Radio Silence...aka: Vacation

I'm giddy with excitement because we leave for our trip in T-3 days! What does this mean for me?  Well, I will be beach side with my hubby with unlimited / endless / bottomless {you get the gist} sangria's, mojitos, lava flows, etc...pretty much anything liquid that I can add a cute umbrella to.  What does this mean for you? Unfortunately, some silence from VV. Yes, that's right folks, although just one of us will be on an official vacay, we both decided to take a mini tech-break.  Though quite difficult as bloggers, it's healthy to {partially?} unplug once in a while. Be sure to follow us on Instagram however, @Vogueandvino, to catch up with us over this next week for some behind the scenes footage of our whereabouts!  'Til then, stay inspired folks!

Not so mellow yellow

{Jacket, tank, and skort, Zara; Leopard heels, Zara; Vintage pony hair clutch; Ring, YSL; Bracelets, Martha Calvo; Knuckle Ring, Loud Love Jewelry midi ring; Sunnies, Dior (old)}

I've never been one to shy away from color. Sure, black and neutrals are always safe but something about this neon green/yellow always catches my eye. Lately, I've noticed an increase of this happy color in my closet and this jacket has become my go to piece when I want a bold pop of color perfect for Summer! What are your favorite go to Summer colors this season?

Cinnamon-sugar tea time Biscottis

There's nothing better than cinnamon and sugar combined, well, at least in my book.  Some are chocolate lovers, some prefer fruit to satisfy that sweet tooth, but something about a churro, cinnamon beignets or these cinnamon sugar biscottis that I will always save room for.  Keyword{s} here: Cinnamon-sugar.  My mother in law made these a while back and they quickly became a household staple for us too. We should all be grateful that I was allowed to post this recipe! {Thanks mom!}. These little guys are perfect for a quick breakfast, dipped into tea, or a midnight snack.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we do. 

What you'll need:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking power
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• cinnamon and sugar topping

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Mix dry ingredients {flour and baking soda}, set aside
• In a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs, beat with a fork {or mixer}
• Combine flour mixture with egg mixture using a wooden spoon
• Mix in 2 cups chopped walnuts
• On lightly floured surface or non-stick pan, separate into 4 to 5 loaves {see photo, but roughly 2" wide and 5" long}
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture generously
• Bake at 350 for 35 minutes checking until golden brown
• Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes and slice at an angle
• Add more cinnamon and sugar and back in oven for 10 minutes until toasted

Wine Wednesday [Yellow Tail] Wines

Last week, in the rush of a busy day, I came home and was surprised by a thoughtful package from Yellow Tail Wines. The gift was fully equipped with Summer essentials; beach towel, flip flops, a cute fedora, adorable colored plastic wine glasses, wayfarer sunglasses and 2 bottles of Yellow Tail's newest wines: Pink Moscato and Sweet Wine Roo.  Who doesn't like to come home after a stressful week to some door to door vino delivery?{Um... yes, please!}.  Now, normally I am not a fan of sweet wines but given that it was 88 degrees at 8 pm, I needed a double dose of these wines served ice cold and let me tell you, they did not disappoint.  The great thing about dessert wines is that they satisfy that sweet craving, not to mention that it went quite well with my spontaneous evening dip in the pool!  I started with a glass of the Pink Moscato and then decided to try the Sweet White Roo {both new additions to the Yellow Tail family I later found out}. The Pink Moscato was a little sweeter and had hints of watermelon and strawberry and a touch of bubbly that went just perfectly with the other flavors. The Sweet White Roo was a blend of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc and had hints of fruits and a slight lemon flavor to it; both are perfect to add in a Summer sangria!  Check out some of Yellow Tails recipe suggestions with these two wines and others, here. 

{ The generous package, excluding the towel and flip flops :) }

Star spangled style

1. Uptown Glam Soiree:  Haider Ackermann v-neck Jumpsuit // Clare Vivier foldover clutch // Karen Walker Anytime sunglasses //NARS lipstick// Zara sandals //

2. All-American Casual: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk tank // Rag & Bone jean shorts // Alexis Bittar pyramid necklace // Patterned Fedora // Illesteva round sunnies // Zara Nautical drivers //

3. East-Coast Prep: Prabal Gurung Peplum blouse // J.Crew striped shorts // Illesteva oversized tortoise sunglasses //Zara gladiators // 

No matter what you wear, please have a safe and happy Fourth of July everyone! Happy Birthday America! Love, G&N

Year Deux & the winner is....

{Images via Duke Photography}

They say time flies as you get older, but you never really believe it until you find yourself saying it out loud and sounding like a total cliché, but, oh my how time flies.  It felt like just yesterday that I was wrapping up all the little details for our wedding, finding myself breathless when I realized how quickly the big day was approaching; blissfully eager to become his Mrs. Now, two years later, with a big move under my belt {to Santa Barbara}, fully immersed in the art of being a wife, I feel like I have grown up so much alongside my husband. Loving, respecting, learning and growing together, every single day. It's about savoring the simple and small things that make up the big picture in the end.  And at the end of the day, it's like having a sleep over with your best friend every night of the week!  :)

Giveaway news: Thank you to all our fabulous readers who participated in our giveaway! Congratulations to Rebecca Potzner!! Please email us at Thegals@vogueandvino, so we can mail your beautiful necklace courtesy of Moose & Nigel today in time for July Fourth! 

The Fourth of July { GIVEAWAY }

What could make for a better Fourth than receiving a stylish free gift from your VV gals!? You could be the winner of this dainty Sea Green Druzy necklace {that I have had on repeat  for the past two weeks}! Perfect for the "blue" for your Red-White and Blue ensemble next Thursday! 

