Vest Up

Vintage Donna Karan Vest, Helmut Lang Jeans, Old Navy Tee, Alexander Wang Bag, Ariel Gordon Love Knot Ring and Stacked Rings, Steve Madden Boots, Autumn Cashmere Scarf (similar one here), Raen Sunglasses

It's inevitable that when I see my mom I end up begging her to let me borrow whatever it is she is wearing. There are the usual favorites, old finds or family heirlooms that I get to borrow while I'm in her sight, and new additions. She has everything from crazy cool vintage coats, southwestern style jewelry, bright colored pieces, vintage totes and more that I'm constantly influenced by and lusting after. Over the Holidays I got to wear this Donna Karan military style vest circa the '90s—we call it the Dances with Wolves vest. 

Bits and Tips: Palm Springs

Colorful straw bags and gold sandals at Elizabeth & Prince 

I've been vacationing in Palm Springs since I was a wee little thing—barely walking. My parents loved the vibe, heat and all that came with it and now, so do I. Spending the recent Holiday at La Quinta Resort & Club was just what the doctor ordered. And while most things stay the same, I'm always discovering new places to eat, shop and explore. Here's some bits and tips from my recent visit

A margarita from the Adobe Grill—the best in my opinion.

Lounging by the pool in a J.Crew chambray top.

 Elizabeth & Prince—which just opened a new location in El Paseo!—and a clutch my sister and I were obsessing over in the store. 

Incredibly authentic chocolate, almond and plain croissants from Juliette's Bakery.


Other recent desert discoveries:
Sense
Sissy bingo at the Ace Hotel (every Monday night)
$6 breakfast burritos at La Quinta Resort
Spa Villas at the La Quinta Resort
Thrift store shopping in Palm Springs
Henry's Market

Vacation Mode

J.Crew Chambray Shirt, James Jeans, Ariel Gordon Rose Cut Necklace and Spike Necklace, Raen Breslin Sunglasses, Steve Madden Pembrook Boots, Alexander Wang Bag

Today is our last of four days at the La Quinta Resort & Club and like always it has flown by way too quickly. It was a blissful way to enjoy Christmas with the family and we lucked out with some oddly warm temperatures for this time of year. I literally lived in this new chambray shirt I picked up from J.Crew. It's one of those all-purpose tops that can be worn tons of different ways and pairs with well with everything. I wore it lounging by the pool, stuffed it in my bag as an extra layer when it got chilly and paired with sequins for a dinner out. 

Sugar High

I'm beginning to think that there is some magnetic force between me and sugar. It takes me less then a minute to locate the desserts at a party and seconds to fill up a plate. While I know it's not nutritionally "good" for me I can't help but indulge just a little (orrrr a lot sometimes). Between Holiday parties, gifts and irresistible findings, I've been on a sugar high lately, which has inspired me to get busy in the kitchen. Here's a look at some sweet treats I plan on cooking up this weekend. 

 Homemade Peppermint Patties

 Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Chocolate Madeleines 

 Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Truffle Tart

images via: What Katie Ate, Pinterest

Palm Springs Holiday

 La Quinta Resort and Spa

This Christmas the beau and I are headed to La Quinta Resort and Spa with my family. I took this picture a couple years ago during the Holiday and it reminded me of all the things I love about spending Christmas there—a giant tree in the center of the resort, nighttime walks, mountains that look as though they're pasted against the sky, playing scrabble by the fire pit, strung lights and Palm trees. While the temperature my not be in the triple digits, it's still one of my favorite places on earth. Where will you be spending your Holiday? 

Wrapped in Red

Zara Dress, H&M Scarf, Adesso Zodiac Bracelet, Ariel Gordon Stacked Rings and Love Knot Ring, Vintage Bracelets from Ava + Aliria, Raen Sunglasses, Steve Madden Boots

Nothing puts me in the Holiday mood quite like a bold and happy red. I've had this chunky cable knit scarf for years now and I love pulling it out for chillier days that need a little brightness. It's one of those pieces that I forget about, re-discover and then hardly take off during the winter days. I've been wearing it with just about everything lately, including my pjs at night before the heater kicks in. See other red pieces I'm currently craving below!

Red Cravings...

Alice + Olivia Draped One Shoulder Dress

J Brand Skinny Jeans

Madewell Sweater Knit Hoodie

J.Crew Face Stockholm Nail Polish

J.Crew Edie Purse in Flame

Gift Guide

Stocking stuffers are my favorite things to shop for every year. Waking up to a magically stuffed stocking as a kid was always the best part of Christmas—I think I may have been a believer a tad longer thanks to my expert Mom who went to detailed lengths. In the past I've filled the beau's stocking with goodies and I plan to do it again this year. Here's a look at a few things I wouldn't mind finding in mine...

