Warning: if you need a holiday, these photos could trigger a MAJOR California yearning. You have been cautioned!

Nubby & I fell in love with the colours at The Viceroy: that deep turquoise with emerald green, black & white stripes, & acid yellow accents. It was the perfect palette for a California getaway, & our eyeballs soaked it all in hungrily!

Oh, & before you mention it… Yes, I wear hats in the pool. I learned this trick from my mother, who, as long as I’ve known her, has always swum in a hat & sunglasses! Dial the glamour up to MAXIMUM!

My swimsuit was a gift from Swimspot last year; I wore it in Miami & loved it. The brand is Athena & it’s actually a mix-&-match bikini. I’m always on the hunt for a good (non-Grandma) skirted bikini bottom, & I think this fits the bill perfectly. I just looked at what they have now & the colours, shapes & styles are SUPER cute!

My hat is from American Apparel. The colour is such a sucker-punch to the frontal cortex!

My robe was generously provided by the good folks at The Viceroy Santa Monica ;D

Before long, it was time to put on some clothes. (All together now: “Awwwwww!”) I slipped into my new favourite dress…

This dress is a genuine vintage 1950’s skater dress, with a bodice of lace & a tulle skirt. It is seriously gorgeous, & was hunted out for me by the inimitable Mary Bee. When I first tried it on in our hotel room, Nubby started shrieking, because that VERY DAY, while comparing ASOS wishlists (!!!), I had shown her a pink lace skater dress, & we had talked about how it was “the perfect dress” for me. Nubby kept yelling about how I had manifested the real, original version of the dress! Hahah. It was pretty amazing serendipity!

I wore it with one of Nubby’s patent leather belts, knee socks & Frye motorcycle boots. Because you know, that’s how I do. Also making an appearance? My black sequinned backpack from Victoria’s Secret Pink! I can’t find it online — I bought it instore about two months ago — but it’s worth sniffing out if you like it too. It fits everything inside, maybe even entire galaxies… & is perfect for travel.

Doesn’t this photo make you want to fill your house with framed mirrors? I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again: Kelly Wearstler is a killer.

This yellow library was absolutely incredible. I have more pictures of it to show you in the not-too-distant future!

Of course, no day in Santa Monica is complete without a twirl on the swings!

Thank you SO MUCH to Christina, Alie & Marielle of Made U Look Photography! They don’t just make you look, they make you look damn GOOD! I love you girls!