Weekend Inspiration: Urban Teepee

A few things you should know about me: (a) I don't camp, (b) I don't camp, (c) I don't camp.  But the dreamy indoor teepees above got me thinking that there just may be hope yet for the inner wilderness girl in me...That is of course if I have running water and a wireless connection;) Hope you enjoy the high style teepees below and the fashionable muses I envision would inhabit them. 

*Images via: Pinterest, Sukha Amsterdam, Viva La Revolucion, The Savoia, Seesaw, We Heart It

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Handbag Wars: 3.1 Phillip Lim vs. Alexander Wang

3.1 Phillip Lim "Pashli" satchel available here and here ; Alexander Wang "Emile" tote available here and here

Some people save for exotic vacations, but me, I save for fashion. A new bag has been on my list for months and I have finally narrowed my choices to two: 3.1 Phillip Lim's Pashli satchel and Alexander Wang's Emile tote. Considering they both retail for under $1000 I think I'm being relatively frugal - or so I will tell my boyfriend if he ever finds the receipt;) Both designers make some of the most downtown chic clothes on the market and both handbags have been coveted by celebrities, models and blogger "it girls". I'm veering towards Mr. Wang's new suede and croc embossed Emile, BUT there is something about the jade green leather on the Pashli that is calling my name. 


So...what's a girl to do? The Pashli or the Emile, which one is your favorite? 

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Cobalt Confidential

From opulent brocades at Stella McCartney to street chic looks at Balenciaga, the Fall 2012 fashion runways were filled with cobalt blue clothing. Perfect for work or play, the color flatters almost every skin tone and exudes power.  The sleek cobalt blue pants from Prabal Gurung have rock royalty written all over them and the colored *fur at Lanvin is a work of art (*shhhh, don't tell PETA).

Now: Blouse- Robert Rodriguez , Bag- Rebecca Minkoff, Jeans- MiH, Sandals- Zara Later: Blazer- Smythe, Jeans - Rag & Bone, Earrings- Lulu Frost, Pumps- Jean-Michel Cazabat

This summer, pair cobalt with crisp white and pops of neon. I'm usually not one for lace, but this Robert Rodriguez blouse has a bit of edge in the bright hue (the dress version is also fab). For fall, I plan on teaming cobalt clothes with other jewel tones, black, and gold accents to create a luxe look. Modern tuxedo inspired pieces turn heads when updated in this current color.

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*Images via Style.com, Vogue.com, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, Zara, Zappos

Beach Bonfire Dreams

House of Harlow 1960 ring, Wayuu Taya bag, MOTO shorts, Sam Edelman booties, Jen's Pirate Booty hoodie

I'm heading home of San Diego this weekend and I can't help but long for carefree summer nights on the beach. Drinking cheap beer around a bonfire, laughing with friends, wearing shorts and a sweatshirt at the same time...these are a things that I equate with summer. 

On another note, I am excited to be Tartan and Sequins "Girl Crush of the Week". Hop on over to learn a bit more about me and have a peruse of the lovely blog written by two lovely ladies. I don't post many pictures of myself (other than on Facebook), so below is a sneak peak of what you will see on Tartan and Sequins. 

Chopper and I at Dolores Park on a windy Sunday

*Images via weheartit.com, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Topshop

Linger Worthy Retail Design

Some retail stores have such lovely interior designs, they're hard to leave. Retail design is  vital in order to capture the essence of a brand and put consumers in the right state of mind to unite their own style with that of the clothing in the store. Tory Burch, Paul Smith and Trina Turk all have gorgeous store interiors that make me want to linger. Do you have a favorite?

Tory Burch stores ooze sophistication and are known for  their clean lines, lacquer, gold, lucite and pops of orange, green and purple. I love how her boutiques are designed to feel as if you are in a room of her home rather than a store. Graphic rugs and lust worthy tables take you inside what could be the home of a socialite and her shoes and clothing allow you to walk away with attainable luxury. 

Paul Smith's Milan boutique is captivating in pictures. The pink walls and large floral image make it feel as though you could be in a gallery. Sparse retro furniture in feminine colors and pop art elements further add to the brands cheeky, colorful and lovely clothing.  

Trina Turk stores are perfectly designed to capture the retro resort lifestyle that her clothes are made for. Each store takes you on a journey to a different location, while all maintaining 70's flair and vibrant colors mixed in with signature white lacquer elements. The fact that she has worked with design talents including Kelly Wearstler certainly doesn't hurt either. 

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*Images via Paul Smith, Trina Turk, Tory Burch, Interior Design

Caftan Cool

It is HOT in the city (San Francisco), and I'm wishing I was wearing a beautiful breezy caftan, preferably on a beach. Perfect for summer, lightweight fabrics and eye-catching patterns/colors make caftans a go to item to achieve an effortless bohemian beauty when the temperatures rise. Don't stop there though, add an updated head scarf and strappy sandals to complete the look and live like a '70s summer siren.  

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Drink, Eat, Dream, Wear: Spiked Horchata

Melissa Odabash dress, Felix Rey clutch, Rachel Zoe sandals

Who else is ready for the weekend? It's supposed to be sunny in San Francisco and I'm ready to have a relaxing gourmet Mexican meal in the courtyard dining area of my apartment complex. Usually I would be mixing Margaritas, but this time I'm going to go big and try some refreshing horchata (with a nice helping of rum, of course). I'll be eating shrimp and duck tacos (don't worry, I'm not cooking...) and day dreaming of relaxing on a mystical beach. 

