Top Layer

November 4, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ Leave a comment

Hello – I took a break from blogging last week as I had too many things going on, from early morning meetings to Dr. appointments, and so on. Sorry for the brief hiatus!

Now that the weather has gotten chillier here for us in the (South) Bay Area, and literally in a New York minute, guess what’s on top of my fall wishlist? A coat! To me, it’s so important to have a top layer that you really love, not only to keep you warm of course, but it’s the layer that you wear everyday as you step out the door. Along with the right shoe and handbag, the right coat is an essential.

Above are coats that I’m coveting right now all in simple colors and styles. They’re also readily accessible from some of my favorite brands and are reasonably priced. What’s on your fall wishlist and do you have any must-haves on your list? Happy shopping!

Coat 1 – Emerson Fry / Coat 2 – Club Monaco / Coat 3 – Banana Republic

Bump

October 14, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 6 Comments

Happy Tuesday! I know I’ve been quiet in the blogging world lately…and I’m sure you can tell from my bump above…I’m expecting! This little baby boy is due in March 2015 and the hubby and I are just so thrilled. We are very excited to be nurturing this little one and can’t wait for his arrival next year.

On the home front, I grew out of my ‘normal’ clothes very quickly and had to shop for larger sizes pretty early on. Although I’ve been buying larger sizes (M instead of XS), I’m not wearing maternity clothes yet. I’m sure I will soon. While I might be wearing a different size, you can be sure style is not going away!

I hope you are having a wonderful week! xoxo

Dress – Old Navy (super on sale!) / Shoes – old, similar here / Sunglasses – Banana Republic (similar here)

Lady in Red

October 2, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 4 Comments

Good morning! Here’s another bold-colored, fall dress I wore over the weekend while on the east coast. I love the shape of this dress: the boat neck shoulders moving to a sleek pencil skirt at the bottom. It was perfect for the warm weather we were experiencing in New Jersey. While I don’t normally wear head-to-toe red, this red was the right shade of bright and warm…and quite eye-catching!

So close to the weekend!

Dress – Zara / Heels – Manolo Blahnik / Clutch – Proenza Schouler / Sunglasses – Banana Republic (similar here) / Necklace – boutique in Asia / Bracelets – Michael Kors, Stella & Dot

Green Checkers

September 11, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 3 Comments

What I’ve been wearing lately — shirt dresses! The combination of the light green and checkered pattern on this dress makes it the perfect dress for brunch, shopping, date night, pretty much anything you’ve got on your schedule. The best part is it’s no-fuss. You put on one item, throw on a pair of pumps and you’re ready to go. I’ve got a few shirt dresses in my closet, all in different colors, textures and patterns, all ready for my busy schedule. Above? I was on my way to a baby shower!

Dress – Gap (another version here) / Heels – Jimmy Choo (also seen here) / Bag – BCBGMaxazria (also seen here) / Sunglasses – Banana Republic (similar here) / Jewelry – Stella & Dot

Garden Party

September 9, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 4 Comments

I’ve found navy blue to be the perfect color for office work attire. For those of you with more conservative offices, it’s classic without being as serious or formal as black. Flats or a low heel are perfect accompaniments to this dress during the day. Then switch those out for a higher heel for after work drinks and dinner. As much as I like stripes, I also love a good polka dot! Savoring the last bits of summer with this H&M number. What are some of your favorites to wear to work?

Dress – H&M (other options here and here) / Shoes – Jimmy Choo (leather version) / Bag – BCBG MaxAzria (past season, loving this one) / Sunglasses – Banana Republic (eyeing this pair)

Biking to Pebble Beach

September 4, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ Leave a comment

One of the best ways to get around and to get to know Carmel is bike riding around the area. Instead of driving the 17-mile drive, we decided to bike! We went up along the coast from Carmel to Carmel River Beach to Pebble Beach and almost made it to Spanish Bay, but called it a day after we had been biking for several hours. It was a gorgeous day and we even saw a glimpse of a college golf tournament while lunching at the Pebble Beach Lodge (amazing food and views). All in all, it was the perfect day.

Sweater – Banana Republic (similar here) / Shirt – Gap (similar here) / Leggings – Club Monaco (similar here) / Sneaker – Nike for J.Crew / Sunglasses – Ray-Ban

A Flirt

August 25, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes, it just takes a strappy sundress and a messy ponytail to get ready for a day out in the sun. We are still getting plenty of sunshine here in Silicon Valley and I plan to treasure each and every moment! Hope you had a great weekend and got a chance to recharge for the week.

Dress – old, other versions here and here / Sandals – Kenneth Cole, other versions here and here / Bracelets – Stella & Dot, Baublebar / Sunglasses – Banana Republic (also seen here)

Stripes Are Always Right

August 21, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 1 Comment

I’m sure you’ve heard the old ‘adage’ that “every girl’s closet needs some stripes” or “you can never go wrong with stripes”. Well, it’s true. A striped shirt (especially navy against white) is a versatile wardrobe MVP. You can dress it with a floral skirt, pair it down with denim, or mix ‘n match with a trench coat or blazer. As summer slowly winds down, I’ve been wearing my striped shirts as a layering piece. This outfit would also look great with a long trench vest –> for example, see what I’m currently coveting right now over to the right!

Vest – Eileen Fisher / Shirt – Gap (another option) / Jeans – Zara (old, similar here) / Shoes – Jimmy Choo / Bracelet – Stella & Dot / Sunglasses – Banana Republic

Shifted

July 8, 2014July 1, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ 2 Comments

This post is dedicated to an oldie but goodie. This navy blue shift dress has been in rotation from work to weddings to bridal showers to you-name-it, for the last 3 years. The shape is flattering and the neckline details are perfect. That navy color is also always on trend. Thanks, Banana Republic, for creating a wonderful, timeliness dress! To many more years. xoxo

Dress – Banana Republic (similar for this season) / Shoes – Nine West x InStyle (past season, also love this pair) / Clutch – Proenza Schouler / Necklace – J.Crew (similar here) / Sunglasses – Karen Walker

Dad’s Day

June 9, 2014 ~ Morning Espresso ~ Leave a comment

Crosley-Executive-Portable-USB-Turntable

Hello and happy Monday! How was your weekend? I have been jet-setting all over the country this past month, from work events to graduations to bridal showers. This spring/summer is flying by so fast.

Speaking of which, Father’s Day is coming up in less than a week! I am just beginning to think about what I’d like to do for my step-dad this year. He is all the way in New Jersey so spending a quality day with him seems unlikely at this point. The good thing is my parents will be visiting us in a few weeks so I hope to make it up to him then. What will be on my gift list? Since I see him only once or twice a year now, I would like to make him a homemade meal…something warm, satisfying, and made from the heart. I might add a trip to the golfing range as well.

Let me know what you are planning for Father’s Day and if you have any great ideas for treating fathers who live farther away. Have a great start to the week!

Card

Bowtie

Shirt

Record player

Sunglasses