ISLAND BREEZE

Lately, I have been following home decor and styling more and more, in particular the different uses of textiles and texture really intrigue me. Scouring home decor styling sites I have found a trend that I cant seem to ignore....island style. The use of whites and varying shades of blues, greens and bright colors, island textiles and textures, and laid back vibes create the perfect mixture for a low key but still fun and stylish space. Other common themes of island style are handcrafted items, organic material, strong graphics, and natural elements such as wood, stone, and rattan. There is a blur between the inside and the outside world is what makes island style so appealing and naturally gorgeous.

So many different textures, the tile, rugs, blankets...but they all mesh.

Rattan couch just begging you to sit back and enjoy the life.

Natural colors of the stone backdrop standout due to their texture and appearance.
image sources: http://aubreyroad.blogspot.com/, elle decor

REFINERY 29 X SF

image source: refinery29.com

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the site Refinery 29. It is an American lifestyle and fashion news report covering everything from beauty trends, new stores, and odd little tid bits happening from coast to coast. As one of my favorite sites to peruse while online surfing, I was immediately excited that they started including a special section on what's happening in San Francisco. Refinery 29 San Francisco launched on April 18 and has been featuring stories on hill-friendly heels and a few favorite SF eateries from local chefs, yum! Can't wait to explore all new stores and sites they feature on the Bay! 

RHYTHMIC STYLIN': MARA HRUBY

Mara Hruby, a Bay Area musician caught my eye a couple month's ago on my friend Charlene's blog. Her voice is so pure and free and completely raw. Other than her music, I'm drawn to her personal style. She easily transitions from Old School Hollywood Glamour to Downtown Cool, in an effortless manner and still remains true to herself. Here are a couple of my favorite outfits from her:

image source: marahruby.com

And last but not least, watch her new music video for Stereolab (Lose Myself).

Like what you hear? Download her EP here.

JAY-Z'S NEW SITE LIFE + TIMES

I was reading an interview Gwyneth Paltrow held with Jay-Z on Goop and found out that he had a new website and of course I had to check it out right away. Unlike other sites/blogs, Jay-Z and his team offer readers a fresh perspective on Life and Times. Instead of just covering what's new and what's hot right now, they delve into something deeper, giving us a glimpse of their inspiration sources and share what they love right now. The topics range from style, art, music, and sports and even has a section on Jay's vision. Click here to get inspired.

image source: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialLifeandTimes

FESTIVAL FASHION

Summer is fast approaching and that means, its festival season!!! It is a well known that the fashion world will see and be seen at festivals, getting ideas from and pitching brands to 'influencers' on the festival grounds and at celeb-studded parties. 

Concert go-ers are always trying to achieve the perfect "festival chic" look, from its carefully calculated, just-rolled-out-of-the-tent look. This has gained momentum with the growth of Coachella, and it continues to influence fashion. Music festivals have become influential toward fashion, forcing companies to send paid style hunters gathering information about current festival styles, forecasting what will become a popular look.

So, instead of posting pictures of outfits already created and seen on blogs or online stores (which are probably a little pricey), I'm going to give you guys a look at some of the outfits I am planning on rocking at Coachella Music and Art Festival, straight from my own closet.

Bag: Anthropologie

Dress: Forever21

Dress: Vintage, Bag:Vintage, Sunglasses: Forever21

Collection of vintage dresses, bag, scarves and random bangles.

Bathing Suit Top:Victoria Secret, High Waisted Shorts:Forever21

Dress:Forever21, Bag:Vintage

UO, H&M, swapmeet

What do you all think, will my outfits put me in the ranks with the ultra stylish festival fashionista's??

image sources: free people blog, photos taken by myself

STYLE SPOTTER, APRIL 11TH

On March 31st, Ivette Uy (of daintiness) and I, went on a style spotting photo hunt.  Here is the well-dressed game:

 

We found this statistics major reading outside of Shields Library.  His whole ensemble is great, but his leather backpack that he bought on Ebay was what first caught our eye.  Here you can see some detail:

Later on we spotted this girl with her matching dress and flats.  She looks comfortably ready for spring while saying goodbye to winter with cool blues.  Unfortunately for UC Davis, she was only visiting.

Last but not least there was this girl with her cute pastel pink moccasins outside of the death star:

Stay tuned for more fashionable Davisites!

KEEP YOUR EYE OUT FOR THE COPS

Oscar art in LA

Street art is know as the hybrid form of graffiti using mediums such as stickers, stencils, posters, paint and sculptures. It is considered one of the biggest counter cultural movement since punk and is often done secretly at night, due to its illegal nature. Exit Through the Gift Shop follows an eccentric shop-keeper turned amateur film-maker, Thierry Guetta, as he attempts to document the birth of the street art movement and capture many of the world's most infamous vandals on camera. Along the way, Guetta crosses paths with the notoriously secretive street artist, Bansky, who ends up turning the camcorder back on the Frenchman with wildly unexpected results.

