Paisley Blazer in Wine, Night & Day

This year for Thanksgiving we decided to go out for dinner, and this is what I wore.

I don't think could love a blazer as much as I love this one.  I wanted to try wearing it for daytime, and this is how I styled it for my day of Saturday errands.  I think I'll be wearing this one quite a bit this season and beyond.  Next time I'll try with boots either in black or cognac.

Paisley Blazer in Wine, Night & Day

Max & Mia Single Button Paisley Jacket, Wine - nordstrom.com (Nordstrom.com made an error and listed the brand as Matty M)
Trouvé Double Scoop Linen-Blend Tee, white -nordstrom.com
7 For All Mankind® 'The Slim Cigarette' Stretch Jeans, Rinse - nordstrom.com
Lauren Ralph Lauren Croc Embossed Reversible Belt, Black Croc/Red Patent - nordstrom.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Katie' Pendant Necklace, Gold - Bloomingdale's (purchased with Friends & Family Discount and Happy Returns card!)

Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles (Nordstrom Exclusive), Silver - nordstrom.com

Daytime accesories:

Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com

Tory Burch Reva Metallic Flats, Pyrite - shopbop.com

Nadri Small Pavé Ball Earrings, Black Diamond - nordstrom.com (no longer available in black diamond, but can be seen here)

Evening accessories:

Sorrelli 'Rare Jewels' black/red/hematite stones earrings - Nordstrom Rack

LP Blue 'Kyle Arrow' Clutch, Black - nordstrom.com

kate spade new york 'licorice too' pump, Black Patent - nordstrom.com 

*A note about these pumps: the pointiness intimidated me and I thought they might be squishy tight against my toes, but these are the most comfortable heels I've ever worn.  They are even better than the Cole Haan pumps I've been pushing the last several years, and they are at the same price point. Depending on the style and material, the Cole Haan hurt my feet after awhile, and these kate spades don't hurt one single bit.  I am finding kate spade shoes to be very consistent in sizing even with flats.  Lucky for me I bought thse black and the nude with a price match to Bloomingdale's Friends & Family discount.  I found a pair in sliver and in purple suede on clearance with additional promo code and Old Navy/Gap rewards on piperlime.  Can't wait to wear them.

Charlie's Angels for Halloween 2013

I guess I'm one holiday behind.  This year for Halloween I dressed as "Sabrina Duncan" from the original TV series "Charlie's Angels."

I was hoping to recreate this look:

My version of "Sabrina Duncan" - Everything for the costume is vintage from Ebay and Etsy except for the belt and necklace.

Don't freak, it's not real.  It's a toy .38 revolver my husband found on Amazon.  It came with two for $4.99.

I remember from the mid to late 70s my mom wore this shade of brown nail polish and lipstick.

Sabrina wouldn't have carried this type of purse as she carried simpler clutches.  But this one I just had to get because of my fond memory of this type of purse.  This handmade leather saddlebag from Mexico is just how I remember my mom's and sisters' saddlebags.  I remember we all went down to Tijuana to get them - I think it was 1977.  I was too young for a purse, so I got a marrionette instead.  I swear this purse is exactly like the ones they bought and used for years.  I also remember getting those cute little leather flip-flop key rings made of this same leather.  Like this one:  Mexico Keychain Keyring Leather MINI SANDAL

My friend R dressed as "Kelly Garrett," my friend L dressed as "Jill Munroe," and R's husband D dressed as "John Bosley."  Unfortunately, we didn't have a "Charlie"!  Here's the gang of the Original Season 1 Charlie's Angels!  Clockwise from the top:  Bosley, Sabrina, Kelly, Jill:

I had the image of "Sabrina" made into a photo button I am wearing above so people would know who I was trying to be for Halloween.  On Ebay I found "Charlie's Angels" vintage buttons for the group to wear as well.  It was fun!

Colorblocking Greens

I had some styling help again recently in hopes to accessorize a two-toned forest green sweater.  I loved the color but didn't know how to make the sweater more interesting.  The grey trim around the neckline sort of threw me.  I sent a link to the sweater to a nordstrom.com live help agent, and she said she knew just the scarf to add.  Since the sweater has two shades of forest green the colorblocking of the scarf with the lighter shade of green plus the navy and grey - it seems to work.  I wasn't sure what to do about the handbag, so I tried with both tan and black.  I think the tan works better, even though there is no other tan or brown in my outfit.  When looking at the photo, I notice the gold stitching of my jeans brings out the tan in the bag.  Or is it vice-versa?

