Author: Kiki E.

  • MUST HAVES – FABULOUS ARTWORK

    MUST HAVES – FABULOUS ARTWORK

    A woman who possesses true style possesses individual style.  She knows what she likes.  This is demonstrated in the clothes she wears, the way she presents herself, and the artwork that she chooses.  The artwork that you choose to decorate your space is a reflection of who you are, what you like, and what makes you tick.  You should surround yourself with artwork that inspires you and just feels right.  It is only important that you like it; it is a reflection of your taste and no one else’s.  We are all past the age of posters {even framed posters aren’t good enough}… it’s time for some real art.  A common misconception about “real art” is that it must be expensive…  it doesn’t have to be.  Peruse local boutiques, flea markets, and sites like etsy {where I found all of this fabulous artwork} and you can find inexpensive artwork and feel as though you “discovered” your own favorite artist.  I was on etsy the other day {well, pretty much every day} and I found Pinkytoast.  Take a look at her shop… she’s something else.  I ended up buying all of the artwork below.  I can’t wait to frame and hang all of these pieces in my living room… her artwork is feminine, humorous, and whimsical.  Exactly what I want my space to feel like.

  • MUST HAVES – BEDROOM EDITION

    MUST HAVES – BEDROOM EDITION

    I am in the process of a total bedroom/living room/basically-my-entire-place makeover… as I was shopping around for goods for my bedroom, I stumbled across a few gems that I wanted to share with you.  PS Already have the bedding {check it out here}… I utterly adore it.  I also just… literally seconds before posting this article… purchased thirteen pieces of art from pinkytoast {including the print below!}… an article on the artwork that I purchased is coming soon. xoxo

    1. Country Living Antique White Storage Bench $130
    2. Vintage Wingback Chair $2,495
    3. Anthology London Bedding $500 {already have it… and l.o.v.e. it!}
    4. Baxton Studio Aisling Cream Fabric Queen Platform Bed $800
    5. Branches of Birds Pillows $24
    6. Vintage Dress Form $1,295
    7. Pinky Toast Print $14
    8. Antique Tufted Screen $2,195
    9. Crosby Lamp $295
    10. Wall Flower Art $85
    11. Emma Feather Pendant $2,295

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH


    Blush is a killer spot.  The food is delicious.  The nightlife is phenomenal.  The happy hour specials are spot on.  True locals know that the real gem is Sunday brunch and the bottomless mimosa bar {Fresh fruit? Check. A variety of flavors like strawberry and pomegranate as juice options in lieu of the standard orange-juice-only-mentality? Check. Bubbly champagne? Mmhmm, checccck.}… My closest friends and I can often be found lounging, laughing, and sipping those mimosas into the late Sunday afternoon on Blush’s beautifully designed outdoor patio.  Need to host an event? They’re easy to work with, accommodating, and professional {look at an earlier event that I hosted at Blush here}.  Blush is a scene in which you want to be seen… there is an inherent connotation of class and elegance infused with just enough of the edgy stuff to keep things fresh.

    What to Try
    Food
    : The Blush Burger is always spot on {it comes with to-die-for truffle fries}.  If you’re looking for a flavor explosion {and to seriously indulge} get the lobster mac n’ cheese.  Dining here for breakfast? Try the Eggs Benedict or the Blush Toast {their special twist on French toast}.  The Chicken and Waffles are also delicious and surprisingly chic {see it to believe it}.  Their Chicken Sandwich and Cobb Salad are also spot on.  Tip: make sure that you get a bread basket with your breakfast… sometimes you’ll luck out and get some warm chocolate-filled croissants with whipped butter and strawberry jam.

    Cocktails:  The Love Potion No. 9 is a scene-stealer… a martini glass full cotton candy is then doused in a ridiculously delicious libation, dissolving the cotton candy and leaving you with a swanky glass full of pink goodness.  They also have an extensive wine list and plenty of wines are available by the glass.  You can order at the inside bar or, if it’s after 10pm, order outside at the back bar and take in the local nightlife in all of its {charmingly} pretentious glory.  Mimosas {especially with a variety of fruit juices and combinations!} are delightful.  And, as just being at Blush is reason enough to celebrate {if you truly need to find a reason… just celebrate life… read about it here}, have a glass {or two} of champagne.

    Local Tip:  Wednesday nights are a steal… the Wine Discovery dinner is only $25… you get to partake in a wine tasting hosted by a local winemaker, pick a glass of your choice to accompany your meal, and enjoy a starter and an entrée.  Sunday brunch is the place to be all summer long as Blush has an outdoor patio with a bottomless mimosa bar {and the fruit and juice combinations offered guarantee that you needn’t have the same mimosa twice}.

  • CURRENT OBSESSION – WILLIAM RAST

    CURRENT OBSESSION – WILLIAM RAST

    Yes, it all started with one simple {okay… not so simple…} purchase: a cream leather jacket embellished with ruffles and zippers that fit me like it was literally custom made {see the full outfit here}.  And, right then and there, William Rast stole my heart {that’s the name of this fashion line}.  I am now thoroughly obsessed with everything that William Rast has available.  They have a way of seamlessly combining elements of masculine style with those that are distinctly feminine in a way that is sexy and somehow classic.  Get a fix of this incredible fusion with one of the items below.

    1. ‘Combination’ Aviator Sunglasses $150
    2. Lace-Up Platform Boot $399
    3. New Ruffle Leather Jacket {just like mine, but in black} $525
    4. Belle Flare in Navy Chrome $165
    5. Retro Inspired Sunglasses $150
    6. Mackenzie Shorts $98
    7. Striped Twisted Seam Top $62

  • LOOK OF THE WEEK – GLAM GREASE

    LOOK OF THE WEEK – GLAM GREASE

    I was having one of those “Bad Sandy” kind of days… the kind of day where this good girl wanted just enough edge {but not too much!}… so I threw on some cigarette pants {buy a pair… now… I have a feeling this trend is on its way back in} and some red lipstick and sauntered {strutted?!} my way through the afternoon.

     

    1. Barton Perreira Faithful $395
    2. Oliver Peoples Limited Edition Balmain 1 $595
    3. Barton Perreira Brasco $480
    4. Striped T-Shirt $11
    5. RVCA Stripe Radley Sweater $60
    6. Soft Knit Striped Scarf $20
    7. Genetic Denim Raquel – Zinc $198
    8. Genetic Denim Raquel $165
    9. BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant $49
    10. Poetic Licence ‘Dainty Doll’ Flat $100
    11. Christian Louboutin Cotonetta $695
    12. French Sole ‘Zest’ Flat $195

  • FABULOUS FOUR – BRIGHT & DELICIOUS

    FABULOUS FOUR – BRIGHT & DELICIOUS

    Something about the summertime makes me incessantly crave bright, colorful, fun food… A few of the current frontrunners: