need to, but a mix of rain and savoring the last bit of vacation had us cuddled up on the couch all Saturday. We’re deeply invested in The Walking Dead right (don’t start because you won’t be able to stop), so that pretty much filled up our Friday night and Saturday, aside from a trip to the market.

On Sunday, we promised ourselves we would spend most of the day outdoors to make up for our prior laziness. We started with a hike in Muir Woods and brunch in Marin, followed by an evening trip to Black Sand Beach. It’s just a quick 15 minute drive over the Golden Gate Bridge for us, but somehow we had never been to this particular beach. We’d seen it from various look-out points in the Marin Headlands, but never made the effort to go. We walked a short distance down, where we were greeted with these gorgeous views.

I bought these Paige denim black coated skinny jeans last November after my favorite pair wore down and weren’t really considered “coated” anymore. They’ve become a staple in my closet, worn just as much as any other pair of jeans I own, if not more. I love this particular pair because they haven’t stretched out at all and the black hasn’t faded. I bundled up in this plaid Paige coat– just as cozy and warm as it looks! Topped off with a beanie and my Hunter boots and I was all set to stay warm and dry (or so I thought….)

^ That second picture was taken right before I was hit with a huge wave, filling my boots up with water. That was the sign that it was time to go home!

We hardly had a sunset on this evening because the sky was so overcast, but it created an eery mist that was just as beautiful. I love the stark contrast of the color of the water and white foam against the black sand. If you’re near by and haven’t been Black Sand Beach, you must! It’s on our list now to visit at sunrise. Maybe I’ll see you out there…?

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

Look 1- Monday Swimwear Bikini, Miguelina Skirt, Kayu Bag, Ray Ban Aviators

Look 2- James Perse Tank, Miguelina Skirt, Manebi Espadrilles, Eliza Gran Bag (similar here), CJ Laing Necklace

I have my fair share of beach-y items that sit in the back of my closet until the warmest days or summer of tropical trips come up. I always try and buy pieces I can still wear in my everyday life- a breezy tunic to pair with jeans, espadrilles that will look cute with any of my dresses, etc. For our trip, I picked up this Miguelina linen skirt, which ended up being my favorite new piece that I look forward to wearing again and again. In Maui, I styled it two different ways- one beach look and one evening look.

Linen is one of my favorite fabrics to travel with for warmer climates. It’s light and airy and looks good even when a little wrinkled. During the day, I wore my Migulina skirt as a beach coverup over my Monday Swimwear bikini. Even after a little salt, water and sun, it stayed in perfect condition. I just slipped all of my other beach accessories into my Kayu tote and pulled my hair into a high pony to beat the heat.

After freshening up inside, I switched into this simple white James Perse tank to go with my linen skirt and added these lace up espadrilles for dinner at Hali’imaile General Store (delicious spot on the island!). I twisted my salty beach hair into a top knot and added a little blush and lip balm for a natural beauty look. I ended up wishing I would have brought a wrap or lightweight cashmere sweater with me for the cool evening breeze.

The post From Beach To Dinner appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Mara Hoffman Top & Shorts (more sizes availble here and here), Eugenia Kim Hat (similar here and here), Kayu Bag, Soludos Sandals, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick

What’s one thing I can’t pass up? Stripes. And when they’re combined into an off the shoulder top…well, that’s just a match made in heaven for me. I love this Mara Hoffman striped top & shorts combo, worn either as a pair or separate. I wore the two together in Maui for dinner at Mama’s Fish House one evening, topped with my favorite Eugenia Kim hat (last seen here, here, here, here, here and here). Since many of you have been asking about the beauty products I wore in Maui, I used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, bareMinerals Bronzer in Warmth, bareMinerals Lash Domination and NARS Heat Wave Lipstick here.

On our drive out to dinner, we stopped near the northern part of Kihei at a beach along the road (which unfortunately we don’t know the name of) to watch the sunset. We caught the last glimpse of it dissolving into the water and lighting up the sky in bright orange and purple hues.

