Some Diamond Dave ...

Couldn't resist some old school Diamond Dave with MTV VJ Mark Goodman. All sorts of 80's style going on here. I'll never know how Dave got into his pants and shirt without getting all tangled up. But who cares. What really matters is did Van Halen really think we wouldn't notice when Hagar took over and got all Cabo Wabo on us? I mean Hagar's got a voice, but only Dave can have the voice and fully bring the full-extension, mid-air splits. How amazing would an OG Van Halen reunion be? Would you go?

Photo: Nowness

Coral Bringing It ...

I'm finding myself really fond of this coral, camel, navy combo in A.P.C.'s new fall collection. Camel and navy are classic staple combos but that coral really brings the party, doesn't it?

Feeling Pretty Darn Good ...

So I'm feeling pretty good right now 'cause we finally locked in a house this weekend! In the beginning we weren't sure if we were going to buy or rent but we decided to rent first which alleviated so much stress! The house we found is super cool and the owners are awesome. In fact, it turns out that we all went to the same schools (they're just a few years older so I didn't know them) growing up and shared some of the same teachers. And how funny is this, my fourth grade teacher's daughter lives next door. I swear everyone is separated by only one degree these days. So now I have a moving date in sight and can plan and schedule like a mad woman. Plus, I've been thinking of all my decorating options, cannot wait. Speaking of decorating...

Did you catch the first episode of Emily's new show Secrets From a Stylist? I'm giving it three thumbs up and here's why:

1. HGTV needed this fresh, young(er) approach to decorating.

2. There's a whole audience that can identify with Emily as opposed to say Candice or Genevieve. No offense, I actually like Candy and Gen, but you can't deny the style difference.

3. And lastly, there's a fun, creative method to Emily's way of approaching design. I loved how she asked Ian to name a movie he could see himself living in.

I immediately started racking my brain and decided that my ultimate house would be one part Something's Gotta Give, to two parts Cameron's house in The Holiday with a healthy splash of Kelly Wearstler. A bit kooky? What movie could you see yourself living in?

Photo: Beauty In Everything

I'm Not Sure, But I Like It ...

A little stylish randomness for your Friday afternoon. Here's some more randomness for you. Was just at the carwash and I saw for sale an Ed Hardy litter bag. Who goes to the carwash and says "there it is! I've been looking all over for this beaut." Nothing against Ed Hardy, it's just not my particular cup of tea nor my particular choice of in-car trash receptacle. So here's my question for you ... you're going on a first date with this really nice guy and when he picks you up you notice said trash receptacle in his car. Are you stoked or did you throw up a little in your mouth?

Can't wait to read your answers. Have a great weekend everyone! Group hug:)

Photo: Backyard Bill

Must Have These! ...

At first I thought ... oh, cool, stylish couple with cute shoes. But then I got a better look at her shoes and 'bout fell out of my seat. These L.L. Bean hunting boots were a big deal to me growing up because I could never convince my parents to buy me a pair. Maybe because we lived in perpetually sunny, southern California? Or maybe I shouldn't have been begging in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals. But that's beside the point, I needed these boots! I finally got a pair at a yard sale, but it just wasn't the same. These 10 inchers are for sure going to be purchased in the near future. Cannot wait!

P.S. There are a few other things going on my fall must have list. Hop on over to Pretty Mommy and check them out!

Photo: The Sartorialist

Where's Winona? ...

Remember this Winona Ryder for Marc Jacobs photo? I bumped into it the other day and couldn't help but think ... where's Winona? I miss her out there in movie-land, don't you? I wish someone would write an epic role for her in a great movie so she can make her comeback already. When I worked at Prada she was one of my regular clients. She was awesome. She'd phone ahead of time to let me know she was coming so I could pull things for her. And sometimes while shopping she'd order take out and I'd reserve the giant dressing room so she and her friend could eat in peace–high fashion camp out I suppose. One of my fave Winona films is of course Reality Bites, but long before that I loved her in Lucas. Do you have a Winona favorite movie or moment?

And for the record, she was a stellar client. I would even send new pieces from the collection to her house sometimes and any item she wanted, she'd keep (I had her card on file). And whatever she didn't want she'd send back ... every, single time.

Photo: Juergen Teller

Stay Sharp ...

Maybe it's the hair, but I'm guessing this guy's British. I like how he isn't afraid to mock you. It's people like this that keep us on our toes you know. You gotta have a quick wit to keep up with a guy like this. Gotta stay sharp.

