Like A Bird

Wowza.  I haven't written an actual "fashion" post in awhile...this outfit was just too sweet to pass up.  I wore my new Miu Miu-esque blouse to work today and it was a smash hit!  Nordstrom annual sale, praise the lord!  I'm beyond obsessed with cobalt blue, and my new bright fuschia lipstick offset the shade quite well.  And I'm so proud of my photographic skillz, as I used my tripod and remote for the very first time today.  Free at last, free at last!

I'm wearing a love FIRE blouse, Forever 21 high-waisted skirt (one of my favorites,)  flea market sunnies, and Michael Antonio platforms.

Three.

My sweets, I have been M.I.A. as of late and for that, I sincerely apologize.  I've been searching high & low for inspiration but alas, it is nowhere to be found.  It feels as though I've been non-stop working, or staying busy with this, that & the other thing. *le sigh*  

Anywho, I wanted to share three lovely things that have captured what little is left of my attention recently.  

1. My mama pie gifted me with this book for my birthday, and it's absolutely wonderful!  As a fashion junkie, I've read countless styling books and wannabe how-to's of the wardrobe world, but every other book seems to fall short.  This book, (written by the lovely creators of Who What Wear,) features gorgeously current yet essential pieces and styling advice that would make The Olsen twinsies blush...or at least think twice about their hobo/boho hot-ass-mess-ness.

2. GAGA.  Need I say more?  Wow, guys...I am so beyond impressed with our Lady's third album.  At first, I was honestly turned off by the all too familiar club pump beats, but after a few playbacks I realized that this was no ordinary record.  Every song has its own unique personality and stands out among the rest.  One might assume Gagaloo has chosen quantity over quality with Born This Way, since there are 17 tracks.  But I genuinely love every song; no favorites.  Errr.... Bloody Mary, Government Hooker, Fashion of His Love.  Whaaa? It's amazeballs, truly.

3. Indie actress and folk songstress extraordinaire Zooey Deschanel has created another soon-to-be cult phenomenon, Hello Giggles. It is "the ultimate entertainment destination for smart, independent and creative females."  Translation: my holy place. Head on over for your daily dose of inspiration, cuteness, and duh...giggles.

Needless to say, I haven't had much time to utilize my mad photography skillz, but I swear I'm on that task like white on rice.  Patience is a virtue, little love bugs.  Cross my heart, I foresee many goodies in the near future.  Stay tuned.

Xo

D

Birthday & A Road Trip

This is WAY overdue...I'm sorry!  Birthday week was crazy, (as you can imagine ;)

Just wanted to share some favorite moments of my recent trip to one of my favorite cities, LA.

Griddle cafe did not disappoint.

I still wake up drooling from dreams of my Umami burger...

And oh, the salted caramel ice cream sandwich! (with macaron cookies!)

If you're ever in LA, you must see the famous Case Study House #22, The Stahl House

Dinner at our favorite downtown sushi spot, Octopus sushi

And a couple shots from my rodeo birthday bash ;)

My birthday week was absolutely amazing!  My best friend surprised me from Vegas (my expression was priceless!) 

I watched Bridesmaids twice (I don't think I've ever laughed so hard during a movie...except for I Love You Man...)

I had several great lunches and a few fabulous dinners, courtesy of my AMAZING family & friends...

and I partied my butt off (as any birthday girl should!)

I'll share more in-depth coverage soon!  I'm sad it's over, but it was a doozie! 

Xo

D

Top Picks: The Met Gala

Here's a quick roundup of my favorite looks from last night's Met Gala.

Call me crazy, but something about Beyonce's frock speaks to 

me with its '60s Italian glam-meets '80s over-the-top embellishment 

Michelle Williams in this trademark applique 

Miu Miu gown had me swooning

Ginnifer Goodwin was an absolute vision is jade

Diane Kruger was a stunner with that epic thigh-high split.  Yowza!

