Belize Honeymoon - Fashion Inspiration

I'd mentioned that I spent the long weekend down in Orange County for a best friend's wedding, and it was incredible!  The wedding was absolutely gorgeous - from the venue to the flowers, to all the little details - it was like being in a real live Pinterest page - no joke.  My beautiful friend, Lindsay, was absolutely stunning - gorgeous, and glowing and happy.

Of course, everyone at the wedding has had to return to real life, while Lindsay and her new HUSBAND (so weird and awesome to say) are on their honeymoon in Belize. I've been daydreaming about a hot tropical vacation, and with Belize on the brain, I put together a wishlist for what I'd pack on a romantic trip down there...

I'm not known for packing light (I had a carry on AND a checked bag for 3 nights in southern California for goodness sake) but I'd do my best to limit myself to pieces that could easily transition from day to night... I'd definitely go after bright colors, and LIGHT fabrics, because it is hot and humid down there...

Here's my packing check-list...

Belize by beckyc1923 featuring Steve Madden

Matthew Williamson floral dress / 120% Lino floral dress / Miss Selfridge chiffon dress / Accessorize sun dress / Jane Norman summer dress, $78 / Pull&Bear red dress, $62 / Paprika floral dress, $7.79 / Cutie summer top / One piece swimsuit / Halter top / Vix bikini / Wal G jumpsuits romper, $51 / Forever 21 romper / Charlotte Russe fringe bathing suit / Steve Madden shoes / Nine West flat sandals / MICHAEL Michael Kors tote bag / Irene Neuwirth gold jewelry / Luis Morais gold bracelet / IaM by Ileana Makri sterling silver charm / Michael Kors jewelry / Stella & Dot cuff bracelet / Blu Bijoux gold jewelry

White swimwear - you're a bride!!  And white makes you look oh so tan!  A sexy one-piece and a fringed bikini are must haves.

I'm also loving the versatility of the romper - light and easy to throw on for the beach, or for dinner with gold cuffs and cute gold sandals.  If you're feeling a bit more dressy, a pretty floaty maxi is just the thing, but it's Belize - one pair of wedges MIGHT make an appearance for a dressy night out.  With everyone else in flip-flops, it's hard to muster up the energy or desire to squeeze heels on.

A big bright tote is perfect for throwing everything into before hopping on a boat, or heading to the pool, and a selection of bright floral sundresses are essential for any beach vacation...

Faux Fur - Three Ways

                                 Source

Everyone has an opinion on faux fur, and I for one happen to love it.  I don't have the heart (or the money) to invest in real fur, and there is something so cozy AND chic about it in the winter.

If I were to try and describe my style in a nutshell, it would say that I go for feminine tailored pieces with classic lines, pops of color, and a few "fashion-y" statement pieces mixed in.  My style icons are Jackie O, Miranda Kerr, Kate Spade, and Victoria Beckham.  I rarely go for the overly blousy, off the shoulder tops, or the boho-chic look - regardless of how much I admire it on others - but this new year, I am going to step out of my comfort zone, and take on faux fur.  A faux fur vest to be precise.

I think if styled correctly, it can work for many occasions, and while definitely on the edgy side of style, I think I can work it into my wardrobe, with the staples I already love to wear.

For Work:

Faux Fur I by beckyc1923 featuring a zippered tote bag

Carven sheer long sleeve blouse, $710 / MNG by Mango fake fur vest / True Religion slim fit jeans / KORS Michael Kors high heels / Mulberry zippered tote bag / Juicy Couture swarovski crystal jewelry / Dorothy Perkins two tone earrings / NARS Cosmetics , $31

Grabbing a pair of black skinny jeans, and a soft brown silk blouse will make this dressy enough for work, but comfy enough to run around the office and meet clients for lunch.  The booties will keep my toes warm, and a big bowler or tote will hold all my stuff.  I'm all about simple accessories for daytime, and light pink lips will be flattering on pale winter skin.

