The Color Purple

Last night we made a quick decision and decided to head to dinner. Not only did I get dressed in all of maybe ten minutes but I quite literally threw on what was available and easy to grab...needless to say it became an evening all about the color purple...

My Neon Violet Toothpick jeans arrived from J.Crew!

I hijacked my gay husband's plum cashmere sweater that has been sitting on my dresser for the last few weeks, thanks DG :)

Paired my purples with one of my favorite vests...

And away I went... No joke, I literally was running our the door...no makeup at all!

:: I wore my Tory Burch leopard flats & used my big black Burberry handbag :: 

Resolve 2013

It's been a while since I've done a link up - but as we begin the New Year I thought this was a great opportunity! 

:: linkup hosts ::

In 2013 I will...

surround myself with positive people

spend more time laughing 

be less critical of myself and others

travel to somewhere I have never been

be incredibly thankful for a backyard

take more walks with girlfriends

have faith that eventually everything work out

In 2013 I will not...

allow negative people to be a part of my life

get frustrated by the fact we are still not all the way unpacked (fingers crossed on this one!)

take for granted the blessings of life; friends, family, our home

be apart of someone else's life unless I am able to make a positive contribution 

( be it laughter, friendship, love, a smile...)

ever again take for granted the ability to simply open the back door and let the dogs out

In 2013 I hope to...

actually settle into our home

have many celebrations with friends & family

soak up the sun in our backyard and read

give myself time to "just breathe"

volunteer more

laugh often

love more

 What about you?

xo,

I ❤ You a Latte!

When I was very young, probably around six, my Grandma introduced me to café lattes. They were her morning drink of choice and so naturally I had to drink them too. Not only did I drink them but I really enjoyed them and we could frequently be found sipping our morning lattes and watching Captain Kangaroo. A few years later my Grandma's latte habit and mine as well gave way to tea and I really did not begin drinking lattes again until I was in college. 

:: Captain Kangaroo & Mr. Green Jeans ::

For the last five years or so I would have a latte a few times a week but I was never one of those people who ran to Starbucks or Peete's every morning. My mom on the other hand is another story. She had actually never had a latte or any form of coffee up until a few months ago, but one day I made her take a sip of my venti, half soy, half non-fat latte and low and behold she liked it. What I never anticipated however was that I had just created a monster. My momma literally in a matter of weeks went from never having touched coffee or espresso to easily drinking a latte and sometimes two daily! Needless to say as her Starbucks consumption increased so did mine as she would often grab one for me while ordering hers :) 

:: nom nom nom nom nom ::

Up until a bit ago our little Starbucks habit was a bit pricey but I figured what the hell. I've always had the Gold card from Starbucks and so we never paid for the additional soy. When Starbucks revamped their rewards program they got rid of free soy and so instead of  $7.70 a day for lattes, my mom and I now found ourselves paying $8.90 and that's if we only had one latte per day. Needless to say this price hike didn't keep us from our coffee but it did make us think long and hard about other viable options.

:: meet Miele - our new best friend ::

After some preliminary research we decided on this puppy and we've already fallen in love. I purchased espresso and soy milk from Starbucks as I needed to ensure that I would be able to replicate our drinks or really what's the point? One of the main reasons we selected this machine is because it allows you to customize everything from the temperature of your coffee or espresso, to the brew strength as well as the portion size of the shots and coffee. Not only is it a breeze to use, but it makes exceptional espresso, coffee, fluffy steamed milk and it cleans itself! We've only had our Miele for a little over a day but I'm not going to lie, I think it's going to be really hard to go back to Starbucks when I'm now able to enjoy my lattes in my PJ's before I even shower! I've also found that since it's so convenient I don't think twice about making myself an afternoon latte! 

:: you know I love to accessorize and our new coffee bar is no exception ::

:: I came across these adorable containers and knew they would be perfect ::

I'm also really excited to be able to make coffee for people when we entertain as I've never owned a coffee maker or known how to make coffee :) 

Do you have a guilty pleasure? What's your favorite drink? I'm always intrigued by what other's drink, half the time I have no clue what they're ordering! 

xo, 

Color Me Skinny!

