Fields of Green

[ Elizabeth and James Taylor Skirt, Vintage Necklace from Peregrine Galleries, Ash Booties, Victoria's Secret Tee, Autumn Cashmere Wrap ]

I've lived in three places my entire life and they were all seaside cities, but nothing holds a candle to one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara—Hammonds Beach. Besides the fact that it's slightly hidden and hard to get to—even the trail feels like a secret—I love the big meadow that sits behind it. The other day I stopped by and it was a bright shade of green on a perfectly sunny winter day. The ideal setting for this floral Elizabeth and James skirt.

photos by Moha Photography

Morning Coffee and Blue Tulle

[ A fresh cup of coffee + new magazines ]

It's always the little things that help my get through busy and sometimes stressful weeks. Whether it's a new magazine in the mail, unexpected pancakes on a weekday or a new addition to my jewelry collection I always try to enjoy the small pleasures. This past week I've been gearing up for a baby shower I'm throwing for my sister and I can't wait to enjoy the day and celebrate the little Mr. on his way. Besides the pretty blue tulle I'm using for the shower, here are a few other things making me smile this week.

[ My new favorite scent by Tom Ford ]

[ Light blue tulle for the baby shower ]

[ My new suede calendar book with gold edged pages by Graphic Image ]

[ Fresh Meyer lemons ]

Save or Splurge

[ Isabel Marant Dicker Boots and Mossimo Kalayla Suede Boots ]

Since I tend to love all things Isabel Marant, it was no surprise that I instantly fell in love with the short Dicker boots for Spring. The only problem I run into with this love for the French designer is a hefty price tag. However my burning need for short cowboy boots was not going to simmer, so I set out to find something that would fill the void. Enter Target. I found these short boots in a darker shade that I almost like a little more—especially considering they're under $50!

Riding on Trains

[ Elizabeth and James Top, Rag & Bone Trench Coat, Paige Jeans, Vintage Necklace from Peregrine Galleries, Forever 21 Boots ]

These recent toasty January days have had me reaching for thin, wispy tops like this one by Elizabeth and James, and, extra sunscreen. I keep waiting for this more-than-perfect California weather to be disrupted by foggy days or a cold front, but luck is on our side this winter and I'm not complaining! Fingers crossed it will stay until Saturday when I throw my sissy a baby shower.

Images by Moha Photography

Maxence Cyrin

If I could sit down and play any instrument ridiculously well, I'd choose the piano. I love the gentle sound of it more than anything and the way the keys feel. I recently came across French pianist, Maxence Cyrin who takes popular electronic songs by artist like Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Aphex Twins and Daft Punk and translates them to be played solely on the piano. The result is truly amazing, since he writes each song by ear. Maxence also edits old black and white film to pair with his melodies and I had to share these two favorites. See more of his videos here.

I'm in the Mood

[ Baggy knits ]

After a quiet weekend with the beau, I caught up on a few favorite blogs that I love getting my wardrobe inspiration from—Little Plastic Horses, The Glamourai and Knight Cat. Like always, I was rejuvenated with fresh ideas, forgotten favorites and lust-worthy pieces. Here are a few things I'm currently craving post blog-browsin'.

What are you in the mood for these days?

[ A touch of leopard ]

[ Bold eyewear ]

[ White furs ]

[ Patterned collared blouses ]

[ Boyfriend jeans and blazers ]

Dress Up

In my greatest fantasy... I'd wear this to a masked ball...

Make a Statement

My everyday jewelry tends to be simple, small and delicate. But ever since I found this silver necklace during my trip to San Miguel de Allende, I've found myself falling for bolder pieces with interesting geometric shapes, materials and designs. Paired with a blazer, t-shirt, or a strapless number, statement necklaces can transform any ho-hum outfit into something more fun. Here are a few I've recently fallen in love with...

Left to right from top row:

1. ACB Pele Fringe Necklace $435

2. Lilith Necklace by Dannijo $488

3. Capella Necklace by Dannijo $420

4. Veruschka Necklace by Dannijo $445

5. Falconiere Stone Rose Chest Plate $930

6. House of Harlow Black Leather Bib Necklace $330

7. Lee Angel Piper Tiered Necklace $180

8. Eddie Borgo Gunmetal-Plated Crystal Triangle Necklace $740

Spiced Red Wine-Poached Pears

There are two things I love about recipes that involve wine. One, it instantly makes a dish sound a little fancy-pants when "wine" is in the title, and two, there's always just enough left in the bottle to enjoy a glass while cooking. In an effort to try and incorporate more fruits (working on the veggies part) in my diet, I decided to try this dessert concoction. It's the perfect sweet treat for a winter menu since it incorporates spices like cinnamon, cloves and orange peels. Once finished, I sprinkled brown sugar on the pears and stuck them in the oven for 5 minutes so the tops would caramelize a bit and then served with a scoop of ice cream and extra wine sauce drizzled on top.