My seagrass Kayu bag came practically everywhere with me during our trip. They’re a local company and have some of the cutest bags around, like this pineapple one or this pink polka dot clutch. I used it as my carry-on for our flight, my beach bag during the day and my carry-all at night (sweater…camera…all the other things I think I need but don’t actually need). These Soludos sandals were another item that were worn almost everyday, but hardly seen because I didn’t keep them on at the beach.

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Outfit Details:

Express Jacket, Express Tank, Express Leggings, Express EXP Core c/o, Nike Sneakers

Instead of setting fitness goals this year, I’ve decided to just focus more on physical activities that I enjoy and doing more of them. For me? That’s spin and pilates classes, hot yoga and hikes. One major thing I did for myself last year was to rearrange how I was managing my workflow. With all that we have on our plate combined with a good amount of travel, I was staying up way too late, which made getting up at 5am for a workout a bit more difficult. I decided to focus on getting the most important parts of my work done in the first half of my day, making it easier to switch off by 8pm and be in bed by 10/11. I’ve been pretty consistent with my routine (except for some late night deadlines here and there) but it really has had a huge impact on my energy level and overall happiness.

I’ve mentioned it before, but I hate the feeling of not doing something or “wasting time” knowing that there is something I could be getting done. It’s a problem I actually struggle with- Thomas always has to remind me that it’s okay to relax. I workout to not only stay in shape but because it makes me feel strong and confident and I always leave in such a great state of mind. Since I like to take a lot of workout classes inside, it’s nice to switch things up and get outside with a hike in the Marin Headlands or Muir Woods.

Last Sunday, Thomas and I woke up early to a grey and raining morning. Our muscles were sore from a Soul Cycle class the day before, but we promised ourselves we would get out of the house and be outside, so we made our way over to Muir Woods. It’s amazing what a little fresh air can do for you! Even though we were a little cold and wet, we kept going because it was just too beautiful outside to go back.

When I’m shopping for workout clothes I look for two things- Is it comfortable? Does it flatter my body? I don’t follow any trends and instead just focus on those two things. Over the years, I keep going back to the same pieces- black leggings, fitted zip-ups and a lightweight tank. For the cool morning, I layered on all of those same items: my Express EXP Core leggings, this Express EXP Core top and this Express EXP Core jacket. Simple and easy is the way to go.

Thank you to Express for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

MLM Label Dress (also similar here), Kayu Bag, Madewell Sandals, Ray Ban Aviators

I brought this little red MLM dress with me to Maui to bring a bit of holiday spirit to our tropical Christmas. I didn’t mind substituting fireplaces and cold weather with palm trees and sunshine one bit. We were still with family, which is what makes the holidays so special in the first place, so it didn’t matter where we were. We woke up on Christmas morning and walked down to the Andaz for their amazing breakfast buffet to fill our bellies before opening gifts. Thomas and I stayed at the Andaz the previous year and loved it, especially the food! The restaurant there is wonderful and a great spot to grab drinks and dinner whether you’re staying there or not.

We spent the rest of our day on the beach, only leaving for a piña colada break in the afternoon. Bare faced and bronzed from the sun, it couldn’t have been a better day. This trip was the first time I think I’ve actually relaxed on a beach and read for longer than 20 minutes. It was pure heaven! (For those of you interested, I read and finished The Fortune Hunter and loved it!)

There seemed to be a theme with my packing for this trip: off the shoulder tops and dresses (see also here and here). I wore this dress all day- from brunch to beach to dinner. This red color is currently sold out, but it comes in black and blue gingham as well as top versions here and here. I’ve also found a few more affordable off the shoulder options for any warm weather destinations- this gauzy white set for under $110, this dusty rose top under $55 and this mint dress under $80. This striped dress, this blue and white one and this colorful maxi are also a few of my favorite pieces out right now.

