Posts from — June 2008

Tomorrow is the official start of my 10-day vacation spent up in Northern California. Due to some unfortunate natural disasters, however [read: 200 wildfires], my boyfriend and I have yet to determine exactly where we will be staying for the majority of the trip. Since he’s not a native of where I grew up, here are some of the things I can’t wait to share with him:

-Sunset on Mount Tam

-Grilled Ahi burger at Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena

-Hike in Muir Woods

-Get ice cream at the Bi-Rite Creamery

-Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (for those of you who have never had the chance, I’ve attached a link for a virtual experience)

-Wine tasting in Napa

I will write intermittently throughout my trip, but I will miss you all and will return with plenty of pictures!

xo

Emily

view from my parent’s deck in Mill Valley

Sometimes I feel as though every trend is taken to the extreme when it comes to L.A.  As soon as gladiator sandals became popular, outrageous versions snaked up women’s thighs all over town.  And take skinny jeans, for example.  While this style does no favors for the majority of women who wear them, we continue to pour ourselves into the tapered legs, hoping they’ll look the same on us as they do on Mary-Kate.  But, my favorite illustration, of course, is the fedora.  While it’s a very practical accessory, these little hats have completely inundated the city.  Though I’ve never thought I could pull off this look, I much prefer the simple straw, instead of the gray or flannel versions.  The picture of Michelle Williams is my favorite I’ve seen, with her relaxed dress and plain ballet flats.  As always, dELiA’s has a fantastically uncomplicated version, that even I’m swooning over.  For only $19.50, the Evelyn Straw Fedora will make for the perfect pool companion, with a black grosgrain ribbon and just the right amount of coverage. 

Though I wilt in any temperature above 80º, the onset of warm summer nights is always welcomed. With just flickering candles for light, I love being able to sit outside, sans any kind of sweater. This past Friday, another couple invited my boyfriend and me to their apartment for dinner, and the weather couldn’t have provided a nicer ambiance.  After a flavorful salad, pizzas with red peppers and sausage, and a couple of bottles of wine, we broke into my contribution to the meal: cupcakes. They were from one of my favorite little eateries in L.A., called La Provence, that’s home to some of the best cupcakes in the city. Since I couldn’t decide on one flavor, I went with the Red Velvet, Chocolate Ganache, Strawberry and Chocolate. As usual, they did not disappoint.

Even though there are a plenitude of shops dedicated solely to cupcakes, they don’t always provide the best options. Have you had similar experiences or are you sold on places like Magnolia and/or Sprinkles?

Friday’s dinner

Friday’s dessert

Me picking out cupcakes in Magnolia Bakery last fall

Some people are naturally adept at styling hair.

I am not one of them.

From an early age, I was very particular about how I wore my hair, and insisted that my mom recreate the same look for nearly seven years [see above for the beginning of what I call the ‘whale spout’ phase]. To this day, I’m still limited in my options, usually relying on a messy ponytail or dreadlock-like waves.  Since I’m still partial to the half-up, half-down look however, this Braid Leather Hair Stick will work perfectly.  I love the natural feel of the slightly worn leather and think that even I can manage to maneuver the wooden stick into a somewhat acceptable style.

I’ve been playing tennis for about eight months now, but despite my weekly lessons, I am still far from Wimbeldon.   I knew it would be a great way to stay in shape, but most of all, I was tempted by the adorable outfits.  I pictured myself running errands in crisp little tennis skirts and sherbet-colored cardigans after early morning matches.  I soon learned that such stereotypical tennis gear should be reserved for advanced players only.  Lux’s Cable Tennis Dress, however,  is a fun alternative, with a vintage-inspired cable knit in all-American colors.  With the flattering drop waist and racerback, this dress will be a surefire Ace.

Make Do & Mend, Fashion Daydreams and Over the Undies all were sweet enough to tag me to list my seven favorite songs for spring. I took the liberty to change it since today is the official first day of summer!

There is no time of the year that evokes more positive memories for me than summer. The warm nights, beach barbecues, fireworks, and of course, upbeat music all contribute to the joy of the season. My top seven songs of summer are fun to listen to and set the scene for summer living.

1. “Gumboots” - Paul Simon
2. “I Get Around” - The Beach Boys
3. “Fans” - Kings of Leon
4. “Yer So Bad” - Tom Petty
5. “Better Life” - Keith Urban
6. “Rocket Man” - Elton John
7. “New Shoes” - Paolo Nutini

Even if you’re not a country fan, this video will still put you in a good mood.

I now tag the following summer beauties for their seven favorites:

Because I’m Addicted
Diamond Canopy
Dream Echo
Fashionable Obsessions
Karla’s Closet
Knight Cat
Mud on my Teadress

Based on the majority of your suggestions on my last post, the consensus is that nude heels would be the best complement to such a flashy dress. I happen to agree, and though I wish I could follow the advice of some of my readers who picked patent leather, I would make up for my safe choice with an interesting shape instead. Although Rachel Bilson wore these heels over a month ago, they’ve been on my mind ever since. They’re the epitome of what I look for in a shoe, with delicate detailing around the toe, and a looser fit around the ankle, making her legs look miles long. I can see why people compared them to “paper bags,” which is why Steve Madden’s Midory peep toe booties are a slightly less outlandish choice. The slouchy material and nude coloring still elicits the same vibe, but the closer fit around the ankles ensure that when I wear them out, it won’t look like I’m “brown-bagging” it.