Colorblocking Greens

Halogen® Crewneck Sweater, Green/Greenbug- nordstrom.com

Nordstrom 'Widgets' Cashmere & Silk Scarf, Green/Grey - nordstrom.com

Argento Vivo Medium Hammered Hoop Earrings, Silver - nordstrom.com

7 For All Mankind® 'The Slim Cigarette' Stretch Jeans, Rinse - nordstrom.com

Tory Burch 'Reva', Metallic Silver - Nordstrom

Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Village Small' leather handbag, black (can't find link or photo) - Nordstrom

High Tea

Thursday I saw my dear friend beverlylikehills and got inspired to update my blog.  I have four outfits to post. I better get busy!  This outfit I wore to a High Tea two weeks ago.

I've been wanting to stay away from sheath and bodycon type dresses.  You get the slightest pooch in your belly and the dress looks horrible.  I'm trying fit and flare dresses now so I can eat!

To style this dress, I received a little help.

The necklace.  I actually liked the "Complete The Look" suggestion for a necklace on the item page for the dress, so I went with this "automatic" suggestion.  I never would have figured out on my own that the row of spikes on the necklace mimic the rows of dots on the dress.

The shoes.  The "Complete The Look" suggestion for shoes are what the model is wearing, Manolo Blahnik pointy pumps.  Wish I could, but I'm not sure I'll ever have Manolo Blahnik in my closet.  I'm lucky I found a pair that looks pretty much identical in shape and color, that are at a much more reasonable price point.

The clutch.  I had no idea really what handbag to carry.  My mission was to make this nighttime party dress look appropriate for daytime.  I had no clue how to do this.  I went in to the store to get a salesperson's help.  She was amazing.  She gave me advice that any pastel would work since pastels scream daytime.  I love this pastel mint clutch.  She also suggested my lip color to be a rosy pink to keep things looking daytime.

The earrings.  I had no idea what style or how big or small to go to make this outfit look daytime-ish. I had an amazing salesperson in the Fashion Jewelry department.  I showed her a photos of the dress, shoes, and necklace on my phone and my new clutch in person, and she knew just what to choose: medium hammered hoops in silver.  She also suggested I curl my hair in these loose waves.  I've already gone back to this salesperson to style another outfit.  She is amazing!

The bracelets.  Had already.

The ring.  A wonderful gift from beverlylikehills.

 Definitely click on the dress link to get a better view of the keyhole back.

High Tea

Taylor Dresses Polka Dot Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, black/silver - nordstrom.com
Vince Camuto 'Summer Metals' Collar Necklace, silver - nordstrom.com
Argento Vivo Medium Hammered Hoop Earrings, silver - nordstrom.com
Halogen® Halogen Lizard Embossed Patent Leather Flap Clutch, Seafoam Lizard - nordstrom.com
Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles (Nordstrom Exclusive), Silver - nordstrom.com
Temple St. Claire for Target fashion ring, blue - gift from beverlylikehills
kate spade new york 'licorice too' pump, Powder Patent - nordstrom.com

50th Birthday Party at the Golf Course

Last night I attended a 50th birthday party at a beautiful golf course in San Juan Capistrano.  Under usual cirmcumstances I would have carried my small gold metallic clutch, but this time I wanted to go out of my comfort zone and try my coral clutch instead.  The coral clutch and red pumps are in the same color palette but different shades.

50th Birthday Party at the Golf Course

Diane von Furstenberg 'Jori' Ruched Shift Dress, black - bloomingdales.com
kate spade 'keswick caning' ball necklace, gold/cream/black - kate spade
kate spade crystal spade earrings, gold - nordstrom.com

NADRI Black Micro Pavé Bangle, Black Diamond - nordstrom.com
Calvin Klein sequins framed clutch, coral - zappos.com
Cole Haan 'Chelsea' pump, Tango Red Patent - ruelala.com
NARS Nail Polish, Orgasm - nordstrom.com

Why Not Girl! Of The Week - Why Not Mix These Prints?

I am happy to share that my friend Penny from my moms group nominated me to be a Why Not! Girl of The Week!  Here's a little bit about the website that Forbes says is one of the 100 Best Websites For Women for 2013:

"Why Not Girl!, a website empowering women to try new things, live life as an adventure and say Why Not!"

Please see my contribution to the Why Not Girl website here:

Why Not Girl! Of The Week

BIG thanks to Penny and Lauren from Why Not Girl!