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Outfit Details:

Alice + Olivia Top & Skirt c/o, Acne Boots, Janessa Leone Hat, Illesteva Sunglasses

Saturday morning we flew to Palm Springs for a quick weekend trip with our friends followed by an extra few days at our other friend’s Joshua Tree house (where we currently are). We couldn’t decide whether we wanted to stay at the Parker or Korakia, so we decided to do one night at each. Arriving to Palm Springs is like a complete time warp. It’s Thomas’s first time to the desert and my second after a summer getaway with my girlfriend Jordan last year. Even though it’s January, the temperatures are still mild and the sun is shining. We booked ourselves solid with an entire list of activities to do while here, which I’ll be sharing in a later post.

I’ve been wanting to stay at the Korakia ever since discovering it last year. It’s quite the bohemian oasis in the middle of retro Palm Springs. The decor brought back memories from our trip to Greece last year with a touch of Moroccan flare. Every corner has a hidden surprise, whether that be a dreamy daybed decorated with printed pillows and gauzy drapes, a blooming bougainvillea wall or a rose petal filled fountain. It’s an absolute dream!

We woke up early to catch the golden glow of the morning and headed to the courtyard for a breakfast of tea and crepes with the sun’s rays warming our backs. I had slipped into this bohemian Alice + Olivia silky white blouse paired with this incredible suede embellished skirt. The combination is easy and romantic, exactly what I want to be wearing in the desert. All of the pieces from the current collection are perfect for creating the ultimate globe-trotting boho wardrobe.

Two pieces that have been essential on this trip: my Acne boots & Janessa Leone hat (both previously seen here, here, here, here and here). They’re the perfect accessories for any desert dreaming look and beyond. I would also love to pair them with this gorgeous Alice + Olivia maxi dress, this airy chiffon paisley blouse, this embroidered mini dress or this oversized fringed poncho.

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

Milly Top (dress version) & Pants c/o, Madewell Denim Jacket, Chloe Bag (last seen here, similar colors here and here), Stuart Weitzman Wedges (50% off)

I love the Parker Palm Springs. Everything about it is cheerful- from the colorful Jonathan Adler decor to the adorable yellow lemonade stand to the pink beach cruiser bikes. Last time I was in Palm Springs, I only stopped by for brunch at Norma’s (which is delicious btw) but this time, we booked a room for our first night in town so we could enjoy all of the amenities. We first made our way to the Lemonade Stand for some afternoon cocktails followed by a game of bocce and then croquet.

Everything about Palm Springs makes me want to pull out my most colorful pieces, so you can imagine what my suitcase looked liked for the few days we were there! I brought this neon striped Milly tank that fit right in and has me extra excited for spring (and craving warmer weather so I can bring it out more). Until then, I’ll be pairing it under my denim or leather jacket.

The croquet lawn (left) is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon with friends (and cocktail in hand, of course). Norma’s (right) is one of the best spots to get brunch in Palm Springs. My favorite dish is the very berry brioche french toast, trust me, you won’t leave disappointed. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, make sure to stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Before heading off to dinner, I slipped into these white Milly high waisted pants that are the ultimate leg elongating piece. I wear them year round- paired with chunky knit sweaters for fall/winter and delicate tanks or breezy blouses for spring/summer. I paired them with my favorite Stuart Weitzman wedges (last seen here, here, here, here, here and here) that are currently 50% off.

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details,

Rebecca Taylor Dress, Madewell Jacket, Sam Edelman Booties, Chloe Bag

The last time I was in Palm Springs was a complete whirlwind since we only had 24 hours. This trip, we had three full days in the city, so we got to explore and see much more beyond the hotel. On Sunday morning, we woke up for sunrise, went to King’s Highway for breakfast and packed up at the Parker to switch over to Korakia. T and I were relaxing on the hammocks, basking in the early morning sun while our friend took one last dip in the hot tub.

