Ever since I was a little girl... I have loved swing sets.  I had already spent part of my day at the zoo... so I figured my childish antics might as well continue.  I drove over to my kindergarten playground to spend a bit of time reminiscing.  As I stepped into the tiny sandbox, I found that I remembered it vividly... it was as if nothing had changed.  I ran over and jumped on the swings.  I ... Read the Post

The theme of this week... for me... is childhood.  Getting back to what it's all about... when things that mattered... actually mattered.  To get in the right mindset for this portion of my journey through life, I visited my elementary school.  It felt so small! (that could be because I'm older now... or because I'm a little over 6'1")... My inner child is all about patterns, colors, and ... Read the Post

Every once and awhile (or, if you're like me... often), you need a break from reality.  I was ready to go out to dinner and drinks with the crew... but for some reason, I didn't feel the presence of my typical fashion forward instinct dictating the choice of my outfit.  My instinct at the moment (likely fueled by incessant work obligations and an unbelievably full schedule) was telling me to ... Read the Post

The sun finally decided to make it's first appearance of Spring.  Sunshine makes me productive... so I decided to get some serious work done (my business, Elysium of Santa Barbara, has been keeping me busy!)... but the first sunshine of Spring also mandates the wearing of a mini-dress...you can keep the look soft and classy by wearing a dress with a loose fit and covering up  with some boots (the ... Read the Post

The first day of Spring is full of flowers in bloom, light showers, dappled sunlight, and baby birds... right? Wrong. Santa Barbara had a rainstorm (flash flood warnings and all) in mind.  Without much of a real excuse all Winter to break out my cozy clothes, I saw this as an opportunity to wear a knit cap and playful cardigan.  Wearing (mildly im-)practical puddle jumping boots, a pinstriped ... Read the Post

The most fabulous part of hitting mid-week? Mid-week Happy Hour with the girls.  For an occasion that's not quite an afternoon affair... and may or may not trickle into the evening... it's best to keep the look light and soft... but with a bit of edge.  The chiffon, pastel print, and baby doll cut of the dress are balanced with the black vest and black patent leather shoes... both all tied up with ... Read the Post