Blue Suede Stilettos

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening... -Coco Chanel[/typography]

{Banana Republic Top, H&M Skirt, Zara Stilettos & Vintage Leather Bag}

Oh Coco, how you understand me so well! I can’t imagine a better quote to describe my feelings about fashion. This past week has proven that even when sudden & sad events occur in life, you can still remain positive and upbeat by the way you carry yourself, the way you act and the way you dress.

I decided to brighten up my day by wearing this vibrant, airy & cheerful number, just in time for the end of the summer season. I wore a variation of this outfit almost everyday this week – a flowy top and flouncy skirt – and felt infinitely cooler and more relaxed.

p.s. life can be very fragile so don’t forget to give your loved ones a squeeze and remind them how much you love them. 

SF Sunset Sailing

I was 8 years old when I had my first sailing experience.  My mom loves to tell the story that I was the only kid on the sailboat lying on my back with my arms crossed behind my head, commenting that…

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]this is the life…[/typography] [/quote]

It’s funny, even as a child I was enthusiastic about taking advantage of life’s exciting and magnificent experiences. Last Friday I had the opportunity to relive these feelings and set out on an adventurous sailing trip around the SF Bay.

Having only sailed twice before, I was excited by the prospect of gliding through the San Francisco Bay with nothing but the wind blowing us along. We set sail in the beautiful Sausalito Harbor on a historical sailboat called the Seaward. It was truly a magical experience sitting out in the open sea, taking in the gorgeous panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Three hours seemed to fly by as we enjoyed the seascape while sipping on wine and snacking on cheese and crackers {compliments of Call of the Sea}. Once the sun began to set, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the most beautiful sky, illuminated with bright orange, pink and blue colors. It was the ideal ending to a memorable afternoon of sailing.

P.s. Make sure to bring warm layers {it gets nippy out there!} Ole!

{Peach scarf courtesy of BLING by Brenda- It's light & airy, perfect for summer!}

[nggallery id=7]

Hotel Yountville - Staycation

DaliaCejaHotelYountville2

[quote]Once in a blue moon it feels great to pack an overnight bag, stay at a fabulous hotel and unwind from a hectic week at work...[/quote]

I welcomed this idea with open arms and happily left the endless emails and task lists at home. This mini staycation took place at the luxurious Hotel Yountville {located a hop, skip and jump away from the city of Napa}.  As soon as we walked through the gorgeous European styled lobby, I knew that we were in for a truly memorable experience.

The vibe: In the picturesque little town of Yountville, you get a taste of ultra chic and luxurious comfort at your beck and call.

Our itinerary was simple - relax, enjoy a bottle of bubbles while sitting around the outdoor fire pits, take a leisurely stroll and grab a bite to eat at Bistro Jeanty {the tomato soup soufflé is to die for!}. The evening ended underneath the stars with a refreshing night swim in the heated pool. After this relaxing, stress free day, climbing into the four poster "Dream Bed" with its cool, luxurious Italian linens, was an ideal ending to a perfect day.

Overall, I was impressed and blown away with the attention to detail and, most importantly, with the gracious and welcoming staff.  It was the ideal mini getaway that was filled with pampering, relaxation and indulgence. It was truly perfect! Ole!

DaliaCejaHotelYountville3

{A lovely and delicious welcome gift}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville5

{Long patterned sexy maxi dress, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville8

{Heated cypress-lined pool. Amazing}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville9

{Take a stroll in the peaceful outdoor gardens}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville11

{Relax & read a book next to the outdoor fire pits}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville13

{Beautiful black feathered earnings, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville14

{Gorgeous European styled lobby}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville18

{Sit by the fire place & enjoy a glass of Ceja Vineyards "Vino de Casa" blends}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville21

{Cruise over to the in-house restaurant, Hopper Creek Kitchen, for breakfast. We devoured the most exquisite meal of Brioche French Toast and a Chanterelle Mushroom Omelet}

DaliaCejaHotelYountville20

{A truly memorable, romantic and exciting destination resort...}

[nggallery id=6]

Thrifty Train Tracks

[quote]Whether you call it recycled, resale, vintage or thrift, I call it Fashion...[/quote]

One of my absolute favorite places to shop in the Bay Area is Crossroads Trading Company. It’s a clothing store that buys, sells and trades women's and men’s designer attire. I call it my personal treasure chest and always walk out with amazing fashion gems.

If you’re a vintage or thrift store shopaholic who loves designer fashion, this is the place for you. I could honestly spend hours browsing the neat and tidy racks, obsessing over each color coordinated section {the dress section is my personal favorite!}. What I’ve always said about this store is "Great fashion for great prices, and Crossroads nails it!"

I found this long, coral, vintage maxi dress at Crossroads a few weeks ago and thought this was the perfect outfit to welcome and embrace the long awaited summer heat. I accented the dress with flat sandals, my new favorite turquoise pendant from Versa Jewelry {by Caitlin Clarke} and a leather belt from Sola Lucy Boutique in Berkeley. I love this outfit’s simplicity, yet it has a fun and flirty bohemian chic appeal.

There is something so rustic, edgy & adventurous about walking down abandoned train tracks so I thought this would be the perfect backdrop to showcase this outfit. The setting also reminds me of one of my favorite childhood movies, Stand by Me, which brings warm, familiar, summer feelings. What are some of your favorite summer memories?

Grecian Green Dress

Over Memorial Day weekend we took the opportunity to explore the gorgeous wine country of Paso Robles. As I predicted, the weather was undeniably warm and breezy, making this the perfect day to sport this Grecian green dress. I stumbled on this dress at a vintage trunk show, and I've been wearing it since my college days. I love the subtle details with the high empire waist, the seamless flowing fabric and the golden rope that borders the neckline. Together with my gladiator lace up sandals and a simple yellow shawl, this outfit reminds me of what a fashion forward Greek goddess would wear. Ole!