Since we had some time to kill before we could check into Korakia, we headed over to the Moorten Botanical Garden. My friend Jessica (who was with us on the trip with her husband) suggested we stop by this place- a “cactus castle” with more than 3000 varieties of desert plants! If you’re a succulent lover, then this place is right up your alley. They also have a small section of plants that you can buy and take home with you- a nice little memento.

We made our way back to our hotel just in time to check in and enjoy the daily Moroccan tea. The desert evenings get really cool, so a fire and warm beverage in hand felt amazing. We sat under the twinkle lights as the sun faded, creating a moody and beautiful sky.

This Rebecca Taylor maxi dress was made for the desert. It moves and flows beautifully. Palm Springs is much cooler this time of year (but still incredibly warm for winter) so I added my trusty denim jacket that I wear over most of my skirts and dresses (see here and here) when I need a light layer.

The post A Day in Palm Springs appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Jetset Diaries Romper (Jumpsuit version), Ray Ban Aviators

If you’re searching for the perfect spot to watch sunrise in Maui, look no further than Secret Cove. Nestled in between a quiet neighborhood, this beach is the essence of its name. We arrived just before sunrise, while the sky was still dark, using the light on our phones to guide us. We walked down a small path to an almost completely empty beach aside from one other eager photographer waiting patiently for the sun to creep up.

This is my absolute favorite time of the morning. I don’t always enjoy the actual process of waking up before sunrise, but once I’m up, there is no better feeling. It’s so incredibly quiet and peaceful- no emails, no phone calls and nothing to do other than just be. We sat on the damp sand listening to the waves crash against the rocks as the sky began to change colors.

Jetset Diaries has become one of my favorite brands for beach-y, warm weather clothing. I picked up this dress last summer for our trip to Greece and added this striped romper for our vacation in Hawaii. All of their pieces make me want to book a tropical trip stat- like this blue and white off the shoulder dress or this dreamy maxi dress. You can check out the rest of the collection here.

Once the sun is completely up, head on over to Kihei Caffe to indulge in their delicious breakfast. The perks of being up early? You’ll beat the usual lines and get to devour your coconut banana macadamia nut french toast right away (like I did!).

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Outfit Details,

Anine Bing Sweater c/o, Velvet Vest (last seen here), Frame Denim Jeans (last seen here and here), Acne Boots, Sophie Hulme Clutch (last seen here)

I’ve mentioned it before, but if there is one item that I was glad that I bought this past fall, it would be my Acne Jensen Boots. These are the perfect black ankle bootie that fit in all the right places (plus the grained leather hides any wear and tear). I reach for them day after day- pairing them with everything from black skinny jeans to skirts and dresses. They were sold out for a while, but I finally found them restocked on SSense in both the pebbled black leather and black suede.

Thomas and I spent most of the long weekend bundled up at our place working while the rain poured outside. It finally cleared up yesterday, so I put aside my rain boots and slipped on my favorite white jeans and striped sweater. I topped it off with this faux shearling vest I bought last August for our trip to Peru. It’s just as cozy as it looks and also comes in a gorgeous shade of grey.

Our winters in San Francisco are pretty mild, especially to those on the east coast, but cold weather pieces always come in handy. A striped sweater is a must have to wear year round, whether you’re pairing it with jeans, over a breezy skirt or denim shorts. Like a great pair of white jeans or black booties, it’s another piece that you’ll be glad you added to your closet. I love this Anine Bing one that’s incredibly soft, but this ASOS alternative is also great and under $30!

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

Self Portrait Dress (more sizes available here), Chloe Pumps, BaubleBar x GMG Studs, Prada Bag

I can remember being in 2nd grade and picking out my dress for school pictures. Getting a new dress was a big deal and one I didn’t take lightly. Even at a young age, I loved all things girly and had a pretty decisive eye for what I liked (my mom likes to remind me of this- often my choices were questionable). I remember that dress so vividly though, I fell in love with it the moment I saw it at a little children’s boutique (which was also where I got my hair cut). I begged my mom for it and finally she caved in, saying I could get it for school pictures. It was a (almost?) maxi dress, with buttons all down the front, beige and white gingham with a doily-like collar. I’m not sure what seven year old would be drawn to a dress like this, (my teacher ended up having an eerily similar dress) but I absolutely adored that thing and treasured it so much, wearing it as much as I could.

