July 2010
1 post
Long Overdue
My sincerest apologies for being so incredibly distant over the last month and a half…not ok. I feel horrible about all of you who have been visiting SoCalMintJuleps and emailing me, hoping for new posts, and I promise to re-prioritize to allow at least a post every few days. In my defense, however, I honestly don’t know how I could stayed updated on everything because life has been, well, life,...
June 2010
3 posts
More Soon
What a whirlwind week! We’ve spent days moving, cleaning, settling in, and boxes are still stacked up, full of cute dresses begging for a place in our new (huge) closets! Today’s mission: unpack everything, organize and decorate the front room, and stock the kitchen with essentials. I’ll be a busy bee, but will try to catch up this evening!
Until then, have a wonderful and...
Electric Feathers
Fun and free texture and pattern color by Electric Feathers. I love that the colors are slightly delicate and the form is so bohemian…unique and beautiful mix.
(all images)
Eco Glow
“…we believe that everything you touch, or that touches you, matters…the best skincare you can get is created with skin, health, and life in mind…”
Introducing Stem Organics: an ethical skincare line with superior organic formulations! Four signature ingredients are featured in every product Stem Organics creates: Australian Kakadu Plum (one of the highest plant sources of age vitamin C),...
May 2010
52 posts
Green Goods
A few simple ways to “green up” your life : )
For Your Groceries: These Fair Trade RuMe reusable bags are durable, lightweight, and cute…plus, each folds flat enough to fit in your pocket! ($29 for set of 3)
For Your Table: Brighten up your tabletop with this Fiesta Sol recycled glass dinnerware. ($40 - $200)
For Your Food: Make your salad even greener with these...
Thrilled for Triian
I recently discovered these bits of bling baubles with trendy textures and stylish shapes and am a little smitten with Triian. They are pretty funky fun and can be purchased here or here!
exotic ensemble
…inspired by safaris, summer, and stunning style…
In This Set:
Tibi Silk Halterneck Dress ($345)
Mar Y Sol Opal Clutch ($420)
Kate Spade Dual Tone Bangle ($78)
House of Harlow 1960 Bracelet ($80)
Tarina Tarantino Filigree Flower Earrings ($45)
House of Harlow 1960 Gold Tiger’s Eye Ring ($75)
Tiffany Sparkle Citrine Earrings ($1,220)
Habitat Pop Animals Framed Print ($45)
l.o.v.e.
…for my love…Anthony, you make me the happiest girl in the world…I am so lucky…
In This Set:
TopShop I Love You Top ($60)
Wildfox Couture Love Is The Answer Tank ($100)
Love Label Maida Ruffle Stud Gladiator Sandal ($40)
Fendi Love Letter Oversized Clutch ($980)
Max and Chloe Peace, Love, and Life Bangle Set ($600)
1928 Antique Couture Love Knot Earrings ($28)
Scosha Love...
sweet succulence
…inspired by ruffles, lace, pearls, sparkles, beads, and baubles…all things sweet and succulent…
In This Set:
Antonio Marras Tee ($810)
Vanessa Bruno Fringed Linen-Blend Mini Skirt ($900)
KG By Kurt Geiger Lace Sandal ($270)
Coast Pearl Tassel Clutch ($90)
Tacori Diamond Bracelet ($800)
Tacori Collection Ring ($930)
Calvin Klein Textured Spheres ($1,800)
hot haute hues
…designed to showcase some of spring and summer’s chicest and coolest dresses, in a variety of styles…
In This Set:
TopShop Silk Cowl Back Drape Dress ($135)
Camilla and Marc Ruched Mini ($730)
Anna Molinari Paneled Georgette Dress ($1,225)
French Connection Cross Over Dress ($250)
Adam Strapless Layered Silk Dress ($495)
Maje Tamis Beaded Jersey Mini ($385)
Z Gallerie Vase...
A Little Early...
…but I couldn’t help but post these lovely shots, inspired by the Fourth of July.