For Weekends:

Faux Fur Vest II by beckyc1923 featuring collar jewelry

Abercrombie & Fitch embroidered shirt / MNG by Mango faux fur vest / Topshop tall jeans / Minnetonka moccasin / Steve Madden / Rebecca Minkoff collar jewelry / Marie Chavez / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather jewelry

Flannel is bigger now than it was in the 90's, and since it's tailored - not grunge - it would be perfect with jeans, and flat moccasins to look pulled together while running errands or hanging out with friends.  I love that a few layered chains dress things up, and a studded bag keeps it from looking too "back-woods".

For Evenings:

Fur Vest III by beckyc1923 featuring amrita singh

T By Alexander Wang long sleeve blouse, $325 / MNG by Mango faux fur vest / Topshop faux leather pants / Kate Spade high heel shoes / Coast gold handbag, $65 / Amrita Singh / Teardrop earrings / Warehouse leopard print belt, $29

Keep the underpinnings simple and black.  Faux leather (stretch) leggings dress things up, and simple black silk blouse (with a few buttons left undone) sex it up a little.  Belt the vest with a little leopard belt, and break out some killer pumps and accessories.  This is perfect for date night and bar hopping in the frigid weather.

Glitz and Glam

Soo, after putting together a little inspiration for NYE, things got a little carried away over here... I fell in love.  Hard.  And now I am totally obsessed with this full skirted, sparkly confection from Rare London.  It's AMAZING - right??

I WISH I had enough time to order it, and have it ship before NYE, but I'm afraid there's not enough time!!  Anyway, I've translated my wishful thinking into a fully styled ensemble for new years.  I'd wear it with nude peep toe pumps to elongate the legs (I have a pair by Stuart Weitzman that are TO DIE FOR), simple accessories to avoid detracting from the dress, and a deep red lip.  Finally, a messy low bun (a la Bridgette Bardot) is the perfect compliment to such a proper party dress.

NYE Sparkles Galore by beckyc1923 featuring high heels

Rare Opulence , $285 / PeepToe high heels, $120 / River Island , $44 / Chanel white pearl earrings / Black eye makeup

I mean... how fun would it be to party the night away in this number?

Having it cinched at the natural waist is extremely flattering (especially after dinner - am I right ladies??), the short, full skirt would let me twirl the night away, and a v-neck shows of the girls... just a little :-)

It's official... I NEED this dress!

New Years Eve - Fashion Inspiration

We've all been totally consumed with Christmas this month, but with New Years just around the corner, I've been on the hunt for a fabulous dress to ring in 2013!!

Figuring out what to wear is always a challenge when you are still focused on wrapping up your Christmas shopping for everyone else, and I always feel a little guilty to be shopping for myself this time of year.  Throwing off those guilty feelings, I've put together a few inspirations for my dress hunt this year...

Glitter All Night Long

All that Glitters by beckyc1923 featuring a short sequin dress

Elie Saab glitter dress / Hervé Léger / Rare Opulence full skirt dress, $285 / Short sequin dress / V back dress / Gold cocktail dress, $49 / Quiz gold sequin cocktail dress, $41

New Years Eve is one of the few times of year that you are allowed to be as glitzy and glittery as you want!  Head to toe sparkle??  You go girl!  I'm all about the glitz, and who doesn't want to stand out in the crowd??

Show a Little Skin

Cut Out by beckyc1923 featuring cut out dresses

Cutout dress / Cut out dress / Cutout dress, $26 / Cutout dress / Dress, $39 / Miso cut out dress, $32

This is not a look for the faint of heart, or the conservative / shy / body conscious.  All eyes will be on you in a cut out dress, and these scream sexy! If you want to test the waters, go for a small cut-out on the lower back - like this silver brocade dress (bottom right).  If you are confident and ready to embrace this trend, side cut outs will show off toned abs, and if you are raring to go, a sheer body con number (upper right) will be perfect for you.

Be Unexpected

Bold Brights by beckyc1923 featuring a body conscious dress

Donna Karan twist dress / Lanvin embroidered dress, $3,780 / Hervé Léger rayon dress / Hervé Léger form fitting dress / Z Spoke by Zac Posen stretch dress, $235 / Beaded dress / River Island body conscious dress, $24

There's a lot of black this time of year.  Dare to be different in bright colors that are normally reserved for warmer weather.  Go day-glo with neon yellow, green, or orange, or embrace the jewel tone family with amethyst and cobalt blue.  Feeling flirty? Hot pink all the way!

