A Feature on the Ageless Style Series!
It is a true pleasure to be featured on the monthly Ageless Style Series hosted by the popular (and stylish) bloggers Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth (aka La Contessa). I’m spilling some fashion/beauty/travel inspiration, and thoughts on staying ageless, over on Cindy’s beautiful blog at Rough Luxe Lifestyle.
From the Ageless style Series
It is a true pleasure to be featured on the monthly Ageless Style Series hosted by the popular (and very stylish) bloggers Cindy Hattersley and Elizabeth (aka La Contessa). I’m spilling some fashion/beauty/travel inspiration, and thoughts on staying ageless, over on Cindy’s beautiful blog at Rough Luxe Lifestyle here.
More posts on style:
Color Story: Yellow Crush
Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.
Color Story: Yellow Crush
lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.banana.butter.limone.mellowyellow.goldenrod.lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.maize.lemon.canary.daffodil.sunshine.banana.butter.limone
Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.
Happy colors have a tendency to lighten the mood and I totally agree.
Wishing you a cheery day.
COLOR STORY: Blush
The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.
Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980’s, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space. Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.
COLOR STORY: Blush
The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.
Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980's, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space. Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.
Whether blush is used as an accent in decor or in fashion, it adds a touch of warmth without being overpowering. I love it mixed with the bold yellow and aqua of that second image, as well as in more muted color schemes accented by gold.
Are you a fan of the shade blush?
Color Story: Navy Blue
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I’m talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I'm talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
While traveling in Riviera Maya a year ago, I noticed that the accent woodwork and ceiling beams in our suite were painted a rich navy blue. It had the same bold impact as black, but the blue tones brought a lighter feel yet added some richness to the space. I thought it was a brilliant choice for the woodwork at this beachfront resort, Zoetry Paraiso del la Bonita. I was thrilled to meet the architect, a part-time resident at the resort, during our visit. I recently encouraged a design client to consider navy blue for her woodwork in need of some design inspiration.
These are a few of my collected images of navy blue on Pinterest and I find I'm liking the shade equally well for fashion and for decor.
I wondered if Pantone agreed with me about the suspected resurgence of navy blue. I discovered there is a shade of deep blue, Snorkel Blue, projected to be an "It" color for 2016. It pairs well with a number of shades as seen here. I'm especially liking navy blue with shades of copper and gold this season. Navy and white are purely a classic color combination.
Find more color inspiration on my Pinterest board Color Story: Navy Blue
Are you a fan of navy blue?
What shades of color are capturing your attention this season?
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner ‘digestivo’. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve ever made.
Limoncello Spritzer
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner 'digestivo'. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I've ever made.
Lemons, steeped in history, are a staple of life in Amalfi Coast and are used to brighten the flavors of many flavor-filled dishes and luscious cocktails. You will see quaint storefronts selling all things lemon-flavored from soaps, fragrances, skin care, candles, remedies to sweets, liqueurs and just about anything you can dream up for a lemon.
This is my simple recipe for the limoncello spritzer, as shared by a handsome waiter, in Positano.
Limoncello Spritzer Recipe
Limoncello
Seltzer Water
Lemon Slices
Ice
Frosted Glasses
Place equal parts limoncello and seltzer water in a shaker (or pitcher). Add ice and shake/stir to blend the flavors. Pour into a frosted glass and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy this taste of Positano in a glass!
*Seltzer may be replaced with prosecco for an extra bit of sweetness and fizz.
Read this to learn more about the amazing lemons of the Amalfi Coast. Long live the lemon!!
For more on our travels to Italy.
Salute!
In the Mood: Dine Al Fresco at Home
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
Al Fresco Dining
The jet lag has eased up, yet my mind is still a kaleidoscope of images from our summer vacation in Italy and Paris. As I'm sorting through 1,000+ photographs I've decided I'm not going to rush to get a post out immediately. Instead, I need some time to savor and remember the details of each place we stayed. I definitely came away with renewed appreciation for living la dolce vita, and the little luxuries of life, like dining al fresco. This simple alteration of daily planning costs nothing, except perhaps a bit of creativity.
Do you enjoy dining al fresco as I do?
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
If you don't have an outdoor dining space at home, pack up your favorite nibbles, and a blanket, for an outdoor picnic. While Scott and I were in Siena we stayed in an historic apartment in the city center with no outdoor dining space. We put together a picnic and dined on the stairs of the cathedral with a number of Italian families, tourists, and pigeons, creating a memorable al fresco dining experience in Italy.
With that in mind, I discovered more beautiful inspiration for al fresco dining, from simple to astonishing, on my Pinterest board.
These images run the gambit from simple to swoon-worthy. Read more on the 100 best places to dine al fresco in America according to Open Table.
Do you have any tips for dining al fresco?
