SWEET STYLE. THE BOWREY

Wouldn't life have it that the one day/night I bring my camera out (that thing is heavy!) in NYC,  I am wearing two pieces that have already been featured on Sweet Thing. Of course I wore four other outfits the rest of the trip and there isn't one photo to prove it. Ah well, it happens. This time I am wearing my new favorite H&M dress with tights (that never came off) and my old favorite leather jacket.
What an awesome day...we went to brunch at The Smith with my sister and her boyfriend, visited with friends in the LES, saw a few CMJ shows then back uptown to have vino with more friends...


wearing: 
h&m dress first shown here and here
j. crew tights
iro leather jacket
sam edelman boots
foley and corinna bag
zara scarf
fenton/fallon for j. crew necklace
rings from bhavantu and gorjana
opi big apple red nailpolish

KATE'S PAPERIE

On my last day in New York, I stopped by Topshop and Cafe Habana for Mexican corn. On a whim I walked in to Kate's Paperie and became obsessed with, well, everything...

Floating Feather Ornaments $56 for a set of 7
{These will be mine}
Assorted Gift Wrap $4.50 a sheet
{These would look amazing wrapped around any gift or framed as art!}
{storage worth displaying}


Russian Matroyoshkas Measuring Cups $18
{I have never seen more adorable measuring cups}
{entertain in style}

DIY HALLOWEEN. NO-CARVE PUMPKINS

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I mean lets face it, I love any reason to play dress up. OK maybe it's the candy. I revel in any excuse to eat sour candy and blow pops and have it be socially acceptable.
I carve a pumpkin every year. Some have been better then others. It never occurred to me to try out a no-carve pumpkin, until I saw these adorable ones on Real Simple. They are so creative and look super easy...


Chalkboard Pumpkins. I am such a chalkboard fan, for example here. This might just make use of my left over chalkboard spray paint!
Plaid Pumpkins. Are you mad for plaid? Me too. With a little tape and dry erase markers you can impress the neighbors with these beauties.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

I used to beg my mom to make me this soup for me growing up. It is delicious, comforting and the epitome of fall. I like to make a big batch and eat a bowl for lunch all week. This recipe is better then I've ever had in a restaurant and it is so easy to make. You're friends will be so impressed!
Butternut Squash Soup
Serves 8

1 butternut squash
2 large onions
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped thyme (I prefer fresh but you can use dried)
1 teaspoon red pepper flake
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
3 tablespoons white miso paste (the secret ingredient, trust me, it is amazing)

Start out by chopping the onions and garlic. 
Add to heated stock pot over medium flame with olive oil, thyme, red pepper flake and black pepper. 
Cook uncovered for 10-15 min until the onions are tender. 
Stir occasionally.

Peel the butternut squash and remove seeds (save seeds in a bowl) chop squash in to chunks. Add squash to onion mixture and stir. 
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until the squash is soft. 

Pour squash mixture into blender, add miso paste and puree (you may have to do this in two batches depending on the size of your blender). 
Top with tamari squash seeds (see recipe below) and serve with a crusty piece of bread. 

{ps. no need to add salt, the miso paste is plenty salty}


Tamari Roasted Squash Seeds
squash seeds (or pumpkin)
2 table spoons tamari (soy sauce)

Preheat oven to 350. Remove any squash remaining on the seeds. 
Coat seeds in tamari and spread evenly on tin foil lined baking sheet. 
Bake for approx. 10 minutes until crispy. 

Perfect for a snack or to top the squash soup.

WHAT TO BRING ON A PLANE

I'm heading to NYC one last time this year for a very special charity auction my boyfriend has been putting together (please come if you live in NY!). With all the traveling I've been doing lately, I've really had to get my routine down (I feel like George Clooney in Up in the Air!).

Here are my travel must haves and tips...


