Wow Factor – Bomber Love

jacket // tee // distressed ankle denim // heels {sold out, but LOVE these and similar here} // similar clutch // necklaces here and here 

Some days call for a simple jeans and tee look, but I’m never one to be ordinary, so this bomber paired with a hint of snakeskin adds interest and makes the outfit perfect fall transitional style.

This is truly my every day casual style… with the exception of sky high heels! Those aren’t always conducive to running after a 4 year old or chasing down styles in a showroom or client shop, but I can’t resist their awesomeness for a dinner with the fam or girl’s night.

ps… hey my lovely IT gals, if you’re receiving Haven Street’s StyleIT Insider newsletter, you should’ve received an update about this fall’s StyleME challenge with EARLY ACCESS! This season’s StyleME session will open to everyone on the 15th, but if you’re an IT gal, you’ll get a bonus… so become an IT gal today!

Style Note: When putting together a casual look, you can still look chic. This look focuses on wardrobe basic essentials. When looking for basics, there’s two keys: fit and the ‘wow’ factor. Everything has to fit well to look good. Even if the awesome factor is hallelujah amazing, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. Period. The awesome factor is really a matter of personal choice. If it’s visually appealing to you, fits in with your style goals, and you feel just, well, awesome in it, then you’ve got your ‘wow’ factor. It should be a confidence booster and something true to your sense of style.

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Casually Outfitted

similar tee // denim // tennies // handbag via // rings // large ring

I can’t believe it’s Monday. Is it me or did this weekend fly by in a blink? Not to mention it’s March already and spring is on the horizon!

Speaking of that… the doors to the spring Style Me session are now open! Go here for more info and get registered before the doors close.

For today’s look, I’m keeping casually outfitted and spring ready by styling neutrals {yes, leopard is a neutral} with a pop of perfect blush pink. 

Style Note: From blush to brights, when paired with a neutral palette, pink is such an attention grabber. You can be bold in even the softest shade of pink with such classic color palettes as blacks and camels.

What’s your go-to color for spring? 


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When the Days are Cold

sweatshirt {ON SALE!} // denim {ON SALE!} // chuck taylors // scarf c/o {ON SALE!} // watch

When you find pieces you just love, what do you do? Wear. Them. Out!!

We don’t get many ‘cold’ days in the inland of sunny so. Cal {of course as I say that, we’ve had a few chilly days}, but when we do, I grab my most cozy pieces and wear them on repeat. 

I’ve preached before about mixing and matching great pieces to extend your closet, and I definitely practice what I preach! Yes, I do shop A LOT and wear things once… maybe twice, but I also hold on to fabulous pieces when I find them and create new looks by interchanging them with different pieces in my wardrobe. And when I need quick, perfect style for running errands or chauffeuring my 3 and 1/2 year old to activities? They’re great go-to’s. 

You’ve seen both the leo sweatshirt {here and here} and double-sided scarf {here and here} a few times… promise this is it ;P. 

Style Note: Casual chic… or looking put together without being overdone just means following a few easy steps:

1. begin with basics- a great pair of skinny jeans {or boyfriends or even leggings} and a fitted tee or sweater

2. grab a strategic add-on- top off basics with layers {scarf, vest, blazer}

3. choose your shoes wisely- a well chosen pair of shoes completes the statement. What’s your statement? Relaxed? Go for sneakers messily laced or a slip on. Opting for polished? Grab a heel or ankle bootie

This is definitely easy and polished for the mom on the go.

How do you do casual chic?

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Weekend Casual Vibes

sweatshirt: H&M {similar} // pants: Old Navy // tennies: Nike // bag: Asos // similar sunnies // watch: Rumba // lip in i rose you

After the holidays, some travel, and a little down time, it’s back to reality. But we had a great weekend exploring Seattle, and a Sunday afternoon back home with family.

I wanted to take a moment to thank all my followers and clients for all of your support. AND because it’s a new year, and I’m so grateful for all of you, I’m offering my styling services at new special rates! 

It’s pretty common to conduct style appointments in person, but I’ve been working on a progressive approach through the wonders of Skype, email, and dropbox and am offering all my ‘in person’ services through e-styling appointments… which save you even more $$$!

My calendar is booking up quickly, so be sure to email me to get started.

Style Note: Florals and pastels aren’t just for spring! Add a little softness to the harsh winter days with lighter tones on basic neutrals, add a soft pink lip, and throw on a sneaker to keep your look casually cool.

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Linked up with Fashion Friday.

4th of July Casual

jun & ivy’s swiss dot blouse // joes jeans cutoffs // similar american flag scarf {kimono tutorial here} // converse // braid tutorial here

This was a very different 4th for me…

As most of you know, my husband is in the fireworks business. He’s a fifth generation fire worker and is part of his family’s business here in so. Cal. Every year since we’ve been together, we spend our 4th in NYC collaborating with Macy’s for their 4th of July presentation. But this year was quite different. The hubs split his time between NYC and Atlantic City {a new show} and, if you’ve been following my instagram you know Amélia is our little dancer, so she and I had dance obligations the week of the 4th. After spending a week in NYC for set up, the hubs headed off to set up the show in AC and the bug and I traveled home. It was such a weird experience being home by myself and not attending a show. It was casual! No dressing up, no real celebration. But I love my country, am proud of my husband, and am a proud fireworks wife even if I’m not out there physically supporting our great people who light up the sky in honor of America… 

I hope you and yours had a wonderful and safe 4th!