Wish me luck as I brave the holiday shoppers downtown, as I hunt for my NYE dress!!

Holiday Fashion Guide

The month of December is most obviously one of the busiest times of the year, where my social calendar is packed with festive get-togethers, holiday shopping, and spiked eggnog around every turn.  The last thing I want to worry about is what to wear at the last minute, so I've put together some holiday fashion inspiration, to keep me focused despite the chaos.

Holiday Lunch:
Whether it's an upscale lunch with friends downtown, or a swanky client lunch for work, a head to toe look with winter white is chic, and simple to pull together.  Look for a creamy white in luxe fabrics like silk, silk-cashmere blends, and cashmere.  These fabrics will keep you warm in chilly weather, and the fabric will drape in a really pretty way.  One thing to be cautious of is cheap fabrics - since it's a monocromatic look, poor quality will be very easy to spot.  Also, when doing all white, do not go for anything too form fitting.  It will accentuate every flaw, and nothing looks cheaper than tight, white clothing.

Holiday Lunch by beckyc1923 featuring lip makeup

Moschino wool shirt / Tulle Clothing / 3.1 Phillip Lim / Vince Camuto taupe high heels / Estée Lauder lip makeup, $29

Office Holiday Party:
You may be attending a fancy dinner or cocktail hour for your Office holiday party, but do not forget for a moment that you are with co-workers, and you are still essentially "at work."  This means, if you wouldn't wear it in front of your grandmother, then you shouldn't be wearing it at all.  A good rule of thumb: nothing too low (ie: cleavage bearing), nothing too short (your skirt shouldn't be more than 3" above the knee), and nothing too tight (this is pretty self explanatory).  A classic red sheath dress is still festive and feminine, classic pearl accessories will pop against the bright color, and a little leopard clutch never hurt anyone.  Trust me when I say, nearly every office has that one person who is going to break out the too short, backless ensemble - do not be that person!

Office Holiday Party by beckyc1923 featuring pearl jewelry

Roksanda Ilincic wool crepe dress, $1,255 / Forever New , $94 / B Brian Atwood peep toe pumps / Dorothy Perkins clutch handbag / Kate Spade pearl necklace / Majorica pearl jewelry

Christmas Shopping
I think we've all made this mistake before - wearing your very cutest "It's Christmas-time in the City" outfit to hit the stores, only to regret those stiletto boots an hour into your shopping expedition.  If you haven't, you are one of the lucky ones, but take it from me - there is NOTHING worse than aching feet, when tromping from store to store.  Comfort is key - flat or nearly flat boots with good support will be your best friend, and I am a huge fan of leggings with a long tunic sweater or sweater dress.  You will be super comfortable, and chic enough to stop into Nieman's for a quick latte mid-day.

Christmas Shopping by beckyc1923 featuring high heel shoes

Fat Face knit top, $72 / Green coat / Oasis legging, $18 / Clarks high heel shoes / Barbour leather satchel handbag, $320 / Dolce&Gabbana dolce gabbana, $515 / Estée Lauder lip makeup, $29

Christmas Dinner
I know a lot of people who spend Christmas Day in their pajamas, and everyone wears their elastic waist pants to dinner.  If that's your family, you can skip this part, because I am a firm believer in making Christmas dinner a special event.  Evening gowns not required, but I think a cute sweater dress, patterned lace tights, and a pair of these gold capped pumps would make the perfect ensemble to gather with family, open gifts, and eat a delicious meal together.  It's church appropriate, comfortable enough to get through plenty of that roast, and the tights will help save your legs from the cold during the annual after dinner walk through the neighborhood to see the lights.

Christmas Dinner by beckyc1923 featuring long sleeve dresses

rag & bone long sleeve dress / Hooded cape coat / Forever 21 patterned tight / Mango cap toe pumps, $115 / Hermès yellow gold bangle bracelet / Alexis Bittar gold bangle / Love Rocks chunky necklace / Enamel jewelry

Tory Burch Resort 2013 is Here!!!

Was anyone else as excited as I was this morning to flip through the Tory Burch 2013 Resort Lookbook???

The looks are preppy... bohemian... retro... classic.  It's all this and more!!

