Adiós 2015, Bienvenido 2016

BCBG Dress and Necklace, Vintage Feather Wrap, Sam Edelman Heels, Michael Kors Watch

Happy New Year amigos! I’m delighted to announce I’m back and spearheading my lifestyle blog in full force. To recap, over the past year and a half I tackled a few milestones that temporarily took my full attention (a little thing called life). Some key highlights included: receiving my executive MBA at Sonoma State University in wine marketing, collaborating with NakedWines.com to produce my 3rd vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under my La Tapatia wine label, while marching into my 30’s with gusto and continuing to work with my family's winery.  Whew, what a ride!

In short, much has transpired in such a beautiful way and now I can’t wait to continue to share my adventures, findings, fashion tips, recipes and shenanigans with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here’s to an unforgettable and exciting 2016. Ole!

Throughout the holidays I always like to have a festive option that's an alternative to sequins and classic red outfits. The soft ivory tulle dress in contrast to the chocolate brown feather wrap offers a modern yet sexy way to dress up your holiday ensemble. Did I mention I have a slight dress obsession?

Spring Fever in Napa Valley!

Min Agostini Teal Dress, Chloé Sunglasses, Vintage Jewelry, Kenneth Cole Nude Sandal

Let's find a beautiful place to get lost in the mustard flowers...

Spring in the Napa Valley casts a strong spell, with its yellow-hued vineyards, 70-degree days and cool nights warmed by vino and night bocce ball (in my case). This time of year leaves a stunning yellow trail of mustard blossoms that literally causes cars to stop in their tracks and admire the bold beauty. It’s also the perfect transitional season to shift from boots and fussy layers, to light airy dresses, sandals and lots of sunshine.

Today’s look was inspired by the recent election of Argentine, Pope Francis. I swept through my closet and found this dress that I had purchased on my last trip to Buenos Aires. It’s made by one of my favorite Argentine designers, Min Agostini, whom I happened to stumble upon during one Sunday afternoon at the popular San Telmo Street Market. Agostini uses her skills as an architect to bring a new level of structural innovation, which I absolutely adore when designed right - hence the cap sleeve ruffle and bubble bottom. I can't wait to go back! 

All That Glitters

There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold and she's buying a stairway to heaven... -Led Zeppelin

Happy Holidays! There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to combine all of the girliest details into a single, over-the-top look, complete with a gold sequin jacket, cream colored dress, bright lips and peep-toe heels. Sequin statement pieces consistently work anytime you want to get dolled up for the holidays or a night out in the town.

With the end of the new year approaching, this is the perfect excuse to shell out all things that glitter, sparkle and shine and what a better way to refresh your wardrobe then with a dose of glam. Ole!

{H&M sequin jacket - similar here, BCBG dress + gold ring, Kenneth Cole heels} 

This past weekend, I went to Lake Tahoe for a much needed girls trip! Our agenda was jam packed with ice skating, hot tubbing, mimosas, white elephant gift exchange and more. Stay tuned for a fun blog post to come - I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Dia de los Muertos

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. - G.B. Shaw

Oh, hello November. October has come and gone in such a rapid sweep (Go SF Giants!), that I have officially welcomed fall and all of its autumn glory. This is unquestionably one of my favorite times of the year, which begins the holiday season with Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead. In my culture this is an honored holiday that celebrates and remembers the lives of passed loved ones.

It sounds a bit more morbid that it really is but this national Mexican holiday celebrates death and welcomes the departed spirits home. One of the most important symbols is the calavera, which stand for “skull” in Spanish. Raging from the calaveras de azúcar “sugar skulls” to artwork, these colorful skulls are used to adorn the altars for the dead.

Recently the popularity of calaveras has developed into a highly artistic style of make-up design, combining stunning and elaborate face-paint with various flowers and beads. Here are a few beautiful examples of Mexican skull make-up art, fashion and color that took my breath away…

Arm Candy Giveaway!

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Hola amores. Today I have a special treat for you! I’ve been a longtime lover of all types of jewelry - particularly full on arm candy! That's why I am so excited to team up with the fabulous sisters of Amoretto Boutique. This time, you have a chance to win this multi-layered stacked wooden bangle bracelet! I love wearing these bangles with a pair of bright colored jeans, a cheerful top & wedges.

To Enter:

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Update! 8/31/12 -Congratulations Nicole Gordon Needham!!!You are now the sweet owner of this stunning bangle bracelet! Please email customerservice@amorettoboutique.com to claim your winnings!

Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned for the next giveaway. xo