Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week – THE REBECCAS

It’s that time of the year again! Fashion season is in full swing starting with New York fashion week.  I’ve always been more fond of cooler weather and love the fall fashion shows, but spring shows are just as fun.  They’re always a bit more colorful and light in preparation for the end of winter.

Two of my favorite designers and collections I get excited for are Rebecca Minkoff and Rebecca Taylor.  One is edgy, modern and cool while the other is feminine, soft and pretty.  Here are some of my favorite looks from each collection!

REBECCA MINKOFF 2016 S/S

REBECCA TAYLOR 2016 S/S

Source:  vogue.com

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Thank you Design Sponge for lifting my spirits today.  September has been a tough month for me, physically and emotionally.  Scrolling through these images today was reminder for me to appreciate the little things and stay positive.

The weather has finally cooled down here in central California and I can’t help but feel a shift in the aura around me.  It’s definitely a good thing.  I’m looking forward to the cooler weather, the holidays, and spending much needed time with family and friends.  So whoever you are out there, reading this or not, chin up and cheers to the new season.

Hess Hoen

Remember when I said I was in love this house?  Well…I’m sorry, but I found a new love.  Not that I still don’t love the other house, I think I just love this one a little bit more.  This home, brilliantly designed by design firm Hess Hoen is housed in Sydney, Australia and it is divine.  It’s bright and airy with tons of large windows (which I love) and is my new dream home.  Enjoy.

Photo source here.

Houghton, Fall 2014

Someone pinch me, please!!  It’s as if Katharine Polk went inside my head and said to me, “April, I’m going to create the fall collection that you’ve been dreaming of!”  Who is this angel Katharine Polk?  Only the genius behind the new up and coming label Houghton.  Her fall 2014 collection is my dream collection in all my favorite colors and patterns: Black, White, Gray, Camel, Stripes and the occasional flash of Red!  It’s the perfect combination of sleek, classic and edgy…hey, it’s me!  Well, at least that’s what I like to think.

Did I mention she’s also a bad-ass bridal designer too!?  I’ve already picked out my future wedding dress.  And yes, it costs more than my bride dowry.  So what?  Keep an eye out for this designer, I predict even bigger and greater things to come.
Click here for more of Houghton’s fall/winter 2014 looks.

Photos:  Houghton

 

Bold + Girly

This is the home of Toronto based design editor Jessica Waks.  I’m a sucker for stripes and can’t get enough of those jewel toned colors.  Can I live here please!!??  Oh, and wait for the bathroom vanity…

Photo source here.

My Favorite “Chill” Albums

I fell in love with music long before I also fell in love with fashion and design. Every so often I’ll hear a song from one of my favorite artists and think to myself, “Damn, this song and album IS STILL so good!” and then I just feel all fuzzy and warm inside. Isn’t that what music is supposed to do? Make you feel nostalgic or transport you to another place? I started thinking about some of my favorite albums (there are sooo many) and how each one holds a special place in my heart and were present in different periods of my life. I’ve been in “chill” mood lately so here’s a list of some of my favorite albums and artists that I’ve had on repeat the past week. I can’t possibly list all of them because there’s just too many. What are some of your favorite albums?

• “Hopes & Fears” – Keane
• “Ceremonials” – Florence + The Machine
• “Parachutes” – Coldplay
• “The Mating Game” – Bitter:Sweet
• “Some People Have Real Problems” – Sia
• “Tidal” – Fiona Apple
• “Ray of Light” – Madonna
• “Born To Die” – Lana Del Rey
• “This Way” – Jewel
• “Broken Bells” – Broken Bells
• “Gran Turismo” – The Cardigans
• “Little Broken Hearts” – Norah Jones
• “Little Earthquakes” – Tori Amos
• “No Angel” – Dido

Ok, I’ll stop here. I’m starting to get all emotional inside!

 

Photo Credit:  Here

Vineyard Farmer’s Market

One of the best things about living in the ‘No is the fresh year-round produce.  We’re not called the world’s “fruit basket” for no reason!  The Vineyard Farmer’s Market is my favorite local farmer’s market.  From the beautiful arbor covered in vines to the endless variety of local fruits and veggies, you just can’t go wrong.  I stopped by this past weekend with my pal Lauren to stock up on some fresh fruits and check out what’s currently in season.

What are some of the places you like most about your town?

And last but not least, absolutely no smoking dogs, please.

 

Kate + Photography

Back in February one of my best friends, Kate, took these portraits of me.  Kate is the amazing photographer and CEO of Kate + Photography located in the California Bay Area.  If you have a wedding or event coming up, you better book her now!  She also specializes in classy (not trashy) boudoir photo shoots as well.  For a link to her website and portfolio glance over to the right side bar —>

I haven’t been brave enough to share these photos until now.  It’s because I have this weird notion that I have a bitchy resting face in all my photos.  Don’t know what bitchy resting face is?  Well, educate yourself here.  I think it may be an epidemic 🙂

To my surprise, because I’m a horrible model and completely un-photogenic, they turned out ok and non-bitchy-resting-face like.

 

 

Ombre Cakes

It seems the ombre trend has been so popular lately that we are seeing everywhere.  Hair, nails, wall colors, clothes.  It’s even popping up on my one my favorite foods, cake!  I am very much the novice baker, even resorting to pre-made boxed cake mix, but I love how beautiful and creative you can get with food, especially desserts.  I’ll be making a cake (a very beginners cake, I might add) for my sister-in-law’s baby shower luncheon this weekend and was perusing Pinterest for some inspiration.  It seems the possibilities are endless (see below).  I may or may not post the final results of my cake depending how terrible it may turn out.  But in the mean time I will try to channel my inner cake boss. Bon appétit!

 

All Images via Pinterest.

 

 

 

Summer Sandals

‘Tis the season for pedicured toes and lovely sandal tan lines!  When searching for my go-to sandals for the summer season I prefer simplicity and comfort.  I need something I can slip on and off easily and won’t chafe my style.

I think each pair has a little something to offer.  I was a bit apprehensive about the Jeffrey Campbell’s, they probably won’t do anything for my short legs, but they’re quirky; and I like quirky.  The leopard J. Crew’s are still casual yet easy to dress up for the office or a lovely night out without sacrificing achy feet or style.  Here are my favorite sandals for the scorching summer:

1.  J. Crew Collection Lillian Calf Hair Low Wedges
2.  Jeffrey Campbell Aurelia Platform Sandal
3.  Joie Sable
4.  Madewell: The Thea Sandal in Ticking Stripe
5.  Zara Leather Ankle Strap Sandal

What are your favorite styles?