A MARTHA'S VINEYARD FARM HOUSE

While flipping through the latest Elle Decor on my flight to Martha's Vineyard, I couldn't help but be drawn in by rustic farm house of restauranteur Keith Mcnally. As I read more I realized this house was IN Martha's Vineyard, just a few minutes away from my family's home. No wonder this home spoke to me. The reclaimed wood, the bistro chairs and the unfussy feel are just a few reasons why I wouldn't mind moving right in...
 
{photos by simon upton for elle decor}

SNAPSHOTS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

 
Our first day in San Francisco was cloudy and cold. It felt more like winter then summer, but we were so happy to be there, it didn't seem to matter. Afton took me to Dottie's True Blue Cafe for brunch, obviously a popular spot since we waited in line for an hour {totally worth the wait}. After our bellies were full, we walked around the city. My love affair with typography came out as I couldn't stop photographing the vintage signage of San Fran. 

On day two the sun came out along with a slight breeze. We headed to Tartine for what was the best sandwich {spicy turkey} and banana cream tart of my life. I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from a James Beard award winning pastry chef. I now feel jealous of all you San Franciscans that get to eat at Tartine whenever you like. It will forever be on my list of musts when I visit. After lunch we walked to Dolores Park, went vintage shopping in The Haight and then ended our last evening at The Buena Vista for Irish coffees. Sounds pretty great right? It was such a fun trip thanks to Afton, who knows and loves the city so well.

THE GLITTER GUIDE LAUNCH PARTY

Guess what? I am blogging from the sky- flying from San Francisco to Martha's Vineyard. Afton and I had the best time on our trip, it just wasn't long enough. I took some photos of the city I will be sharing next week, but today I thought I'd share my photos from the Glitter Guide launch party. I had so much fun at the launch, even with the chilly temps and relentless wind {hey I'm a socal girl}! Thank you to everyone that made it out, I loved getting to meet all you SF bloggers. You were all as sweet and stylish as I imagined...  
wearing:
zara dress and belt
j. crew, madewell and h&m bracelets 
drugstore tights
rachel comey heels


Hope you all have an amazing 4th of July weekend! xx

DREAMING OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving my whirlwind trip to San Francisco and flying back east to my favorite little island- Martha's Vineyard. Oh how I have missed the sweet air, the lush greenery, the sound of the Menemsha buoy dinging in the distance, lobster rolls from The Galley, Chilmark Chocolates and the clay cliffs of Aquinnah. I feel so blessed to have been going to Martha's Vineyard every summer since I was six. It couldn't be and feel more different then southern California, and I have loved getting to experience both through out my life. After being unsure if the boyfriend and I could manage the trip this year {it's a long way to travel from CA} we worked out the dates and will be there for the fourth of July. Hooray! We will be attending the same 4th of July party I've been going to since I was six years old. I am thrilled to catch up with old friends and see the best fireworks show on the island. Do you have any fun 4th of July plans? 

SAN FRANCISCO BOUND

I am off to San Francisco bright and early this morning with one of my favorite girls- Miss Afton for the Glitter Guide launch party. We decided to make it into a two-day girls adventure and I couldn't be more excited. Not only am I excited for the launch party soirée, but I can't wait to wonder the city, do a little shopping and eat delicious food. I leave Friday morning SUPER early, so I hope I can fit it all in. Do you have any favorite SF spots?

I hope to see you at the launch party tonight! xx




{streamers, confetti, glitter guide, confetti system}

LITTLE BOW PEEP

I keep finding myself drawn to bows. They have been making their way onto my tops, hair and feet. I love how they can be both menswear inspired and undeniably feminine. They can however boarder on a little too cutesy. That's why these bows in a neutral palate are just what I'm looking for. They channel parisian chic rather than little girl... 
1. Chiffon Neck Bow $13.79
2. Eddie Borgo for J. Crew Bow Pin $38
3. Betsey Johnson Sequin Clutch $93.75
4. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Bow Top $120.35
5. Twenty8Twelve Bow Shorts $189
6. Bow Belt $14.99
7. Eugenia Kim Oversized Ruffles Barrette $88
8. Bow Sandals $16.80

BEACHY STYLE

I'm interrupting regularly scheduled "my sweetest day" to take some time and draw some new city maps. Oh yeah, that means there might be a sweet day coming to your fine city. Until then, I thought I would put together a little beach inspired, design round-up. Can you tell I've got summer on the brain? This delightfully perfect weather we've been having has got me dreaming of a beach house, or at least decorating my house to look like one...
1. European Spindle Chair $699
2. Malibu Chandelier $895
3. Vintage Suzani Pillow $195
4. Port Stripe Outdoor Rug $149
5. Four Dessert Plates $32
6. Green Patterned Votives $54
7. Big Sur Lantern $88
8. White Dipped Barrel Baskets $53.10
9. Knot Door Stop $42
10. Bungalow Mirror $595
11. Sumba Stool $98

What are you up to this weekend? We are headed to see the Tune-Yards and Sister Crayon play at the Troubadour on Saturday. Can't wait! 


