Cheryl Shops

Remember The O.C.? And Laguna Beach, the reality show it inspired (which then led to The Hills)? I always think of those shows when I visit Orange County, where my boyfriend's mom lives, which is funny, because I've found it to be nothing like any of them. It's just a sunny stretch of southern California—yes, it's wealthy, but it's pretty laid-back for the most part. It just kind of feels suburban to me. The nice part, though, is that along the coast, the weather is perfectly temperate—even when it's blazing hot in the rest of Los Angeles, it's usually somewhere in the 70s with a cool breeze in Huntington Beach, where we shot these photos. Thus, my outfit is usually some combination of summer and fall. This is the first year in awhile that we won't be spending Thanksgiving weekend down south, but if we were, this is what I'd be wearing.



It's been awhile since you've seen this leopard coat (it was way back here), but I've found it to be a great weight for all parts of California. It's lightweight but lined, so it keeps out the chill. I also love the shape—it's just so flattering—and the print is spot on, pun intended.


It's also been awhile since I've featured this Athleta top (most recently in this post). It is probably one of the top five tops I wear the most—the weight is perfect for year-round wear, and the crossover detail at the hem is just so flattering. I keep meaning to buy it in another color; I will probably do so during Athleta's Black Friday sale! I'm in a small here, for reference.



You've also seen this white denim skirt before (most recently here), and yes, I am rebelling by wearing white long after Labor Day. But did you know that's a fake rule that department stores made up so people would buy fall clothes even when it's still hot outside? Anyway, I own this skirt in two colors—white and blue denim—and there's not much to say, other than I think the cut is perfect. Denim skirts are often too straight, but this one has a slight A-line shape to it, which I find more flattering. As with most Topshop styles, I went up a size (I'm in a US 8).

I know, you're probably sick of my A.P.C. Sac Demi-Lune, but I'm not, so here it is again! (You last saw it here.) I just love it so much, I can't help but carry it constantly. Speaking of things I also love, it's been months since I've worn my Chloé Suzanna boots (last seen here), and now that it's finally cooling off, I was eager to wear them again. These boots are an investment, but they make whatever you're wearing look that much cooler. And I pair them with jeans, pants, dresses, skirts...everything. One thing to note: they run huge, so size down (I'm normally a 39 but wearing a 38 and they fit perfectly).




We shot these photos in my boyfriend's mom's subdivision, which sits on a canal-type thing. It's not quite the mansions of The O.C., but I find it way more charming anyway. I will miss the southern California warmth this weekend, but we'll be back the following week!





OUTFIT DETAILS: Ganni coat (current season here; similar here) | Athleta criss-cross sweatshirt | Topshop white denim skirt | A.P.C. sac demi-lune | Chloé Suzanna boots | Hermès Clic-H bracelet


Still thinking about what you're going to wear this weekend? I've teamed up with some of my favorite bloggers to show you some super cute options. Read on for inspiration!