the sunny side of life

well, it appears that the rain is finally leaving our fair city...giving us reason to celebrate with some sun-inspired style!

bringing a smile to our face (and hopefully a glow to our skin!) are these objets de soleil:

colossal mascara by maybelline: a lash's best friend! gives eyes the pop they deserve for spring -- and looks great when fished out of a purse for on-the-go touchups.

double-breasted trench coat by merona: our newest "it" piece! we can't help but want to hop and skip when we wear it out -- it just makes us so happy!

a gray trouser's perfect partner to uplift moods at any officeplace, nighttime finds it with skinnies and multi-strapped heels for a cheery yet edgy round of drinks on the patio.

start skipping today at: http://www.target.com/Merona-Double-Breasted-Jacket-Yellow/dp/B001I9V9M0/sr=1-1/qid=1235359024/ref=sr_1_1/183-4958215-5868968?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Ayellow%20trench&page=1

woven yellow and cream top by forever 21:

did you really think we'd go one post without an f21 pick? you know us so well!

we feel so good-girl-running-through-the-meadows in this flowy,

sheer piece (so aptly named the "mystic forest top"!). embrace your inner flower child -- and don't forget the daisy in your hair -- at:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=fab%5Ffinds&product%5Fid=2048924808&Page=1#

and because we're all about finishing touches, make sure to pick up a bottle of "energy" vitamin water. not only does it taste great (and really give that promised boost!), but -- when carried in hand -- also adds that final shot of color to any springtime ensemble!

in case you'd like a professional opinion, feel free to check out the spring 2009 color report from our friends at pantone, available at:

http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/2008/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Summer-2009.html
** by the way, make sure to spend some time exploring this site. we stumbled upon this little jewel while doing some research on trends for fall. being color fanatics, we found ourselves in big-time love! **

(images courtesy of maybelline.com, target.com, forever21.com and vitaminwater.com.au)

jungle love

hello friends!

a recent business trip gave us the flying time to peruse many a fashion mag, and as we thumbed through the pages, we noticed a very common thread.

what was it? a whole lotta leopard!

here are the first spoils from our very own safari...at the mall!

macy's: sheer peasant blouse with ruffled edge and hem (juniors dept).

we love this piece -- complete with attached brown camisole -- dressed up for work with a black pencil skirt, patent belt and pumps, or headed for saturday dinner downtown with stovepipe trouser jeans (try h&m's "flary") and peeptoe wedges.

comfortable and sassy!

forever 21: super-thin, multi-colored headbands (pack of 5).

well, by now you know our not-so-secret obsession with the f21 establishment. but, hey -- if they keep us looking sharp without cutting into our already-tight budget -- why not?

try a single with a high pony for some casual spice, or group two or three together for a fancier, customized design. endless possibilities!

create your own at:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fhat%5Fhairgoods&product%5Fid=1057841288&Page=1

(images courtesy of stylefeeder.com and forever21.com)

giacini + grammy = read on!

we are so excited to bring you -- our fashionable friends -- this breaking news!

if you loved the giacini "shopping buddy" totes from our last post, you're about to be joined by all of hollywood. the victrola carryall, the first in giacini's new line of vintage print totes, has been selected for the official grammy gift bags (given to every presenter/performer)! let's hear it for our san diego designers!

just slightly larger than the shopping buddies, the victrola also features a reinforced bottom for extra support and (of course) the beloved double-length handles. with an interior zippered pocket for that can't-live-without lip gloss, this canvas wonder is roomy enough to stylishly shlep all your finds from the day: striped boatneck at h&m, lunch and dinner for the week at trader joe's, and influence by mary-kate and ashley olsen.

and the best part is -- it's washable and reusable, so not only will you want to carry it everywhere...you'll do so with with an environmentally-friendly bounce in your step!

beat music's biggest stars to the punch at http://www.viviparker.com/category.sc?categoryId=3 (make sure to mention you "spotted" it here)!

(images courtesy of http://www.giaciniatelier.com/)

keep the merry with a chic carry

we know the drill: returning that crazy sweater, going wild with the gift cards, gathering up some post-holiday steals...

and, while the holidays are officially over (sniff, sniff), keep your spirits high with these very fun totes to oh-so-stylishly bring it all home!

we spotted this first bag at forever 21, while snatching up the carolynn tweed coat. we loved the vintage print on the dove and -- for a dollar -- who could resist?

floral peace bag:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=ACC&product%5Fid=1058775119&showBACK=OK

carolynn tweed coat:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=OUTWR&product%5Fid=2055179889&showBACK=OK

(images courtesy of forever21.com)

our second pick is a bag we first fell for at the giacini (http://www.giaciniatelier.com/) trunk show at blisswear on adams(http://www.blisswear.com/). what a chic way to transport your goodies! pick from a poodle, pug, chihuahua, scottie or greyhound "shopping buddy" at viviparker.com, or visit scott james in the east village (http://www.scottjameseastvillage.com/) or cedros soles in solana beach (http://www.cedrossoles.com/).