I am absolutely dying over these patterned peddle pushers above with the white crochet sweater.  And that full skirted sun-dress??  The studded belt gives it a modern edge, but the cut is lady-like all the way.  Doesn't it look really similar to the Louis Vuitton dress Miranda Kerr wore here??  So pretty!

The shifts and caftans are flattering on most shapes, and I love the simple color pallette Tory went with.  It's fresh and pretty, but easy to wear.  Everyone looks good in navy!

I am LOVING the super low v-neck dress.  It's actually a wrap which is incredibly flattering for cinching in the waist, and the striped pants would really elongate the legs.  I am so excited to try some things on!

So what do you think??  Incredible right?  All these pretty summertime clothes to tempt me just as temperatures are dropping!

The injustice of it all!

Warm AND Sexy - What to Wear Out, despite the Rain!

The weather has officially cooled off here in San Francisco, and we are expecting some heavy rain this weekend!  Not that it's going to stop us from going out on Friday night!

While we certainly aren't going to let the cold wet weather stop us from getting gussied up, my outfit (while not exactly practical) will have to be tweaked slightly, so I'm not completely freezing.  I'm loving this look - unfortunately Pinterest didn't have a source, so if anyone knows where it came from, I'd LOVE to know!!

Having long sleeves will help me keep warm in the cold weather, but the short skirt and sequins says, I'm here for the party!  I put together a similar look for anyone interested in replicating this!  Now all I need is a spray tan, and her hair!  Jealous!

sequins on sequins by beckyc1923 featuring a sequin skirt

MICHAEL Michael Kors sequin top, $59 / Sequin skirt / Giuseppe Zanotti open toe booties, $555 / Tory Burch / shu uemura / NARS Cosmetics lip makeup / Butter London nail polish

Weekend Trip: Monterey & Carmel

This weekend Kris and I are headed to Carmel by the Sea - a sweet town on the central coast of California.  I am looking forward to foggy mornings and the salty ocean air... unwinding outside of the city, cozying up by a big fireplace, and falling asleep to the sounds of crashing waves.

I'm all packed up, and while these outfits aren't an exact replica of what I've packed, they are darn close, and good inspirations for any cool weather fall getaways you might have planned!

Fireside Drinks at the Moss Beach Distillery:
This is our first stop on our ride down tomorrow.  We'll be driving along the coast, and stopping at the Moss Beach Distillery in Half Moon Bay for sunset drinks by the firepits, and an early dinner.  This place is supposed to be haunted, and with the cloudy weather we've had, I'm looking forward to a great sunset.

Fireside Drinks by beckyc1923 featuring wet seal

Pink top, $73 / Chloé cape coat / Citizens of Humanity jeans / Splendid genuine leather boots / Dooney & Bourke crossbody handbag / Mulberry / Wet Seal

Sea Kayaking:
One of the things that I'm most excited for is sea kayaking on Saturday.  I have a feeling that we are going to get a little wet (even just getting in the Kayak you drip water) so I plan on wearing clothes that will dry quickly, but that will still keep me warm.  I am loving the down vest - I compare it to sleeping with one leg out of the blankets.  You are still warm, but feel refreshed.  Tell me I'm not the only person who does this!

Sea Kayaking by beckyc1923 featuring allsaints

American Apparel t shirt / The North Face north face, $160 / AllSaints / NIKE lightweight shoes / Linda Farrow Luxe

Beach Bonfire:
Unlike summers at the cape, bonfires on the central coast are cold - very cold - and I can pretty much think of nothing worse than cold sand in your toes when it's about 50 degrees out.  Tall boots are a must for keeping my feet dry and warm, and my leather jacket really is one of the warmest things I own.  A cozy infinity scarf will help keep me toasty and a beanie will help keep my hair under control.  Since we'll be having dinner beforehand, a slouchy sweater and fun necklace dress up dark jeans a bit.

Bonfire by beckyc1923 featuring a vintage leather jacket

Over sized sweater / Jofama vintage leather jacket, $400 / J Brand skinny fit jeans / Sperry Top-Sider top sider shoes / Michael Kors box chain necklace / Monsoon circle scarve / Knit beanie hat

Touring the Aquarium:
Kris turns into a 10 year old boy at the mention of the aquarium - probably his obsession with surfing (and sharks), but there is no way we are going to Monterey without hitting up the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  If it were up to me, we'd be going on a hike to the thermal springs, but he is pretty dead set on the aquarium.  This means a cozy sweater (belted, so I don't look like a slob) comfy flats, and a big tote to carry all our "tourist for the day" stuff.

