Friday Buy Day 5.21.16

It's Friday again, which means it's Buy Day again (and you may even have some funds saved up because we haven't written a Friday Buy Day in a couple of weeks!).  The weather is warm(ish) and we have some fun BBQ's and end-of-the-year parties lined up, so this week we are bringing you our favorite sale/deal picks with Summer on our minds.

                                                           Summer Staple

Here is your Summer top.  A crisp white cotton, a delicate off the-shoulder sleeve and an elastic neckline to accommodate for movement.  Wear it with denim shorts and sandals, or tuck it into high-waist, wide-leg culottes for an on-trend look!  At $46 (yes, I repeat $46) this darling top will definitely up your warm weather game without emptying your wallet.

Oh, and those denim shorts we just mentioned...here they are.  More of a "boyfriend" interpretation, this perfectly distressed pair by BlankNYC are slightly slouchy and the perfect mate to an off the shoulder top or an open knit tank.  Wear them with white sneakers and a striped tee for a chic nautical look or try them with a leather jacket and gladiators for a more downtown vibe.

As everyone knows, we have a mild to severe obsession with high-tops but when high-tops won't do, we love these netted "low-tops" by Tretorn.  A true classic, we love these sneakers paired with just about everything.  Try them with an embroidered top and chambray skirt, or add a little edge and wear them our favorite way with distressed cut-offs and a moto inspired leather jacket...the Panama hat is optional(:

We know it's almost Summer but that doesn't mean you won't be wearing a jacket...even Southern California nights can be chilly...not too mention everything looks better with an awesome black leather jacket.  This one is under $275(!!!!!) and is made of calfskin leather with perfect moto inspired detailing, no rockstar boyfriend required(:  The sizing is UK so subtract 4 to get your US sizing (i.e.: UK size 10 is US size 6) and get your true size.  This brand can run a little small, but the best black leather jackets are fitted and worn with confidence.  Treat yourself to a staple that will never go out of style.

How darling is this outfit?  Wear are loving the matching top and skirt combo trend and at under $150 for BOTH this is the perfect way to indulge in a trend without feeling wasteful.  With delicate embroidered trim and a feminine flounce style, this ensemble is sure to invite some complimentary discussion.  Wear it with ankle wrap sandals for a chic, casual look or try it with platform wedges and a top-knot for a friend's shower.

Lastly, this darling poncho by Ella Moss.  Now $93 from $258, we love this caftan style topper as a poolside cover-up just as much as we love it with skinnies and wedges.  The fringe detailing is spot-on and the pops of orange are a cheerful addition to the heathered oatmeal color.  Wear it on a plane with white jeans and sandals,  or pack it on your next trip (takes up virtually no space and  is super versatile).  This is a great piece for a great price.

Happy Weekend!

Cheers,

Cate & Shannon

Creamy Neutrals for Yourself and Your Home

We can't get enough of winter whites these days.  From Interiors to outfits, we love layering soft neutrals in creams, whites, grays and taupes with tonal texture.  Below are some of our favorites right now....

1.  This textured piece feels abstract and modern, yet earthy and organic at the same time.  A beautiful addition to any room.

2.  Cream sweater.  White jeans.  Yes please.  Now, later, always.

3.  A taupe leather cross-body with brass hardware packs more punch than basic black while offering even more versatility.

4.  These darling jute pendants come in a variety of shapes and we love a cluster of three dropped at different heights above a dining table for a chic bohemian vibe.

5.   Whether on a sofa, a leather chair or atop your bed, an African mud cloth pillow is just the right amount of neutral while still delivering a graphic punch.

6.  A more polished version of the classic wayfarer: tortoise frame, brass arms.

In your home or on your body, don't be afraid of whites in Winter.  Embrace the depth you can achieve by layering multiple tonalities and textures.  From your fingertips to your walls, there is always a place to incorporate creamy neutrals in your personal and interior style.

Winter Essentials...Under $200!

When we think about the core basics that are essential to a casual, yet stylish Winter look we think about these 8 essentials...and all (except one) are under $200!  Great style does not come in the quantity of clothes in your closet but rather your ability to buy great pieces, layer them, mix them and reinvent them depending on the occasion.  Here are our Winter must-haves:

First up, this cozy textured scarf by Wildfox.  Wear it layer over a tee with a leather jacket and sneakers, or try it with a cashmere sweater, leather leggings and over the knee boots.  Neutral enough to wear all of the time, while bold enough to add interest to any basic ensemble (plus it's on sale right now!)

Here we go with the Frame Denim again!  But, truly one of our favorite denim lines and these bad boys are on major sale with almost all sizes left!  The perfect color, the perfect amount of distressing and the perfect length...if Frame Denim is the brand for you, buy these now and wonder what you ever did without them later (keep in mind they are final sale).

The ONLY essentials we are including that are over $200(and barely)...these Isabel Marant look alikes are a non-negotiable.  The perfect heel height to wear all day, they are the solution for the outfits when sneakers feel too casual, but high-heels don't seem right either.  Wear them now with distressed jeans (above), a black cashmere sweater and the checked scarf(above) for a sohphistacted yet stylish outfit or try them in the Spring with a floral mini-dress.  They will even look great with jean shorts and floaty peasant top in the Summer!  Not only are they Winter essentials...they will be essential in Spring and Summer too!

And then there is the elusive "perfect white v-neck".  Essential? Absolutely.  Easy to find?  A lot of trial and error....  We have tested most tees on the market and this is definitely one of our favorites.  A deeper V, tissue soft cotton, and a longer length make this the perfect layering tool for all of your Winter knits and jackets.

Love, love, love!  A little bit casual, a little bit luxe..this faux fur trimmed cardigan delivers a lot of style for under $100!  Wear it with a white tee, distressed denim and booties, or try it with skinny leather leggings and high-tops..it's a must-have.

