May the Best Man Win

When I don't have the opportunity to hit the flea markets on the weekend or thrift stores during the week, ebay is only a click away. It holds the same thrill of random treasures to be found and endless pieces to search through. A colorful ring, a vintage designer dress, they're all up for grabs. One winning bid and it could be yours, that is...unless I outbid you.

vintage pearl necklace

crystal and charmed necklace

green glass ring  & perfume rings (set of 3)

Yves Saint Laurent printed dress

pleated white dress

Tulip dress

Staring at the Sun

There are days that are gone in an instant, and others where the hours drag on and on. It's no surprise that the weekend never lasts as long as we want, and yesterday seemed to follow in that company. As the sun set, this trench was the perfect match for the cool, brisk air. I can't wait to pair it with a flowy dress and sandals for a future visit to a sidewalk cafe.

Jolt trench, Citizens of Humanity jeans
Boutique 9 oxfords & Mondani bag (thrifted)

Caution: Wet Paint

This week brings a few decorating challenges. Our apartment isn't the easiest palette to work with, and often has me questioning the builder's logic. For starters, we have a fireplace that sits offset to the left, which makes it hard to create a focal point on the main wall. Plus, the living and dining space appear to be one big room with no clear transition. No wonder we started with the bedroom first. Specific paint colors for our living room and dining nook are still up in the air, but we've decided neutral tones is the direction we want to go. Stark white walls will soon be gone, ushering in a cozy vibe. Despite all the little quirks, progress is in the air...oh wait, that might be paint fumes.

(image via flickr)

Bring on the paint color suggestions, if you've got any.

High Low

If you haven't noticed, I'm a lover of dresses. The simplicity of throwing one on and starting my day has become a routine I've become quite accustomed to. Now that there is no need for tights or leggings to keep my legs warm, a simple sandal is the only add-on necessary. Whether you're a frugal fashionista or willing to splurge a bit, here are a couple options to put your best dress forward.

Splatter Prints
Alice+Olivia $365 & F21 $24.80

Pink Ruffles

Rebecca Taylor $325 & BCBG Gen. $88

D.I.Y: Who Wants Short Shorts?

With practically no sewing skills and a lot of help from a friend, I set out on my first DIY project. I had been on the hunt for a great khaki short, the only requirements were to be cuffed, a little slouchy, and maybe have a simple tie. So when the ones I loved were way out of my price range, I decided to make them myself. Let the sewing begin.

1. Start with:
a basic khaki pant
(I found mine for $3 at a local thrift store! I searched through their racks which had tons of khaki pants with the base of what I was looking for: anything high waisted, pleated, and a bit loose on the leg.)
sewing machine
ruler, measuring tape
rotary cutter, tailers chalk

2. Measure inseam
This will determine how long or short you want the end product to be. My measurement was 5 inches down.
3. Mark across with tailers chalk
4. Measuring the cuff
From the marked line, measure 5 more inches down to determine your cuff. Varies, depending on your desired width.
5. Cut
With a ruler pressing firm at the last measured spot, use a rotary cutter to make your first and only cut.

6. Create a seam allowance
Fold up 1/2 inch and pin.

7. Cuff up
8. Press with iron
9. Stitch side seam

10. Make a tie
With the remaining unused fabric, stitch together pieces to make a tie. Angle ends.
11. End product
Stay on the lookout for them in an upcoming outfit post.

Any questions? Feel free to ask!

Floral Camouflage

As bold as this dress print may be, it still seemed to blend into the shadows in a couple shots. Did you hear? Floral can apparently act as camouflage, which comes in handy with drive-by gawkers. I blame the unnecessary attention on the dress. Everything from the fabric choice to the zipper detailing give off a flirty vibe, which might have prompted a few dainty twirls just because.