Florence Welch had me drooling over her '30s-inspired creamy confection.

Last but not least, I couldn't get over how simple yet perfect Leelee 

Sobieski's gown looked; the absolute epitome of classic chic.

I consider this to be one of fashion's biggest nights, so I couldn't help but 

feel a bit disappointed by the lack of fashions risks.  Not to mention the 

lack of McQueen at an event dedicated to the late great.  Sigh.

Book Club.

Time to spill a little bit about my secret inner self.  I am fascinated by modern art, photography, fashion, history, and good food.  While these fields are much too broad to entertain the thought of every single day, it comforts me to hone in on much more specific topics that encompass several of my passions simultaneously.  The first of these obsessions is collecting matchbooks, (art, history, food/restaurants, all wrapped into one.)  The second of these quirks is collecting coffee table books (which cover every one of the topics I treasure dearly...they can be about anything!)  

Most of these books I own cover topics of modern fashion, but I've picked up a few lately that I just haven't been able to put down.  Let me explain...

As an avid vintage treasure hunter, I need to be on my A-game when it comes to searching for new (yet old) goodies.  This book is incredibly informative.  Who knew that clothing tags without fiber percentages dated prior to 1960?  I now have a renewed sense of confidence in my vintage shopping skills, which should come in perfectly handy during my upcoming trip to LA.

Call me crazy, but this book nearly had me in tears every other page.  There were dozens of pictures of beautiful mothers during their prime.  They prove that our moms had such truly amazing lives before us, and that a picture really is worth a thousand words.  I kept reminiscing about the gorgeous photos of my mom from when she lived in the Philippines. And I hope one day my daughter will see pictures of me, and feel the same sense of overwhelming pride.  Can you say, perfect Mother's Day gift?!

This heavy hitter is next on my to-read list.  (But really...it literally weighs 10 pounds!)  What books can't you live without?  Are there any that you would personally recommend?  I'd love to hear. :)

xo

D

Why Hello, Miss Richie.

Wowza.  I've always been a fan, but Nicole Richie looks absolutely breathtaking in these shots via That magazine.  Just goes to show that petite girls are taking over the world...mua-ha-haaa.

But seriously.  I hope I look like that after 2 kids.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's hair-raising post.  Let's hope my new hairstylist is a hit.  Keep your fingers crossed! 

xo D.

A Few Things...

Here are a few things around the blog/internet world that have recently caught my eye-

Bailey's heartwarming and excruciatingly real story over @ Peppermint Bliss

Some exciting LA restaurants I can't wait to try on our trip next month...Here, here, & here.

Are you as excited about the newest Gatsby film coming out next year?  Isla Fisher was just cast as Myrtle.  I'm rather obsessed with the 1974 version, myself.

I've been a long-time fan; finally this fashion staple gets some street cred.

I am freakishly and disturbingly thrilled about The Royal Wedding...

I'm in desperate need of a serious closet overhaul.  Some items I'm currently lusting over:

A punchy maxi, adorable floral romper, & this sexy little onesie.

Hope you're all enjoying your mid-week obligations! Only 3 days left until our beloved weekend returns.

A Very Merry Friday to You

Khloe Kardashian's closet featured in Elle.

Let's Louboutin, shall we?

I DIE.

An Affair to Remember

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event at the lovely La Boutique in San Francisco, courtesy of the always fabulous Ruby Press.  It was the boutique/gallery's first anniversary, and they showcased Agnés Boudry's line, Collection 66.  Agnés was such a sweetheart, and everything in the collection was beautiful!

It was a dream come true to meet all of the Ruby Press gals; each and every one of them was so charming.  I've been a longtime reader of their carefully curated blog.  If you haven't gotten a chance to read it, you're missing out!  Click here to be whisked away to a blogger's paradise.

It most certainly was! 

The enchanting Ruby Press team

Many thanks to everyone for an unforgettable evening, and a big thank you to my friend Louise for accompanying me last minute! xox