I love color!

Bold, bright, vibrant, subtle or soft - color is one of my favorite and essential elements of style.

 Last Summer I found a pair of fabulous skinny jeans at J.Crew and I bit the bullet and bought them, even though they were over $100 dollars. I wear them all of the time - all year long - and they are by far the comfiest jeans I own.  I've never second guessed my purchase and had in fact just the other day made a mental note to scoop up a few more pairs. I happened to be in J.Crew yesterday to pick up something for my sister when I stumbled upon my favorite jeans on sale! Not just any sale - a ridiculous sale. My jeans that had been $125 were now $20!!!

 :: J.Crew - Toothpick Jeans | Vivid Fuchsia & Light Citron & I ordered Neon Violet ::

*The green shorts pictured above are for my sweet boy and they were $13 - I couldn't resist

:: Color Story #1 Out & About ::

:: Light Citron Toothpick Jeans | J.Crew ::

:: leopard flats | Tory Burch ::

:: denim button down & white tank - Target |  necklace - Juicy Couture | sunnies - Jimmy Choo ::

:: Excuse the mess - a peek inside my handbag - Burberry ::

:: Color Story #2 Hello 2013! ::

:: Vivid Fuchsia Toothpick Jeans - J.Crew | shoes - Enzo Angiolini (old) ::

 :: white button down blouse - Façonable | grey cashmere sweater (old) | necklace - Juicy Couture ::

  :: all together now :) bracelet - Juicy Couture ::

out why I'm obsessed these skinnies! 

:: comfy - cute - instant & effortless pop of color - casual or dressy - great for travel - fabulous fit ::

I hope your New Year is off to a great start! 

xo, 

A Reason...A Season...A Lifetime

2012 has been a challenging year in so many ways. There have been a number of significant changes in our lives - some more positive than others; there have been friendships lost and gained, moments of beautiful joy and times of great sadness but through it all I have been grateful and so incredibly thankful for the blessings of love, family, true and genuine friends and faith.

 A dear friend shared this with me a few years ago, it's always resonated with me, however as I re-read these eloquent words this evening I found myself filled with a deep sense of peace, a quiet presence from within and I knew - I am exactly where I am meant to be - with the people I need and with whom my life is intended to be shared - I feel blessed beyond measure and I will greet 2013 with a smile on my face, peace in my heart, a clear mind and a soul nourished and filled with love. 

:: A Reason...A Season...A Lifetime ::

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. 

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. 

Thank you for being a part of my life,

whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. I wish you a very Happy New Year! May 2013 be a year of love, laughter & much joy. 

xo, 

All that Glitters is Gold

I am always playing with nail polish & I love creating unique colors. A few weeks ago I created Champagne Rain, it's a beautiful & subtle color but I've been wanting create a fabulous gold as well. The gold I've been envisioning has brilliant sparkle, it's not too metallic & it remains bright.Here's what I've come up with!   

:: All That Glitters is Gold ::

This is still a bit off from what my perfect gold would be but it's still a beautiful colors!

It really changes with light & the larger flecks of glitter sparkle brightly...

I love bold & bright colors but lately I've been drawn to a more subtle palette & I really enjoy the subtle edge of this colors...

:: All That Glitters is Gold :: 

OPI, Designer Series (really, really, really old)  & elf, Golden Goddess

Hope you enjoy!

xo, 

An Epic Failure

You can read all of the details about why the Neiman Marcus - Target venture was epic failure in my previous post, but let me provide you with another shinning example. 

The shelves remain fully stocked of all merchandise that was a part of this collaborative collection AND it is ALL 50% off now! Even with this insane discount the shelves remain packed & some items still feel exceedingly overpriced! 

EPIC FAIL.

With that being said, I did purchase a few items because quite frankly I was shocked at the discount & I didn't mind parting with about $30 for these less than fabulous but still cute pieces. 

