Wise Words From Garance Dore

illustration: Garance Dore

I have long been a huge fan of Garance Dore. She is a French blogger and artist living in New York. Her style, quick wit, and true honesty towards everything from the perfect lipstick to weight gain keeps her at the top of my daily reads list. She recently weighed in on the ever on going conversation of how  we as women can "have and do it all!" 

While I am a huge fan of girl bosses everywhere and support every lady on this planet to be every bit the person that she dreams of being, sometimes we can find success in not the ladders we are climbing, children we are bearing, and calendars we are filling, but in the quiet solace and happiness of just living. Garance shares such a great perspective of this in this post. 

No one is harder on you than you. As women we feel inadequacies in even the smallest of actions and most of the time we are the only ones paying attention. Having it all or doing it all or whatever that even means is just another way to be hard on ourselves. Because there is no "all." There is just your life and the way you want to live it. And no one's life is like yours, which is what makes it so wonderful. 

Cheers to the weekend and the way you choose to spend it. You always have a fan in me, whatever you plan on doing. Or not do. 

xo

Erin 

PS: I am such a novice and could not for the life of me figure out how to get the accent above the e in Dore! Can someone please tell me how to do this from Safari??

Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette

This last weekend was probably one of the nicest we have had in any Memorial Day that I can remember. Perfect weather, burgers, and good vino was only trumped by watching the kids play together outside. We had family over for a BBQ on Monday and I made this pasta salad that I tried to make edible for everyone at the table (toddler, baby, dairy allergy, egg allergy) and it was enjoyed by all. This is a slightly different version of this orzo salad that is one of my previous food blogs highest hit recipes. I simply adjusted by not adding scallion, changing to a baby finger food friendly pasta shape, and sweetened it up the dressing. I recommend some heat if you like it, simple add in some chopped jalapeno or season with green Tabasco.

Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette
serves 8

1 lb elbow pasta (any shape will really do)
olive oil (1 tablespoon and 1/3 cup)
1 cup fresh corn (from two ears, sub frozen if necessary)
1/2 cup lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon honey
4 avocados
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Cook pasta according to package, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add corn and cook just until it starts to brown and char a bit. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, garlic, and honey. Season well and to taste with salt and pepper.

Dice the avocados into cubes and add to a large serving bowl. Pour over some of the dressing and toss gently to keep them from turning brown. Add in the pasta, corn, and cilantro. Dress the salad to taste and toss gently until well combined. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Enjoy!
xo
Erin

Little White Dress

What are you doing this weekend? We are hope fully going to get a few golf rounds in, run through the sprinklers with the kids, and eat cheeseburgers more than once. Excited that it finally feels like Summer with sunshine that is actually warm and the reminder of just how green the grass gets in the yard.

Could not be more excited for dress weather, which pretty much is what I wear during the day and at night from here on out. Not that Memorial Day marks the weekend that white is ok (because it kind of always is), it certainly is a nice time to shop for dresses that are sweet and summery. Which white dresses just happen to be. 

1. Obsessed with this crossover halter by Line & Dot $121

2. The perfect every day lace dress from Gap $48

3. This Rachel Zoe could be great for work or drinks out $250

4. Love this update on a shirt dress by BCBG $198

5.This peek a boo lace from Dolce Vita is so pretty $305

6. Simple slip dress by Alice + Olivia $198

7. Sweet lace for every day from Topshop $68

8. Classic shape from Madewell screaming for a great statement necklace $98

Have the best long weekend. I hope it is filled with wine, burgers, and outdoor fun. As it should be. 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Rachel

Today we are featuring Rachel, from San Diego, who perhaps is one of the most fun girls on the planet. I have known her since we met on our floor Freshman year at University of Arizona (Coronado to be exact). Though her style has changed throughout the years, she has always been a tried a true West Coast girl with a radiant positive spirit that is infectious. She got married to a handsome Aussie and had her baby boy almost two years ago and has since been making a home for herself and her family in Solana Beach. Her laid back style and approach to beauty pays off, as she needs very little to look gorgeous. Here is a glimpse into her closet, style, some homemade beauty products, and how she keeps balance in her life.  

