I’ve been wearing my hair in some sort of messy updo for most of my life.  While it’s certainly a simple way to battle a bad hair day, I’ve surprisingly received numerous requests to see just how it’s done.   It helps to have hair that hasn’t been washed for at least a day and the best thing is that it doesn’t have to look too perfect.

Zara Top, Pleasure Doing Business Skirt, American Apparel Tights, Steve Madden Booties, Martin + Osa Necklace, Essie Mink Muffs

It’s always a tough transition arriving back home after a luxuriously relaxing weekend.  There’s laundry to be done, clothes to be put away and in our case, empty cupboards with little hope for a meal.   I had already entered a semi-whimpering state of hunger when I started to receive Twitter replies congratulating me.  The 2010 Bloggies winners were announced on Sunday night and I was awarded “best fashion blog.”  To be honest, I’m still quite shocked by the news, but I am so very grateful for all of your support.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Our weekend spent at Justin Vineyards and Winery was truly exquisite.  The Sussex Suite that we stayed in was so charming with its canopy bed, wood-burning fireplace and marble spa that it made it difficult to leave.   We drank copious amounts of wine, indulged in rich food and simply relaxed.  Weekends like this don’t come along that often, but when they do, they sure are sweet.

{Breakfast at the inn: Spanish omelet, applewood bacon and fresh berries}

{Late afternoon walk around the vineyards}

{In the Justin wine cave, 150 feet below ground}

{A haunting road on the way to the winery}

{Wine tasting in the rain}

{Orange groves on the way to Cambria}

{Fresh baguette, spicy salami, prosciutto, cheese and Cabernet by the fireplace}

{We stopped at Pismo Beach on the way home to watch the gigantic waves}
{P.S. I am wearing tights in this picture.  It’s been a while since I had a tan, but my legs aren’t that pale}

Later today my boyfriend and I are packing our bags (I’m bringing my Alexander McQueen suitcase) and heading out to Paso Robles, a little town in the central coastal wine region.  Neither of us have ever been before and since we weren’t together on Valentine’s Day, we’re spending the weekend at a rustic bed and breakfast.   I’m looking forward to a few days of wine tasting, elegant California cuisine and Scrabble by the fireplace.

Image via Flickr 

Ray Bans, Planet Blue Dress, Linea Pelle Bag, Michael Kors Watch

I’m a firm believer that a pair of sunglasses can completely transform your entire look.  Sometimes that’s a bad thing, as was the case with the massive white shades I sported all throughout college.   Since then, I’ve learned from my mistakes and now adhere to a few simple rules to ensure that I find a pair of glasses that fits just right.

1.  Know your face shape (and the frames that are most flattering).  These shades were literally the first pair that I tried on in the store since I knew that the updated Wayfarer’s size and slight angle would work for me.  Anything overly circular or too small is not my friend.  Neither are yellow tinted frames (another thing I learned while browsing through old pictures from high school).

2.  Be aware of what’s current, but don’t splurge on anything too trendy.  I’m all about the cat-eye trend, but I’m also am not going to dish out an exorbitant amount of money on something that will be outplayed in several months.

3. Pay attention to colors. This includes your hair, skin tone, eye color and the clothes you tend to wear.  Since I’m blond with light eyes, I only buy black glasses as I find it makes the most dramatic statement.

I like my McDonald’s hot fudge sundae just as much as the next girl, but there’s a different level of sophistication in a fruit that’s been soaked in a red wine reduction.  Though it may not feel like winter in L.A., I still crave rich, velvety desserts that require methodical stirring over a stove.  I made merlot-poached pears with cinnamon and lemon last night and the spicy smells that infiltrated the apartment were intoxicating.  Even better than the slight buzz I got from eating the fruit was the vanilla bean ice cream that was the perfect complement to all of the intense flavors.

When I was approached by New York Mag to pick some of my favorite Spring clothes for Shop-a-Matic, I could barely contain my excitement.  The wonderfully executed site consistently puts forth the most inspirational pieces and I got to sort through only the best of the best.  Ranging from a “meant-to-be-noticed” nude bra and paperbag shorts to watercolor print dresses and strategic cut-outs, I selected my favorite items in price ranges that can work within anyone’s budget.

Click here to see my top picks.

What’s on your must-have list for spring?