Photo: Joshua Porter (via Beauty in Everything)

Happy Feet? ...

Funny, was up at Fashion Island yesterday and noticed this company Happy Socks at American Rag Cie. or maybe it was The Closet, sorry can't remember which shop. Anyhow, by happenstance (I feel like a bell should sound whenever I use this word) I ran into this brand again last night as I was catching up on one of my new fave guy blogs The Bengal Stripe (thanks David!). I think the socks are a cool concept with great photography by new-to-me photographer Backyard Bill. What do you think? Too much effort for socks? Or would they actually be a fun fall item?

I also like how Rell Sunn's name is on the bus' plates. Legit.

Judy & Jane ...

After yesterday's post about my own mother-daughter afternoon it seemed appropriate that I stumbled upon this photo of mother-daughter blogging duo Judy and Jane Aldridge. I love that they both share a love for fashion and interiors and seem to do a lot together. I emailed Judy once when I started blogging and shared with her my admiration for the relationship that she has with her daughters. It's something I very much look forward to with my own kids as they get older. And yes, Judy was absolutely gracious enough to reply to my email–I was so excited. This photo and others was shot by Douglas Friedman and accompanies a great post about these two inspiring ladies.

You must take a moment to view these family photos Judy took of her daughters growing up. She's a great photographer.

Via: Nowness

Vote For My Friend Julia! ...

My good friend Julia has submitted her gypsy modern, work-in-progress home in the CB2/The Selby contest and we need your help! Julia and her husband Dusty just bought this cool house and are literally in the midst of making it their cozy home. So not only can they use the $10k shopping spree at CB2 but their style is perfectly CB2/Selby-esque it's not even funny! Todd Selby you need to photograph the Wheeler's and their home pronto–you won't regret it!

Do you see that velvet painting leaning up against the cabinets to the right of the fireplace there? Yeah, that's Julia and Dusty. See what I mean? And that magazine sitting at the top of the stack there? That's a very first issue of TransWorld SKATEboarding magazine (we have one too). Legit. Hurry and vote for Casa Wheeler here!

Me, P, & Annie ...

P at our first full beach day last week. In her Liberty of London for Target suit. Isn't it cute?

Happy Monday! Our weekend was pretty mellow as I mentioned it would be. But the stand out moment was yesterday when I took P to see her first play, Annie. We made it a girls outing since I'm not so sure Eric would've been psyched to sit through three hours of singing and dancing. But more importantly because I felt like we needed some fun, mother-daughter bonding time since I feel like all I've been doing lately is disciplining her. Those of you with kids about three years of age or older most likely know what I'm talking about. I mean the attitude at this age is unbelievable! They're like little nightmare glimpses into their teenaged future if you don't nip them in the bud now! And girls (I speak from experience;) are worse than boys. So since I'm scared shitless of having a horrible relationship with her when she's a teen I have no problem laying down the law every single time these disruptions occur. But after a while it seems like all the sweetness has been squeezed out of our relationship. Until yesterday:)

We were back to our silly, goofy, lovey selves. P was practically dancing in the aisle and was in such awe of Annie that she wanted to meet her. So afterwards we did, along with Miss Hannigan and she even had a conversation with Daddy Warbucks. She was beside herself. On the way home all she talked about was performing on stage. It was a pretty incredible day. But best of all I realized that my sweet girl is still in there.

P.S. Congratulations to Emily for winning the Design Star challenge! I knew she'd win! Can't wait to see her new show later this month.

Sunshine And Things ...

Not sure what these girls could possibly be plotting but one thing's for sure ... our weather has finally been swimsuit appropriate this week and I'm loving it. So other than possibly having to arm wrestle someone for a house (I'm still hunting), we're pretty much plotting to take it easy and enjoy this first "summer-feeling" weekend of ours.

Funny, it's the first real warm weekend, but the last summer weekend for most kids who start school next week. Yikes, remember the first day of school jitters? So nervous, but excited to start wearing your new clothes you just got and seeing who was in your class this year? So to all you mom's out there (mine aren't quite school age yet)–good luck with prepping your kids for next week! Have a great weekend everyone. Group hug:)

Photo: Alex Prager

Bleached ...

I really, really like the contrast of her dark sunglasses against her skin and hair. I bleached my hair once when it was a very short pixie cut. Yup ... lasted all of 24 hours before I was back to my brunette self. Looking back I wish I had the guts to pull it off long enough for the roots to at least start showing. Oh well.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

Beautiful Wonders ...

