Just Loafing Around

Loafers are back and better than ever. Here are some amazing styles that will look great with your fall wardrobe. I just love loafers with straight leg jeans and a smart blazer, paired of course with some sassy gold accessories. 

If you’re looking for a classic loafer, Bass has been making loafers since, 1934, making them a veteran.

These Bass Wayfarer Loafers, $89.95 are classic and simple, the black is a clean look and will look great with black skinny jean. (Image courtesy of Bass)

If you’re looking for something with a little more of a modern edge, DV by Dolce Vita has dolled up the loafer by creating this pair, in a rich sapphire blue leather with a sassy tassel.

Shown above, the “Wentz Loafer”,  ($79.95) is the perfect blend of rock and roll and preppy, I just love the edge detail on the tongue of the shoe. I feel like these would look great with an ankle pant & a cardigan or with a cute mini skirt and ¾ sleeve shirt. (Image courtesy of Nordstrom)

If you’re loving loafers but not loving that they are flat, you’re in luck –these Aqua “Boss” Loafer Pumps ($129.00) are your pair.

Complete with a heel and a platform, you can add a little lift in your loafer. For me personally I would wear these with an amazing wide leg tweed trouser or a wide leg denim. What I like about these is you could go preppy, sheik, powerhouse, or go boho, with wide leg jeans and a flowy top and large sunglasses. Or a light flared jean and gray cashmere sweater….so cute. (Image courtesy of Bloomingdales)

Looking for a splash of color in your loafers? Well fear not, Topshop’s Vaduz Tassel Brogues for $60.00 is available in this amazing pink with gold detailing.  Not only do they come in pink, they come in mustard and taupe.

 (Images courtesy of Topshop)

Maybe you’re looking for a heel, but looking for something with less of a platform. Well these, Pour La Victoire “Isla” Penny Loafer Pumps are the perfect match ($250.00). I’m a sucker for detail and love the zigzag edge on the tongue. They look super comfortable, and versatile, which I love.

(Image courtesy of Bloomingdales)


Finally, I cannot share something about shoes without including metallic loafers......metallic shoes are the best shoes ever. These for $69.00 these Libby Edelman Women's Batonia Slip-On Loafer's are fabulous.....I love them!!! They are just a great alternative to the traditional loafer and have a relaxed, sensibility.

(Image  courtesy of Libby Edelman)

Gold is the New Black

Right now I'm really loving gold accessories.  Here are a few amazing pieces that I have found and are justifiable to purchase, all are pretty classic with a bit of sass to them.  

Bing Bang NYC by Anna Sheffield Bastille Iron Work Hoops Brass, $89.00. I love Bing Bang Jewelry, because of the simplicity, well made, unique pieces, that have a glamorous edge to them. These are stunning pieces with a perfect blend of rock and roll and high fashion.

Kate Spade, what can I say? Her pieces are all so simple yet make a statement. This "Take a Chance" necklace ($78.00) is a great example of her classic simplicity. It's a little preppy and a little retro all at the same time. To me, this necklace say's it all. It’s an amazing mantra, encouraging us to be bold, go for it and of course take a chance.  You must check out her other pieces – like the “dazzle” necklace….love it.

                                                                          

Another Kate Spade piece, maybe I'm obsessed. Kate Spade designed this wonderful bangle as a way to give back to an important non-profit, Women for Women International. The bangle is only $58.00 & 25% of the sales goes to Women for Women International “Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to rebuild their lives. (Source Women for Women International)



Links of London, makes clean extraordinary pieces. Think British Tiffany & Co. The Sweetie Bracelet is one of my absolute favorites.

The rolled gold being a tad pricey at $1700.00 (eek what recession?) however the rose gold is considerably less, $385.00. You can add fun and playful charms   or wear as is. The links are strung on a durable and stretchy cord, no wrestling a clasp. Links of London can be found at Bloomingdales or use the store locator link to find a store near you.

      

Dogeared is another one of my favorites. These, always beautiful moroccan gold dipped earrings, ($68.00) are one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. I wear them  all the time.    