Playing the Tourist by beckyc1923 featuring a zippered tote bag

Printed cardigan, $145 / American Vintage fitted white shirt, $52 / Current/Elliott skinny fit jeans, $140 / A|Wear gold ballerina flat, $40 / Zippered tote bag, $145 / Leather Jewelry Hermès Brown

Pretty in Polka Dots

Source

Is this not the most feminine fall look?? I love the yellow skirt - especially pared with a blazer that is just a few inches shy of the hem!  This is definitely not a work appropriate look, but it's adorable for the weekend or drinks with the girls!  For a night out, swap out the big tote for a small sparkly clutch, and switch the heeled loafers out for a black patent leather peep toe.

Here is a guide, to help you put it together on your own!

Pretty Polka Dots by beckyc1923 featuring ray-ban eyewear

Dot shirt / Retro leather jacket / Diane von Furstenberg wrap around skirt / Nicholas Kirkwood leather loafer / Brooks Brothers wax bag / J.Crew j crew / Stainless steel bracelet / Ray-Ban eyewear

Workplace Halloween Costumes

I happen to LOVE getting dressed up for Halloween, but you have to be careful when getting dressed in costume for work.  I put together an elaborate Cruella DeVille costume, but it's a little much for the office...

If you are like me, and love getting dressed up for Halloween, but you don't want to be that person with painted whiskers on your face in a meeting (yes, that happened to me last year), I've put together three work appropriate costumes, that are easy to throw together, and are adorable to boot!

Workplace Witch:  
All you need is a standard black dress and a few accessories to get this together... striped tights, and witch hat.  Everything else is optional!

Workplace Witch by beckyc1923 featuring a bangle bracelet

Diesel Black Gold wool dress / Happy Socks sheer tight, $21 / Rupert Sanderson platform high heels / Chain jewelry / A|X Armani Exchange bangle bracelet / Broom Costume Witch / Witch Hat, Witch Costume Hat, Witchy, Witches Adult Costume Hat...

Sailor Girl:
Not sexy at all, and who doesn't own a striped shirt??  Time to break out your white jeans (yes, even after labor day), and snag a sailor hat from the costume store, military depot, or your dad (in my case)!

Sailor Set by beckyc1923 featuring nars cosmetics

Comme des Garçons slim fit shirt / Mango denim skinny jeans, $56 / Charlotte Russe ballerina shoes / GANT leather belt / NARS Cosmetics , $28

Where's Waldo??
Another easy costume... red stripes, beanie, funky thick rimmed glasses... and call it a day!

Where's Waldo by beckyc1923 featuring leather shoes

Comme Des Garçons Play red long sleeve t shirt, $160 / Replay denim skinny jeans, $200 / Leather shoes, $105 / Sunglasses, $180

Lady in Red

  

Red pants... are you brave enough to wear a pair??    I am LOVING the look of these looser fitting trousers with a sheer white blouse.  A great red pant is a "nice to have" not a "need to have" in terms of wardrobe essentials, but wouldn't they be fun to wear??

In middle school, one of my FAVORITE things to wear was a pair of blood red, bell bottom corduroys.  I was thirteen years old and stick thin (seriously... I was fully grown at 5'8" and but weighed around 96 lbs).  Regardless, I felt awesome in my bright red pants.  As an homage to the 13 year old in me that was brave enough to wear red pants all through the 7th and 8th grade, I put together a few options with how to wear guidelines... take a peek!

Red Pants by beckyc1923 featuring satchel handbags

Marni wool pants / Marni crepe pants / Theory pants, $1,220 / Pink Tartan red pants, $245 / Mango pleated pants, $72 / Valentino lace up heels / Christian Louboutin leopard print heels / Rupert Sanderson high heel pumps / Ash black boots, $465 / High heel pumps / 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel handbag / Dareen Hakim clutch handbag / Yves Saint Laurent chain link necklace / Miriam Salat resin jewelry / DANNIJO brass jewelry / Kate Spade clip on earrings / Long necklace, $9.62 / Charlotte Russe rhinestone earrings

From left - you better be a brave woman to wear this pair of Theory Stretch Leather Leggings, but if done right with these Valentino laser cut booties, they would be absolutely fabulous.

