Outdoor color~splash!

Flowers are not the only way to add COLOR to your garden! Checkout these gorgeous outdoor benches in knock-out colors by Richardson Allen. These pieces are built completely by hand, with solid mahogany and finished using an eight layer spray process of marine epoxy ~ basically these pieces will last longer than you will! See their complete line @ http://www.richardsonallen.com

The Richardson Allen ~ Hot Lips Lutyens ~ Mahogany in Hot Pink Marine Epoxy

The Richardson Allen ~ XXX Curve ~ Mahogany in Mint Julip Marine Epoxy

The Richardson Allen ~ Dangerous Curves ~ Mahogany in Canary Yellow Marine Epoxy

http://www.richardsonallen.com

The Mad Hatter

One of my favorite collections is my hat collection. Not only are there so many super fun hats out there to collect in fun shapes, sizes and colors ~ but they are a truely practical item to collect. I wear my hats on a regular basis.  For me, nothing really "tops-off" an outfit like a good hat! Here are a few favorites!
If anyone wants information on the above hats ~ leave me a comment and I give you details (due to a slight hangover, I'm feeling a tad lazy this morning!) xxx kisses ~ Annie

Evergreen

All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green 

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

These green shoes from Nine West, have breathed new life into my closet! Now this old green silk crepe dress (that I used to call my fairy dress ~ see water lilies) paired with a 3/4 sleeve suit jacket from Bebe, and a purse I received from my fiance, has a whole new life!  "Ageless and evergreen!"

beach pebble bath

My friend Kim Kelly, the talented designer/builder just completed a gorgeous remodel of a small bath in a Laguna beach bungalow. She asked me to come and photograph it for her portfolio and I was so impressed with how much style and character she was able to infuse into this tiny space. Her client, James Gruden (brother of the renown football coach Jon "Chucky" Gruden), asked her to create a clean updated look that brought the beach inside. I think she nailed it!

The ocean and beach pebbles were Kim's main inspirations. She chose to use glass and mirror to represent the water, and took a literal interpretation of beach pebbles for the flooring - right into the shower! Kim has incredible attention to detail and over sees every aspect of the project! Now it's onto the Master Bathroom!

the last TANGO in paris . . .

I bopped over to my dear friend Jennifer Becker's house yesterday (camera in bag) so I could snaps some shots of her SPECKtacular jewelry line Tango! Jen's style is utterly unique and so is her collection! Here are a few of my favorites!

Jen started her jewelry line ~ Tango, while she was living in Paris a few years back. Out shopping one day she came across some antique sequins and beads,  purchased a selection, brought them back to her flat and began making cuffs! And that was her . . . Last Tango in Paris!
(Note the gorgeous clasps with her logo - she carves these by hand and has them cast in silver & gold!) 

Jen uses a mixture of gemstones, gold beads, custom fittings, sequins and crystal beads.

These earrings are to-die-for!

Jen is a serious mix master and always puts together the unexpected in marvelous combinations! To see her complete line and purchase pieces, go to http://tangodesignonline.com

"You say tomato, I say tomahto"

However you say it, this sparkling tomato dress by Couture Couture, is delicious!
Dress ~ Couture Couture, Scarf ~ Salvatore Ferragamo, Shoes ~ Guess, Jewelry from my collection

Garden Angels

Last summer I did a photo shoot with my dear friend Yavanna and her son Jasper, in this dreamy tropical garden.  With such a serene setting and lovely muses to work with, it felt like an afternoon in heaven (if my memory serves me correctly!)


 . . . . btw ~ I am referring to my memories from heaven ;}

stormy seas

February tends to be our chilliest month here in Southern California ~ especially at the beach, however it gives me a chance to wear some of my East Coast styles!



This whole ensemble was built around this boiled wool, dove grey jacket by ~ Fake London, I paired it with a charcoal turtleneck sweater by ~ express, a plaid mini by ~ F21, a vintage leather hat and these killer boots by ~ Frye.

Wild orchids

Orchids have a kind of magic, whose secret will always elude us. A mysterious blend of witchcraft and romance, that sets them apart ~ above all other plants.

My orchids (in order of photos) Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, and Dendrobium. Silk blouse ~ Theory, silk tie ~ vintage Boston Trader, jewelry ~ all vintage gemstones from my collection.

Have a seat . . .

Just a few examples of form and function working together harmoniously!
Far too lazy today to write out all the info on these chairs, but if any peak your interest, leave me a comment and I'll get you details!

water lilies

I find these delicate and elusive blossoms irresistible . . . 

If you have forgotten water lilies floating
On a dark lake among mountains in the afternoon shade,
If you have forgotten their wet, sleepy fragrance,
Then you can return and not be afraid.

But if you remember, then turn away forever
To the plains and the prairies where pools are far apart,
There you will not come at dusk on closing water lilies,
And the shadow of mountains will not fall on your heart.

Pop T'art

Delicious goodies to feast your eyes on!

Winter Blues

The title refers to my outfit - not my mood! The sun is shining, but there is a nip to the February air so I decided to do a twist on the classic navy blazer and denim!





Blazer ~ Zara (with vintage buttons added by me), Asymmetrical pinstripe vest ~ Karen Millen, Moto jeans ~ Wax Jeans, and Hat ~ is reversible and I must of removed tag. 

London polish

I paired yesterday's polished look with some photographs I snapped at the London hotel in West LA.  Their interior style, a mix of classic neutrals, interesting textures with a twist of the unexpected, was an inspiration of sorts for this outfit!

Blouse ~ vintage Betsy Johnson (I've had this forever ~ seriously like 15 years!), vintage silk vest that I tailored to fit, Lace skirt from forever 21, Express fishnets,  Dolce Vita snakeskin heels, Earrings by Aroma jewels and Gucci shades.