Happy Weekend xx

SWEET STYLE. MARIN WEDDING

Our weekend in Marin, although short, was exactly what I needed. The weather and the scenery couldn't have been more beautiful. The wedding was held at James' families ranch, which is a breathtaking property near Point Reyes. It was quite windy that day but the sun peaked out of the clouds just as the wedding began and warmed us up just enough. I wore one of my favorite rebecca taylor dresses and some wedges to keep me from sinking in to the dirt. James and I went over to say hi to Oliver {the horse} and snap a few photos before the reception began...
wearing:
rebecca taylor dress
f21 & jcrew bracelets
wendy mink ring
dolce vita wedges

GREAT LENGTHS

Happy first official day of summer! When it heats up in LA I want to wear clothes that are as comfortable as pajamas, yet still make you look put together. Jumpsuits and maxi dresses seem to do just that. Whether they're dressed up with heals and jewels for night and sandals and a top knot for day, they seem to work for any and every occasion...
1. Bodkin Twister Jumpsuit $318.50
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Jumpsuit $475
3. Elizabeth and James Kimono Maxi Dress $485
4. Topshop Floral Maxi $150
5. Rebecca Taylor Mirrored Silk Maxi Dress $325
6. Parker Long Dress $265

MY SWEETEST DAY WITH JAMES ZIMMERMAN

WHO: James Zimmerman, Actor/My Seriously Adorable Boyfriend
WHERE: Here and There
WHEN: Saturday

1. Lake Hollywood Park. I spent half my life growing up in Northern CA. Those of you familiar with our northern neighbors will know that frisbee is more a way of life than a sport. I can't think of a better way to start my day than by driving up the windy hills of Hollywood to partake in a excellent game of ultimate frisbee at the Hollywood Reservoir Park. (I know the ladies love this blog so I feel obliged to mention that the game is coed)  The Park is hidden away, halfway up the mountain. If the Hollywood sign wasn't looming majestically over your head, you might not know you were in LA at all.

2. Nat's Early Bite. After the rigorous workout that is ultimate frisbee (no joke)  It's off to Nat's for the best chilaquiles I've ever had!  Its not just the fact that they cook the tortillas to perfection, or that they make the most delicious breakfast salsa you've ever had. It's just a great old fashioned coffee shop, where they bake their own muffins, and folk are just that - folk. 

3. Secret Headquarters. The Guardian(UK) published a top 10 list of the world’s most beautiful independent bookstores. The only American shop to make the list is the next stop on my ideal day in LA - Secret Headquarters. I realize that I mentioned frisbee earlier and now I'm talking about comics. I'm cool though, I swear. Like many of the boutiques that line the Sunset junction, the design aesthetic is top notch. Walking in you feel like you're in some sort of English lord's private library- A library filled with comics and art books. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and they routinely host gallery events that highlight great artists and writers. How can you not love a comic shop that makes you feel sophisticated even though you're there to buy books with pictures in them.

4. Umami Burger. No day in LA would be sweet enough without a stop at your local Umami burger. I cannot stress enough how good these burgers are. All I can say, is that you must go immediately! It's a good thing I moved in with the lady because it was starting to be a problem living down the street. I personally recommend the Hatch burger, a glorious blend of house made American cheese (better than you think)and green chiles. And for those of you that like more spice, the Diablo Blue is always available even if it's not on the menu. I'll let you figure out whats in that one on your own.

5. New Beverly Cinema. I realize part of "Sweetest Day" is about cuing people into the little secrets we all have about LA. I have a secret- I'm in love with the New Beverly Cinema. The tickets are always $7.50, the popcorn is excellent and it's always a double feature. What really makes the New Beverly though, is that it's owned and curated by Quentin Tarantino. As one can imagine, the calendar is peppered with wild grindhouse cinema, cult classics, and midnight showings of Pulp Fiction- all of which play with the original trailers of the film's release. There are many many super cool talk backs and events that take place here, so it's good to check ahead in the calendar. But what I love most about the New Beverly is that, like me, everyone who goes here genuinely loves movies- even the bad ones.

{photo of james by me, burger, secret headquarters, new beverly}

MARIN

Tomorrow the boy and I are off to Marin County {his hometown} for a friend's wedding. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to a change of scenery. It's a short trip, especially since we are driving, but hey I'll take it. Marin is truly a magical place. When you're there you can't help but fall a little deeper in love with our planet. I plan on taking lots of photographs to post next week, but for now, here are a few outtakes from our last visit {the original posts I & II}...
 
Check back tomorrow for a "sweetest day" from someone very special to me. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. xx

NINETEEN TWENTIES

Have you seen Midnight in Paris yet? If not, you must- It's funny, It's beautiful and it takes place in Paris, I mean come on. I could relate to the movie quite a bit, because it deals with romanticizing the past {especially Paris in the 20's}. I have always had a thing for the 20's, and often thought I was born in the wrong decade. It just seems like a wonderful time to be alive- The flapper was redefining what it meant to be a woman, both the economy and technology were booming. Anything was possible. And, I just love the style. What I loved about the movie, is that it brought to mind an interesting point- even the people living in the 20's didn't think their own decade was the most amazing. No matter what period you fantasize about, the people of that time probably fantasized about another time. Do you romanticize the past? If so which period?

{photo, unknown, unknown, poster,

{doriane, cognac monnet, pattern, pattern}

I CANT STOP WEARING...

No matter what my mood I keep coming back to this outfit, or some variation of it. I am totally in love with this Madewell dress. With it's bright pattern, scalloped sleeves and cut-out in the lower back, this dress has quickly become one of my favorites. During the day I've been pairing it with a denim jacket and with this cold front we've had, a leather jacket at night. When summer finally decides to make it's way to LA, I'm sure you'll see me sporting it with sandals...
1. Rag and Bone Denim Jacket on sale for $185.50

SMITTEN WITH ELLE FANNING

How unbelievably gorgeous are these photos of Elle Fanning from this month's Maire Claire? I adore how they styled her- the colors, the slightly 60's vibe. I can't stop looking at them. Have you seen Super 8 yet? I liked it, didn't love it. Elle and the lead boy {Joel Courtney} really made the movie for me. Their acting is truly superb.  

**Those dreamy polka dot gloves are from BHLDN.

{photographs for marie claire by tesh}