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.