For Love of Silk

I didn't have occasion to wear this lovely until a couple of weeks ago when I decided that it would be perfect for an outdoor wedding. I found it in the Spring at a local thrift store and while it wasn't love at first sight when I pulled it from the rack, I was absolutely smitten once in the fitting room. This is easily one of the most feminine pieces I own. It's no secret that I love dresses, but there's something about the nude silk and black lace detail that makes this one extra special.

Dress: Hannah Jo, Clutch: Jacobs by Marc Jacobs, Heels: GUESS

Textured

Back in the suns good graces after a week of cold and rain, reminiscent of what the Midwest must experience in early fall; I couldn't wait to get dressed up again. Suede heels obviously don't work well in rainy weather and I'd sooner don a pair of boyfriend jeans and a chunky cardigan than freeze my legs in this metallic mini, but when the streets dried and things warmed up a bit, these two pieces were top of mind.

Jacket: Gap (Thrifted), Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft (by way of Goodwill), Heels: Boutique 9 'Dolled', Bag: Isabella Fiore 'Reina'

White After Labor Day



I live in Southern California, it's warm out, the sun is shining, the fabric breathes and it just works well against my complexion. Why not, right?

Dress: Calypso St. Barth for Target, Heels: GUESS

Champagne

Silk blouses are not a staple in my closet, but my love for thrifting has conjured up a desire for rich fabrics and vintage pieces, like never before. My mother spotted this blouse at Goodwill- Lucky Me! I think those might actually be the original faux pearl buttons, a detail I find quite charming. Interestingly enough, I found the skirt a week or two prior, on sale for $10 from $138- though I fell in love with the antique-style, tiered lace, long before I even saw the price tag. And the bag? It's one I was sure had slipped out of my grasp years ago at full retail. Fortunately, a good memory (brand/style name) and eBay served to reunite us at 70% off.

Blouse: Ann Taylor (by way of Goodwill), Skirt: Ann Taylor, Bag: Isabella Fiore 'Reina'

Bed 'Side' Fellows

Whether in a hotel, a guest room or my own home, I always have something on the nightstand that brings me comfort. More often than not, a book or candle does the trick but as of late, a couple of fun pieces have found a space near the very place I find rest.

A small but intricate Eiffel tower figurine, a symbol of all things chic and elegant. Also, a reminder to always keep my passport current. A small journal with a cute twist on a common adage. I often jot down memorable quotes from whichever book I'm reading, moments I'm grateful for, ideas for gifts etc. A small hand... simply put, I was amused by it and still am ;)

What's on your nightstand?

Red Jeans

Am I the only one who has become obsessed with red jeans and trousers? I was tearing through Goodwill stores this summer trying to find a pair that wouldn't break the bank, just so that I could try this Fall trend at a discount. To my delight, I found these for $4 and given that my hind quarter has gained some volume over the summer, the fit is comfortable and not confining. I had about 20 ideas for styling these but I figured I'd start with the ubiquitous striped top for this post.

Top: H&M (Thrifted), Jeans: Rue 21 (Goodwill), Heels: Jessica Simpson 'Brinna', Bag: Vintage Coach

Sunday Brunch

I spotted this dress at H&M back in July while I was in New York for the Alexander McQueen Exhibit. It was hanging all alone on a rack in the middle of the store and against my better judgement (it wasn't on sale), I tried it on. It has a sort of ethereal look and feel about it that I absolutely adore and the length is perfect for flats. I can see it paired with a rhinestone headband for a summer night dinner date or with flip-flops and a ponytail for Sunday Brunch with friends. While I'm a bargain shopper by nature, there are certain pieces worth making an exception for. This is one of them.

Dress: H&M Conscious Collection

Business or Pleasure

At times I find it quite refreshing that my tastes don't skew in any specific direction. I can be the woman I couldn't wait to be as a young girl or I can downshift into a more playful version of myself. Options are a beautiful thing.

