Thursday, March 15, 2012

Cuddled Up & Cozy!

The Dailies
Lady Elizabeth Grace 

Today is one of those rainy days perfect for staying nice and snuggled in the house! We haven't had very many rainy days so I am actually enjoying having a quiet day at home. My plan of attack is to catch up on some reading and in the process find something yummy to cook for tonight. Yes, I did say cook! My best and most amazing friend is coming over tonight and he and I plan on having a cozy evening cooking and catching up. I literally cannot wait! 

Going to find something yummy to cook!

One of my latest food obsessions, Cara Cara pink oranges! SO SO YUMMY :) 

Our ridge in the rain and clouds, perfect for a cozy quiet day 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

California ♥




The Dailies
Lady Elizabeth Grace

California, I've lived in either Northern or Southern California my entire life and can't imagine living anywhere else!


So welcome to my home...


From the beaches to the palm lined streets...


 To the mountains and the beautiful Napa Valley. 


I literally find myself smiling everyday because no matter where I am I'm surrounded by the beauty of this incredible place I'm so lucky to call home. 


*Photos from Pintrest & my personal archives








Monday, March 12, 2012

Sass with Class...

I was shopping with my mom today when I saw this...


Christian Louboutin "Louvicious" Clutch 
I am beyond in love!!!



At first glance the incredible neon pink color screams sassy and yet this little clutch remains very classy. The details make this clutch truly divine. Tiny Louboutin clasps, beautiful pleating and chevron details are surrounded by studs that give this clutch its fierce but fun attitude.  

It's stunning in black as well....

 But there is just something about that pink that makes me swoon!


Sunday, March 11, 2012

On the bright side...


The Dailies
Lady Elizabeth Grace


No matter what is going on in my life I always strive to see things positively and to remind myself of just how much I have to be thankful for. 

I was really hoping to get in a few good hikes this weekend but I have been sick since last week and instead of getting better I've actually gotten worse :(

On top of not feeling well this weekend has had its challenging moments and yet it has also brought me great clarity.

A very wise man in my life continually reminds me to,  
"Always find the good in your day, surround yourself with those you love & do what makes you happy.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend 



Saturday, March 10, 2012

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Elements of Style

Color, texture and silhouette are three of the most defining characteristics of style. When these elements are combined well they have the ability to create magnificent beauty...



  Color: 
There is nothing more delicate than white.
    Texture: 
        The combination of textures is incredible. I love the demure detailing 
    on the dress combined with boldness of the gold necklace.
        Silhouette:
A well tailored dress, that fits in all the right places goes a very long way.
                                                         

*Tailoring is essential in any good wardrobe, if something does not fit always look to see if it can be tailored. I have fallen in love with many pieces that did not properly fit, but with a little tailoring they have easily been transformed into favorites. If you do not know of a good tailor ask your friends or local dry cleaner. 


    Color: 
This color is fabulous!!!
    Texture: 
A patent pump will always be a classic and can easily be dressed up or down. 
Silhouette: 
I'm a big fan of really tall heels. I also love the shape of the toes on these, not too pointy but not too round, very versatile. 



Color:
I love the vintage feel this color gives this clutch. It is absolutely sensational. 
Texture:
The texture in conjunction with the color is marvelous. The detailing of the texture truly transforms this piece, without it it would be just another colorful clutch. 
Silhouette:
I love the shape and size of this clutch. Nothing drives me nuts more than a beautiful bag that holds nothing! It's nice and thin and fits well in one's hand making it easy to carry and manage. 



Color:
Pink and white will eternally be a classic and feminine color combination. The addition of a dark clutch is an excellent accessory color and adds boldness and depth to the overall look. 
Texture:
I love the texture of the lace and the silky smoothness of the top. Lace is one of those classic textiles that has the ability to turn an ordinary garment into an extraordinary piece.
Silhouette:
The slender fit of the skirt when combined with the loose and billowy bright top bring a modern edge to this outfit. Silhouettes tend to either be classic or edgy and therefore are often one of the most defining characteristics of style. Pieces with classic silhouettes can easily span decades while those with edgier lines may fall out of style more easily. 


Color:
What sets these stunning heels apart from other black pumps is obviously their unique gold heel and sole. I adore this combination and think it is fantastic! 
Texture:
The podesua in combination with the smooth and shiny gold is marvelous. Black and gold are such classic elements and I think this is a very creative union of the two. 
Silhouette:
Obviously, these are not your average black heels. The platform and shape of the heel are very unique and combine to create an elegant statement. 




Color:
To be honest, I think some color could transform this dress.  This is a stunning piece and yet I do not think this particular color does it any justice. 
Texture:
I am quite find however of the material, I think it lays well and has a pretty sheen to it. The way the lower portion of the skirt has been sewn also adds a delightful texture to the overall dress, which I think makes it  far more interesting. 
Silhouette:
By far and wide the shinning star of this dress. The tailored bodice and a-line skirt are exceptional. This dress truly transcends time with its classic lines. Created today by Zac Posen I can easily envision a starlet of the 1950's wearing this on the red carpet. 

*images from my Pintrest 

Little did you know!