How to enter: Simply like us on Facebook AND follow us on Instagram and comment below that you did {like & follow}, and we will randomly pick a winner by 10 am Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, July 2nd.  For how to style, see the previous "Beach Day" post.  When in doubt, stack on the dainty gold necklaces for a delicate yet stylish nod to Summer.  Good luck!  

Be sure to shop more from this talented designer, Moose And Nigel here.

Unfortunately, this contest is not open to our international readers. 

Hippie Chic

{BCBG tank // Hudson Jeans {old} // Shoedazzle shoes // Vintage Clutch // Gucci Sunglasses// Rose Bowl Flea Market Necklace}

Beach day

{ ANGL dress // Zara sandals {sale!} // Random fedora hat // Balenciaga handbag // Free People lace bralette // Gorjana Bar Necklace // Etsy Turquoise long Druzy Necklace c/o Moose & Niguel// Cuffs: Martha Calvo, David Yurman, Charriol}

With an upcoming anniversary trip quickly approaching, I've been on the hunt to find effortless airy dresses, jumpers and kaftans to throw on every day to make our transition from bed to breakfast a piece of cake.  When I spotted this dress I was hesitant at first if I would get good use out of it, but the cut and style was exactly what I had in mind and it came in my favorite colors, black and white. I snagged both and I'm glad I did.  The easy flow and cut of the dress makes it ideal for a vacation, the T-cut back, revealing a hint of midriff was just the look I was going for, and it was perfect for the beautiful weather this past weekend.  Summer is here, check; ends of hair lightened, check; airy fun dress, check; now, here's to hoping I find that perfect jumper, any suggestions?

P.S.- Be sure to check back on the blog this week for an upcoming Fourth of July giveaway featuring the Sea Green Druzy necklace I'm wearing above from Moose & Niguel, perfect for laying with other long necklaces this Summer! Details on how to enter will be revealed later this week. xx

Unintentionally { Patriotic }

{ Michael Kors Sunnies  //  Zara Blazer // AG Jeans {similar} // Valentino heels // Equipment tank // Vintage Chanel bag // Saint Laurent ring // Alexis Bittar necklace}

This red blazer has become a staple in my closet. It's one of those items that go really well with everything; great for an added pop of color, dressed up with black skinnies or with jeans and a tank as I did today for my casual business meeting.  For some odd reason, I'm not your average blue jeans type gal. Jeans in general just aren't my thing.  I've always felt restricted and confined; until I met these AG Jeans. 100% the most comfortable jeans I own {which is A LOT!}, side note: also the reason they've been on repeat. They're not too high or low and they have just enough stretch to be comfortable but not lose their shape after a couple wears. Do any of you guys have a favorite brand of jeans that you can't live without? Please let us know below since we're always looking for the perfect pair of jeans...so far, this is the closest I've come!

Abstract

{ F21 blazer & jogging trousers // Zara Tank {available in stores} // Zara Sandals // Loeffler Randal Satchel // Michael Kors watch // Stella McCartney sunnies // OPI's Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It nail polish }

I've been living in various "jogging trousers" as of late and I can't get enough.  Easy to dress up or down without that "trying too hard" vibe and when styled correctly, looks fresh and "nouveau." Don't get me wrong, the look of classic jeans or skinny jeans will forever be around, but it's been nice to switch it up a bit with this unpredictable June Gloom {feels like it's December around here}.  Looking forward to the Summer Solstice this weekend and turning the page to a new season, and of course that little whispering reminder in my ear... vacationnnnn...

Lemon drop

{F21 Blazer// Santee Alley tank // AG Jeans //Balenciaga bag //Cathy Jean sandals //Saint Laurent ring }

White // on // white with Leopard

{Chloe sunnies // Jeans {similar style here}, blouse and vest, Zara // Louboutin Heels // Jerome Dreyfuss Bag // J.Crew Neon necklace, leopard bracelet & pave chain bracelet // Revlon Orange Flip Lipstick }

There's something so fresh about an {almost} all white ensemble with a few pops of color here and there. Naturally, this Jerome Dreyfuss bag stole the show.  Its vibrant leopard stands out among the white and light blue, making this an ideal summer uniform that I could get used to. Keep the same head to toe look with light/white hues and play around with skirts, shorts, skorts, and some sneak peeks of vibrant colors. Ta-da!  

Blue skies

{ Wish Blouse // Topshop Skirt {similar style here} // Louboutin Pigalle heels // Dior sunnies // J.Crew belt // Vintage Clutch  // Martha Calvo cuffs }

Last weekend, while visiting Gabrielle in Santa Barbara, we  decided on an impromptu ladies brunch at this new boutique hotel she had mentioned called El Encanto. On our way there we drove past this bluff with such a breathtaking view of the ocean that we just had to stop and snap a few shots. It was a perfect 78 degrees and the color and style of this skirt paired with the offset of the neutral crochet top felt just right for the occasion. The skater style skirts and dresses have really become a staple in my wardrobe since they accentuate the waist yet are flattering and feminine. If you guys are ever in Santa Barbara, you absolutely must get drinks or have a bite at our new favorite spot! You can check out El Encanto here.

A tropical affair

{Zara Skort // Elizabeth & James blouse {old} // Nine West heels // Balenciaga handbag // Chloe sunnies // BCBG cuff // NARS Red Square matte lip}

There are a slew of reasons why I don't have a love affair with classic shorts.  The above pictured "skort" is reason number 1. I think the last time skorts were popular was probably the early 90's {OG 90210, anyone?}, and I'm not sure why they ever went out of style. Easy enough to move and sit freely but still chic and practical. Everything about the architectural lines, the flattering shape and the overall silhouette...they was such an instant winner, I purchased them in all 3 colors. Skorts are definitely making a comeback this season, and you should probably hop on the bandwagon. Just sayin...