The perfect plaid shirt has endless possibilities.  This one is cut a little more narrow than some of it's competitors, ensuring a more feminine look.  We love it with skinny sweats and high-tops just as much as we love it tucked into flared denim with wedges.  it is your prefect travel companion, and looks fantastic peeking out of a leather jacket or a fur vest.

And because no Winter Essentials list would be complete in our book without a pair of high-tops, we are sharing these Superega navy blue napa leather sneakers.  Slightly more dressy than their canvas cousins, these awesome sneakers play nicely with everyone: skinny jeans and cashmere sweaters, distressed "girlfriend" denim and plaid shirts...they even enjoy stylish sweats and faux fur jackets.  To all of you who aren't sure you can "pull off" the whole high-top thing...you can!  It's a New Year, and your closet doesn't need more stuff...it needs better, more stylish stuff.  It needs essentials that you will wear and pair with each other. 

Now that you have your to-do list, get to it!

Friday Buy Day 6.19.15

It's Friday again which means it's time for us to share some of our favorite sale picks!  We are headed to Ojai next weekend for a girls trip so we chose pieces inspired by our upcoming getaway!

The color of the sun isn't for everyone, but if it's for you...then this is the dress.  Finished in a gauzy cotton fabric and off-the-shoulder, this dress is modern and clean with a boho appeal.  Wear it as a cover-up, or pair it with neutral flats and a bold turquoise earring for dinner al-fresco.  It is $39 (on sale at Zara) and is an inexpensive way to indulge in bold color and the shoulder baring trend.

Next up is this ethereal embroidered top.  We love the gathered sleeves, the blouson shape and the creamy color.  Pair this top with denim cut-offs and ankle wrapped sandals, or try it with skinny flare denim and natural colored wedges for a casual evening out.  It is less than $100 from almost $200 and you will wear it ALL the time.  This will be part of my traveling ensemble as it is comfortable to wear on a plane, while chic enough to wear while wine-tasting.

LOVE. love, love these jeans.  Made by Frame (one of our favorite denim lines), they are skinny flares.  Skinny at the top and through the thigh...flared from the knee down, making them THE most flattering style of denim ever!  Because they are slim at the top, feel free to experiment with different top styles.  They look fantastic with a more cropped, boxy style blouse or try them with a blouse tucked-in for an elegant outfit.  We also love them with a more drapey, boho style blouse (like the one pictured above) and wedges for an unexpected and chic combination.  These sell for $220, now are on sale for $149 and are an ADDITIONAL 50% OFF the sale price!  All sizes left...for now.

A little louder than our previous picks, we couldn't help but add this to our list because of it's sexy, yet boho shape and bold color palette.  Screams vacation, right?  This Mara Hoffman dress is perfect for Happy Hour margaritas, or lounging around the pool playing dice.   Pack it for a weekend trip to Southern Cal, or a week-long trip to Mexico or Morocco...it is fun, fresh and easy to wear.

These sandals complete all of the above, and anything/everything else you have in your closet.  They are super-stylish, while also remaining super neutral.  They don't compete with loud pattern, yet will add depth and interest to a "plain" outfit.  They are only $125, and are a fantastic and versatile addition to your sandal collection.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day picks...Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Buy Day 6.5.15

We're doing something a little different this Friday Buy Day and instead of featuring a handful of separates to add to your wardrobe, we are bringing you our favorite Summer outfit.  Meaning, if the weather cooperated, and we had to wear one outfit everyday, this would be it (and of course it is all on sale!).

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The ensemble is simple, yet stylish.  The heather gray racer-back muscle tee is the perfect foundation piece for the cotton candy tweed jacket, keeping it from looking too sweet.  The gray color picks up on the silver button and zipper of the jacket and the ripped cut-offs are an unexpected addition to a more "ladylike" jacket.  The jacket is a cotton-blend making it the perfect weight for an extra layer.  I wasn't sure if I could pull off the whole birkenstock trend...it didn't quite feel like me.  But somehow, add some sparkles and I am all about those "hippie" sandals (:

1.   Gray Racer-back Tee ($19.95)

2.   Pink Tweed Jacket (now $349 from $582)

3.   Distressed Cut-Offs (now $39)

4. Sparkly Sandals (now $79)

All of these items are fabulous separates, and as a whole they create our favorite Summer ensemble.

Packing the Perfect Shoe Assortment

Summer is almost here and everyone seems to be going on a trip.  Close friends are headed to Hawaii, Thailand, Europe...and although I am sad to report that I am not going to any of those places I am happy to share some solicited (I swear I've been asked a bunch) advice on packing(:

Typically, there is one reason why your luggage weighs 100 pounds and why you can't fit all of your clothes into your bag when you are packing for a week-long getaway...your shoes. Shoes are the downfall of almost all over-packers. And after experimenting with this dilemma for years, I am going to share my results.  Travelers should pack no more than 5 pairs of shoes.

Thats right, for 90% of all travels 5 pairs of shoes should adequately suffice a wide range of outfits and outings.   Exemptions; Sub-Saharan Africa, you need less.  Cannes Film Festival, you need more.  Camping in Big Sur, you need less.  Kim Kardashian's Wedding weekend in Italy, you need more.  You get the drift...outliers are the exceptions.

Here are the only 5 styles of shoes you need to pack:

1. Sneakers, of course.  These will serve as your leisure, airport, and workout shoes. We love the nike high-tops because they are fashionable, super comfortable and look great with Lululemon leggings if you decide to hit the gym. 

2.  A comfortable (but chic) flat. This can be a ballet flat, a sandal or a smoking slipper (the climate will determine which one is appropriate) . We love one with some sort of print or interesting texture (leopard, tweed, or patent leather).  This will be your shoe for a day of shopping, sight-seeing or traveling between cities. It has to be chic enough to to wear to the Louvre but comfortable enough to schlep your luggage through an airport. 

