Holiday Party

Dress / Boots (on sale)

Flowy florals have kind of been my thing this year. Particularly when they appear on a backless Free People number. However, I couldn't quite justify wearing one of those to a recent holiday party given (a) the weather and (b) the corporate vibe. I saw this long-sleeved piece and swooped it right up.

I paired it with Rockstuds for the dressy event, but it's just as perfect dressed down with these suede boots. I've never received so many compliments as I did this year at this annual event and was even asked if its A.L.C. (shhh, it's Zara, but you don't have to tell!).

Fauré Le Page

Top (Similar) / Pants / Booties / Hat / Rings from Rocksbox / Fauré Le Page Bag (only available in boutiques)

So, I have a pretty great husband. Some days I feel that way more than others, but the day I found out he was coordinating the purchase of this bag from the Fauré Le Page boutique in Paris (one of the few places on the planet you can buy one) I knew I had married the right man. Okay, the shared morals and life goals, his killer smile and sick sense of humor count for something too, but come on! Unprompted  purchasing of a rare bag from a foreign country through a traveling co-worker? Bravo hubby, bravo.

Not traveling to Paris or Osaka anytime soon? Try eBay for the occasional Fauré Le Page listing.

The top is by my favorite, Free People. I just picked it up at Off Saks, so if you live near one, you may still be able to find it in stock. 

Back to New York

Jacket / Sweater / Jeans / Shoes / Purse

It's been more than four years since I left New York. I jumped on an LA-bound plane the day after I graduated from the French Culinary Institute and this past week was my first time back. I loved living in the city and my time at FCI was easily one of the best experiences of my adult life, but I was ready to be back in Los Angeles. This Angeleno is not built for East Coast winters.

This visit, New York gave me the most perfect Fall weather you could ask for. Leaves changing color, crisp cool air that called for sweaters and beanies, but still totally bearable. I trundled around town in this uniform, visiting The Whitney and eating here and here. The Coconut Iced Coffee at Santina was life changing. They swore up and down that it's nothing more than espresso and coconut milk, but I aint buying it. Too good to be THAT simple.

It was such a treat to be back, see friends and eat amazing food, but more than anything, the trip solidified for me that leaving New York was the right decision. It's a magical city, but it doesn't hold anything for me anymore. I'm happy at home in Sunny Southern California.

More Travel with Golden Tote

This is the last post from our recent trip to Israel. As I've mentioned, it was our first time in the Middle East. I have never been anywhere else with such a sense of place. You truly feel as though you're standing in the bedrock of history.

These photos were all taken from rooftops above Jerusalem. As we toured the four quarters it was, at the same time, both easy and impossible to imagine that life has carried on here in more or less the same manner for thousands of years.

 Golden Tote Dress / Similar Hat

This dress is another pick from my first tote with Golden Tote. If you're not familiar with Golden Tote I highly recommend you check them out. Part personal styling service, part boutique, it's a fun way to mix up your wardrobe by selecting one or two chosen items and letting their stylists do the rest for you. Jump online, fill out a personal style profile and let them select the perfect items for both your sense of style and body type. You can even add on items from the boutique at a discount (as I did with this dress for less than $40!). It was perfect for our day in Jerusalem when I wanted to dress as respectfully as I could while still feeling comfortable and put together. 

You can sign up for the service for free here. One tip is to wait for tote day for the best selection (the first day the monthly tote becomes available online).