Hello Monday: The epic lunch

Left to right: Daphnee, Gina, Rachelle, Charnele, Noelle

Oh, you guys! Looking at this photo makes me so happy! It's funny how we all "see" each other every day, whether it's on our blogs or on some kind of social media platform. You get to know each other through these bits and pieces we share of our lives and form genuine friendships. And then if you're lucky, you get to meet these Internet friends in real life and it's everything you hoped it would be and more! The moons aligned, and Rachelle decided she needed a SoCal vacation the same time I would be there for the holidays. So, we planned a lunch near Gina and Noelle and the rest is history! What the heck do you wear for a momentous occasion like this?!

Sunnies: TOMS | Earrings: Express (option) | Necklace: Stella and Dot "Virginia" bib (old) | Bag: Paperdolls Boutique | Jacket: JCrew Factory | Top: Express | Bracelet: Kendra Scott | Skirt: Express (other colors here and here) | Heels: SJP (more colors and sizes here)

I decided to mix a couple of new pieces with some items that are foolproof for me. I have this skirt in 6 colors now, and I will continue to buy more colors as Express releases them. The shape is perfect for me - it always makes me feel good when I'm wearing them, and confidence is the best accessory. Speaking of confidence, a good pair of heels definitely does it for me, and these SJP heels have been on serious repeat for all of my more special occasions lately. This necklace instantly glams up any basic top and since I love pairing dressy and casual pieces together, I finished off the look with my favorite denim jacket.

Whenever I travel, I always dread packing jewelry the most. I don't know why! Maybe because jewelry is always the last thing I put on when I'm getting dressed, and my mood changes so quickly that I could end up picking different pieces of jewelry even if I'm wearing the exact same outfit I've already worn. So, I always pack minimal jewelry that is versatile but can provide the most impact. This hand bracelet is all of the above!

I spotted this fringe clutch at the Paperdolls Boutique event, and for $17.50, it was a no brainer. I didn't even realize until after I bought it that it also has a generously long shoulder strap, too! It was the perfect accessory.

This is third day hair that you're seeing, and I knew I wanted to curl it this day. My hair curls the best when it's not as clean! I used my curling wand, and since it had been raining all week, I went ahead and wore it half up/half down just because it's easier to hide the humidity that way.

We ended up eating at the Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff, CA, which is just north of San Diego. It was about a two hour drive from my dad's house, and I am ever so grateful for the husband who didn't want me to make the drive alone. He dropped me off, and I assumed he would find somewhere to eat lunch while we did our thing. Come to find out, he was just at the parking lot next door watching movies on his iPad. These photos were taken from that same parking lot, so I guess I can see why he had no issues staying put here.

It's not a proper blogger get together unless there are plenty of photos being taken! Everyone took turns taking photos of each other, and a couple of us were also taking top down selfies at the same time. I can only imagine what we all looked like!

(Couldn't resist a detail shot of Daphnee's heels)

Lunch itself was amazing! Much of it was spent listening to all of the shenanigans of the girls' trip thus far - Daphnee, Rachelle, and Charnele had been in SoCal for almost a week by this point. Jewel was with them as well, though she left the day before the lunch and I was extra bummed I didn't get to meet her. I haven't laughed that much in a long time, and even though we all just mostly know each other from the interwebs, it's amazing how natural it all feels when we are together. The nicest, most genuine, beautiful, and hilarious group of girls you all will ever meet, I promise!

Even though we took our full round of outfit photos before our long drive, I couldn't NOT take a few more by the beach! When will I ever get this gorgeous backdrop again?! I was definitely 100% happy with my outfit selection and I totally want to wear it again soon head to toe!!

Hope everyone had a very fabulous Christmas! I wasn't expecting to take the majority of last week off blogging, but I'm glad I did because it's been awesome just enjoying friends and family for the holidays. Sorry for not giving you any warning though! I have a few posts scheduled still through the end of the year, so I hope you'll follow along as I properly close out 2015!

Today I'm holding down the Hello Monday fort! Jenna will be back, but you can still link up below!

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Linking up with Rachelle for #HowIFall.

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