An Afternoon at Domaine Chandon

Living in the Napa Valley definitely has its perks. If you are a foodie & wino, this is an obvious destination to live or to visit. People assume that I drink wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner but, thankfully, that is not true{no vino lush over here!}. When family and friends visit, that’s actually the time to go wine tasting and, when we go, a must stop is Domaine Chandon for some of their delicious bubbly.

I have to say that Domaine Chandon has some of the most elegant and beautiful grounds in the valley with their lush forest setting, beautiful ponds, and giant trees that surround the property. Domain Chandon also houses étoile, the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley, and one of my favorites. I spent two summers in college working at étoile as a hostess so this restaurant holds a special place in my heart.

{Max Studio Dress, Steve Madden Boots, Forever 21 Blazer, Barneys New York Belt, Vintage Bag, Anthropologie Necklace & Ring}.

A Stroll Along The Napa Riverfront

Visit downtown Napa for a spontaneous day full of shopping, wine tasting, dining & romance!

The weather in Napa has been unseasonably warm with highs in the mid- 70’s. Our entire neighborhood seems to have shifted overnight into Spring with smells of jasmine and orange blossoms lingering in the air. Yesterday afternoon was the perfect time for a healthy walk in downtown Napa’s Riverfront neighborhood. Accented with ebony railings and antique-inspired lampposts, this paved path meanders along the west bank of the Napa River. It’s a charming place to enjoy a casual stroll where you are surrounded by rural beauty, elegant boutiques, art galleries, and endless restaurants and tasting rooms at your beck and call. I love that I can call this area my backyard!

The outfit: Sometimes dresses that look a bit awkward on the hanger turn out to be the most fun to wear. This festive and totally on-trend Diane Von Furstenberg tribal wrap dress is just what you need to mix things up. But then again, anything that pairs bright citrusy colors with a tribal print typically gets my vote. 

Ole! Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to share my first giveaway from the bodacious Amoretto Boutique! They have generously offered to give away this stunning necklace that I’m modeling in these pictures. Isn’t it lovely, colorful and perfect to wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a jeweled neckline top? I decided to pair it with a color-blocking theme of turquoise and fuchsia and find that the addition of the necklace compliments the outfit perfectly. This multi-layered necklace is a must have for Spring or if you need to add a little sparkle to a dull outfit! If you’re an accessory junkie {like me} check out the other fabulous items they have in their boutique.

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Amoretto Boutique’s Facebook fan page here and scroll down to leave a reply {either on the blog comments section or on the Facebook comments section} telling us why you think this necklace is for you {or your girlfriend}. Pretty simple, right?  The winner will be drawn at random and will be announced Wednesday, March 7th. Buena Suerte!

{Max Studio Dress/ J Crew Cardigan/ Poetic Licence Pumps/ Ecote Suede Fringe Bag/ Eco-Citizen Watch/ Spring Street Design Group Necklace /Tom Ford Lipstick}

Update! 3/7/12 - Congratulations Wendy Jacobus! You are now the sweet owner of this stunning necklace!

Red Hot Valentine’s Day Outfit

French Connection Dress/BCBG  Stilettos/ Citizen Eco-Drive Watch/Mac Lipstick, Russian Red

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt...

I like to think of Valentine’s Day as not just a day for couples, but a day to make the special people in your life feel loved. Whether it’s with cards, gifts or candy, we can’t get enough of letting the world know how much we love being in love and the feeling of love around us, right? I’ve never been a fanatic about this day but why not doll up a bit and add to the pink and red madness {talking from a girl who has a slight color obsession…}

Recipe for Style: A cozy night in or a big night out…

1. Keep it playful - add a pop of color either to your outfit, stilettos or with bright red lips. Yowzaaa!

2. Step out of your comfort zone - a sweetheart neckline, a sheer top or a backless dress will make you feel and look {oh, so darling and sexy}.

3. Keep the mystery alive – Don’t just use this one day to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Adding some mystery and sparkle at random times will ensure spontaneous romantic gestures.

Hot Winter Trend: Green

Our reaction to color is almost instantaneous and has a profound impact on the choices we make everyday...

I suppose it goes along with my spring fever and possible {slight} color obsession but I am really giddy over all shades of green. It is undoubtedly one of my favorite colors and it adds a refreshing pop of color to many aspects of my life – fashion, food and places I’ve traveled.

While the thought of wearing something so bright may be a bit daunting to some, this color should be embraced! I find that green is soothing to the eye and adds a wonderful contrast to dull and dark colors in a revitalizing way. Whether you wear the color green, eat green foods or live a green lifestyle, this color symbolizes life and should be happily welcomed. I guarantee you’ll be smiling more often!