6 Spring Must Haves

I really like to keep my look F.R.E.S.H. and it only makes me look cooler (ahem, narcissistic much?) when my friends look good too!.
So, My friends :)
If you are thinking of updating a piece, or two, of your wardrobe for spring-
I highly recommend these closet staples. 

 I know a lot of people really got into the "sporty chic" style for fall/winter.. and the hats and track pants should carry over to spring. 

1. Baseball Hat $31.99

Light denim is making a comeback guys. you know that bleach white color? 

Add some distress or a boyfriend style, and you're set!

2. Light Colored Destroyed Denim $42.90

This is going to be big, denim and leather jackets will still be popular for spring,
but more people will be..well, covering up more.
3. The Classic Trench coat $129

I know everyone is used to being a bag lady, but with technology advancing by the minute I feel as though more things are taking up less space in your purse AND taking more space on your smart phone. get yourself a mini purse for spring. 

4. The Petite Lady Bag $ 27.50 (budget babe) L

4.5.  The Petite Lady Bag $225 (high end) R

This became popular in Fall, and the bucket bag and backpack will be the popular choice for all music festivals this spring and summer season. 

5. The Bucket Bag $168

Whenever I'm feeling less creative and having a tough time with outfit choices... I remember to keep it simple. This dress is JUST that!
Simple. Clean. Classic.
(it comes in black too!) swoon

6. White Collared Shirt Dress $198

wishlist II The Manly Man

1. // lantern chandelier $ varies on style
2. // beer making kit $50
3. // cocktail shaker $28
4. // globe bar $200
5. // go pro camera $400
6. // jacket $149
7. // GPS watch $400
8. // verticle turntable $60
9. // 14 in 1 hammer tool $13
10. // bike helmet $40
11. // star spangled spatula $48
12. // man cave book $10
13. // eat like a man book $22
14. // grilling salts $10
15. // zombie print 
16. // black watch $95
17. // raybans $120

wishlist II The Environmentalist

herb garden $40
recycled wood air plant frame $25
spoon notes $15
om yoga tank $28
sparitual nail set $23
glass water bottle $20
loofah $4
eco smart yoga mat $16
cardboard lamp  $prices range on design
newspaper shoes $75
reusable utensils $12
banana paper journal $7
origins gift set $25
duct tape wallet $22

wishlist II The Gadget Guy

1. // camera lens mug $16
2. // jawbone mini jam box $180

3. // Google Chromecast $35

4. // leather cord wrapper $40

5. // ninja sphere $ 200

6. // Looper voice recorder $48

7. // urbanears slussen $15

8. // iPhone 5s $200

9. // aframe art speakers $650
10. // sky wifi smartpen $122
11. // autographer camera $650
12. // lightning bolt power strip $20

get your {{Holiday Shopping}} weekend on

One thing I love about gift giving is the homemade treats you make for others. Or when you can find that really cool unique gift, that isn't sold at the mall like 100 others. I love that personal touch.

Enter this weekend

Because the Bay Area is filled with great stops for all the ones you still need to shop... for

[sorry I tried to make it rhyme]

SJ Made Holiday Pop Up Shop
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd Santa Clara Ca

Get your friends and family something local. They have clothing, accessories, bags and hats- all branded with the West Coast Bay Area feel. Your friend in Ohio will thank you.

Japantown
Jackson street from 2nd to 7th. San Jose Ca

You know I have to pay homage to my favorite little downtown spot. This street has blossomed over the last few months and it just keeps getting better and better. If you need to find something for the guy on your list, I would head here first. From Cukui to 2twenty5 and Holloway to Clout and Aristocrats you really cant go wrong. Guys drool over these designs.

Downtown Campbell 2nd Saturday
December 14th
East Campbell and Central Ave Campbell Ca

Artists' in wood working, metal, jewelery, art, and a ton of other artisans will will showcasing their wares in downtown. Perfect for grandparents, extended families and your girlfriend's Mom.

