Daily Outfit: Colorblock Relief

After an entire summer spent keeping my purse-strings pretty tight, (ahem, yes it's true) it was such a relief to give myself the OK to purchase one end-of-summer piece that could easily transition into fall. Voila...the sleeveless tunic blouse via H&M. I sized up to get that flattering blousy fit. Tucked into a skirt, belted over pants, or paired with leggings...this top is a staple for color-blocking style! The rich coral shade will be a crucial layering piece in my autumn wardrobe; keeping my leopard prints, bright maroon tones, and army greens in good company. Lots of ladies are coveting Equipment's line of silk blouses, but if you want to get the same look for less-  just try your local H&M. 

Did you dive into fall fashion head on, or are you slowly testing the waters? I'm still looking forward to unearthing all those goodies that were hidden away during the seasonal swap. I did start the season off right with a trip to the hair salon for a new 'do (last year's photos here...this year's coming soon!) Long overdue...my locks had not seen any special treatment since April. It's becoming a ritual of renewal for me. What's yours? xoxo Becca

(Jeans- Gap similar, Blouse- H&M similar, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Studded Belt- J.Crew similar, Sandals- Dolce Vita, Necklaces- Anthropologie & Kenneth Cole)

PFM Obsession: Black and White

i am usually anything but black and white; i live in the shading between these colors. ...but, recently, i can't seem to get enough of the black and white trend that's popping up everywhere!  whether it's houndstooth or a tribal pattern, i'm on it.  color blocking with black and white can be a great way to tone down brights.  bringing in a solid, bright color is also a perfect way to accent a black and white patterned item. ...or brighten up black and white with colored accessories like a bright shoe and/or bag (and even nails, like i did above).  the possibilities are endless!! 

i'm looking forward to working this color combo into the rest of my summer days and well into the fall! xo sesheta

(Check It Out Nails Strips - Sally Hansen Salon Effects, Blue Boyfriend Jeans - Forever 21, Black/White Tribal leggings - American Apparel, Sandals - Dolce Vita, Neon Yell-oh - Color Club (on toes))

Daily Outfit: Hothouse Weakness

Being the avid Anthropologie shopper that I am, certain products just seem to stick with me. I'm talking years after they are no longer available. I have a weakness for their colorful bedding...specifically several versions of a cotton quilt named Hothouse that I mulled over endlessly, but never actually made it home with one. They were vibrant and colorful with a patchwork mix of bold flowers and tiled prints...totally swoon-worthy. Now here I am looking over these photos taken last week on a hot day near a brightly colored flowerbed; I'm dressed in a tomato red/peony pink ensemble with diamond-print shorts and flower in hair...makes sense that the Hothouse collection immediately comes to mind. Ooh I can't help but think that I missed the boat on those Anthro quilts. Nah, there's always a next time.

(Thai Rosette Headband- MavenFresh, Shorts- Anthropologie, Bop Basics Tee- Shopbop, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Cat Eye Risky Sunglasses- Urban Outfitters, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Bauble Bracelet- Metal Monk, Watch- Marc Jacobs) 

PFM Obsession: C. Wonder (ful)

The craziest thing happened the other day. I was at the Roosevelt Field mall, strolling around during lunchtime with my two favorite co-workers when something stopped us in our tracks. With our faces pressed up against the store window we swore we passed this spot a million times and never noticed the shop before. But with all the bright colors and swanky candy-colored decor...is that even possible? We felt compelled to go inside, and not just because by this point the store employees had clearly seen us gawking. Christopher Burch's new line, C. Wonder, will have you enthralled, from the super-colorful array of products to the beautiful window and floor displays. (Being an ex-display coordinator, I'm a sucker for smart merchandising tactics!) The best part is that it's a one-stop-shop. I love a store that covers everything from clothing to accessories to home design... to sporting goods? Seriously! I chatted a bit with a salesgirl who told me that this shop is still relatively new (that's why we never noticed it) and they currently have only four locations; three of them are in New York. Within a few minutes of browsing, several bright, cheery, and affordable items were calling my name. Plus, the whimsical website's sale section will have you smiling and filling up your cart for sure! I noticed there's one particular item not available online...the floral Vespa scooter that we drooled over for a couple of minutes. So take a peek at my top picks and then see if you aren't obsessed too!

1.You know I love me some neon...this skinny belt in neon yellow is a must.

2. Stripey boatneck tee- purely because you can never ever have too many striped tops. And if you don't have any, this is a perfect piece to start with. 

3. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these loafers a lookalike to the more pricey J.Crew version? I believe they will be mine, in Cobalt Blue please.