Some of Bansky's street art

Some critics have concerns over the authenticity of the documentary, but others believe that Oscar nominated documentary is the "first Oscar-related publicity to actually extend the concerns, and deepen the mystery, of the movie it's intended to promote." In the weeks leading up the awards, Banksy's somewhat controversial and industrial art has been popping up all over Los Angeles, which has given a lot of hype to his nominated film.

image sources: bansky.com

CONFETTI SYSTEM

Confetti System is two friends—Julie Ho and Nicholas Andersen—who make their living creating festive and kaleidoscopic "party systems" out of tissue paper, sparkly mylar, and more. The idea behind Confetti System generally is "to play with the idea of celebration, and what objects can come out of that — to make it something new," says Ho.

In addition to garlands, party hats, blindfolds, and party necklaces, the duo makes large geometrically shaped piñatas, which are covered in hand-cut fringe made from tissue paper or Mylar.
Confetti System also directs and creates installations and sets for the fashion and music industry, working with J. Crew, United Bamboo, Opening Ceremony, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Beach House.

J.Crew 2010 Holiday window display designed by Confetti System

As noted in a previous post, inspiration can come from the strangest places..."What we get really inspired by are, when you go into old 99-cent stores, the bulk supplies that are shitty but look beautiful in the way they’re packaged or the graphic design," Ho explains.
Their handy work is far form the 99-cent store decorations due to the huge amount of time put into each handmade "party" piece. The end product showcases the duo's love and dedication to creating products that will not only be visually impressive but inspire viewers and create a fun-loving and inspirational atmosphere.
I wish I could decorate every room in my house with their pieces! So much imagination, sparkle, and happiness.

image sources: sight unseen

HIPSTER WEDDING

Imagine an intimate affair with under 100 guests, handmade flower garlands draped through the tress of a magical outdoor wedding, the bride wearing a wedding gown with an unfinished hem , and large taffetta bows complete with a bohemian headband...and oh did I mention all of this was purchased from Urban Outfitters!!!

The ever so popular mass produced, "hipster" brand Urban Outfitters, Inc. is set to launch a bridal collection, Bhldna on Valentine's Day (a little ironic don't you think). The collection will be available online and later expand into stores in 2012.

The wedding and bridal industry is transforming into a more mainstream and accessible fashion outlet, and with Urban Outfitters participation I think the industry will gain even more success. With more and more young couples getting married in non-traditional ways, UO believes that they are "filling in space that no one's filling in. We're offering a take that's not out there" to brides that are looking for something unique and stylish for the big day.

The dresses will be created by Anthropologie's design team and other guest designers, which means you are bound to see a lot of detail work and eclectic versions of traditional gowns. The collection will have a lot of shorter dresses, lots of color and prints and no optic white dresses. Wedding gowns will be priced from $1,000 to $4,000 -- and special occasion frocks from $200 to $600.




Of course, Urban Outfitters is looking for even more ways to expand, as they plan on offering bridesmaids' dresses, jewelry, shoes, accessories and invitations, as well as wedding planning services.

image source: Women's Wear Daily

ABOUT A SHOE

If you love J. Crew, shoes, or Italy then you will swoon over J. Crew's behind-the-scenes video It is a serious craftsmanship that goes into every pair of their shoes. The brand's President, Creative Director, Jenna Lyons and head women's designer, Marissa Webb traveled to Italy capturing true workmanship, passion, and time in the development of their handcrafted shoes.

When the finished product is revealed their reaction is full of amazement and a true sense of accomplishment. J. Crew's shoes are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also are made by people who truly care about producing a genuine and handcrafted product.

J. Crew's "Made in Italy" series will also include the videos "About a Thread Count" and "About a Print" debuting in late February.

image source: www.stylelist.com

FROM THE EARTH

Inspiration is a tough thing to define or give credit to. As creative people and thinkers, we gather inspiration from all facets of our lives. One of the biggest forms of inspiration used in fashion is mother nature. Designers have been making connections utilizing the unique and naturally gorgeous textures, colors, patterns, and structural elements that earth offers. So be observant of the natural beauty that surrounds you; because you never know where your next bit of inspiration will be hiding.

Alexander McQueen Spring / Summer 2011

Organic shapes, manipulated fabrics, textures reminiscent of a weathered landscape

Necklaces in variations of stones, pebbles and layered metal and dress,
inspired by the colors of a dusty landscape.

Beautiful blue/turquoise color inspired by natural hot springs.

image sources: thevamoose.blogspot.com

LUSH IS A MUST

I found Lush about 3 years ago and I fell in love with it. The founder created Dream Cream (one of my favorite products) because her son had eczema. I also have really dry skin; constantly putting on lotion. I thought if it works for her son it should work for me. Dream Cream and the Buffy Bar are the best combination for smooth, silky soft skin. Lush is also very environmentally conscious. Most of their products are sold without containers like their bath bombs, dry shampoos, and message bars. They also do not test on animals and have a variety of vegan products! Please visit Lush.com to find out what else they believe in. Also if you are looking for a gift ideas for the upcoming holidays they have pre-wrapped gifts.

Image source: http://www.lushusa.com

H&M FASHION FINDS AT H&M

Dress: $9.95

Dress; 49.95

Dress: 19.95

H&M’s holiday collection is not only fashionable but it is also affordable. An array of blacks, reds, creams and golds, will help you make a fashion statement this holiday season. Check out the possibilities at H&M.

Images from http://www.hm.com/us/mobilev2/home/holiday2010__mobilePreHoliday2010.nhtml