Tag: Outfits

It was one of those perfect Santa Barbara days.  The kind of day that called for cutting the workday a little short and making it just in time for a glass of chardonnay at happy hour.  The kind of day that called for a little {or… at 6’1″… a lot} of leg and a few khaki ruffles.  I am a huge proponent of the whole safari inspired trend {it seems to resurface every three years} and I feel that each and every woman should have at least one safari inspired, yet simultaneously uber-feminine piece in her wardrobe.  It’s the kind of look that you can throw together in 30 seconds flat and just pin-up your beachy, sun-drenched hair… that’s what I did.  Polished, yet relaxed enough to go with that chardonnay you should be sipping.

{accents like ruffles and an oversized distressed leather belt help complete the outfit}

I was overwhelmingly excited for the royal wedding… Perhaps it was the anticipation of history-making nuptials that caused me to channel my inner royal.  What would one wear to meet the queen? To win over a blue blood? To honor tradition and yet still put one’s own twist on a look? I envisioned something like this.  A statement headband with tiny pearls, embroidery, and lacy appliques instead of the standard British hat.  A vintage frock with dainty diamond buttons that nods politely to the conservative nature of the royals… yet still shows a bit of leg.  A bag with a pop of unexpected color.  And, of course, ruffles and bows {around the waist and on the toes}.  I’d like to think that the Queen would {subtly, of course} express her approval of this look should we ever have the chance {keeping my fingers crossed!} to meet.

I do not believe {wholeheartedly} in the phrase “mellow yellow.”  Yellow can be mellow… and muted.  However, yellow can also be a statement piece… and vibrant… and shocking… like electric lemonade.   I am a huge proponent of the power of shock value… and, as I was exhausted from a week full of work and play, I felt that my electric yellow top would distract from the sleepy look on my face.  Yellow is an instant mood brightener that projects confidence, positivity, and the feeling of a free-spirit {we all know that you are all of those things, darlin’}… however, when you don’t feel that you are projecting your brightest self, throw on this hue… and no one {shh… promise!} will notice.

Another full day of design work and a going away party for a dear friend demanded an outfit that would seamlessly transition from business to happy hour.  Cue the jewel toned sheath dress.  Jewel tones are for women what a red power tie is for a man.  It is fashionable, makes a statement, and helps you appear confident/powerful (which… my love… you are!).  Gold embroidery (the dress was custom made in Thailand) negates the need for accessory overload.  A simple belt is sufficient.  And… if you haven’t picked up my rule on color mixing by this point… it’s simple: anything goes! Especially an emerald sheath and sapphire jewel toned shoes.

A day trip to Los Angeles, scouting a reception venue for my business, a Santa Monica lunch with my sister, and a quick meeting with one of my best friends called for an outfit that was professional, unique, and a lot of fun.  Enter: the vintage skirt suit.  With its bold pattern, oversized buttons, and cinched waist… I knew I had exactly what I needed.  The addition of playfully large pearls, a sheer top with floral detailing, and faux ostrich secretary heels completed the look.  Being ladylike is anything but boring.

Lots of sunshine and a bit of chill in the air led me to believe that the Santa Barbara weather was determined to follow its fancy… it was behaving like a quintessential free spirit.  I decided to do the same.  Old (a vintage pleated skirt) and new (a ruffled top and Chanel sunglasses) combined with some hippie-meets-glamazon sandals reminded me a bit of the sunshine mixing with the chilly air.  It doesn’t seem to go together at first… but you soon realize that it leads to a delightful day… and a free-spirited attitude {and outfit}.