Runaway

Completely and utterly obsessed with this scene from Kanye West's short film, 'Runaway'. A former bunhead myself, I can't help but notice a Swan Lake influence throughout the video. I have watched it at least a few times and now have serious nostalgia for point shoes, tutus, rehearsals, classical music and feeling graceful. I danced for 13 years before having back surgery, which put an end to my career and led me on a different path, and it will always be a part of me.

Black As Night

With no big costume parties planned this Halloween I plan on wearing lot's of black in honor of the spooky day. Since I'm semi-sitting this year out, I'm eager to see some of the costumes out there this year. My bets are on a lot of Snookies, Chilean Miners, Housewives, Vampires, Justin Biebers and Tiger Woods' ladies.

A few black pieces I'm currently craving...

1. Nixon Stainless Steel Watch $450

2. Ray Ban Acetate Wayfarers $195

3. VPL Bra $95

4. TopShop Sequin Dress $64

5. Isabel Marant Fringe Leather Bag $875

6. Philip Lim Sequined Silk Blouse $675

7. Sandro Leather Shorts $400

8. Forever 21 Platform Booties $27

9. Vivienne Westwood Skull Stud Earrings $135

10. Forever 21 Zipper Clutch $17

Café Gitane Avocado Toast

On my recent trip to New York (see here and here) I just about ate my way through the big apple, dining at some of the best restaurants I have ever been to. One of my favorite spots we brunched at was Café Gitane, a French-Moroccan restaurant in Nolita. As usual my girlfriends and I ordered and shared multiple dishes—it's the best way to go!—and what we ended up requesting a second helping of? The Avocado Toast—avocado spread on thick whole wheat bread coated with lemon olive oil and topped with chili flakes—which still hasn't escaped my mind weeks after. So I decided to re-create the simple recipe at home as best I could. I even used a blue plate that reminded me of the awning and chairs outside of Café Gitane. So far I've had it for breakfast, lunch and appetizers before dinner. So simple, yet so delicious.

[ Fresh lemons and avocados ]

[ I used kalamata olive bread instead of plain whole grain ]

[ Café Gitane ]

[ Café Gitane's Avocado Toast ]

Cynthia Rowley Truck

The Cynthia Rowley mobile store rolled into Santa Barbara recently and I finally got a peek inside the suped-up truck. With a mini dressing room in the corner and both sides lined with feminine pieces, there was so much to see and try on. However, like the ice cream truck, everybody must take turns browsing the itty bitty store, so be prepared to throw a few elbows to get to that feathered skirt if need be. I walked away empty handed but I did fall in love with a white grosgrain ribbon dress with the most amazing open back. Dear Cynthia, could I have that?

[ White Grosgrain Dress = dreamy ]

Cool Layers

[ Cynthia Rowley Tights, Jeffrey Campbell Boots, American Apparel Dress, Forever 21 Sweater, Autumn Cashmere Wrap, Forever 21 Ring, Chanel Khaki Rose nail color, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Bracelets, Could I Have That Necklace ]

Fall days have me pacing my closet every morning in hopes of choosing an outfit that can handle the cold mornings, hot afternoons, and bone chilling nights. Layering seems to be the only answer to my constant back-and-forth temp, so my knee-high socks and slouchy sweaters have been getting lots of play. I love my browns and blacks (see inspiration here) so I mixed my favorite boots with some new and old black pieces.

Glam Pumpkins

Since my miniature pumpkin (see here) wasn't cutting it, I decided to step up the Halloween decor with a little glamour—enter the metallic pumpkins. After wiping each pumpkin with a damp rag, I evenly spray painted various sized pumpkins in gold, bronze and chalk board paint. Right now they're on our mantel and look so pretty against a little candlelight but as soon as October 31st rolls around they'll be framing our front door for those cutie patootie trick-or-treaters—can't wait to see the popular get-up this year.

Lazy Sundays

I love lazy Sundays more than anything and today was one of those perfect ones that started out with a big breakfast at one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara, D'Angelo's Bakery—home of the greatest fresh bread around. It's a toss up for me everytime whether to get the buckwheat waffles or Eggs Rose (poached eggs on Olive bread with an artichoke spread) so today... I lived life and got both. Brunch was followed by shopping, which was followed by napping, laundry and yoga. Bliss.

Weekend Plans

This week was so jammed packed and crazy busy it seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. But thank goodness the weekend is finally here and I can de-stress and unwind. A few things I'm looking forward to...