The great thing about them is that they are versatile, you can go bohemian with them or you can go preppy. These can be paired with enamel bangles, or a rope bracelet. They are also comfortable, I wear them all day and do not get crabby. 

Chan Luu might be one of my new favorites, maybe I'm getting a late start in knowing who she is but, I love her pieces. They are expressive and a nod to nature, plus, Gisele Bundchen wears them. I personally love the friendship bracelet, it is a cotton cord, with intertwined gold and a golden feather, it's a great use of mixed materials. This particular bracelet can be found at Bloomingdales for $145.00, however the Chan Luu website has an extensive collection. You can buy these directly from the Chan Luu website or Bloomingdales. 

  

Trina Turk, makes these fun enamel brick bangles, that come in these fun colors, they can really punch up an outfit and give it that little bit of zest. Right now they are on sale at Bloomingdales, for $58.00 a piece. I personally love the turquoise and the black bangle. 

Hopefully you've been inspired, now get out there and shop! xo

oh baby! gift idea's for new mom's & babies

Lately everything has been coming up baby! There comes a time in our lives when the important ladies we know become moms. Of course we love them and cannot wait to meet their new bundle, whats a girl to do? Shop! The question is, what kind of gift should we get them? Well fear not here are some gift giving ideas for the expecting moms, new mom's and of course their baby. This list has a perfect blend of sentimental, fun, and practical, with a little bit of flair.

So here we go......

• A Classic Silver Piggy Bank

Lunt Silversmiths, makes the most darling sterling silverplated piggy bank, for $45.00, it's a classic keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. You can order the piggy directly from the vendor, or click the "find a retailer" link on the Lunt website to find a retailer near you. Don't forget to put a lucky penny inside before wrapping it!

• Robeez Shoes

                       

                                                                        

                                                                                         

Robeez Shoes by Stride Rite, these four shown above are just a small sample of what they have to offer. Talk about super cute. Although many mom's prefer their babies to go barefoot, these little wonders are the next best thing. They come in a variety of styles and colors and are made of quality materials. Prices range from $20 (sale items) to $35.00. Aside from their to-die-for-styles, I love their product info link, it's a helpful tool that provides information on fit, sizing, and what the primary use of shoe is for etc. These are too cute to pass up.

• Colorful Glass Bottles

Lifefactory makes these super fabulous glass bottles.......let's face it with all these studies coming up about the toxins released from plastic bottles, glass bottles are back in style. These colorful glass, BPA free glass bottles encased in an array of colorful silicone covers are all the rage. The colors are super fun for the developing baby. They come in 4oz. and 9 oz. sizes, pick up a variety of sizes and colors, it's practical, sustainable, and fun. I love these bottles because they are based off of an old school concept with a modern twist, plus you can always go the extra mile and pick mom up a grown up bottle that coordinates with her baby's. You can buy them direct from Lifefactory or click on the "store locator" link to find a local retailer. 

• A Deluxe & Stylish Diaper Bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom has made the diaper bag a chic accessory. (Thank God) These are a little pricey, so if you have a little more room in your budget, this is a great gift. These bags are bees knees creme de la creme of the diaper bags. Honestly, I have no idea how to change a diaper - but what I do know is these are hot hot hot. They are stylish and come in a variety of colors and patterns & they can double as a purse. They even make a diaper bag for dad. Yes, diaper bags can be hip - not stodgy or boring. Just because your fashion forward loved one is becoming a mom, doesn't mean she has to sacrifice her style for a boring diaper bag. Click on the store locator link to find a retailer near you.

• Infant Sacque's

                        

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh these are so cute! A little meatball in one of these Kate Quinn Organics infant kimono sacques is a sight to be seen. These two are just a sample of the amazing patterns available. Prices range between $30.00 - $35.00 per sacque. Scroll to the bottom of the website, to find the "retailers" link or purchase directly from the website.

• A Musical Sheep

The Cloud B Sleep Sheep is not only darling, but soothing sounds help baby fall fast asleep. The Sleep Sheep plays four sounds, comes with a story, and has a timer that automatically shuts off.