Because I get a lot of emails about some of my instafood posts, I’m including this much asked about one below. I think it’s perfect for a summer cook out! And it fits a paleo, gluten-free, dairy free lifestyle, or is just plain delicious even if you don’t have any special dietary needs…

not the most attractive photograph, but so delish!

for the burgers:Greek Turkey Lettuce Wrap Burgers

1 package of ground turkey {roughly 1-1.5 lbs}

Head of lettuce, washed and separated

1 Tomato

1/2 onion {I use a little less}

1 tsp Rosemary

1 tsp Marjoram

1 clove garlic

sea salt and pepper to taste

for the tzatziki sauce:

1/4 small cucumber

1 clove garlic

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup ‘So Delicious’ greek-style yogurt {dairy free} or regular greek yogurt

1. Chop the onion very fine and put in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add ground turkey, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Mix throughly with your hands to combine.

2. Form into patties. I have done 4 large patties and I’ve also done 6 smaller patties {which I actually prefer}.

3. Set patties aside and heat BBQ.

4. While grill heats, prepare tzatziki sauce by peeling cucumber and slicing into quarters long ways. Dice into fine pieces.

5. Stir together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and cucumbers. Refrigerate.  I like to serve with sweet potato fries, so I start preparing those and get them in the oven.

6. Place patties on grill {medium-high, indirect heat} sand grill approximately 5 minutes on each side.

7. While burgers grill, wash lettuce and separate leaves from the head, and slice tomatoes.

8. Serve burgers over lettuce and tomato topped with tzatziki sauce!

4th of July Casual

jun & ivy’s swiss dot blouse // joes jeans cutoffs // similar american flag scarf {kimono tutorial here} // converse // braid tutorial here

This was a very different 4th for me…

As most of you know, my husband is in the fireworks business. He’s a fifth generation fire worker and is part of his family’s business here in so. Cal. Every year since we’ve been together, we spend our 4th in NYC collaborating with Macy’s for their 4th of July presentation. But this year was quite different. The hubs split his time between NYC and Atlantic City {a new show} and, if you’ve been following my instagram you know Amélia is our little dancer, so she and I had dance obligations the week of the 4th. After spending a week in NYC for set up, the hubs headed off to set up the show in AC and the bug and I traveled home. It was such a weird experience being home by myself and not attending a show. It was casual! No dressing up, no real celebration. But I love my country, am proud of my husband, and am a proud fireworks wife even if I’m not out there physically supporting our great people who light up the sky in honor of America… 

I hope you and yours had a wonderful and safe 4th!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44280853&size=Small&width=4&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Because I get a lot of emails about some of my instafood posts, I’m including this much asked about one below. I think it’s perfect for a summer cook out! And it fits a paleo, gluten-free, dairy free lifestyle, or is just plain delicious even if you don’t have any special dietary needs…

not the most attractive photograph, but so delish!

for the burgers:Greek Turkey Lettuce Wrap Burgers

1 package of ground turkey {roughly 1-1.5 lbs}

Head of lettuce, washed and separated

1 Tomato

1/2 onion {I use a little less}

1 tsp Rosemary

1 tsp Marjoram

1 clove garlic

sea salt and pepper to taste

for the tzatziki sauce:

1/4 small cucumber

1 clove garlic

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup ‘So Delicious’ greek-style yogurt {dairy free} or regular greek yogurt

1. Chop the onion very fine and put in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add ground turkey, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Mix throughly with your hands to combine.

2. Form into patties. I have done 4 large patties and I’ve also done 6 smaller patties {which I actually prefer}.

3. Set patties aside and heat BBQ.

4. While grill heats, prepare tzatziki sauce by peeling cucumber and slicing into quarters long ways. Dice into fine pieces.

5. Stir together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and cucumbers. Refrigerate.  I like to serve with sweet potato fries, so I start preparing those and get them in the oven.

6. Place patties on grill {medium-high, indirect heat} sand grill approximately 5 minutes on each side.

7. While burgers grill, wash lettuce and separate leaves from the head, and slice tomatoes.

8. Serve burgers over lettuce and tomato topped with tzatziki sauce!

Love All Trust a Few Do Wrong To None…

Well, the graphic tee and I are inseparable… You can say so much without even having to open your mouth, and I have to say this statement tee is my absolute fave. William Shakespeare… so much insight!
I got a girl’s night out last week with a dear friend who is moving {insert super sad face} and this has to be one of my favorite casual looks…

f21 graphic tee {also seen here} // boyfriend jeans // f21 statement necklace {similar} // target tote {love this} // qupid booties c/o zoo shoo {SALE!}

Also! I posted about a recipe on Instagram/Twitter last week and got a bunch of emails asking for it… It’s not really my recipe, I got it off Pinterest, but here it is for those of you who asked:

