Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

Here’s to catching up on Downton Abbey (don’t dare spoil season 3 for me, and if you haven’t watched this show – cancel your weekend plans and get on board with PBS) and finding some new art for our still quite bare walls (how charming is this Nan Lawson print based on Downton’s Lady Mary?)  Happy Friday!

Owls, foxes, even french bulldogs.  They’ve all had their 15 minutes of fame lately.  But if you’re looking for an animal that’s less trendy than say the sheep (sorry J.Crew), but more unexpected than the classic leopard, I say – go giraffe.

Animal prints are pretty much seasonless, making them the perfect closet investment for months like these (when you’re sick of those fair isle sweaters but sundresses are still out of reach).  If you’re going to go bold with a print like the giraffe it’s all about the balance.  For every part eccentric there needs to be an equal part tame.  For your morning meeting, that means pairing those wild patterned pants with a conservative black blazer, but throwing on a little arm party for good measure (Side note: For the office, it’s best to keep your trendy jewelry narrowed to rings or bracelets – face framing necklaces and earrings will get too much attention).  For a Saturday spent thrift shopping, pair a kitschy giraffe emblazoned mini skirt with walkable suede boots and a decorative clutch.  For that hotel lobby night cap, a body hugging printed dress already shows your confidence.  So why stop there – pair it with fuchsia ankle boots and your date will hate to see you walk away.     

(AM Meeting: Topshop Blazer, Derek Lam Trousers, Loren Hope Cuff)
(Thrifting: Old Navy Boots, Threadsence Skirt, Anthropologie Clutch)
(Night Cap: Coach Bag, Madewell Dress, Zara Boots)  

In case you haven’t heard, Pantone proclaimed Emerald as the Color of 2013.  And while I may be biased (as a green eyed, emerald birthstone girl), I’m pretty excited for this trend to take off.

Remember how much everyone loved mint last Spring?  Well Emerald is mint, all grown up.  Emerald is vintage and rich.  It’s unexpected when compared to black, and sexy when compared to navy.  It calls to mind Elizabeth Taylor sparkling in the stone, or Angelina Jolie in a dress of the color with a thigh high slit.  And if none of that convinced you, above are a few options to get you in the mood. 

(1. Loeffler Randall clutch; 2. Tulle dress; 3. Essie nailpolish; 4. J.Crew Factory shirt; 5. Bauble Bar earrings)

So we’re one week into 2013.  Still keeping up with your resolutions?

I made my own list of goals, but when it comes to your typical resolutions, I’ve found that sometimes it helps to give yourself a little motivation.  Below, a cheat sheet to staying on track.  

Nest: Did you want to stay more organized this year?  Make an investment (albeit a small one) in these pretty canisters from Target to kick things off.  You’ll be far more inclined to put things away when they’re going into something as cute and cheery as these.  And while these are intended for the kitchen, why not use them on an office shelf for extra paperclips and pencils? Or in a guest bathroom for cotton balls and q-tips?  

Dressed: Did you want to get in shape this year? A good sports bra and pair of sneakers goes without saying.  But a cute and comfortable top like this sweatshirt from Aerie will certainly help in getting you out the door to the gym.  I promise, you won’t regret it once you’re there.  

The Rest: Did you want to be on time this year?  What about making a goal to be on time (to work, meetings, etc.) for 30 days straight and as a reward at the end of the month treating yourself to this fun little bow tie watch from Urban Outfitters?  Win win, I think.

This weekend was spent de-cluttering at home after the holidays and exploring a bit of our new neighborhood.  On Friday this meant an impromptu date night to a local Thai restaurant (built inside of what appears to be an oversized airstream), packing away all but the prettiest of ornaments on Saturday and finally getting rid of our tree, and browsing the aisles of a nearby record store on Sunday (after gifting the boy a record player for Christmas) and window shopping on the Promenade in Santa Monica.  Here’s to another week!