Ibiss
1100 Lincoln Ave Willow Glen Ca 95125

A great inexpensive shop where you can shop for every female on your list. I don't think you can go wrong with any item from this store. Everything is very trendy, fun and a great price point. They have small gifts, like rings and perfume.. all the way to big items like purses and dresses.. plus everything in between.


German Holiday Market
December 14th
500 Castro Street Mountain View Ca

Come shop all the international delights of all things euro. I have a soft spot in my heart for this country. Food items, art and other collectibles will be available for purchase at this festival. So if you know someone on your wishlist with a taste for flair, it might be worth your wild to check out this event.

Shop, Enjoy and Give Event and Wine Walk
December 17th
Santana Row
3055 Olin Ave San Jose Ca 95128
$10 admission

All the popular shops are there so you are sure to find something for everyone of your shopping list. Plus, this benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank.. why not do something good for your community?
Enjoy a sweet sip of wine while you shop my favorites; including, Anthropologie, Madewell and Free People.

wishlist II World Traveler

1. // chalkboard globe $100
2. // St Judes charity ornament $15
3. // eiffel tower bookends $30
4. // travel kit $19
5. // travel journal $19
6. // gentleman's grooming kit $49
7. // Jo Malone travel candle kit $100
8. // travel wallet $250
9. // dress shirt//pant travel bags $15 each
10. // Lumix GF5 $399
11. // pack this notepad $8
12. // the big travel book $30

wishlist II Mr. Metro

1. // whiskey stones $21
2. // shoe shine kit $13
3. // exposed clock $140
4. // Human's of New York book $18
5. // art cube $23
6. // briefcase $325
7. // beats by dr. dre headphones $250
8. // leather longwing shoes $90
9. // card holder $50
10. //denim skinny neck tie $38
11. // whiskey soap $12
12. //hooded jacket $54
13. // iPad air $499

wishlist II The Entertainer

1. // knife set $42
2. // elephant pillow $198
3. // chandelier $3300
4. // watercolor lamp shade $98
5. // glitter servingwear $34- $78
6. // owl wine opener $28
7. // west coasters $36
8. // paper straws $8
9. // ecosphere $58
10. // firepit $69
11. // S'mores Kit $13
12. // stainless steel cocktail glasses $15
13. // deer head $60
14. // shot glasses $13

The Holiday Wishlist

For the second year in a row… my blog will be featuring, all December long- 

The Holiday Wishlist.

It is a collection of various gift ideas for that tricky person on your shopping list.

For Women // The Girly Girl // Miss Casual Chic // The Environmentalist

For Men // The Manly Man // Mr. Metro // The Gadget Guy

For Both // The Entertainer // The World Traveler //

And of course--Your Mom (the hardest!!)

Check back all month long for your ultimate shopping list filled with ideas for that special someone.

xo

W.O.W.



click for larger viewing <3





Oh Coachella, is it that time of year again?

For bare feet and relaxin', for amazing artists and perfect sunsets...

I did get to experience the festival last year and I can tell you that it had it's highs and lows. The artists were AMAZING!! My favorites were Bon Iver, Radiohead, Snoop/Dre/Tupak (yes, the hologram was insanely cool) Beirut, Santigold and Florence and the Machine. The company was great and the evenings were golden.

Now, I'm not a girly girl- I can camp. But the temperature and lack of resources (read: water and air circulation) really put a damper on my experience. Needless to say, if I were headed to Indio- camping would not be my first choice. I would recommend this hotel though, it was perfect the night I stayed!

