Bag Up

I have been on a serious canvas bag binge for a very long time. I just can't seem to get enough! My latest find is Chester Wallace bags, which are handmade in Portland, Oregon. I first spotted these canvas carryalls in Unionmade a few weeks back. They clearly made an impression with their classic style and fun, upbeat color combinations.

Click here for more info

From Cali, With Love

Yesterday, I woke up to the most beautiful day. The sun was shining strong, and by 8am you could tell it was going to be the best day. So... I did what any ocean-minded person would do- I went to the beach. I drove down PCH until I found a spot that fit my bill, Montara it was! Pretty appropriate for a gal named Tara, if I do say so myself!

Pining for {Under}Pinnings

I have long had an admiration for pretty underpinnings... in college, for my final design project, I concepted a lingerie collection. Then, I spent the last three years of my career working in the production department at the biggest lingerie retailer in the United States, Victoria's Secret. Through all of this, my eye for the beautiful has not swayed by any means. Here are a few of my favorite bralettes of the moment.

{bralettes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Lyrics To Live By

{lyric}

Color Theory

I miss the on-point, off-beat stylings of New Yorkers. They have a definite way of making the most random pieces come together in total harmony- and living in such an inspiring community makes you step up your style game, by default.

Photographer, Adam Katz Sinding, is a complete natural at capturing these bright pairings. I think he has a keen eye for accessory details, and color layout. Just look at the way these photos exude eye popping color...

Style Watch: Tunic Time

Do you know what I realized this weekend? That pullover tunics are the best fall weather wardrobe staple- they are the perfect marriage between a jacket and a hoodie, and I want all of these cozy options...

{shop the tunics: runway image, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Week In Review

I came to the realization that when you fly across the country for just two days {and factor in a three hour difference} time appears to move in super speed, causing the minutes, hours, and days to fly by leaving you with a feeling like none of it ever happened at all. This week I...

* Flew back to New York for a job interview

* Took in the colorful art installations in my old hood, the East Village

* Reveled in the beauty and decor of Grand Central Station

* Viewed the Missoni collection at Target- love the tights

* Browsed the pristine collection of magazines at JFK

* Continued to "Make it Happen" on more than one level

* Finally got around to eating at In-N-Out

* Continued to be a giant tourist, snapping photos all around SF

{images}

Tandem Love

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a tandem bicycle. I wasn't looking for a shiny updated version of an old classic... I wanted the real thing- an authentic one that could be found tucked away in the corner of one's garage just waiting to be uncovered. Well, three years ago my wish came true, and I became the owner of an old, grass green Schwinn Twin. This bike is everything!

So, when my good friend Marianna of I am Dorkus, Him in the Kitchen, and You Go, I Go, We Go {yes, this girl exudes inspiration} asked to borrow my beloved for an engagement shoot she was photographing, I happily agreed. Not only did the photos come out beautiful- like I knew they would- they also made it onto a Style Me Pretty feature! Go Schwinn Twin!

Special thanks to Mari & Armando!

The Fashion Review: By Smith

Thursday? Seriously, Thursday already? This has been one pretty crazy week! I will have a complete recap for you all tomorrow in the review, so stayed tuned!

On a fashion related note... I came across By Smith last week and love the bright, whimsical collection from designer, Smith Sinrod. Smith uses square appliques, and cutout details on many of her pieces reaffirming the fact that it is hip to be square.

Click here to view the collection

Week In Review

Ok, seriously, where did this week go? I finally got back on track with a few creative projects that I have been wanting to do forever, but never seemed to find the time. I bought some fabric to patch up an Isabel Marant jacket that I got at a sample sale with a giant square cut out of the back {oh, the shame!}, and I bought patches to stitch up the holes on the elbows of my

favorite sweater. I also...

* Went to a beach that reminded me so much of The Goonies that I thought One-Eyed Willie's ship was going to cruise by at any moment

* Found so many beautiful shells and stones {at said beach}

* Had a name bracelet made for myself on the street for five bucks

* Met up with my old roomie for a Tuesday afternoon recap in the park

* Made two simple, yet perfect, bracelets- one for myself, one for my sister

* Fell in love with the Golden Gate Bridge display with Rice-A-Roni boxes at Anthropologie

Tote-ally In Love

"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous"... that might be true- until people catch a glimpse of you sporting this canvas LOVE tote, then all bets are off! Handmade by local fisherman in Kenya, it is the ideal bag for the beach, carrying school books, or packing up for weekend trips.

{tote}

The Dot Spot

When I started pulling together sheer top styles for this post, I quickly realized that five of the six were dots prints, hah! That clearly was not going to fly, so I had to go back to the drawing board and find one more dot top- which was not difficult at all. There are so many great sheer pieces out right now, and such a great trend to flaunt this fall season.

{Shop the dots: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Lyrics To Live By

{lyric, image 1, 2, 3, 4}

What Knot

I will say that a great perk of the West Coast is the low humidity. This has been doing wonders for my unruly hair- which in New York's humidity {oh, say, from May-October} definitely has me passing as a member from a 70's classic rock band. On most days, I am a big promoter of the low bun because it is quick and easy, but I always long to do more with my hair. These are a few knot styles that I think I will start throwing in the rotation this fall... I hope they aren't too difficult to pull off. Aren't they beautiful?

{images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Skinfood

I first came across The Body Deli's mouthwatering beauty products while on my mini vacation in Palm Springs last month, and I cannot for the life of me stop thinking about them! Can we talk about how fresh and irresistible they sound? As soon as I have somewhat of a steady income, I am putting them on my "must- buy" list. These are my tops picks {below} that I had more than a bit of fun photoshopping on the appropriate background for each product. I think it makes them look yummier, if that's even possible.

Click here to shop the entire Body Deli collection