Miami Vice

I love this look from Lucky magazine with the pink pastel blazer over the bold geometric dress. It's sexy and different, but still work appropriate with just a touch of 80's miami vice.

Asos has a great silk dusty pink jacket ($109). The color is not too bright and I like the slightly oversized fit and wide lapels.

This vintage romper ($30) from Brownbag Vintage on esty.com looks a lot like the graphic dress in the photo, but for an amazing price!

Pair with a chunky necklace and an oversized bag and you have a great summer work outfit.

Flea Market Style

I just discovered Flea Market Style magazine, a new magazine chock full of ideas for using flea market finds in conventional and unconventional ways.

I was so inspired by this outdoor table setting from the latest issue.  Soup tureens stand in for vases and a simple burlap runner dresses up a plain white tablecloth.

I love the mix of antique plates and goblets with new wine glasses too. The whole effect is feminine and festive, but unfussy.

Paint it Black

I wouldn't think to paint a small space black, but I love the effect of this bathroom painted in black in the June/July issue of Lonny Magazine.

The bright spots of color from the towels and Chinese stool as well as the vintage photos that line the walls give it such a posh and cozy feel.

The contrast of the white tile shower and white pedastal sink are spectacular against the glossy black paint.

I Sing the Body Electric

That bright 80's electric blue is back and showing up everywhere right now. I love it paired with white or black as in this look. That pop of color against a neutral background is amazing.

It's easy to recreate this look for not too much money. There are a variety of vintage electric blue skirts to be found on etsy.com in the $20-$40 range. For example I like this vintage silk floral skirt ($28).

You can also find more plain options like this longer linen blend skirt ($28) with side pockets.

A pair of bright blue pumps like these suede Steve Madden heels ($70) finishes off the look. You can also find some vintage blue heels on etsy.com.

Pair the skirt with a white t-shirt or an eyelet blouse and you are ready to go from work to evening.

The Kooples

I just discovered the French boutique chain The Kooples which carries cool understated basics, with just a bit of an edge. Unfortunately they do not yet have an outpost in the US, but they do have a webstore.

I love the quilted leather jacket (395 euros) which looks great with jeans or dressed up with a skirt for work.

The draped tulip skirt (125 euros) in rayon/polyester has a metallic sheen to it that almost looks like leather.

I also love the buckle wedges (195 euros) which I would wear with absolutely everything right now--from sun dresses and shorts to skinny jeans.

I love the super wide chain bracelet (80 euros) with rows of chains connected to a studded leather clasp. So dramatic and cool!

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

The tulip skirt is everywhere this season. I like this White & Warren tulip skirt ($90) in rayon/spandex. This skirt is available in neutral khaki, bright cherry and black.

Elaine Kim's matte jersey tulip skirt ($275) in black is longer and more sophisticated. I love it paired here with a drapey blouse and wide belt.

From the Zara spring collection, this tulip-shaped bottom is more pant than skirt, but features the same drapey feminine silhouette that I like.

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Whether drapey or ruffled the waterfall jacket or vest is a must-have for summer. This drapey Ever Eros silk vest ($135) from shopbop.com. features ruching at the shoulders and an off-center tie closure at the wrap front. Can be worn open or closed with on-seam hip pockets and an asymmetrical hem.

The Elaine Kim Damara ruffle vest ($295) in seaweed and cotton poplin, is a dramatic piece that can be worn as a sleeveless jacket or as a cowl-neck top with the side pinned. Also great belted.

From Topshop this khaki sleeveless watefall vest ($90) has drapey side pockets in addition to the waterfall neckline.

This J. Crew silk waterfall jacket ($198) has almost a tribal feel with the nubby texture and pattern of the fabric. Would look great for work or dressed down as it is here.

I Heart Montreal

Montreal is one of my favorite cities and I love this I Heart Montreal print ($35) by artist LakeJane which celebrates many of the amazing Montreal neighborhoods in cool graphic style. The poster is 11 x 17" and available on the LakeJane Etsy shop or in Montreal at Unicorn.

