M's Travel Essentials

1. Bensimone sneaks

French-girl casual chic at its best. You can't walk the parisian streets without seeing these on every fashionista. Dressed down with shorts - Dress up with a dress/skirt. 

2. Black Leggings & Shorts

Current+Elliot Black Denim Skinnies - actually any brand will do, but this is my favorite. the jeans are cut with a high rise so your back end doesnt hang out.

Shorts are great for warm and cool temps. Buy a versatile fabric that transcends 

season. Add tights underneath for warmth/evening look.

3.  Simple Maxi Dress

I like this Splendid dress in particular because of the flattering racerback style.

It's wearable and cozy for day, but can easily transition to night with the right accessories.

4. Basic Tops

I prefer stripes, white, and grey tops to break up the monotone of the grey/black muted tones of your basics. A chambray shirt is so on trend and can be used as a top and a cover up if the temps drop. 

This is an idea of a simple chic uniform for day (maybe the heels are a bit much! but the same style in brown flats brings the sensibility back.

5. Something Sparkly!

Sequins will take this carry on to all new heights. Seen bedazzled at J-Crew: shorts, sweatpants, leggings, tops and heels (well just about every garment in the store!)

J-Crew Collection Harem Pant - for a hefty price tag ($650 - but sold out!!!) These are fabulous and will definitely add that je ne sais quois your travel basics were lacking. 

Easy Extras...

Colorful and Bold Accessories: this is where you can make this look unique by adding color and style without sacrificing space in your carry on. (scarves, sunglasses, jewelry)

Maison: Driftwood Design

A month ago my sweetie and I took a sea plane to San Juan Island to spend the weekend in Friday Harbor. We found ourselves on many of the islands beaches that were covered in driftwood. I wanted to bring every piece home with me. (trust me if I had a car, I would have!) 

photo by moi.
South Beach, San Juan Island

Im in awe by the way nature creates this natural and sun bleached beauty. It doesnt have to look beachy or cheesy and can add undone elegance and Je ne sais quai to your home  - inside and out.

photo by moi - driftwood bench- Friday Harbor 

My imagination took over on all of the ways I could use the wood in my home decor. As soon as I could get to my laptop I did some research and found that some of my favorite blogs are already on top of the trend! 

Apartment Therapy wrote a post on  a couple from California who used driftwood for a head board inspired by the bay they lived near. Driftwood+linen bedding=simple luxury at its finest! 

Here are some ways to inspire you to use driftwood as an earthy element into your home:

1. Fashion a flat piece of driftwood for wall decor and paint inspirational words to live by - photo of my very own living space :) (see above bookshelf..I also want to make a ladder for said bookshelf out of driftwood!)
*also shamelessly tagging this very soon entered into the Selby+CB2 contest. 

2. Gather smaller pieces of driftwood twigs and fashion around a lamp base and tie off with a string like blogger Tim Neve of 'Go Behind the Scenes'

3. Find a decent sized piece of driftwood, make sure the back is flat (if not sand down) get a few screws and hooks, and you have yourself a DIY driftwood coat rack. 

And so much more! Actually too many uses for driftwood to list that this blog post would turn into a book (hmm brilliant idea!) 

 Please post photos or share the way you would use this natural beauty in and around your home! 

Aug-tober Fashion Wish List

Its Aug-tober in Seattle. The weather is cold and dreary. Newstands are filled with “Fall Fashion” issues. My inbox is full of End of Summer sale deals and Halloween decor is being sold at my local markets. All of these subliminal messages are making me yearn for the cool cozy weather of fall!

So whats on my wish list?

• Roomy Sweaters (Stella does this well)
• Skinnies (Target, Old Navy, Barneys - this you can trade down)
• Grey Jersey Sweatshirt (preferably Vince)
• Motorcycle boots (Madewell!)
• Plaid Button down (again you can trade down on this)
• Satchel Handbag (Mui Miu is my fav this season)

Cardigans by Stella McCartney
Boots at shopbop.com