3.  Heel. This can be a pump, a platform or our preference is a strappy gladiator style heel that pairs just as well with a dress as it does with skinny jeans.  This is where a lot of women get tripped up...too many heels.  So, here is our recommendation: get creative with your accessories and stay basic with your heel. There is no doubt that funky heels can spice up an outfit, but when traveling try to make your outfits interesting so you can keep your shoes neutral.  A black strappy heel looks amazing with ripped jeans, a blouse and a chunky necklace or wear them with a printed cocktail dress and statement earrings for a dinner party.

4.  A wedge OR a bootie (depending on climate).  This is for that "in-between" outing.  Not fancy enough for a 4-inch pump, but fancier than a flat sandal.  A trip wine-tasting, a chic brunch, a Sunday evening dinner at a neighborhood gastro-pub.  Wedges with your flared denim and a cropped eyelet blouse for somewhere warm (P.S. the ones featured are on MAJOR sale...click link!).  Or, booties with your skinny jeans and a chunky turtleneck sweater for somewhere cool.

5.  Lastly, flip-flops.  They require little in terms of space in your luggage, and require little in terms of explaining their purpose.  They are needed for trips to the pool, trips to get ice down the hall, or trips to grab a coffee in the lobby bar.

And there you have it, our guide to packing for a week-long excursion and avoiding back pain and baggage fees.

Friday Buy Day 5.15.15

It's another Friday which means it's another Buy Day.  Time to  scoop up some great pieces on sale so let's get down to it:

This is the bohemian version of a shirtdress (at the bohemian price of $76).  A drop waist, petite floral print and a flounce hem are the makings of a casually cool and feminine frock.  It would look just as good with gladiator sandals and a panama hat as it would with a denim jacket, wedges and a top knot for a late afternoon/evening event.  It's fresh, modern and sexy without being revealing.

Love this straw tote.  The fringe is spot-on trend without feeling trendy.  The natural raffia and black colors are a classic combination and will always be in style.  Add dark sunglasses, skinny jeans and espadrilles and this "beach bag" is a chic carry on.  Oh the places you'll go...

Everyone knows Shannon and I love a good romper.  Long sleeve, short sleeve, pants or shorts...we like them all!  We found this brand a little while ago and they make really affordable, really stylish pieces with a bohemian vibe.  This crochet romper is only $72 and is darling as a beach cover-up, or we love the idea of pairing it with two other Friday Buy Day items: the black bralette(from Urban Outfitters) and the black Matiko gladiators we featured two weeks ago.  Effortless and super stylish.

These Joie Kidmore sneakers are fantastic.  We found them for $154 (from $220), even though they are still full price at all other retail outlets we checked!  They have all sizes in stock except 9, for now....but I'm sure not for long.

These sneakers are sporty, stylish and the perfect color.  Can't think of another style of shoe that offers the elegance of a smoking slipper while offering the comfort of a sneaker.  These will become your go-to shoe with a cashmere sweater and jeans, as well as with a linen tee and cut-offs.  Get your size before it's sold out! 

We are definitely aware that this is a "trend" but we love it....and for $14.50, everyone is welcome to participate.  These mismatched earrings would be the perfect complement to that more conservative wedding dress ensemble, or a welcome addition to an all black outfit (or all white, or all denim).   With mismatched earrings, a petite choice is the best choice.  Nothing wrong with making your stylish statement subtly...

 It is actually really hard to find the perfectly cropped denim jacket.  Longer ones can look boxy and masculine.  Worse than a manly denim jacket is picking one that is TOO cropped.  No offense...but if your daughter can barely get away with her Justice ensemble, you certainly can't get away with it.  

This one from Paige is under $120 and has all sizes left.  This is a mandatory Spring/Summer staple to layer over your maxi dress or top off embroidered shorts.  With a mid-wash and classic styling, this jacket will last you for years to come.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  If you want this directly in your inbox, just scroll down and add your email address in the "Subscribe to the Blog" box below.  Have a great weekend! 

What's Your Style?

People often ask Shannon and me what our favorite "style" is.  And at the risk of sounding annoyingly diplomatic, it is hard for us to define one style that is our "favorite".  I think why we feel so passionate about interiors, and exteriors...(and even clothing for that matter) is because we truly love and appreciate so many different aesthetics.  Shannon and I share a very similar style, which encompasses a variety of different genres.   But even as business partners whose styles are very aligned, we definitely have (and celebrate) our differences.   I am a little more excited about a monogrammed pillow than she is,  while she appreciates a funky side table a little more than I do.  

That being said, we've thought long and hard about this "favorite" look question and so we are prepared to give you our answer.  If we could pick only one style to live in ourselves, it would be a combination of modern, rustic and bohemian.  

 The above image is a stunning representation of a room that is modern while still oozing comfort.  The wood ceiling, and the wood beams that frame the door in combination with the natural floor covering offer a rustic vibe while the art and the shape of the chairs and the minimal furniture assemblage are clean and modern.

This bathroom.  Simple, modern, clean and oh so stylish.  We love the bold use of dark iron, complemented by the white subway tiles.   The natural wood shelf adds a rustic element so that the result doesn't feel too cold or harsh.  The design and color palette are modern, the warm wood and iron are rustic, and the brass adds just the right amount of glamour.

This kitchen is another dreamy space.  The herringbone floors are stunning, and are especially noticeable against the rich black cabinetry.  The antique mirror gives an old world feel, while the Platner chair is decidedly modern.  Salvaged floors, exposed beams, industrial lighting, and a mirrored backsplash styled with rustic cutting boards, edgy chairs and shiny appliances make for one beautiful space.

And there you have it...our favorite rooms are rustic, modern and slightly bohemian in style.  Adding the bohemian element is easily done with flooring and  textiles choices.  Add a kilim, a vintage oushak or a Beni Ourain rug to a room to instantly lift any pretension and often times add depth and color.  Add a sheepskin throw or a batik pillow to soften a square edged sofa.

