Boots Boots and Boots!

Just when I thought I had all the boots I needed (for at least another year); knee high, tall, flat, mid-calf, cozy, sleek, leather, rubber...you name it, I am suddenly obsessed with them again and feel like I couldn't have enough. Of course I am aiming towards flat ones due to the fact that I am extra clumsy in my pregnant body. I am loving the masculine, rugged look, reminiscent of the old Doc Martens, absolutely perfect paired with wool tights and a comfortable wear for the everchanging fall weather. I am really impressed with ALDO Shoes selection (and affordable prices) right now. There is no chance I am not stopping by the store when I'm in the city next. I can hardly wait to try these particular ones on!

"eisinger"


"elfering"


"katan"


"popat"


"prestea"


"wasson"


"patanella"


I'm going to have to try really hard to chose just one!

xx

"Maternity" Fashion

Ok so a lot has happened since my last post. Well not actually a lot, just one BIG thing. I'm having a baby! Pregnant! On my way to being a Mommy!

I've been contemplating weather I should change my blog title, to be better reflect topics of "pregnancy" and "parenthood" but decided against it since bite size confessions can really cover anything, and most of all, it actually works well with food topics, since that is currently my bigger interest. Of course fashion is still up there, and I've had to learn to be quite creative with my wardrobe since my belly (and other areas) have been growing...and growing...

I have not yet purchased any official "maternity" clothing. I tried, thought I was ready and found myself turned off by the choices. Lucky for me, my (large) wardrobe had already consisted of oversized flowy items that's worked quite well. And my tub of "too big" items have resurfaced and been made useful in the last few weeks. And have you noticed that this season's fall fashion is all about tunics, flowy tops, sweater dresses and tights! hello!!! how perfect!

Here's a few of my fav "maternity" pieces, office and weekend appropriate.



Loving this whole look!



xx

Adat Bali

Traditional fashion for Balinese women and men have always paired textiles and patterns beautifully. My parents custom tailored my first Kebaya* at 3 years old. Back then I probably complained that the lace was itchy and hot, and my sarong was to tight, not to mention the headache from the heavy gold head-dress. But I hold nothing but love for them now! When I'm back at home in Bali I look forward to the opportunity to dress up in one of my many many choices of Kebayas and Sarongs. The best sarongs I find are always kept in my Dad's closet... beautiful, high quality, worn, soft, smells of frangipani flowers, jasmine incense and holds years of memories of the Holy Temples of Bali.

*a traditional blouse dress combination made from sheer material, worn with a sarong, batik or woven garments such as ikat or songket with a colorful motif

Wedding day in custom white lace off the shoulder Kebaya, Brett in batik head-dress

Balinese girls in Hindu ceremony in colorful kebayas/silk batik sarongs

Javanese girls in traditional Java cotton kebayas/batik sarongs

Me and my sister in Adat (costume) Bali, gold embelished songkets and head-dress

*Batik, a cloth/fabric which traditionally uses manual wax resist dyeing technique. Silk batik is especially popular

*Ikat, means "to tie" or "bind", a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design.

*Songket, means "to hook", a fabric that belongs to the brocade family of textiles. Hand woven in silk/cotton, and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads for shimmering effect.

* Wikipedia

These are a few of my favorite things... on men.

I get such satisfaction when I see a well dressed man....or maybe it's relief, because so often an outfit seems right until you notice his pants are too short or he's wearing the wrong shoes!

Most men claim they'd rather watch paint dry than shop. I'm lucky enough that my husband has a happy medium view of shopping. He appreciates great shoes and hats, vintage items, the change of fashion with the season and obviously my love of shopping...it might be contagious!

Here are my favorite Spring Items for men...that I would most like to see on my husband.

The Boat Shoes (purchase doesn't include boat). No need to stick to just brown anymore, with so many choices of materials and colors.

The Fedora. Switch up your wool/felt hats with a cool straw version. With a splash of color on the rims.

The Aviator. These classics frame a man's face perfectly. Now available in plastic for a lighter feel!

The Belt. An always important piece for a man's wardrobe. Classic versatile leathers or canvas colorful ones.

Striped Ties. A preppy staple. Add color to brighten up your old suit

The Watch. A watch is worth spending cash on. A bright colored face will add a little attitude to your wrist.

The Shirts. The soft perfect fit V neck (my husband's wardrobe staple) and perfectly soft long sleeves in pastel tones, checkers or stripes. Worn and understated.

Now...who's in the mood to shop?

xx

the sun has gone to bed and so must I...

In the mood to redecorate? I always am! Especially around this time of year. I want fresh, clean and bright, like a white T out of the dryer. Spring season is the perfect time to add more with less. Replace heavy "wintery" items with lighter "springy" ones. In the bedroom it can be as simple as changing your bedding to white, and adding bright accents, nothing is better than fresh cut flowers! My little sister is in the midst of getting her black & white bedroom personalized and she's chosen gray for her feature walls. Gray is so wonderful, with so many different shades it goes with absolutely every color on the palette! I especially love gray & yellow right now. Lucky for her, she has endless choices of beautiful Asian art/decor pieces and tropical aromatic flowers to have bedside.

Here's a little inspiration for you Santana.



Enjoy! xx