Baja Surf Style

Having spent most of my life in California, I've always had an affinity for laid back surf inspired style.  It's hard not to romanticize life on the beach and in the water.

Much of the clothing I owned (or wished for) in my teens was by surfwear brands like Roxy, Volcom and Hurley.  While a lot of items from these brands now feels a bit juvenile,  I'm still in love with laid-back  surfer girl style.   Plus, when summer comes around, even fashion mags like Glamour and Vogue, (see below) pull together surf inspired spreads.

Blake Lively in Vogue:

Here are my current surfer girl inspired picks..

 The items above:

1 - Every surfer girl needs a hoodie for when the sun starts to set.  This one seems equally cozy and hip - Quiksilver Hoodie ($54.50)

2 - Of course, it's important to block the sun when you're on the shore.  This lifeguard style covers the face, and seems fun and quirky -  Lifeguard Hat ($14.95)

3 - A bikini is a must.  This fun kind of baja inspired pattern is darling - Bathing Suit ($49)

4 - I love the touch of blue and white on the ends of these wayfarer style shades -  Toms Sunglasses ($135)

5 - Another fun layer to stay warm from the sea breeze - Forever 21 Scarf ($6.50)

6 - When I think of beach ladies, for some reason I always envision layers of hippie-ish bracelets - Chan Lu Bracelets ($125)

7 - Short shorts are an easy staple, and this salmon color is extra fun - Splendid Cut-off Shorts ($75)

8 - Colorful flat sandals are a bit more dressed up than flip-flops - BC Braided Sandals ($65)

I can't imagine wearing this dress (below) anywhere but the beach; yet, it seems so perfect..

For full disclosure, I thougth I should share that there was no way that I could write this post without going back and  listening to this. (Surfer Girl by Home Grown)

Bay Area Craigslist Finds

Here's another roundup of my favorite recent Craigslist listings.  If you're in the Bay Area, snatch something up :) Otherwise, I hope this is some inspiration for your own thrifting.

If I had any space I would snatch up this set of chairs ASAP - $50 is a great deal.  They would be perfect in a bachelor pad and I love the idea of dining chairs on wheels.  I'd probably switch out the table for something a bit more modern and light, but you might even be able to paint the table that comes with the set.

"Pair" is one of my favorite Craigslist/Craiggers search terms.   It always comes up with great sets of matching chairs and tables.   A pair of chairs can be perfect to tie together a room, or it can be nice to have a backup if you're trying out a new project (I have a second version of this chair so I can perfect my upholstery)

This $50 pair of peachy wingback chairs look like they're in great condition.  They could read slightly grandma-y but I think with the right accessories, they could also work in a totally modern girly living room.

I'm a huge fan of campaign furniture because I loev the simple shapes and brass details.   At $200, this dresser isn't a total steal, but it's beautiful classic piece.

A friend was looking for a trunk recently and this one is perfectly worn.  It still provides plenty of storage, and could easily function as coffee table with a couple of trays on top.

Happy Hunting!

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Madewell & Neutrals

I usually gravitate towards bright colors and patterns but every once and a while, I get inspired by neutral color palate. Madewell always does a great job of styling simple pieces and neutral colors, and their most recent online lookbook is no exception.  On top of that, it features Arizona Muse - a model who I noticed in the recent J.Crew catalog and I think she's adorable. 

Rumor is that Madewell is opening up a San Francisco store later this summer, so I'm putting my online purchases on hold until I can do my shopping in the live store.

Tangerine Dream

Orange has always been one of my favorite colors.  So, it wasn't surprising that as I glanced at my Pinterest inspiration board,   I had a ton of orange hues on my list.  I think a little bit of orange makes everything just a little bit more fun, and it's a perfect color to work into your wardrobe as the weather gets warmer!

1 - Orange looks great in the summer, especially on tanned skin -  TopShop Orange Triangle Bikini ($36)

2 - The lux material (ostrich) makes this fun bag a bit more serious -  Kate Spade Bowler ($352)

3 - Orange toenails have been a signature of mine since high school - Essie Nailpolish in 'Braziliant' ($8)

4 - I've always loved elephants! Even if you only wear it a couple of times, this wimsical ring is a fun piece to have in the jewelry box - Forever21 Orange Elephant Ring ($6)

5 - I had a similar watch with a yellow band that I completely wore out. Maybe orange should be next - Lacoste Watch ($195)

6 - This camera would definitely up the cool factor when taking tourist pics - Hermes Leica Camera

7 - Simple swingy dress that makes the color do the talking -  Miss Selfridge Skater Dress ($69)

Leopard Loafers

Against my better judgement, I can't stop thinking about purchasing a pair of leopard loafers. (My better judgement is telling me that these shoes don't make any sense for summer, and that I just don't need any more shoes!)  I don't even know where the obsession came from.    I already own a great pair of loafers (these if you're curious),  but I really want a pair of leopard slip-on loafers.    I love how they almost feel like house slippers. Here are the options I'm deciding between:

Steve Madden @ Piperlime ($119)

Jeffrey Campbell @ Nordstrom ($99)

I usually think leopard shoes should be calf hair like the ones above, however, this woven pair ($136) has kind of a cool, preppy look

If Mischa Barton can wear leopard Keds with her bathing suit,  who's to say I can't wear leopard loafers with mine?