Come Sail Away

It is a myth that to live by the beach one must be a lover of water.  While I absolutely love living by the beach I am admittedly uneasy around large bodies of water and rarely go in past hip deep (hangs head in shame only kinda).  It all stems from an ill-fated swimming lesson that took place at approximately age 4.  Picture it:  smallest child in the water, smallest child has to stand on tip-toes to keep head above water, constant tip-toe for over 20 minutes sans water wings spells disaster for smallest child who slips beneath water while swimming instructor fails to notice.  Fast forward to hack, hack, cough, cough, little wet noodle gets dragged out of pool completely traumatized, refusing to return to swimming lessons ever again.  True story.  (insert sad face here)

                                                                   image via treecastle and kidlovesdoodles

Despite my fears I remain mad for nautical attire.  It is crisp, clean and Jackie O - reminding me of summertime, east coast, historical class.  As spring approaches each year I look forward to wide leg denim, striped t's, tanks and paper thin sweaters, big sunnies, anything espadrille (the larger the wedge the better) and a splash of gold jewelry.  This past weekend I decided it was high time to get busy on my boat-themed stash seeing as summer is here and, before you know it, will soon be gone.

poor posture = terror. don't judge

The Chef took me down to the docks where I almost peed my pants standing on that little strip of wood between the houseboats.  I won't lie though - it was extremely peaceful and I felt like Tom Hanks living on the boat after he separates from his lady friend in You've Got Mail.

It was a short-lived moment before that little wooden ramp started rolling and I got myself back on dry land tout de suite.  I'm usually a bit more free wheeling in the apparel department (translate free wheeling as moderately disheveled), but there's something just so put together and Ralph Lauren chic about this style that I simply cannot let it pass me by.

Doesn't it just say get me to the boat Charles?  Or how about get me off this damned boat and into my convertible fiat with a scarf wrapped about my swirling (or in this case moderately contained) locks?

The striped t pictured here is one of a few versions I've collected that are begging to be let loose from the closet.  Nautical stripes are so simple yet so capable of taking even boyfriend jeans or denim shorts up a notch, and the possibilities are endless when considering dresses or skirts.  Here's one of my absolute favorite Olivia Palermo looks of all time.

Check that yellow sass of trim bordering the neckline of her top.  It brings a modern edge to a nautical vibe and a version of the entire look can absolutely be achieved with these sunglasses, this t-shirt, this skirt, and these oxfords.  I don't know what to tell you about the Chloe bag because that thing is unparalleled, although I'm certain there is a similar silhouette lingering around out there somewhere if you're looking for a bag in a lower price range.

So how about it?  Will you be embracing high seas style this summer or let it sail on by?

My Outfit Details:  Brandy Melville Top, Martin+Osa Wide Leg Denim, Tom Ford Sunglasses, Christian Louboutin Espadrille Wedge Booties, Melinda Maria Jewelry

Paging Lauren Conrad

After spending pretty much every spare moment last week glued to the latest on Joran van der Sloot (don't get me started), and thus surviving on lettuce leaves and chocolate covered almond clusters from Trader Joe's, I awoke Saturday morning to the grim reality that all my pants were falling off and I needed a new belt.  (how's that for a creative reasoning?)

Rather than hoofing it into LA - seeing as the Chef may not have many weekends left to hang with me and he's been through enough shopping hell after that denim debacle - we opted to spend the afternoon in Laguna Beach, peruse the shops as quickly as possible to retrieve said belt, and then lounge leisurely over afternoon cocktails at one of our most favorite spots.  I have to say there is a reason people love to live in and visit Laguna.  I often wonder how difficult it must have been for LC, Lo and everyone to leave (the tv show was a guilty pleasure of mine)...remember when Lauren left SF to come back home?  Well, looky looky here - I could understand the homesickness seeing as the town is built around this:

Seriously.  There's a boardwalk that curves around the beach and usually it's packed.  I used this tranquil photo so as not to let the crowds scare you off if you're considering visiting.  But wait...on the opposite side of the beach is the town itself...

Yep.  See what I mean?  There's the main beach/boardwalk on the left and the shops and restaurants to the right.  In the daytime the beach is filled with volleyball nets and players as well as people on the basketball courts and laying out on the sand.  I'm not much about the sports so you'll usually see me doing this move:

      (note my attempt at summer hippie hair)

I call it the "hey, you mind if I run in there for a sec?" and it's usually x5 or 20 or something. The Chef much prefers this move:

He calls it the "turn a blind eye and keep on walkin' girlfriend".  There's a lot of goodies in Laguna Beach so ya gotta keep a grip on your wallet or it'll be emptied out all over in the cute shops.  After I grabbed my belt (to be displayed in future posts, I'm sure) we headed over to grab a bite.

I do believe the sign speaks for itself.  What's best about this spot is a. there is parking (not an easy thing to come by on a weekend in Laguna) b. the cocktails

                                                          adult lemonade and buddha's hand margarita, anyone? 
                                                         (love is wrapping your cocktail in a paper bag hobo style )

                                                (how about a strawberry smash or a lychee mojito?)

and c. the view.  It is amazing from inside as well, but I refuse to turn into the crazy camera person who's shooting pictures from inside every establishment so you'll just have to take my word on it.  Uh, yeah.  We used to come here every Sunday morning for brunch and love it to pieces.  Thanks for nothing recession!  Here's a little idea of what you get outside:

Sick, huh?  You can walk up and down the streets for hours with this view right at your fingertips.

Anyway, by the time we finished lounging, relaxing and chatting it up with a fab surfing couple it was getting a little late so we headed over to grab a bench and take in the view for a bit.

Okay and laugh a little or a lot. Oh, and there's a little bag of treasures resting comfortably beneath the bench too.  ahhhh treasures.

