Wednesday Wishlist - Ponchos

Ponchos are seriously the best invention ever.  I mean, who doesn't love it idea of basically wearing a blanket, yet still looking cute and stylish?  Its a huge WIN WIN as far as I'm concerned.  I've rounded up some of my favorites out there right now, but you can basically walk in to any apparel retailer and find them.  'Tis the season. :) 

Top Row, L to R:
 -  The stripes and fringe on this one are so on point, and you can wear it with a long sleeve layer on a cold day, or as is on a slight warmer day.  Versatility is the name of the game!
 -  This poncho style blanket coat has 'blanket' in its name, so it must be snuggly.  Love that this one has pockets, come in handy to carry my keys when out walking the dog on a chilly morning.
-  You get two for one with this one, because it's reversible.  Although the plaid is so pretty, I probably rarely would. ;)

Second Row, L to R:
 -  Upon first glance this one appears basic, but with the cable knit and the darker accent trim its easy to see it dressed up or down.
 -  This one totally reminds me of the popular monogrammed Burberry capes that celebs have been been sporting, but without the price tag.
 -  You just can't go wrong with a camel colored basic.  Great fall color, goes with blue jeans, black jeans, white jeans, pencil skirts, slacks....stop me, someone.  Umm, and you can't beat the price here.

Third Row, L to R:
 -  I just think the colors of this one are so pretty: the blush is on trend and it looks great with the lavender.  And the fringe and pom pom accent make it fun.
 -  A very work appropriate option.  Clean and chic.  Good as its own top, or as a top layer.
 -  Similar to the one in the row above that it reminds me of Burberry, this one comes in regular and petite, and has a faux leather trim around the edges.  

Bottom Row, L to R:  
 -  The pattern and colors of this one are cute, and I like the v-neck style.
 -  This one has a toggle front closure that helps it stay secure, and the colors are perfect for this season, with the maroon, grey and plum.  
 -  Another very affordable option in neutral tones, this just makes me want to curl up with some hot chocolate.

Happy Poncho wearing!!!

Travel Tuesday - Kauai

You know the rest of the world thinks American's are crazy, right?  I mean, their list of reasons is probably long, but I'm specifically referring to our resistance to taking vacation.  I simply do not understand this.  According to a recent Fortune.com article,  "U.S. employees typically leave about 429 million paid vacation days on the table every year."  WHAT?  Not me.  I will use them every chance I get.

While unfortunately I do not work for an employer who offers unlimited vacation days, so we typically plan one 'big' trip a year, then smaller 'long weekend' trips a couple times a year.  One of our favorite 'big' trip destinations is the Island of Kauai, in Hawaii.  It is basically our heaven on earth.

Room view at the Sheraton Kauai

I had been to Kauai with my family as a kid, but it had been many years since by the time we went on our honeymoon.  It was an amazing trip (and not just because it was our honeymoon, ;) )  Our favorite place to stay is the Sheraton on the south shore near Poipu.  They have a great pool and beach.  If you're going with a group and want a cost-efficient place to stay, we've had a really good time at the Koloa Landing Resort. They have great, spacious multi-bedroom condos with full kitchens and big lanais (patios).  Its a great place to stay with kids, there are activities and a great family pool.  The south shore is the sunnier of the shores, with calmer waves and beaches.  But the Island isn't very big, and you can easily drive to the east and north shores and back in a day.  The western most part of the island is privately owned and can only be visited by air and sea (with a few private exceptions.)

Tree tunnel on the way to Poipu

Small falls on the way to the coast

Kauai is called the Garden Island because it is so green, and it is home to one of the wettest spots on Earth (Mt. Waialeale.)  Everything is so beautiful because it is clean and alive and so refreshing.  The atmosphere of the island is very relaxed (there really is such a thing as "Island Time") which helps force you to chill out and relax.  We always return home feeling refreshed.  Which is the point of vacation, right?

Can you believe these colors?

Nature is amazing.

If you're going to go, you HAVE to get this book:  The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook.  Kauai is not super resort-y, so this book will help you find the best places to eat and best activity vendors to use and best hikes to take.  It is written by a local who knows the best little local food joints that you wouldn't know about otherwise, and we take it everywhere with us when we're there.  It was actually first given to us by a friend who had recently honeymooned there, and as a wedding gift to us she gave us the book with post-it flags and notes about all the places they'd tried and liked.  We have since lent the book to several friends on their Kauai trips, and everyone adds their own notes when they go.  Its a fun, now extra-customized Kauai bible.

We have gone kayaking, hiking, whale watching, zip-lining, horseback riding, and on a helicopter tour and a catamaran tour.  The food is always good and fresh, and we've never had bad weather (we've gone in January, April, July and August.)  The rain comes and goes, and the sun can be intense, so be sure to bring lots of SPF!!  And then RELAX!!

Pictures don't do this justice.

Pretty much a daily occurrence.

Sorta Almost Sweater Weather

Here we go.  I'm cheating.  It's too hot for a full sweater, so I'm pretending with a chunky sleeveless turtleneck.  You do what you gotta do, right?  

Sweater, similar pants, similar shoes, bag, sunnies, similar pendant necklace

Not So Basic Basics

When I was growing up, my dad's office was near the Orange County airport.  The parking lot on the backside of the office complex basically looked out on the fields where the runways are, and when we would visit him at work, we would go out and watch the planes landing and taking off.  We take airplanes for granted as adults, they lose some of their excitement.  But if you stop and think about it: hundreds of tons of metal and parts and people and luggage are flying, controlled, through the air.  Defying gravity.  We are not birds, but up there we are.

You can follow on Snapchat: edstilettos

I now live about 10 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, which also happens to be next to the closest In'N'Out burger.  I think it has got to be one of the busiest In'N'Outs (I'd be curious to know if it or the Barstow one, on the way to Vegas, does more business.)  There is a small park of grass next to the diner, basically across the street from the airport.  There are runways several hundred yards away, and the flight path for some of them is basically overhead.  We have gone once before and picnic dinner-ed there with my son, but as he gets older, it gets more and more fun for him.  We went again last night.  And it is amazing to share in the excitement and wonder he is experiencing when the airplanes are coming in over us.  It brings back the excitement I remember as a kid at my dad's office.  It's just such fun experiencing life again with a child of my own.

We took these images in downtown Culver City, across the street from Sony Studios.  Culver City has a long history with the motion picture industry,  and there are little reminders around town, such as this ginormous old reel camera.  Couldn't shoot there without taking a picture with it!

The Cutest Sweater Hack You Ever Saw

For those of you already into layering weather, you're going to love this (and those of you still sweating - pin this for later.)  I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I can only take credit for sharing it with you.  

If you have pulled out your sweaters from last season(s) and found a few that just aren't your style anymore, but you do still like the color/design/etc., or you find that one of your faves has some un-repairable snags or holes,  follow the simple steps in this video to give your sweaters a second life.  And give yourself one of a kind stylish accessories.  Or keep your eyes peeled at the thrift store for some cozy, pretty knits that could benefit from this transition.