(French Connection dress, vintage Susan Gail bag,
3 stacked gold rings & CL by Laundry wedge)

Baubles, Bangles, and Beads

The jewelry boxes atop my dresser had gotten completely out of hand and disheveled. Sadly, the baubles and beads get little attention once they are removed after a day's use. Necklaces were knotted together, rings were lost in unknown crevices, and random earrings needed to find their other halves. So yesterday, I embarked on a little jewelry spring cleaning. The looming mess of a closet can wait for another day. Baby steps people, baby steps. For now, I bask in my day-old organization and pray it lasts.

'Tis the Season

Yesterday something happened that hasn't occurred in quite a while. For the first time in months, my car turned into a sauna and I had to turn on the AC. While soon the apartment will take on the same routine, I choose to focus on the good things that spring brings, instead of the power bill that will be calling my name. Here are the seasonal fruits and vegetables that will be on my farmer's market shopping list and will have my taste-buds wanting more.

avocados in ceviche
or homemade guacamole
(image via flickr)


sliced pineapple put on the grill
or in tarts and cakes
(image via flickr)


strawberry and mango in smoothies
or over froyo
(image via flickr)


artichoke hearts in salads
or simply roasted with olive oil and lemon
(image via flickr)

Just Press Play

Paramore's latest video incorporates some of my favorite things.
Girly dresses. Butterfly wings. Fireflies. & a young Dakota Fanning look-a-like.

A mix between Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland, it's a whimsical escape. If only by watching, Friday would stop lagging and get here already :)

Tavern on the Green

St. Patrick's day doesn't have to be all about shamrocks and green beer, although I fully support the tradition. For me, it's also another reason to wear one of my favorite colors (as seen here and here) and eat a traditionally Irish bowl of Lucky Charms (I kid, I kid). You might be able to tell from my item picks, I'm on a teal and Kelly green kick at the moment. From variations like jade, army green, and sea green, the choices are endless. For sanity sake, let your closet choose the shade of green you wear today.

*click for product details

Have a wonderful St. Patty's day! Eat, drink and be merry!

Playing With Your Food

I was always the kid that bought lunch at school. There was something far more alluring about pizza or chicken fingers, as opposed to a pb&j that had been sitting in a lunchbox for half a day. If only Mom had the bento box creative genes like this lady. Lunchtime would have stepped up a notch for sure and made me the talk of the 4th grade cafeteria.

images via here

Abbey Road

Monday got here too soon, but yesterday proved to be one of the most leisurely days I've had in quite a while. Having an outfit to match the perfect SoCal sun and the convertible top put down, I became the epitome of a Sunday driver without a worry in the world... including the speed limit. 30 was the new 45.

Aqua striped tank, thrifted boyfriend jeans (1st seen here)
Zara crossbody bag, target xhilaration sandals,
Blue topaz earrings (gift), F21 butterfly ring, spiral bangle (?)

Judging A Book By It's Cover

Packaging is always one of my favorite things about beauty products, and the first thing that draws me to an item. While I fully understand the marketing tactics behind it, I'm always a sucker for a lovely presentation. Whether it's the container inspired by Marie Antoinette's jewelry box (see the Guerlain powder below) or the engraving on their lipstick, the delightful details and feminine frills get me every single time.

Butterfly palette, Meteorite powder by Guerlain
Shimmer dust by Tarina Tarantino, Tart cheek stains
Engraved lipstick by Guerlain
Sephora frosted pink brush set, Too Faced bronzing set

Miss Holly Golightly

As if the trench coat needed any more acclaim, but let's go over it in case you didn't get the fashion staple memo. It's one of the few items that can instantly offer a chic and classic vibe, while all the while reminding us of that "kiss in the rain" scene from Breakfast At Tiffany's. When you've got the classic trench covered, you know the next step is to grab one with a twist.

"wild at heart" coat by Marc

"Sea of Shoes" trench by Jane Aldridge


Burberry check trench

Out & About: Westwood Village

There's days when my own neighborhood just doesn't cut it, giving me the perfect opportunity to visit other lovely nooks of this big city. We spent the sunny afternoon walking the streets of Westwood Village, grabbing some flowers for the apartment, and satisfying my sweet tooth at Diddy Riese.