We'll share a few of our top places to buy modern, rustic and bohemian pieces:

Friday Buy Day 5.1.15

It's May Day.  It's Friday.  And it's my Birthday!  So, I am particularly partial to this day.  

First up, is this awesome M by Missoni bag that totally embodies Spring, Summer and a fun bohemian style.  We have been wearing a lot of white on white, denim on denim and black on black lately and this is the perfect bag to add color and boldness to a monochromatic outfit.  Marked down to $197,  they probably won't last long.   So if you've been looking for that perfect (petite) Summer bag, you've just found it. 

I got a head start on Friday Buy Day, and already bought these darling crochet lace shorts.  First things first, they are not THAT short in real life (unless you are quite tall).  They look great with a denim blouse and ankle wrapped sandals (see below) or can be dressed up with an espadrille and a floaty cream blouse.  At $59, they are an easy trend to indulge.

These sandals are great.  Love the metallic silver color, love the linen texture, and love the chocolate leather piping and ankle-wrap.  They are on-trend, while also maintaining a very classic feel.  All sale items from J. Crew are currently an additional 30% off the lowest sale price using code May Day, so these sandals will ring in at just over $75.  A total score.

This top by Equipment feels effortless and chic.  Love the gingham pattern, the tied wait and the slightly sheer 100% cotton texture.  It would look great with white denim, and the ankle-wrapped sandals above for a classic Spring ensemble.  Or pair it with skorts (yes, I wrote skorts...we can get into that next week) and wedges for a fresh and feminine outfit.

Another year, another maxi.  This one is $100 from $250 and is a really easy style with a great print.  This type of dress is comfortable, stylish and a great packing companion as it takes up very little space in your suitcase, can be worn for day, or dressed up for an evening out.  For day, you can belt it and pair it with your panama hat. You can also wear it loose and add a fitted denim jacket.  For evening add a fun necklace and an orangey-red pout and head out for a margarita.

That's all for now.  You can always comment and let us know what you want to find on your next Friday Buy Day...like some good Skort options(:

Have a great weekend!!

Friday Buy Day 4.17.15

It's another fabulous Friday Buy Day. No theme this week except for some favorites that are deeply discounted.   J.Crew, Piperlime and Barneys Warehouse are having blowout sales and we're using this week to feature some necessary wardrobe requirements.  

The first requirement is a darling sundress.  This one by Wren is the perfect combination of a little bit sexy and a little bit sweet.  Wear this to a friend's baby shower, or to brunch with your family.  Add a panama hat and espadrilles and head to Napa for a day of wine-tasting.  And, it certainly can be dressed up with statement earrings and gladiator-style heels for a warm evening out with the one you love.

Next necessary purchase:  This army swing jacket from J. Crew.  Originally almost $200, marked to $129 and now an additional 30% off the sale price with the code THEBEST.  Love the color, love the boxy, cropped shape and love the idea of wearing this with an outfit slightly more fancy than what you might traditionally see: we love it with super skinny jeans, a feminine floral blouse, and ankle-strap stilettos.  Not expected but quite chic.  It, of course, would also look terrific with distressed jeans, leopards flats (or high-tops) and a v-neck tee.  Be brave and embrace the less fitted, more voluminous style of this swing jacket...just make sure to balance the relaxed shape with a fitted bottom half. 

Oh, hi cute shoe.  How are you and where have you been all my life?  An espadrille with a wrapped ankle in orange (that is on sale for barely over $100 with almost all sizes left)?  Done.  With ripped jeans, with cut-offs, with a sundress, with a cover-up and a bathing suit.  Out to breakfast, out to lunch, and actually stylish enough to wear out to a casual dinner.  For a gift, for yourself, for Mother's Day.  Whatever your justification...just buy them already.

Finally, we get to talk about the Flare!!  This one by MIH is awesome: it features a mid-rise, dark rinse and perfect flare.  In other words, it is flattering on virtually EVERYONE.  On sale from $200 to $89 with every size left in stock, this is a mandatory staple for your closet. (I repeat, $89 with all sizes left)  This brand has a long in-seam, and is particularly flattering on all you blessed tall girls.  But truly...with the clean, dark wash and flare style it is a flattering jean for most body-types, not to mention spot-on trend (and you can't beat the price).  Where them with high-heels or high-wedges to get the most slimming look.  And, if you get them altered, make sure to wash them first and have them altered to the length where they are almost (literally almost) skimming the floor...it will elongate your legs and make you like 5 lbs lighter.  We're pretty sure $89 is the cheapest and fastest way to grow a couple of inches and lose a couple of pounds(:

Last mandatory purchase this week is this stunning bikini from Melissa Odabash.  This bikini is perfect in a lot of ways: the light snakeskin pattern will perfectly highlight your bronzed bod, the gold hardware on the briefs is decadent and interesting, while the twisted bandeau style on the top is modern and flattering,  At barely over $100, from $200, it is a small price to pay for the luxe look of this chic two-piece.  

We hope you've enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day for necessary additions to your wardrobe.  Remember to scroll down a few more inches and add your email in the "subscribe" box to receive these stylish tips directly to your inbox!  Have a great weekend!

Friday Buy Day 4.10.15

It's Friday Buy Day again and while many of our friends are spending this week on vacation...we're home, but we're dreaming of a vacation so we thought we'd bring you some items to pack for your next trip.  And if you don't have one planned, these pieces might inspire you to get online and start booking. 

We love this Michael Stars panama hat ($54).  It has a slightly wider brim than a fedora style hat offering more coverage for your most prized asset.   The black band has a classic and refined feel making it the perfect hat for someone who might feel that a traditional Panama Hat or Fedora is too youthful or trendy.  It would look just as good as an accessory to your swimsuit as an accessory to your denim shorts and eyelet blouse.

