Vegas Fever

This is my homage to the Vegas of yesteryears. Yes, the Saturday Night Fever era. I wanted to update that retro disco suit into a modern version and yet keep the basics that made it such a classic look. So everything is basically more fitted and subdued than the original. Except for the cuffs on the tuxedo shirt, there are no big, wide lapels and flared trousers, nor jacket. Add some nude platforms and a skinny, neutral belt and I'm no longer a character...now if I can only stop the dance moves...

Banana Republic Tuxedo Shirt, Nordstrom Jacket, Club Monaco Pants, Next Peeptoe Platforms, GAP belt, Oliver Peoples Sunnies

Jeaneology

Nothing too fancy here. Actually very basic. Just a classic denim shirt and a pair of jeans, can it be any simpler than that? I opted for a light/dark combo then threw in a belt and heels to city-fy the look. Endless possibilities with this and something anyone can pull off...What's your version?

Banana Republic Shirt, GAP Jeans, Linea Paolo Shoes, Rayban Sunnies, Belt-I don't remember :)

Downtown Girls

This is downtown LA on a Saturday afternoon. Practically like a ghost town, perfect for taking pictures. I've never been to the Walt Disney Hall this close before and it's just as amazing as viewing it from afar. Although I am a lover of old things, I can appreciate beauty in any period. I am loving her sleek, modern curves, her shiny, glistening facade against that clear blue sky. Sort of like a confident, smart woman who is basking in her glory...and I am basking in hers.

Dress from SM, Linea Paolo shoes, Cole Haan bag, Oliver Peoples sunnies, Vintage necklace (gifted by a friend), Zodiac watch

S'Wonderful

The Biltmore Grand Lobby


We celebrated our anniversary with a weekend in downtown LA. So we decided to stay at The Biltmore because of it's historic and old hollywood feel. Walking around admiring the building, I couldn't help thinking about all the memories that were made here. Yes, the ornate ceiling was truly beautiful but it was the little things that caught my eye and made me wonder. Like the knobs on our closet, how many people have turned it? How did their clothes look? Were they hanging on satin hangers? That upholstered brocade chair with an indentation? To me, it was fascinating sitting in it knowing I was sharing a moment with countless others. Running my fingers through the dark wood walls, I thought, how many conversations have they heard? Were they privy to JFK's secret strategies and Oscar gossip? Have they witnessed clandestine encounters and love affairs that last a lifetime?...Oh, if only the walls could talk...

The Rendezvous Court of The Biltmore Hotel...perfect name, I think.

I love the art deco indoor pool!

A vintage find

I'm so happy, I'm kickin' up my heels!

The dress originally came with a velvet sash but decided to change it up a bit to avoid looking too costumey. Tried a few options but the vintage leather belt just felt right.

Banana Republic dress, Vintage belt, Bebe shoes, Cosmetics bag used as clutch from Nordstrom

A Short Story

Fell in love with this necklace at Forever 21 and decided to build an outfit around it. Focused on basic colors, a simple white top and a pair of steely-gray shorts kept the focus on the cool pendant. But I couldn't resist adding on vibrant satin sandals that reminded me of origami. Where to look?...Precious pendant or pretty purple?

Top - H&M

Shorts - Forever 21

Shoes - Manila

Sunnies - Fendi

Classic Sunday

It was a family museum day so off to Exposition Park we went! I was in a breezy, relaxed mood and I this is what I pulled out of the closet that day. It felt right to have an impromptu photo shoot and I love how the pictures reflect the light, playful time we were all having. They actually make me think of the word frolic...come to think of it, that's exactly what we did!

Banana Republic button down

Vintage skirt

Nicole wedges

Cole Haan bag

Ray Ban sunnies

On a Mission

My own take on the military inspired look...start with a pair of cargos, a basic white tee, throw on a vest in a nautical blue...and voila! Opted for a pair of heeled sandals so as not to go overboard (excuse the pun) with the whole theme thing. Simple! I bet you can find something in your closet to do your own version with. Go ahead and attack!

Cargos and Tee - Target

Sweater Vest - Forever 21

Sandals - Circa Joan and David

Sunnies - Fendi

Play Wear

It was a beautiful day and decided to head to the neighborhood park with the kids for some rollerblading, reading and a picnic. Wearing some basics but in a candy colored mood...can you tell?

Tank and Button down - Old Navy

Piped corduroys - Gap

Belt - thrifted

Sneaks - Converse

Sunnies - Raybans

One Times Four

Summer Lovin'
Target straw hat, Marc Jacobs wedges, thrifted necklace, Basmati rice sack (with a scarf) used as tote

*Cotton On dress on all pics

Everyday Eclectic
Cotton On cardi, Linea Paolo shoes, vintage locket, Oliver Peoples sunnies

Cold Front

Kira Plastinina turtleneck, Lucky belt, Blowfish foldover boots, H&M knit cap, Fendi sunnies

With a Little Edge

Zara vest, Parisian by SM sandals, Gap clutch, Modish chain necklace, Oliver Peoples sunnies

Decided to use one dress to wear four different ways, through different seasons, througout the year...talk about stretching the budget! Which one is your favorite?