Sneakers: Converse Jack Purcells, Heels: Boutique 9 'Dolled'

Surefire

It's a hue-specific denim obsession that's been keeping me up at night. I finally found a pair at Goodwill on Monday. I'm thrilled to be able to try this trend for under $5! Hopefully I can come up with a look as effortlessly chic as Rachel's.

Good Morning

If you ask me, the best part of a three-day weekend is a four-day work week. That having been said, I was perfectly fine with rising and shining this morning. Catching up on the things I set aside in favor of lounging and dining this weekend, goes much smoother with a view and some fresh morning air.

These photos were taken at The Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego a couple of weeks ago. I worked a bit, I relaxed, I watched a little television, I took a bubble bath (yes, bubble bath is one of the toiletries provided in the rooms). Frankly, I was genuinely sad to check out of this lovely, spacious, unique space.

Done and Done

If you were anywhere near a rounder in the back, far left corner of the Nordstrom Rack in Denver Colorado yesterday- you may very likely have been witness to a crazy girl jumping wildly in place while simultaneously trying to muffle a roar of cheers and laughter!! A huge part of what makes this score so spectacular is that unlike some of my other epic finds, I've never actually made an effort to track these down at a discount.

I've admired the J Brand Houlihan for months, from afar- in every fashion publication and celebrity lifestyle magazine. Having always been a fan of cargos, the skinny low-rise cut, combined with the detailed placement of the stitching and the extra long ankle zipper, made these the Holy Grail of all cargos for me. An audible gasp, followed by a mass text to those who could empathize with my euphoric moment and I was deliriously racing to the register. Unexpected Retail Mission Accomplished!!

Ladies, a trip to your local NR would be worth the gas if you've had your eye on these. Amazing fit and a great find at 60% off Rack tag- $35 total, out the door (Original Retal $230)

Hit And Run

I'm off the booze
Emergen-C packets are my best friend these days
Gonna see my Gods next weekend
Got some new ink last weekend (Photos to follow, once healed)
Got enough Marriott Reward Points for a week somewhere
Got enough Rapid Reward Points to get me there

I can't stop listening to these tunes:

Cold War Kids: Sermons
Blonde Redhead: Love or Prison
Adele: Rolling in the Deep
Silversun Pickups: Three Seed
The Smiths: Bigmouth Strikes Again
Feist: The Intuition
Bloc Party: Talons
Metric: Empty
Florence and the Machine: Howl
Interpol: Rest My Chemistry
Santogold: Creator

On my way to Boulder, CO for some kayaking this weekend. Best!!

To The Rescue

Over the past three weeks, I've been commuting back and from from Southern California to Northern California for work and my complexion is starting to show signs of airline fatigue. It feels as though the altitude is literally sucking the water out of my skin.

I'm not one to be drawn in by advertisements, but after coming across an acknowledgement from Allure for Garnier Nutritioniste's Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream, I literally schlepped myself down five city blocks to the nearest drugstore to grab a jar.

Turns out all of those glowing 5-Star reviews were spot on. This is the lightest and most refreshing moisturizer I've ever used. I could see and feel a difference after only three days. In the past I've been bad about moisturizing in the evenings, but this has been a welcome addition to both my nightly and pre-board routines.

Also pictured, other goods I deem necessary for survival on the road:

Colgate: Wisps, Batiste: Blush Dry Shampoo, Borba: Skin Balance Aqua-Less Crystalline, Wei East: Chinese Herbal Eyes Alive

So Be It

Whatever they say I am.

My Father's Daughter

Got to pick my dad up from the airport on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon; shared some laughs, a couple slices of pizza, and kicked it around about life, plans and dreams. Woke up refreshed this morning and had breakfast together before he had to go. Happy Birthday, Daddy! Lucky to know you, luckier to have you!!

Addicted

All too often I've bought multiples of something I was absolutely wild about at that moment, and later regretted it. These were the exception. They're easily some of the most comfortable heels I own and I'm like a kid in a candy store when I find another fun color in my size. If Santa's listening, I'd settle on the green suede and blush patent to complete my collection :)

Steve Madden 'Caryssa'

Little Monsters

Liliana and Mario, on their way to see Lady Gaga! So Jealous!!