Continue to read more...

The Four in One: Turkish Fouta

Turkish Foutas or towels are so pretty, right? They can be used as a throw on a sofa, laid out on the grass for a picnic, snuggled all over your little one as a towel, or placed on a table for your next dinner party. Love that it has so many uses! I have been eyeing them for the family for trips to the pool and for Mary to hang out on warm sunny days in the grass. They are a bit of an investment for a towel, but when you can also use them on your table and bed, it feels like you get a lot of the purchase. Here are the options I am eyeing. 

1.  Pretty Blue with white stripes by Design Darling $29

2. Love the orange geometric pattern from Hayneedle $98

3. This is oversized and comes in a few colors. Serena & Lily $48

4. Love this simple blue and white. Pretty on a table. Nine Space $56

5. This hooded towel is adorable. Serena & Lily $38

6. Lavender would be so pretty for the summer. Selfridges $91

7. Miss Mary loves a coral pink. Birchbox $46

xo

Erin 

Cannes, So Far

Seeing stars on the red carpet makes me more jealous than any other event. Mostly because it mixes the undeniable amazingness that is the South of France with crazy fashion that I would die to wear. But also because it has such a glamorous history of screen legends and fashion icons. It is also a little more fun because there are multiple events over the span of a couple of weeks, so you get to see so many different looks on those attending. Shall we take a look....

I already told you my obsession with Zoe's Victoria Beckham dress. So simple and chic in a sea of sequins. Her Valentino min dress is pretty sassy and I like the bow. This Jason Wu is a disappointment, though. Feels old for her and that scarf action kills me. 

 Ok, Blake Lively, we get it. You are amazing. Between the bod, the man, the smile, and the style, she pretty much looks like something drawn up in a Disney movie. All of these looks are incredible. I especially love the Giambatista Valli mini dress, it looks effortless with her tan and flowing (that-can't be real, right?) hair.  And the black and white Gucci makes her into the movie star that she really isn't. Beautiful. 

Then there is the Queen of Everything, Cate. Though Blake looks lovely, no one can touch Cate and her couture perfection. Now, I have to say that I loathe the red and blue number, but she somehow can pull that off in her world. That Valentino (the first on the left) is truly stunning. As is the Armani Prive in the middle. The lady just knows how to take it just enough to the edge to be interesting yet stay pretty for the masses. 

DRAMA! That wind swept gown feels staged next to a fan, but it certainly shows the beauty of it. Her shoes are gross, though. The royal blue number on the other hand is perfection. If I was her, I would only wear this color around the clock every day. Hair, jewels, everything is perfect. 

Julianne Moore is one of my favorite actresses. She seems like the kind of girl you want to go have drinks with, right? Her style, although quirky at times, is usually great. But it might take a second because of the risks she takes. The first two here are big misses for me. I took a second and I still hated it. The mix of fabrics on the left is strange and the cut and length of the lavender dress is awkward. The green is gorge, her hair and accessories are great. I wish she would have killed on the red carpet, though. 

I really love the pink on Naomi with the necklace at Calvin Klein's party. The long necklace is fresh and not too heavy. The blue is meh. I get everyone wants to be Grace Kelly in Cannes, but the princess/prom thing is not chic. That weird thick necklace is so confusing, too. She was really into the side pony on this trip. 

I consider these ladies the worst in Cannes, so far. Sorry, but not great. Adriana threw on a sarong over her bustier and forgot the rest of her dress. Jennifer Lawrence was forced to wear Dior again and this was all that was left. Her earrings and hair are awesome, though. A mock turtleneck, Eva, really? That is such a weird slash in the dress too. Hair and make up on the other hand, love. 

Excited to see some more in the next few days. Who did I miss that you loved/hated? 

xo

Erin 

Happy Weekend

What are you up to this weekend? Tonight I will be solo, so wine and House of Cards (obsessed, totally late to the game) are in my future. 