Red skinny jeans feel really urban and edgy - pair with some motorcycle boots and funky accessories - I especially love this cuff.

In the middle, these mens wear trousers from Mango are the most affordable, and the most similar to the pants in the inspiration.  I just love them for work with a big bag, and neutral shoes.

A cropped version presents the perfect opportunity to show off fun pair of suede peep toe pumps (with bow!)  The cornflower blue in the bangles and the deep sapphire blue of the earrings make the color combo feel more like winter to me.

Finally, leopard print is the perfect compliment to red - a fun pair of peep toe pumps and a chunky statement necklace are amazing for prowling around the town or a swanky dinner on the weekend.

Fall Fashion: Burgundy

Photo Courtesy of SheFinds

On vacation, I had plenty of time to dedicate to all the September issues of the fashion magazines - Vogue, InStyle, Elle, and Glamour were my favorites, and as Paris fashion week had come and gone, they all recapped the upcoming trends of fall.

A trend that was unanimously noted across all the big fashion books was "Burgundy" - a fancy name for maroon (a color name I absolutely despise).  Burgundy - like the wine - sounds luxurious, and fancy... and I do enjoy a good glass of wine...

Ok, getting back to the topic, burgundy was all over the Paris runways at Zach Posen, Herve Leger, Rachel Zoe, Alexander McQueen and Badgley Mischka - so you know it's legit.  It's actually a wonderful neutral, so to take on this trend with training wheels, start out substituting it where you'd normally wear brown - substitute a brown leather purse, brown leather belt or watch with burgundy.

To kick it up a notch, bring it into your makeup with dramatic dark lips or nails.  For a dramatic lip that won't pull a disappearing act an hour later, line the lips and fill them in with a maroon pencil, swipe lips with the burgundy lipstick, blot (the most important step here), and finish with a final coat of lipstick.  If you follow these steps, your lipstick will stay on for hours.  For less lip drama, use a burgundy gloss - the lasting power is minimal, but still fun.

To go all out burgundy, grab a solid dress with a classic feminine fit.  Nothing low cut, or too tight, since demure, ladylike silhouettes were another trend that popped.  If you go the dress route, make sure it nips in at the waist, and grazes the knees.

A few of my favorite (and reasonably priced) Burgundy pieces:

1.  Miss Selfridge Safron Burgundy Thin Heel $75

2.  La Mer Burgundy Leather Wrap Watch $96

3.  Burgundy Lip (photo courtesty of Elle); Chanel Rouge Coco in Rouge Noir

4.  Burgundy Pleat Dress, Dorthey Perkins $59

5.  Yves Saint Laurent 'Contemporary Amazon' La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer $25

Vacation Countdown

My honey and I booked a last minute trip to Cabo, and the countdown is on!  We leave next weekend, and I could not be more excited for the sand in my toes, and margarita in my hand.  Now that Virgin America offers direct flights to Cabo, we will leave in the morning, and be there three hours later! What could be easier!

I'm starting to put together a packing list, and pretty much everything I want to bring has the colors of the sunset, the colors of the sea, or a hip bohemian vibe to it.

Cabo I by beckyc1923 featuring a tie dye dress

Willow dress, $520 / Melissa Odabash gold dress / Wallis cream shift dress / Beach maxi dress / Mango tie dye dress, $31 / Dolce&Gabbana triangle bikini / Melissa Odabash bandeau swimwear / Mikoh Swimwear string swimwear / Giuseppe Zanotti toe loop sandals / Sam Edelman ankle wrap sandals / BP. summer flat sandals / Irene Neuwirth tear drop earrings / Long chain necklace / DANNIJO brass jewelry / Danielle Stevens Jewelry star jewelry / Panacea teardrop earrings / Into the Sun - Coastal Beach Cottage- Seagull Over Aqua, Turquoise...

