In another life, I would have lived in LA. I would have frequented beaches on the reg and hosted intimate dinner parties in my small home in the hills. You know that one place in the world where you feel like your soul belongs? Mine is in California. Don’t get my wrong, Virginia will always and forever be my home, my soul mate, my first love. But California will always be the one that got away.

We spent many summers visiting my family out near LA. Walks on the Santa Monica pier, taking selfies with my sister before we even knew what selfies were. Shopping on Rodeo Drive, slipping into a Cartier shop and trying on watches I’d never afford and staying in the bathroom a moment longer to admire the fancy soaps. Road trips to Yosemite that were filled with dips into natural springs and lazily floating down the river in a cheap pair of sunglasses.

This outfit reminds me of what I’d wear in that other life. I’d run errands in this top before a busy evening of entertaining ahead. For the dinner, I’d switch it out for a flowy maxi skirt (maybe like this one.) I’d serve a simple meal in pretty dishes with succulents and hanging lights. When I saw this backyard makeover of Dianne Argon’s house, it felt like home to me.

No matter what I wear, I feel like Free People takes me back to the beautiful feeling of living that California dream. I might never have a home in LA, but thank goodness I have Free People to help me pretend.