Then we are having people over for an early dinner tomorrow. I am going to grill skirt steak and make some chimichurri, make my favorite potatoes from Miss Gwyneth, and an avocado caprese salad (recipe to come). Oh and repeating that amazing goat cheese appetizer from earlier in the week. 

Meanwhile, I am obsessing over this blazer. 

Halfsies on a cape and a blazer, so chic and Olivia Palmero-esque. 

And this Victoria Beckham dress Zoe Saldana wore on the Cannes red carpet. 

It is simply stunning. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

xo
Erin 

New Finds for the Second Baby

Before the second babe came, I told myself I would not buy anything new. I had everything I needed except the things I needed two of. Well, that is not really how things went down and I was on Amazon and trolling the aisles of Target more than I had expected. Some was out of pure exhaustion (hello giant, nasty swing) and others for fun (she can't wear a blue sleep sack!) New finds are always fun and these are great additions to your registry or for the new-ish baby on the way. 

1. I give full credit for this life changing find to Kelly from Pretty Little Paleo. She rounded up her favorite baby items on The Wise Baby. The Choo Mee goes on top of the baby food packets and makes it mess proof, more portable, and creates some independence for your little eater. 

2. This travel crib by Valco is a complete knock off of the Baby Bjorn one. I went for the less expensive one because I was not sure she would use it on our recent trip and because it was only being used at the beach and pool, so damage was very possible. It worked fantastic. This is very light, easy to set up/pack up, soft and comfy for sleeping, and a great size for playing. She loved it and even took a couple of snoozes at the beach in it. 

3. I have always been a fan of the Hanna Anderson sleepers, but the fact that Serena & Lily carries them now in their signature prints is mind blowing. Sweet little floral prints, zebras, and pencil stripes in girlie colors. Love them. 

4. I am not a big fan of the headband and am blessed with a baby that has a little hair, so clip in bows were a must for me. I got the recommendation for Poppy Bows on Etsy and they are perfect for little baby hair. Clips are soft and they come in a huge variety of colors and styles. 

5. Mary is a faucet of a drooler and also dribbled her bottles forever. A bib that was cute and functional was necessary. This Etsy store carries classic terry bibs and can be monogrammed in any style or color. 

What are your new favorite baby finds? Would love to hear! 

xo

Erin 

Alexander & Company

I visited the super charming home of a friend last week and she had the sweetest wedding present hanging on her wall. At first glance these prints look like any other vintage print, but really they are custom made for the bride and groom to remember their day in a special way. 

They also have fantastic save the date cards and post cards. 

They are made by a local Chicago company called Alexander & Company. You simply fill out the information (including hair color for the bride & groom print, how cute is that?) and you have a custom print for a wedding gift. They come in many sizes and range in price from $200-$500 depending on printing and size. There are a bunch of options to choose from, so something for every couple. 

And as if that is not cute enough, I am kind of obsessed with these prints for kids rooms or nurseries. 

So fun, right?! Would look great in a kid's room or part of a gallery wall in a hallway. 

Love when I come across great finds in my own friends' houses. Thanks Ali! 

xo

Erin 

Cropped

I have not exactly been a fan of the crop top trend. One because it seems a little young for those over thirty and two, it is a bit nerve wracking exposing any tummy after two kids. But after seeing these two lovely ladies in the trend, I might have to change my mind. 

LSD looks stunning and Emma is flawless. What they show us is that you can wear this at any age (well, almost any) as long as you keep the exposure minimal and the cut sleek and simple. Here are some options that I would love to try.  

1.  Viva Aviva $125  + David Lerner $110

2. Bailey 44 $70 + Ulla Johnson $308

3. Joa $68 + Joa $66

4. Joa $45 + Blaque Label $97 (many colors)

Have you gone for the crop yet? Would love to hear what you have worn. 

xo

Erin  

Garlic & Herb Goat Cheese with Peppers

I was so lucky to get sent this recipe so I can share it with you. It came to my rescue when I had to bring an appetizer to a dinner last week. Time is not on my side when cooking these days and this one was easily put together, could be done in advance, and travelled really well. It also was delicious the next day for lunch. It is the perfect combination of tangy, savory, and crunchy. Don't skip the step of toasting the pine nuts, it is worth it. 