(all images courtesy of Leslie from a creative mint)
Bare Beauty
This pretty picture, by Charmaine Olivia, gets me so excited for summer. I can’t wait to get out on Jackson Lake in Anthony’s family retro boat.
Make Love Not Trash(Bags)
“The ironic (and unfortunate) thing about a lot of the “reusable” bags being marketed and distributed under the guise of eco-friendly, is that they are often made from materials that are, in fact, not eco-friendly. Yes, reusing items is a big tenant of environmental consciousness, but let’s go a step further and support products that are designed for reuse and designed with our planet (and the...
this & that
…wear this diane von furstenberg dress, decorate with that dwell studio duvet…
(courtesy of Oh Joy!)
Martini Madness
“…inspired by the idea of creating a rustic Italian martini bar for summertime guests with crisp white linens, antique glassware, and charmingly tarnished sterling silver bowls of ice…”
(courtesy of {this is glamorous})
Trendy Trinkets: Nonesuchthings
Nonesuchthings, somewhere between a blog and a shop, is a place for “lovely things made by some really fabulous people.” Couldn’t agree more! Here are a few of my favs…
minty fresh
…designed through my love of fresh, clean whites and serene mint and turquoise…
In This Set:
3.1 Phillip Lim Shell Embellished Cotton-Voile Kaftan ($250)
Charlotte Olympia Leather Platforms ($910)
Bally Vintage Quilted Leather Bag ($325)
Rachel Leigh Millie Palm Bib Necklace ($200)
Rachel Leigh Millie Palm Cuff ($150)
charmed life
…inspired by Shakespeare’s simple truths, this casual, yet confident, spring ensemble’s accessories are set off against a soft tee and unadorned cutoffs…
In This Set:
Blue Life Boyfriend V-Neck Tee ($65)
GAP Destructed Boyfriend Cutoffs ($25)
Macy Sandals ($75)
BE & D Saddle Studded Leather Tote ($475)
Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace ($140)
Chloe Bead and Crystal Bangle...
same old chic
…although these colors and bold accents aren’t pieces I’m usually drawn to, I designed this set with thoughts of summer music festivals and a bit of rebel rock…
In This Set:
Ashish Slogan Sequined Silk Tee ($615)
Wildfox Wow Tee ($64)
Dorma Cropped Leather Vest ($415)
Acne Faded Denim Shorts ($230)
Christian Louboutin Flat Ponyskin Sandals ($465)
Tory Burch Tevin Satchel...
siberian breaks
…designed this afternoon while listening to MGMT’s latest tunes…
In This Set:
Melissa Odabash Embellished Tunic ($1,050)
TopShop Lace Trim Shorts ($20)
Musa Embellished Leather Sandals ($385)
Jil Sander Suede Tote ($1,485)
Giles & Brother Bangles ($485)
Roberto Cavalli Swarovski Serpent Hoops ($500)
TopShop Lilen Trilby Hat ($44)
Paul Smith Gold Spiced Aviators ($185)
Lovely Luck
Based in the Netherlands, All the Luck in the World, combines “found and thrifted articles with a personal touch” and “vintage design, artwork, and crafting” with an emphasis on “creative recycling as a modest contribution to our environment.” Darling.
(images courtesy of All the Luck in the World blog)
Sweet, Dreamy, and Cozy Art
Ethereal photography with a dreamy, nostalgic hue by Los Angeles artist, Zuppaartista, makes me miss the Southern California lifestyle. I’m planning on purchasing a print and dedicating a wall in our new pad to our Cali memories. If you want to pick up a print of your own, head here!
tassel tease
…what better way to swing in to summer than with tantilizing tassels and sprightly pops of color…designed this afternoon after looking through our Mexican vacation pictures…
In this set:
J Crew Embellished Cotton Tunic ($88)
Diane von Furstenberg Tiered Tassel Skirt ($480)
Karen Millen Tassel Sandal ($250)
Tory Burch Sawla Clutch ($350)
Aurelie Bidermann Mother-of-Pearl Charm...
