Sézane Spring Lookbook

Despite being in the middle of working on another post, after browsing through the lookbook from Sezane's new spring collection, I just had to share real quick! You may remember that I've written about this French brand before. For a long time I admired their collections from afar, but I recently had such a positive experience with the brand's customer service team, that I'm a more committed fan than ever. (They quickly replaced a defective dress I'd purchased at their New York boutique after I expressed my disappointment, and they couldn't have been sweeter about it!)

Fashion Friday: Mansur Gavriel Fall 2018

Truthfully, I hesitated to publish a post about fashion on a day like today. After following the national news so closely this week, my heart just feels heavy. Fashion is so often associated with frivolity, and I don't want to disrespect or in any way diminish the seriousness of this moment. Yet since the beginning of time, beauty and art have served as a balm for weary souls. And I truly do believe that in these challenging times, one of the most important things we can do as a society is to celebrate our commonalities and seek connection with each other. Fashion, music, art, little everyday moments- these things not only have the power to connect us but also to lift our collective spirit.

Packing for Scotland

As the popular saying goes, "In Scotland, there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes." Our recent trip confirmed this because although we had a fabulous time, we ended up wearing totally wrong clothes for the weather most days.

Typically, you can count on Scotland being rainy almost all of the time. Thankfully, it's usually more of a misty, drizzly sort of rain, rather than the pouring, ruin-your-day kind. But of course we managed to visit the Isle of Skye, usually known as the "Isle of Mist," during an unprecedented heat wave, with highs in the 90s! The best approach to packing for Scotland is to bring layers that mix and match easily. I put together this packing checklist based on my experience, the items I was glad I brought and the ones I wish I had.

Fashion Friday: Sézane Pre-Fall

Today I want to share about a little French brand I love called Sézane. Founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, the brand evolved out of a one-woman business selling rare vintage clothing on eBay. Sézalory's perfectly curated finds soon attracted Parisian designers who bought up her pieces as inspiration for their collections at major fashion houses. Today, Sézane has grown beyond selling vintage items in favor of releasing limited-edition collections of Sézalory's own designs. (Which sell out quickly!) As if there weren't already enough reasons to love Sézane, I also have to mention that the brand is thoughtful and transparent about their manufacturing processes and commitment to sustainability, something that's become important to me over the past few years.

Now Trending: Cropped Kick Flare Denim

One fun new trend that's appealed to me lately is cropped flared denim. Personally, I just haven't been able to commit to the 70s-inspired flares that have been so popular the past couple of seasons, but this new take on the retro style seems a little bit more approachable. I think these jeans, with just a slight kick flare that hits above the ankle, feel so fresh. For a polished look, I love them styled with classic pieces like a white shirt, striped tee, or structured blazer.

Introducing ERLŪM Alpaca

After so many vague allusions to my "new job," "latest project," "big news," etc., I'm so excited to finally be able to share this with you! The luxury knitwear line I've co-founded, ERLUM Alpaca, officially launched last week! ERLUM's debut collection consists of high quality, ethically handmade alpaca knitwear for women, timeless classics with a modern edge. 

J.Crew New Arrivals September 2015

Happy first day of fall, blog friends! After a series of seasons that were less than exciting, I was in total fall heaven while perusing J.Crew's latest catalog. This fall it's all about the classics, shaken up a bit with a lusciously rich color palette. I tend to gravitate towards neutrals, and as a general rule only make exceptions for colors that are good enough to stop me in my tracks. This collection includes so many shades that are vibrant enough to do just that, some highlights being cognac, rust, olive green, paprika, and the perfect cadet blue. The glorious color combination possibilities are endless! Here are some pieces that top my J.Crew wish list this fall--

1. Saint James for J.Crew Slouchy T-shirt, $90 // 2. Stubbs & Wootton for J.Crew Velvet Slippers, $450 // 3. Collection Textured Crewneck Sweater, $228 // 4. Striped Suede-Shoulder T-Shirt, $78 // 5. Collection Leather Flight Jacket, $795 // 6. PLAY Comme des Garcons Gold Heart T-Shirt, $90 // 7. Super Tortoise Sunglasses, $259 // 8. Relaxed Wool Turtleneck Sweater with Rib Trim, $98 // 9. Rhodes Blazer in Herringbone, $248 // 10. Striped T-Shirt Turtleneck T-Shirt, $45 // 11. Two-Tone Pleated Combo Dress, $188 // 12. Matchstick Corduroys, $89.50 // 13. Chateau Parka in Stadium Cloth, $365

P.S. J.Crew is offering all kinds of special promotions right now-- FREE Shipping today only, 30% final sale styles, and 25% everything else!