Garlic & Herb Goat Cheese with Peppers

serves 4-6 

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 3/4 teaspoon dried)

1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed (throw in a plastic bag and crush with a mallet or do in a pestle) 

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed (see above)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1 bay leaf

8 oz chilled goat cheese, cut into slices

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (toast in a dry pan on the stove over low heat)

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet on medium. Add the bell peppers and saute until tender. Reduce the heat to medium/low, add the garlic, rosemary, coriander, fennel, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf + add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Simmer mixture, 5 minutes to blend. Remove from heat, season with salt and cool to room temperature. (I left mine on the stove in the pan the rest of the day) 

Arrange the goat cheese on a platter, spoon pepper mixture over (remove bay leaf) and let stand one hour. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve with crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

To All the Moms

You are remarkable. 
And some days you know it and some days you feel so much less so. 
It is a funny, crazy, exhausting, joyful job you have signed on for. 
From those first squeaky cries of that new, pink, perfect baby. 
To the joyful tears of their first school concert. 
To the first time you had the door slammed in your face by a screaming teenager. 
To that strange ache you felt as your last child moved out of the nest. 
To the happy day when your baby brought their own baby into the world.
You were there. You showed up. You kept your post. 
Because that is what you do. 
And though one day a year does not do you justice, 
we celebrate everyone out there that has lovingly nurtured a child. 
Because let's be real. Nothing is possible without Mothers. 

Enjoy your weekend. 
xoxo
Erin

Patio Prep: Outdoor Chairs

The Adirondack chairs that we had out back died last summer and it is time for some replacements. We have black iron patio furniture that is not my favorite anymore, but can withstand any weather and never has to be brought in or covered. So it stays. This is what it looked like last summer. 

That bench has also been relocated to our mudroom, which was seriously needed. At this point I can barely even decide what kind of chair let alone what style I want. But, here is what has peaked my interest. 

Serena & Lily / Terrain

Both of these options would have to be stored indoors most of the time, but I love their vintage feel. The beach chairs are something unexpected too. 

Ballard / Pottery Barn

The chaise is a great option because we do not have any of them right now. The Ballard chaise would hold up in any weather and I love the lines and simple design. Plus I can have a custom cushion made in a fun fabric. Or do I just go back to the classic Adirondack? 

Crate & Barrel / West Elm

I love this more modern take on the Adirondack. Plus, it would be nice to have a wood element out there. The rustic feel of the West Elm chaise also goes very well with the style of our house and a nice juxtapose to the furniture we have now. 

Think I am leaning towards a chaise. Once we get our landscaping under control for the Spring (sometimes I love all the land we have and sometimes I want to cry about it) I will know more about budget, which of course drives all of this. Both the wood option and the iron one would look great and my head is already swirling with fabric ideas. Stripes? Solid with Piping? Ikat? Yep, something else to torture myself with. 

Any other great outdoor chairs you have come across? 

xo

Erin 

Statement Skirt

While a great dress can be an easy look to put together, a skirt can give you many more options to change up your style this summer. I am a sucker for a great fitting statement skirt. What I love about them is you can pair with simple tops already in your closet and neutral sandals, sky high or flat. Here are the ones I am coveting right now. 

1. Gap $49 / 2. J. Crew $156 / 3. Club Monaco $145 / 4. Asos $65 / 5. River Island $95 / 6. Topshop $90

These could all easily be paired with your favorite tank or soft chambray shirt. 

Tank: J. Crew $22  Shirt: Cloth & Stone  $88

Plus neutral heels to keep it simple. 