 On a serious note though - how about that view?  Here it is from the other side:

Super relaxing and beautiful. Not nearly as many people as earlier in the day either.  Before you knew it we were heading back to the car as it got dark quickly.

                          (home in the hills anyone? lauren's parents, neighbors, i'm available for tea...)

On the way home we stopped off at my grandma's house for a bite to eat.

I KID, I KID!!! I just couldn't resist!  We pulled up to our fave Mexican restaurant and were greeted by a gaggle of motorbikes.  Good thing it wasn't earlier in the day after cocktails or I mighta asked for a spin.  woops!

Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing weekend.  Onward and upward into Tuesday...is it Saturday yet?

Outfit details:  James Perse Double Layer Twisted Skirt, Fluxus Burnout Pocket Tank, Gap Favorite Cami, Matt Bernson KM Gladiators, Anna Corinna (now Foley+Corinna) City Tote, Tom Ford Bianca Sunglasses, Melinda Maria Jewelry mixed in with leather strips and straps from around the house. 

My Favorite Things

I decided to do this follow-up post on my favorite things because Debby from Inspired Design (winner of the Melinda Maria Bangle Giveaway - please see previous post) actually tagged me on it last week.  So, in honor of Debby here goes! (and I wasn't sure how many of my favorite things to include so I just did what came to mind immediately)  p.s. - I'm not going to say shoes because that's kind of a no-brainer for me.  Just throwin' that out there.

Japanese Quince Candles by Seda France

These have been my favorite candles for over 5 years.  It doesn't matter who comes over - they always comment on the magical scent that wafts from them.  I'm completely over the edge for Japanese Quince and also use the handsoap in the bathroom and room spray all around the house.  Indulge ladies!! (If you haven't already)

Current/Elliott Denim

I realize you may be saying to yourself "whoopee-ding; this is nothing creative" - welp, that's okay.  There's a reason everyone and their mother loves these jeans - and I do mean mother because my mom totally wants a pair and she does not pay more than $100 for jeans in an extreme moment.  I've said it before and I'll say it again - best denim in all the land.  Emily Current and Merritt Elliott are kick-ass stylists who work closely with Serge Azria, CEO and Creative Director of Current/Elliott, to offer the ultimate in worn-in premium denim that literally feels like you've owned it for years.  You won't be sorry...take my mom's word for it.

The smell between the pages of a book.

Ever since I was a wee little girl I've loved books, and I give all the credit to my parents.  My mom read to me in the womb (or so she reports) and as an infant, and my earliest memories of my dad always include him with a book.  They instilled in me a love for the written word that has remained to this day.  As a kid I would go in the library, crack open a book and breathe deep - something I still do when I pick up a book.  The smell between the pages is oddly comforting to me, and you just KNOW there's something good waiting for you inside as well.

Fresh.  Now I like everything at Fresh and I have a little mini-Fresh store in my bathroom at all times, but for the sake of this post I'll list their Sugar Lip Treatment.

 
Other than their Sugar Blossom Perfume, it is the product I've used the longest.  It works, it doesn't cause mad peeling, the packaging is outstanding, and it lasts.  I'm Canadian.  We know all about cold winters and chapped lips...and this stuff waves a fist in the face of Canadian winters.  Excellent for SoCal summers (and year round) as well. 

Tea - any kind of tea doesn't matter.

If I had to choose an absolute favorite it would be English Breakfast - any time of the day.  It just always tastes good and this love comes from the paternal grandparents and my dad.  I recall sipping from my grandpa's cup as a kid.  No cream, no sugar - straight tea.  Whether it be Darjeeling, Chai, Green - you name it I'm in -and always wanting to learn more.  Good for the wrinkles too!

Felicity.  Most well-written television program of all time.

 
I might not be in college anymore, but whenever I want to head back for a few life lessons I dig out the dvd's and get busy watching.  It's my happy place.  Thanks JJ Abrams.

Cats.  Best animals ever.  Low maintenance with a side of sass.

Here's my two favoritey-faves:  Monkey Boy and Sister Lil.  They are great company and two of the best cats I've ever had.  And I come from a long line of cat people.  meow!

Finally - my niece.

Look at that face!  Look at that outfit (that I totally bought for her - Splendid Kids and madras sneakers that she immediately put on when I took them out of the suitcase)!  I could go on and on and on about her.  I love my brother and she is his daughter.  When she calls and I hear her voice on the end of the line my heart goes soft and I feel like crying - happens every.single.time.  I just can't explain it.  She loves clothes, shoes, cats, books, cooking and baking - girlfriend can fry an egg over-easy at the age of 4 so long as she is being monitored by the stove it's all she needs.  I think she's wonderful - even when she's bossing me around and coercing me (just a little) to play camping, school and house all over her house for 17 out of 24 hours/day when I visit.

Oh! And Bernard Callebaut Chocolate - I am primarily a dark chocolate connoisseur, but I'll take anything Bernard's got.

This is a picture of chocolate-mecca-wonderland-fantabulosity's headquarters.  I manage to consume insane amounts of these handmade treasures on every trip I take back to Canada.  Aside from my family, this chocolate is the thing I miss most about home.  And they do have a store in Portland that ships if you're having a bad day...or just want to bake some extraordinary chocolate chunk cookies.  Just sayin'

I'd like to pass this on to some of my new blog friends (and any others who might feel like sharing their favs with us - it's 1 in the morning and I don't want to forget anyone!):

-Hooray
-She Wore It Well - because we need an overseas point of view, too!  (Lou, how about you too?)
-Bringing Pretty Back
-Red Vines for Breakfast
-Kendall K.

No pressure here - anyone who does participate - please let me know in case I'm swamped at work.  I don't want to miss hearing your thoughts...or feel free to share them in the comments here as well :)