4-6. I live in Long Beach. Everyone has a bike, except for my hubby and I. But things will be different this year...I can see myself cruising down to the farmer's market on one of these electric green lovelies using my bike basket and sporting a pair of super-cute sunnies!!!!

7. A brightly colored throw to curl up in during those breezy evenings on the porch.

8. Functional, decorative, and the perfect shade of glossy yellow...yes please.

9. One look at these Ikat patterned nesting bowls and I was smitten. 

Daily Outfit: Hippie Legs

i must say that one of the major benefits of crocheting is making your own legwarmers!  this blast from the past accessory is the perfect highlight to my everyday outfit.  it doesn't take much to put these on display, especially when worn with these cute retro pumps (a b-day gift from my Mommy).  i picked up one of the bright colors from the yarn with my violet shirt and the rest just fell into place.  in order to keep the eye drawn to the right places, my basic black skinny jeans and color block blazer were the right compliment.  if this outfit wasn't retro enough, my fave headband pushed it over the edge.   though i call this outfit hippie legs, it really does draw from styling from the 60's, 70's, 80's and now.  just another example of how certain styles are timeless!

PS. many of our sales are made once someone sees an item in action and styled for everyday.  another one of our best clients quickly placed an order for a pair of legwarmers similar to these after she saw me wearing them.  (Yay, Jaz!) today is actually her b-day, maybe she had one last chance to rock her new pair of legwarmers before the warm weather comes to stay!  :)

(Color Block Blazer - Rachel Rachel Roy, Violet Burn-out tee - Loehmann's, Black Skinny Jeans - J Brand, Grey Suede Pumps - BCBGeneration, Crystal Ball Headband, Pearl Pendant Necklace, Crochet Legwarmers - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: She Dreams in Paint Color

Sesheta & I recently had a chat about a little-known thought process I use every once in a while to pick out an outfit... I think in paint color. It's the designer in me. I have a total obsession with Benjamin Moore paint; sometimes I can look at a paint color on the wall and identify it by swatch name. And my favorite part of designing a room is picking out the color scheme.

Here's how it translates into my wardrobe: I constantly get inspired by color combos I've seen all around me. It could be the colors from a decorative box that a candle came in, a magazine article with a fantastic photo of a newly designed living room...and an idea for an outfit is born. Sometimes (like this time) I don't even know exactly where the vision comes from. A combination of color swatches came to mind organically...and I went into my closet to see if this vision could be turned into an outfit.  

Did you ever go shopping and think to yourself, oooh I totally needed a dress in that color. But then you arrive home with it and you can't remember why you thought it was a must-have. Luckily, not the case with my newly purchased H&M tie-neck tunic dress. Navy is such a classic color, there are many ways to mix it up (I love that it can also be worn as a top.) If I had to break this look down into paint swatches, I'd go with Admiral Blue, Blue Spa, and Citron, with neutral brown accents. This would make for a really lovely color combo in a bedroom. Hmmmmmm.

(Cardigan- Arden B, Tie-Neck Dress- H&M, Tights- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Zara, Silver Bracelet- Vintage, Cowrie Bracelet- MavenFresh, Stud Watch- Marc Jacobs)

Daily Outfit: An Ode to Mimi

 

 

 

 

   My grandmother Mimi is one special lady. Not only is she loving, beautiful, refined, and brilliant, she was one heck of a fashionista in her day! It makes perfect sense that I have such an obsession with fashion. And did I mention that we happen to be the same size?! This dress came straight from the wondrous vintage collection of Mimi. I love playing with color and couldn't wait to create a color-blocked look (or ensemble, as Mimi would say with a French accent) with subtly printed tights and leopard...and more leopard!

Now at 91 years old Mimi doesn't always remember what she ate for breakfast, but you better believe that she keeps 4 closets in her house organized by season and type. I have cherished memories of days spent playing dress-up in her closet when I was young, and it seems that things haven't changed much! I'm fortunate that she is so eager to share not only her wardrobe, but her stories and memories with me. She's definitely my own personal style icon.

Mimi in 1947, (4 months pregnant with my mom) alongside my handsome grandpa. Everytime I see this picture I admire the way she has her tie-waist blouse layered effortlessly over her dress. Notice how she's holding her gloves with her clutch and has a flower in her hair (so chic!)

Enjoy the holidays and be sure to spend some quality time with your loved ones!!! We'll be back on Monday!

xoxo Becca

(Tangerine Dress- Vintage, Turtleneck- J.Crew, Leopard Belt- Anthropologie, Patterned Tights- Spanx, Leopard Booties- Aldo, Pineapple Drops- MavenFresh)