 From Left: Tory Burch $195 / Stuart Weitzman $398 / Ancient Greek $220

Happy Skirting. 

xo

Erin 

Met Gala 2014: Best & Worst

This event has always been a favorite. Though I sometimes loathe the themes that Anna Wintour dreams up (punk? super heros?), everyone turns it up and goes higher fashion than any other red carpet event. Luckily this year the Met celebrates Charles James, a gorgeous and tasteful gown designer. This also used to be a very exclusive event, but somehow everyone got the invite this year so this  round up is seriously long. So many ladies and this is not even all of them! 

Let's start with some of my favorites. These black and white numbers for instance...

Anna is uber-chic, yet stays young with that cut out. 

Hailee KILLS it in Prabal. This is the definition of a great modern ball gown, which so rarely exists. 

Vivi Courtin in Mugler is stunning. Wish I could have found a better picture. 

I am partial to this gown on Claire...

I just loved it during fashion week. I wish she would have worn this to the Oscars. 

I also am really loving this Nina Ricci on Alexa...

It feels so effortless yet perfect for the occasion. Could she do something with her hair just once, though? 

This category is what I like to call the simply beautiful, but maybe boring ladies. There were some gorgeous looks, but a little safe to me. 

From top Left to Right: 

Lauren Bush is just an All American girl in white. 

Love this sheath on Rachel McAdams, but she needed to add some big ass diamond. 

Diane looks pretty, but this is a disappointment given her amazing track record. 

Reese has worn this entire look before. 

Love this white on Victoria. Maybe the best of this lot. 

Charlize can do better, but I do like the tuxedo jacket. 

Selena Gomez in DVF looks chic, but too old for her. 

I wish Kim gave us something to talk about, this would have been better in a different color. 

Preggo Lake Bell needs to smile, she looks scary. Love the dress for maternity though. 

Allison looks awesome, per usual. Love the color. 

This next group wanted to show some skin and did so in a (mostly)tasteful way. 

Rihanna being Rihanna. She looks great. 

LOVE Emma Stone in this. The colors, the hair, the shoes, it is fantastic. 

Beyonce really loves the see through. This is not terrible, but certainly not great. 

Kate Bosworth looks disgusting. Eat a cheeseburger then you can do this dress justice. 

Olivia Munn needs to loose the hair clip, it makes it look like she's the greeting girl at a Luau. But, I like the dress. 

Naomi looks amazing and I really love this dress. 

Anne looks great and does the crop top thing right. 

Gisele. Yep. 

Bianca Jagger looks gorg in this Mugler. 

Because this is a ball, there has to be some drama and some gowns. 

Too many to comment on them all. But I will say that Zoe's is my fav. SJP would have done better with different hair and no gloves. And Rashida's dress is so unflattering. Hoping it is just the angle. 

There were also a fair amount of metallic going on. 

Nicole Ritchie's hair is so terrible. Michelle bugs. And everyone looks pretty damn great. I would have styled Kate Mara in something with less fabric and Jessica Alba in something more interesting, but overall great. 

Despite the super formal dress code, some ladies came in pants. Don't get it. 

But! I do love Stella's look. So how pants should be done for a formal event. The other's I kind of hate. 

Some also decided that short was totally ok. ummmm

Not sure it is, ladies. Rosie does look insane though, right? Michelle is so boring it makes me want to cry. 

Then there are the Olson twins. 

Though they dress like old Victorian ladies, they kind of pull it off? Only they could though. It is weird. 

Then there were the absolute worst of the entire night. 

Lupita! What?! I just do not get it. 

Kate Upton, there are no words for this. 

Katie's dress looks like it is eating her alive. 

I do not get the Star Wars thing. Sorry. 

Chloe's looks like a two piece from a Palm Beach resort collection. 

Sandra Lee missed the turn for Disneyland. Ugh that hair too. Terrible. 

Maggie, do not expect much, but this is beyond. 

Lena. It is a no, girl. 

Shailene looks like she sewed this herself. While on peyote. 

Gabrielle shows us how not to do a crop top. And feathers. 

Margot Robbie has gone from best dressed to worst so fast over this year. Poor girl. 

Peasant girl goes to Prom 1992. 

What did I miss? Anything good or bad? Tell me your faves! 

xo

Erin