Here's a super casusal outfit I wore several weeks ago, but I forgot to wear jewelry because I was rushing..... bummer.

Why Not Mix These Prints? Two of the colors in the prints are red and white, so that's okay, right?  I'm really trying to get over my fear of mixing prints.  It seems that most mannequins I see in stores are wearing mixed prints.  

My hubby loves the second photo so I'm including it.

Why Not Mix These Prints?

Caslon Scoop Neck Tee, White/Red Fiesta Stripe - nordstrom.com

Milly 'Tribal' Canvas Tote, red/green combo - Nordstrom
NYDJ 'Hayden' Walking Shorts, Resin Wash - nordstrom.com

Bo'em 'June' Printed Leather Sandal, Bronze - Ebay.com
Essie Nail Color (on toes) 'In The Cab-Ana' - CVS
Chanel LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR (on fingers) 'April' - gift from most awesome neighbor, T

San Francisco Night Out

We just returned from a road trip to San Francisco.  On the way up we stopped in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey.  On the way back we stopped in Paso Robles.  We had an incredible trip. Here are photos from the one night we went out without kids and got dressed up.  This restaurant is right near the Oakland Bay Bridge.  The food, atmosphere, and views are top-notch. I would be so lucky to return to that place!

I wouldn't have wanted to wear tights considering it is August, but everyone knows the coldest winters are San Francisco summers!

Yes, my hair is straighter than normal.  I just had my very first Keratin treatment.  I think I'm in love.  AND in trouble.

You can't tell really above but I was freezing my butt off. I wish I had placed the silver chain bracelet above the beaded bracelet so it would lie on top of it better instead of slipping down to my hand.

It was super cold outside after dinner.  Had to wear my denim jacket to keep warm.

My husband is turning into a pretty darn good photographer, I must say.

San Francisco Waterbar Restaurant Outfit

Diane von Furstenberg 'New Julian 2' wrap dress, Square Tips Pink - nordstrom.com
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Ball & Chains' Bead Stretch Bracelet, Light Peach Multi/Silver -nordstrom.com
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Toggles & Turnlocks' Link Bracelet, SILVER/ BLACK DIAMOND - nordstrom.com
Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Medium Crystal Encrusted Earrings, Gunmetal - nordstrom.com
Cole Haan Opaque Tights, Black - colehaan.com
MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Lady Nini' Chain Link Bracelet Watch, 35mm, Rose Gold Tortoise- nordstrom.com

Kenneth Cole New York 'High Polish' Clutch, black patent- nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Air Talia' pump suede, black - 6pm.com

Lauren Jeans Co. Jacket, Tamara Classic Fit Denim, Nolita - macys.com

Dot Sweater with Bold Necklace

Tonight my family decided to have dinner out at the golf course near our house.  We love the food there and the atmosphere is beautiful.

Awhile back I received an email from J. Crew Factory showing a bold statement necklace against a simple polka-dotted sweater.  I wish I could find this email so I can share J. Crew Factory's photo.  No luck.

I've been on the lookout to copy their suggested look.  I think I did it.  At least I tried.

It's been so humid lately I have no desire to use my hairdryer or flat iron. I haven't worn my hair like this for 15 or so years.

 My boys love to dress nicely for restaurants.  Gap long sleeve shirts and khakis.

T is so serious!

Golf Course Dinner Outfit:

Factory polka-dot pullover / SMALL / NAVY MINT DOT - jcrewfactory.com
kate spade DOUBLE EXPOSURE NECKLACE, green/navy/gold - katespade.com
Blue Essence Twill Ankle Skinny Jeans, white - nordstrom.com
Paul Green 'Leslie' Sandal, brown - nordstrom.com
Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com
Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Bangles, emerald green - birthday gift from amazing friends

Makeover at NARS Counter

I decided to clean my makeup brushes on a day that really wasn't ideal since I was going out to dinner later that night.  I cleaned them anyway because I knew if I didn't do it then I'd keep putting it off.  So of course they were not going to be dry in time.  I decided to go get my makeup done at the NARS counter at my local Nordstrom.  I love this brand of cosmetics.  I was given a small sample tube of an amazing product a few months ago:  Nars Illuminator.    I recently purchased the stick version, which I like better than the tube.  Some of the colors have uh, interesting names....

Here are some photos of my makeover taken by the amazing Nars sales associate, T.