I went on Polyvore for some inspiration, and have become absolutely fixated on the white Mikoh St. Thomas Bikini.  The strings on the bandeau top are so sexy, but this bathing suit is full coverage (on the top at least).  I love that any of these dresses could take you from the pool to dinner, and that the light fabrics will pack up into a carry-on.

A few months ago, I did a guest post  for my blog buddy, Kendall, of Lillies Lattes and Lace, and went back for more beachy inspiration.  I cannot forget my floppy hat, and an assortment of fun sunglasses!!

Oh can I be there already???

Summer Trend: Neon Yellow

It's everywhere - day-glo is back from the 80's and has officially become a summer staple this year.  I know I've jumped on the bandwagon with a few fun pieces, but even as summer is coming to an end for most of America, we are just gearing up for summer in San Francisco - AKA the amazing phenomenon of Indian Summer that hits just as the rest of the country starts cooling down.  I'd say it officially starts towards the end of August, and carries through October.

To me that means the end of fog, and the opportunity to FINALLY break out my summer gear.  Here are a few of my favorite Neon pieces I've been eyeing online.....

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Giuseppe Zanotti Espadriolle Wedge, Polyvore
This is a fun, and funky take on a classic fall wedge, but instead of a boring black heel, you get a fun pop of yellow.  Can't you just imagine dressing these up with some cropped, tailored black pants and a sheer blouse?

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Sabo Neon Tulip Skirt, Sabo Skirt
I've had my eye on this skirt all summer, but couldn't figure out for the life of me where it was from!!  Questions are now answered - it's from online shop Sabo - and it's totally reasonable at $45.  I think I may just have to pull the trigger...
 

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Betsey Johnson Neon Clutch, Karma Loop
This geometric clutch is as awesome as it is mod, and with a hard shell exterior, you won't have to worry about cracking your phone if it gets dropped (am I the only one that has trouble holding onto my clutch?!)


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Weak in the Neon Sandal, Modcloth
Cute neutral sandals get a total upgrade with a stripe of neon next to the toes.  I also feel like these would be super comfortable for walking since they don't have the "thong" between the toes that sometimes rubs me the wrong way.

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Shimmi Nicole Lace Up Bandeau Bikini, The Out Net
The front is standard bandeau, but the back is such a lovely surprise.  Watch those tan lines or you'll end up looking like a tiger, but this bikini is so awesome.  I WISH it weren't back-ordered in my size!!



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Jayda Blazer, We Like Fashion
For a casual summer Friday in the office, this bright blazer would wake up a simple pair of jeans.  I love the cropped sleeves and the single button, although I'd probably opt to leave it open.  This would look awesome with a white t-shirt tucked in, and a fun woven tribal belt in bright colors.

White Pants, Three Ways

My parents are counting the days until their European adventure, and I could not be more jealous!  They are taking a river cruise up the Danube, starting in Budapest, making their way through Austria, Vienna, and ending in Paris - city of amour (actually, it's the city of lights, but "amour" sounds better).

Of everyone in our family, my mom is the best packer - she packs light, and makes clothing staples work for multiple outfits.  My sister and I take after our father - the ultimate overpacker - but in my defense, I just like having options!

Keeping my mom's "packing light" mantra in mind, I decided to put together three vacation outfits, based on a cute pair of white cropped trousers she just bought!  They are lightweight which is perfect for hot weather, and nothing says "vacation" like white.

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Boat Lounging:
The weather will be warm (REALLY warm in Budapest and Hungary), but I imagine that it will cool off at night -  especially as they get further north.  Since the boat my parents will be touring on will be relatively small, the nights will likely be spent in conversation over dinner, lounging on the deck with a glass of wine, and watching the twinkling lights of the small towns pass by.  Layers will be perfect, with a cute sleeveless top for the warmer evenings, and a denim jacket and patterned scarf for cooler weather.  During the day, some oversize Jackie O sunglasses will be a must, along with some comfy flat sandals.

             

Europe I by beckyc1923 featuring a vintage jean jacket

Alice Olivia top / Proenza Schouler vintage jean jacket / Givenchy straight leg pants / Dolce Vita sandals / Hayden Harnett tech accessory / Sunglasses / Square scarve, $16

Dinner Out
Same pants different look - a white silk blouse with a v-neck and a pretty, drapey bow at the neckline take these pants from casual to dressy.  I am a huge fan of the 'white on white look' - always have been, since I was a little girl - but accessories like a bright bag and coral lipstick bring color to the look.  Dainty gold hoops, and low espadrilles are simple and classic, and who doesn't love a navy blazer with pin-stripe detailing on the cuffs??

