Beach Ready

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Beach Tote: Calypso St. Barth / Cover Up: Calypso St. Barth / Bikini: Eberjey / Flats: Tory Burch / Hat: J. Crew

Watching the retailers fill with gorgeous beach-ready suits, clothing and accessories, I am getting incredibly anxious for summer.  Warm weather, beach visits, late mornings, no school.  IT IS SO CLOSE!  Well, okay, it still a few months away but I am already counting down.

And just because the weather hasn't caught up, it doesn't mean our closets can't.

Heading to a real Winter

What a start to 2014.

Yesterday the family and I spent the day on Balboa Island in Newport in what I would consider a perfect 75 degrees.  We ate at our favorite Mexican food, visited our favorite candy store, walked the islands, perused a used book shop and of course, indulged in our favorite Balboa Bars.

It was perfect and I could not have asked for a better day.

I hope your first day of 2014 was just as enjoyable.

As we come to the end of this Christmas break, the hubby and I have one last trip to squeeze in before the the reality of life sets in.  Tomorrow morning we are headed to Chicago to visit my Best Friend and her family.  I am SO excited not only to see them, but to have a few days with just the hubby.

The big question is, how is this Southern California girl going to pack for a weather report that ranges from 17-33 degrees with snow showers on Sunday?

The truth is, I am extremely excited.

For someone who rarely gets to pull out a coat, I just can't wait to get a taste of real Winter for a weekend.  

Though I am not sure what will actually make it into the suitcase, these items are a definite.  The boots I just received for Christmas, the turtleneck that wear ALL THE TIME, the best shampoo and conditioner to help fight the dry weather, the coziest poncho I own, my favorite gloves and beanie, and of course the faux fur coat I have not been able to wear in California yet.

I will be warm with this, right?...

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Dots

Happy Monday!

Indeed, it is a Happy Monday because, for the first time in 11 days, I am starting to feel human again.  The meds are working and I am hoping this psycho cold is FINALLY getting pushed out.  I have never had a cold/sinus infection take me out like this.  It was brutal.

Mother's Day was incredible around here with breakfast from the hubby and kids, brunch with my entire family and then a quiet walk all by myself.  I feel so blessed to have the people in my life that I do.  I hope all you mommies out there also had a fabulous day.

The weather here in Orange County was also showing some gratitude with delivering heat in the 90's for the first time in SO long.  It felt nice to sit outside and really feel like summer is approaching.

Dare I say we can pack away the sweaters and pull out our shorts?

I sure hope so.

Tank: Splendid / Denim Shirt: Madewell / Necklace: Stella & Dot / Shorts: J. Crew / Sandals: ASOS / Bag: C. Wonder

A Classic Summer

With summer right around the corner it is time for this Orange County lady to refresh her summer wardrobe of bathing suits, cover ups, hats and sunglasses.  With three little ones and warm weather, the workout clothes are put on the back of the shelves and bathing suits become the daily uniform while we spend our days at the pool or beach.

I love the black and white trend we are seeing everywhere and as a huge fan of black, I am planning on embracing it all summer long.  There is something so simple and classic about the combination and I can't get enough.

Eye Candy

It is now February.

The month when pure pressure is placed on every significant other to provide THE MOST ROMANTIC day ever.

It always makes me laugh how IMPORTANT this day becomes to women.

But then you see all the cute red and pink everywhere and it is hard not to get wrapped up into it all.

My Valentine's Day is already planned.

It involves my husband, our friends and my wedding dress.

Kinky? 

No.

Hilarious?

I can only imagine at this point.

I would share more but that would be no fun.

Instead, you are going to have to wait until after the 14th.

Okay, it has now been two days of red and pink.
I promise it will stop now.

Happy Weekend!

Wine Country

This weekend the hubby and I are heading out of town with friends to enjoy a weekend in wine country.  Our plans include eating, wine tasting, relaxing and simply enjoying each other's company.  This has been on the calendar forever and I am so excited it is right around the corner.

A weekend away also means wardrobe planning.  Planning for a day of wine tasting is one of my favorites because it involves everything I like to wear.  Items that are stylish yet comfortable, boots and of course a few accessories and sunglasses.  It is never too fancy yet always pulled together.  Here is the look I pulled together for Saturday when we are hitting some of the best vineyards in the valley.

The details in my closet

Zoe Karssen Adieu Jersey Top

Marc Allison 'Gina' Slim Boot Cut in Olive

PJK Collections Draped Leather Jacket (similar)

DV by Dolce Vita Bootie

Marc by Marc Jacobs Aviators

Accessories by Stella & Dot

Chanel Quilted Flap Bag

Like I said, simple yet pulled together.  

Now if Friday could just hurry up and get here.