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin 

Fall 2015 Fashion Inspiration

With fall right around the corner, I'm getting awfully excited to pull out my long sleeved tees and cozy cardigans. (It's still hot here, so I don't dare to think of heavy coats and scarves just yet. Small goals.) Fall is my absolute favorite season, so for me, these next couple months hold so much to be excited about. Like baking my first loaf of pumpkin bread and my first day of fall ritual-- watching You've Got Mail and lighting pumpkin spice candles while I decorate our house for fall. 

I've already begun pinning some fall fashion inspiration, only serving to exacerbate my deep longing for autumn to arrive. When the weather begins to cool, I'll be craving warm neutrals, lots of denim, brown suede, black and white stripes, crisp white shirts, and a classic camel coat. (Thankfully I invested in the perfect one last year!) 

Here are some of the images I'm feeling most inspired by...

Anniversary Sale Favorites: Home

One: Braided Accent Pillow // Two: Mirrored Metal Bar Cart // Three: Large Drum Basket // Four: Wool and Jute Rug // Five: Kate Spade "This is the Life" Frame // Six: Chenille Chevron Throw // Seven: "Screw It" Wine Bag // Eight: Glass Beverage Dispenser // Nine: Wine Wall Sign // Ten: Acacia and Marble Cheese Set // Eleven: Voluspa Candle Trio // Twelve: LED Marquee Sign // Thirteen: Double Bell Alarm Clock // Fourteen: Brass Tissue Cover // Fifteen: Diptyque Set 

Last but not least, here are my favorite Anniversary Sale picks from Nordstrom's home department. I tend to forget Nordstrom when shopping for decor and am always pleasantly surprised when I check out the latest options on their web site. So many stylish finds, not to mention great prices! Check out the sale soon before items sell out and prices go back up! And if you missed them, make sure to check out my favorite selections from the women's and men's departments.

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin // Keep

Anniversary Sale Favorites: Men's

One: Leather Overnight Bag // Two: Trim Fit Wool Suit // Three: Leather Strap Burberry Watch // Four: Converse 'Jack' Sneaker // Five: Dotted Indigo-Dyed Shirt // Six: Red Wing Rugged Work Boot // Seven: Patagonia Zip Front Jacket // Eight: Leather Jack Purcell Sneaker  // Nine: Lacoste Jersey Hoodie // Ten: Slim Fit Colorblock Oxford // Eleven: Red Wing Moc Toe Boot // Twelve: Burberry Polo Shirt // Thirteen: Cole Haan Wingtips // Fourteen: Slim Fit Jeans // Fifteen: Leather Sperry Topsiders // All of these items are about 33% off! 

Last week I posted my favorite women's selections from Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale. During the Anniversary Sale, fall items sell for temporarily reduced prices and as soon as the sale is over, prices go right back up! The Pre-Sale event is now over and the sale officially starts today! For the men out there who love a good sale and the women with husbands/boyfriends to shop for, here are my favorite men's selections. I'm particularly loving this blue suit with these shoes! And come fall, my husband's favorite boots are #11, but we definitely didn't get them for such a steal... Happy sale shopping and happy weekend!!

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin // Keep

A Monogrammed Basket Tote

Totally obsessing over this monogram basket tote by British label Rae Feather! I first stumbled across it filled with freshly cut peonies via Poppy Delevingne's instagram and instantly fell in love. Whether holding towels and a book for the beach, a Saturday morning farmer's market haul, or picnic snacks and a bottle of rosé, it's the ultimate summer bag. Available in lots of colors and sizes, my only predicament is whether to choose black or blue! A truly timeless piece.