  •  1. Poncho Style Knit Sweater $39.90. My travel uniform is an oversized sweater and leggings. It's all about looking chic and staying comfortable.
  • 2. Knitted Fairisle Cardigan $110. This sweater looks so cozy. Perfect  for the plane. 
  • 3. Trompe L'Oeil Scarf $24. I like to bring a scarf with me on the plane. It opens up room in my suitcase and it can double as a blanket if it gets chilly. 
  • 4. Leather Tassel Tote $98. I'm always looking for nice bags that are big enough to bring on the plane. This one is a good price and comes in three colors. 
  • 5. Canvas Carryall $78. This carryall is large enough to hold everything you need on the plane, and with the long strap you can wear it across your body. 
  • 6. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones $299.95. I don't have these yet, but I want them. Perfect for canceling out babies screams (ps. I love babies).
  • 7. Ipod Nano $149. I am a crazy music fanatic, so I gotta have this on me at all times.
  • 8. Bottle Pack $12. I put all my favorite toiletries in smaller bottles like these. I just grab it and go.
  • 9. Tide to Go $4.99. You never know when you your going to spill something. Tide to Go has saved me on multiple occasions.
  • 10. Aquafor 2 pack $4.70. This stuff is amazing. I get super dry on the plane, this is the answer.
  • 11. Cordless Hair Straightener $99. My sister has this and takes it everywhere. When you have wavy hair and bangs like me, a straightener can be your best friend. This one is small and best of all cordless.
  • 12. Inflatable Travel Pillow $10. I have one like this. It inflates to save room in your bag.
  • 13. Vera Bradley Luggage Tag $9.99. It's sometimes hard to tell suitcases apart. This teal luggage tag will make sure yours stands out. 
  • 14. Leopard Cosmetic Bag $10.50 You can't miss this leopard makeup bag in your carry-on.
  • 15. Compression Socks $14. My ankles tend to swell when I fly. These socks keep my blood flowing and prevent swelling. I know, I'm a nerd.
  • 16. Sam Edelman Farrell Ankle Boot $175. I always wear boots on the plane. That way I save room in my suitcase and they are easy to slip on and off at security. 
  • 17. Laptop Sleeve 15" $60. Loving this cheeky laptop sleeve! If it fit my enormous computer I would get it in a second.
  • 18. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo $5.49. A great read is essential!
  • 19. Hue Jeggings $34. I love wearing leggings on the plane. These ones look like jeans and are comfy with the elastic waistband. Perfect for a long flight. 
  • 20. Hue Skinny Leggings $28. Classic black leggings are a plane staple for me. I always pair them with a longer top or sweater (not everyone can pull off leggings with a shorter top).

{My computer is coming with me on this trip, so check back daily for new posts from New York. xx}

WANTED. ROUND SUNGLASSES

Round sunglasses were all over the spring 2011 runways. Want to get a head start on the trend? Here are some of my favorites, starting at only $4.99...

2. Round Glasses on sale for $4.99

SWEET STYLE. UNDER THE BOARDWALK

On our last day in Santa Cruz, we went down to the boardwalk since I had never been. The weather was gorgeous and I was inspired by all the colors. I wore one of my favorite hats and my oldie but goodie ginger jeans. My 70's vibe outfit kinda matched the scenery...

wearing:  
american apparel hat
tucker for target top first seen here 
seven for all mankind ginger jeans
zara cardigan 
foley and corinna bag
vintage boots
vanessa mooney necklace 
feather necklace made by my sister 
rings from gorjana and wendy mink

CHIC OFFICE WEAR. PART II

Wondering what to wear to the office or Grad school? Here are the next 20 looks...


Outfit 21

 Outfit 22

Outfit 23

Outfit 24

Outfit 25

Outfit 26

Outfit 27

Outfit 28


Outfit 29

Outfit 30

 Outfit 31

Outfit 32

Outfit 33

Outfit 34

Outfit 35

Outfit 36

Outfits 37
Outfit 38

Outfit 39

Outfit 40

1. Selvedge Chambray Shirt $98
2. Cooperative Corduroy Suspender Skirt $58
3. Wool Blend Ribbed Tights $26.50
4. Two Tone Raincoat with Checked Lining $129
5. Jeffrey Campbell Lace Up Ankle Boots $178
6. Suede Bookbag $178
7. Two Tone Dress $59.90
8. Jacquard Knit Sweater With Elbow Patches $59.90
9. Colton Glasses $95
10. Navy Front Pleat Trousers $79.90
11. The Suede Sandstorm Boot $188
12. Buckle Leather Strap Satchel $170
13. Checked Blazer with Buttons $129
14. Montomarte Shirtdress $168
15. Langford Wool High Heel Oxford $295
16. Cool Wool Blazer with Turn up Sleeves $99.90
17. Over The Knee Ribbed Socks $16.50
18. Hold Dear Ring $58
19. BDG Tweed Pant $68
20. Plaid Ruffle Shirt $59.50
21. High Waisted Layer Skirt $79
22. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch $250
23. Star Dipped Ballet Flats $118
24. Croc Trim Lady Bag $80
25. Stolen Girlfriends Club Silk Lara Blouse $234
26. Dolce Vita Riki Pant $188
27. Betsey Sweetheart Over the Knee Socks $24
28. Redux Jacket $98
29. Long Knit Cardigan$39.90
30. Steve Madden Docile $89.95
31. Double Breasted Blazer with Wide Lapels $159
32. Straight Legged Ankle Trousers $59.90
33. La Mer Collections Watch $92
34. Maholo Jeweled Flat $110
35. Shawl Collar Blazer $135
36. Pins and Needles Polkadot Chiffon Blouse $58
37. Lace Tulip Mini $138
38. Panne Velvet Bell Skirt $78
39. Annie Glasses $28 




