two ladies who admire pretty things...and talk about it.
It's FINALLY time for bing cherries again! This is my absolute favorite fruit...not only do they taste amazing, but I LOVE the color. I think red lipstick and matching accessories are called for this week due to my new-found inspiration.
bing cherries, yum.
Shopping for things that are necessary isn't usually exhilarating...which is the adjective I always want to describe the act of making purchases. This may be why I've been putting off replacing my worn-out, so-sad iphone 3 for quite a while...until now. Samsung, oh, Samsung...this beautiful Galaxy S4 is a true gem...I am elated and thrilled to have crossed this off my wish-list.
Galaxy S4, LOVE.
Hopefully, you are out to brunch with that lovely, inspiring lady who brought you into the world. I wish I was with my super-mom, but I know she's enjoying a cold glass of champagne and planning her next visit to sunny California. So in tribute of my beautiful mom, I had to revisit how to sport a perfect white shirt, dark denim, and a genuine smile in style. She knows.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
I never really understood the power and versatility of a good white shirt...until now. Amanda Brooks mentions this closet staple several times in... I LoveYour Style, "How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style"...AND she's wearing one in her photo on the back cover. Of. Course.
JCrew "Boy" shirt, Kate Spade necklace
Cocktail rings are an essential go-to accessory. I LOVE these wooden numbers made by local designer, J.Fein. The embellishments are antique buttons, and I had the TOUGHEST time deciding which one to get...so I got two.
only $25 for both!
Accent colors are always cheerful and eternally stylish. This is why I LOVE them on my nails! Orangish-red is one of my favorites and has been complementing my current wardrobe quite nicely.
and i always use a light-pink, shimmery coat on the nail bed...it lasts WAY longer that way.
nothing better. jose cuervo, oranges, salt...yum.
Cinco de Mayo is absolutely my favorite holiday. This may be attributed to the fact that my very regular routine of eating Mexican food and drinking margaritas is hailed as celebratory and completely acceptable mid(all)-day...or the fact that it's pretty close to the amazing day my husband proposed, which took place moments before leaving the house to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Los Compadres in Memphis. Either way, it's a celebration and I LOVE it. Here's a link to an amazing margarita recipe, courtesy of Alton Brown, 2009 via Food Network website...http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/margarita-recipe/index.html
this time of year...a good juicer is a MUST.
One day I will have a round, fabulous dining room table that needs chiavari chairs. When that day comes, I will definitely be calling these local manufacturers to make some lovely, stackable, sturdy, comfortable, clear chiavari chairs for me.
maybe i just need these now.
JCrew bracelet
A canvass shoe and tortoise accessory are all I need this summer to feel completely put together. The ease, comfort and amazing color choices of JCrew's "Marina" espadrilles truly excites me, as well as ALL of their floral, tortoise accessories. I'm also ALWAYS keeping an eye out for fun, vintage finds like the tortoise, buckle bracelet found at the Treasure Island Flea Market...LOVE!
Image via JCrew "May 2013" Style Guide
Great find at Treasure Island Flea Market!
striped earrings and really, big flower necklace...LOVE
Buying local and supporting small business is always a good idea. That's why I was so excited to attend the annual San Jose HERcity Spring Fling event which accommodates all of the above objectives and also aims to bring local female professionals together. Of COURSE I found some super-cute necessities like this crazy, pink flower bomb necklace (found at Brixton Hue...$20) and awesome, handmade striped earrings (Classic Loot vintage jewelry $10). And paired with an awesomely- matchy navy, striped JCrew shirt...I mean, seriously.
Paired with this navy/white stripe JCrew Boy shirt...I think it's a winner. I scored with these finds today!
Benefit Cosmetics has become my new best friend. My brows are always meticulously shaped when I leave, AND I walk away with stuff like this Posie cheek stain. I have to admit I was skeptical at first...powder has always seemed like a more logical consistency for applying bright color...but I have been converted. Thank you!
Alice and Olivia makeup bag, Benefit Posie Tint
I've been thinking lately that GAP is really stepping it up. When I mention this to people, an inquisitive expression generally precedes the statement..."really? I haven't been there in a while...it's cute?" With the exception- of course- of fellow die-hard "if it's cute I don't care where it comes from" shopping enthusiasts. So I found these awesome rose-gold flip flops for $24, AND an additional 30% off. I also, ironically stumbled across an article about the new creative director for GAP (Link is shared below), and I am now very, very, anxiously awaiting the Fall collection!
I LOVE anything rose gold.
Spring is here, finally. And what's in fashion is a new beginning, right? Take a few hours, this took me 6, and make one wall special. Choose a few colors, tape off a wall, and get started. It's kind of crazy how much painting can change a room...without even using a solid color! Also, frog tape is the only way to go...and Martha Stewart Living's "Painted Floors" circa 1996 is a great source of inspiration!
frog tape, loud music and a few hours at home = happy home
This weekend I learned the true meaning of the phrase, "The journey is the destination". A drive down the road that leads from San Jose to Big Sur, CA is an experience that makes you smile and never want to go home...or stop driving! We had no cell reception, no TV, no computers, and no worries. Here are a few suggestions for an exceptional visit to the most beautiful place in the country:
1. Stop at several spots along the way and photo document, but DON'T wear a scarf, hat, or anything else that might fly away and into the ocean.
2. Eat lunch at Rocky Point...whoa. This place is amazing.
3. Stay at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn...they didn't have a room for us, so we stayed at the Big Sur Lodge down the road (which was nice), but it looked amazingly adorable...very unfortunate they were all booked up!
4. Eat brunch at Nepenthe...gorgeous views, great food (especially the burger).
5. Go to the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and watch the sunset over the insanely gorgeous rocks and sandy beach.
yes, the drive IS the destination.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. AMAZING!
My list right now includes three things: 1. Botox (I'm taking preventative measures only, of course) 2. Samsung Galaxy (I'm officially over iPhones) 3. Kate Spade Bow Terrace "Janice" bag (It's the perfect, grey-ish-black, Spring/Summer tote).
So, starting with number one, which I'm saving for now...this is my cost-effective, in-the-meantime product of choice. My sister introduced me to it last week and I'm IN LOVE!
It's Spring, and what's in fashion is feeling and looking better. My strategy this week is going to be a healthy dose of eating better, sleeping more, and anything else that encourages self improvement. The best way to start the day is with a good meal...this is the BEST yogurt I've had in a while...YUM!
best. yogurt. ever.
and only $1...yogurt + almonds!
I went to Madewell for the first time a few days ago, and I must say I was highly impressed and extremely overwhelmed. Jeans, bags, clogs, sunglasses and blazers were all in my shopping bag, and I may have to own this early birthday gift I purchased for my sister. It's SO cute!
I never thought much about blue mascara until now. My impulsive buy at Walgreens turned out to be a winner, who knew?!
"Great Lash" mascara by Maybelline in Royal Blue. Just a hint of subtle color...love!
Thank you, JCrew for making a perfect, pink heel. This is what I was missing for Spring... I was lost, and now I'm found and SO happy.
I had the pleasure of entertaining two lovely guests last week...my parents! They traveled across the country to visit and become more familiar with our new, California lifestyle. There's SO much to see, but with our Italian roots, a local winery seemed like an obvious place to start. Regale Winery on Summit Road in Los Gatos provided a magical experience that we MUST share with more friends soon!
seriously. beautiful.
