I have fun following a people and brands on Twitter. I especially love it when someone is sending bite-sized updates about an event as it happens or a project as it is in the works. Kate Spade New York is one of my favorite brands and I loved reading about the process of setting up the boutique in Palm Springs as it was happening.
This past weekend, I had a chance to see the result of the hours of searching Palm Springs vintage and thrift stores. I checked out the Kate …

I admire children who will wear their Halloween costumes in August.  I do the same thing, albeit in a slightly more subtle way.  At least I hope it is more subtle.  When I have a tough day or a challenging day ahead, inevitably I gravitate toward a cuff bracelet.  I think it is the similarity to a gauntlet – or more simply, to Wonder Woman’s unbeatable gold cuff bracelets.  There is something about wearing a cuff bracelet that makes me feel like I can deflect any hit that the day …

I’ve had a recent mini-obsession with gloves. I think they are an under-utilized accessory. Certainly in cold climates with snow, people wear gloves. But I think there is merit to the idea of wearing them beyond wet and cold days. Almost everywhere I go, I see dispensers of anti-bacterial goo. I hate the gloppy gel and the alcohol content destroys your manicure and makes your nail polish dull.  Gloves help you avoid touching germs in the first place. It seems a more efficient approach …

Recent adventures reunited me with one of my loves: train cases. I adore these tiny trunks. I love that when packing, universally one reserves the best of the best and the most essential of essentials for one’s train case. That is just how it is. I won’t belabor the realities of air travel today and how the inconveniences and limitations have negatively impacted the use of train cases. We all know that air travel is one of the top 10 most demeaning experiences a person …

On a whim, I stopped in Progress Boutique in South Park, San Diego. To be honest, I was on my way to Velo Cult to pick up my new Linus Bike, which had been outfitted with a snazzy front rack. I saw a sidewalk sign for Progress and was intrigued.
Located in what looks like a refurbished warehouse now divided into multiple retail spaces, Progress is a great find! This boutique carries home goods, children’s toys, decorative pieces, select furniture, accessories, and delightful treasures. The space contains …

Life as a style hunter isn’t easy. Honestly. The job never ends. One must be constantly on the look-out for opportunity, always poised to strike. And a style hunter may face insults, such as, “Why are you shopping all of the time?” Excuse you. This is my craft. 
But this hard work, these challenges do pay off. Today, style struck at the Thread Show in the form of Peasants & Travelers bags. These hip and functional bags bring together classic styling with modern and unexpected materials. I adore the use of cork …

Where does one find styles that are lady-like-with-an-edge?  That is one of my favorite style motifs, but where is it hiding?  I’ve come to the conclusion that it does not exist ready-made.  Fortunately, it is something you must put together yourself.  This makes it not only intriguing, but unique.  One place I’ve discovered where you can put this look together (or any other personal style) is at 1154 LILL Studio.  This boutique in the Chicago Lincoln Park neighborhood allows you to make custom handbags, which means you can create a …

I see more and more promotion of farm-to-fork; buying local seasonal foods, sometimes from small farms.  Indeed, the fresher, the better when it comes to fruits and vegetables.  And clothes. 
While I have yet to think of a catchy term, the concept of buying local and fresh is relevant to clothing.  There is no better place to do that then in local boutiques.  Frequently, people avoid boutiques out of concern that the prices are much higher than a chain store in the mall.  This is not the case.  In addition, local …

While the gift of the internet has made many brands accessible no matter where you live (thank you Al Gore!) it can be worth the effort to seek out a brand-specific boutique or store.  Here is where you will have the advantage of a full selection as well be able to take a peek at the atmosphere and mood the designer is working to create.  It can be fun to see how a designer or brand makes their image tangible.  It is a type of fashion safari where you can …

I have a major pet peeve that I used to associate with short sleeved blazers.  I was small minded and developed a prejudice that I am proud to say that I have overcome.  A short sleeve blazer can be a fresh and exciting piece to add to your wardrobe.  It is a versatile staple with an updated vibe.  Anything you would wear with a long sleeved blazer, you can pair with a short sleeved blazer.  It will add new silhouette to your look – clearly different from the outdated oversized …