Maybe that was the start of my love for dresses. It’s definitely one of the earlier memories I have about fashion and expressing myself through my style. I would say that my style got worse (?) overtime as I cared more about fitting in than I did about wearing things I actually liked. It’s funny, because I think I became the most comfortable with my style once I started my blog. I used to be so worried about being dressed in what was “cool”, not wanting to stick out, losing my own sense of self and style. After creating Gal Meets Glam, I started to feel more confident in my choices and was proud of my girly style!

Fashion is so wonderful because it’s such a personal experience. My life does not revolve around it (I could easily part with every item in my wardrobe if need be), but I find joy in creating looks that express how I feel on the inside! So what are some things that inspire me? I love watching old movies, looking at vintage magazine editorials and people watching when we’re traveling. I love anything ladylike and feminine. Just like I did when I was young, I fall head over heels for a beautiful dress. They have always been and will always be my favorite thing to wear.

This navy lace beauty is my favorite style to wear- fitted at the waist, falling just below the knee with a short sleeve and delicate fabric. Self Portrait makes some of the most beautiful dresses. I also have this one last seen in this post.

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Outfit Details:

Madewell Jacket, Trina Turk Top c/o, Joe’s Jeans, M Gemi Loafers (last seen here), Balenciaga Bag, Ray Ban Aviators

If there is one thing Thomas and I can agree to eat everyday, it’s Mexican food. We love Mexican food and eat it a least a few times a week. We cook it a lot at home, but it’s always tempting to go out with so many good options to choose from in San Francisco. One of our favorites however, happens to be in Sonoma. If you haven’t been to El Molino Central, then add it to your list immediately!

It’s a little spot just off the side of the road, but it’s one you don’t want to miss. When we first moved to the city back in 2012, we heard of this gem and it quickly became a favorite anytime we were heading out to Napa Valley. Thomas loves the fish tacos, while I always go with the vegetarian enchiladas (this time they were butternut squash). Chips and guac with a side of Jarritos are mandatory, obviously. But if there is one real reason that I keep coming back, it’s for the corn tortillas- they are amazing!

Now, on to the outfit- a combination of a few old pieces mixed with this new Trina Turk jacquard top that’s filled with the most beautiful colors. Naturally, I pulled out the pink with my MGemi loafers (last seen here) and added my Madewell army jacket (last seen here and here) to dull down some of the bright colors. I love tops like this one that are anything but simple yet still easy to style with so many pieces (I’ll pair it with white jeans or denim shorts once it gets warmer).

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this look.

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Outfit Details:

Look 1- Acne Cardigan, Ulla Johnson Sweater (last seen here and here), Hudson Jeans, Acne Boots

Look 2- Patagonia Jacket, Madewell Denim Jacket, Patagonia Fleece, Anthropologie Beanie, Lulu Lemon Leggings, Nike Sneakers, Ray Ban Aviators

After our trip to Palm Springs we made our way to Joshua Tree. Our talented friends, Sara and Rich Combs had recently bought and renovated a 1949 hacienda right next to “downtown” Joshua Tree. We were excited to spend 2 nights at their beautiful new place and get to checkout the area with some locals. We had the best time staying at their house, it’s a photographer’s dream and perfect for a quick getaway. We spent one night fireside, bundled in throw blankets with a glass of wine in hand while playing Cards Against Humanity and another wandering out into the park to star gaze. It’s an absolutely magical place! Another cool fact about The Joshua Tree House, they have over 100 Joshua Trees on the property. Sara and Rich were saying that this was extremely rare, partly because you have to build on property that already has Joshua Trees on them since it’s illegal to cut them down or transplant them.

