Posts from — June 2009

Most of my favorite summer memories revolve around food.  Whether it was a juicy watermelon at a family picnic or shucked corn by the beach, I have a serious love affair with this seasonal produce.  I came home armed with berries, tomatoes, avocados and yellow nectarines, all of which were consumed in two days flat.

Vintage Dress and Aviators, Zara Blazer, Forever 21 Belt, Alberta Ferretti Sandals

When I first saw this studded blazer in the window display at Zara, I was convinced that they would all be sold out.  Somehow I managed to score what could be the most perfect boyfriend blazer with detailing along the lapels that is surprisingly feminine.  Although it was the first hot summer night in L.A., I still needed a light cover-up once the sun went down and it paired nicely with this lacy dress.

Michael Jackson had an undeniable influence on dance and pop music.  In fact, one of his songs with the Jackson 5, “I Want You Back,” is on my iPod playlist for when I need to let loose with a solo dance party.   Here are my other go-to favorite songs that are sure to put me in a happy mood:

Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
I Feel Fine - The Beatles
Better Life - Keith Urban
For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations
Gumboots - Paul Simon
Rock and Roll - Eric Hutchinson
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough  - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
The Joker - Steve Miller Band
Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel

Which songs make your list?

Warm nights bring lots of summer weddings and the quest for the perfect cocktail dress is always a challenge.  I tend to gravitate towards brightly colored pieces that pack a punch and I’ve rounded up just a few citrusy favorites that will be sure to make a splash.

1. Topshop Scallop Skirt Dress, $135.
2. Graham & Spencer Silk Dress, $160.
3. Herve Leger Estelle Bandage Dress, $1,050.
4. Forever 21 Pleated Party Dress, $22.80.
5. dELiAs Adina Dress, $14.99.
6. Topshop Frill Sleeve Empire Dress, $80.
7. DKNY Silk Tank Dress, $275.
8. 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Chiffon Striped Dress, $475.
9. Forever 21 Woven Tea Party Dress, $22.80.
10. Graham & Spencer Twisted Neck Dress, $165.
11. Temperley London Elfin Tunic Dress, $1,110.
12. Black Halo Jackie O Mini, $345.

I love how simple all of these dresses are since they’re a wonderful canvas for accessorizing.  Wouldn’t a studded belt or metallic clutch just make all of these pop?

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Baltimore, where I indulged in multiple crab cakes, an Orange Crush (a local drink), loads of seafood and some Derby pie (kind of like a massive chocolate chip cookie).  The weather was lovely and I couldn’t get enough of their cobblestone streets, preppy boutiques and salty air.  Don’t you just love when you’re pleasantly surprised by a city?

I could easily eat Mexican food for months on end without it ever getting old.  That’s why, when my friend Amy told me how simple homemade flour tortillas were to make, I was immediately intrigued.  Turns out, they were pretty easy to make (though I did have to throw out my first, horribly dry batch) but the end result was amazing.  I used this recipe and highly recommend pairing them with sauteed shrimp, homemade guacamole and some gimlets.

Cut-out detailing, studs and tribal prints are everywhere and these pieces are a just a few that have caught my eye.  Summer is officially here (even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet) and for me, that means: Barbecues.Watermelon.Concerts.S’mores.Picnics.Early mornings.Salads.Weekend getaways.Tomatoes.Hikes.Gin and tonics.Pink toes.Strapless dresses.Avocados.Snow cones.Aviators.Pool time.Yellow.Floppy hats.Mangoes.Iced tea.Fireworks.Warm nights.Grilled asparagus.Fans.Bob Marley.Tunics.The smell of sunscreen.

1. Topshop Dress, $70
2. Charlotte Russe Dress, $32.99
3. Topshop Shoes, $90
4. Michael Antonio Sandals, $54.95
5. Prada Sandals, $344.25
6. Rebecca Minkoff Bag, $550
7. Burberry Watch, $805
8. Topshop Shorts, $65
9. Forever 21 Sandals, $18.80
10. Charlotte Russe Top, $19.99
11. Forever 21 Scarf, $9.80
12. Forever 21 Dress, $19.80
13. Beaded Sandals, $24.99
14. West/Feren Clutch, $245

Also, be sure to enter in Anne’s giveaway (from the lovely blog The City Sage) for a pair of Chie Mahara sandals).

What are you most looking forward to about summer?