NARS products used:

'Pure Radiant' Tinted Moisturizer (don't know the shade used, most likely the second to lightest one)
'Illuminator' in Orgasm
Beauty Exclusive for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale- 'Voulez Vous' Cheek and Eye Palette
'Pro Prime' Smudgeproof Eye Shadow Base
'Larger Than Life' Long Wear Pencil Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd (white)
'Stylo' Liquid Eyliner in Carpates
'Larger Than Life' Volumizing Mascara in Black
Lip Gloss (might be Wonder or Ophelia)

The Stylo liquid eyeliner is the best liquid eyeliner I have ever used.  I can't believe how easy it is to apply.  Previously I was using the Laura Mercier cake eyeliner which you have to wet and use a separate brush.  It never looked right.  The NARS one is excellent, I highly recommend it.  I know this post sounds like it is sponsored by NARS, but it isn't.  I just wanted to share my great experience.

Edited to Add:  I forgot and just added the white eyeliner.  She said it is used on the inside rims of my lower eyelids to open up my eyes.  I think it works pretty well!

Date Night Outift:

Trouvé Textured Sheer Cap Sleeve Top, ROSE- PORCELAIN - nordstrom.com
Hinge Jersey Tank, ROSE- PORCELAIN - nordstrom.com
Alexis Bittar 'Elements - Siyabona' Fern Long Station Necklace, PEARL MULTI - nordstrom.com (My husband picked this necklace for my birthday!  He did a good job)
Blue Essence Twill Ankle Skinny Jeans, black - nordstrom.com
Cole Haan 'Carma Air' OT Sling Back, Roccia Snake print - Nordstrom Rack

Resort & Redbook Magazine

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity of having dinner at a Newport Coast resort.  I thought I'd try my new favorite printed tote as a bold statement paired with a simple black tee and white denim for a resort wear feel.

Resort Wear Outfit

Trouvé Textured Sheer Cap Sleeve Top, Black - nordstrom.com
Blue Essence Skinny Ankle Jeans, White - nordstrom.com
Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Medium Crystal Encrusted Earrings, Gunmetal - nordstrom.com
Macy's bracelet, Clear Red - Macy's
Cole Haan 'Air Carma OT', Sandalwood - zappos.com
Milly 'Tribal' Canvas Tote - green/red combo - Nordstrom

I am excited beyond belief to share that Redbook Magazine featured me along with other fashion bloggers wearing printed shorts for the August 2013 issue.   A few months ago they contacted me saying they like my blog and fashion, but they can't find any photos of me wearing printed shorts.  So guess what I did?  Of course I went out and hunted down a pair of printed shorts.  It was challenging to find bermuda length printed shorts, as I bought the one and only pair offered at nordstrom.com.

Here I am below on the right bottom corner:

Thank you to Beverly Like Hills for providing this photo AND for coming with me on the emergency shopping trip to find this amazing coral blazer to wear with the printed shorts. The caption says, "A straight, knee-length pair is very sleek in California."

Below is the original photo I sent Redbook.

Redbook Magazine, August 2013 Issue, Printed Shorts Outfit

Vince Camuto Diamond Jacquard Bermuda Shorts, Rich Black - nordstrom.com
Trouvé Double Scoop Linen-Blend Tee, White - nordstrom.com
Gap Pique Academy Blazer, Fire Coral - Gap
Stuart Weitzman 'Excise' Slingback Wedge, Black Patent - nordstrom.com
Alexis Bittar Small Donut Lucite Pendant Necklace, Gold -nordstrom.com
kate spade 'keswick caning' lever back earrings, white - kate spade
Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com

Please see my friend Beverly Like Hills featured in the right bottom corner in the photo below as she was also featured in this same Redbook Magazine issue for her amazing, stylish glasses!  Beverly, you look incredible!  Thank you so much Redbook Magazine for including me and my friend in your magazine.

Teal Tuesday

Thank you for wearing teal for us!  I think it brought us lots of luck because one of my boys got a really good Waiting List number at #5!!  So now we just need to get the three kids in who are on the Sibling Priority List ASAP, then the office can start calling the Waiting List and hopefully get to #5 sometime this upcoming school year.

My Teal Tuesday Outfit.  I decided to go with wearing teal accents with neutrals.

Sunglasses print to keep me calm, cool, and collected no matter what the lottery results ended up to be.

My nail color I had done yesterday after workout.  I decided to go with a navy for toes -- didn't want to overdo the teal nails.

