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).