In Spades

Black & tan has always been one of my favorite color combinations. Sophisticated and a little edgy, it’s the perfect balance between classic black and white and the more feminine pink and grey. This tan sweater has been on constant repeat in my closet. Purposely bought two sizes larger than my normal size, it’s thin enough to casually tuck into jeans and roomy enough to feel cozy without swallowing me. I just might have to buy it in every color.

I found this amazing tartan cape at a vintage flea market in Chicago. It was woven in Scotland using mohair and wool and I adore its fuzzy, bold colors. Anything with movement always catches my eye so you can bet I had a tremendous amount of fun twirling down the street. My twirling caught the attention of a local fire truck that proceeded to drive by and compliment me on my vintage find. Tartan for the win.

Every woman has a secret fashion obsession. I’m a shoe girl through and through. As I reflect back on the many posts of this year, what better way to recap the fun we had than with my favorite shoes of 2015. Valentino boots
Every time I wear these boots I get tons of compliments, especially from Italians. It’s as though they can spot the expert craftsmanship that originates from their mother country. The thick, supple leather still smells as good as the day I got them and their bow embellishment is the perfect nod of sophistication. Jimmy Choo pumps
I tend to shy away from suede shoes because they are so difficult to maintain, but these? They’re not just suede. They’re intricately designed burnout suede. Stunning with distressed jeans and cocktail dresses alike, I wear them year round. Daniele Michetti sandals
The story behind these shoes only enhances their gorgeous appeal. Gifted to me by a dear reader and friend of a friend, they were originally purchased at a luxury department store in New York City. When they no longer served her closet, she passed them to me. I love knowing their origin and envisioning the joy they brought her as she strolled down 5th Avenue. Zara broques
These metallic broques were my consolation prize to a very similar and much more expensive pair of Barbara Bui’s. After they made their way into my life, I fell even more in love with them than the original inspiration. Fendi pumps
The two interlocking “F’s” in Fendi’s logo stand for “fun furs” and these shoes live up to their namesake. Black and white calf hair accentuated with a patent yellow heel make them unconventional and oh so lovely. YSL ponies
Probably the most prized (shoe) possession in my wardrobe, there is only one word to describe these beauties. Insane. They are off-the-cuff, squeal-out-loud ridiculous and I adore them. Truly ‘take over the world’ shoes. Valentino sandals
Sweet and sassy, these crimson sandals heighten any outfit to epic proportions.  I’ve become a master at tying them which somehow makes me feel worthy of their gorgeousness.Manolo Blahnik boots
The other “most prized (shoe) possession” in my wardrobe, these give off a loud and clear signal. Don’t mess with me.  No other pair of shoes on the planet could have inspired “These Boots are Made for Walking” more.
Lanvin booties
At first glance, many people think these babies are Alexander McQueen.  Lovingly referred to as my “Elton John alien booties” they demonstrate the unparalleled technical grace of Alber Elbaz.
Alexander Wang sandals
The shoes that inspired a thousand copycats, these platform sandals scream the best of the 90’s. Typical Wang, their suede heel is a beautiful juxtaposition to the hard, smooth leather base.  Hidden buckles and severely cut peep toes make them feel like they just walked off the set of My So Called Life.
Bucketfeet tennis shoes
My sister introduced me to Bucketfeet, the company that supports independent artists by putting their designs on tennis shoes. Perfect for a beach girl like me, the artists’ inspiration was an Arizona sunset.Bottega Veneta booties
The very essence of understated elegance, you have to see these booties in person to appreciate their intricate details.  Cloaked in a soft sparkle, it looks as though a thousand crushed diamonds were thrown onto the leather at the last second.  The “x” stitching and thin rope laces give them the perfect dash of badass.

It’s the last week of the year and I’m feeling bright and happy about what’s to come in 2016. I’m grateful to have spent the past week with family and friends. It’s been both relaxing and invigorating and today’s outfit couldn’t express the way I’m currently feeling any better. The warm comfort of an old beanie that has been passed between me and my husband depending on who finds it first, and the electric yellow exuberance of this coat pretty much sum it up. I’m ready for 2016.

One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is getting together with friends for festive outings. So when my beautiful and stylish friend Lisa of Pretty Little Shoppers invited me to afternoon tea, I jumped at the chance.

We chose The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills and from the moment we arrived, I knew we were in for a great afternoon. The hotel was beautifully decorated in red, green and gold and we were seated in the perfect location, overlooking the courtyard.

The tea came with two decadent trays of scones with jam, lemon curd, and clotted cream, finger sandwiches and seasonal desserts. We topped it off with a goblet of strawberries and cream and a glass of champagne.

Afterwards we decided to check out the grounds of the hotel and take a look at their holiday décor. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend The Peninsula’s afternoon tea. We had such a great time catching up and plan to make it a holiday tradition!

Photos by Amina Touray.