round beach towel or picnic blanket

How adorable are these round beach towels?  I love it that they decided to shake it up & totally change the shape.  The Beach People was founded in 2013 in Australia by 2 sisters.  Not surprising that these bohemian towels sold out their first summer.

Look stylish at the beach, in a park, at a festival, or just hanging in your backyard.  

Where to buy these beauties?  List below after the inspirational images of how these will fit into your life.  Would make a great gift!

Photo credit: the gorgeous pic on the bottom right is from my sister-in-law's blog, Goldfish Kiss (my sister's husband's sister--is that my sister-in-law??).

more 4th of july

More outfit ideas for you:

 

4th of July outfits

Headed to a 4th of July picnic or BBQ?  Here are some ideas what to wear!  Sticking with either red & white or blue & white will keeps the look more subtle yet still festive.  Also an off-red color helps.  A few ideas below.

(none of these ideas will work for SF people as it will be fifty five, foggy & freezing.  I will be in a puffer coat & a ski hat, like always!)

huarache

Huarache definition (pronounced wah-rah-chay): a low-heeled sandal having an upper made of interwoven leather strips.  

These shoes have been around for hundreds of years, and the "modern" huarache from the 1930's used recycled car tires for the rubber soles..  After World War II, veterans traveled into Mexico, and huraches gained popularity in North America thanks to their adoption as part of the 1960's hippie lifestyle.

Huaraches are mentioned in the lyrics of the Beach Boys' song Surfin U.S.A, in the novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and are worn by Skeeter in The Help, much to her traditionalist Southern mother's dismay.

Roberta Freymann: vacation shirt

Part of planning for the honeymoon of course includes shopping for a few new things.  Shirts & dresses from Roberta Freymann say "summer" and "vacation to me!  I went with this blue one, which will look great with white shorts, white jeans, or jeans.  The other options were good contenders!  Sorry for the serious face-wasn't planning to use these on the blog!

(yes, that is my giant hat in the background my sweet husband gave me as I am psycho about not getting my face in the sun!  It is from Goorin Brothers).

SF girls can buy Roberta Freymann on Fillmore.  The rest of the world can find it at Saks or from their website.  A few other options below.

 

 

espadrille

The word "espadrille" is French, and the shoe comes from the Pyrenees.  Defined by the jute rope sole with cotton or canvas on top.  Perfect for Spring or Summer with shorts, jeans, or dresses.

white house correspondents' dinner 2016

Highlights from the White House Correspondents' Dinner 2016.  Emily Ratajkowski was my #1 in Monique Lhuillier.

ladies who lunch

Lots of lunches & brunches popping up this time of year.  Whether it's a birthday, Mother's Day, shower, or a fundraiser.  Some ideas below for ladies lunch.

 
 
 
 

flamingo

Everything's coming up FLAMINGOS!  Just in time for summer.

one pieces

Suddenly one pieces seem cool again?  I have not yet ventured to try one on....but these are making me think maybe I should?

 

 

single stone

SIngle Stone rings.  I adore this brand and what they stand for.  If you appreciate vintage diamonds, you will do.

They make the ring for the diamond.  They gather antique diamonds in cuts they don't make anymore: Old European Cut, Rose Cut, French Cut, and hand make each ring.  Not in a factory....each one is a tiny bit different.

Drawing inspiration from vintage design and the unique charm of antique diamonds, Ari and Corina Madilian began Single Stone as a company devoted to creating engagement rings and wedding bands that remain true to original, historic details.

They are a great fit at our favorite jeweler, Trabert Goldsmiths, who also focuses on either designing new settings for vintage diamonds or designing antique settings for new diamonds.  Of course, this is where we got my engagement ring (more on Eric Trabert & the ring later!).

If you're looking for a wedding band, an anniversary gift, or just wanting to be fashionable and celebrate life.....these rings are gorgeous.  Make a stack with different colors, shapes, and textures.

 

 

Ari & me at the trunk show in SF at Trabert Goldsmiths

Ari & me at the trunk show in SF at Trabert Goldsmiths

off the shoulder

Trend alert!  Off the shoulder is popping up everywhere as a flirty breezy style for spring & summer.  These boho tops & dresses fit right in your next vacation, pool party, picnic, or festival.  

 

rebecca taylor 25% off

Through April 12, Rebecca Taylor is offering 25% off.  Add "FRIEND25" during checkout.  Cute spring dresses & tops!

oscar de la renta at the de young

If you live in SF, go see the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the de Young this spring.  One of the greatest American designers with Latin roots and European training will win you over.  The ultimate gentleman was known for his charm, kindness, and manners.  His feminine elegant style was influenced by the strong women in his life.  Oscar had 6 sisters, and speaks highly of his formidable mother & grandmother.  

The exhibit takes you on his life path: born in the Dominican Republic, trained in Madrid and Paris, then establishing himself in New York.  

The "Battle of Versailles" video, a French vs. American fashion competition from the 70's, reminded me of the French vs. American wine competition from the 70's.  Learn about his Spanish influence.  Gaze upon red carpet dresses worn by celebrities.  My favorites were the garden room (photo above) and the Vogue mohawk room.

The romantic dresses are tastefully extravagant, and the exhibit of 130 creations will be in SF until May 30.

easter dresses

Whether you're headed to church, to a friend's house for brunch, or just looking for a new Spring dress.......here are some options.

slip on sneakers

joie snake print skate shoe $190

joie snake print skate shoe $190

You probably already have some........maybe it's time to get a fresh pair for Spring.

my comfiest shoes: allbirds

Here is a photo of me walking around town in my new comfy shoes.

Made of merino wool, these minimalist tennis shoes are soft & cozy like socks, breathable, & machine washable.  No socks needed.

This SF based startup is funded by the group behind Warby Parker, so you will see some similarities.  The packaging is environmentally friendly, the company donates all returned shoes to those in need, and offers a generous return policy.

These shoes received compliments the first day I wore them.  One friend commented these are exactly what she needs to walk to her Facebook shuttle for work.  

Will the sneaker market be disrupted by Allbirds?  So far, I am a fan!

d'orsay flats

Add pointy toe to your list of flats to buy for Spring.

Besides lace up flats, am also seeing d'Orsay pointy toe flats.

d'Orsay flat definition: a woman's shoe in which the vamp of the show is cut away very close to the toe cup, and the sides are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot.  The d'Orsay is often referred to as the two-piece flat, with just a toe and heel cup.

green things

Since St. Patrick's Day is coming up, feel free to partake in some online shopping for anything green!  Options below if you are at the beach or in the snow....chilling at home or headed to a gala.