December Recap

It is really going to be 2011? My, the years are flying by! Not to mention the month of December was an absolute blur (see: finals, holiday shopping, extended hours at work, traveling, etc.). However now that most of the holiday hustle and bustle is settling down, I have had some time to appreciate the best parts of 2010. My time spent at home for Christmas was absolutely lovely, but far too short. Here are the highlights of my holiday:

Seriously sparkly, gold nails. They are decals
made by InCoCo that my sister shared with us!

A print of a Parisian street with hot air balloons in the distance,
in an absolutely gorgeous frame from Brookie

A hand made bracelet that is oh-so-sparkly and ties with a
big bow! Perfect!

Ready to jet-set over to France with this guide
and a book on fashion bloggers. 

My homemade chalkboard that I just added to
my tiny room. (Such a fun DIY craft).

In the next week I am celebrating my best friend, Kylee's 21st birthday in Los Angeles and ringing in 2011 with my sisters in Santa Barbara. I guess I need to start gearing up for party time. Oh, the holidays!

Stockings to Stuff?

Christmas is sooooo on my radar. Just today I watched two holiday movies (Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone)! With Christmas only thirteen days away (yikes!), I couldn't help but browse my favorite sites for little "add-on" gifts for friends and family members. These are my favorite finds and top suggestions if you need some stocking stuffer ideas for a fabulous girl in your life.

Seasonal Decor by Gump's
Clutches by Felix Rey

Indulgences

Armand Diradourian, Smart Cookie Pillow

Jayson, Goldleaf Bird Ornament

Topshop, Swan Ring

Betsey Johnson, Lace Mesh briefs in leopard

Felix Rey, Love Birds Clutch

Gump's, Cupcake ornament

Topshop, Fairisle socks

Deborah Lippman, 24kt nail polish

Nars, Dovima nail polish

Jayson, gold Pineapple bowl

Fred Flare, Leopard Wrap ring

Betsey Johnson, Itsy Bitsy Dots knee socks

Gump's, Golden Wood wreath (for decoration around the stockings!)

Winter Weather Wishlist

Tonight I was planning on celebrating the end of the quarter downtown but with dropping temperatures and a plethora of Christmas movies on TV, I opted to stay in, take a hot bath, and sip some chamomile tea. I guess its just that time of year. These are a few things I wouldn't mind having around on nights like these.

Cashmere Sweaters by Sonia Rykiel
Boots by Urban Outfitters

Indulgences include:

Sonia Rykiel, Cashmere sweater

Asos, Bow gloves

See by Chloe, Pom Pom scarf

Mimi Holliday, Fete Conquine silk bra and brief

Urban Expressions, Heart clutch

China Glaze, Ruby Pumps polish (currently on my toes, and my absolute favorite)

Urban Outfitters, Festive slippers

What A Week.

I have to say... these past 9-10 days have been difficult. After losing my beloved grandmother last week every other negative event in my life has been amplified to the point where I was able to cry on demand. Such events included: Josie the Jeep going to mechanic heaven (and away from me) and finals week becoming "write as many papers as you can" week. Fortunately, this week is over in two days and then I can relax appropriately alongside my puppies, sisters, mama and pops.

While the past week has been trying, I have several things I am infinitely grateful for:

After losing my Grandma last week, my sister and I were given the opportunity to go through her clothes and take what we wished. This was like a dream come true for me. Searching through my Grandma's vintage clothes and taking whatever I wanted?? Yes, please! As I drove back to Santa Barbara last weekend with two HUGE bags full of my grandma's beautiful clothes in tow, I couldn't help but smile, shed a tear and remind myself of how lucky I was to bring a piece of her home with me. Definitely a positive spin on a rough weekend.

A handful of my finds: A satin, peach jumpsuit, a tan leather coat,
a fur stole and a comfy, red sweater.  

Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day.
Stunning, right?

My dad. My personal new-used-car-finder. Even after en emotional week he is still willing to help me find and finance some wheels. What a guy! 

My mama. She sure knows how to cheer me up. While home last week she introduced me to the most amazing christmas store, that is stocked with pre-decorate, themed trees. There was a whole tree devoted to owls! 

A corvette themed tree.

And an owl themed tree. So cute!

My aunt and cousins, who hooked me up with eyelash extensions. I have to say, them are am-az-ing.  They are located in Santa Cruz and have great prices (about 1/4 of what you would be charged anywhere else). Their website is in the making but if you would like their contact information let me know! 

Love you forever, Grandma.

So, in honor of one of the most inspiring and beautiful women I have met, I vow to let go of the stress and anxiety I have experienced this week (as Grandma deDiego always said "Take it one day at a time") and wear some of the most amazing vintage clothes I have ever come across. Thank you for the wonderful memories Grandma. 

Let the Festivities Begin

Oh, the quarter system. So much quicker than the semester system. There is seriously zero time to slack, or for that matter, take a break. The past few weeks have been full of writing papers, making surveys, reading chapter after chapter, and then preparing to do it all over again. Luckily, I do get to take a physical break from Santa Barbara next week. Back home to Northern California I go on Tuesday for Thanksgiving break and I could not be more excited. It's the little things like playing with my puppies, cold weather, and seeing my mom and dad that make the holidays so great.