We didn’t know much about Joshua Tree prior to our trip, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We were greeted to a stillness in the air that brought a calming ease and peace, we instantly knew we were going to like this place. It is truly special and one of a kind. I kept saying how it felt like we were on another planet! We can’t wait to venture back in the summer.

We played the vintage records, that Sara and Rich have collected for the place, every night while we sat by the fire.

Joshua Tree is a great place for hiking, the Hidden Valley Loop Trail is a fun hike, especially if you are limited with time or an inexperienced hiker. We wandered around, checking out all of the different cacti and succulents while basking in the afternoon sun. Joshua Tree is about 10-15 degrees (or more) cooler than Palm Springs, so be prepared with layers.

A good spot for coffee is Joshua Tree Coffee Company where we stopped after an early morning sunrise to warm up.

We stayed at The Joshua Tree House with our friends, Sara and Rich Combs (center), talented designers whom I mentioned bought the house last year and Jessica and Travis Wright (left), Jessica runs the travel blog Bon Traveler. Jessica, Sara, Rich, Thomas and I are all working on Will Journey together with a few other members that were not able to make it, stay tuned for our launch soon!

Joshua Tree has some good options for food. This picture was from Country Kitchen, which was actually featured on one of Anthony Bourdain’s shows. It was everything you could want out of a breakfast without being flashy- fluffy chocolate chip pancakes and delicious egg dishes that hit the spot. Some other restaurants that we stopped to eat at were, Pappy & Harriet’s for Dinner (this is a must-go), Crossroad Cafe for Lunch and Sam’s Pizza for Indian Food.

We made the best of the beautiful light in Joshua Tree. We woke up very early our first morning and drove about 50 minutes to watch sunrise at Jumbo Rocks inside the park. As we were driving in the car we watched as the temperature dipped into the low 20s. We hopped around the boulders just to keep warm as the sun slowly rose. If you’ve never seen a dessert sunrise or sunset, they are truly special. They have such unique shade of colors, thanks to the crystal clear sky. The sunrise that morning started off orange and yellow, then turned into a gentle pink and purple, eventually become almost neon bright. As soon as we got a glimpse of the sun we sprinted for the car and blasted the heater, finally getting the feeling back into our fingers and toes.

There is also a hike to Arch Rock (seen above) within the park. The shapes of the rocks were out of the ordinary, but are what make Joshua Tree so unique (especially juxtaposed with the Joshua trees) . In the middle of the western part of Joshua Tree are large hills and boulder piles scattered almost at random along the desert floor. Their placement was so peculiar that Thomas said that they looked like a giant had gathered all of the boulders in the area and then stacked them into piles.

The Cholla Cactus Garden was one of our favorite spots in Joshua Tree. The entire garden looks like a coral reef above water. While the sun is up, these Cholla Cactus glow yellow, almost like a light bulb. At sunset (which was when we were there), they become a neon green and yellow shade against the purple sky. Just be careful how close you come to them because the spikes are painful and hard to remove.

One of the best features of The Joshua Tree House was the hot tub. It was just the perfect thing to comeback and enjoy after a bone chilling sunrise exploration or nightly dip under the stars.

The “tent room” at the Joshua Tree house is my favorite. Such a creative concept!

Our final stop in Joshua Tree was the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Sculpture Museum, a cool place to check out if you have some extra time.

Prior to arriving, we had looked up some of the beautiful Long Exposure photos taken in the park. When we arrived to The Joshua Tree House, Thomas just happened to take a look at the Joshua Tree Map and Trail Guide that you pickup when you enter the National Park. The article on the front was about why Joshua Tree was such a unique and great place to see the stars. It also talked about where in the park had the least amount of light pollution from neighboring cities. Finally, we just happened to notice it was the day after a New Moon, basically the 2nd darkest night of the month. We jumped in the car at 10:30pm and drove into the park, we just kept going. The hard part about taking long exposures during the darkest time of the night during the darkest time of the month is that it’s almost impossible to know where to setup to take photos. Luckily, I had just got Thomas a flashlight for Christmas just for this purpose. So we stumbled through the desert shining our one flashlight for 4 people looking for a cool tree to shoot. Finally, we settled on this spot, where we took the picture above. We experimented a little bit to try and get the best shot possible but the 30F temperatures were not that enjoyable to be out in, plus it was nearing midnight, so we decided to turn back with only taking a total of 6 pictures. It was probably the fewest we’ve ever taken in one single photoshoot, but the outcome was amazing!