Clockwise from top left:

Diane von Furstenberg Heart Headphones $25

Duffy Wool and Cashmere Blend Snood $175

Ariel Gordon Initial Pendant Necklace $115 - $395

Bodas Cotton-Sateen Pajama Shirt $80

Bodas Cotton-Sateen Pajama Shorts $57

Shourouk Leitmotiv Yildiz Crystal Necklace $215

Maison Martin Margiela by L'Atelier Goose Feather Pen $60

Sloane Stationery The London Maker Notebook $60

Target Clear Bubble Umbrella $19

Diptyque Neroli Roll-On Perfume $48

Reed Krakoff Metallic Leather Card Holder $130

Illesteva Le Steel Round-Frame Sunglasses $260

Bits and Tips

Mistletoe, my favorite Holiday tradition. 

Now that our Christmas tree is up, ornaments hung and twinkle lights galore inside and outside, it officially feels like the Holidays. In fact, it's been so cozy with the tree lit up at night that we end up staying in and picking out a Christmas movie (see my top ten list here). Adding to the overall festive feel around the house is my favorite Mulling Spices from William Sonoma. I've been boiling the spices with hot unfiltered apple juice from Trader Joes and it not only tastes amazing but makes the kitchen smell like Christmas. 

Persimmons add a seasonal look to the kitchen and are amazing in salads.

 Falke sock/slippers, aka the best idea ever. 

Nest Holiday candles, I buy a box every year. 

 William Sonoma's Mulling Spices

 While picking up our Christmas tree with friends we wondered into a cornfield maze, which made us all slightly crazy since it took 20 min to get out! But at least it prompted some serious giggles.

Holiday Trunk Show

Charm Necklaces by Ariel Gordon

Over the weekend I hosted a Holiday trunk show with Ariel Gordon Jewelry and Emily Rosendahl Leather Goods. It was a fun filled afternoon of shopping for gifts, catching up with friends, eating too many sweets and sipping some bubbly. I'm officially obsessed with both collections and the incredibly cool and talented girls behind each line. If you haven't already, I highly suggest checking out their lust worthy creations over on their websites!

Ariel Gordon's playful Gum Ball Necklaces.

Emily's leather Envelope Clutches

 The Virginian Clutch with Fringe

 Ariel's Initial Pendant necklaces

Emily Rosendahl, moi and Ariel Gordon. 

Proper Rocker

Ever Fringe Jacket, Theyskens' Theory Silk Blouse, Goldsign Jeans, Raen Breslin Sunglasses, Alexander Wang Wristlet, Nars Schiap Lipstick

Maybe it's my Gemini instinct, but I'm constantly drawn to pairing unexpected opposites that strangely seem to work together. One thing I never tire of is a statement leather jacket paired with flowey, ethereal pieces. A way of dressing that is feminine and classic yet with a bit of coolness thrown into the mix. It's a look I wear year round in many different variations—dressed up and casual. 

Bits and Tips

Every winter my already-sensitive-skin gets irritably dry. This year it seems to be worse than ever. It doesn't matter how much lotion I pile on, I still wake up with parched, tight skin. So I did some research and found some useful suggestions and miracle products that have quickly turned my dull, dry limbs around. 

Tip #1 Hydrate with rose oil, it gives concentrated moisture and helps with redness. I swear by Dr. Sebagh Rose Face Serum and Ren Moroccan Rose Bath Oil for soaks. 

Tip #2 Drink extra water and cut down on caffeine, sweets and sugar. 

 Tip #3 Moisturize with coconut oil after a shower or use it on the ends of your hair. 

 Tip #4 I love having this Caudalie grape water mist in my bag to refresh my face throughout the day. It's also amazing for traveling. 

Holiday Dressing

The next couple of weeks are chocked full of Holiday parties and I can hardly wait to have an excuse to get a little dolled up. I always get the urge to go over the top in sequins, furs, bold reds, jewelry and a va-va-voom hairstyles—yes please! Here's a look at a few images that are currently inspiring my Holiday get-ups this year. 

Poppy reds and pulled back waves.

High buns and stark white.

 Easy black shift dresses and metallic shoes. I love this one by Nili Lotan.

 Bright colored nails and silver.

 Smokey eyes and feminine, nude dresses.

A few finds I'm currently craving for the marathon of parties ahead...

L'Agence Foil Pleated Dress

Elizabeth and James Suede and Sequin Fara Heels

Pencey High Lo White Lace Dress

Alice + Olivia Chevron Sequin Dress

Ami Dans La Rue Ivory Sweater Dress

Jenni Kayne Wide Leg Trousers

Lauren Merkin Metallic Oval Clutch