A Stylish Wedding at Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
On the next leg of our summer in Italy, Scott and I found ourselves in Siena, the embodiment of a medieval city and jewel of Tuscany, on a lazy July afternoon.
A Stylish Wedding in Siena, Italy
On the next leg of our summer in Italy, Scott and I found ourselves in Siena, the embodiment of a medieval city and jewel of Tuscany, on a lazy July afternoon.
This was another golden, cloudless day strolling the Piazza del Campo. Locals and visitors enjoyed the slow pace of a warm afternoon. Children frolicked with pigeons on the moss-covered pastel bricks.
Our mission was to select the daily dose of gelato: gianduia (chocolate/hazelnut) for me and a double scoop of limone and stracciatella for Scott.
We happened upon a stylish scene and enjoyed watching the wedding festivities unfold.
Undoubtedly, Italy boasts some of the most elegant, stylish people-watching in the world. There are times, while traveling, where a moment just captures our attention and the camera helps it come to life. This was one of those moments for us, in Tuscany, the jewel of Siena.
Now that's amore!
Ciao!
Contact me to book your dreamy getaway to Italy.
Signature Style: Fall Edit
Have you given much thought to your signature style? The older I get the more I feel the desire to hone in on my unique style, have laser focus on what I have that works (and what doesn’t), clear the clutter, donate to those in need and simplify my style. Rather than more is more, I’m taking a less is more approach: less clutter, less mindless purchasing and more refinement of my style. This is my vibe, especially for this stage of reinvention in my new lifestyle.
Signature Style: Fall Edit
Have you given much thought to your signature style? The older I get the more I feel the desire to hone in on my unique style, have laser focus on what I have that works (and what doesn't), clear the clutter, donate to those in need and simplify my style. Rather than more is more, I'm taking a less is more approach: less clutter, less mindless purchasing and more refinement of my style. This is my vibe, especially for this stage of reinvention in my new lifestyle.
I pulled some style inspiration from my "Fall Style" Pinterest Board for the gallery:
Do any of these looks speak to you of fall?
Signature style: Fall Edit
Notes: Must haves - Asymmetrical sweaters for layering, a camel trench, a structured shoulder bag, an on trend mini-bag, silky blouses, slim cut pants, leggings, a knit tunic, boots- knee length and booties - and statement jewelry. I often choose stacked beads or bangles, with gold details and mixed metals. Camel, caramel and chocolate are fun when popped with bold colors, like sunflower or pumpkin. Blush and dusty rose remain strong for the season. If you do a feminine look (like the skirt above) edge it up with a textured sweater or leather jacket and boots. There is power in a monochromatic look. Stripes add a bold edge. The navy and black pairing is always sophisticated, and often unexpected. It's all about the boots for fall!
There is nothing like slipping into my leather boots, for the first time in fall, to feel like the season has truly arrived! We are in for a big storm here in Northern California this weekend and boots will be a must for me. Have you donned your boots this season?
We have a quick trip to Lake Tahoe planned in the near future.
The leaves should beautiful this time of year. Those boots will come in handy!
What is your signature style for fall this year?
xx,
Signature Style: The Power of Shoes + Iconic Beauty of Italian Shoes
I recently went through my shoe closet to see just how serious this addiction is.
I must confess, I have a thing for shoes. On a bleak day last February, I did something I've long wanted to do. Inspired by the classic book on organizing by Marie Kondo, "The Life-Changing Magic of tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing", I had a burning desire to start decluttering with my shoe collection. As I hauled out, let's round it to 45 pairs of shoes (please don't judge- shoes are my thing!), I realized the right pair of shoes can have a transformative nature. I spotted the Grecian gold stilettos that transport me to the island of Capri simply by slipping them on, the leopard print flats that make me feel instantly sporty, the nude booties that are comfy AND go with everything in the fall and winter, and the flat black riding boots that make me want to crack a whip into the air in the English countryside. Care for a spot of tea? I spotted the black shoe/boot that may not be an "all day" shoe but make me feel instantly a bit edgy and sexy. Yep, the right shoe can do that, have you noticed?
As I stared at this collection, curated over time, I realized these shoe, sandal, and boot 'soldiers' have carried me through many chapters of life. Some of them are looking a bit worn, but so am I. From dress up date nights, to running in heels during my career as a school psychologist, to walking the halls of a hospital when dad was ill; these shoes have walked with me. I had to take a few moments to reflect, to ponder what I needed to keep and what I was ready to let go of. In the end, about 8 pairs made their way to donation or consignment. I recommitted to a few pairs I had forgotten about. I decided I am not ready to let go of the memory, or the transportive power, not just yet.
And yes, when Scott came home to this scene, he thought I'd lost my marbles. ;)
I don't have many super fancy pairs of shoes though some of my friends would disagree with that. I do have a couple of gifted pairs from St. John, where my sister, Dorie Swanson, was a designer for many years. St. John Knits is an American brand, located in Orange County, yet their shoes are made in Italy. These beauties with the sparkling "anklelace" (it's not a necklace) have made their way from my closet to a party and have been tried on by more than a couple of friends. My beautiful friend, Lena, slipped them on during my retirement party. Don't they look fab on her?
Shoes made in Italy are part art, part architecture.
In the memorable words of Carrie Bradshaw, from Sex and the City, when she saw a fabulous pair of stilettos, "Hello Lover!".
