Sunday, December 1, 2013

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.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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!

Monday, November 18, 2013

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

Saturday, November 16, 2013

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

Sunday, September 8, 2013

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

Thursday, August 29, 2013

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

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

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.