Happy Weekend Everyone!!! xx

CHIC OFFICE WEAR

This one's for my amazing friend getting her MBA at UCLA. She came to me wondering if I could do a post on office appropriate outfits. Like many other women, she struggles with what to wear to class or to work. She is no longer an undergrad (really girls, it's time to leave your sweats at home and wear something a tad more grown up) but, she is too young for the ol' power suit.
I decided to look at it from my perspective. What would I want to wear if I needed to look professional, but still stay true to my fashion sense. I was overwhelmed with all of the outfit combinations swirling around my head, so I will break it up in to two posts. I took 55 items (most under $100) and created 40 looks. Each item is numbered and listed at the bottom.

Wondering what to wear to the office or grad school? I got the answers...

Outfit 1

 Outfit 2

Outfit 3

 Outfit 4

Outfit 5

Outfit 6

Outfit 7

Outfit 8

Outfit 9

Outfit 10

Outfit 11

Outfit 12

Outfit 13

Outfit 14
Outfit 15

Outfit 16

Outfit 17

Outfit 18

Outfit 19

Outfit 20


1. Selvedge Chambray Shirt $98
2. Cooperative Corduroy Suspender Skirt $58
3. Wool Blend Ribbed Tights $26.50
4. Two Tone Raincoat with Checked Lining $129
5. Jeffrey Campbell Lace Up Ankle Boots $178
6. Suede Bookbag $178
7. Two Tone Dress $59.90
8. Jacquard Knit Sweater With Elbow Patches $59.90
9. Colton Glasses $95
10. Navy Front Pleat Trousers $79.90
11. The Suede Sandstorm Boot $188
12. Buckle Leather Strap Satchel $170
13. Checked Blazer with Buttons $129
14. Montomarte Shirtdress $168
15. Langford Wool High Heel Oxford $295
16. Cool Wool Blazer with Turn up Sleeves $99.90
17. Over The Knee Ribbed Socks $16.50
18. Hold Dear Ring $58
19. BDG Tweed Pant $68
20. Plaid Ruffle Shirt $59.50
21. High Waisted Layer Skirt $79
22. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch $250
23. Star Dipped Ballet Flats $118
24. Croc Trim Lady Bag $80
25. Stolen Girlfriends Club Silk Lara Blouse $234
26. Dolce Vita Riki Pant $188
27. Betsey Sweetheart Over the Knee Socks $24
28. Redux Jacket $98
29. Long Knit Cardigan$39.90
30. Steve Madden Docile $89.95
31. Double Breasted Blazer with Wide Lapels $159
32. Straight Legged Ankle Trousers $59.90
33. La Mer Collections Watch $92
34. Maholo Jeweled Flat $110
35. Shawl Collar Blazer $135
36. Pins and Needles Polkadot Chiffon Blouse $58
37. Lace Tulip Mini $138
38. Panne Velvet Bell Skirt $78
39. Annie Glasses $28 


Come back tomorrow for the next 20 looks!

SWEET STYLE. WEDDING IN THE WOODS

Here are some photos from the wedding amongst the redwoods. It was a magical night full of love and music and I was honored to be a part of it...
wearing:
h&m dress
inc shoes 
rings from gorjana and wendy mink
stud earrings like these 
nailpolish hands- essie sole mate and feet- opi bring on the bling 

WANTED. PALLAZO PANTS

I had so much fun in Santa Cruz this weekend. The redwoods, the beach, the wedding, I loved it all. We decided at the last minute to spend the night at my parent's house in Ojai, to break up the long drive home. I can't wait to get back and upload my photos from the weekend.

