Tootsie Time

I love clogs, but haven't purchased a pair since I still have memories wandering around in my mother's clogs that were heavier than a pair of anvils (at least from what I recall). But I love that the Maguba clogs are lightweight and extremely versatile - making me feel like they'd go with both sporty weekend wear and fancy workday outfits. 

{If it wasn't obviously via Pinterest, I love shoes. Inspired by Santa Barbara Chic, I think it's time to feature my passion on the blog}

Festival Style: Boho

It seems like everyone has already geared up for the summer festival schedule, especially some of my favorite retail outlets like ASOS, Anthropologie and even J. Crew. With the festival circuit just a few weeks away in the San Francisco Bay, here's hoping that our notoriously grey summer weather unveils a few purely un-stereotypical summer days. 

The boho-chic trend is constantly a favorite for festival season, and I was even surprised to see that my local J. Crew started filling racks with some seriously frilly, '70s style duds. I love how Free People constantly provides an outlet for care-free style, and that ASOS always offers authentic leather frills, flowers and fab fashion. 

{all images via}

Surviving Green Hearts Frankie

Apparently I was living under a rock {I'm usually aware of fantastic fashion bloggers}, but I just discovered Frankie Hearts Fashion. Her effortless and wearable style is right up my alley - wearing clothes that I can actually see in my closet, and afford for my closet {including this asos number that is currently on it's way!}. I can't believe I didn't know about Nicole's sweet SoCal style, but to say the very least she's my new BFF. 

Beach Essentials

My Beach Essentials 

Tory Burch printed top 

Anthropologie underwire bathing suit 

Havaianas slim shoes 

Sperry Top-Sider straw beach tote 

J.Crew striped hat 

Karen Walker Eyewear Northern Lights - Crazy Tort

Flower Head

If I were as cool as her*, I would totally bust out a flower head for my July birthday. 

(*and by cool, I mean super-model gorgeous with a stylist to assist, obviously)

{image via}

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting in Temecula this past weekend was a dream come true. It was just the girls, great wine and 90 degree weather to make Sunday fly by. I had been holding out for my flower pants since picking them up on sale at Anthropologie (after returning an Asos pair), but didn't really think about the weather until all the girls showed up in dresses. Luckily we went back and forth between the sun and air conditioned tasting rooms so that I wasn't overwhelmed by the sweet inland heat. 

Style by Karla

I bet if I ever saw Karla in the street, I might confuse her with an actress or supermodel. All of her photos show off an impeccable pout that she has no doubt perfected both in reality and in the blogosphere world. When I spotted this little number on the sensible fashion blogger, who manages to turn simple white J.Crew tanks into Prada gold, I couldn't help but me reminded of an Old Navy dress I own. The simple garment has been turned into a beach dress since it's length isn't very forgiving; but nonetheless, the baby doll shape and simple pattern has me thinking it might just be time to turn that dress back into a party ensemble (I'll wait until summer, of course).

{image}

J. Crew 2012

I have always been a huge fan of J.Crew, and now that I see what's ahead of the brand I couldn't be more excited. I love how they mix and match patterns and colors, but still make it look chic enough that every brave woman can wear. I found all the image from Glitter Guide's infamous instagram, a team that has kept me up to date on all things NYFW.  

Layers

Banana Republic top, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, Franco Sarto heels, necklaces (long to short) F21, F21, Double Happiness, Double Happiness rings, Anthropologie sunnies

While it's not New York Fashion Week, these were taken by a good friend at La Jolla's Estancia La Jolla {see my snapshots of the event from phone here}

Simple Sterling

I have a pretty long list of daily blog reads, as I'm sure most of you do. While most of them consist of fabulously fashion-forward fashionistas based in some of my favorite cities, it's often hard to relate to them off the page - mostly because my daily nine-plus hour desk ritual doesn't call for red soled shoes or bow-tie ASOS skirts (nor does my budget). That's what I find most appealing about Taylor of Sterling Style (and Glitter Guide). She keeps things more real for the average reader than other favorites of mine, offering tips I can actually employ in my average, working-girl kind of life.  


{all images via Taylor}

neon pop

}

 {images: 1, 2, 3, 4}

If it wasn't obvious from all my tweets lately, I'm craving something neon. A like the idea of adding a pop of color to a rather drab outfit, especially during winter when most tend to gravitate toward black. Initially I thought I couldn't live without a bright and brilliant satchel for nighttime escapades, but since searching the web I've decided than anything in an eye-popping shade of green, pink, yellow or blue would do.

