Fashion, Outfit of the Day

Faux Fur and Faux Leather

Faux fur and faux leather…why not? When I purchased this Buffalo David Bitton vest from Current Clothing, I knew it deserved some special consideration. And like I’ve said before, when styling a stand-out garment, let that piece alone be the center of attention. Rather than rockin’ the vest with jeans or slacks, I kicked it up a notch with a vegan leather skirt…you can get away with skirts during the mild winter months in San Francisco. As with any piece of art, mixed media always stands out – and coordinating an outfit is definitely a work of art…so fur and leather it is!   In the ensemble below, I paired my red fur vest with a black high-waisted midi skirt (available at Current Clothing but similar here). I find high-waisted bottoms particularly flattering for petite women. They do not cut off our already short torsos! Instead, they hit in just the right place (if you live in a colder climate, try high-waisted vegan leather pants). Although any black top would work, I decided to tuck in a champagne blouse (available at Current Clothing but similar here) for some variation. With champagne being in the same color family as gold, I could get away with using a leopard […]

Continue Reading

Veggetti pasta and meatballs
Food, Recipes

Dinner is Served: Veggetti and Meatballs

When you’re craving the fixings for a traditional Italian dish, but you could do without the carbs, turn to the Veggetti! This kitchen gadget for under $15 actually works and is extremely easy to use. In the photos below, I prepared my meatballs and tomato sauce hours before in the slow-cooker, then garnished my veggie noodles with the meatball concoction. My favorite recipe for Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs is from the archives of skinnytaste.com.   Here is what you’ll need to whip up your favorite pasta dish (minus the pasta!):     Veggetti small bowl Gourmet Recipe Guide zucchini, squash, or veggie of choice prepared sauce or topping   Step one: Wash vegetables and peel them if you choose.   Step two: Remove cover from veggetti and insert zucchini into either the end  marked “thin” or the end marked “thick.” Gripping metal holders, twist the zucchini clockwise. When zucchini gets too short, use cover to continue twisting.     Step three: Bring water to a boil and add zucchini pasta for two minutes only. Refer to the recipe guide for recommended cooking times.   Step four: Drain zucchini noodles and top with your favorite sauce and enjoy!     For a limited […]

Continue Reading

Travel, Where to Stay

Best Napa Valley Inn

During my recent visit to Calistoga, CA, I had the pleasure of staying at a very charming inn. Just 15 minutes north of all the wine tasting in Napa Valley, sits The Chanric Inn – my new favorite bed and breakfast in Northern California. Did I mention it is dog-friendly?!     After a long day of wine tasting and an early dinner at Tra Vigne in St. Helena, make your way up to Calistoga (known for its spa mineral and mud baths) for a relaxing stay at the Chanric Inn. You will be kindly greeted by the owner and offered some champagne and Lindor chocolates. Make your way into your beautifully decorated room where yet another sweet treat and complimentary bottles of water await.     A short drive or brisk walk to Lincoln Avenue (the most “happenin’” street in Calistoga), here you’ll find a number of restaurants, shops, and bars. Make the effort to stop in for a cocktail at Susie’s Bar, Napa Valley’s oldest. If you’re in the mood for some fine food, Barolo serves delicious Italian dishes – get the burrata appetizer. And if you’re with your dog, there is patio seating. When you make your […]

Continue Reading

Beauty, Etcetera, Fashion, Wish List Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday: Fashionable Makeup Bags and Travel Totes

If you’re on the hunt for a new set of makeup bags and travel totes, this post is for you! Stephanie Johnson’s assortment of products will streamline the way you pack. Never worry again about your toiletries getting damaged in your suitcase and carry your cosmetics and jewelry in style.   Meet the ML Traveler: Just the right size for the hair products you can’t live without, perfume, and skincare essentials. Also featuring two “snap-out” pouches, throw in some hair ties and bobby pins and primp on the go with the included mirror. Available in eight gorgeous fabrics and prints.       Meet the Katie Folding Cosmetic bag: This pouch is perfect for the light packer or for the girl who carries her makeup in her purse. Sort your beauty wares in two zip pockets and easily find what you’re looking for thanks to the clear construction. This sharp looking case could pass for a clutch purse during the evening hours.       Meet the Julianna Jewelry Case: This piece has got it goin’ on. If you can’t part with your jewels, even for just the weekend, then you’ve experienced the frustration of opening up your jewelry carrier […]

Continue Reading

black and white plaid
Fashion, Outfit of the Day

Black and White Plaid

Black and white plaid is one of the most traditional prints you can get your hands on. Whether it is a piece of apparel, or home decor, you cannot go wrong. For the most part, you can wear or decorate with black and white plaid all year round. Style it with a pair of boots during the winter, or throw it on your porch table for a summer barbecue. Purchase a sharp black and white plaid peacoat or some fun plaid placemats. Catch my drift?!   During a recent trip to Napa Valley, I broke out a plaid maxi button-down – sold out but how cute is this dress? I styled the top with knock off Sanctuary leggings, and my go-to pair of knee-high boots. To finish off the look, and more importantly to add some color, I wore a deep maroon hat. The last thing you want to do after a long day of wine tasting is worry about your hair! If you don’t want to be in a dress all day, pair a plaid poncho with your favorite jeans and boots. I am particularly enamored with this one from Asos.   A note about the boots: These suckers […]

Continue Reading