I've been eying these Topshop pants since this summer...
After seeing them on Carolina from Fashion Squad, I am craving them even more. They look comfy and effortless.


{I am always searching for ways to be comfortable and still look chic on the plane. These might be the answer}

DIY. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Well, we're off again...the boyfriend and I are headed to Santa Cruz, CA. for a wedding. I have only ever driven through Santa Cruz, so this should be fun for me. I have a feeling my camera wont be leaving my arm.

I think it's pretty clear by now I have a thing for maps. Like here, and here...
 Hmm, maybe it's all the traveling of late.
 I've been eying this adorable vintage paint by numbers in the shape of America (since it combines two of my favorite things, for example here)...

 


I think this could make a fabulous DIY (minus the $60 price tag)...

What you'll need:
+
2. Sharp Scissors, 3. Map of America Cut Out 

  • Print out a map of America on your computer and cut it out
  •  Place the cut-out over the paint-by-numbers
  • Draw a line with a sharpie around the cut out
  • Remove the cut out and start cutting around the sharpied line

and voila'

Something like this...


I think I have to try this out for my self! I'll let you know how it turns out.



Happy Weekend Everyone!!! xx

SWEET STYLE. THE WILDERNESS DOWNTOWN

James and I are headed downtown to see Arcade Fire tonight. They are one of my favorite bands EVER, so this should be an amazing night! In case you haven't seen this yet, you should...thewildernessdowntown.com
 
wearing: 
ulta nailpolish in plum street































  	
  


  

  


  


  






  


  


  

  

    

      
        HOW TO. WINGED LINER
      
    

    

      
      
    

  


  

  
    




  

If you haven't noticed, I wear winged liner practically everyday. I love it, it's a little classic and a little french gamine. I have gotten pretty good at it through a lot of trial and error. I have read an endless amount of "how tos" but none of them seemed to work for me. So, I thought I would share my technique in hopes that this helps you create your perfect winged eye...











What you'll need:

Liquid Eyeliner

Mascara

Eyelash Curler

{I use: Cover Girl Line Exact Liquid Eyeliner, Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler}











 











1. Start out by taking the liquid liner and  drawing a thin line on your top lash line, starting in the center and  working your way out. 







2. Next draw a diagonal line out from each corner of your eye. Follow the line of your lower eyelid and point the line toward the end of your eyebrow. Look in the mirror and make sure they are even on both sides. 















3. Draw a thin line on the bottom lash line connecting to the corners. This step can be left out if you don't line your bottom lashes. 







 4. From the middle of your eyelid, draw a line outward until you meet the corner of the diagonal line. Fill in with liner. 







5. Use Q-Tip dipped in eye-makeup remover to fix any imperfections. 











6. Curl lashes, add mascara starting close to the lash base working upwards, and voila' the perfect winged eye. 































  	
  


  

  


  


  






  


  


  

  

    

      
        WANTED. AUTUMN HOME
      
    

    

      
      
    

  


  

  
    




  

I've had a love affair with the home goods at Anthropologie since I can remember. Time hasn't changed a thing...These items would instantly give my home an autumnal feel to go along with this rainy, LA weather...











1. Halo chandelier $295, 2. Properly Patterned Throw $148, 3. Crystal Votive $58, 4. Sun Tipped Silverware $98 for a set of five, 5. Paradox Planter $48, 6. Marrakech Curtains $128































  	
  


  

  


  


  





  





  






  


  


  

  

    

      
        SWEET STYLE. A MARTHA'S VINEYARD WEDDING
      
    

    

      
      
    

  


  

  
    




  

When I'm attending a wedding, It's hard to balance the urge to photograph everything in sight and also enjoy myself. This time I did my best to do just that. Honestly, I only wish I had photographed more people at the wedding, the outfits were so inspiring (like the bride, wow did she look amazing). There just wasn't enough time to get every shot I wanted. I left that to the talented wedding photographer Tec Petaja. 







Something very exciting happened while James was photographing me in the mirror below...Martha Stewart Weddings pulled me aside to photograph me "reading" the menu. Ahhhhh!!! Let's cross our fingers and hope I get in the magazine. That would be dreamy. With no further ado, the wedding...



































 















































{Here are the napkins we made! In case you missed it, see how to make them here}















The wedding was not only incredibly beautiful, it was loving, intimate and most of all fun. Perfect really. L <3 C











wearing:  



bcbg dress



prada shoes from loehmanns