Road Warrior

I am loving this black leather cuff by YMK for Castro ($274). Features slits all around interspersed with copper rings and a 2-strap buckle closure with a chain detail.


This cuff fits in nicely with my current post-apocolyptic clothing obsession--tough, yet still refined and pretty.

I Want You (for the US Army)

On my trip down to L.A. a couple weeks ago it seemed like everyone was wearing an army jacket of some kind. Some heavily embroidered, some just basic and oversized.

I love the Black Label army jackets ($110) from Planet Blue. Each one is unique with patches, embroidery or stud embellishments. Unfortunately they tend to sell out the minute they are posted online!

I'm thinking of looking for a plain one at American Rag and then doing my own embellishments. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Romper Room

I would normally avoid a piece like the romper, but these examples of how to style a romper from shopbop.com actually make me want one! Using the Joie Amara romper ($298) as a base they created multiple looks--one for each season. Here's three of them:

The Aqua silk patterned romper ($78) is an affordable alternative to the Joie version. Available from bloomingdales.com. I don't like the pattern, quite a much but definitely like the price better!

Denim Blazers

One of the must-have items for Spring this year is the denim blazer. They are available in a variety of washes and styles to work into either your work or weekend wardrobe. Here's a few of my picks:

Rock & Republic

The Rock & Republic Brooks jacket ($228) is a shrunken style jacket with a bit of stretch. It features peaked lapels, a one-button closer and flap pockets at the waist. I love how it is styled here with white jeans.

Gap

The Gap denim blazer ($88) is a more casual jacket in a faded waded. A great weekend jacket with darker wash jeans or thrown over a flirty floral dress or romper.

Charlotte Russe

The Charlotte Russe denim blazer ($17.49) is a bargain, but I'm sure it won't last long. In a dark wash denim with a notched lapel and single button closure, a floral interior lining. It's even machine washable! I like that this jacket could be dressed up or down.

Mango

The Mango denim blazer ($109.90) is more of a boyfriend style blazer. I love this look for work paired with trousers and a feminine blouse or it would look great with a crisp pair of white pants for summer and a bright top.

Sinners and Saints

On my recent trip down to L.A. I was excited to discover the UK clothing store Allsaints which has an outpost on Robertson Blvd with lines for men, women and children. The esthetic is very post-apocolyptic--muted tones of grey, plum and black which I am loving right now. Graphic t-shirts like the one at left mix with suiting.

Combat boots, leather bags, flannel shirts and vests all figure prominently with a vibe that's part vintage, part modern, part hippy, part rockstar. I love the flannel shirts with cutoff sleeves ($120).

The military boots ($250) already have that vintage patina. and are available in chocolate brown or black.

There are more refined pieces too. Tailored jackets, skirts and pants all have a slight edge like the Cameo jacket ($305) with ruffled neckline and nipped in waist with subtle pleating.

Dresses range from the complex draped and asymetrical looks, to the more simple silhouettes. I love the Vallerma dress ($320) which a corseted bodice and a flattering twisted silhouette in black cotton fabric.

In fact there are so many pieces I love that I can't even begin to list them all here and I haven't even talked about the men's line! Check out the online store for yourself at: www.us.allsaints.com.

Cuckoo for Kuko Bites

These new gluten-free, dairy free cookies from Full Bloom called Kuko Bites are outstanding! Chock-full of goji berries and cacao nibs they have a great flavor and, more importantly, excellent texture. I really feel like I'm treating myself to a regular chocolate chip cookie.

I found them at Whole Foods Market in the North Bay, but I am sure they will start showing up at other speciality markets soon.

Fire it Up!

I've been wanting a firepit for our patio for those cool northern california evenings for some time now. I've seen some really expensive ones that I love, but I think I've finally found a good balance between design and cost.

The Design Within Reach cast iron bowl ($375) is shaped like a cone so that the lower bowl collects ash and elevates the flames off the ground to better dissipate heat. The cone grate in the upper bowl creates an air pocket and also f0cuses the fire in the center for a more efficient burn.

There is an optional grill that you can buy for those beach bonfire/BBQ's as well!