Koolabura Eyelet Sneakers c/o (Fit TTS; so comfy!) / Pink Trench Coat (Runs a bit small. I’m wearing an XS and I wish I’d gone with the Small. Also love this lined one, the lined double-breasted version, and this one. and you can find similar pink trench coats here, here and here.) / Striped Sweater (Similar here, and this is my favorite long-sleeved striped tee.) / Gingham Tote / Newer Liberty London Scarf / Jeans / Emma’s Top & Jeans

Something cool Mitch and I just started doing:

We’re going to two brunches every week–in locations that are bright and that make us feel like it’s spring. :) It’s been hugely helpful in combating the gloom. When Mitch first suggested the idea, I felt like it was just going to be expensive and detract from my productivity. But lo! I’m so, so much happier after our brunches, and as a result, my productivity has skyrocketed. (Remember when I said that I’m in the middle of a huge clean-out project? I’ve made so much progress since then!) And while yes, eating out a couple times per week is pricier than eating at home, it’s far less expensive and far less stressful than taking another trip to a warm-weather location. (#travelban!)

First up was Summer House Santa Monica, located on Halsted in Lincoln Park. I’m sure you’ve seen it on the blog before, and that’s because it’s probably my favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. There’s a glass ceiling that almost makes you feel like you’re actually in Santa Monica–here’s my post on a super similar restaurant there!–and everyone is dressed in gingham. Mitch and I have running joke that we always forget to ditch the gingham whenever we go. Last time, I was full-on dressed in their uniform, and this time, Mitch was wearing a light blue gingham shirt and I was carrying a gingham tote. 😂

I also wore my new Koolaburra eyelet sneakers, which are ridiculously comfy! Koolaburra is UGG’s sister brand, and it’s actually inspired by coastal life in southern California. Which is SO cute considering these photos were taken at Summer House Santa Monica. (Which I swear I didn’t even think of until just now, haha!)

Either way, I can’t speak more highly of my new sneaks. I love that the preppy eyelet lace makes them appropriate for activities like this, but that they’re great for running around with Emma for the rest of the day, too. They have a significant amount of padding inside, making them uber comfortable, and they go with almost all of my spring and summer outfits.

Best part of the brunch? Seeing Emma at the end with her chocolate chip cookie. (Scroll down. It kills me.) Summer House has this amazing bakery set up when you first walk in, and this was the first time we took Emma as a toddler. Girlfriend’s eye lit up like she was seeing Elmo in person. We promised to get her a cookie if she finished her meal at lunch, and she followed through. Once we got up to leave, she promptly asked us, “Cookie?”

Cutest ever.

Sure, we were covered in chocolate and a trip to the dry cleaners might be necessary. 🙈 But worth it. :)

Shop the post:

Koolabura Eyelet Sneakers c/o (Fit TTS; so comfy!) / Pink Trench Coat (Runs a bit small. I’m wearing an XS and I wish I’d gone with the Small. Also love this lined one, the lined double-breasted version, and this one. and you can find similar pink trench coats here, here and here.) / Striped Sweater (Similar here, and this is my favorite long-sleeved striped tee.) / Gingham Tote / Newer Liberty London Scarf / Jeans / Emma’s Top & Jeans

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Koolaburra. The opinions and text are all mine.

SaveSave