Red, White and Blue

My version of the tried-and-true red, white and blue combo. I love the details on this top, the tie-neck, the billowy sleeves...paired with flirty denim shorts and red wedge sandals, it feels classic and a little retro all at once.

Top - Club Monaco

Shorts - Cotton On

Sandals - Seychelles

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

On the Boardwalk

Here I am at Santa Monica Pacific Park...and because I'm always cold, had to have the jacket, a scarf and my son's hat. It's always best to dress in layers anyway. The kids had a blast and I skipped the ferris wheel...I would've been shivering AND panicking from the sheer drop down. Imagine getting stuck at the very top...nightmare! All in all, had a grand time strolling around and enjoying living California.

Black Top - Mossimo (Target)

Jacket - H&M

Jeans - Old Navy

Shoes - Toms

Belt - Thrifted

Sunglasses - Rayban

Scarf & Hat - picked up from a souvenir shop in Paris

Photos by Inaki

Hammer Time!

My daughter's first reaction..."What are you wearing?!"as she put her hands on my hips to smooth out the pockets. "But it's fun!" I said as I twirled around...a second later, she was giggling too! Then I looked her in the eye and said, "U can't touch this!" she blinked once and laughed some more!..Yup, she gets it.

Harem Pants - Cotton On

Tank Top - Old Navy

Shoes - Nordstrom (Linea Paolo)

Sunglasses - Fendi

Photos by Inaki

Running Around In Sweats

Who doesn't love wearing loose, comfy sweats all day? Take a plain tank and sweats, then add a vest, a necklace and bright sandals...it just takes it up a notch! Still comfy and relaxed but a little more dressed up. This is what I wore running errands all day. Lose the other stuff and you're ready for a workout...or being a couch potato---just like I did (but not the workout part).

Sweats and Vest- Cotton On

Tank - Mens Hanes

Wood Necklace - Thrifted

Braided Sandals - No brand, bought from an open-air bazaar

Sunglasses - Fendi

Theater Threads

Off to the theater to see "South Pacific", one of my favorite musicals. I wanted to go "period" to go with the story so I wore this dress. I've had this one for so long I don't even remember where I picked it up from. To this day, this remains to be my absolute favorite vintage dress. I always feel great when I have this on! Can you tell?...I'm just giddy with excitement!

Bag (straps are tucked in), used as a clutch - Volcom

Shoes (Peeptoe, Mary Jane Platforms) - Next

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

BTW, "South Pacific" on stage is a must-see. The cast was truly amazing and the score was wonderfully lush. There really is nothing like a dame!

Pairing Prints

One tip for pairing prints, combine ones that have similar qualities. Here, I went with the linear theme on both top and pants. As an accessory, I wore pearls to break up and soften the hard edges on the clothes.

Red and White checkered top from Nordstrom, Navy and White striped trousers from Old Navy



Color based: The lavender floral print brings out the purple from the red and blue plaid combination in the jacket.

You can also go with the same color palette for cohesiveness. The plaid jacket and floral top may be totally different, but with similar tones, the outfit makes sense (to me at least!).

Vintage mini corduroy western top, plaid jacket from Nordstrom


Go ahead and make your own pairings then! If you feel good in your choices then it totally works!

Giddy Over Gauchos

Found these gauchos hanging in my closet in between some neglected clothes. I had forgotten I had a pair but now that I found them, it's been my favorite piece of clothing to wear. I love how they're so comfy and yet a little offbeat at the same time. While I wore my tan suede boots with them here, with dainty flats or killer heels, the look would totally change...time to experiment!

Project!

Inspired by the Dr. himself, I decided to try and make a Tee for my daughter to wear for Dr. Seuss Day. I cut out the shapes from felt and hand stitched them using thread in a contrasting color. I used stick-on felt letters but I'm sure I need to sew those in before I wash the shirt. Well it held up for the day...the letters can wait another day. All in all, I spent $2.99 for the shirt, 29 cents for each felt piece (I used two colors) and $1.99 for the letters. Add to that about an hour and a half of labor...but it was one of love. My daughter saw some splatter-painted jeans that she loved but I wasn't willing to spend $$$ for something she would outgrow in a few months. So I suggested a little DIY project that we could do together. Off we went to the art supply store and she excitedly picked out the paint color she wanted. Back at home, we cut off a pair of Levi's that she did outgrow. Then she used some old brushes to splatter paint and since she was all about the peace sign, added her own twist to it as well. She proudly wore the shorts to school the next day and I was dubbed the cool mom :)

Fleamarket Finds

Trying on a vintage Wrangler denim shirt...score!

I love this purse! Like a schoolbag a little girl would bring in an old French movie.

Gorgeous coat! Saturated with an eye-popping color and contrasting accents.

It's a treasure hunt!

This was a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market one Sunday in January. I came prepared with my recycled shopping bags and a rolling cart as well. While the purpose of the trip was furniture shopping, I couldn't help getting some stuff for myself...I was in the zone! Between the humongous and heavy coffee table, several wall accents and my finds, our truck was filled to the brim! Truly, nothing beats the thrill of the hunt!