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 already had so many reasons for loving Chicago.  It is such a beautiful, friendly, and exciting city.  But my love affair was pushed over the edge after I discovered Daily Sip Studios.  It is no secret that I appreciate and celebrate stationery (junkie?).  And, taking it a step further, that I become weak-kneed around letterpress stationery.  Learning that Chicago was home to Daily Sip Studios which produces gorgeous letterpress and other stationery was almost too much for me.  I nearly packed my bags and started to relocate.  But then …

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 …

Stationery is a guilty pleasure for me. I love stationery and don’t really need a particular reason to buy it. I love the tactile designs of letterpress in particular. And, spending time in a stationery store is something I love. I realize it is old fashioned in a way that is neither hip nor edgy. But I believe it is cool and modern; terribly so in fact.
I recently had an opportunity to take a peek inside India Ink stationery in Hillcrest, San Diego. Relocated from its previous location on India …

Refined hot chocolate is such a treat.  I love indulging in a cup of hot chocolate during fall and winter evenings.  I have a few favorite haunts to sit and enjoy a cup – but that isn’t always practical.  And, sometimes, I just want to be cozy at home.
But I am picky.  (Selective?)
I don’t care for the highly sweetened hot chocolates that you often find available at the market.  These produce a thin cup of watery chocolate flavored drink.  It can be hard to track down the perfect hot chocolate …

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 …

Like packing for a vacation, we need to find more room in the suitcase to wrap up the best finds of 2009 – even if we have to sit on the thing to get it to close. These are the vital items we must carry forward. Bag allowances be damned.
Honey vanilla lattes from Koffi Café in Palm Springs. What I hate: they do not deliver hot espresso drinks nationwide. How selfish. These lattes stand head and shoulders above the rest and I’ve been thinking about them for a year. Certainly …

While 2009 was by no means an easy year, it was not all bad. As we move further into 2010, we will each be able to soften our view of 2009 with a fuzzier lens. But even under the harsh examination light, there were things discovered in 2009 that will be carried forward into 2010. Part I of the best finds of 2009 include:
Nail polish got serious. After years of monotony in nail polish colors, it was very refreshing to see bold darks, off beat grays, and navy taking a …

In fashion and design, stripping away the extras and reducing something to its barest point is an art.  Adding in elements that provide contrast, pop, and visual surprises takes style, confidence in your design, and a sense of creativity and identity.  These principles are no different with food.  With most food, you have options.  You can do your own cooking or you can find restaurants that focus on flavor and quality.  But one crucial area where you cannot be as independent is chocolate. This holy-holy of foods is not something …

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 …