Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books are a surprisingly important detail in a living room because right away they give guests a glimpse into the personalities of the hosts.  Plus it doesn't hurt that more often than not they are pretty, colorful, and have eye-catching covers. These are the books that I currently have on the table at my apartment...

Nail Polish Obsession

Over the past year I have become a little bit obsessed with nail polish.  I love changing the color weekly (which is why I cannot switch to shellac) and I want to redo them the second that they become chipped.  Every time I am on a fashion, or style, website there is something written about nail polish trends.  It seems like today anything goes...I love that sparkles are in, designs, brights, matte, shiny, dark, and light. I think that the only polish trend that is "out" is french (unless done with different colors) and acrylics, which I have never really been a fan of.  Currently I am sporting a combination of colors (inspiration found here).  The base is black with two imperfect gold sparkly polish stripes on the top and a darker pewter sparkle brushed near the base of the nail.  

Closet of My Dreams

So recently I have come across a few pictures of amazing closets that I thought only existed in my dreams (or in princess movies)! I have designed mine in my head and let me just say that there is a golden chandelier, leopard print carpet, an awesome giant wall of shoes, and the list goes on! Obviously this lovely thought will not be fulfilled any time soon but hey it's nice to dream right?


Here are a few examples of closets that I am sure you all will love...

{ Eva Longoria's closet... she always looks so fabulous! }

{ Kim Kardashian's closet..I like the dark wood and chandelier, but please tell me why someone who lives in LA needs this much fur...it is never THAT cold... }

{ I like the sunny and fresh look of Whitney Port's closet... shoe wall = amazing! }

{ Images from here and here }

Tea Time

I love tea...it is definitely my daily drink of choice.  There really isn't anything like starting the day with a cup of hot tea and a glass iced tea in the afternoon to give me a little burst of energy!  My favorite types of tea are Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearl (tastes amazing but was initially drawn in by the name), chocolate tea (I love anything chocolate), Oolong tea (another fun name), and English (or Irish) Breakfast tea. Plus the health benefits of tea, especially green tea, makes it an ideal beverage. Go enjoy a cup of tea today! 

Colorful Kicks

For my birthday my boyfriend got me a pair of workout shoes that I absolutely love! They go with all of my bright Lululemon tops and colorful running headbands.  When I put them on I feel energized to get to the gym and do some serious strength work.  If anyone needs motivation to workout go buy a cute outfit and cool shoes and I promise you that you will want to go on a run or hit the gym! Have a fabulous Monday! 

Barbie’s Closet

Bergdorf Goodman’s windows during fashion week in New York were wonderful!  There were thousands of vintage Barbie outfits strung among the phenomenally dressed mannequins.  Check out the article and pictures found here, I guarantee that you will be amazed. Have a fabulous Friday! 

{Concept developed by David Hoey}

Puppy Love

I am definitely more of a dog person than a cat person. I have a golden retriever named Skyler at home in northern California. He is the sweetest dog,always so excited and playful.  He is 12 years old, but is full of energy. Much like my dog I love being around people, get really excited about food, and need to be taken for a walk or run often. I miss him and wish I could bring him to Santa Barbara with me, but I know that he would not do well in an apartment.  If anyone is thinking of getting a puppy I highly recommend considering getting a golden.  They can be a handful at times, but you will not regret it! 

Reflection

A little thought for a lovely Wednesday..."I have never known a really chic woman whose appearance was not, in large part, an outward reflection of her inner self." -Mainbocher 

Falling Leaves

It has been so warm here in Santa Barbara that I forgot that Autumn was on the way until I looked up into the trees on my morning run.  The leaves are beginning to fall and I am suddenly having cravings for pumpkin scented candles, Halloween candy, scarves, cashmere sweaters, and my black leather riding boots.  Hello Autumn... glad to see you have finally come to town! Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Red Hot Dresses

Last night at the Emmy Awards red seemed to be the color of choice.  Red is such a stunning color and I love how these women made this bold sexy color work regardless of skin tone or silhouette of the dress.  They all did an amazing job of looking completely glamorous, but not overdone.  What do you think of last nights fashion statements? Have a fabulous Monday! 