And then there's that eyelet top we just mentioned.  The one that you will wear all Spring and Summer.  At $54 (true story), this black eyelet blouse is the perfect easy, breezy separate to pair with denim cut-offs, or ripped denim and the gladiator sandals from last week's Friday Buy Day.  It would also look fantastic tucked into high-waist flared jeans with a stacked wedge and some vibrant earrings.

How cute are these DV by Dolce Vita wedges?  Love the color, love the stacked wedge which makes for a comfortable heel height, and love the woven rope texture (and LOVE the price: $80).  These would look fantastic with flared denim and a cropped boxy blouse, or wear them with a printed skirt and a denim blouse for Sunday brunch.

Love pretty much anything Mara Hoffman, but particularly love all of her draped dresses.  They shape is floaty and bohemian, yet sexy.  Her designs are saturated with bright colors and bold prints and make for great conversation.  Take one of these on your next trip and we guarantee you will get a handful of compliments.

Lastly, I know isn't so obvious why this tweed print Rag and Bone sneaker goes with the Spring/Summer suggestions, but in our world the perfect sneaker is a year-long obsession.  This one is half off right now with ALL sizes left ($197 from $395) and is on-point.  This is a great high-top option for those who want a more refined, less "street" style shoe.  The tweed print adds interest and color without being so loud that you have to think about matching them with your outfit.  As for the Spring/Summer relevance, we live in San Francisco(:  But, even for those of you who actually get to enjoy a Summer, these are the perfect travel companion.  Wear these on the airplane with skinny jeans(or skinny sweats), a tee and a cashmere sweater for a chic but comfortable outfit.  Or, we love them paired with cut-off shorts and a racer-back tank.  

With pieces to pack and the perfect shoe to wear on the plane, it is time to start clicking and making plans for your next warm-weather getaway.

Friday Buy Day 4.3.15

In honor of Spring Break and Coachella, we thought we'd dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to some cool pieces that worn collectively will create the perfect bohemian ensemble, and worn separately are stylish staples for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. 

I love this Tularosa slip dress.  Simple, sexy and so versatile.  Delicate cut-outs and the short hemline are perfect for a festival or a leisurely Spring break brunch.  Effortless and on-point, it is on sale right now for $77 (all sizes left)!!  You will get your wear out of this dress within the first week of wear.

These sandals are awesome, and for $150...they are not on sale, but they are a great price for a stylish addition to your wardrobe.  Gladiator sandals are a huge trend this season and these are au-current without being over-the-top.  Pair these with the Tularosa slip dress for a stylish, simple and sexy ensemble.

Yes, please.  Love the shape, love the clear acrylic frame and love the price ($160).  These glasses are a cool collaboration between Stone Cold Fox for Wonderland in the Colony style.  Because clear glasses are a little more trendy than black or tortoise, these glasses are perfectly priced to fulfill your cool girl fix while not emptying your piggy bank to do so.

This necklace screams Festival Style.  A little bit Western, a lot a bit boho and the perfect addition to a sexy slip dress and gladiator sandals.  At $34, consider it the perfect, guilt-free accessory.

And lastly, the denim jacket.  It wouldn't be Spring nor Summer, nor would any festival outfit be complete without a denim jacket. This one from the Gap is a great wash and is $69.95 plus an additional 40% OFF with the promo code NEW!  It runs a little big, so buy it in one size smaller than you normally wear, layer it over your sexy slip dress with your gladiator sandals and your bolo necklace.  Pop on your oversized clear shades and head out the door in your haute festival ensemble to enjoy some great music, friends and fun!  

Styling in Sonoma

Shannon and I spent that last few days in beautiful Sonoma preparing for a photo shoot of a recent project. It was an extremely busy and productive 48 hours filled with flower cutting, furniture moving, pillow stuffing and picture hanging.  We were in our sweats and sweating..so when we were finished we decided to get properly dressed and head out for a celebratory lunch!

I am wearing Citizens of Humanity high-waisted flare jeans, a cropped boxy gingham top from Zara (oh, how I wish I could rock it without layering a top underneath...pilates here I come), and Jimmy Choo platform wedges.(similar in link)

Shannon is wearing Rag & Bone distressed denim, a Marissa Webb linen jacket and Rag & Bone booties.

We chose to go to The Girl & The Fig for lunch, one of our favorite spots. We ordered "the works" for a starter which consisted of an amazing cheese and charcuterie selection, homemade fig jam, a baguette and in-house spiced nuts.

I selected the soup du jour (potato and onion purée..sounds boring...was anything but) and followed it with a salmon and avocado crostini main course.  Shannon opted for the omelette of the day..... And Adrianna chose (of course) the girl and the fig salad.  We washed it all down with their proprietary label of dry rose of course. There wasn't an ounce of room for dessert, so we headed to a winery instead :)

Friday Buy Day 3.20.15

Shannon and I went to a really chic baby shower last night at a wine bar.  It was a semi-casual affair, being the mom's second child, and was a great excuse to get together with friends and enjoy some adult beverages and yummy food, and celebrate the baby girl-to-be.

When I was getting dressed for the occasion, a dress was calling my name but I couldn't quite find the type of dress I had conjured up in my head. It was a warm evening, and the event started at 6 PM so what I wanted to wear (that sadly was not in my closet)  was a Springy and special outfit that was worthy of this fun and celebratory event.  The night called for one of those "in between" ensembles:  I didn't WANT to wear jeans (although I did) but a sexy LBD wasn't the right outfit either.

Ultimately, I ended up wearing an Equipment eyelet silk blouse, tucked into Paige skinny distressed jeans with embroidered ankle strap pumps (although never planned, Shannon and I showed up looking like twins).  The look worked...but it made me realize that I wanted to dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to cool pieces that could work for a stylish day ensemble (work or lunch, etc) and could also work for something like an evening baby shower at a bar.