In my book, quality shoes are the first item to consider when building a signature style. On a practical note, our weight may fluctuate, but shoe size tends to stay the same over time. I conclude that shoes are an excellent investment. They are also perfect mementos to bring home from travels--especially from one of my favorite places: Italy.
My number started at 48 pairs. What's your number?
Are you a shoe aficionado like I am??
An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu Event in Venice Beach, California
As I was going through the mail following our summer travel, I discovered an invitation to an event for a brand of which I am a longtime fan. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the french skin care line, Caudalie by Mathilde Thomas, and fashion designer, Jason Wu. My first thought was, "I can't fly to Venice Beach, I just got home from 3 weeks in Europe". Then I realized that Scott was already planning to be in LA for a class reunion that very weekend and had already reserved a hotel. The timing could not have been more perfect! We decided to drive the 8+ hours to Los Angeles and it was so convenient to have a car for all the stops we planned to make. We downloaded the intriguing podcast 'Serial' which made the drive absolutely fly by.
An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu in Venice Beach
As I was going through the mail following our summer travel, I discovered an invitation to an event for a brand of which I am a longtime fan. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the french skin care line, Caudalie by Mathilde Thomas, and fashion designer, Jason Wu. My first thought was, "I can't fly to Venice Beach, I just got home from 3 weeks in Europe". Then I realized that Scott was already planning to be in LA for a class reunion that very weekend and had already reserved a hotel. The timing could not have been more perfect! We decided to drive the 8+ hours to Los Angeles and it was so convenient to have a car for all the stops we planned to make. We downloaded the intriguing podcast 'Serial' which made the drive absolutely fly by.
The next day I dropped Scott off at his luncheon and headed off to my old stomping grounds of LA, and the beach cities, on my own. Sometimes it's fun to have a few reflective hours to yourself in one of your favorite places. I drove by some favorite spots, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista and the intriguing Venice Canals.
This swan captured my imagination. What fun to cruise the canals on a swan, right??
I enjoyed a light lunch at Salt Air, a new discovery on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in Venice. It was just a block from the event at the Caudalie Boutique. I enjoyed a delicious beet salad and one perfectly chilled glass of rosé recommended to me. The wait staff at Salt Air was fantastic. I don't dine alone often at this time in life, but when I do, I appreciate a wait staff that is friendly and professional. I was also impressed with the fresh, tasty menu.
Next up... the event at Caudalie!
I was warmly greeted at Caudalie and given the VIP treatment. My mini-facial, performed by Regine, a french woman who now lives in New York City and travels to do personalized facials at high-end events for the brand. Regine introduced me to some new products and reminded me of some long time favorites. For the last several years I have started just about every morning with a spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I find it's the best way to wake up my skin as well as tone and tighten.
Regine reintroduced me to Premier Cru The Eye Cream which did a number on my road trip weary dark circles and puffiness. I loved it! The Premier Cru Elixir is another brand favorite and now part of my morning and night-time routines. It firms, nourishes, brightens and adds radiance using patent technology and natural ingredients. This product blends an oil and a serum creating a double-duty product which makes it more likely I will use it.
Caudalie french skincare was founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, college sweethearts, who discovered the antioxidant properties of the grape-vine while working at a vineyard. Their vinotherapy skin care line uses patented technologies, in luxurious, yet natural formulations to promote anti-aging and skin health.
“I believe in a greener planet and more committed cosmetics. I formulate my products for all women who, like me, don’t want to choose between effectiveness and naturalness, between glamor and ecology.”
”
Read more on the story and the ethics behind Caudalie.
For more on this cool collaboration of beauty and fashion with Jason Wu:
I purchased the Ultimate Anti-Aging Set in the travel size which I highly recommend if you are trying a new line of skin care products. I'm now using the Beauty Elixir, Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, Premier Cru Eye Cream and the Premier Cru Elixir on a daily basis. I received a beauty elixir with my name beautifully engraved on it at the event. Such a stylish memento of my afternoon at Caudalie.
I've been using my new products for about 2 weeks and have been extremely pleased with the way my skin feels. This is a quick snap taken yesterday with my beautiful best friend since fourth grade, Deb. I feel like my skin tone and radiance has improved since I started using the extensive line of Caudalie skin care. I'm a big fan!
We also made time to see this beauty, my step-daughter Lauren, while visiting in LA. We had so much fun exploring some of her favorite spots.
If you are heading to Los Angeles I have some recommendations on where to stay on my travel recommendations page.
Have you tried Caudalie french skin care?
Would you ride a swan in the Venice Beach Canals (would a glass of rose' help make your decision easier? ;)
I received an invitation to attend the Caudalie Skin Care +Jason Wu launch event in Venice Beach. I was given a mini-facial, light lunch and personalized, engraved bottle of the beauty elixir. Other purchases were my own.
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?
Color Story: Dressed up in Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
Summer Whites
There is nothing you can slip on that makes you feel more fresh and summery than shades of whites. Summer whites are especially eye-catching this year. Whether presented in crisp, minimal shapes or flouncy, flirty, boho styles, white is hands down the coolest thing going for summer style.
I think I have a split personality of the fashion variety. I'm drawn to the crisp, clean lines of minimal dressing and then a lacy, ethereal number catches my eye and I'm enamored. This gallery clearly displays my lack of direction when it comes to summer white. Truth is, it's fun to mix it up and the only rule is that it feels good on your skin.
From chic white swimsuits to crisp white jeans, palazzo pants to flowing skirts and lacy, or sleek tops. One of my favorites ways to wear summer white is head to toe.