a frost favorite
…Robert Frost once wrote, “A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity.” This design, a base of the classics enhanced - some may say eccentrically - with bold gold and navy accents and a patterned scarf, draws from Frost’s insight…
In this set:
J Crew Oversized Cotton Oxford ($65)
Steven Alan Agatha Cotton Blazer...
the most beautiful art
…inspired by Andy Warhol’s truth: I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own…
In this set:
One Vintage Dress ($1,670)
Lanvin Ribbon Tie Leather Sandal ($425)
Giles Knitted Chain Bag ($245)
Givenchy Gold Discs Leather Cuff ($480)
Marni Swarovski Drop Earrings ($400)
Monica Vinader Cava Gold Ring ($245)
a touch of the rustic
…designed this afternoon over a cup of hot tea and breathtaking view of the mountains…I love the romance of the ruffles and ribbons paired with the rustic hardware of the accessories…fresh and feminine…
In this set:
Isabel Marant Asymmetric Silk Dupioni Ruffle Top ($505)
True Religion Joey Shorts ($285)
Impressionen Studded Tassel Leather Bag ($240)
GUESS by Marciano...
Pretty Prints
These lovely Polaroid prints, by Amalia Sieber (internet moniker Amalia Chimera), immediately transport me to a darling dreamland…
Her photos are entrancing, and if you’re looking for a little hazy happiness in your own home, head here to her Etsy shop!
Stoked on Squint
How funky fun is this London based eclectic atelier and shop? Squint, founded by Lisa Whatmough, mixes the modern and vintage, creating a pretty patchwork portfolio. The colors just pop and the patterns add an upbeat and unique vibe to any room. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re ever across the pond.
Fun and Flirty Frocks
Zimmermann Silk Dress ($300)
Milly Linen Cotton Dress ($335)
Opening Ceremony Rayon Spandex Dress ($275)
Tory Burch Metallic Linen Acrylic Dress ($495)
Lilly Pulitzer Cotton Shift ($180)
Rebecca Taylor Silk Dress ($495)
On a warm summer day, throwing on a sweet summer shift or strapless ensemble is easy as pie…(or since we’re talking summer, a warm peach cobbler made...
Coveting Cupcakes
I’ve blogged about cupcakes before, due to the fact that they are consistently one of my favorite tasty little treats. When I decide to delve in to the decadence, I usually opt for a general recipe, complete with buttercream frosting, just like my mom… : )
However, when I stumbled upon this recipe for these adorable two-bite mini lemon meringue cupcakes, well, I couldn’t resist printing off...
Lovely song from the talented Foy Vance, a...
Another Etsy Fun Find
Every piece a creation of love, designed and handmade as limited editions, or as one of a kind pieces by Frosted Willow, available at Etsy.
Pretty Prints, Pretty Patterns
A little eye candy, all from Rie Elise Larsen, for sweet dreams.
rock and ruffle
…rips, ruffles, and raw edges add a little rocker-esque chic to an otherwise muted palette and soft ensemble…
In this set:
Eclipse Cardigan ($42)
Rag & Bone Draped Top ($385)
TopShop Ballerina Ruffle Shrug ($80)
Free People Destroyed Skinny Jeans ($100)
Alaia Leather Wedge Sandals ($2,090)
Chloe Marcie Leather Bag ($1,790)
Vintage Chanel 1980’s Signature Necklace ($1,270)
Vintage...
spring sparkle
…inspired by glimmers of sunlight through thick trees, highlighting the hiking path…although these shoes were certainly not made with hiking in mind… : )
In this set:
Anna Molinari Sheer Cardigan ($855)
Alice & Olivia Sequined Jersey Top ($330)
Matthew Williamson Floral Armour Beaded Waistcoat ($1,690)
American Eagle Slouchy Skinny Jeans ($20)
Velvet Angles Detailed...