One of my new blogger friends started this and I think it's a creative way to get to know one another and for our followers to get to know us! Hope you enjoy :) 

There are five simple rules:
1. Post these rules
2. Post a picture of yourself and 11 random things
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post
4. Create 11 new questions and tag bloggers to answer them
5. Go to their blog or twitter and tell them you've tagged them



11 Random Things...

1. I am a girly girl and love clothes, shoes, hair and make-up but I can't do my own hair or make-up very well at all. I've had people helping me since I was in 8th grade. Very sad, but incredibly true. 

2. I've been doing Pilates for almost 9 years. It helps me in so many ways. 

3. Neon pink finger nails will ALWAYS make me smile :) 

4. My Grandmother taught me to enjoy and appreciate the finer things in life at a very early age. 

5. My mom does not like shopping at all, I do all of her shopping for her. 

6. I paint, mostly on large canvases, and when I paint I get incredibly messy. 

7. I like to get pedicures but not manicures. I think my nails look better and the polish lasts longer when I do them. I can give my self a great French manicure. 

8. There is not much in life I feel like I cannot accomplish. Our family friends joke that I could easily run a small country and I think I could. 

9. I find the wind to be magical and calming. There is something incredibly spiritual about it for me. 

10. My Grampsie meant the world to me and there is not a single day that I do not miss him.

11. I am very competitive and pretty athletic, I love running, tennis, hiking and horseback riding.  


11 Questions for Me...


1. Dog person or cat person?

    I'm a dog person, we recently adopted a 2 year old Saint     Bernard :) He's 145lbs of love!


2. If you could interview anyone for your blog, who would it be?
    Rachel Zoe. I love her style. 

3. Drink you're most likely to order in a bar?
    Grey Goose Madras

4. Do you have a phobia?
    I'm afraid of spiders and snakes.
  
5.  Morning person or night?
     Night, I literally do not function before 8:30am

6. Do you collect anything?
    Sunglasses, handbags and shoes. 

7. Favorite guilty pleasure TV show?
    Anything "Real Housewives"

 8. Where did you go on your last vacation?
      London

9. Favorite animal?
    Saint Bernard, or a monkey, I think I would like to encounter a monkey at some point in  
    my life.

10. What is the first thing you would grab in a fire?
      Truthfully, my lovies. I still have my blanket from when I was little and a dog named Woof 
      Woof Woof that my Gran and Grampsie gave me. 
                 
11. What would you do for a Klondike bar?
 Hahaha, nothing! I'm not a huge Klondike fan. Now if you were offering a fruit tart, that would be an entirely different story.          


11 Questions for Bloggers...

1. What is your favorite beauty product?

2. What is your favorite word?

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?

4. Who is the most influential person in your life?

5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

6. What makes you smile?

7. What are three things that you find to be calming?

8. What would people be surprised to know about you?

9. What was your first car?

10. Beach, mountains or desert?

11. What is your favorite thing to cook or bake?

Bloggers I Tagged


* A special thanks to Couture Zoo for coming up with such a great and fun post to share!






Thursday, March 8, 2012

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words


The Dailies
Lady Elizabeth Grace

A glimpse into my childhood and a trip down memory lane...


I can't even begin to count the number of times I've either read or been read this book!


My Gran always used to sing this to me! 

The All Time Classic of my Life!


Pretty much the best advice EVER!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Intorducing the Dailies...

The Dailies
Lady Elizabeth Grace

Dailies - the raw, unedited footage of a film in production collected at the end of each day to be reviewed


The Dailies - Lady Elizabeth Grace - images, quotes, people, places, objects, art...basically anything I see or encounter in my daily life that inspires me or my style


Life can get so crazy busy, but I truly love my blog and I am very grateful for those who follow it. I intend The Dailies to be a quick, easy and fun way for me to share and connect every day! I hope you enjoy :) 


It's been a long day and this looks so comfortable. I love the lamp, the mirrored side table and the neutral colors of the bedding. I believe your bedroom should be your sanctuary, truly a space to relax, recharge and restore and I could easily do that in this room! 


Monday, March 5, 2012

A Not So Lady Grace Adventure...

Yesterday I decided to have a little adventure, and do something I have never done before, garden! While I love to observe the beauty of nature from such perspectives as hiking, laying on the beach or sailing on a boat, I have never become one with the soil and attempted to plant anything. You might be wondering what made me think to even try this in the first place. The simple answer is my husband. I wanted to do something nice to surprise him and he loves plants and gardening. I knew this one would really shock him! Boy did it ever :) 


My adventure began at our local nursery where thank God, a very nice and incredibly patient woman spotted by distressed self and selflessly volunteered to help me. I think she found my helplessness amusing and I was truly grateful for her wisdom and advice. 



After describing the daily conditions and light patterns of our back yard, a conversation that required a phone call to my mom for the answer,  we selected three pretty Camellia plants. I placed one outside of our kitchen and the other two outside of our master bedroom. Never to miss a decorating opportunity I of course had to select beautiful clay pots to accent my newly chosen flowers. I found these simple but striking dark Hunter green pots, which just happen to also be my husband's favorite color. 


