Fashion Friday: A Dilemma

My problemo: I am totally drawn to dresses lately. Maybe it's the fact that I was in hot weather for like 3 days straight; but I have completely forgotten how chilly No. California really is the moment the sun goes down. It's not right (especially for this desert-raised Texan).

Anyway...I need to find some cute pant looks to inspire me those chilly morning as I dress for work days. What do you think of these? I'm totally taking suggestions for other pants ensembles, too!

Love bright colored pants - either with a simple tee or a flouncy top.
[Jcrew Tee, Jcrew Chino, Forever 21 Blouse]


I'm fond of the look of these skinny cords with dressy/preppy tops.
[BCBG Patterned Jersey , Urban Outfitters Cords, Jcrew Arqyle sweater vest and top]



Standard black wool trousers make a impact with unexpected shirts.
[Forever 21 Buffalo Check shirt, Banana Republic wool pants, Forever 21 Tribal motif top]

Art Inspiration: Life Imitating Art

A Friendly Call, William Merritt Chase 1895

Photo Tuesday: California Adventures

Little trips around California bring a lot of photographic inspiration.


Pinecrest Lake: Chocolate Milk Mustache, In Flight


La Honda: Wilson Ranch Welcome, Barn Door

Project Runway: Week 3

This week's challenge found the designers shooting pics of New York at night to find inspiration for their next garment. I only wish the final products were nearly as interesting as the photos. It was a weak outcome, but there were still three dresses that caught my eye. Take a look:


Left: One of a kind patterned dress w/ purple tulle(!) by Kenley who is my pick to win this thing;
Middle: a simple but beautiful set of seperates by Leanne,
Right: The lovely flamenco-reminiscent gown by Jerell who is kindof getting glossed over in the editing in favor of annoyances like Blake and Suede.

Photos via Bravotv.com. Thanks!

Fashion Friday: Project Runway alum on Bluefly

I heart Christian Siriano. Here is a cute video of him styling the fashion shoot of his designs for Bluefly.com. I'm a fan all around:



Here are some pieces, that with some styling down, are very wearable:

Park Ave Dress and Transylvania Tee

How about the tee with these cute capris and chunky sandals?

Nanette Lepore capris, A.B.S. Sandals

Video and Images from Bluefly.com

Project Runway: Week 2

The challenge: design a cocktail dress with their model as their client.
The catch: the model has to purchase the fabric and trim without any input from the designer.
Outcome: the insight that almost all models on this show have no clue about what goes into the construction of the designs that they wear.
Here are my faves (including the winner):

Winning design by Suede (innovative!), My personal favorite by Jerrell (lovely!)


Another beautiful design by Kenley (sleek!) , and A sassy look from Emily (come-hither!)

All photos from Bravo.

Phototime? Lake Tahoe

Summer in California means quick weekend trips to fun outdoorsy spots. These are from a girls weekend in Lake Tahoe.

Project Runway: Week One

This year's crop of designers look like they have some mighty fine potential for some great work. The producers brought back one of my favorite challenges - the supermarket spree! What would you do with $75 and a grocery store?

Here are my favorites from this week (the ones that didn't win!):

Designs by Kenley (love the off-kilter stripes), Keith (love the wearibility) and Wesley(love the bold color)

All photos from BravoTV

Photo Monday: Russian River

Great weather, great friends, great food and a little paddling make for a fun weekend. Most of my photos from the weekend are of friends, so not entirely appropriate for the blog...but the trip was fantastic.

Our friends, Dain and Shannon Sandoval, are the real pros...and I had a great time learning some things about my camera from Dain. Here is a shot that he took that really captured the weekend for me (at least the PG-13 version I like to share here):

Fashion Friday: Canoe Trip?

I'm headed on a little canoe trip w/ friends tomorrow...so Fashion Friday is moving to Thursday. What better way to get psyched up for a trip like that but to post some fun bathing suits and skin-saving hats!



Designs by Brette Sandler, Salinas, and Syla by Silvia Cachay

Brimmed hat designs by Helen Welsh (hats 1 & 2) and Flora Bella

Photo Tuesday: Independence Day Parade

Scenes from the parade in Redwood City - where the town slogan is "Climate Best by Government Test."

Fashion Friday: Now and Later

I'm a Lucky Magazine fan, and especially love the "Wear Now, Wear Later" stories they do.
Here is my take on the idea using a Vera Wang shift dress:


Wear it Now with:

Grograin hat by Helen Welsh / Leather belt by Linea Pelle / DV patent sandal

Wear it Later with:

Jacket by Alvin Valley / Wolford Opaque tights / Bonham pumps by Bettye Muller