Here goes...

I love this look (the blouse from the top pic, the skirt from the bottom pic).  The boxy cotton top with the cool drawstring detailing on the side with the eyelet pleated mini-skirt.  It is a fresh, modern and on-trend.  This outfit is work appropriate if you work in a creative capacity (sorry Finance girls) as the mini-skirt is really not that mini unless you are quite tall and the blouse provides full coverage.  Pair it a gladiator style sandal or platform wedges (yes, they're back in a big way for Spring) for a daytime fete, or up the volume with black ankle strap heels and deco drop earrings for an evening event. All white is here to stay and this whole outfit is under $150...now it's just the tan I have to start working on.

This floral dress from Asos caught my eye because of the playful print and the sophisticated shape.  This is another piece that, depending on how it is styled, can be more conservative, or more edgy.  For a conservative luncheon, it looks great as shown: simple heel and a nude, pouty lip.  For a night celebrating at a cool wine bar, I would up the edge factor and pair it with booties (those Isabel Marant ons that were suggested awhile back...on sale of course..would be great) and a black leather moto jacket.  Saturate your lip in a dark raspberry or classic red and be on your way.

Come On!  The last time I was this excited about a tube top was 1999.  I am dead serious...they were in heavy rotation during my days at USC.  But, now that I'm a grown-up, I am thrilled to find that the Australian designers at Camilla and Marc have designed an elegant and sophisticated strapless top.  If you look closely, you can see the asymmetrical belt and the soft draping of this awesome piece.  

I absolutely love the idea of it paired over wide leg trousers, and the polka-dot ones shown in the picture are a steal from Asos priced at $81.  Long over long is a big trend right now and this ensemble feels very modern and current without feeling trendy.  This would've been the perfect outfit to wear last night!  For an edgier look, I love this strapless blouse over leather leggings with a cropped blazer.  Right now, all sizes are available except 44 and it is on sale for $185 from $370.

Hope you enjoyed this week's picks and feel free to enter your email address if you'd like to get these tips delivered directly to your inbox.  

Friday Buy Day

It's Friday Buy Day again and we don't have much time to waste with chitter-chatter.  There are tons of goodies on sale right now all over the web...J. Crew sale is additional 30% off the sale price and one of our other favorites, the Outnet, is having a clearance sale!  We have to share our top picks before they are sold out!!

First up, Rails plaid button down.  A lot of button-down style shirts can look boxy or manly.  Rails always gets it right with the perfect amount of tailoring through the middle for a slimming, but not tight, fit.  This blouse is made of a super soft weave and looks great with moto jeans and booties for a relaxed but edgy ensemble, or can be paired with skinny sweats and sneakers for a Saturday morning.  It comes in Raspberry/Navy or Cobalt/Navy with all sizes left.  At under $90 it is a great purchase you will wear regularly.

Next up, this funnel-neck sweatshirt from J. Crew.  I love the drawstring neckline, slouchy fit and pockets.  A perfect compliment to the Rails button-down mentioned above if styled with jeans and boots or jeans and high tops.  I would also wear it over a denim button-down with black leather leggings and a statement earring to make it more work-appropriate.  At 59.99 with an additional 30% off the sale price, it is a must-buy (especially for all you mommies).

I know it's loud, but what's the point of a statement necklace if it doesn't make a statement?  I love this with an equally bold printed dress for a wedding, or as the only shot of color for an all black ensemble.  At barely over $100 from $560, this necklace is sure to sell out soon.

Okay, now back to more practical items.  I LOVE these Current/Elliot stiletto biker jeans.  Day. Night.  Doesn't matter.  Love the wash, love the length (ankle length is the best for sneakers and stilettos), love the distressing and love the zippers.  For day, tuck in a plaid button down (see above) with flats, and style with a slinky blouse and embroidered high-heels for night.  Jeans are hard to buy online, but if you know that Current/Elliot is a nice fit for your body type then I would recommend buying these NOW!  All sizes left.  Only $148 (from $248).

Moto.  Midnight.  McQueen.  Need I say more?  This suede moto jacket by McQ for Alexander McQueen is only $399 (from $2000...all sizes left except 42) and is incredible.  Wear it over a feminine dress to add some edge, or pair it with a tee, and denim.  You're done.

Lastly, this chic and ethereal blouse from Parker (now on sale for $100 from $248).  100% silk, slightly bohemian with blouson sleeves and an effortlessly cool drape.  Tuck it into a pencil skirt for work, or wear with skinny black jeans and leopard booties for an evening on the town.  Timeless and feminine for the win.

Hope you've enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day.  Get off the blog and on to shopping.

Friday Buy Day

It's that day of the week again.  You know the day when your attitude is a little bit more positive, and your co-workers seem a little bit more friendly, and your husband seems a little bit more sexy, and your worries seem a little bit more distant.  Whether it's true or not doesn't really matter.  It's Friday. And Friday encourages us to believe in all of the above delusions. Friday is also the day we bring you awesome stuff to buy, all on sale.

First Up: Alice and Olivia Swiss Dot tie cover-up.  Gorgeous, right?  Spring is here... and Summer is around the corner and this is the perfect addition to any packing list, and the perfect accessory to any backyard party.  It is luxurious and sexy with a bohemian feel and a palatable price.  At right around $200 (from over $350) it is a chic piece that will last you years.  There is nothing trendy or fast-fashion about this elegant wrap.  Right now, all sizes available but I'm sure not for long!

It is painful to spend $500 on a pair of sexy high-heels, but more painful is buying a cheap pair that are horribly uncomfortable.  Honestly, what is less "sexy" than a girl hobbling down the street in obvious pain in her "sexy" heels?  Ugh, makes me uncomfortable just thinking about it.