Mary Meyer Clothing

I've always been a shoes gal, even when my feet were growing at a rate that had me throwing pairs of shoes out monthly (I distinctly remember a pair of Nine West shoes in a size 7 that were far too fashionable for my 13-year old self, that are still hidden in my parents house somewhere). 

While I've never had the budget to satisfy all my tastebuds, I've been known to purchase a few via Refinery29. So when the site had a few flat suggestions that led me to Mary Meyer Clothing, it was an obvious hit - everything is so dark and dreary, yet detailed and unique. It reminds me a little of Mary Kate & Ashley (my longtime fashion idols) during their real grudge days, although I don't think Mary Kate has ever really polished her downtown look.

Everywhere Hair

I usually don't do much with my hair, but after becoming obsessed with Pinterest over the last few weeks, I couldn't help but notice a lot more hairstyle options than ever before. Considering my hair remains flat and lanky, I don't think curls will ever actually hold past the hour, but it's always fun to dream. What's your favorite go-to hairstyle?

{images via pinterest}

Craving: Animal

{Yves Saint Laurent twill coat, £1,195; Leopard print legging, $40; Steven by Steve Madden flat heel shoes, $120; Alexander mcqueen handbag, £845; Lucky Brand Jeans leopard print scarve, $50; Banana republic, $50}

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I went shopping throughout the city to find some necessary wardrobe updates for the season (and trip to NYC). While she didn't have any luck, I think I found something at every location - and I couldn't stop checking out the leopard prints. While I had to limit myself to just a few items with these bold pattern, I couldn't help but think of a few other additions I might add to my closet as the season gets more crisp.

Like a Tree

I'm clearly channeling my inner Man Repeller here (both facial expression and ensemble organization), but that's kinda what I was going for a la the latest LEAF (Living, Eating and Fashion) video with Because I'm Addicted's Geri Hirsch {now that lady has style}. To my amusement, the roomie - better known as my boyfriend - actually noticed the ensemble, and with the surprising amusement via his compliment, we snapped a few.

{Mango dress, Mango sweater, Target flannel, Anthropologie belt, Nixon watch}

NYC

White top; Oasis collarless jacket, $205; Ralph Lauren mid heel shoes, €850; Clinch tube scarve, €169

What are you craving for fall? I'm slowing preparing for my trip to NYC, but aside from the hotel and flights (and a few meals), little if anything else is planned - especially for my wardrobe. I'm not all that fond of cold weather, so when we head to the Big Apple this October, I'm desperate that it'll actually be an unseasonable warm rather than the other way around. 

Food + Fashion

Who knew food could be so fashionable? These fashion-forward ladies were spotted at this weekend's food festival - where horse poop and hay were more prominent than the people. So it was surprising to see some fashionistas in the presence of hot sun, food out of trucks and oodles of fried food everywhere. It was inspiration, none the less! 

sparkle + practical

+

+

=

a fan-tabulous outfit.

 Or, if you'd rather, a semi-appropriate work ensemble that also reminds you to add some sparkle in your life while simultaneously breaking in your new Nine West shoes for Chicago. 

{beads: Anthropologie; tee: Urban Outfitters; watch: Nixon; bracelet: thrifted; shoes: Nine West}

flower child

It look me a long time to accept skinny jeans (aka a move to Europe and month-long lost baggage forced me to accept skinny jeans), but I'm a little more excited about the latest jeans development. Rachel Zoe has obviously been a purveyor of the wide leg pant for years, but after spotting a sexy pair of them on Kelly Framel a la my daily read The Glamouri, I thought seriously about buying some myself (there was a Groupon at our local boutique Mog & Rue, who's got J Brand bells). The only concern is that I'm not a heels girl...will they look good with just some bejeweled flats?

{image via The Glamouri}

bubbles and rain

I've been lusting after these Charlotte Olympia shoes since I spotted them on The Man Repeller (one of my favorite reads as of late). While I know they are way out of my price range, when something tickles your dreams day in and day out, and you can continue to picture great outfits with them on, doesn't that mean they're a perfect fit. I tried the whole heels thing today...and lasted about five minutes. I think that's enough of a sign to steer clear of the wedges I've been searching for at Nordstrom, and pick up these pretty ladies.