{ The plunging neckline on Kate Winslet's dress is amazing.  The simple short blonde hair and bronze smoky eye really add to the look.}

{ This deep red dress that Kerry Washington is wearing is stunning.  I love the way it sparkles and how it fades into a sheer bottom. }

{ Nina Dorbev looks phenomenal in this structured and fitted gown.  Her body looks unbelievable and she is glowing! }

{ This shade of red has almost more of an orange hew, and orange is my favorite color, so I am really liking this look! The huge earrings are so much fun and are, in my opinion, the perfect accessory for the dress. Sofia Vergara looks beautiful here!}

{ Lea Michele looks absolutely fabulous in this red dress by Marchesa.}

{ Images from InStyle }

Dance!

Dancing is wonderful... always a great way to de-stress, it is full of romance and laughter, and it is also usually a great workout! Try to get out there and dance this weekend! Have a fabulous Friday! 

{ How adorable are these pictures?! Love them! }

Images from http://www.annesage.com

70’s Sophistication

The seventies are my absolute favorite style decade! I love the combination of prints, colors and sparkle that not only give off an air of funk, but also of sophistication.  The past few seasons we have seen a lot of seventies inspired looks in the stores, but this fall we will be seeing even more! I am excited to wear my big floppy black felt hat and brand-new bell-bottom jeans! 

{ Image from fashionising.com }

Painting at the Mission

Yesterday my roommate Natalia and I decided to go to the Santa Barbara Mission to paint.  We had a lovely afternoon full of iced tea, lively conversation, and creative thoughts.  We both felt completely stress-free after painting even though we had to cut the afternoon short because of thunder and a very dark looming cloud.  We are excited to go back soon to finish our masterpieces! When it is done I will make sure to take a picture for you all. Have a fabulous Wednesday! 

{ What we are attempting to recreate on a canvas }

{ We are beginners and are having a great time learning how to experiment and create colors! }

Fashion Night Out

I truly believe that a once a week girls night or ladies lunch is a must…most of the time they consist of lots of chocolate, wine, and I am slightly ashamed to say…Bachelor Pad.  This last week however we went to Blush downtown for appetizers and drinks, then went to “fashion night out”.  Unfortunately there wasn’t too much going on, but at Aveda we all were given hair consultations and a few of us got makeovers! After that we went back to my apartment for delicious goodies made by my sister and roommate.  It was definitely a girls birthday night to remember! 

{ All of the lovely ladies at Blush restaurant in Santa Barbara }

{ My new pink clutch from the Paris boutique... better pictures of it coming soon! }

{ My beautiful friends. }

{ Loved the products they used in my hair at Aveda, and I love getting my hair done! }

{ Dangerously delicious! }

Birthday Weekend

Yesterday was my birthday and this past weekend was everything I could have asked for and more.  It consisted of running, girls night, molten chocolate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, wine, a delicious breakfast at Jeannine's with my sister and Grandma, shopping, new shoes and an amazing date with my boyfriend at an Italian place we love! Have a fabulous Monday! 

{My birthday cake from last year...this years pictures coming soon!}

The Perfect Morning

There really isn’t anything like a long morning run! Something about the early morning air and beautiful scenery calms me down and prepares me for the long day ahead. I recommend this to anyone, and I truly believe that you will not be disappointed.  Have a fabulous Friday and a lovely weekend!

Paris Street Boutique

I love when I come across a boutique that takes me to another place and time.  The Paris Street Boutique is just that...I could have spent hours looking through everything that they have to offer. They carry stunning bags, jewelry, and home accessories at unbelievable prices! I purchased a beautiful bag that I know I will hold onto for years! Enjoy the pictures of this colorful, unique, and fabulous boutique.  And if you are in Santa Barbara this is a definite must see! 

{ It is tucked away in Victoria Court along with a few other fun vintage shops! }

{ I tried on a ton of these vintage hats! So much fun! }

{ I would love the mirrored Chanel tray...I would use it to hold perfumes and lotions. }