Summer Staples.

In the middle of the summer I tend to wear the same few basic pieces day after day.  I can't help it - I have a few favorites!  I lean towards light-weight fabrics in breezy designs.  At night I always grab a soft knit sweater to cover up.  I am crazy about platform wedges - they are as comfortable as my running shoes!! .... almost.  To top it off I add a pop of color and never leave my apartment without my shades.

Below is an inspiration board I made on Polyvore that features a few of my favorite summer staples.

Inspiration editorial from Elle Spain.  Free People Eyelet Skirt.  J. Crew Cable Knit Sweater.  Lavender by Vera Wang Wedge.  Stella & Dot Earring.  Karen Walker Shades.  Steve by Steve Madden Neon Bag.

London Olympics 2012.

  This Olympics I have been bitten with the bug....bad. I have already written this summer of my love for the current Americana trend.  While this look may be cooling down, with the Olympics having just begun, it has secured a special spot in my heart.  Here are some of my favorite inspirational looks for this years (fashion) games.

 

Left:  Michael Kors Swimsuit S/S 2009  Right:  William Rast Fall 2009

Image from Free People's June LookBook.

Image from Jane's blog Sea of Shoes.

**Let's Go USA!

Sneak Peek: Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show

As a Nordstrom Intern, I had the opportunity to work at the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show.  I was beyond excited.  I have been so busy this summer with the internship that I have yet to post any pictures of the show!!

 I have been working on the Fashion Show post as it will be a long one (the show was almost an hour long!) The show was featured in an industrial building down at the pier that was completely transformed into a boutique shop in one area and incredible runway in another.

The designers of the show were (in this order):  Alaia, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karen, Erdem, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Nina Ricci, Dries Van Noten, Akris, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Lanvin, and Oscar de la Renta.  

*Featured shoe designers were:  Balenciaga, Brian Atwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Marni, Miu Miu, Prada, and Valentino.

Here is a sneak peek at the show with more details and pictures to come soon!  Enjoy!

The glamorous dressing rooms.  

Backstage!  All of the looks were organized by designer and the order in which they appear on the runway.

Just posing with Nordstrom. 

Can you believe this Lanvin patent red trench??

Oscar de la Renta Finale. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Little bit more Lanvin during final walk.

Sneak peek of Marni during the final walk.

**These pictures were taken during the dress rehearsal so hair and make-up are unfinished. 

Theo's Chocolate Factory.

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to visit a REAL LIFE CHOCOLATE FACTORY! I was so excited and this chocolate company, Theo's, happens to be my favorite chocolate.  They have a million different unique flavors that are constantly changing.  While visiting the factory I was able to learn all about their sustainable practices and take an inside look at how cocoa beans are processed and turned into CHOCOLATE! :)

Theo's Chocolate was the first chocolate company ever to be certified organic and fair trade.  What an amazing accomplishment, and it started right here in Seattle!  I encourage everyone to get on their website and see what they are all about.

Theo's purchases their cocoa beans from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. I was thrilled when I found out that they did not purchase their beans from the Ivory Coast like every other chocolate company in the world.  Watch this documentary and you will see why. 

Eco-friendly roasting machine above.

These machines crush the fermented cocoa beans into a paste and from paste into liquid.  The ingredients are added next.  Organic cane sugar and local organic milk.  This room is kept at an average heat of 95 degrees Farenheit!

I was also able to tour the kitchen, the best part!  This chocolatier was creating a ganache.  The process he is working on is called tempering.  It is a constant spreading and gathering of the chocolate.

This was my favorite chocolate confection!  Salted carmel smore covered in chocolate.

Nibs!!  These are roasted cocoa beans that have yet to be processed.  You can bake with them or sprinkle them on top of yogurt etc.  They are crunchy like a nut or seed and absolutely delicious!

What a wonderful experience it was to tour Theo's Chocolate!

Trouser Socks.

I am really into trouser socks and flats lately. I love a lacy detail in such a small spot like the ankle.

I was just at the the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show and the lacy trouser sock was all over the runway.

Check out my version below!

Shoes:  DV by Dolce Vita.  Socks:  Hot Sox.

Sunny Day Sundress.

Finally my summer has arrived! I could not be any more happy to see the sunshine!  

Yesterday Janssen shot some pictures for a wedding and I tagged along.  The couple was extremely adventurous and wanted to take their pictures at Pike's Place Market!  What a day following around the bride and groom in the extremely packed market - but so much fun!  Needless to say their wedding  pictures are going to be amazing.

It was such a warm day I chose a breezy sundress with a platform heel because I knew there was going to be a lot of walking.  I also chose a simple hair accessory, a skinny belt to accentuate my waist, and my favorite pair of shades.  Easy look for a fun day!

Dress:  Anthropologie.  Shoes:  Kork-Ease Platform.  Belt:  Nordstrom.  Hair pin:  Anthropologie.  Sunglasses:  Juicy Couture.  Lipstick:  MAC Lustering.

Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July is all about the food right??

Oops.  Maybe not.

Well, while our boyfriends were off blowing up the loudest bombs they could buy with their money, my friend Sarah and I enjoyed some delicious FOOD on the rooftop. :)

Check out her adorable Kate Spade shades here.

Homemade Peach Sangria!

Easy:  White wine (I used Reisling), Peach schnapps, whatever fruit you want (don't forget your white peaches), and citrus soda!

From left to right:  Vanilla Ice-Cream, Chocolate Peanut-Butter Wheat Germ cookies from Forever 2 Sisters, Angel Food Cake and Fruit Mason Jars (created by Sarah, so adorable!) and Pioneer Woman's Rustic Apple Pie!

Praise America for good food!

Trash to Treasure.

My mom always used to say, "One person's trash is someone else's treasure."  I love this saying because I am a thrifting junkie at heart. 

As much as I love a new pair of shoes, fresh out of the box, wrapped in darling tissue paper, and the sweet sales person walking the bag around the counter thanking me for my business - there is just something special and different about the hunt for vintage finds.  When you go thrifting it can be hit or miss.  Some days I may not find a thing and other days I will come home with bags of items - literally bags. 

  This outfit is part of my many treasures and very possibly, at one time, somebody's trash.  I wore this outfit on a date with my man last night.  We ate at a little Indian food spot and saw a movie at our favorite family owned movie theater that plays only indie flicks.

I am loving the contrast of texture between the braided belt, polka-dots, and sheer printed tights!

Top:  BP Nordstrom.  Belt:  My Great-Grandma's (similar).  Skirt:  Thrifted from the Melrose Trading Post.  Tights:  DKNY.  Shoes:  Miz Mooz.

...

Accessorize Your Summer.

Lately I have found great inspiration in summer accessories.  I am drawn to all of the bright punchy colors and the soft lightweight silkiness of most materials.  Do not even get me started on my love for sunglasses - this time of year allows an easy excuse for a new pair. :)

Check out some of the accessories I have my eye on this summer:

Background editorial images (left to right):  Nordstrom Catalog featuring Tasha Head Wrap, Tarnish Scarf, and Michael Kors Sunnies.  Elle Magazine editorial image.

From top to bottom: Cream Flower Pin (similar), John Lewis Flower Headband, Karen Walker Shades,   Coral Flower Pin, Celine Mini Crossbody, Celine Shades.