Save or splurge

3.1 Phillip Lim PJ Gladiator / Zara Closed toe strappy sandal

Desert Dreams

{Tank, B-jewel // shorts, Santee Alley score // Hat, Minnetonka for Free People // Booties, Mossimo Supply Co // Necklace, Alexis Bittar // Balenciaga handbag; Jewelry: Martha Calvo bracelets; YSL ring }

This past Memorial Day weekend's weather was absolutely beautiful and quite the perfect opportunity to debut the new shorts I scored at Santee Alley in Downtown LA. I hadn't been there in years but a friend insisted that we go because she recently found some cute and inexpensive items down there. It's hard to justify spending a ton of money on such trendy items like these shorts, which I've seen sold for six times the price at Planet Blue and LF stores, so I was thrilled when I came across them. The key to shopping and editing your wardrobe is knowing when to splurge on investment items and when not to. Personally, I tend to invest in classic pieces and items I will wear for many years to come. The booties are another inexpensive find at none other than Target! The shorts and booties combo was quite the perfect pairing and I know I'm going to get a ton of use out of both of them this summer.

Destination: Vacation

1. Forever 21 fedora hat // 2. Gorjana cross cuff // 3. Zara tribal necklace // 4. J.Crew silk 
         dress // 5. Karen Walker Anytime sunglasses // 6. Rachel Zoe embellished sandals

Thankfully, it's that time again to either start packing or planning for that Summer vacation.  This past long weekend's sunshine and day-off combination made me day dream about my upcoming trip at the end of July! So, whether you'll be sipping bottomless sangrias by the beach in Tulum, Fiji, or Hawaii; or touring the historic streets of Rome, Paris or Athens, here are a few ensemble ideas that we think are worth packing: 

   

1. Mara Hoffman swimsuit // 2.  Zara sandals // 3. KAS New York Kaftan // 4. Echo Design Floppy Hat // 5. Karen Walker Anytime sunnies  // 6. Tory Burch tote 

Casual: 1. Alexander Wang crepe vest // 2. Zara skort // 3.  T By Alexander Wang leather bralette // 
4. Zara metallic clutch // 5. Zara studded sandals  
Dressy: 1. Alexander Wang mesh dress // 2. Lulu Frost x J.Crew necklace //  3. Zara Orange clutch // 
4. Sigerson Morrison Birelle heels

Graffiti people

{Lumiere blouse // Zara jeans & heels // Club Monaco clutch // Anthropologie necklace // Michael Kors watch // J. crew chain bracelet // Dior sunnies // Essie's Instant Hot }

{Wine Wednesday} Cornell Winery & Tasting Room

{Bodegas Gomez de Malibu 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon}

One of the best hidden gems in Agoura is the Cornell Winery & Tasting Room.  As I write this,  I am fantasizing about my next trip down there. Nestled in the Santa Monica Hills, the Cornell Winery is situated conveniently next to a delicious restaurant, The Old Place. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you are welcome to purchase a bottle of wine from the Cornell Winery and bring it over with you to enjoy while dining at The Old Place. There are over 50 independent vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains and Cornell Winery is able to offer their customers the emerging vintage wines from local growers and wineries. We chose a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bodegas Gomez de Malibu. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and eager to help us with our selection. They suggested pairing the wine with scrumptious coffee flavored Mexican dark chocolate by Taza. Talk about decadent! We were in heaven! If you're ever in the area, this place is a MUST.

{Pictured above: Process of Double Decanting (have never seen this process before!) The double decanting wine method adds more air to the wine because the wine was exposed to oxygen twice, on the way out of the bottle and on the way back in. This will help aerate and soften a wine.}

Watermelon - Basil - Feta Salad

Refreshing salads during these warm Spring and Summer days are the ultimate epitome of the season. Usually these salads are a breeze, combining unconventional flavors with elements of fruits and cheeses with various herbs. One of my favorites is the Watermelon, basil and feta salad.  Three simple ingredients create a refreshing and fulfilling meal for lunch or dinner.  Thanks to the composition of watermelon being 91% water, you'll quickly slim down just in  time for bikini season! For the dressing: combine 3/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp dried mint/oregano.  Bon appétit!

 

Hummus 101

I'll be the first to admit, I'm an hummus addict.  Its become a weekly yet convenient event to buy, devour, repeat. But last week, we decided to try it homemade.  I had heard the recipe was quick and easy, so I gave it a go.  Step aside, Trader Joe's hummus, I don't need you anymore.  After making my homemade version, I've realized what a shame it is to purchase the grocery store versions that really steer away from that middle eastern flavor I crave. The only thing that held me back at first was the intimidation of the multiple pieces {ahem, blade} of my Cuisinart. Talk about stage fright.  Now, I can easily say we have a nice working relationship. 

What you'll need:

• 1 22 oz. can of Chickpeas, drained
• 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 4 garlic cloves
• dash of ground cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• juice from 2 lemons
• 1 or 2 tablespoons water to smooth
• Olive oil, paprika or Aleppo Pepper for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a Cuisinart, add half chick peas, tahini, garlic, cumin and salt and pepper - mix/puree for one minute.
2. Add other half of chickpeas, lemon juice and tablespoon of water to smooth hummus.
3. Follow pictures below to add drizzle of olive oil and dash of paprika or Aleppo pepper
4. Enjoy with pita chips or raw veggies
5. For an added twist, mix in your favorite Tabbouleh recipe, for a kick! {"Noelle's touch"}

 { Ingredients: Chick Peas // Tahini // Fresh Garlic // Ground Cumin// Lemons // Paprika or Aleppo Pepper // Salt/Pepper }

 

Sun's Out

{Dior Sunnies // Skirt, H&M Italy // Blouse, Nordstroms // Zara Heels // Zara Clutch // Jewels: Free People cuff & F21 necklace // Lips: NARS Red Square // Nails: Essie's Instant Hot }

Everyone knows me as a huge Fall/Winter weather fan, and I've proclaimed my love on VV  numerous times.  But for some strange reason, this neutral dresser {a.k.a. me} is quite excited to embrace the vibrant colors of Spring! Spring in SB can be quite a mystery. Some days there isn't a cloud in the sky, and others are grey and misty with the ocean fog.  On this particular day last weekend, the sun decided to come out to play and I was ready.   This floral ensemble felt so right paired with a sheer tea length maxi skirt, leopard clutch and my favorite Zara sandals for a Sunday brunch with the husband.  Hope you had a great weekend.