Thursday, August 29, 2013

August 27, 2013


Once again by pure coincidence one of my favorite basic skirts ( own skirt in blue, red and green ) perfectly matched a block of color in a top.
Effortless fashion.


Accessory Close-up
New faux ( ! ) leather booties by Steve Madden
Gold finish knot bracelet and matching earrings by Kate Spade

August 26, 2013


I am thinking today was probably my last trip to the annual summer Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach.
Splurged on a season pass and made four throughly enjoyable visits to view all the artwork.


My friend Liz met me and turned the day into a belated birthday celebration.


And this is the beautiful, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind burgundy beret with velvet flower embellishments that Liz bought me as a gift after I confessed I had admired the beret all summer.
I was completely shocked when Liz bought it and said
 " Happy belated birthday! "
I tried to object... ( but, not too much )

August 25, 2013



It is great that staying in town means hanging out at the beach...


and the beach was full of surprises this weekend.
I really, really love when some mystery person ( or persons ) takes the time to do some rock balancing.
You must see it to believe it.






No glue, no tricks, just an amazing temporary exhibition of excruciating patience and unbelievable balance.
That night the tide came up and the rocks fell down.



Saturday, August 24, 2013

August 23, 2013 Elephant Parade

American Traveler by Jeff Carillo
 The elephants have finally arrived in Dana Point!
The city was selected to host the first American Elephant Parade after highly successful parades in London, Singapore, and Milan. 


The parade is to raise awareness and funds to help stop the Asian elephant from extinction.

California Surpher by Alan Newell
Artists and celebrities were selected to paint the life size plexi-glass elephants and after being displayed around Dana Point the elephants will be auctioned off.

Jasmine by Khloe Kardashian

On Friday August 23 the approx 36 elephants were finally revealed all together at Doheny State Beach on a beautiful sunny afternoon.  

Epiphany by Ashley Keene
The elephants will stay at Doheny State Beach until Sunday August 25 and then dispersed individually around the city of Dana Point . 

Beady by David Nguyen
From August 23 until November 17, 2013 visitors to the seven square miles of paradise that is Dana Point will have the opportunity to spot elephants around the town.  

Bright Beauty designed by local 5th grade student Morgan Finelt, painted by Kent Baker
No binoculars required but, you might want to bring a camera!

Punkaphant by Andre Miripolsky ( elephant is covered with dots of caulking )
There is a artist story behind the design of each elephant. 
The craftsmanship and the inspiration of each elephant is fabulous.

Maa Lili by Chris Chun
These photos are a small sampling and for information on the Elephant Parade go to 
ElephantParadeAmerica.com

Zia Skye by Laura Inkster-Gabor
 So hurry down to Doheny State Beach before the Elephant Parade turns into 
'where in Dana Point is an elephant '?



August 22, 2013


I think my aura is showing! LOL. 


Apparently my camera does not like bright sunshine because it won't capture details in the sun so here is an inside shot of my top ( have to wear a little bolero because it's sleeveless ).
                            It's super cute with horizontal pleats and bands of lace. Love!


Accessory Close-up
New pink suede toe ballet flats from Zara sale
New gold knot bracelet and earrings by Kate Spade from Nordstrom. Bday gift from hubster :)
Vintage enamel brooch from favorite online site

August 21, 2013


Literally threw this out fit on in 10 minutes but, I wasn't trying that hard because I subbed for a fashion merchandizing instructor today. 
I think merchandizing students are not generally as quirky, fashion forward as design students...
just saying!


Accessory Close-up
Black leather basic flats by Steve Madden ( essential for any wardrobe )
Multi color metal bangles from Bowers Museum
Black elastic hair rubber band/bracelet
Teeney diamond posts and teeney ring with diamonds from long-forgotten boyfriend

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

August 20, 2013


First day of Fall classes and my first impression ensemble gets a B- for being blah.


Accessory Close-up
New magenta sandals by Jeffrey Campbell from Anthropologie
Flower brooch from an artisan faire
Tiny diamond posts gift from hubster 25+ years ago
New gold knot bracelet by KateSpade gift from hubster last week
Little gold & diamond ring gift from long long ago boyfriend

Saturday, August 17, 2013

7 Days and Nights


Twenty-four hours after summer school ended Hubster and I hit the highway...
destination Oregon.

Santa Rosa, CA
Drove up the beautiful, bountiful Hwy 101

Eureka, CA 
and saw lots of pretty coastline and cute little towns

Crescent City ( ? ) Lighthouse


some interesting man-made sights

Redwood Hwy, CA
 and much more impressive natural sights.


with frequent al fresco dining.


Finally made it to Oregon!

just trying out a new look for the camera; LOL

Lots of wildlife



amazing natural beauty 


and mile after mile after mile after mile after mile after mile after mile of trees


Oregon was beautiful, breathtaking, and boring ( sorry Oregonians )


So we made a U turn and landed in our favorite city by the bay...


San Francisco!!


And then we shopped

E&O Trading Company

and ate


and shopped

Ruth Chris Steakhouse

and ate


  and shopped

Britex Fabrics; amazing fabric emporium

Gaylords Indian Restaurant 

and ate


and then it was time to say good-bye to San Francisco and our darling girlies


 and after seven days and nights we finally headed home. 

I love LA!