Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

We may be getting ready to say goodbye to 2012, but there’s quite a few trends from the past year(s) that are here to stay…

Spotted in January’s issue of Lucky Magazine, looking ahead to 2013 we can hang on to army parkas (as indispensable these days as a trench), touches of neon (the new season-less color), mixed patterns and layers (thanks J.Crew), cross body bags (extra points for chain straps), and arm candy (colorful, glitzy, and piled on both wrists).  Against all odds these seemingly flash trends have gone the distance and I’m not complaining.  Something about this sportswear mash up feels completely modern in a way that a single dress and minimal jewelry no longer pulls off.  It’s looking like a good year.

(1. Free People Studded Bag; 2. American Eagle Parka; 3. Juicy Couture Bracelet; 4. J.Crew Factory Sweater; 5. Ohne Titel Skirt) 

For the main living area in our new home, we went a bit darker and cozier (playing off the focal point of a 2-story brick fireplace), but for open loft area that will act as my workspace, I want it to feel a bit brighter and more colorful…  


This particular corner in the former home of Naomi from Design Manifest achieves a lot of what I’m going for.  A fun mix of patterns, open shelving and bold art, grounded with classic larger pieces (in my case a white parsons desk and clear ghost chair).  Now if only I had a dog as cute as hers to hang a portrait of.  

(Anthropologie Heels; Tulle Dress; Vintage Dooney & Burke Bag)

Wishing you and yours a Very, Merry (California) Christmas!

Not to distract from the big day tomorrow, but New Year’s Eve is just a week away!  And since most of your spare change is probably already sitting under the tree here’s a few relatively inexpensive options to make the night special without starting off 2013 in the red…

Nest: If you’re headed to a party this Joseph Altuzarra for Target Cocktail Shaker or tumbler set makes a great hostess set (they’re on sale now!), or if you’re staying home they’ll be a great addition to your barware all year long.  

Dressed: This BCBG dress packs a punch.  A steal for $49.00 (also on sale!) this lame maxi dress with a high slit somehow toes the line between really dressed up and cooly laid back.  So very Diane Von Furstenberg at Studio 54 in her heyday.  

The Rest: These invitations can be digitally downloaded from Etsy, meaning if you decided to throw a spur of the moment shindig there’s still time to send out a fancy invite.  Now all you need is the bubbly.

We’re halfway through a long weekend here and have finished all the running around just in time to relax for the next couple of days.  I’m looking to do a before and after of some of the work I’ve been doing around the townhouse these past couple of weeks, but until then – hope you’re enjoying the holiday season as much as I am!