:: small silver pouch by Marc Jacobs - Originally $70 now $35 ::

:: leopard print slippers by Derek Lam - originally $50 now $25 ::

:: accent box by Eddie Borgo - was $50, now $25 ::

First of all this is a teeny tiny box! 

Secondly, I did not know how much these cost until I got home. When I went to check out there was not a price anywhere to be found & so the manager decided to give them to me for $10 each! When I came home I discovered how much they really cost & I about fell off of my chair! 

 Needless to say, I am happy with my new purchases. I believe both retailers made several monumental & obviously detrimental  mistakes with this collection but hopefully everyone involved will be able to learn & grow from this experience :) I am very curious to see what Target's next big launch will be?

xo, 

:: Carefree :: Cuddly :: Cozy ::

Last Friday it was actually cold and rainy here in California! It had been a long week & as usual I had a full day which included getting my hair done. It was one of those days where I could have easily curled up in bed with a book & read & napped throughout the day. I decided the next best thing would be to select an absolutely carefree, cuddly & cozy outfit for my day. 

:: leopard head band - Pier 1 :: vest - The North Face :: denim button down - Target :: black leggings - Pink by Victoria's Secret :: tank (not visible ) Target :: Boots - Ugg of Australia, really really old! :: handbag - Burberry ::

I was already running late for the morning & literally snapped this one on my way out. I had forgotten something & had run  back to grab it. 

These are one of my favorite pairs of Uggs, I realized that I have had them for over a decade! They feel like pillows on my feet & are perfect on cold winter days :-)

It was one of those days where it just felt better to layer on my accessories. I've had all of these pieces for years & I love how quickly I am able to toss them on in the morning. They are all incredibly durable as well which is always great when I am on the go & running around. 

I will definitely be recycling this outfit & I can already think of so many different ways I will be able to accessorize this look. Every wardrobe should have great basics. The black leggings & denim shirt are a couple of staples for me. These pieces are so versatile & literally have limitless options when it comes to ways you can wear them & what you can pair them with. Not to mention they are both so incredibly comfy! 

xo, 

A Moment of Silence

I had planned a post for yesterday, however in the wake of the days tragic events it just doesn't feel right to talk about something as inconsequential as what I wore for the day. To even describe what happened as tragic seems to undercut this abhorrent act of cowardness. My heart has been with these families & will remain with them. 

President Obama spoke yesterday & poignantly mentioned the birthdays, college graduations, weddings & other events that these children will never have the opportunity to experience. With the holiday's around the corner I cannot even begin to imagine how trying it will be for these families as they attempt to navigate life without their children. To come home & see gifts for a child that has been denied the opportunity to open them must be absolutely gut wrenching. The holiday's will never again be the same for these families. 

I will continue to pray; for the children, for their families, & for our nation. The level of violence that occurs as the result of firearms is simply unacceptable & senseless. 

May God provide these families with the strength to see them through the coming days & months. May these families find comfort in the beautiful & now sacred memories of their children. May these families feel the strength, support & love of their community & country. And may God walk with them all & help them to one day know peace again in their hearts & homes. 

Please join me in sending your thoughts & prayers to these families. 

* All images via

An OOTD On the Go!

I've done OOTD posts before but they've been versions similar to all of the generic OOTD posts...me standing somewhere, static & unmoving. Here's the thing, fashion is anything but static! Fashion is dynamic, it's always changing, constantly on the go & venturing to discover what's next. My life as of late seems as though I am constantly on the go - from interior design to personal styling & even the mundane of running errands it's been go, go go which makes functional style even more important in my book :)

 :: The Basics ::

::  Ballet Flats by Yosi Samra - Hot Pink | Toothpick Jeans & Belt - J.Crew  | Blouse - H&M ::

In between appointments & on the go! 

A quick snap from the car, hair & makeup took a back seat due to the pace of my day...

Dashing through the stunning Fall leaves, I loved how my flats looked against the leaves...

 One of my favorite handbags by Burberry. I adore this one because it is so versatile & literally holds my entire life! 

I hope your week has been going well. I can't wait to show you something that I've just received, I am SO excited about it! Stay tuned...

xo,