(image courtesy of viviparker.com)

a wedding this weekend introduced us to our last find. just as neat as freeset bags are the stories behind them, which can be found at http://www.ashaimports.com/.

(image courtesy of ashaimports.com)

bando-licious!

we've just found out that one of our dearest friends, who just happens to be terribly stylish (and makes quite the stunner bridesmaid), has been nominated by dailycandy (http://www.dailycandy.com/) as a 2008 "sweetest things" nominee.

she and her partner co-created ban.do, a new accessory house of awesomeness. play anything from a romantic botticelli chick (cue clueless here) to zelda fitzgerald in her 20s heyday with these one-of-a-kind creations.

vote now at http://www.shopbando.com/home.html. oh, and don't forget the haikus.

(images courtesy of shopbando.com)

northern lights

yes, we know this is a san diego site...but as we do have roots in the central valley, we thought we'd show off some very chic finds from our holiday visit north. (and there is a san diego link, we promise!)

bright boutiques in bakersfield? not our first thought either, but we were so totally impressed. here are the goods:

first up, fashionista. housed at the base of the famous fox theatre (http://www.foxtheateronline.com/), this delightful find is fabulously run by twin sisters amy and kelli davis (who we found out have this shop thing down pat -- they owned a shabby chic store around the corner for nine years before opening fashionista). our favorite standout: the variety of fedoras, newsboy and fidel caps by the

san diego hat company

(www.sandiegohat.com).

see, we told you there was a link!

also downtown you'll find tangerine (http://www.tangerineclothing.com/). besides carrying the most wonderful vêtements, the cheerful decor made us want to sing! we have to credit our new friend kathy for introducing us to the world of orla kiely (http://www.orlakiely.com/), where all things graphic come together in the way of knockout bags and luggage, clothing and (would you believe it) wallpaper!

** according to the site, it looks like we can find orla originals locally at kingdom in hillcrest (www.kingdom.com), seaside papery in coronado (www.seasidepapery.com), and dreamy on the 101 in encinitas (www.shopdreamy.com). **

make sure to also check out addictive by lc (http://www.addictivebylc.com/). we've been meaning to get back and fully check it out -- let us know what you think!

quite the tasty faceoff

well, friends -- we're a little behind on these discoveries, but we do have some updates that might tickle your (bacon) fancy.

confused? read on.

down a little avenue called 30th street lie two very yummy establishments: the linkery and urban solace. as they literally face each order from their respective corners, we find ourselves in somewhat of a conundrum when it comes to dinner decisions. therefore, we'll give you the scrumptious details on both -- and you decide!

the linkery (www.thelinkery.com) brings san diego the best and brightest of locally-produced fare and drink, and we can always count on them for something unusual (i.e. delicious pickled farm eggs). we made a beeline in when both the super mexi-dogs and 30th street ale made it to the menu, and really enjoy the cool "no tipping" policy. tip is included in the meal/drink pricing, and anything you do give over and above goes to the charity of the month.

some news: they have just opened north park meat company (http://northparkmeatco.com), an artisal curing shop that only features meats from pasture-raised animals. first on our list: the sliced pork belly bacon to sizzle up for a big breakfast with friends. not sure yet of your new year's menu? try the blackstrap molasses country ham and house-baked honey wheat hearth bread!

keep up with goings-on at jay's blog, cleverly titled "casing the joint," at www.thelinkery.com/blog

moving across the street, urban solace (www.urbansolace.net) first drew us in with its new orleans-style facade and romantic outdoor patio. dedicated to everything comfort, our new friends did not disappoint. tucked back in the corner, we started with a nosh plate and the unforgettable warm cheese biscuits, then paired the flatiron steak with a glass of leal "threesome" (a syrah/grenache/mouvedre blend). too stuffed for dessert, next time we'll be starting with the peanut butter and chocolate crume brulee!

urban solace also offers a bluegrass brunch each sunday, as well as new year's day -- make your reservation now! be sure to check out their site for featured recipes (currently it's a butter pecan sauce) at:
http://www.urbansolace.net/events.php

and most importantly, while the food is to die for, both win for absolutely the nicest people in town. we'll drink to that!