These shoes by Schutz are beautiful and super inexpensive ($110..yes you read that correctly... and all sizes left except size 10). If I didn't own multiple pairs of Schutz heels, I would never be able to promote such an inexpensive pair of high heels...and not because I am a snob, because I don't want anyone to suffer the tragedy of poorly made, uncomfortable high-heels. These gorgeous heels are made in Spain with genuine leather and fine craftsmanship. The slight platform helps with the 4" heel height and the patterned trim adds edge.  The blood-orange color and the double ankle straps are an intoxicating combo.  Pair them with a pair of distressed denim and a simple tank, or add them to a black dress for a friend's Birthday dinner.  There is nothing sexier than a "sexy" heel that a woman can actually walk in.

About that black dress we were just talking about.  This is it.  It is the one that needs to be in every woman's closet.  Veronica Beard is a brand I became obsessed with when I owned a clothing store.  The tailoring is absolute perfection and the materials are superb.  Veronica Beard is classic with modern sensibilities and a penchant for accents of neon or florals.  Their blazers, in particular, are exceptional.  But I digress, back to the dress. It hugs your curves without being revealing and has contoured seaming for an extra flattering fit.  Whether adding a statement necklace and a sexy heel for a cocktail party, or pairing it with booties and a leather jacket for an event at your child's school, this is a must-have for every woman and is now only $178 (from over $500).

I like these.  A lot.  Lately, I've been much more into statement earrings, while keeping everything else pretty minimal.  If I am honest with myself, I have a few uniforms and tend to stick to variations of them.  Tees, leather jackets, skinny jeans, occasionally some fun jewelry in addition to the fine jewelry....and then sometimes, just to be different and daring, I add some more tees and some more leather jackets(:  

These earrings by Elizabeth Cole have a deco vibe that's really cool, and while they certainly make a statement they are not overwhelming in size.  I would pair them with a floaty maxi dress for a day wedding or baby shower, the same way I would wear them with a leather biker jacket and ripped jeans.  At $75 (from $160) they will make a minimal statement on your wallet while adding maximum edge to your wardrobe.

Lastly, for this week's Friday Buy Day, we bring you my FAVORITE pair of sneakers.  I'm sure many of you have seen these on me in pics (or real like) and considering my addiction to high-tops it means a lot for me to claim these as my #1.  They are Jimmy Choo and they are not cheap (but now on sale) BUT they are uber-comfortable and I get a gazillion complements on them.  It occurred to me awhile ago when I was purchasing my (insert ridiculous number) pair of sneakers that I actually have the whole shoe game figured out.  

Most women (including myself... until recently) spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on fancy high-heels that we wear a handful of times (nights-out, weddings, parties) while we try to save money on the shoes we wear everyday.  This makes no sense!  Of course, there are the handful of inspirational women who wear high-heels, everyday, all-day...and to all of you...I tip my hat.  But for the rest of us, buying super expensive high heels we rarely wear, while buying cheap shoes we were often simply isn't the best practice.  After buying these sneakers (which were not on sale when I bought them), I can honestly say I have never gotten more value out of a pair of shoes.  So, to those of you who are inclined to wear high-tops as often as I am...I say don't feel bad about splurging on a pair of shoes you will wear almost everyday.  There is no shame in stepping up your casual game.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Reach out or forward along to anyone else who you think may need a little inspiration to start off their weekend right!

Friday Buy Day

It's funny, like most women I know, every time we go on a trip we are inclined to buy something new...even if the climate where we are headed is the exact same climate as the place we live. This week, Jack Ryan is headed to LA....and even though it is supposed to be 61 and raining (insert tear) which is the EXACT same weather as I am sure it will be in SF, our shopping inspiration is derived from weather that is 78 and sunny.  And so, for this week's Friday Buy Day we thought we'd bring you some cool pieces (on sale of course) that we want to take with us to LaLa Land. The power of positive thinking must not only be practiced in your mind, it must also be practiced in your packing. 

Here Goes:

First things first.  An oversized Panama Hat.  We are in LA afterall.  And whether my positive thinking works or not for the weather, a large hat is mandatory in the land of palm trees and movie stars.  We love the nubby texture and the cream color.  At under $40, it is a great deal and looks just as chic with denim and a button-up as it does with a swimsuit and a cover-up.

Speaking of a swimsuit, we love this one  It is sexy and classic and on sale.  You can never go wrong with a black bikini that has some interesting details.  I guess we'll be wearing this in the hot-tub if the weather decides to be uncooperative.

Almost as mandatory as a hat, is a pair of slightly distressed cut-offs.  One of our favorite looks right now is the Texas Tuxedo (denim on denim).  We love these with a denim button-up (in a lighter shade) a thicker leather belt and a cool pair of booties or sandals.

Oh, and for that night out at Chateau.  What to wear?  A romper of course.  This Zimmerman romper is sophisticated and sexy.  The button front allows you to adjust how much you would like to expose and the length of the shorts is spot on...not too short (trashy) and not too long (boring).  The lace panels on the sleeve are feminine and elegant.  We would pair these with deco drop earrings and a minimal strap heel.  Elegant, sexy, chic (and of course, it's on sale).

So, for any of you who are headed to LA soon, take our cues and get to shopping.  For all of those who are not, channel your positive thinking and plan a trip to a place that is 78, sunny and dappled with palm trees.

That Whole "Day to Night" Thing

So many times we read the magazine articles or listen to the salesperson say that a certain outfit can be worn from Day to Night. But let's be honest, unless you are going from a work conference to a work dinner, there are very few outfits you would wear during the day that you would WANT to wear for a night out. 

An easier way to think about this challenge is to think about pieces, instead of entire outfits.   Buy pieces that can be worn for day and can easily transition to evening with some creative styling.