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin // Keep

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

One: Oxford flats 32% off! //  Two: Cable Knit Sweater 33% off!// Three: Monogram Link Bracelet 33% off! // Four: Faux Fur Leopard Coat 33% off! // Five: Leather Strap Watch 33% off! // Six: Leather Moto Jacket 33% off! // Seven: Flare Leg Jeans 33% off! // Eight: Leather Chloe Tote 33% off! // Nine: Faux Fur Vest 35% off! // Ten: Tory Burch Riding Boot 35% off! // Eleven: Burberry Quilted Coat 34% off!// Twelve: Sperry Waterproof Boot 33% off! // Thirteen: Hunter Rainboot 32% off! // Fourteen: Buffalo Plaid Barn Coat 33% off! // Fifteen: Tory Burch Handbag 33% off! // Sixteen: Patagonia Fleece Pullover 33% off! // Seventeen: Jack Purcell Sneakers 33% off! // Eighteen: One Piece Swimsuit 34% off!

It's time for Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale, one of the biggest sale events in retail, and Early Access began yesterday, giving Nordstrom cardholders time to shop the sale prior to everyone else. (Nordstrom's is one of two store cards I carry, since like Target, they offer a debit card option that earns rewards just like a credit card.) For non-cardholders the sale begins on July 17th. The Anniversary Sale is always a great way to get a head start on fall shopping, especially since prices for fall items are only dropped temporarily, returning to full price when the sale is over. In case any of you are planning on shopping the Anniversary Sale this year, I selected my favorites from this year's Women's sale. 

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin // Keep

Now Trending: The Updated Shirtdress

Does anyone remember the show Tim Gunn's Guide to Style? I loved that show, don't know why it didn't last longer! On every episode, Tim Gunn would share his short list of classic items every woman should have in her wardrobe, one being the classic shirtdress. That one always stuck out in my mind, because it's one thing on the list that's missing from my closet. With all of the fabulous shirtdress looks that have been popping up in my magazines and on my Pinterest feed lately, I think it's about time I break down and find the perfect one! Always a classic, but certainly trending right now, fun updates on the shirtdress, like drop waists, fresh fabrications, and oversized proportions, make the style feel so modern and chic, anything but frumpy! And one of my favorite parts is that it's the epitome of effortless chic-- throw one on with sandals and sunglasses and you're good to go for just about any summer occasion.

Rochas Resort 2016

The resort collection that Rochas presented earlier this month combines so many of my favorite things-- gingham, lace, oversized silhouettes, blush + mustard, the perfect little white dress, the perfect little black dress... Basically, if I could make a deal that would allow me to trade this collection for everything I have in my closet right now, I would agree to it without a moment of hesitation. Actually, is negotiating allowed? I'd like to keep my bags and my boyfriend jeans. Okay, deal!

Summer Ready Sandals

Years ago, my in-laws brought me back the cutest pair of silver sandals from Santorini, unknowingly introducing me to a new obsession-- Greek sandals. In Greece, they make the most beautiful handcrafted sandals. The designs are perfectly minimalist and the quality stands the test of time. For years I dreamed of owning more pairs, until I eventually made it to Greece for the first time on our Mediterranean Cruise last year. After passing stall after stall of sandals, I found a brown pair to bring home for about $25. And I only bought one pair, because apparently I am crazy. With no plans to return to Greece anytime soon (I wish!), I'm at least thankful to see that Greek-inspired styles are trending right now, though for more than $25. (Once again, I am crazy!) So there's a lesson here, if you ever go to Greece, stock up on sandals! And send a pair my way! Now that warm weather is here to stay, here are some sandals I'm dreaming of right now:

1. Birkenstock "Madrid" Sandal, $70 // 2. Joie "Nice Thong Sandal, $125 // 3. Ancient Greek Sandals, $200 // 4. Tory Burch Daisy Perforated Sandal, $265 // 5. Madewell "Sightseer" Sandal, $59 // 6. J.Crew Mackenzie Sandal, $168 // 7. Jack Rogers Thong Sandal, $118 // 8. Joie "Sorrento" Sandal, $165 // 9. Kate Spade "Irevela" Slide Sandal, $98 // 10. Kate Spade Bow Slides, $228 // 11. Ancient Greek Sandals "Clio" Sandal, $185 // 12. Ancient Greek Sandals Perforated "Clio" Sandal, $185 // 13. Joie "Buenaventura" Slides, $185