I Want to Ride My Bicycle

Portland, OR based company Vanilla Bicyles make extraordinary custom bicycles that are anything but plain Vanilla.

I love the commuter bikes shown here which make me want to move back to Montreal and bike to work. Or, run errands while looking fabulous and chic with a scarf tied around my neck.

The whole philosophy of Vanilla Bicycles is to stay small and keep production low. Unfortunately what that means for Vanilla fans is that the wait for a custom Vanilla bicycle is currently over 5 years!

Maybe we someday I will be lucky enough to own one. Quality and craftsmanship cost so at least I have some time to save up...


A little more in my price-range, European-style Public Bikes offers a range of city bikes all with a ton of style. The M3, three-speed bike ($750) is available in cream, orange or powder blue.

Mariposa Bakery

I was ecstatic to find an outpost of the gluten-free bakery, Mariposa, at the Ferry Building last week. I tried their gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and was blown away. I have tried a lot of gluten-free baked goods, but these cookies I swear are just as good (or maybe better?) than regular cookies.

I'm anxious to try some of their other items like the sour cream coffee cake (left) or their gluten and dairy-free breads, bagels and pizza crusts.

Many items (but not the chocolate chip cookies unfortunately) are available online at mariposabaking.com. Or you can visit them at their two locations:

Mariposa Baking Company
5427 telegraph ave, unit d3
oakland, ca 94609
tel: 510.595.0955

Mariposa's SF Kiosk:
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111

Magic Cobbler

I wasn't aware that I needed sparkle boots until I saw them on DailyCandy last week. Each pair of shoes from from LA designer Marisa Spinella is handmade in her studio like the RubyK boots ($474) at left.

The collection is called Penelope and Coco which represents the two sides of the designer's personality--one more of a classic, vintage-lover, the other a bold risk-taker.

Probably a bit easier to pull off and more my style are the Capone boots ($484). These otherwise simiple combat boots feature a tough strip of spikes and studs up the back.

To order and for more email: info@penelopeandcoco.com.

Beach House

As the weather turns warmer bring elements of the beach into your home with these beachy accessories. I love this octopus hook ($45) from anthropologie.com. Total size is 8.75"H x 8"W and projects 1.5" from the wall.

This weathered driftwood mirror ($128) from West Elm brings beach style for a great price! This mirror would be great over a bathroom sink like in my blog post from June, 2008.

I love these seashell measuring spoons ($12) also from Anthropologie. These stoneware scallop shells come in a set of two double-sided spoons and are dishwasher safe.

I also love this rope and jute chandelier ($798) although it's a bit pricey. Even the shades of this light fixture are made of rope. This fixture would be a great in breakfast nook or in-kithchen eating area.

Watercolors

Like pieces of fine art, I'm loving the painterly patterns on these Spring dresses.

The Mina Stone silk dress ($345) features two front pockets a gathered natural waist and cross back detail. Throw a sweater or jacket over for work and bare all on those warm Spring and Summer days. This dress is available at stevenalan.com, but I'm sure it won't last long.

I especially love the colors in this Lia Kes one-shoulder dress ($356) which reminds me of the sunset on a warm tropical island. The dress is also available in a more white print (ideology). Both dresses are available online at The Marin Store.

I've blogged about New York transplant and designer Lia Kes before and I absolutely love her designs. She has a new shop in the Marina on Fillmore.

The Blurred Boundaries dress ($178) from anthropologie.com definitely looks like a painter just put down their brush. Love the lush colors that flow across the a-line skirt.

Online comments about the dress say the fit is strange. So, this is one I would definitely want to try on first. However, the print is oustanding!

My Top 5 for Spring

Here's my take on the top five pieces you can add to your closet this Spring for an instant update. These pieces don't have to break the bank either, you can find great versions at economical retailers like H&M and Zara.

White Blazer

A white blazer is an essential Spring/Summer piece. Paired with neutrals, denim and even black it looks light and fresh. White also makes even the palest skin look sun-kissed.