                         

Europe II by beckyc1923 featuring cropped pants

Tall shirt / NW3 cotton jacket, $200 / Givenchy cropped pants / Cole Haan wedge / Radley crossbody handbag, $97 / Carolee LUX gold filled jewelry / Gee Beauty bright lipstick, $27

Serious SightSeeing
This trip isn't just about lounging on a yacht, sipping white wine and taking in the sites - they will also be doing a LOT of walking through the cities, towns and villages along the way.  In addition to these pants, my mom also bought an adorable pair of puma flats - they give the support of a running shoe, but the look of a cute ballet flat. A sleeveless striped top will be cool on warmer days, but a neutral oatmeal colored sweater will be nice for unpredictable weather.  My mom has dark curly hair, so for the humid warm weather a pretty scarf will be nice - once the curls get out of control, she is going to need something to tame them.  Rolling the scarf and tying it as a headband will be practical and pretty.

          

Europe III by beckyc1923 featuring vintage scarves

rag & bone long sleeve silk shirt / Striped shirt / Givenchy cropped capri pants / Puma ballet shoes / Ralph Lauren Collection leather shoulder bag / Vintage scarve / Lancôme bright makeup

Girls Trip: LA Weekend

I am SOOO excited...  I am headed off to La-la Land just after the Fourth of July with some girl friends for a quick getaway, and it could not come sooner!  We are all in need of a little sunshine, girl time, and some summery cocktails by the pool.

We are staying at The Sandard, West Hollywood, and for any fellow Sex and the City lovers, that's the hotel the ladies stayed at during their LA trip.  It's totally 60's mod, with a great pool, and it's just steps from all the hottest restaurants and bars on the strip.  CAN. NOT. WAIT.


For anyone who has ever been to LA (or So-Cal for that matter) you know that it's a total scene, and it's all about what you are wearing 24/7, so I'm using this little trip as an excuse to go shopping... I have a few very clear images in my mind of what I'm looking for... we'll see if I can make these "wants" become a reality...

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Daytime

La La Land I by beckyc1923 featuring a lip stick

Asymmetrical dress
Sam Edelman cork wedge sandals, $153
Feather jewelry, $10
Lanvin wide belt, $595
TOMS gold sunglasses, $139
Lip stick, $32

This high-low dress is eerily similar to one of my favorite looks from Pinterest (remember #10 from this post a few weeks back?)  This outfit is easy-breezy, while still being totally on trend... perfect for a bit of shopping, lunching at The Ivy, Star Spotting, and throwing over my swimsuit after a bit of sun-bathing by the pool.  Must find....

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Dinner

La La Land II by beckyc1923 featuring a coral lipstick

Wallis lace top, $49
Denim skirt, £12
Giuseppe Zanotti platform shoes, $850
Oasis clutch handbag, $55
Amrita Singh 18k jewelry, $300
LK Designs 18k jewelry, €97
Giorgio Armani coral lipstick, $30
Essie nail polish, $8

This flirty little circle skirt will still be flattering after a big dinner, while the high necked blouse keeps it from being over the top at a restaurant.  It's LA - not SF - so edgier is always better.  I love the studded clutch next to the soft skirt.  I'm imagining something like this for dinner at Katana or FireFly...

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Dancing

La La Land III by beckyc1923 featuring aventurine jewelry

Bodycon dress, $157
Promise Shoes high heel pumps, $55
J Crew clutch handbag, $80
Aventurine jewelry
Miso set of bangle, £10
Bare Escentuals lip gloss, $18
Urban Decay black eye makeup, £12

I am thinking something white at night to compliment my new LA tan... this dress is sexy without being too much.  I love the deep-v, and the flattering pleats.  That belt is very mod itself, and a few sassy accessories like the leopard clutch and coral drop earrings keep the focus on the dress.  I'll be wearing this at the top of Skybar, for a little dancing and cocktail sipping under the stars.