So take a peak at my wish list for Coachella this year, and have a great time if you're going!! xo

Back up Generator $1998 Super Soaker Water Gun $18 Canopy Patio Chair $34

Ray Ban Oversized Clubmaster $150 Free People Survival Kit $38 Free People Garden Party Dress $150 Mini Tower Fan $50 Sigg Water Bottle $23 Sandals $20
Delicious wine for the night concerts $N/A 

Cozy Blanket for night concerts $78

Thanksgiving Tablescape Inspiration

Wow, there have been so many amazing blog posts lately about setting the Thanksgiving table and I have been inspired!!  But really, I cant look at any more burlap- is that the blogger bandwagon theme this year or what??!! So I put together a few inspiration boards to get you in the mood and to provide you a little bit a variety. I categorized my decor into three groups; Classic, Chic (a.k.a.-ultimate blogger style) and Rustic.

 I hope you like them.

I also made a few check lists to get your decorating juices flowing. And to cut your shopping time in half, since you already know what to pick up from Michaels or Hobby Lobby (my two favorite craft stores.)

Happy Decorating <3 xx

Classic

Pumpkins :: Gourds :: Fall leaves :: Red, green, brown colored ribbon :: Oxblood, red, and orange flowers Nutshell place cards :: Plaid table runner :: Metallic place settings :: Red cloth napkins :: Wooden napkin rings

 :: Tall candles ::



Chic

Chevron table runner :: Bright colored flowers :: Sparkle candles :: Ribbons to hold silverware and napkins together :: Hurricanes filled with fall leaves or cornhusks :: Floating candle holders :: Mismatched plates

Table confetti :: Holiday poppers/crackers

Rustic

burlap table runner :: wheat :: pinecones :: twine :: neutral ribbons or raffia :: cranberries :: natural napkins ::  neutral plates :: branches

 

get you weeked on

::Quoteworthy::

"instead of worrying so much about leaving a better planet for our children, we should focus on leaving better children to take care of our planet"

just thought I'd share this- I heard it the other day and it really hit home. I am a huge advocate for leaving a healthy planet for our future, but if we don't teach the youth of today about conservation then the planet will suffer regardless. and, on to another pick- me- up, the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale is here!!  So this weekend your only homework is to shop.. shop... SHOP

On Sunday I will be going with my hunny to his first Niners game, even though he has been a die hard fan since he was a little boy. I got the ticket as a surprise for him and I hope they win!! Keep up with me on instagram to see what trouble we get into at the game on Sunday!! @devonfoster

boots 129 :: glasses 69.90 :: hinged bracelet 34.80 :: wrap 36.90 :: sparkle bracelet 86.98 :: bag 46.80 :: stacked bracelets 22.80

What I Want Wednesday

1] Vince Color Block Sweater :: 2] All Saints Repose Funnel Pullover 3] Paige Denim Paloma Legging 4] Club Monaco Giles Quilted Jacket 5] Anthropology Mugs 6] Whittard Tea Collection 7] Ugg Infinity Scarf 8] Tory Burch Wesley Boot  9]  Burberry Cashmere Earmuffs

This chilly weather is really starting to get to me... and I don't mean that in a bad way. Movies are way better when there is rain falling on the window next to where you sit. Soup tastes even more delicious when the temperature drops down low. And my afternoon walks are that much more enjoyable with the crisp air blowing past my face. Ya. I guess you could say I'm embracing the Fall weather, so here are some
pick-me-ups so that you can too!

boys blokes and gentlemen

I find myself lately, looking more closely at men's clothing. I used to think that it was women's fashion that was so diverse and men's was the "cookie cutter style."  But now that I do most of my boyfriend's shopping, I have found that they're much more unique. The common pieces- tees, shorts, shirts, and pants, have really gotten a face lift from the popular street designers now-a-days. and I like what I see on the shelves.

Like myself, my boyfriend has different style personalities. Depending on his mood, will determine his look for the day. Sometimes it's a casual, running errands kinda day. Or sometimes it's a friend or family backyard BBq kinda of event, where you need to look a little more put together. Either way it's a good idea that your guy looks sharp... after all he is your arm candy, right?

Here's a few looks I have been crushing on lately for my guy.

Summertime Style

Summer is here, and I am so excited!!

