Up in Smoke

The Cheech Marín Center for Chicano Art & Culture

Riverside, CA

No smoke here, just some great art! The Cheech is open and what a feast for the eyes, mind and heart. The museum has an exhibit of Cheech Marín’s collection of Chicano art and culture that is a first of its kind. I choose to celebrate my roots by dressing in my embroidered blouse and tiered skirt for this visit. Go to riversideartmuseum.org for more information about The Cheech.

ATTIRE: Blue blouse and white tiered skirt (Dressbarn)

Remembering Vin

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles, CA

I am a Dodger fan through and through. Before my first trip to Dodger Stadium, Vin Scully’s play-by-play captured my unwavering loyalty via the transistor radio. Everything I know about baseball, I learned from Vin Scully. So I dress in my vintage Vin Scully shirt and classic Vans slip-ons with the Dodger logo as I admire the iconic Sandy Koufax’s sculpture, created by sculptor, Branly Cadet.

ATTIRE: Vintage Vin Scully raglan shirt (Etsy), grey skinny jeans (LOFT), classic slip-ons (Vans Shoes)

Tolling the Bells for Summer's End

The Jewel of the Missions

San Juan Capistrano, CA

As the dog days of summer approach, a trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a respite from the heat, as well as a pensive day to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the mission’s museums, gardens and koi ponds. So keep cool, wear that hat and apply sunscreen as you go outdoors. Also, it is helpful to wear cotton clothing because it is durable, breathable and comfortable. The benefits of cotton far outweigh the extra effort of doing a little pressing or not. For more information about the mission, visit www.missionsjc.com

ATTIRE: White bermuda shorts (Macy’s), pink and white striped shirt (LOFT), white Mary Jane shoes (Spring Step)

Timeless Landmark

Mission Inn

Riverside, CA

Dinner at the Mission Inn Restaurant offers an occasion to dress up. Its beautiful Spanish Mission-style architecture transports you back to California’s historic past where you can experience the rich ambiance enjoyed by its first guests in 1876. Visit www.missioninn.com to learn more about the five-star accommodations and dining options of this historical landmark.

ATTIRE: Orange sweater top and tiered skirt (LOFT), white wedge sandals (Aerosoles)

At the Theater

Laguna Playhouse

Laguna Beach, CA

I am ready to see the musical production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at the Laguna Playhouse. So I dress up for the 70s theme by pairing my flared jeans with a lacy black blouse. Ready to boogie at the ODYSSEY!

ATTIRE: Boot-cut jeans (LOFT), lacy black blouse (Coldwater Creek), black patent leather platform shoes (Dansko Shoes)

For more information on the Laguna Playhouse, call 949.497.2787 or visit lagunaplayhouse.com

Breezy Sunday Afternoon

Rainbow Harbor

Long Beach, CA

Shoreline Village in Long Beach, CA is modeled after a quaint Cape Cod fishing village. It offers a wide selection of casual and fine dining, unique gift shops, clothing stores, harbor cruises and entertainment for every age group. You can dress up or down depending on your plans for the day or evening. Visit shorlinevillage.com for more information.

Faux suede jacket and wide-leg pants are available in petites, misses and talls.

ATTIRE: Faux suede moto jacket and wide-leg jeans (LOFT), Liz Claiborne white three-quarter sleeve top (JC Penney), luggage tennis shoes (Ecco Shoes)

Back on Track!

Main Street Metrolink Station

Corona, CA

With the full-scale onset of COVID in 2020, I find myself all dressed up with nowhere to go. So, after more than a two year hiatus, I am back on track! Now, with much caution, I am ready to depart on new adventures. ALL ABOARD!

ATTIRE: Medallion top and Marisa blue skinny trousers (LOFT), long white cardigan (Dressbarn), bronze sandals (Naot Shoes)

Getting Off the Fast Track

Pacific Electric Railway

Seal Beach, CA

As the work train leaves the station, there is one less passenger on board. Retirement is just beginning and I am about to be transported into unknown territory. Free from the routine of work, I take “the road less traveled.” Like Robert Frost, I wonder what difference this decision is about to make in my life.

The first stop of my journey is the iconic Seal Beach Pier. At 1,865 feet long, it is one of the longest wooden piers in the state of California. It juts out from the center of Seal Beach. Along Main Street, you find an assortment of one-of-a-kind restaurants, gift shops, clothing stores, boutiques and much more. So dress comfortably and enjoy the small-town charm of this city by the sea.

ATTIRE: Palm leaf skirt (LOFT), coral blouse (Dressbarn), cream cardigan (Kohl’s), luggage sandals (Clarks Shoes)