All Black (and gold) Everything

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Shoes: Jcrew  ~  Watch: Shinola  ~  Bag: Givenchy Zanzi Satchel  ~  Belt: Maison Boinet

I’ve been building my fall “wish list” and have rounded up a few favorites (mostly from Barneys which isn’t my normal go-to but they have such beautiful things). I gravitate towards creams and whites so I’m making an effort to build my collection of classic black pieces. I’m loving black and gold at the moment and want to try some all black looks this season!

This pony hair belt by Maison Boinet is beautiful and unique while still being wearable season after season. The delicate gold hardware is my favorite aspect of it. I like bags I can fit my whole day into and this Givenchy Nightengale Bag looks beautiful and comfy (no thin strap digging in)~ I need to get to Barneys to compare styles in person but I’m pretty much set on black with goldtone hardware. As much as I love a good sale, I don’t mind splurging every once in a while on investment pieces that can always come back into rotation. Shinola watches are fabulous and this one is no exception. I have only found this particular style on the Barneys website so not sure if it is exclusive to them only- so classic with the simple face and black alligator strap. I scooped up some black ripped knee skinny jeans and patent pointed toe black flats on Jcrew…looking forward to putting it all together! Share pics soon 🙂

Coastal Casual Day

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Sweater: Young, Fabulous & Broke  ~  Jeans: Jbrand (zipper at ankles)  ~  Rings: Lagos, Tiffanys

Bag: Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Soffi Bag  ~  Sunnies: TOM’s Aviator Sunglasses

I didn’t realize how partial I am to certain stores and brands until I started writing on here (hello….JCrew and Jbrand Jeans much). My sister is very photogeneic an allows me to dress her up for these photos which I love. This outfit is perfect for a coastal fall day running errands around town. This sweater can be worn over a simple tee, a white cami or even under a longer stiped tank for a more graphic look. The jeans have great zipper detail on the ankles perfect for booties or unzipped with flats….comfy, cozy and cute!

Skimmers

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Shoes: Madewell (sold out but similar here) and classic Jcrew patent flats here

Flats and skimmers are great for a a polished yet casual look. Living in a beach community I rarely dress in beautiful heels- love the look but doesn’t work for me on a day-to-day basis. Nude and black are always classic…and for shorter gals such as myself the nude helps your legs look a little longer. I also love these patent flats from Jcrew for a sleek look!

Cozy For Fall

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Jeans: Jbrand Jeans (available at Nordstrom) ~  Flannel: Madewell (similar here)

Sunglasses: Rayban  ~  Rings: Lagos (available at Nordstrom), Tiffanys (old but loving this one)

Fall is in full swing and the chill in the air and turning leaves make me think of cozy flannel, sherpa lined jackets and dressing for comfort. Think cabin time with friends and family. Here is a classic, warm look compliments of my sister and my fabulous friend Jen. From rope swings to lounging, this looks is a favorite go to for crisp autmn days!

Earrings


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Earrings: herkimer diamond studs by satomi kawakita from Roztayger

Sunnies: Illesteva from Jcrew (also at Barneys and Nordstrom)

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Melissa Joy Manning makes some beautiful Herkimer earrings like the ones here.

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Earrings: Etsy...found here and under $10

First of all- yes, I know I’m not a model and I have a two year old so I will NEVER look rested. That being said, the point is to share some of my fave finds so let’s not focus on that 🙂 I am pretty minimalist when it comes to accessories….a classic watch, an occasional bracelet or simple earrings and that’s usually it. When I find myself getting carried away, I like to remind myself that simplicity is the ultimate elegance.

