Category Archives: STYLE

chunky monkey

August 22, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Free People Front & Center Pullover

It may be nearing 100 degrees today but that’s not stopping me from shopping for a fall wardrobe.  Right now I’m browsing for a sweater that I can live in during the colder months (and by cold, I mean “mild”).  You know the kind: comfy, cozy, and full of love.  My requirements for such a sweater are as follows:

  1. Large and IN CHARGE.  I’m talking oversized and ill-fitted – as if it came straight out of an episode of Blossom circa 1990.
  2. Camel-colored.  Tan is the new black……obvs.
  3. The chunkier, the better.  It is called a “chunky sweater,” am I right?  Or did I make that name up…
  4. Slouchy and soft.  Double as a blanket, perhaps?
  5. Versatile.  It must look equally good in public as it does sprawled on a couch next to hot cocoa and an empty dvd box.
  6. Breathable.  I can’t stand a sweater that suffocates me.  I need some filtration!

So you can only imagine that when I spotted this Free People Front & Center Pullover, it was simply meant to be.

[Image via Free People]

Goodbye Free Time

August 21, 2010

Filed Under : EAT - INTERIORS - STYLE

Artessen

Lately, all of my free time has been occupied solely by Artessen, a visual melting pot of the most creative and inspiring blog posts in the blogosphere.

The site is expertly curated, with blogs ranging from food, design, fashion, photography, weddings, crafts, etc.  Everything I love!!  Let me tell you, it’s equal parts enchanting and inspiring.  Be careful though, it has a strong tendency to suck away any and all free time you had allotted for yourself.

Made in the USA

August 7, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

J.W. Hulme Co.

American-bred companies specializing in classic, heritage leather goods are making a comeback in a HUGE way, including J.W. Hulme Co. And let’s face it, there’s really nothing better than good old-fashioned American leather (besides Italian leather but let’s put that fact on the back burner right now).

J.W. Hulme Co. has been around for over 100 years now, producing all of their products in St. Paul, Minnesota.  And let me tell you, those Minnesotans know how to fashion leather.  These bags are beautifully structured and perfectly rugged – exactly what I look for in heritage leather goods.

Funny enough, I ran into these bags a lot in Vancouver (which reminds me that I still need to post about my favorite Canadian finds!).  They were displayed in many of the small shops and boutiques throughout the city.  Each time my eyes spotted them, I fell in love a little more.  And now, I need one (or several) of my own!

  1. Legacy Handbag – Heritage Leather, $390
  2. Legacy Handbag – Century Black Leather, $290
  3. Shell Handbag – Green Canvas, $180
  4. Travel Kit – Green Canvas, $120
  5. Gladstone Carry-On – Century Black Leather, Medium, $630
  6. Portfolio – Sahara Sand Leather, $370
  7. Weekend Satchel – Heritage Leather, Medium, $760

[Images via J.W. Hulme Co.]

Creating a Faux Summer

July 7, 2010

Filed Under : BEAUTY - EAT - RECIPES - STYLE

Dear Weather,

First of all, what the hell?  It’s almost mid-July, which means it’s almost August, and it’s STILL cold outside!  Drizzling every morning??  Mid 60s?  For real?  Where are we, the corner of Alaska?  Every other square inch of the USA is experiencing scorching, blistering heat waves…and I’m jealous.

California always has to be fashionably late to the party.  But guess what, CA Weather?  You’re too late to the party now.  It started like 2 months ago, let’s get with it.  The Eastern seaboard and 8/10ths of Canada are warmer and less gloomy than you.

As for now, I’m forced to create my own summer.  A faux summer, I call it.  I will fake it until the sun shines.  Here are my tools of creating a faux summer:

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $23: I’m absolutely addicted to this spray.  Not only does it smell of the salty ocean, it gives your hair that perfect windswept, beachy look.  All you need is a few spritzes on your damp hair and then let it air dry.  See, Kate Hudson knows what I’m talking about.

