Playlist

With the buzz of Coachella in the air I decided to update my playlist on my iPhone, which was getting slightly dated/repetitive. And with a grueling move on the horizon this weekend, I'll definitely need some good tunes to keep me going. Tell me what your favorite album, artist or song is these days! 

1. La Sera "Never Come Around"

2. Atlas Sound "Walkabout (with Noah Lennox)
3. Alabama Shakes "Hold On"
4. The Black Keys "Lonely Boy"
4. Jack White "Love Interruption"
5. Miike Snow "The Wave"
6. Polica "Lay Your Cards Out"
7. Fun "We Are Young (featuring Janelle Monae)
8. Soulsaver "Revival"
9. Quilt "Cowboys in the Void"
10. Cults "Go Outside"
11. Neon Indian "Hex Girlfriend"
12. Gardens & Villa "Neon Dove"
13. Carla Bruni "Quelqu'un m'a dit"
14. La Sera "Devils Hearts Grow Gold"
15. Miike Snow "Pretender"
16. The Big Pink "Stay Gold"
17. Cut Copy "Need You Now"
18. Toro y Moi "Sweet"
19. Radiohead "Reckoner"
20. The Black Keys "Gold On the Ceiling"

Rue Magazine + Gap

Living in a beachside town where mornings and nights tend to get chilly, I rely on cozy oversized sweaters to have on hand. I'll throw them on over just about everything and accessorize with a stack of chunky gold bracelets or a statement necklace. When I was recently asked to be part of the Rue Magazine Gap campaign for Styld.by I fell in love with this slouchy sweater that I got to wear. It's utterly perfect for Spring and Summer days along with a striped pair of espadrilles (also by Gap). Check out Styld.by for more Spring fashion inspiration! 

images by Angela and Ithyle

Change of Address

At the top of my list: an upholstered headboard.

This week marks a hectic yet exciting one as I move into a new home. For the past month I've been tearing out favorite images from design magazines, making wish lists and plans for how I'll be settling into each room. It will be a slow process of filling in the gaps and buying new pieces but I can hardly wait to get started. And while I'm excited about what my new home includes—french doors, lot's of light, a rose lined picket fence and more privacy—I'll forever remember the sweetness of my old home (seen here, here and here), which I shared with two of my closest girlfriends. Here's a look at some things on my home wish list.

 Masculine meets feminine bedding.

 Linen couches and a floor to ceiling wall of frames.

 Something I can't wait to do, display roses from my garden.

A comfortable and creative working space.


images: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 

Denim and Dots

Tibi Top c/o Bib + Tuck, Mother Denim Jeans, Jennifer Fisher Spike Bracelet and Bone Cuff Ring, Vintage Bracelet and Necklace from Ava + Aliria, Emily Rosendahl Sam Clutch.

With March nearly over I've been finding myself day dreaming about sunny and warm Spring days. It hasn't quite arrived yet (especially after a grey and rainy weekend) but when this sweet Tibi top arrived from the Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion Project it instantly brought a little sunshine to my week. I can't decide if it's the navy and white combo, the empire waist ruffle or the high neckline that I love most, but I can't get enough of it. 

Lately I've been mixing favorite lip colors and so far this is my favorite pink combo... Revlon Stormy Pink and Nars Schiap.

Sunshine Cravings

With Springtime officially here I've been day dreaming about trips to the desert, fresh squeezed lemonade, getting a slight tan, riding bikes, picnics and late afternoon walks. A change of season is the best if you ask me. It's a fresh start and a reason to change up your look and pace. I know I'm ready for some lazier days spent soaking up some sunshine. I hope you all have a happy and sun-filled Spring weekend!

Clockwise from top right:

Raquel Allegra Silk Dress

Jennifer Fisher Mini Stud Cuff

Steve Madden Winnaa Wedges

Samudra Flamingo Feather Pouch
Trish McEvoy Sexy #9 Rollerball
Gucci Triangle Bikini
Victoria Beckham Denim Shorts
Textile Elizabeth and James Zuma Tie Dye Tank
Dasha for Illesteva Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Current/Elliot Floral Print Crop Skinny Jeans

Kale + Avocado Salad

They say that leafy greens are the best for you. Leafy greens? I couldn't name one other than spinach so I looked it up. Turns out there's a whole list of them and they're all über good for you. At the top of the list was Kale—also referred to as a nutrition powerhouse with vitamins A, C, K and folate and potassium—which is surprisingly really good. I turned my bunch into a hearty, yet delicious salad using a recipe I imitated from a favorite spa, Alchemy Arts Center. See the recipe below.

Kale + Avocado Salad

1 avocado

1 head of kale

1-2 lemons

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/2 cup pine nuts

After washing the kale, cut off the ends and chop it into 1/2 inch pieces. Combine small slices of avocado with the kale in a bowl and mix/massage the greens. Make sure that all of the avocado is dispersed. Sprinkle with lemon juice (1-2 lemons to the desired taste) add the feta cheese and pine nuts and toss (leaving some to garnish the top at the end). 

DIY: Glittery Soles

While at the Lanvin showroom in Paris I spotted the prettiest pair of glittery soled stilettos (seen here) and have been thinking about them ever since. I love a touch of understated glamour and these were too perfect for a casual look in need of some subtle bling. So I got to work on a rainy day and wore them the next day—see what I paired them with! Below is a simple tutorial with a few tips I picked up during my glittery project. 