Can't wait to snuggle with Pip and Bella Lu!

This year Kate and I are planning on making big waves for Thanksgiving at our grandparents. Since we have both been following vegan diets for the past year (Kate has been longer... she's awesome), we are going to be making some new dishes that are equally delicious as they are healthy. So far I think we have agreed that these dishes are going to make an appearance:

• candied yams
• some wildly delicious salad with ridiculous amounts of veggies
• cranberry chutney with cilantro and jalapeno (courtesy of Uncle Matty from last year)

We are still brainstorming, but I will be sure to post pictures of all our tasty dishes. You are all going to wish you were invited to the deDiego Thanksgiving events each year. 

Also, my dad's side of the family has a tradition of going to dinner at a local mexican food restaurant, Little Tampico, and then hitting up the local bars for a night of fun the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and this year I get to go! Not completely legally, but we deDiego's know how to work magic (aka sister's ID). There are sure to be some classic stories and great pictures to come from this night. Stay tuned. 

Here is the skirt I am thinking will make a great fall statement for the festivities: 

Loving this!

And the best part? It's only $20 from Old Navy. I'm thinking of pairing this with a black blouse, black tight and my booties. And I'll jazz it up with some jewels. 

Really looking forward to seeing the fam, baking up some delicacies with my mama, snuggling with puppies, and fresh made espresso at my dad's house. See you soon Santa Cruz/Bay Area! 

XOXO, 

Taylor 

Meet My Pretty Friend.. and Pretty Jacket.

After weekends like the one just past, I wish that I could hang out with all of my best friends everyday, especially Kylee. We have been friend since 6th grade and although we now live in different cities and we are both constantly busy with work, school, or other projects, we do a pretty good job of staying in touch. After spending the weekend laughing, shopping, taking 20 minutes to make a single decision, and exploring LA, I couldn't help but think of how grateful I am that she and I quickly fall back into routine, even though we only see each other every month & half or so.

As always, Kylee and I went shopping in Santa Monica and did minor damage (but enough that I am living on canned food leftover in my pantry). It's dangerous when we shop together for the following reasons: (1) we have similar style, and are very good at sharing clothes so we convince each other to buy things, and (2) we are very good at rationalizing why we should spend X amount of dollars regardless of the bills we have to pay or the lack of gas in one of our cars. I think we would both agree that if we were millionaires, we would be the best dressed. :)

Anyways, while shopping in Santa Monica I scored a darling sequin jacket, perfect for work during the holidays and... our trip to Vegas! That's right! Kylee is turning 21 and we are off to Vegas in January and this sparkly stunner is definitely coming with.

Oh rose gold, I love you. 

I'm thinking jeans, white blouse, this and my nude pumps for the holidays at work. And for vegas, a black dress, this, and strappy shoes. Can't wait! Pictures to come. :)

XOXO,
Taylor

Sneak Peak: Porter Gulch Jewelry Designs

As the holidays quickly approach, many of us are beginning the whirl wind that is holiday shopping (how did this time of year come so fast yet again??). As a college student I have vowed to start my shopping early so that I am not broke come mid-December. And, I have really great news for those of you who are also getting started early: A fabulous jewelry designer, who makes hand-made unique pieces out of her NYC city apartment, is giving me the opportunity to give you all a sneak peak into her holiday line!

Brooke, the creative mind, jeweler, and talented artist behind Porter Gulch Jewelry Designs, makes pieces that are not only budget friendly but also perfectly sparkly for any holiday ensemble. Her designs are unique, yet not too trendy. She prides herself on making pieces that are subtle enough to wear multiple times a week, yet also make a statement with the most basic of outfits. Her hobby turned small business is making waves on both coasts; her signature love ring is on the hands of ladies all over California, New York City and even Australia! So here is what you have all been waiting for, the sneak peak: The Avery earrings.

The Avery earring.
Perfect with a black cashmere sweater, jeans, and boots
or that silky, gem colored holiday dress waiting to make its debut!

Hand-crafted, these stunning earrings are made with brushed sterling silver, adorned with gold chain, and topped with Pyrite stones. The stone is faceted which results in a super sparkly earring that catches the light (see: Christmas lights, fireplaces, sunshine). And best yet, no two earrings are alike, which makes them a true piece of art for your ears.  Brooke will be posting these on her etsy shop tomorrow. Selling price is $48. Be sure to snatch these up if you are in love as there is limited stock.

They're like little nests of sparkle and fun. 

Hand-crafted earrings for $48?? Unreal, I know. 

It feels so good to support an up and coming designer. I encourage you to think of Brooke when shopping for the women in your life for the holidays, as I am sure they will be thrilled with her shiny pieces (my "Taylor" necklace and "Love" ring are definitely getting their wear this season... it might be time for something new!). She is currently working with bright-colored gems that will also be apart of her holiday line. Also, note that Brooke is willing to make custom orders if you are feeling inspired by her designs but want to tweak something or create something totally new. What a doll!

XOXO,
Taylor