DIY Book Cover project

This is one of my latest, easy, DIY projects. I have a huge build-in that hosts lots of pictures, art work, sculptures and books. Underneath, hidden to the eye in the cabinets are all of the kids books, board games, puzzles and who knows what else--organizing that is a whole different project. So...I frequently pop into Paper Source in Santa Monica and I was inspired by all of the gorgeous, buttery, thick handmade large paper sheets like these:

Japanese decorative handcrafted papers

Hot Pink Current handcrafted Fine paper

Myth Clover & Peacock handcrafted in India paper


Brush stroke Gold on Sea Green handcrafted paper


Gold marble swirl handmade paper

My color scheme is blues, orangey-corals, reds, golds and tan's so I chose these papers:


Blue Yuzen Donsu Blue Dots paper

Lokta Ikat Indigo Fine paper

Here is what my shelves looked like before. I was getting sick of the green colored books and also our many paperbacks that I wanted to spiff up a bit.

Before

After

Finished product:

I like the way the covered books all look together. This was so easy and each big sheet of paper covered 2 books. I just used scotch tape and scissors to fit the paper to the book. 

How to wear a blazer casually

I LOVE a good blazer. The right cut can take off 10 pounds and give you instant polish. To make them more casual I like a deep scoop or a v neck t-shirt with a delicate, simple necklace. I like a flat, comfortable shoe too. Here are some blazers and what to wear with them:

J Crew Collection Schoolboy blazer

To keep this casual wear with:

James Perse Casual T-shirt

J Brand 1218 Caleb jeans

or these J Brand Cargo pants

Tods Gommino Driving shoe

J Crew Schoolboy velvet blazer

Wear with this Zara T-shirt:

Zara Jacquard jacket

Wear with this J Crew T-shirt which comes in many great colors and neutrals:

Zara Combined leather jacket

Wear with this Zara t-shirt

and these shoes:



London Sole flat

These are my favorite flats to wear with everything.  The neutral color is perfect and they feel like second skin:

London Sole flats

or these...

London Sole flats

What my favorite German Fashionista Blogger is wearing

Leave it to the German to rock the high-tops.  I have been working on convincing some of my younger clients to wear high-tops and here is a look that really works. I think 40 and under.

via Golestaneh-Street Style

And here we have the lovely Anne Hathaway in them:

via Elle & Ish

Isabel Marant Bazil Sneakers via Net-a-porter (sold out I am afraid)

Here is the Target Version-only available now in select colors:

Target sneakers

In the meantime, you can get these from Zara.  I am thinking possibly leather black motorcycle jeans, deep V-neck and a big cashmere sweater.  Gorgeous!

Here are some that I love: Nike Liberty of London-pre order now.

Here is the German's fab look for less:

Club Monaco Coat

Zara Grey sweater

J Crew Cashmere hat

Club Monaco Beanie

or this one...

Mossimo Slouchy hat

Pink Jeans and how to wear them

While in Carmel I purchased these Toothpick J Crew jeans in a salmony-pink color.  I love the shade. They are the perfect pink with a little peach in there. They were on sale for the fair price of $39. Originally $125. This is how I am going to wear and wear them!

After I bought these I knew I needed the perfect statement necklace.  I found this one on sale at Anthropologie. 

 

Chunky Garnet Necklace

I was thinking that I need a black top.  Here are some good options:

J Crew Velvet Dot Ponte Top

J Crew Circle Lace top

Or this Top to make it a bit dressy...

Gilded Lace Top

These are the shoes that I think would look beautiful with all of this:

Chloe Black ballet flat

Or for the look for less:

C Wonder Metallic cap pointed toe flat

Thanksgiving 2012

This was really the extent of my Thanksgiving decor this year since we were leaving for Carmel Valley for the week. I used leaf garlands from JoAnn's Craft and then placed mini white and orange pumpkins along it. I also used a few small gourds. The fairytale pumpkins lasted since early October!

Our children had the whole week off for Thanksgiving so we headed to Carmel Valley Ranch for the week. The weather was gorgeous and sunny so we decided to stay an extra day. The rooms are huge with two fireplaces and they have camps for all of our children including Miss Ruby(age 2)which they all loved. Here are some favorites from our trip:

Thanksgiving in Carmel

The leaves were so beautiful all over Carmel Valley

My husband John and our boys after a Thanksgiving Feast

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium which we all LOVED. We stayed about 3 hours which was perfect.  Afterwards we were starved and had a big dinner with everyone.

This was by far our kids' favorite: The wild turkeys roaming all around the grounds. They were obsessed. My son caught these on camera.

This photo perfectly captures the surly nature of Ruby. She is a tough old broad. Our kids LOVED the pool area and we spent hours there everyday ordering up chicken fingers and Shirley Temples.

The pool area at Carmel Valley Ranch