 Summertime is a great season for showing off all your hard work in the gym. Unlike the winter when all your cute outfits have to hide under big coats, summer is a time when you get the flaunt all that you have. There are so many different combinations of outfits; shorts/tanks, skirts/v-necks, dresses/platforms, and of course the ultimate cut off denim short (a staple) paired with anything. I have picked up a few new summer items but I know I'll never truly be finished lusting over the new designs. 

As I have been reading some of my favorite blogs, I can’t help but fall in love with some of the outfits that they are putting together. Some of their posts are reminding me of other sunny outfit choices that I was forgetting on my shopping list. I always pull inspiration from what they wear in their posts. I like to have a different look for what I am feeling at the moment. I couldn't really pin point one style that I tend to follow, there are far too many that I love. 

Taylor from SterlingStyle, has such a classic California girl image. Her looks are so easy and carefree- I love her simple tank and cuffed jeans... this is perfect for a trip to the boardwalk, farmers market or even a low key date night out to listen to music downtown. Plus her bag is amazing.

Bella from Vintage Lollipops, adds just the right amount of edge to her button up blouse. Whenever you add a pair of Chuck Taylors to an outfit it instantly makes it seem more casual- even if it’s a dress (one of my favorite things to do) plus the cut-offs add to the grunge a little... but the flowers in her shots balance it out.

Joanna (my girl) from Style Porn, is the perfect blend of hipster meets rich girl <jk>. Bottom line..She’s a boss and she knows it. Playing up the country girl image with the truck in the background really does make the perfect shot to showcase that amazing full skirt. I like how she knotted her chambray top in the front. My summer checklist is for sure going to include a chambray top and colorful full skirt.

Megan from Megan & Melbourne, is such an amazing makeup artist. I love getting tips from her site, but what I love more is that this girl isn’t afraid to push the limits... isn’t that what fashion is all about? Pairing a simple black summer dress that you wore in the day, with tights for the evening is an easy way to transition your outfit without any major changes. I want to look into getting some patterned ones for this season.

Rumi from Fashion Toast has a very girly/romantic vibe with the way she dresses. In the outfit I featured- I love her bubble skirt mixed with sky high platforms. I can’t wait to wear it out to a GNO (girls’ night out) dinner. Plus I can throw on a tailored blazer to keep the look chic, classic and simple.

Denni from ChicMuse has been anywhere and everywhere. So if you're looking for a new trend, she would be your girl. Whenever she travels she always tries to embrace the culture and dress, all while still being true to her own style. The beautiful sundress that she wears in the shot is one that I instantly fell in love with. In the summer I gravitate toward dresses because they're such an easy outfit and there isn't any guess work.. just accessories to add. I also can’t wait to bring out my "too big for your face" sunglasses- the perfect summertime accessory out here in California.

so readers... what are some of your summer must haves?

SterlingStyle

Vintage Lollipops

Style Porn

Megan & Melbourne

Fashion Toast

ChicMuse 

Paper Dolls

When I was younger my Mom treated my sister and I to a large magnetic paper doll set. She lived on the refrigerator and every morning when we came down for breakfast we would dress her for the day. She only had a few pieces that made up her clothing collection, but when you mixed and matched it just right she had so many outfits. That's where the inspiration came from for today's post... with just a few tweaks to your hair, accessories or make up you can have a different look with the same outfit. I fell in love with Madewells new striped drawstring tee dress, but when I was looking at it I saw so many different looks you could go for depending on the vibe you wanted to give off.

The four different looks that I am showcasing all use the same dress, but depending on the items I paired with it, changes the style of the outfit completely. Hope you can get inspired by my collections. xx ciao



Classic

Ray Ban Wayfarer sunnies
Grey Cord jacket
White Converse Allstars
Brixton woven fedora
Silk Scarf




Girly

Bauble Bar Necklace
Micheal Kors watch

 Natalie B.  Brass Cuff

Dragonfly Stack ring

Rebecca Minkoff  Mac Clutch

Seychelles Eye-to-Eye Wedge




Casual

Ralph Lauren glasses
Chan Luu friendship bracelets
Kate Spade beach bag
Saltwater Sandals




Rocker

Sprout Watch
Robert Geller for Levis type III denim vest
Urban Outfitters studded boots
Tasha slouchy beanie



tHE j TO MY cREW ♥

I don't get out to the mall that often.