My glass of wine to cook with

Fresh, peeled pears

Poaching the pears in a Cabernet

Orange peels and cloves

The syrupy wine sauce mixed with the crisp pear was über delicious

Army Green

Vintage Snakeskin Heels, UO Skirt, Alexander Wang Tank, Gap Jacket, F21 Ring, Silver Necklace I found in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Since the weather has been freakishly warm, I've been pulling out some of my Spring and Summer favorites—hard to believe since it's January. I threw on this skirt and tank yesterday to grab dinner with the beau and I couldn't get over how amazing it was outside. There was a hot breeze that picked up as the sun was setting, making it one of those nights where you just want to lounge outside with a glass of wine well after it gets dark. Also the kind of night that is considered a "tease" since it's the middle of January and Summer is 5 months away—sigh.

Isabel Marant Spring 2011

With the recent heat wave we've been having in California, I can't help but get excited for springtime to arrive. It's barely mid-January and I'm ready to dust of the picnic basket, bare the legs, squeeze some fresh lemonade and flip through spring fashion mags. These are a few looks from Isabel Marant that have me antsy for the warmer season ahead.

Perfectly Pale

I love mixing my colors when it comes to makeup. Whether it's eye shadow, foundation, cheeks or lipstick, I find that combining shades sometimes does the trick for a flawless look. My recent obsession has been combing Tom Ford's Blush Nude lipstick with Nars' Turkish Delight gloss for a perfectly pink nude. It's subtle and understated for daytime and dramatically light with smokey eyes at night. See the combo here.

Black and White

Vince Slouchy Pants, Ya Ya Aflalo Leather Jacket, Alexander Wang Tank, Talon Amulet Necklace

I recently gave my wardrobe a serious (and much overdue) cleanse, which resulted in a giant bulging garbage bag filled to the brim. Between faded t-shirts and ill-fitting pieces, I finally de-cluttered my closet, which was busting at the seams. Since then I've actually worn things I forgot I even had, and decided on a few key pieces that I was missing. Among the needed essentials were slouchy pants. I snagged this pair by Vince while shopping in Palm Springs over the weekend.

Winter Beauty Essentials

Between blasting heaters, dry air and cool temperatures, my beauty regime has needed a serious hydrating boost. I've learned a few tricks—using a dry body brush pre showering and putting on lotion before toweling off—but I've also come across a few products that do wonders. From chapped lips to dry skin and hair, here are a few things that are helping me get through this Winter season.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Green & Spring Lip Balm $13

2. Rodin Olio Lusso Hair Oil $60

3. Korres Wild Rose Brightening Serum $40

4. Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm $75

5. Jute Body Brush $20

6. Ren Moroccan Rose Bath Oil $48

7. Sephora Cellulose Sponge Set $6

8. Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Mist $35

9. St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tanning Mousse $30

10. Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask $26

11. Natura Bisse The Cure Face Cream $200

Palms Springs

[ See more of my Palm Springs getaways, here and here ]

I'm off to the desert this weekend for some much needed girl time with my mom who's about to embark on a dream vacation—drift down the Nile anyone? Since it's been at least four months since I've visited my favorite California getaway spot, I can't wait to grab a stack of magazines, order an Arnold Palmer, get a pedicure at the La Quinta Spa, soak in the hot tub, have a lazy brunch and do some shopping on El Paseo. Where is your favorite weekend getaway spot?

Homemade Mint Hot Coco

[ Unsweetened coco powder ]

Nothing warms my heart and soul in the dead of winter quite like a steaming cup of hot coco. And since the nights and mornings have been exceptionally cold, for California standards of course, I decided to make this recipe for hot chocolate—surprisingly, it's less labor intensive than I thought it would be and ten times better than those packaged mixes from the store. Since whip cream was not in house I added a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream, which gave a creamy top while flavoring with mint, and, extra chocolate... yes please.

[ The richer, the better. Next time I'm going with 2% ]

[ The chocolate mixture simmering, and making the kitchen smell amazing at the same time ]

[ Fresh mint and mint chocolate chip ice cream to garnish ]

[ The melted ice cream leaves a perfectly creamy top ]