fashion blab: a sunny day in january

Skirt: Splendid (purchased here). Top: Billabong. Sunglasses: Kate Spade (available here). Watch: Michael Kors (purchased here). Bracelet & Rings: David Yurman. Bamboo Bracelet: (similar here). Stone Ring: Vita New York. Necklaces: Unknown

fashion blab: strides to stripe

There is an ol' tale about a lonely zebra who attempted to hide it's stripes in order to fit it, or something like that, and in some ways I can empathize with that zebra. For those who know me personally, I am sure you aware of my affinity for stripes. Somewhat similar to the Zebra, I have actually had to make a conscious effort to limit the amount in my home and closet because, well, it would likely be frightening had I not. I am not sure if it is their effortless uniformity, or their juxtaposition between light and dark, or the fact that they seem to "match" with just about everything... who knows! Simply said, I just love them and I will hide my stripes no more!

To hell with my previous efforts to reduce the stripes in my life! I am in the market for some lovely, striped accessories and here are a few of my most favorite stripes I have seen around town recently...

Muze Oversized Stripped Clutch (found here)

Kate Spade Academy Stripe Larissa (found here)

Guiseppe Zanotti (found here)

Brian Atwood (found here)

Jimmp Choo scarf (found here)

me blab: where did the weekend go?

I guess I should preface this post with the fact that these images represent an entire week in images, instead of just one weekend. I have been on vacation since the eve of Christmas Eve and have had an absolute blast. Our adventure began with travelling between families for the Holidays, then off to Santa Barbara, followed by Palm Desert and then back down south for New Years Eve. It is safe to say that this past week has been FULL of amazing meals, tasty cocktails, great weather, and, of course, friends and family. Unfortunately, I am back to reality. Fortunately, I have tons of pictures to reminisce over!

Baby cactus.

Cocktails at The Marquee in Santa Barbara.

New leopard Via Spiga coat for christmas.

White Mink slippers for the youngest member of our family.

Roasting Chestnuts... not.

Beer goggles - stocking stuffer.

SB coast.

Reminiscing at our old stomping grounds.

Graffiti

Wine/Beer tasting at Corks n' Crowns in Santa Barbara.

NYE breakfast at The Porch in Newport Beach.

NYE kiss*

party blab: Mad Men Holiday Party

Every year my family throws a fabulously themed Holiday party for our closet friends and family. Since our theme has been stuck on repeat for half of a decade, we decided to freshen things up with a brand new theme... Mad Men! This theme was only fitting for my nostalgic and recently, vintage-minded family.

Our first stop toward fulfilling this theme was at Elsewhere Vintage in Downtown Orange. A few 60's shift and 50's cocktail dresses later, it was on to invitations. We decided to use a a gray backing and a vintage looking font with mod-ish design paper and silver embossing as accents. Next up, the menu, which featured swedish meatballs, a varietal of seafood cocktails,  rumaki, green jello-mold, stuffed mushrooms, trifles and more. Once complete, my great-grandparent's cocktail glasses were dusted, the silver tinsel tree was displayed and more than enough Lucky Strike cigarettes were scattered throughout the party. Guests sipped on Old Fashions, Dirty Martini's, and Manhattans while discussing the evening's revival of the beehive, exchanging gifts, and simply enjoying the presence of friends and family.

In the true spirit of my family, this event was even more over the top and fun then I could have even imagined...

Hair by: Christina Smallwood. Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Vintage dresses: Elsewhere Vintage.