I had been hunting for a great pair of Herkimer Diamond earrings after seeing Melissa Joy Mannings designs but wanted something that was much simpler. I opted for a pair found at Roztayger – awesome selection and amazing customer service- if customer service is bad I will never repeat biz but when it’s exceptional I go back specifically to support them…this is one of those businesses. These are Herkimer Studs are designed by Satomi Kawakita. What is Herkimer? Good Question. Herkimer diamonds are rare double terminated quartz crystals found only in a  small are of Herkimer County, New York.  This seems to be the only place that exact right conditions are to make these beautiful jewels.  A double terminated crystal has points on both ends instead of just one end.  These rare crystals are able to form double terminated due to their formation in gas bubbles in magma (lava).  Other quartz crystals (such as amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz) grown with only one termination – either imbedded in matrix (the rock base they grow on) or broken away from their matrix, hence the flat or jagged broken end.  Smoky Herkimer diamonds are a rich chocolate color rather than the light golden-brown or smoke characteristic of most smoky quartz.  Due to their rarity and extremely high quality in comparison to other quartz crystals, Herkimer diamonds often cost much more than regular rock crystal quartz and are sometimes even used in fine jewelry or displayed in museums, like the Smithsonian.

Stones are such a personal thing- for me the value of a stone is how much you love it- not the price. Same goes with jewelry. Sure, it’s great to have a couple investment pieces but my favorite go-to earings were less than $10 in Etsy…It’s all about mixing the high-end and the low! Etsy is a great place to discover jewelry makers with alot of style for not alot of $$$…just read their reviews!

Love A Good Sale!

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The Shopbop sale is on….That means those item’s you’ve been eyeing are 25% off for three days only with code Family25. 

I’ve already picked up some jeans from ANINE BING and a sweater by Oak…sizes go FAST during sale time! Let me know if you find something fabulous…I look at Oak, Vince, Alexander Wang, etc…but there is almost too much to check it all out so share your great finds!

Cozy Style For Kids

 

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Shoes: Toddler Converse ~ Shoes: Toddler Uggs  ~ Sweater: Jcrew last season but similar here ~ Bloomers: Flora & Henri

We have alot of beach days living in Santa Cruz…not all of them beautiful! I don’t like to invest alot of money in kids clothes since they only last 3-6 months (at least at this age). I do, however, like to get a couple cozy and classic pieces…Converse, Vans and Toms are our go to for everyday shoes and Uggs are great for keeping cozy when you live somewhere with alot of fog. Zappos is always my go to for their great shipping and customer service.

J.crew and The gap have the best quality kids clothes for reasonable prices- on sale of course. I usually find shorts for aroun $12 and spend a little more on sweaters, etc. For new moms it may seem hard to find great styles for kids on a budget but sign up for the sale alerts…it makes all the difference!

Frasier

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We all have those little inside jokes that make us laugh everytime we think of them. My most recent is my sister telling me we are “the sister version of the brothers on Fraiser”. Hmmmmm great….so I ask the natural question- Am I Niles?

She tells me she’s not sure yet. But does it really matter? The bottom line is we are two sarcastic, wine loving, codependent (in the best possible way), family loving sisters who occassionally (*ahem) obsess about things and can never talk enough. And yes, we love fancy things but also can never have too many trips to target. It’s a brave woman to accept she may be Frasier or Niles (almost like being the Miranda of the group)….but at the end of the day don’t we all want that unconditional relationship? A best friend and soul sister?

xoxo,

Fraiser

Here we go….

Fall Layers

Fall Layers

Coat: J.Crew Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat  ~  Sweater: J. Crew Collection- old but similar here and here    

Wow…my first post…so exciting! The holiday season is quickly approaching and while most of the country is gearing up for cozy sweaters and beautiful coats, we are continuing the constant balance of central coast layering….You can leave the house in a sweater and a coat and need to be in a tank by noon…this is a year-round thing here. I invest in J.Crew cashmere sweaters regularly. They are so soft, perfect for layering and make lounging around the house feel luxurious. It helps that they almost always have a sale going, too! I have several of their Collection Cashmere Getaway Hoodies as well…great for traveling or just throwing on in the am!

Tip: I used to dry clean all of my cashmere sweaters…gets waayyyy too expensive. I wash them on delicate with The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo.  I actually prefer the softness and cedar smell to the stiffness of the drycleaner. And I buy it on Amazon for the free two-day shipping. Amazon Prime rocks.