7 Stylish Mother's Day Gifts Under $250

1.  Smythson 'Places to Remember' Textured Leather Notebook $75  This will be a treasure for the globe-trotting Mom.  She'll love jotting down all the favorite places she's visited, shopped, and dined.  Done in quality leather to travel with her for years.

2.  Yves Saint Laurent Oversized Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $245  Some pieces never go out of style.  These sunnies by YSL are forever.  Designed with signature gold metal detail.  So chic and glamorous.

3. Linea Pelle Clutch in Sand $245  An oversized clutch is a gotta have it for her wardrobe.  I love the cool studded accents.  In sand, the color can easily go from day to night. Gorgeous for a casual day of shopping with a maxi and wedges or flat sandals.  Night out, it's dark denim with an airy blouse or slinky dress with sexy spring heels.  Also, major punch of color with 'sea'.  Can't go wrong, she'll love it.

4. A.L.C. Negative Space Cuff $125  Love the simplicity of this cuff.  It's modern and cool; makes a statement without all the extras.  It will be a sweet reminder of you every time she wears it.

5. Madewell 'the carrybag' in Bittersweet $75  Totally obsessed with the crossbody for spring.  It's my go-to bag for errands or just out with the family.  The boldness of this 'bittersweet' is the perfect compliment to her bright wardrobe.  Insanely chic with whites and nudes too.

6. Kendra Scott 'Danielle' Earring in Turquoise $60  There's something about turquoise that looks amazing on everyone.  A major wow piece for vacation and perfect for spring/summer events.  The pink agate is equally stunning.

7. Jennifer Zeuner 'I Love You' Charm Necklace $235  There's no mistaking how much Mom means to you with this beautiful necklace.  Love.

Mens Gotta Have It: The Bright Parka

From cool rainy days to gorgeous springtime temps, it's important to have just the right jacket.  For men, functionality is key this season injected with lots of color.  A lightweight parka has everything you need mixed with some really cool details.  I love it for around town or a weekend cruise on the boat.  Add it to your list.  The parka is a gotta have it.

 Hartford Garment Dyed Parka in Jive Blue

Scotch & Soda Short Parka in Tobasco

 Burberry Brit Showerproof Hooded Poplin Parka Jacket

Zara Hooded Cardigan in Orange

Hartford Hooded Cotton Parka Jacket in Red

Style Inspiration: Sunday Stroll

Lazy Sundays...  It's nice when there's no schedule to follow.  Window shopping, a trip to the grocery store, and an afternoon stroll with my hubby.  We did it all.

Wearing some of my favorites; the same navy pullover worn on vacation in Maui.  It's become a staple-one of those easy throw on and go pieces.  Paired it with a flirty pleated skirt.  I'm cautious at my age to wear anything this short, but I think the florals give it a feminine, grown up feel.  If it becomes an issue (or looks too young), I may have to reconsider.  But I love this trend, and plan on adding a few more pleated skirts this season.  My nude bow crossbody has been working for me lately.  I'm getting a ton of use out of this one.  In my walking shoes and love this chic cuff from M. Fredric.








What I wore:



When: April 15th

Where: Around Town

What:
Textured Navy Pullover: Rennes
Pleated Floral Skirt: Zara
Silver Wave Cuff: M. Fredric
Denim Espadrille Wedge: BCBGeneration
Tortoise Sunnies: Oscar de la Renta
Leather Bow Crossbody: ASOS
Silver Earrings: ???

Keds Spring 2012: Shoes We Know and Continue to Love

Keds and I have a long history...  From grade school until now, these classic sneakers have found their way into my wardrobe.

With an invitation to preview their spring collection, I had to stop in to see what's new.  The event was held at The Eveleigh, in what felt like a secret garden-with shoes whimsically displayed on tabletops and chairs.  Since 1916, Keds have given us what we've all come to know as the All-American canvas shoe.  This spring, they're freshly updated with playful prints, stripes, patterns, and chic metallics.  There's even a cool collection of chukkas for men in great neutral suede (for sure going in my husband's closet).

Something new on the way is Keds Clothing for He and She.  In collaboration with Opening Ceremony, they're continuing the "classic Americana" spirit with its spring line.  Look for a palette of navy and white, stripes, pretty daisy prints, and fanciful Peter Pan collars.  For men, there's everything from a blue canvas sportsman blazer to twill shorts and slim colored pants.  Women, love the stripe varsity blazer, contrast pocket wide leg pant, scallop daisy shorts, and white dot stitch pullover (below).  Pieces range from $120 for shorts to $280 for blazers.  The collection will be available for purchase online and in-stores April 25th at Opening Ceremony.

I continue to be a fan of Keds for its go-to style and affordability.  And this spring, so excited to sport my new skippers!

Happy Easter!!

Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful Easter!!  Blessings & Love  


xx

Style Inspiration: Birthday Lunch Date

Can you believe I didn't have a wish list this birthday?  I don't think my husband believed me either-thinking this had to be some kind of trick.  Meaning, "you should already know."  But I made it simple.  "No gifts," I say.  "I just wanna enjoy the week with you guys."

The best part...  Our son also happens to be on spring break.  So, we've been off all over town with friends-exploring, dining, and just relaxing.  Perfect.

We topped it off with a birthday lunch at The Ivy in Los Angeles.  Gorgeous weather, quaint country cottage feel, and they have fish on the menu.  Dining out, it's the only criteria our son has.  Without it, it's possible he may not eat.  So, a happy choice for everyone and a happy birthday for Mom.





Here's what I wore:






When: April 5th

Where: The Ivy, Robertson Blvd

What:
Silk Blouse: Vince
Gold Filigree Earrings: Gift from Mom
Turquoise Skinnies: Paige Denim
Gold Hammered Cuff: Nordstrom
Mother-of-Pearl Watch: Michael Kors
Sunnies: Michael Kors
Black Leather Sandals: BCBGMAXAZRIA
Black Leather Clutch: Pour la Victoire

Shop ClubMonaco.com Now

It's been a long time coming...  Since moving to LA, trips to Club Monaco are far and few.  I've missed my short drives to the Mall of America, and even more so-the beautiful clothes.

All that has changed today.  I'm looking forward to adding to my spring wardrobe!

Get online, check out the site, and get to shopping!!!

photos/clubmonaco