• A Star Projector

Another amazing creation from Cloud B? Is the Twilight Turtle. A cudly soft sweet turtle meets star projector.....I actually want one for my room.

• Soft, Muslin Receiving Blankets

These soft muslin Aden + Anais  receiving blankets are a wonderful gift for a new baby. The website also has an amazing array of other blankets in fabulous stylish prints. The Australian born creator of the brand grew up with baby's swaddled in muslin, this helped baby's sleep more comfortably and the fabric was breathable and was perfect for cool and warm temperatures - thus she created the brand Aden + Anais and it's taken off ever since.

• A Silver Cup & Utensil Set

This cup & utensil set is more of a keepsake, sentimental gift. Nambe, makes a simple yet elegant baby cup & utensil set that will be cherished for years. This can be found at Neiman Marcus, the cup is priced at $70.00 and the utensil set is $30.00. Depending on your budget, you can pick up one or both.

• Portable Changing Pad

The Skip Hop Pronto Clutch, is the perfect on the go changing pad. It's compact and stylish design is one of those perfect combo's of stylish and functional.  It's perfect for running errands or if you want to keep it minimal, and it's something dad can use too. The clutch comes in a variety of colors and patterns that are hip and modern. The Skip Hop Pronto Clutch is priced at $30.00

• A Colorful Set Baby Band 

The Honer 4 Piece Baby Band is a great developmental gift, it's a little better for when baby is a little older. Here is what Honer has to say about their 4 Piece Baby Band "" This set is $20.00, Amazon has competitive pricing. 

• An Organic Bath Product Gift Bag

There are too many chemicals in our products, and why introduce them to a pure little baby? Natures Baby Organics has a wonderful gift bag with essential bath items. The set includes, shampoo & body wash, moisturizer, diaper cream, and much much more - it's the perfect shower gift. 

• An Outfit that Gives Back

This sweet organic cotton onsie and pantsuit is a great combo outfit and it also supports an amazing cause. Be sure to purchase this set for a 6 month old baby, new mom's often receive a ton of clothes for a newborn but not too many for later months, infants grow quickly and can outgrow their clothes in the first 2 or 3 months. What I love about this outfit is that for each "Feed Our Small World garment purchase, FEED Projects will donate $3 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF's nutrition programs.For each set purchased, 150 children will receive Vitamin A supplements for one year." You can pick this set up at Nordstrom for $39.00.

• A Snow Globe that Plays Music

This sweet little globe by Reed & Barton plays "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" it's a great addition for a nursery and it's another great keepsake. You can find this globe at Macy's for $55.00.

• A Layette Gift Basket Set

When you want a little variety - these luxury layette sets are a fantastic solution. Every item will be used, yes even the gift basket. These baskets come with all sorts of things, onsies, wash cloths, hooded towel, swaddling blanket, bibs, stuffed animals - everything. You can either make your own or pick one up online, or at a baby store. 

With all these idea's hopefully this points you in the right direction, gives you a little inspiration, and a fantastic gift for your loved one. Happy shopping!!! xoxo

 

Essential Items for a Fabulous Brunch

A great way to celebrate the weekend and the important people in your life is to host a brunch party. Here are some essential items help you host a most fabulous brunch!

(Starting clockwise from the upper left corner)

Williams Sonoma has a wonderful cake dome  that turns into a punch bowl, you can use this at your brunch to hold a blueberry coffee cake or use it for a sherbet punch. My circle of friends love oysters on the half shell. These can be served with lemon and tabasco sauce or a mignette. If you're nervous about oysters, shrimp cocktail is a great alternative. 

You need some flair at your brunch, why not use cute decorative napkins? I happen to like Caspari Napkins, they offer a variety of prints, you can find them at stationary stores, or gourmet markets. A frittata is a great way to serve eggs, you can add veggies, and a little protein. Serve up a frittata like this one with chard, sausage, and feta as featured on Epicurious. Potatoes are another essential brunch item, the recipe for these glorious roasted potatoes with shallots can also be found on Epicurious. 