think pink
…and dream cream, two of my favorite colors to both wear and incorporate into decor…simple, soft, still sexy…designed this afternoon to Brett Dennen’s folky tunes…
In this set:
Crystal Ruffle Cameo Top ($30)
Metropark Cutoffs ($180)
Valentino Floral Organza Sandals ($1,250)
Monica Vinader Mini Bracelet ($195)
Lydell Flower Statement Necklace ($68)
in the springtime
…zesty colors pop, inspiring this morning’s retro-revived design…
In this set:
DRKSHDW by Rick Owens Fleece Wrap Cardigan ($630)
Diane Von Furstenberg Printed Silk-Chiffon Blouse ($285)
Saltwell Short Denim ($80)
Pierre Hardy Lace Bootie ($1,000)
Jimmy Choo Studded Suede Bag ($2,295)
Giles & Brother Multi-Chain Bracelet ($175)
Isharya Gold Drop Earrings ($170)
Chloe Raw...
Hippie tested. Diva approved.
I’ve recently discovered W3LL PEOPLE, a “chemical free, karma rich” cosmetic line, and while researching the brand, came across this inspiring mission statement:
“W3LL PEOPLE™ (pronounced well people) is an evolutionary concept in organic skin care created by a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Makeup Guru and Treehugger. W3LL PEOPLE offers a modern, safe, exclusive choice in skin...
Mara Mania
These graphic dresses and individual pieces, by Mara Hoffman, just epitomize a sexy summer feel to me. The complete collection is impressive, and I’m especially digging the following pieces with intricate back details. So funky fun!
Becoming Branches
With spring blossoming everywhere, it’s easy to find inspiration in the unusual, even the typically overlooked. These fine branches, with the tiniest lavender-colored bulbs and uncontrolled direction, are an easy way to revitalize and roughen up an arrangement or vase or add a simple burst of color to an entryway or mudroom (especially charming in a pair of wellies!)
Tostada Tuesday
What better way to continue through a week than with a crispy tortilla and loads of healthy toppings?
Ingredients:
8 6-inch corn tortillas
Canola oil cooking spray
1 6-7 once can of boneless, skinless, wild Alaskan salmon (drained)
**Although the ingredient list calls for canned salmon, I’ll splurge on a fresh fillet**
1 avocado (diced)
2 tablespoons of minced pickled jalapenos, plus 2...
Wild for Wallpaper
Amy Butler has debuted her first line of wallpapers with Graham & Brown, and what a sweet success! The collection – full of lively floral, geometric, damask, and botanical patterns – is available online for sale, and runs about $80 a roll. So cute!
Passion Lily (above) bursts upwards with fresh blooms that are tucked inside the elegant structure of a graphic trellis.
Lacework (above) is...
flying free
…another art set inspired by the Tetons and wide, open ranches…designed this morning over a latte in bed…
In this set:
Malene Birger Peachy Top ($115)
Roberto Cavalli Fringed Suede Vest ($3,230)
Diesel Matic Rugged Jeans ($285)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Ruffle Cuff Ankel Booties ($495)
Max Mara Weekend Tote ($345)
Erie Basin 1915 Rose Quartz Antique Ring ($35)
Ileana Makri Diamond...
roaming wild
…my first design since settling back in to the natural beauty of Jackson Hole…inspired by crisp and fresh mountain air and open skies…
In this set:
Malene Birger Oversized Cardigan ($370)
Costume National Draped Top ($580)
True Religion Beaded Cut Offs ($325)
Diane Von Furstenberg Couture Sandals ($300)
Diesel Carryall Bag ($760)
Erickson Beamon Avalon Necklace ($1,560)
keep calm
…designed while taking a break from packing panic and moving mayhem, which all was, of course, worth it in the end…
In this set:
Missoni Angola Knit Dress ($825)
Tory Burch Slouchy Bootie ($395)
Chloe Brushed-Leather Clutch ($1,265)
ABS Allen Schwartz Tassel Earrings ($71)
Chan Luu Amazonite Wrap Bracelet ($205)
Missoni Crochet Knit Scarf ($545)
Keep Calm and Carry On Tile ($20)