a day in the trees

As the sun comes out of it's hiding I find myself wearing more dresses. While I try to pull together a new ensemble everyday, it also helps me clean out my closet and get rid of things that are no longer representative of who I am. I had doubts about this dress, but after spending a very fun day wearing it, the jury is in- its staying.

Feathers and Claws

My new favorite line is a Swedish based Feathers and Claws. Its brand new, so don't expect to be able to make orders yet, but I thought I would give you a little exclusive preview of their first collection- Flamingo. The two designers Nathalia Blomquist and Rebecca Svangren have come up with amazing must haves for your lingerie assortments. Try not to drool when you look at these images shot by Rikard Lilja, on location in the beautiful land of Sweden.

Pulling out the skirt

I am unfortunately not a skirt person but when it comes to 100 degree weather I pull out the few and the cute. This Merona skirt was one of my rare buys at Target and has already made an appearance a couple of times this hot season.

SEPTEMBER

LET THE READING BEGIN!
SEPTEMBER- the most amazing month for the fashion publications. Heck, not only fashion magazines- it seems like even the gardening magazine has a "Fashion Issue" for this great month of transitioning into Fall. This, of course means a great deal of browsing, reading, tearing out pages and making wish lists. I choose NOT to believe that magazines will one day be replaced by electronic issues. I couldn't imagine living without the joy of getting my Vogue and gracefully reading every page, folding the page I left off on, eager to continue like a good romance novel.
This year Vogue does not disappoint with over 700 pages of fab fall fashion and a Halle Berry as the cover girl they don't skip a beat. Elle with its biggest Fashion issue of the year go for the big hit featuring Julia Roberts who stars in Eat Pray Love (based on my favorite book!!!)Ahh, Can't wait to dig in to over 2000 pages of runway looks and great deals...it doesn't get any better than that.

Designer Zita also known as mom

Many don't know that many of my style inspirations actually come from my incredible mom. She is so wonderfully talented that she continues to blow my mind with her creativity. I have told you about one of my favorite sweaters that she has made me here. Now I wanted to share with you another one of my amazing favorites. This linen sweater dress is actually knitted from untreated, raw linen. My grandma, bought some of this linen about 30 years ago in a country side of Lithuania from an old women who grew her own flax. When we came across the leftovers of this yarn we grabbed our sketch book and designed this piece together! It took her a few weeks of hard work but I now have something that is not only fabulously chic but also has a lot of sentimental value. More to come from this fabulous new designer..

Dress: Creations by Zita (one of a kind)
Shoes: Tahari (Ellietahari.com)

Back in time

Some of my favorite outfit moments during my taking-pictures-era. I think what excited me the most was that I got to style myself and create a story. These images were taken about 4 years ago. I remember running to a vintage shop right before the shoot and picking out that purple dress. It cost a pretty penny but I didn't hesitate for a moment- it was perfect for that day's vision. It still sits in my closet silently, knowing that it will never be used again. Sometimes, its great to look back and get some inspiration from the "old me"..

A week of great finds

I will admit- I love Forever21. Its fast fashion, yes. But its affordable and lately their stuff has been getting trendier and more chic. Perhaps that's because of their collaborations with great designers like Brian Lichtenberg.
So one can't blame me for checking out the site on regular basis to see if anything catches my eye. Today, here are a couple of my favorite things that are now on my summer wish list..

1. Tribal Print Lattice Dress $18.90
2. Soaring Bird Necklace $6.80
3. Leatherette Ruffle Purse $22.80
4. Perforated Oxfords $24.80

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is an amazing place to visit. Not just to shop but to admire their wonderful interior design. From antique inspired furniture to coffee table books from the 50's this place sure knows how to set the mood. The other day I walked into the store (The Grove) and saw this fabulous typewriter! For a writer, this was like seeing a pot of gold...My eyes lit up and I pulled out my camera. Of course, it was not for sale. I am told however that you can find them for a reasonable price online..Let the search begin.

Old Hollywood..

When someone asks me to go to Hollywood with them I hesitate and feel the feeling of dread slowly take over.. I smile and get ready to sit in traffic, go into 50 tourist shops and be asked if I wanted to take a "bus tour" on every corner. So, when I was taking some family to the historic Hollywood, I decided to be the best "local tourist" and bring along my camera. Sometimes, all I need to do is look at things with a different perspective..All of a sudden the dread is gone and I start to see the amazing buildings, beautiful architecture and so much history. Turns out all I needed was to look through my camera lens..

Naturally lovely

Visited SeaWorld this week and while snapping some pictures of dolphins and sharks I noticed the fantastic colors- how fabulously pink were those flamingos! How vibrantly yellow orange were those corals...

Inspiration

There is a reason why The Sartorialist blog has been my favorite site to visit daily. Amazing pictures and great inspiration is what made me want to start my own blog. This image reminded me of my recent visit to Milan. While visiting Europe I was inspired to alter my style a bit into what seems to make me want to jump into a light dress and pair it up with a boots/long socks combo. This young woman represents what Italian summer style is all about- freedom and passion.

A breath of fresh air..

Last weekend I jetted off to Big Bear for a little R&R with the fam. What a great way to unwind! I went for a jog, got to rock climb and of course took lots of hikes. I have decided that running away to nature once in a while is a must for my mind and as I hugged a tree good bye I promised to return soon.

Royal-T

For my friend's birthday we headed to Royal-T in Culver City. A Cafe/art space for all of us that love to drink amazing tea while looking at fabulous art work. This Japanese inspired space offers yummy burgers and a contemporary atmosphere to hang out with your chic friends. Check out their art exhibits (life size animal dolls anyone?) or just go to sip on a milk tea. Just a heads up- Time flies when you're having fun-- plan accordingly :)