'Twas A Good Time

A pretty good win ($324) about an hour or two after check-in. Loved the show, L ♥ VE The Game!!

Bright Lights, Sin City

There are few places/occasions where one can get away with donning this much sparkle-- A Birthday Bash and March Madness Viewing Parties in Vegas this weekend, sound about right ;)

Gunmetal Paillette Dress: XXI, Blue Romper: Hawks, Sequin Belt: Deena & Ozzy, Studded Tuxedo Blazer: Rampage, Bronze Faux Leather Skirt, Forever 21, Sheer Top: Sparkle & Fade

Somber

The month of March leaves a lot to be desired; Catastrophic natural disaster in Japan, death in the family, and an unfortunate exchange with a very dear friend. On the road again this week. . . I have my hopes up for a smile, if nothing else.

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

After putting it off and putting it off, I finally went through my bag last night. The weekly clean-out was delayed due to travel, which resulted in at least five extra pounds of junk. The receipts, wrapers, airline peanuts, boarding passes and loose change were all expected- but finding six hotel key cards from a span of 14 days, surprised me.

Life has definitely kept me on my toes since the first of the year, but every second has been packed with laughter, memories and new friends.

On Wednesday, I'll be visiting my God Daughter's First Grade Class to read 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' in honor of Dr. Seuss's Birthday. I found it rather apropos that this was the book selected for me.

Photos: Decatur Street in New Orleans (Taken from River's Edge Restaurant), San Diego Harbor (View from Room 2519 of the Manchester Hyatt in San Diego), Lake Arrowhead (In the span of a few hours, we went from the Sunny San Diego Harbor to a mountain motel called 'Sleepy Hollow'- which we found in a pinch when the ice kept us from going any further on the roads that night. Thankfully, the proprietor sold us her last Duraflame log for the fireplace in our room :)

V-Day, Literally

"Love consists of overestimating the differences between one woman and another."

-George Bernard Shaw

Day Glow

As I mentioned in a previous post, my former aversion to yellow was somehow extracted from my senses and I can't get enough of it now. I picked this bright little thing out of the masses huddled on the racks while out thrifting and a white leather jacket that I already had, turned out to be a perfect match to the tank portion of the top- the bottom is actually silk and it has pockets. Dress: Lauren Moffatt, Leather Jacket: Black Rivet, Nude Heels: GUESS

Gong Xi Fa Cái

Happy Chinese New Year! It's the year of the Metal Rabbit and good on me for finding this sweet little bunny-print hoodie just in time! From what I understand, you are not to use a knife or scissors on this day as it may cut off good fortune.... that having been said, I was sure to butter my toast with a spoon this morning.

I've got a couple of outfit posts for you tomorrow, but for now there's a log in the fireplace, a cup of tea at my side and The Arcade Fire is playing in the background. Bliss!

Vegas!

Friday morning I received a call from my sister asking me to meet her in Vegas, two hours later I was on a plane. It was the perfect storm of good will, good timing, and good company. Sometimes you just have to shake it off; throw a pair of underwear, some alka seltzer, and a box of Godiva chocolates into your bag and GO!

The spontaneous girls weekend in Vegas was truly a delightful experience in every way. The weather was perfect, the service spectacular, the food delicious.... and no, we did not lose any money :)

Additional photos below...

Floor-To-Ceiling

Spectacular views, all from different rooms in the suite.

Aria

The Corner Suite at The Aria was simply fabulous. Sadly, the photos I took come nowhere near capturing the quality and elegance of the details, but that just means I'll have to return again, soon!

Vodka Tears

Living in Los Angeles, I never met a food truck I didn't like..... but a Fashion Truck Oh My!! I almost wept when I discovered that it actually made its way right to the corner of my former workplace on Sawtelle and Olympic. How the French did I miss this?? It's as if it was coming for me and for the record, I would happily forgo red velvet chocolate chip pancakes just for a chance to sneak a peak at what's behind those doors. Such a brilliant concept! I hope to catch up to it soon!