Caslon® Shirred V-Neck Tee, WHITE/ AQUA COMBO - nordstrom.com
Halogen® Crewneck Cardigan, Navy Peacoat - nordstrom.com
7 For All Mankind mid-rise bootcut jeans, Rinse Wash - 7forallmankind.com
Roxy beach tote, Aqua Combo - Ebay.com
Bernardo 'Miami' thong sandal, navy - bernardofootwear.com
Zella 'Double the Fun'Headband, BLUE OCEAN SPACE DYE - nordstrom.com
Nordstrom Diamond Collection Heart Pendant Necklace, yellow gold - Nordstrom (anniversary gift)  
Deborah Lippmann Nail Color, ON THE BEACH - nordstrom.com

Now the fun part.... the photos below are of my friends and family who texted and emailed photos of them and their kids wearing teal to support me through this lottery.  Thank you everyone!!

My boys' cool teal track & field tees.

RC's beautiful metallic teal toes.

KF, AG, KT's beautiful teal toes.

 IT's cool teal polo.

MP-D, ZP-D, AP-D, SD's awesome teal hoodie, ribbons, and tee.

I love my dear friends & family.  Thank you for your support.  :)

Fashion bloggers, please post your photos or links in the comments.  Thank you!

Teal Tuesday on June 25!

Dear Readers and Fashion Bloggers:

It's Teal Tuesday on June 25th!  Please wear any shade of teal/aqua/turquoise as my good luck charm.   My boys have been entered in our school's lottery to be full-time on-campus students for the 2013-14 school year.  Unfortunately, there are no openings in any grade level, so all names pulled will be placed on the wait list.  Since they are in the Independent Study program, they have no priority in the lottery.  I am hoping the boys' names get chosen early in the process so we can be closer to the top of the wait list this coming fall.  Cross fingers at least one of them gets placed at #1-5!!

So please wear some teal and keep us in your thoughts.  Anything will do.... clothes, accessories, nail polish, jewelry.  On Teal Tuesday I will have a new post of me wearing teal.  In the comments, please post a link with a photo of you wearing teal.  If you know me, you can text or email a photo if you'd like.

Fashion Bloggers, please spread the word in your blogs.  I hope to see lots of teal coming my way on Teal Tuesday.  Thank you!!  

My dear friends KT and KF have kindly painted their toes teal.  Thank you ladies!

Copying Kendi's Chambray Forever

I am attempting to copy Kendi's "Chambray Forever" post from back in July 2012.  I am just getting around to wearing the outfit now, but I purchased the white denim and head wrap in July last year.  I finally found a good version of the chambray shirt last month with the shopping help of Beverly Like Hills.  Kendi's tote works really well as the red heart picks up the color in her head wrap.    I don't have such a cute tote.  What I do have to help tie in the head wrap color is the beautiful nail color on my toes, a gift from the BEST NEIGHBOR ever - Chanel nail color 'April'.

Thank you, dear 7-year old son for taking photos with my iPhone.  Now I can post more in my blog because of YOU.

Attempt at Copying Kendi's "Chambray Forever"

INC International Concepts Shirt, Long-Sleeve Chambray Linen - Macy's
Blue Essence Skinny Twill Ankle Jeans, White - nordstrom.com
Paul Green 'Leslie' sandal, brown - nordstrom.com
Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com
Tasha 'Perfect Poolside' Head Wrap, Purple - nordstrom.com
Chanel LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR, 'April' - Gift from Awesome Neighbor, T

Ritz-Carlton Casual Cocktails Outfit

I'm usually not a sunglasses-on-top-of-my-head girl, but my hair is growing out right now and the sunglasses helped pull my hair back off my face. The other night we got a last minute invitation to go have cocktails and apps at the Ritz-Carlton Club Level lounge. What an amazingly wonderful experience!  The food and company was divine.

In the lobby:

The jacket, necklace, and tee I copied exactly from a nordstrom.com model as shown below. The skirt is way cute, but it is a bit too short for me as I am "of a certain age."

Ritz-Carlton Casual Cocktails Outfit

Gibson Metallic Shimmer Stripe Biker Jacket, green/beige - nordstrom.com

 Trouvé Double Scoop Linen-Blend Tee, white - nordstrom.com

Blue Essence 'Eliot' skinny jeans, Indigo Mood Wash - nordstrom.com

House of Harlow 1960 Leather Station Necklace, black - nordstrom.com

kate spade 'Alathea' sunglasses, black/red print - nordstrom.com

Kenneth Cole NY 'High Polish' clutch, black patent - Nordstrom

Cole Haan 'Air Talia' suede pump, black - 6pm.com