 This truly became a labor of love. 
I couldn't find any gardening gloves and forgot to buy a pair so I wore a pair of latex gloves, I think my hands ended up just as dirty as they would have had I not worn gloves. I was also so excited to begin my little project that I didn't think to remove any of my jewelry. Needless to say, I think you get the picture of exactly what kind of adventure this became. In the end though I have to admit I am pretty proud of what I did. Let's just say it's very safe to assume that this will most likely be my first and last gardening adventure. It's back to fashion, design and all things fabulous for me!


Saturday, March 3, 2012

Obsessed!

My latest obsession, one I am most certain I share with many of you, is Pintrest! I simply cannot get enough. From fashion, to my style at home, architectural inspiration, and quotes it seems to speak to my soul on so many wonderful levels. Time literally seems to fly by and before I know it I've been glued to my computer for hours. Join me in my newest addiction and follow me on Pintrest!

Here are a few of my latest pintrest favorites...

LOVE this!


Vintage Chanel
If I owned this I would never take it off!


Adorable, delicate, and perfect for Spring!


Love these colors


 Perfection


 One of my personal mantras

So true...

Love this for so so so many reasons :)


I will whisper this to my kids someday!


Happy Birthday Daddy!

Last night we celebrated my Dad's 60th Birthday! It was a great party, but the week leading up to it was beyond hectic. Of course I found myself scrambling to find an outfit at the last minute. The afternoon before the party I managed to sneak in a few hours of shopping and I found an adorable dress by Milly. I love its vintage flare, color blocking and classy but sassy style. 


Being that I am only 5'2" I had the dress shortened a few inches so that it now falls a few inches above my knees.  I paired my dress with a simple nude heel. 

I used one of my favorite clutches for the evening. I have used this  Marc Jacobs clutch so many times, as it also has a chain strap and can be worn as a sholder bag. It's a great size and its details complimented my outfit well. 


For hair and makeup we really played up the 1960's edge, with a fun poofed and curled ponytail. We kept my makeup simple but really accentuated my eyes with lashes and liner. I had several people approach me throughout the night and tell me that I reminded them Christina Hendrick's from Mad Men. I have a great makeup and hair artist who I've worked with for quite a while and she's fantastic at bringing that vintage style into my hair and makeup. I was in a bit of hurry so I didn't take pictures, but If I find some I will try to post them. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

My sister gave me these beautiful pink tulips.  I just adore them, they are so cheerful and bright. I put them in one of my favorite Tiffany's vases and I love how simple and delicate they look together. 


I hope everyone enjoyed a day of love, friendship and happiness :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

In the last three days it has really started to feel like winter here in California. We've finally gotten some rain and the sky has that ominous winter glow. Perfect weather for soup and Pintrest! Today I decided that I really felt like Chicken Tortilla Soup. I didn't have a recipe handy and I was already at the grocery store so I grabbed a few things and away I went.

The Basics:


Chicken Broth, Quinoa, Black Beans, Light Sour Cream, Medium Salsa, Avocado


The Soup: 

1.  Bring 1 1/2 boxes of  chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
2.  Add 1 can of black beans and allow to simmer. 
3. In a separate small saucepan cook about 1/2 cup of Quinoa in chicken broth. When cooked add into the chicken broth and black beans.
4. In a large saucepan combine 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and one large can of medium salsa. Bring to a boil and allow to cook at a slow boil for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.  
5. Remove the chicken from the salsa, shred and add to the broth, beans and Quinoa
6. Add the left over salsa from the chicken to the soup
Simmer and Serve

Garnish:
Fresh diced avocado, a dollop of light sour cream, crumbled tortiall chips and hot sauce to taste




*While I didn't have any on hand, in the future I think some fresh cilantro would add nice flavoring as well. 







Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Cusp of Spring

In California it feels as though we are on the cusp of Spring. The days are stunningly beautiful, bright and sunny and I find myself eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring. Here are a few favorites and styles that I think will define my Spring palette and that I absolutely cannot wait to wear....


Bright Colors
Panatone's Color of 2012 is Tangerine Tango. I LOVE this color and already have a few pieces in my collection. It's bright and fun and can easily be dressed up or down. It accents well with both black and white and can be paired with florals and stripes too! 

Gold
Not only am I head over heels for the color above I cannot wait to accent it with all kinds of fun Gold accessories. 



Stripes
I find stripes to be classic, effortless, and always chic and I'm only slightly obsessed with them. From dresses to T's, blouses and sweaters I can always work them into an outfit.  






Sunday, January 15, 2012

Inspiration II

Capturing what inspires me is something I do without even thinking. My love for photography, design and style become one and I find myself snapping pictures of things I love wherever I go. I've also begun saving images that speak to me when others share them as well. Here are some favorites as of late...

Beautiful roses and delicate flowers
 shared by @MindyWeiss via Twitter


A warm latte on a cold winter morning, while enjoying a quiet Sunday morning 


Silhouettes - life seems to stand still and memories are forever captured


Sunset at the beach - spiritually simple beauty

Sunday, January 1, 2012

So Me!

One of my best friends sent this to me. 


She said it reminded her of me :-) 
I love little things like this that make me smile!