the carry-on challenge

I couldn't be more excited for our trip to Istanbul tomorrow.  But, there is one slight problem.  Well, it's not really a problem more than it's a challenge, for me.  My husbands making me take a carry-on.  This may not seem like quite the task for some of you, but if you don't know me, let me assure you that this is indeed a huge challenge.  Of course, I have to acknowledge, packing for trips isn't exactly my forte {in all honesty, I usually look like the girl above hauling my entire closet overseas}.  And since I've hoped to be quite the savvy traveler one day, I've decided to abide.

{Handy dandy "Pack This" note pad }

Here are some simple rules I am sticking to:

Rule # 1: You won't wear the clothes overseas that you don't wear at home.  Don't get overly ambitious and think that your style will change and the "European fashionista" in you will shine through on this particular trip.  Yes, we all want to look effortlessly Parisian, but be honest with yourself.  

Rule # 2: Stick to a color scheme.  If neutrals and nautical is your thing, pack accordingly.  If edgy and animal print?  You get the idea. 

Rule # 3:  ROLL your clothes like a crepe! This will allow maximum space to be designated for more clothes and your items won't be wrinkled after the long journey.
Rule # 4: Accessories galore.  This is key on a trip because as you take less clothing, you can mix and match your entire wardrobe by swapping out different shoes, statement necklaces, earrings, scarves, bracelets and easily have a whole new look.

Rule # 5: For non-carry-on'ers: You may not be aware that TSA approved locks are allowed to be used on luggage again after the whole 9/11 banish!  I wish I knew this for our honeymoon, as our luggage was lost for 5 days once we reached Rome and when it was finally received, some of my favorite items were stolen!

{ Perfect for flights since it's usually freezing and Equipment blouses are the best transition of cold to summery weather} 

{ all images via Pinterest }

Vogue + Vino will be back in about 2 weeks.  In the meantime, please keep up with me in Istanbul and with Noelle in LA, via our @Vogueandvino Instagram!!  Off I go, Bon Voyage!

Currently loving

[ Currently loving this dress: perfectly priced, perfectly fitted, perfectly peplum ]

{Zara peplum dress $79.90; pair it with some: J.Crew colorful statement necklaces}

{ cuffed }

Whether it has a stiletto heel, chunky platform, or even a sexy wedge, ankle strapped shoes are huge this season. Take a look at it-girl, Olivia Palermo rocking her Boutique 9 Doetzen heels, yes Boutique 9 {which means they are affordable, and on sale, here} at an event in NYC and on the red carpet in Milan.   Not only is this style flattering to elongate our legs, it's also perfect for cropped ankle jeans/trousers that you're seeing everywhere.  And don't fret, this style will walk {literally} along with us well into Fall. Here are some more drool-worthy looks: 

{ Photos via Olivia Palermo.com }

{From left to right}

1. Alexander Wang Lina 2 Piece Pumps

2. B by Brian Atwood Labrea Evening Sandal

3. Boutique 9 Doetzen Sandal

4. Proenza Schouler Braided Wedge Sandal

5. Tibi Barbara Heel

6. Zara Studded Ankle Strap Sandal

7. Tibi Amber Sandal

8. Zara Wedge with Ankle Strap

9. Givenchy Guerra Heel

10. Zara Printed Medium Heel

11. Topshop Loaded Black Platform Sandals

12. Zara High Heel Sandal with Ankle Strap

{ Style Profile } Kourtney Kardashian

Oh these sisters.  Who can get enough of them?  When it comes to fashion, there's something about all three of their unique aesthetics, but today Kourtney takes center stage. Whether taking her adorable son Mason out to play, or attending a trendy red carpet event, you can always count on Kourtney to steal the show and get noticed. What we love most about her is that she takes enough risks yet is the definition of effortless style. Usually in playful high-waisted skirts with opaque tights, shorts, or pants for that matter; or a chic play on masculine femininity, Kourtney knows what flatters her petite frame and works it.  And of course, always sky-high heels.  She’s not afraid of color or fun prints and patterns and she never leaves home without a really great pair of sunglasses {cat eye, anyone?}. She inspires US to take risks; mixing things up that we normally wouldn't think go together. One of my favorite looks are Kourtney’s outfits with shorts. Short shorts help lengthen her legs and I love how she pairs them either with a matching jacket for a suiting effect or a flowy blouse and great accessories.  Another one of her looks I love has to be her pairing of full skirts or dresses with tights and usually a statement bootie or laced up Louboutins in a differing color for a contrasted look.  Glamorous, stylish, and always chic!

Coming soon on Vogue and Vino we’re enlisting the help of Kourtney’s stylist Monica Rose to forecast some of Falls upcoming trends. We can’t wait to see Kourtney in her fall attire! Who are your fashion icons and how do they inspire your style?
               
                
                

               

 

{ Fiesta }

{ Old Spanish Days Festival Parade on State street }

With the Old Spanish Days Festival in full swing last weekend, our fiesta themed housewarming/birthday fête was very fitting for our many celebrations! Despite the drizzle that covered Santa Barbara early that morning, the sun was shining and it was a perfect 76 degrees by the time the party started.  The day was filled with endless margaritas, sangria, street tacos, colorful lanterns, stringed white lights, hanging piñatas, sombreros, and of course, mustache straws and tattoos for our guests! It was very special having all the people so dear to us at our new house enjoying themselves. They definitely "warmed" our home.  But I think the best part of my birthday last week was the surprise trip to Istanbul my husband planned for us in two weeks! :) Can't wait. xx. 

{ Vino for the Sangria pitcher }

{ Soaking the apples and peaches for the Sangria hours before the party }

{ Tres Leches Cupcakes with Mexican flags and mustache toothpick garnish }

{ Some of the drinks }

{ Hollow pinapple-man for wedged limes }

{ Mustache galore }

{ the past 365 }

Today’s my birthday and despite being far from my family and friends for the first time, I'm grateful for the new life I've created with my husband. I'm also quite ecstatic for the Fiesta themed birthday/housewarming party we're throwing this Saturday. Here are some snapshots of smiles and blessings that the past year has brought me. :) Cheers. xx

From left to right:

1. High tea inspired birthday cupcakes and petit fours

2. Marrying my best friend July 2, 2011

3. Out and about

4. Being featured in Ceremony Magazine's weddings 2011-2012

5.  Being a part of the Tiffany & Co. Blogger breakfast

6. Noelle and I making the smart {best} decision to create Vogue and Vino

7. View from the top of the Vatican

8. My first fashion show

9. Exploring Cinque Terre, Italy

10. Visiting Sydney, Australia

11. Portofino Nights

12. Fijian sunsets

13. St. Marks square, Venice

14.  View from our room, Santa Margherita

15.  Things that make me smile: cappuccino & pastry filled mornings :)