First on the list... Sleeping in. Not that I've been able to since the teen years but my satin ruffle eye mask will be in place and the alarm clock will not be set.

Cooking. There are so many recipes that I've been meaning to try but haven't had the time—like this one and this one. So I'm hoping to pour a glass of wine, put some tunes on and make something delicious.

Yoga. Nothing restarts the engines better in my book.

Sitting by the fire. I'm secretly hoping for more rain and cold days so I can enjoy it at home with the beau.

Brunch on Sunday. Possibly followed by some shopping. Ok, definitely followed by some shopping.

And finally... catching up on a few favorite blogs like Hanneli Mustaparta, Because Im Addicted, Knight Cat, The Glamourai, Cannelle et Vanille, The Neo-Traditionalist, Runway Hippie and more.

Psst... Pureology Giveaway!

Stop by Pureology and enter this month's giveaway! Enter here and win one of the following samples of your choice: Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier, Thickening Mist, Root Lift, Incharge, Incharge Plus. Secretly hoping that I score the Blow Dry Amplifier that makes your hair smooth and perfectly bouncy.

Dressed in Sequins

Lately I've been obsessing over finding the perfect pair of sequin shorts, which has in turn sent me on a tailspin with all things sequin. I've scoured my favorite stores and websites and finally found not just shorts, but a couple favorite dresses, tanks and more. Since this style can quickly take a turn into cheesy town, I recommend picking pieces that fit well and pair with simple accessories. Since sequins are not just for nighttime extravaganzas, I plan on pairing them with closet favorites like a striped tee, black capris and flats for daytime.

(left to right)

Sequin Party Shorts $49

Joie Mauro Shorts $328

French Connection Samantha Dress $298

Tibi Sequined Jersey Mini Dress $295

Isabel Marant Sequin Leggings $2,185

Forever 21 Sequin Tank $15

Anna Sui Sequined Vest $500

Stormy Days

Yesterday was one of the first storms of the season and it was full of rain, lightning and thunder that seemed to shake the windows. The rain boots came out, a fire was lit and I cooked up a hot meal for dinner that was followed by candy corns for dessert. The lights started to flicker at one point so we lit some candles just in case the electricity went out, which made the night even spookier. I'm not going to lie, I did scream a little after an earth shaking thunder that was so loud it set off a few car alarms near by. Our Halloween decorations—a mini pumpkin and a do do bird dressed as a witch—never looked so threatening at night... boo!

[ My miniature pumpkin ]

[ One of the trees on my street has the brightest red leaves ]

[ My hammered silver votives shed the prettiest light ]

[ The neighbors have the best apples growing in front of their house, not that I would know how they taste, shh! ]

[ Meet Smokey, our Do Do bird dressed as a witch. I think he's pretty cute. ]

Comfortable Cashmere

[ Velvet Sweater, Paige Jeans, Moden Vintage Boots, Ray Ban Aviators, Vintage Ring ]

Ever since the cooler days of fall arrived, I've been craving an oversized, cozy sweater—see a few options I found here. I finally found the perfect one by Velvet and have been living in it ever since I bought it at Diani. It's perfectly slouchy and oversized while the arms are still fitted and flattering. I went to a friends birthday dinner at a ranch in Santa Ynez and opted for my new cashmere number with some black skinny jeans and boots. Sidenote: I also discovered that my new fall staple is also conveniently comfortable when indulging—and by that I mean seconds of both dinner and dessert—on an incredible home cooked meal.

Erika in Army Green

[ J Brand Jeans, Dolce Vita Jacket, Blue Bee Jewelry, Florentini + Baker Boots ]

Last night we headed out to see Jack Johnson in concert with a group of friends. Since it's been cold, foggy and grey everyone was bundled up in boots, jackets, scarves and sweaters—a nice change from the 90º Indian Summer days last weekend. One of my partner-in-shopping-crimes, Erika, wore this cool army green jacket paired with leather boots, jeans and gold accents.

See more of Erika here.

Black & Brown

Black and brown is one of my favorite color combinations. When mixed together the right way the dark tones can create a sophisticated and earthy feel. Wether its a classic brown tweed jacket over black skinny pants, or just a brown leather belt paired with a timeless black dress, the look will inevitably be understated and effortlessly cool. A few stylish ladies that worked the two colors and created a look that is just right.