Photography by Valorie Darling

Blouse: L’Academie (similar here)

Jeans: Paige Denim

Boots: Prada (similar here)

Sunglasses: Illesteva

Bag: Proenza Schouler (similar here)

I’ve been wanting to explore some of my favorite LA restaurants, streets and spots on the blog, and take you to a few of the places I’ve been frequenting (if you’d like recommendations, please email me!).  Ox & Son just opened in Santa Monica on Montana Avenue and I’d driven by it a dozen times before stopping in. I love anywhere with patio seating where you can people watch and enjoy the afternoon. I ordered the avocado heirloom tomato toast with an egg and it was better than I imagined! Pecorino cheese, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil and salt topped it off.

The tie neck blouse seems to return every autumn, and I can see why. A casual bow at the collarbone is feminine, easygoing and if tied loosely, not too “sweet.” This L’Academie blouse is almost sold out on Revolve (it also comes in white), but this red bow tie blouse is equally as fitting and flattering. I tend to see white tie neck blouses with a black bow, so I was drawn to this black tie blouse and pretty sheer lace blouse, which I’d wear to a holiday party tucked into a pencil skirt. Below are more options! x