(Starting from top left)

If you're like me, nothing beats a great cup of coffee, make sure to have plenty on hand, I love small batch coffees. Living in the Bay Area we are spoiled with Blue Bottle, Ritual Roasters and Four Barrel, if you don't live in an area that has a huge coffee culture Illy and Dunkin' Donuts (yes), have great blends. Starbucks and Peets are fine too. Make sure to have a cute milk pitcher and sugar bowl on hand too. 

You can't have a brunch without fresh flowers, get what's in season, you can find them at the local farmers market or grocery store. I like to stick with one variety, it's fresh and simple, cut the ends and put them in a simple vase as a centerpiece on your table.

Fruit salad is always a favorite, it's a fresh, wholesome and colorful side dish, you can of course have a little yogurt on hand if you choose, I love vanilla yogurt and greek yogurt like Fage (make sure to get fat free or low fat). Yes we're always watching our diets and don't want to hit the sweets too heavily, but a little coffee cake is always nice. My favorite is blueberry. Whole Foods has a great recipe, or if you're like me, you can pick up an already made coffee cake at your local bakery or while you're out shopping for your brunch. It will look great displayed in a cute cake dome like the one above from Williams Sonoma.

Make sure to have plenty of sparkling water on hand, serve it plain or with a lemon wedge! You'll want to stay hydrated with all these treats. I love me a bloody mary - everyone has their own recipe, or you can always buy the vodka (I like Absolut Peppar) a mix, and a few sides. It all depends on how much time you have, and how hands on you are. But regardless, these are an absolute must.

Some other items to make your brunch go smoothly, ice, have lots of it on hand, chilled champagne or Prosecco. Have all your items out, make sure to display your champy flutes, coffee cups, water glasses, silverware, dishes, and napkins. Yes they can be disposable, just remember to recycle and compost, just don't throw them in the trash! Finally you want some music, make a mix, and have it playing, it makes for a fun and upbeat mood.

So now you're all set to host a most fabulous brunch, now invite your loved ones over and celebrate the weekend with each other!!!!!

10 Host/Hostess Gifts Under 50 Dollars

Heading to a dinner party this weekend and you want to get the host or hostess something fun and unique? These 10 items are sure to let your friend know that you appreciate their hospitality plus they'll be sure to get great use out of them.....

(Clockwise from the upper left corner): 

If you have a friend who loves ice cream, or loves to make ice cream then these Meri Meri Ice Cream Cups found at Sur La Table are perfect. 

Envirosax Reusable Totes are the perfect blend of stylish and eco friendly, the bags fold up into a small travel size and come in a variety of designs. 

You cannot go wrong with soap, pick up 3 or 5 bars of soap & tie a ribbon around them, Mistral Soap happens to make a wonderful variety of scents. 

Pick up a Set of 6 Appetizer Plates these can be found in a variety of designs at Target, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, & Pottery Barn, just to name a few places. 

Candles are always an easy pleaser, high quality candles such as Votivo come in a variety of scents. 

If you know someone who loves cheese, this set of 3 William Sonoma Vintage Silver Cheese Knives, will make a perfect gift. Using a cutting board such as this JK Adams board (which I found at Sur La Table) makes a fantastic alternative to a platter - charcuterie looks amazing on these boards. 

Know a sucker for design and ceramics? Sausalito California's own, Heath Ceramics has a wonderful variety of vases that are so elegantly simple. 

Cucina soaps and lotions are a perfect addition to the kitchen, these can be found at Sur La Table, the soap and lotion leave your hands feeling silky.  

Last but not least, flour sack towels are amazing, these are the best dish towels ever, and they can double up as napkins, pick up a few of these in all white or in a variety of colors. 

Any of these gifts will be sure to put a smile on your host or hostess' face and you'll be sure to receive a huge thank you!

(Photos courtesy of: Meri Meri, Envirosax, Mistral Soaps, Williams Sonoma, Votivo Candles, Williams Sonoma, JK Adams / Sur La Table, Heath Ceramics, Cucina / Sur La Table, Sur La Table).