So, I usually will browse some of my favorite spots online and pick out pieces before I go to the store. That way I have a little game plan and don't waste too much time... and I have already picked out the things that I like so I don't waste money on non- essentials/ impulses.

My shopping tips

1. Shop when the mall is empty- I like to go early in the morning, that way all the displays are still intact and everything is still in size order from the night before. Plus all the employees are willing to help you and can give you a "personal shopping" experience, since the store is still relatively empty.

2. Wear a figure hugging tank top- I really hate dealing with dressing rooms, so much so that I usually buy the item first and try it on at home later. But, most places have great floor length mirrors stashed around the store. If you wear an undershirt you can try on shirts/sweaters/dresses right on the store floor and save time standing in line for a room. great for vintage shopping at flea markets too

3. Ask for your receipts at the register and keep them close- I love my debit card because it makes everything so easy- security, less bulk than cash and everywhere accepts them. The only thing that is a problem is that I am not always aware of how much I'm spending because everything is electronic. So, if I keep my receipts in my pocket instead of the bags I can easily track my spending and not have a heart attack when I log on to my online banking.

4. Love at first sight isn't always true love- When the occasional impulse item comes up, I never purchase it right then and there. If I find something that isn't on my shopping list but does catch my eye I always put it on hold, then I continue my shopping trip. If I am still thinking about it when I finish my other shopping, I know that it's for real and I'll go back and buy it. If I feel too lazy to walk back to the store or the item has left my brain, I know to walk away.

5. Buy quality for classic pieces- I understand that people are on a budget and cant always spend money on the best designed duds. If I know I am looking for a trendy item- like floral jeans- I probably wont spend the money because I know that next season they'll be out and I'll end up donating them. But, if I am buying a fashion staple- like a blazer- I'll spend the money for higher quality, because I know that I will be keeping it for years.

After peeping at the J Crew website I have pulled some looks that I would like to wear for the upcoming sunny seasons. The front page on their site even says that I should steal some of their looks, and steal I shall.

Happy Friday the 13th :) xx

Color up you Wardrobe

I love color.. nail polish, dishes, art, flowers... but when it comes to clothes I'm a little bit more basic. I choose neutral colors to wear and sometimes accent my outfits with pops of color. Now, I have been a little daring lately and I have been branching out when it comes to my clothing choices. I pulled some of my favorite shopping articles and inspirational magazine layouts in an attempt to help others like myself. If you like what you see in the articles- use them as guides next time you head to shopping. Or if it helps you to think beyond accessories then bring the colors in with more statement pieces- like blazers, jeans or sweaters.

Click on any of the images for larger viewing. xx

From Madewell with love ♥

Just got the new Lucky Magazine yesterday and I have already read it cover to cover. The March issue has everything and anything you would want to know about Spring style. From color pallets to denim lengths and it even has a great spread about all the most popular shoes, I'm a sucker for shoes. These are a few of the styles that caught my attention. Now, I just have to get my pocket book to agree...

But the BEST article was the article about Kin Ying Lee, Madewell's head designer. If you ask any girl in the Bay Area, you can be sure that most have at least one design from Madewell. It is a great clothing company filled with classic, well-made pieces or as Lucky writes... "how-did-I-ever-live-without this-urban-chic-essentials" line. This woman is remarkable when it comes to her design lines (Her husband is J.Crew menswear designer, Dan Perna- talk about a power couple) The article is a behind the scenes look into her home in Brooklyn. I love all the eclectic decorations that they have collected over the years and original artwork she has lining the walls.

Enjoy the scans from the magazine.
xo Ciao