I recently bought this Sea leopard blouse (PS I just found it on MAJOR sale at Barneys...link included)  It is slightly sheer with buttons down the front. I wore it on Saturday night in a fun seventies-vibe sort of way.  I unbuttoned one more button than "normal" to create a deep v-neckline, wore a pretty black lace bralette and tucked into wide leg denim with a black belt and chunky heels.

For a new client meeting, I wore it tucked into an A.L.C. knit skirt.  I added the strappy "gladiator" style heels to add a little edge. This blouse is a great example of a classic piece that can be worn in a more conservative way for work but also can be restyled in a sexy way for a night on the town. 

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Shannon is wearing her favorite Rag and Bone skinny jeans with a peplum blouse, boucle jacket and heels. Her exact top is no longer available but the one below is a peplum blouse finished in a matte lambskin leather with lace detailing on the back and is deeply discounted.  It is a beautiful piece to wear with jeans but also can be worn with a pencil skirt and a statement necklace.   Or try it with a printed skinny leg trouser for a more conservative look.  Her heels are the classic "licorice" style from Kate Spade.  Perfect pointy toe and heel height, and finished in a fun but very versatile print.  

So, enough with all the talk about outfits that can take you from day to night.  Buy pieces that can transition from a more conservative look to a more daring look depending on how you style them.

Friday Buy Day

It's the most exciting day of the week again.  Friday.    Friday is the day when you excitedly look forward to your weekend dinner plans with friends or loves.  The day when you can almost taste the latte you will sip on your leisurely Saturday stroll.  And, not least of all...it is Friday Buy Day.  Which means we are AGAIN bringing you the best deals and sale items from the web and beyond.

No explanation is needed for why we love this Alexander Wang silk blend asymmetrical top  but we will indulge you nonetheless.  It is tres chic.  The slightly cut in shoulders, the side slit and the tucked seam are edgy without being over the top.  We love it styled just as is with black leather leggings (we suggested some great ones last week) and heels.  Add a textured/tweed cropped jacket and you will leave the house feeling Parisian rocker chic...

This cream cable knit sweater will do double and triple duty.  Guaranteed.  We love the color, the texture and the slightly scooped neckline (crew-necks can be hard for a lot of people, so scoop-necks are a nice alternative).  The vents on the side are great for allowing your silk cami or striped tee to poke through.  Pair it with skinny sweats and high-tops for a stylish yet casual weekend look (or travel look) or try it with a a denim button up underneath and moto inspired skinny jeans.  It was $118...it is now $59.95 and right now an additional 25% off the sale price.  Yes you read that correctly.  And you are welcome(:

Tom Ford Sunglasses 70% Off?  And no, they are no the style that everyone wore 5 years ago. Nude, slightly over-sized with a great shape for most faces.  And at $129 (from $425) with a 21 day return policy...even if you aren't sure if the shape would be a perfect fit for you it may well be worth a try.  We are heading into Spring and these are the perfect accessory to get you excited about the warmer weather headed your way!  

You know that dress that looks kinda blah on the hanger and then the salesperson encourages you to try it on and you fall in love?  This is it.  It is 100% silk and 100% versatile (I would recommend getting your true size or even sizing down) It has a tie waist and a timeless, yet modern print.  It is perfect with a leather jacket and booties for a client meeting or Happy Hour and it also translates to a more conservative affair like a school luncheon or play.  Seasonally, it is very transitional and something that will never look "dated". For under $200, it is an easy and stylish piece that you will likely get to wear often.

Lastly, we bring you diamonds.  There is something so feminine and stylish about the combination of rose gold, white topaz and diamonds. For the price, ($765 from $1500) these beautiful topaz earrings with 36 pave diamonds surrounding the center stone are a fabulous deal on a timeless piece of jewelry.  Neither Shannon nor I regularly buy ourselves fine jewelry; however, the few times we have it has actually brought us a weird sense pride.  It feels good to treat yourself to something special every now and again.  Hope you have enjoyed our picks this week.  Feel free to forward this along to anyone else you think may need a little retail pick me up!  

Meet Your New Best Friends: Monrow & Alexander

Jeans.  Tee.  Jacket.  Repeat.

Isn't exactly the sexy inspiration you had in mind?  Maybe doesn't sound sexy or inspiring but that is the outfit that most of us DO wear and WILL wear, so we better get it right. 

Jeans are tough.  There are just too many different brands, styles and body types to ever successfully suggest the perfect pair for all (or at least most) women.  So, I'll move on to tees...

Tees are different. A great tee is fairly universal and there are two categories tees fall into: everyday & not.  Everyday is self-explanatory.  Not means any tee that might require a different bra or any tee that is sexy enough to wear to dinner or on a date.

The best everyday tee is made by Monrow.  An all time favorite style is the tissue v-neck tee.  It is the perfect weight with a subtle sheerness and a v-neck that is generous without being revealing. The length is long.  Not too long, but long enough to layer and long enough to bend down.  There is nothing worse than buying a tee that you think fits, washing it and having it shrink to a length appropriate for a 13 year-old cheerleader.  Ugh...makes me mad thinking about it.  Spare yourself the endless poor fits, and the wasted money.  Buy 3 colors of Monrow tissue v neck tees in black, white and grey and call it a day.  Everyday.  

The best "not" everyday tee is T by Alexander Wang.  My personal favorite is the classic racer-back jersey tank in black.  Unstoppable.  It is generous in the armholes and across the back to allow for a sexy slouch.  The v is deep but has a subtle curve to it and the length (again) is on the longer side allowing you to pair it with your favorite skinny jeans without concern of a muffin-top tragedy.  It is simple and chic and looks great with a lacy racer-back bra peeking through on the sides.  It is a go-to when the "I have nothing in my closet" to wear hits.  Just add jeans, a leather jacket,  and strappy heels.  Sometimes sexy inspiration comes in the most simple form.

We are so happy to introduce you to Monrow & Alexander and we hope you will have a meaningful and lasting relationship for years to come!