2. Sephora by OPI Havana Nights, $9 each: With these bright and punchy nail colors, I can look and feel as summery as I please!  Colors left to right: Rumba Romance, Caliente Coral, Teal We Meet Again, Read My Palm, Caribbean Cocktail, Havana Dreams. [Image via Sephora]

3.  Williams-Sonoma Ice Pop Cookbook, $15.95: I’m a huge fan of fruity, icey popsicles but since it’s currently too chilly to make them, I will gaze through this recipe book instead.

4.  Vintage Wicker and Wood Picnic Basket, kowgirlkitch etsy, $30: I have been planning the perfect picnic in my head for weeks now.  Potato salad.  Finger sandwiches.  Latticed pie?  A few bottles of vino (whoops).  But of course, I must hold off on my picnic planning until the temperature rises.  For now, I will oOOoOo and awe over adorable vintage picnic baskets.

5.  Turkey Sliders: Tonight I made turkey sliders indoors.  It was too chilly and overcast to grill outside so I brought the burgers-by-the-pool meal indoors.  These turkey sliders are juicy, delicious, and super easy to make. Recipe: First chop an onion and saute in a pan.  Then mix lean ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a little ketchup.  Roll the turkey into balls and add them to the pan.  Flatten the turkey into the sauteed onions so that they stick to and become part of the patty.  Cook through and top with cheese.  Make sure you buy those mini hamburger buns!!  Add any and all condiments to your turkey sliders.  Voila! A perfect summery meal to get you through these winter-like doldrums.

Staying Classy: 4th of July

July 2, 2010

Filed Under : EAT - STYLE

4th of July outfit

4th of July outfit

I haven’t had a traditional 4th of July celebration in a few years.  Last year, I was in Paris for the 4th and the year before that, I was in Newport Beach with Kyle and we literally wandered around that mad house (trust me, it was beyond craziness) car-less and firework-less.

This year, I’m doing it right.  I’m going to eat a patriotic dessert, wear classic Americana, and watch fireworks from a lawn chair.  Hmm…it might be difficult since I’ll be at a L.A. Galaxy game Sunday night but I’m hoping to make it work.  At least I’ll have the outfit.

  1. J.Crew Lightweight Cotton Caprese Tunic, J. Crew, $35: Sure, I might blatantly be copying Emma Watson‘s outfit but you can’t blame me.  I remember my mom wearing shirts like this in the early 90s.  And that means I need it now.
  2. Karen Walker Number Six, Need Supply Co., $170: I’ve stressed my love for Karen Walker before, but time and again I find myself gravitating toward them.
  3. Crumbs Patriotic Cupcake, Crumbs Bake Shop, $4.50: I’m sorry but you simply can’t have an Independence Day celebration without a patriotic dessert.  You better stock up on your blueberries, strawberries, and white frosting right about now.
  4. J.Crew Pindot Bikini  Top and Bottoms, J.Crew, $29.99 each: It’s classic.  It’s polka-dotted.  It’s navy.  Yes, please.
  5. Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+, Kiehl’s, $32:  This is the creme de la creme of facial sunscreens.  It’s lightweight and soaks directly into your skin.  And sunscreen is always a must.
  6. L.L. Bean Mariner Leather Purse, L.L. Bean, $77.50: You can’t get more Americana than L.L. Bean.  Their Signature collection is to die for, by the way.
  7. Anthropologie Outdoor Cafe Cardigan, Anthropologie, $98: It always gets chilly at night and this Anthro cardi has just the right amount of weight.
  8. J Brand Distressed Denim Shorts, Net-A-Porter, $165: As I’ve said here, I love rolled denim.
  9. J. Crew Angnyss Sandals, J. Crew, $135: These are by far my FAVORITE sandals of the summer so I had to incorporate them into my quintessential summer outfit.  Now, I’m just waiting for them to go on sale.

Happy 4th of July everyone!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of barbeques, firework displays, and fun.

P.S. Happy birthday to my wonderful and beautiful mother!!