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Outfit Details:

Velvet Tee, Anthropologie Skirt c/o, Chloe Pumps, Miu Miu Bag

A simple black tee can go far in one’s wardrobe. I usually style mine with a great pair of skinny jeans and my classic black ballet flats, but every now and then it needs to be styled up a bit. It’s then I’m reminded on how often I fall back on those wardrobe staples that keep the backbone of my style together. They’re the pieces that I’m constantly reaching for and fill in all of those cracks when I need them.

This soft black Velvet tee is one of those items that I can always count on. As much as I love it tucked into my high waisted jeans, it’s also the perfect top to dress down a full midi skirt. This gorgeous organza floral skirt I picked up recently from Anthropologie has me daydreaming of being in France this past summer. For now, I’ll stick to wearing it in the city with a comfy pair of black pumps while the sun is still shining.

I pretty much always gravitate towards anything romantic and feminine in both fashion and beauty. Lately, I’ve been adding a lot of simple black hair bows to my pony tails or up-dos, but it’s always been my go-to hair accessory (remember this post, this post, this post, this post or this post?) I also hadn’t noticed until recently how long my hair has grown!

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

Joseph Coat (last seen here and here), Equipment Blouse, Hudson Jeans, Lanvin Sneakers, Lanvin Bag c/o

I love fresh flowers. I wish our house could be filled with them 24/7. Before the weekend begins, I’ll run by my favorite local flower shop, The Bud Stop, to grab a small bouquet to disperse throughout our place. It’s also the best place to grab a cute photo with its adorable black and white stripe awning and rainbow wall of flowers (my Instagram if filled with snaps from this spot).

I always get asked for restaurant recommendations from those coming to visit San Francisco. One that’s always at the top of that list is Rose’s Cafe. It’s one of my favorite neighborhood spots for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. If it’s a nice day, we’ll grab a seat outside under the heaters, order a few glasses of rosé and some snacks to share. It also happens to be right down the street from The Bud Stop (and across the street from the cutest coffee shop I posted here), so you can hit all three up on the same Saturday afternoon.

Thomas got me these Lanvin sneakers for Christmas and I’m obsessed. I haven’t fully embraced the whole sneaker trend, but these have totally changed my mind. I love my Nike’s, but these still feel feminine (especially the nude/blush shade) and easily fit into my style. Plus, they’re super comfortable and I want to wear them with everything.

Blush, black and nude tones make up a good portion of my closet and those items always get the most wear. Like this blush MaxMara coat that I’ve worn countless times, or this J.Crew skirt that I always reach for or this cashmere sweater. This nude colored Equipment blouse is another one of those items that I’ve been wearing a ton lately. Stay tuned for another post this week with it.

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Image Details:

Max Mara Coat (old, similar here and less expensive version here and here), BCBG Dress c/o, Chloe Pumps, Lanvin Bag c/o

When Thomas and I first moved to San Francisco, we made a good effort to do date nights every Friday at different spots around the city. It was a great way of discovering each neighborhood and getting out of our little pocket in SF. Wayfare Tavern was one of the first restaurants on our list and quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city. I usually include it on my list of places to eat in SF when people email me, but it’s been a while since our last dinner there. So, Thomas and I headed downtown late Sunday morning for a leisurely brunch, that was just as good as the last.

It’s funny how we get comfortable doing the same thing over and over again. It’s not that often that we leave our neighborhood during the week unless it’s for a meeting downtown or to shoot around the city. On Saturday we stayed inside while it rained and made pancakes in our pjs until the late morning. So the next day we decided we would get a little dressed up and make a date out of the afternoon.