Loving these random photos by Alex Prager. They're beautifully shot while they absolutely make you wonder.

This girl in the middle here with the frizzy perm and double big gulp is pretty awesome.

I'm just gonna light up a cig, throw myself on the bed and still look perfectly put together.

What Did You Say? ...

The well-worn straw hat and the "what did you say?" look on her face go really well together. In fact, I might use it the next time someone reminds me that we only have a few weeks left of summer. Yesterday was actually an amazing, beautiful, sunny day that people were calling it the first day of summer.

Photo: ffffound

Black & Tan ...

I hesitated showing a coat since it actually looks and feels like summer today. I'm trying to pretend I haven't seen a million back to school ads and halloween catalogs trickle in in the mail. But I couldn't resist. I especially like the logs in the background.

Photo: Yosigo

Half Full ...

As you might've guessed I didn't get around to posting yesterday because I was house hunting. But it would've also helped if I hadn't forgotten my computer. Ugh, I felt naked all day not having posted. Anywho, found some good contenders, but nothing solid yet. Thanks to everyone for all your well wishes in the last post. I have to admit though, after reading them all it sort of felt like a pity party! It's definitely not that bad. Yeah, I was crushed but we quickly put it behind us because in the overall picture the glass is most definitely half full my friends. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Photo: Sang An

It Started Out So Well ...

Did I tell you about the perfect house I found last week for our relocation move? It was in the school district I most prefer, the owners loved us, it had a separate office/library and its custom design was inspired by the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla. But most importantly, it was in our budget! But then ...

I get a call from the owners saying that they had a family friend who found out about their house and thus felt compelled to give it to them. I felt like I got punched in the stomach. I still have that gross feeling of having been dumped. You go about your day and almost forget it happened, but realize it did happen and you get that sinking feeling again.

So now the bar is set high and of course nothing's even coming close. Man, it started out so perfect but quickly turned into a flop. Much like this guys dive here–but it's still a beautiful shot. On that note, optimistic I will remain as the "refresh" button continues to be my best friend on several property sites until I find "the one." Wish me luck! Hope everyone has a fab weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Design You Trust

Raising The Bar ...

Perfect, messy hair ... check. Excellent profile ... check. Flawless complexion ... check. And she's got a hot bod to boot. Crazy, isn't it?

On a side note, doesn't this look like a glam senior photo?

Photo: Design You Trust

My Tie ...

I wore a tie to work once and I remember having this feeling of a certain authority. Much like she looks here. Maybe it was the authoritative feeling of making a different choice. Kind of like deciding to wear a tie to work that day.
Photos: Baron Wells

The New Television ...

I like this idea of making a great piece of art the focal point of the room. And I'll bet each time you'd sit in one of those awesome chairs you'd see something different in that painting every time. Although I do worry about the direct sun hitting it like that.

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

The Flower Bun ...

I'm kind of liking this "flower bun" look on these girls. I actually do a high bun every now and again, but it never turns out this polished. Must practice more.

P.S. Don't forget the Elva Fields sale going on at noon EST!

Photo: Terrie Tanaka Mgmt. (Polly Banks stylist)

Super Tuesday ...

I know, I know. Today's Monday, but I wanted to get you geared for tomorrow's big Elva Fields sale and the release of a new Lonny. Tomorrow will be the first ever Elva Fields site-wide sale! It goes live at noon EST so get ready to click and order. Then once you've made your fun purchase(s) you can get inspired by the new issue release of Lonny. A Happenstance Super Tuesday indeed!

The Blues ...

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting photographer Kate Daigneault at an event in La Jolla. When I visited her blog I was so taken by this photo of the Grand Canyon. How amazing are the layered hues of blue? I keep picturing this in a silver frame and white matte.

I couldn't help but also liken this image to the move we're making. It's blue, but beautiful. Blue because as I mentioned before, we're sad to leave North County and our friends and great neighbors. And beautiful because it's a new adventure, we're still going to be coastal, Eric loves his new role and we're going to be living closer to my parents. You win some and lose some, but mostly we're winning some:)

Weekend In Review ...