I love this Madewell cotton Garcon blazer ($135) paired here with shorts and heels. However, for an even better deal, Zara makes an outstanding white cotton blazer accented with black buttons for only $59 or a linen version for $99.

Pleated Slouch Pant

Yes, 80's pleats are back, but this time around they feature a more modern silhouette that is nipped in at the ankles and cropped. Worn with heels, oxfords or gladiators they are a great updated Spring basic.

The Vince pleated slouch pant ($195) pictured on the right is available in a great khaki taupe. Although you can find inexpensive versions of this pant at stores like Zara for $79 or less like these Lyocell pleated trousers (left).

Drapey T-shirt

T-shirts this season are less fitted and more boxy. Some are cropped and super oversized and others are more refined. Look for styles that are sheer and flowy like this Wilt tissue jersey pocket tee ($135).

I especially like the burned out tees that come in an assortment of shapes and styles. This Alice and Olivia tee ($118) with rolled sleeves is more 80's style.

I picked up a great burned out drapey tee with a v-neck and pocket for only $12.99 at Zara.

Girly Skirt

There are so many options out right now in this category it's hard to choose a favorite. Ruffle skirts are all the rage. I like them paired with boots like this ramie/cotton ruffle skirt ($39.90) from Zara which is available in cream, khaki and olive green.

Petticoat skirts are also making a comeback like this short petticoat skirt ($65) from American Apparel available in black or white that can be worn alone or under another skirt. You can find them in knee-length versions as well which is more my speed.

Or, for a more refined version, opt for a simple skirt in the same shape with like this cotten & linen skirt ($59.90) with elastic waistband from Zara which closely resembles the Wren skirt I showed in an earlier blog post.

Chambray Shirt

If you have not succombed to this trend yet, there is still time to get on board! They look great paired with a ruffled skirt or lacey skirt like this look at left from Zara's lookbook.

You can also wear them like a jacket over a flowered dress or romper (right). Note the heels with socks which is another easy update I love for Spring!

You can find these shirts at every price point and from more fitted styles to boyfriend shirts. A few examples are the the UrbanOutfitters boyfriend chambray shirt ($48) or the Gap chambray western shirt ($44.99).

RIP August Mill Valley store?

It appears that one of my favorite Mill Valley boutiques is no more. I drove by yesterday and the windows were blacked out and the space is currently for rent on craigslist. The August website is still online, but doesn't appear to have been updated recently.

I got an amazing pair of Golden Goose tuxedo pants there as well as some handprinted t-shirts, homemade soaps and cool locally made jewelry.

I am so bummed that the economy is driving out all sorts of interesting shops. I guess I should have done a better job of spending money! Hoping the shop rebounds in a new location...

Tangled Up in Chains

Right now I'm craving a big bunch of tangled chains that I can pair with t-shirts and a boyfriend jacket. You can definitely seek out individual pieces to combine, but here's a few pieces that are already combined for you.

J. Crew

I love the new Fenton & Fallon line for J.Crew. The Carrington side drape necklace ($275) is an amazing tangle of crystals, brass and silver ox-plated steel chains. I like the mix of girly sparkle with more of a hard-edged rocker vibe.

Alice & Olivia

The Alice & Olivia Multi-chain Necklace ($155) is also really cool with a tangled mix of silver and gold-toned chains. What I like about this one is the variety of lengths of the various chains.

Savage Salvage

From Etsy seller Savage Salvage come some amazing recycled vintage tangled chain necklaces. I think my favorite in all of these is the Decay & Divination necklace ($108) made of vintage crucifixes. It's a bold statement, but I would totally wear this.

A little more low-key, but equally fabulous is the Sweetness Silver necklace ($85) with a tangle of chain, pearls and rhinestones.




Urban Outfitters

Not near as stunning or funky, but with a much better price tag, the Urban Outfitters Cascading Chain Knot necklace ($28) is a layered multi-chain necklace in two-toned metal.