I slipped into this easy lace BCBG dress and pulled out all of my favorite blush accessories with it. Simple understated elegance is my go-to. I also love this minimal light pink faux-suede dress as well as this nude colored lace short sleeved dress. BCBG just has so many good pieces coming out right now for Spring like this gorgeous embroidered two-piece or this jacquard lace blush dress.

Thank you to Shopstyle for sponsoring this post.

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Outfit Details:

Alice + Olivia Jacket (on sale, last seen here), Equipment Blouse (last seen here), Co Skirt, Chloe Pumps (last seen here), Lanvin Bag c/o

One of the reasons why I constantly go back to vintage fashion for inspiration is for the glamour and elegance that is missing so much these days. It’s not everyday that I get dressed up, I do love my t-shirt and jeans, but I don’t nearly get as excited about them as I do with a beautiful dress or skirt. It’s that feeling of joy that I get when I put something on that keeps me coming back for more. Clothes should do just that, make you feel good!

This cream Co skirt is an absolute dream. Its got a full body of fabric while laying perfectly flattering to a women’s figure. I also love skirts that hit just below the knee, they’re so ladylike and feminine and pair just as well with flats or heels. A cream skirt is my new favorite alternative to wide leg cream pants. I’ve found three less expensive similar options here, here and here.

There have been so many beautiful blush and nude pieces that have come out this year. As two of my favorite colors, I was quite excited to see pink become so popular again. With “rose quartz” being named one of Pantone’s 2016 colors of the year, I’ve seen the shade everywhere lately. Pink has become a neutral in my book and I’ve been pairing my blush colored Lanvin bag and Chloe pumps with everything. If you’re looking for a few less expensive, but still lust worthy items, this mini blush bag is under $40 while this scalloped nude clutch is under $20. These blush lace up heels are also under $60 and these blush flats are under $50.

The post Ladylike Dressing appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Old Navy Jacket, Shirt & Jeans c/o, Hunter Boots

My favorite part of my job as a content creator and blogger is the discovery and exploration. Whether we’re just out exploring for ourselves or looking for something specific for a brand, I absolutely love finding beautiful locations. Thomas and I sometimes spend hours trying to narrow down the perfect spot, but other times, it finds us. Just past Muir Woods lies Mount Tamalpais, the highest peak in the Marin Hills. We’d been meaning to make a trip (it’s only about 40 minutes from us) and finally made time earlier this week. It was absolutely breathtaking. We kept saying to each other “I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to come over here”.

The fog started to roll in around 4:30, bringing a cool front with it. We were enjoying the warmth of the sunshine before that, but wishing we had more layers after. I wore this Old Navy jacket that I’m totally in love with because of its adorable yellow and navy striped lining. It’s got the most perfect oversized, relaxed style and is currently on sale for $40! I wore it with this classic blue oxford shirt and white skinny jeans paired with my hunters to save another pair of shoes from getting muddy. The best part about these white Old Navy jeans is that they’re made with their newest “stay white” technology that resists spills and stains (and mud!), so you don’t have to worry about ruining your jeans while being out and about.

Aside from being a great place to hike, one of coolest parts of Mount Tam are the views. You can see a perfect skyline of the city through the thick, green forest. On the west side, you can see Stinson Beach. The rolling hills and winding roads also make for a pretty picture if you pull over at one of the lookout stops. We stopped a lot, hiking up various hills to get a vantage point. We’re planning on making another trip to do more of a real hike and packing the car with a picnic basket to enjoy after.

A few of my favorite budget friendly items from Old Navy right now also include this yellow trench that I would pair with this navy striped tee, this white denim jacket and this striped hoodie that just looks like the most cozy thing ever. A few other pieces that I would highly recommend adding if you don’t have similar ones already- this classic trench coat, this chambray top and this striped blazer.

 Thank you to Old Navy for sponsoring this post.

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