Earthies

My local newspaper recently announced that a little shoestore nearby was throwing a party to celebrate these shoes. After checking out the website, I can certainly think of no better reason to party. Aren't these the sweetest, sassiest, summeriest sandals you've seen in a while?Are those red ones for real? Actually, the whole collection is on my not-so-secret wish list. Can anyone vouch?

One Sentence

Some days all it takes is one sentence to put a spring in my step. Today's sentence came to me from Riviera Magazine, January/February 2011:

"WHETHER RETRO, PLUNGE OR CUT-OUT, THE ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT WILL BE A WARDROBE STAPLE THIS SEASON"- Paola Incisa, President of the Solana Beach-Based Despi Swimwear

Yippee!!! This is fantastic news for a one-piece swimsuit lover like myself. And here are the ones I'm loving so far:

By Despi

By Urban Outfitters

By Victoria's Secret

What about you? Are you a die-hard two-piecer or is some version of the one-piece calling your name?

Arm Warmers?

Yes arm warmers. Perfect for the SoCal girl who can't part with her tank tops even when the temperature gets down to 65 degrees. Brrrr. And very cute. Much cuter than, say, wearing leg warmers with flip flops, in case that's what anyone is picturing.

The Shirt Mullet

I have Emily to thank for demonstrating how cute business in front/party in the back can look when you're talking about a shirt you borrowed from your guy. What a great look. And here she is from the other day making it work with a slouchy sweater! Girl's a genius. So I finally gave it a go. What do you think? Well, I got the thumbs up from the beautiful and talented mother of one of Snook's new preschool friends. Snook would have to make friends with the daughter of a fashion stylist. So much for wearing my stinky workout gear to preschool pick-up! Anyway, she made my day with her compliment ("it's all about the tuck"), and then offered me some free advice(!) for how to stretch my big shirt even further. Wear it as a dress with leggings and boots. Will do. Unless of course I'm in the mood for a mullet.

Top three photo credits: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Feet Candy

These shoes are so pretty and blessedly low. I would wear them with everything.

Photo credits: The Sartorialist

Summer Lust List

A picture of these linen pants from Sanctuary popped into my inbox last night, and now they're on my list. That I just started. Such a welcome alternative to jeans, which are starting to sound very sweaty right now.

My New Happy Place

Last week, I needed to shop for a special gift for my mom (Happy Retirement, Mom!). So I decided to check out a newish boutique in town called Rosamariposa. While there, my heart did about twenty backflips because I found my mom a perfectly whimsical gift, AND I found some of the most unique and stylish jewelry I've seen in a while at seriously rock bottom prices. We're talking $5 earrings and $10 necklaces aplenty. For imported, all natural, and sustainable pieces that beg to be worn. When I asked the owner about her prices, she just said, "I like to keep things simple." That's my kind of simplicity. I let Snook have my camera to keep her occupied while I shopped. Here are some of her images, but I urge you to take a look at the website for a slightly less abstract take on why I'm so enamored. There are also cute shoes, bags, tunics, scarves and hats, sans the sticker shock you'll experience at most boutiques. It really is a very happy place that I pretty much am looking for any excuse to go back to.

How Do You Like Your Stripes?

I pretty much like them any which way the Aqua collection at Bloomies sees fit to serve them.Which one is your favorite?

P.S. #1 and #5 please.

Wrap it Up

Wouldn't this convertible(!) ecoSkin Holly Wrap be just the thing to tie together just about any ensemble in the most delightful way? I like it in heather grey for spring.

Hot Dress

Maggie Gyllenhaal's Oscar look is the one that has stayed on my mind since Sunday. So sexy and one-of-a-kind, yet still so elegant.

Flip For It

There's something so clean and can't-go-wrong stylish about a pair of black flip flops. With a litlle bit of bling.

Jaw-Droppers

Spring 2010's luxe new looks and trends are so jaw-droppingly gorgeous, I'm forgetting to live in the moment.Take MAC's new nail enamel shade, Blissed Out (top shade) for instance. A neutral with a hint of pink that could take you anywhere you want to go.Do you prefer this LNA shirt in white or black? Both? Yeah, me too.Scarlett Johansson stars in Dolce & Gabbana's new Brigitte Bardot-inspired ad campaign. Who wouldn't want to look this good?I want to order this Proenza-Schouler bag to "Come to Mama!" Like my two other children, it will probably be disobedient in this regard. Forget about walking. These Gucci platforms are all about crossing and re-crossing.And finally, what do you think of this Valentine's Day-hot-date-ensemble? Love it all!