Directions: 

Go to your nearest authentic Mexican restaurant and buy as much Horchata as your heart desires. Then when you get home pour it in a pretty pitcher and add Captain Morgan rum to taste. Now all you need to do is add ice and a cinnamon stick to each guests glass and you're done:) If you want to be fancy and make your own Horchata (which I won't be doing), I suggest trying this recipe.

Summer Style: White T-Shirt and Jeans

 Nicole Richie, Charlize Theron, Stella McCartney, Jessica Szohr, Rosie  Huntington Whiteley, Style Pantry

Last weekend I was so exhausted from the week all I wanted to do was throw on my trusty jeans and favorite white t-shirt. That's exactly what I did and enjoyed rocking the look to both evening drinks and Sunday shopping. With countless cuts of jeans and tees, the combination of classic items makes the perfect canvas to paint with your accessories. Celebrities have mastered the art of transforming the once deemed ordinary outfit into lust worthy looks. From Nicole Richie's bright headscarf to Rosie Huntington Whiteley's Isabel Marant vest, blue jeans and white t-shirts never looked so good. 

T-shirt: Splendid Dinner Date: J Brand jeans, Made Her Think necklace, Topshop blazer, Alexander Wang handbag, Alice + Olivia pump  Farmer's Market: J Brand jeans, Gucci sunglasses, M Missoni bag, Soludos espadrilles

Splendid makes a perfect white v-neck - not too shear, not too heavy, the right length and perfect cling. When paired with dark skinny jeans, a bold jacket, and statement accessories it has subtle sex appeal just right for a date. All it needs for a trip to the farmers market is comfy boyfriend jeans, oversize sunglasses, flats and a cute tote large enough for goodies you pick up along the way.

* Images via Stylist, Style Pantry, ShopBop,  Net-a-Porter

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Taxidermy in Interior Design: Cool or Cruel?

It's poll time again! Today I'm asking you to weigh in on your thoughts on the use of taxidermy in interior design. Last weekend I visited the store Paxton Gate in San Francisco, and was overwhelmed by the vast inventory of curiosities. As much as I was taken in by their selection of taxidermy,  I had to ask myself if using it in home design is ever OK? Is fashion taxidermy (as I call it) really any different than wearing leather or fur? I have to admit though, a stuffed peacock does add a little flair...

So tell me. Taxidermy: cool or cruel?

*Images via Lonny and Femina Denmark

Resort 2013: Work, Weekend, Vacation

Resort collections have hit the runways and I'm already day-dreaming of what I'll be wearing come December(ish). Living in California, I'm lucky not to have too hard of a time incorporating designers' transitional season offerings into my winter wardrobe. From work wear to vacation ensembles, the 2013 resort collections have you covered. Here's a sneak peak at some of the looks I'm currently coveting (and may actually be able to afford).

 Yigal Azrouel's 2013 resort collection does not disappoint.  Azrouel's signature chic cuts are mixed with inspiration from Japanese gardens, making this collection filled with clothes perfect for the powerful woman who still wants to look pretty. See more looks here.

A.L.C designer Andrea Lieberman created a collection of wearable staples that are anything but average. Highlights include silky blouses with a western undertone, flirty skirts and pleated shorts, and ensembles in gorgeous shades of wine. What's not to love? I'm counting the weeks until I can call these clothes my own. View more here. 

BCBG Max Azria always has the perfect little something to jazz up vacation or date dressing, and their most recent resort collection is no exception. Lubov Azria was inspired by the idea of Italian jet-setters and showed everything from city-chic embroidered biker jackets to beach worthy kimonos.   See the entire BCBG Max Azria resort collection here. 

All collage images via style.com

Vegas Wedding Style

Another weekend, another Facebook Timeline filled with pictures of people I used to know getting married. Actually, the more I see, the more I think a Las Vegas wedding may be the way to go for me. And no, I'm not taking about getting married by an Elvis impersonator at a drive-through, but I am talking about something fun and irreverent. The sassy Parker dress above, available in white and bronze, would be the perfect look for a bride or a guest to celebrate taking a gamble on marriage by dancing on a table or two. 

What do you think, Vegas or bust?


Bride- Dress: Parker, Earrings: Erickson Beamon, Clutch: Diane von Furstenberg; Shoes: Alexander McQueen; Guest- Dress: Parker, Handbag: Gucci, Cuffs: Asos, Shoes: 

Room to Runway: Eskayel Edition

 

I've had a love affair with Eskayel's unique wallpaper prints for quite some time (past blog post here), and to my delight ready-to-wear fashions burst onto the scene with similar abstract mirrored prints this spring. 

Eskayel's Bali Stripe wallpaper is subtle and cool, just like Kaelen's print blazer. When paired with simple furnishings and clothing, both patterns are able to make a statement without being obnoxious. Although it may look abstract, this body con jersey dress from  Erdem is actually scattered with hummingbirds and florals. Next to Eskayel's mysterious Crown Jewels wallpaper you can really see the sophistication that these type of delicate and intricate mirrored patterns exude. 

*Images via Eskayel, Shopbop and Net-a-Porter