Isabel Marant x H&M preview

On the Sunset Strip

H&M collab overload: Lanvin x H&M dress and Maison Martin Margiela x H&M candy clutch and black plexi heels

I am always looking for excuses to dress up as I have a closet full of fun clothes that don't nearly get enough wear. For K's birthday, I took him to Rivabella on the Sunset Strip. Sunset is probably the only place in LA where one doesn't totally feel out of place getting really dressed up. One of the things I miss about New York, where getting dressed up rarely looks out of place. Anyway, perfect night to break out some of my H&M designer collaboration greatest hits. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love this H&M Lanvin dress. It's one big poofy statement piece and I think reflective of the genius and whimsy of Alber Elbaz. Ugh, I can't wait for Isabel Marant x H&M, love everything way too much!

Underwood Farms

We had such a fun time today at Underwood Farms in Moorpark. Looking forward to it becoming an annual fall tradition.

New Chanel!

Canvas Chanel Espadrilles in Ecru / Black

I have not bought any Chanel in at least five years but I had to break the drought with these lovely canvas Chanel espadrilles, just in. I put my name down on the list at the Chanel boutique several months ago and have been waiting patiently ever since. Imagine my panic when I checked my voicemail this morning and picked up a message from a few days ago from the boutique saying that the espadrilles had come in. I already had plans to take little k to Underwood Farms for some pumpkin picking, so my mom was kind enough to go to the boutique for me this morning. Since I wasn't there to try it on in person, she came home with both the size 37 and 38. I am normally a 36.5 / 37 but heard the espadrilles run small and indeed, while I can fit in the 37, the 38 is a lot more comfortable and will be the pair I keep. There was a beige on beige version in the store, but I prefer this pair. Love the contrast black toe with the textured ecru body and raw edges, a fresh yet classic color combination. As fun as the colored ones from the upcoming cruise collection could be, I'm glad I got this classic combination, at least for my first pair. I am a little worried about getting them dirty and they are a little summery, but I'm sure that I will make good use of them in LA, even in winter. They looked great with cropped pants or rolled up jeans, as well as shorts and skirts. I prefer the canvas versions to the leather ones which look strangely formal to me. Love these new shoes!

Pumpkin Tossing

Isabel Marant Ariana Jacket, Garland Skirt and Dicker Boots

An all Isabel Marant outfit for chasing little k around amongst the Halloween decorations. Had a nice very fall meal at Rustic Canyon last night, including some apple fennel radish salad, chicken with spaetzle and pork chops with cheddar polenta, topped off with a maple pot de creme and apple hand pies. It was a good meal, I definitely like what Jeremy Fox has done at the helm. Menu is a little bit limited, but understandable given the emphasis on seasonal local fare. It veered a bit on the heavily seasoned side but also understandable given the hearty fare. Wine list was a little pricy so we brought our own bottle of 2009 Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir which went well with the meal. Overall, preferred our meal at Tar & Roses, but glad that we tried Rustic Canyon again. Nice to have some options in Santa Monica

Summertime Casual: Quilted Jackets and Shorts

Isabel Marant Etoile Sumac Jacket, Uniqlo shorts, Zara tee and Swedish Hasbeens x H&M clogs

I've been living in shorts all summer, busy chasing little k around. With the exception of the last month or so, it's been an unusually cool summer, so this quilted Isabel Marant Sumac jacket has been the perfect piece to throw on for the cooler mornings and to add just a little polish to my very casual outfits. So happy that I was able to pick up this jacket on second markdown at Barneys, I've been coveting it all season long.

Tar and Roses: Simply Wonderful

Image from www.tarandroses.com

We had one of the best meals that I've had in Los Angeles at Tar & Roses last night. We try to go out sans little k a few times per month, trying new places, such as Hinoki & the Bird and old favorites like Gjelina. this was the best meal that we had by far. Every dish but one was an absolute knock out, we savored every bite. We ordered nine small plates to share and skipped the entrees, we wanted to try as much as possible. The standout dishes included: lamb heart kabobs, chicken liver pate, vietnamese beef tartare, charred little gem lettuce with dates and blue cheese, squid ink fettuccine with octopus, wood oven roasted sunchokes with goat cheese and hazelnuts, and the strawberry crostini with honeycomb ice cream. Everything just exploded with flavor, just perfect. Paired nicely with a bottle of 2010 Palmina Barbera.