 Step 1: Tape the bottoms where the outsole arch ends. I made a V-shape on mine.

 Step 2: Get the essentials—Paint brushes, decoupage and sealing glue, glitter and tape.

 Step 3: Paint on the glue with a paintbrush, cover with glitter and shake off over a nearby sink. Be extra careful along the edges so it doesn't look sloppy later.

 Step 4: Once dry paint on another layer of the glue/seal.

 Tip: I did the inside of the heel as well and loved how it turned out.

Step 5: Once they're dry tap them a little to make sure the glitter is on there good... or you can leave a sparkly trail for a little while.

 Tip: To clean up the edges and bottom I took a damp cloth and lightly picked up stray glitters and used scotch tape to pick up any glue debris.

Bits and Tips

A blue bouquet of hydrangeas.

Given the fact I'll take any reason to pop some bubbly, overdose on frosting and buy a bouquet of the prettiest flowers, it's no surprise that I love celebrating birthdays. This past week I must have wished at least a handful of friends (even some teeny tiny one-year-olds) a happy birthday and been to a few parties. I'm officially sugared out but filled with inspiration to entertain again soon. 

Letterpress coasters at my nephew's first birthday party.

The recent rainy/gloomy days have called for some indoor brightness.

Post parties=sugar low and playing on the beau's new iPad.

Speaking of reasons to celebrate... it's macaron day today! I'm celebrating with a little bubbly from Macaron Vineyard Prosecco—how cute is the label?!

A ruffled coconut and buttercream cake a friend made. She put in hours of prep time but let's just say it was the talk of the party!

Spring Chill

Helmut Lang Skinny Jeans (in white here), Elizabeth and James Sweater (see a similar DKNY one here) Doma Leather Jacket (similar), Equipment Sleeveless Blouse, Jennifer Fisher Wing Cuff and Bone Ring, Vintage Chain and Snake Bracelets.

Tomorrow is the first (official) day of Spring, but I'm still bundling up in my favorite layers. This past weekend was so frigid it actually snowed in the mountains—a rare occurrence for Santa Barbara—and the only time I felt warm was at home by the fire. When it comes to layering I rely on three wardrobe essentials for a look that is cozy yet stylish: a collared blouse, a warm cashmere or wool sweater and a leather jacket, usually paired with skinny jeans and short boots. I paired these glittery soled mary jane heels for a daytime party, stay tuned for the DIY tutorial this week!

Pinky Palette

A look from Acne Fall 2012

Traveling is my greatest source of inspiration. I always return from a trip with tons of images, inspiration, obsessions and a million new ideas. After my recent trip to Paris I came back in a silly state of fashion fever. I was enamored with just about everything that I saw (and ate) and have been reminiscing on the entire experience since returning. I was reminded of how much I love a pretty shade of pink after spotting this soft pale and monotone look at Acne. Some pink cravings I recently discovered...

 Navy + Pink

 Agave plants + pink front door

 I mean... what girl wouldn't mind sitting in this pretty chair? 

A pink cloud of a gown... what a dream.

images via Knight Cat, Christina Rottman Design, Little Plastic Horses.

Bag Crush

Nili Lotan Sweater, A Peace Treaty Scarf (similar), Celine Phantom Bag (borrowed from dressed) Helmut Lang Jeans, Steve Madden Boots, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Bracelets. 

If there's one thing I can justify spending a pretty penny on, it's a handbag. They get better with age, are used every day and set the vibe for a person's overall style. What's hanging on someone's arm or over their shoulder is usually one of the first things I'll notice. Whether it's an interesting fabric, classic worn leather or a recognizable "it" bag, I'm notoriously inquiring where they found it. One of my latest obsessions has been this Celine Phantom Luggage bag. It's as luxurious as a handbag can get with smooth leather, plenty of room and a modern yet sophisticated structure. Oh... and it's French. 

More handbag cravings...

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Satchel

Asos Cube Shopper

Gap Tie Dye Crossbody Bag

Reed Krakoff Gym Bag Stripe Satchel

Banana Republic Leather Work Bag

Pierre Hardy Neoprene Clutch

Asos Striped Canvas Shopper

Parisian Time: Part III

Paris in the rain.

Towards the end of my Paris trip I started to feel less like a clueless American and more like a Parisian. I had picked up a few key French words, understood the taxi routine (no hailing, you have to wait patiently in line) had the subways down, knew my way around certain neighborhoods and freely said merci! and au revoir! without hesitation. Our final appointments with Givenchy and Chloe were beyond beautiful and an experience in itself. Here's a glimpse at the tail end of an unforgettable trip.

Carmel like browns and high necklines at Givenchy.

Rich reds, knee-high boots and slinky/feminine dresses and tops at Givenchy.

A sleek parted pony tail I can't wait to recreate.

A view of the Eiffel tower from the Givenchy show room.

A fur vest and shark's tooth necklace on Mallory from dressed.

Full bouquets of poppies were scattered about the Chloe show room.

Low and piecey pony tail/buns on Angelic-like models at Chloe.

Lace tops and braides at Chloe.

A pink floor at the Acne store in the Marais.

Pink flowers on our balcony.

A colorful ribbon shop we stumbled upon while shopping in the Marais.