Posts from — November 2009

Zara Blouse, Martin + Osa Necklace, H&M Skirt, Urban Outfitters Bracelet, Vintage Clutch, DIY Tights, Steve Madden Booties

I’ve always loved the traditions surrounding Thanksgiving that bring together family, appreciation and great food.  I had a restful time up in Northern California and arrived back home to a jam-packed calendar that included my first holiday party.   Since I ate an undisclosed amount of dessert over the break, I opted for a billowy blouse and added some crystal tights for a festive touch.  After I made my first embellished tights here, I wanted to create a holiday appropriate pair and I’ll be posting the DIY steps while I’m guest blogging on another site next week (details to come).

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve always found that things taste infinitely better when they’re served in small, manageable portions (other examples include mini M&Ms and cupcakes).  Martha Stewart knows how to turn ordinary seasonal desserts into delicate masterpieces (like these) and her miniature pies are no exception.   The recipe calls for berries, but since Thanksgiving’s tomorrow, I made them with pumpkin and they’re just as fun as I expected.  I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving filled with good food and wonderful company.

H&M Top, Trina Turk Skirt, Vintage Clutch, Michael Kors Watch, Seychelles Boots, Essie “Midnight Cami” Nail Polish

I’ve never been particularly patient during long car rides and usually spend the duration  looking for interesting places to stop and explore.  My boyfriend and I are driving up to Northern California early Thursday morning and for the first time, I’m looking forward to piling into the car with loads of blankets and good music. Los Angeles is such an urban sprawl that it’s refreshing to ride along the coast with stunning views and roads that twist through quaint towns.

After my boyfriend showed me this video last week on Chow.com, I questioned just how far I was willing to drive for an unbeatable selection of old-school sodas.   Turns out, 25 miles didn’t deter us and we had a great time racing through the aisles filled with double brewed colas, spicy ginger ales and exotic flavors like rose blossom, cucumber and banana.  After dropping over $60 on soda and candy, we swore to drink them occasionally and give them away as fun gifts, but I highly doubt both statements.

Despite my best efforts, I almost always end up waiting until Christmas Eve to complete all of my holiday shopping.  I panic my way throughout the month of December, and yet somehow, I never learn from my previous bouts with procrastination.  That sense of urgency starts in mid-November and each year, I have to remind myself that it’s not about finding the most expensive gifts, but rather the ones with the most meaning.  To put myself in the gift-giving mindset, I think of the best presents I’ve received and why they were so special.  Here are just a few that stick out.

- Personalized stationary.  A few months after I graduated from college, my parents gave me a beautiful set of cards with my name embossed in thin, gold letters and it made me feel so grown-up and official.
-My Nikon D40.  A nice camera truly shifts the way you see the world and the one my boyfriend picked out for me has captured so many significant moments.
-Caesar salad.  My uncle once wrapped up little packages filled with the ingredients for his famous Caesar salad.  He then took me into the kitchen and taught me how to make it on my own.

What’s the most memorable gift you received during the holidays?

Vintage Blazer, Zara Top, Levi Cut-offs, Foley + Corrina Bag, Hue Tights, Fendi Platforms

The vibe in Beverly Hills is so formal, with women and their coordinated accessories, tiny dogs and stiff up-dos, that I can’t help but add a bit of grunge to Rodeo Drive.  I rarely wear shorts, but when it comes to vintage Levi’s, I fully embrace their rugged vibe that never goes out of style. Plus, when worn with a boxy blazer and thick tights, they’re instantly fall-appropriate.

Dear Anthropologie,

I’m positively smitten with your latest catalog.  I’m not even a fan of snow, but the images of that house filled with powdery goodness made me actually consider buying some of that fake stuff sold by creepy guys at the mall.  Perhaps they only sell faux snow in California?
I digress.
The little lace tops, glittery party dresses and chunky knits are some of the best I’ve seen, and though your online gift guide for others is helpful, I’d be fine taking it all for myself.

Yours truly,
Emily

P.S. For those of you that live in cold climates and don’t believe me, you really can buy fake snow here.