Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

It felt like Spring this weekend in California and the only suitable way to celebrate that is to be outside as much as possible.  We’re slowly but surely making progress decorating the home (and I promise a tour will follow on the blog) and also slowly getting to know our neighborhood and surrounding areas (which, lucky for us, includes the picture perfect Marina Del Rey).  I’m off to the Magic Tradeshow in Vegas this week for work, so while I’ll have posts happening here – be sure to follow me on Instagram to get a behind the scenes look at my day to day!  

It probably comes as no surprise that I was a fan of the Fall ’13 J.Crew presentation yesterday…  

The rich colors, tiled geometric prints, jewel encrusted accents and gleaming shoes were more than enough to swoon over.  The collection was largely inspired by the head Women’s designer’s recent trip to Morocco – but interpreted through the hands of their signature classic cool mix.  So an elegant silk shawl collar coat was worn with a bedazzled baseball cap.  And sky high silver heels were tossed on with skinny sweatpants.  Needless to say, there were tons of styling tips to start putting into practice far before next Fall.  The above look is just one example – a shot of citrus pair of pants and deep burgundy slouchy sweater  were made to be topped with an exotic textured jacket to tie it all together.  A leather baseball cap and rose gold pumps make it all seem effortless.

J.Crew Fall ’13 Look
1. Asos baseball cap
2. French Connection Jacket
3. Topshop Sweater
4. Gap Jeans
5. Threadsence Heels

The final installation of my Cheap Monday Valentine’s Gift Guides focuses on presents for the Girl you Love (you can catch the first 2 parts here and here in case you missed them).  While tradition seems to dictate what you’re supposed to give that special lady come February 14th, I say – catch her off guard…

Think your only options are lingerie, diamond rings and flowers?  You can do better.  Here’s a few jumping off points.

Nest: Sure lingerie is great.  But what about a beautifully illustrated Taschen coffee table book of classic Pin-Ups?  It’s still cheeky but in a less obvious way.  If you really want to go all out, find a favorite pin up and buy her a matching look.

Dressed: So it’s not an engagement ring.  Are you really going to let that stop you from buying her jewelry until then?  This set of infinity rings from Gorjana are simple, classic and do not equal 3 months salary.  Diamonds may be forever, but rose gold is huge right now.  And that should count for something.  

The Rest:  She’ll expect the flowers.  But she will never see this bark wrapped vase coming.  You can have it personalized with your initials – imitating the ever romantic ‘names carved in a tree’ move.  Just don’t blame me if she wants flowers all the time now so she has an excuse to keep the vase out.