Leopard Booties

A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of leopard booties at Target for $8.  I think the latte I was drinking at the time cost more than that.  There are so many ways to wear leopard booties but below is my IDEAL look.  I would live in capes, leather, the color oxblood and leopard if I could and this look incorporates all of them.  Who said owning a pair of leopard booties was weird?  Not me (maybe my husband).  But at $8, it would be weird NOT to.  

I survived our crazy last week and am SO excited for this holiday week!  No school, no homework, no waking up early and of course, Thanksgiving.  I am not sure who is more excited.  Me or the kids.  

I hope you all have a great Monday!

Military

My friend E recently asked me to help get her closet in order.  I jumped at the chance of cleaning out someone else's closet and shopping for them.  Who wouldn't?! 

First came the leopard print flats and then I found this military jacket that I thought was not only the perfect addition to her Fall wardrobe but an amazing price of $64 (which is why I bought it too.  I promised her I would never wear it when she did)!  We began discussing the challenges some women have to think outside the box and wear the same item a number of different ways.  I was instantly inspired and created two totally different looks, easily transitioning from day to night, with our her new purchase.

From Day to Night: The Military Jacket by sarah-jih featuring yellow gold jewelry

The first look on the left is E's typical day of the week.  School drop off, running errands, pick up and practice.  You all know I love stripes so that is a no brainer and every outfit is just better when there is leopard involved.  Plus, the stripes and print add a little texture to the jacket, denim shorts and simple handbag and jewelry.  You all now know her early Fall uniform.

For the majority of people, this jacket is and would stay in the "casual" category but I actually LOVE the idea of mixing a little masculine casual with some very flirty feminine pieces.  A quick change to skinnies and any black stiletto, followed by the addition of a printed blouse, earrings and a sassy clutch and this jacket becomes the finishing piece to a great dinner outfit. 

Anyone else have an item they want some help with?  Send me an email and I will pull together some looks for you too!

Gatsby

Yesterday on twitter I was reminded by Camille Styles how excited I am for the upcoming The Great Gatsby movie.  Not only is this one of my favorite books, but how can you go wrong with Leo, Carey and Toby?  If you haven't seen the trailer yet, here is the sneak peek.

Even though this movie is not arriving in theaters until December, the influence of the movie has already been seen all over the runway.  Glamour, flash and TONS of beading has been everywhere and I cannot get enough.  The "Roaring 20's" brought back to life?  I LOVE it!  Here is my Polyvore take on the fashion that has been inspired by the "Great American Novel".

The Great Gatsby by sarah-jih featuring tahitian pearl jewelry

Is anyone else as excited as I am to see this?

Independence

Fourth of July is right around the corner and I don't know about you but I LOVE this holiday.  Our community makes it an all day event with a 5K and pancake breakfast in the morning, carnival in the afternoon and then an evening of bands and fireworks.  I completely get into it and have such a great time celebrating with the family.  And do I wear red, white and blue?  As a matter of fact, I do.  Here are just a few things around the web that are getting me in the holiday spirit!

Don't forget!  This Thursday is the Space.NK event at Bloomingdale's!  There are just a couple spots left so click here for all the RSVP details before it is too late!  

Ocean

The ocean.  One of my favorite things about living in Orange County and one of the reasons why I have never left.  There really is nothing like sitting on the sand, looking at the water and taking in the view.  I am guessing the majority of people would agree with me on this or beachside resorts would not be able to charge what they do.

I am a huge fan of the color blue and all of its shades.  Though navy was a huge winner this past winter for me, I am excited to move towards lighter and brighter shades to welcome warmer weather.  Don't these items scream crystal blue water?  It could be anywhere really though I am picturing Cabo and The Esperanza Resort (flashbacks to my sister's bachelorette now playing).  Beach days, here I come! (Rain, this means you must stop.  I am serious about this.  It is getting absurd.)

Cocktails at Dusk

This Spring Break we stayed local while it seems EVERYONE ELSE went out of town to some where fabulous.  Oh how I am itching for a tropical vacation.  Because I did not actually go away, I have dreamed up what I WOULD HAVE worn had I been having cocktails at sunset on a tropical island.    I paired this DVF dress with two sets of accessories that could really be intermixed and still create a fabulous look.  Though I love them all, I am partial to the Marc Jacobs crossbody and the Rebecca Minkoff cuff.

Just click on the items to find out where they are from!

Green, for Real

After today's post, I realized that some may not be as excited to bring green into their wardrobe as I am.  To convince you otherwise, I created a style using the Gap khaki's to prove that ANYONE could pull off this color with just a few simple staples in your closet.  This look is not only mommy-approved (a.k.a kids cannot ruin anything you are wearing) but also keeps a little style in your -day-to-day.  Love it.

Summer Staple by sarah-jih featuring long sleeve shirts

Interested in any of the items?  Just click on the picture and you will be provided all location options!  Welcome to my Polyvore addiction!