Honey Porter Glazed Chicken Skewers

note: I used a pale ale I had on hand and I cooked via the oven method. It was delish! Even threw leftovers in an omelet the next morning…

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, grated with a microplane (or minced)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup porter or stout beer
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tbs olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped shallots (about 1 medium shallot)
• 6 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into cubes
• oil for the grill
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

• In a small bowl whisk together the garlic, honey, porter, red pepper flakes, mustard, soy sauce and pepper. Add the chicken cubes, refrigerate for 1 hour and up to overnight.
• Remove the chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) thread the chicken through wooden skewers.
• In a pot over medium high heat, add the olive oil and shallots. Sautee until shallots have softened, about 5 minutes. Add marinade and boil, stirring frequently, until reduced and thickened, about 8 minutes.
Grill directions:
• Preheat grill to medium high.
• Brush the grill lightly with oil.
• Brush the chicken with the glaze, place on the grill. Brush with glaze and turn every 2-4 minutes until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro prior to serving.
Oven directions:
• Preheat the oven to 400. Place chicken on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Brush liberally with glaze. Roast at 400 for 30-40 minutes, brushing with glaze every 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro prior to serving.

Linked up with Style Sessions. And don’t forget to check out my spring style with Kleenex!

Love All Trust a Few Do Wrong To None…

Well, the graphic tee and I are inseparable… You can say so much without even having to open your mouth, and I have to say this statement tee is my absolute fave. William Shakespeare… so much insight!
I got a girl’s night out last week with a dear friend who is moving {insert super sad face} and this has to be one of my favorite casual looks…

f21 graphic tee {also seen here} // boyfriend jeans // f21 statement necklace {similar} // target tote {love this} // qupid booties c/o zoo shoo {SALE!}

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&look=40113822&size=Small&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Also! I posted about a recipe on Instagram/Twitter last week and got a bunch of emails asking for it… It’s not really my recipe, I got it off Pinterest, but here it is for those of you who asked:

Honey Porter Glazed Chicken Skewers

note: I used a pale ale I had on hand and I cooked via the oven method. It was delish! Even threw leftovers in an omelet the next morning…

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, grated with a microplane (or minced)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup porter or stout beer
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tbs olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped shallots (about 1 medium shallot)
• 6 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into cubes
• oil for the grill
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

• In a small bowl whisk together the garlic, honey, porter, red pepper flakes, mustard, soy sauce and pepper. Add the chicken cubes, refrigerate for 1 hour and up to overnight.
• Remove the chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) thread the chicken through wooden skewers.
• In a pot over medium high heat, add the olive oil and shallots. Sautee until shallots have softened, about 5 minutes. Add marinade and boil, stirring frequently, until reduced and thickened, about 8 minutes.
Grill directions:
• Preheat grill to medium high.
• Brush the grill lightly with oil.
• Brush the chicken with the glaze, place on the grill. Brush with glaze and turn every 2-4 minutes until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro prior to serving.
Oven directions:
• Preheat the oven to 400. Place chicken on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Brush liberally with glaze. Roast at 400 for 30-40 minutes, brushing with glaze every 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro prior to serving.

Linked up with Style Sessions. And don’t forget to check out my spring style with Kleenex!

To the Maxi

At my house, spring brings with it SO much wind… so it’s been rather difficult to get outfit photos, but I managed to capture these last weekend. Other than the wind, the temperatures have been amazing, almost too hot for not officially being spring yet. Makes me wonder what summer has in store. Sunday, I pulled out a maxi dress I purchased late last spring for a few shopping errands and spending the day with my little family. If you’re not a huge lover of shorts, I’d recommend stocking up on maxis. I love ’em in warmer weather because they’re lightweight and breathable and you can dress ’em up or down. This graphic Beatles tee has been getting a lot of use lately, too! I’ve been throwing it over dresses to give them an edgier look.

F21 maxi // old Express cardi {similar} // F21 Beatles tee // converse // angle clothing leaf cuff {not online; similar} // kitsylane feather bangle {sold out; similar} // asos rings

Linked up with Casual Friday and Fashion Friday.

To the Maxi

At my house, spring brings with it SO much wind… so it’s been rather difficult to get outfit photos, but I managed to capture these last weekend. Other than the wind, the temperatures have been amazing, almost too hot for not officially being spring yet. Makes me wonder what summer has in store. Sunday, I pulled out a maxi dress I purchased late last spring for a few shopping errands and spending the day with my little family. If you’re not a huge lover of shorts, I’d recommend stocking up on maxis. I love ’em in warmer weather because they’re lightweight and breathable and you can dress ’em up or down. This graphic Beatles tee has been getting a lot of use lately, too! I’ve been throwing it over dresses to give them an edgier look.

F21 maxi // old Express cardi {similar} // F21 Beatles tee // converse // angle clothing leaf cuff {not online; similar} // kitsylane feather bangle {sold out; similar} // asos rings

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&look=40094904&size=Small&width=8&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Linked up with Casual Friday and Fashion Friday.