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin // Keep

Now Trending: Gingham

Always classic gingham was front and center on the Spring '15 runways, from Oscar de la Renta to Altuzarra to Michael Kors. Only this time around, it's been freshened up with modern silhouettes, plays on scale and creative layering. I love that even when styled with an edgy twist, gingham still retains its sweetness. Its retro vibe evokes idyllic images of all-American picnics and vacationing on the French Riviera-- perfect for springtime! My favorite way to keep it from feeling too sweet is by pairing a gingham skirt or short with a menswear-inspired white shirt, or a gingham shirt with jeans and loafers. So far this trend hasn't exploded as much as expected, so my guess is that we'll continue to see it grow in the following seasons, hopefully making its way into home interiors as well. I'm totally inspired by the bedroom shown below and would love to introduce a smaller dose of gingham into our house, like some dining room napkins, an accent chair for the living room, or a laundry room window treatment.

Lacoste for J.Crew

J.Crew has a knack for bringing attention to classic, beloved brands and reinvigorating them through their popular In Good Company collaborations. (Think New Balance, Birkenstock, Saint James, Liberty of London, Red Wing, Timex, etc.) When I learned about their newly revealed collaboration with Lacoste, it felt like a match made in prep heaven.

J.Crew New Arrivals: December 2014

1. Excursion quilted vest in buffalo check, $138 / 2. Toscana shearling earmuffs, $118 / 3. Collection caged bow pumps, $298 / 4. Collection cashmere cable sweater, $298 / 5. Crystal drop earrings, $32 /  6. Toothpick jean in mamba black, $130 / 7. Begg & Co. lambswool plaid scarf, $148 / 8. Women's Ludlow pant in gold linen, $118 / 9.  Sophie glitter loafers, $128

I had so much trouble narrowing down my favorites for this post! This holiday collection is filled with by far my favorite J.Crew products released in months! Cozy knits, buffalo checks, holiday plaids-- all things merry and bright for the chilly months ahead! I'm trying my very best to hang on to fall until Thanksgiving, but Christmas season is already in the air. I can feel it, and I can hardly wait! Have you made any special holiday purchases yet?

Shop the post and more favorites below. Today J.Crew is offering 25% off your purchase!

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Bloglovin

A Life Well Lived: Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

July 22, 1932 - October 20, 2014

I was so sorry to hear of Oscar de la Renta's passing yesterday. He was a true legend in the fashion industry, not only because of his career achievements but also because of who he was as a person, as evidenced in this touching tribute written by Anna Wintour. Over the years I've read so many wonderful comments about his kind, gentlemanly spirit. A true feminist, Mr. de la Renta sought to empower women, to help them feel confident and beautiful. I always enjoy following the careers of successful people who also manage to live fulfilling, balanced lives, and he did just that. In addition to making beautiful clothes, he lived to love his family, to create magical homes and gardens together with his wife, Annette and to help those less fortunate. Oscar de la Renta will be missed, but he sure made our world a beautiful place while he was here.

J.Crew New Arrivals: October 2014

1. Tissue Turtleneck Tee, $45 // 2. Curved Metal Hair Elastic, $14 // 3. Collection Deco Feather Top, $375 // 4. Beautycounter Any Time Eye Cream, $32 // 5. Leopard Scarf, $65 // 6. Broken-in Boyfriend Jean in Harbor Wash, $135 // 7. Calf Hair Pouch, $78 // 8. Flannel Shirt in Buffalo Check, $89 // 9. Stripe Makeup Pouch, $19 // 10. Anchor Lock Bracelet, $50 // 11. Striped iPhone Case, $25

My favorite J.Crew new arrivals could hardly be more predictable. Leopard print and black and white stripes-- how could I resist? Especially when I wholeheartedly believe both of these prints to be neutrals! As we continue to endure 100 degree days in California, I can't bear to think of all the sweaters and coats coming out for fall. But come October, I like to think that a lightweight turtleneck, a pair of boyfriend jeans, and even a flannel are not so outside the realm of possibility.

Keep in touch! Pinterest // Instagram // Tumblr // Keep