1. So over the weekend we took a trip north to see this Cliff May Ranch House that is for sale/rent. Why? Because we're relocating from San Diego to the LA area. Yup, that's the news I meant to share with you last week, but things got circus-like fast. Long story short, Eric got an amazing job offer that we couldn't refuse. So we decided to take the plunge. We couldn't be more sad to leave North County, but so excited for our new adventure. We liked this Cliff May, but have decided to keep looking. And so the trek for a new home continues ...

2. Oh this giant mess here would be our backyard that we are in the middle of re-doing and making super nice. Just when we find out we're moving. Murphy's law, right? Well, our new renters are going to be stoked that's for sure!

3. Have you been watching Design Star? It's down to the final three and my vote's for Emily here. She's talented, looks like Kiki's (Kirsten Dunst) sister, and she's not afraid to cut you. Really though, it's getting down to the wire and I'm excited to see who wins their own TV show. Check out Emily's blog where she gives funny, insightful re-caps of each show.

4. Here's Eric putting a high gloss finish ('cause he didn't have a million other things to do:) on the kids new drawing table I got from Alex over at The Rustic Rooster. Loving the navy blue, thanks Alex!

Cliff May Photo: Curbed LA

Design Star Photo: HGTV

I Spy ...

I spy ... calmness, tranquility, warmth, relaxation and rejuvenation. These moments of soaking in the sun are priceless–there's nothing like it. And of course I wouldn't be me if I didn't spy that cute top and shorts she's wearing too. Hope everyone has a fab weekend full of calmness, tranquility, warmth, relaxation and rejuvenation. Group hug:)

Photo: Baron Wells (discovered via Tomboy Style)

The Pixies ...

I think Emma Watson looks adorable with her new pixie cut. It immediately reminded me of Ms. Farrow's popular pixie. A great ode to Mia and a great look on Emma. Applause all around.

Emma Photo: NYMag

Mia Photo: Fanpop

No Shoes Or Jewelry Required ...

Beautiful Natalia. Beautiful dress. No shoes or jewelry were even needed. Total effortless beauty.

Photos: Vincent Peters

A Wooden Tub?! ...

Okay, all you decorators out there. Tell me, have I been living under a rock? I just saw this amazing wooden tub on Coco + Kelley and I love it! I've never seen such a thing! I'm totally blown away right now. Hopefully I'm not totally dorking out as if I just discovered that they make ice cream in chocolate too. You can tell me if I am. I can take a punch for the sake of design.

P.S. The tile is pretty amazing too.

Calm ...

Good, calming morning to you. Thought this might be a good way to start your day. This and making your bed before you leave the house–good ways to start the day.

Photo: Julian Wass

Cute & Cozy Stripes ...

Cute photo of Noot. Cute pajama bottoms for me. This could easily be my bedtime uniform. Sans the cowboy hat of course.

Photo: One Management

Their 30th Date ...

British Vogue's new September cover.

My personal favorite Kate Moss/British Vogue cover.

Landing the cover of a major fashion publication is a dream come true for any model. But landing the cover of British Vogue 30 times is clearly another. British Vogue and the ambiguous Kate Moss celebrate their 30th date together with the upcoming September issue. Incredible, right? The bottom blue cover has to be one of my favorites. The colors are just so striking.

Cover Shots: NYMag.com

The Slide And Point ...

I thought you should know that this Bieber move is called "the slide-and-point." It's described as "a deceptively intricate two-part maneuver." Awesome. The stand up citizens over at Vulture have made it their cheeky duty to bring to us "A Complete Guide to Justin Bieber's Dance Moves." I'm guessing because the world needs it. I personally don't have "Bieber fever," but I know some of you do. Don't get me wrong, I've tried. But it just isn't happening for some reason. I don't know, maybe it's the way he sounds like a 10 year old telling me he loves me through the radio? Anywho, other fave moves include "The Double-Point," and "The Hacky Sack." You just got served.

The Golden Pop ...

I would love to wake up to this every morning.

Good morning! I love it when someone suggests a friendship via Facebook with someone who happens to be the very talented interior designer Barclay Fryery (thanks Maria)! I totally fell in love with these photos of this home I found on his FB page (don't worry, I got permission to post;) . It's clear that gold reigns supreme here. It's just the added pop these rooms needed against a fair palette and beautiful, black, shiny floors. Honestly one of my fave combo's when it comes to interiors. Makes everything look so fresh, clean and inviting.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was very busy, hence the no weekend in review this morning. But fun things are happening that I will be able to share as the week progresses. Let's just say things are crazy. Crazy good:)