San Fran Designer to Know: Katie Raffetto

I have always known that my friend, Katie Raffetto, has been an uber talented designer and her recent spotlight on CasaSugar only confirms it more. Katie has a fresh California aesthetic, mixing traditional with modern so well. You can see her professional portfolio here, but seeing into her own San Fransico home is so much more fun. The full article and these images can be found over on CasaSugar. 

First off, how adorable is she with her bump and toddler, Annie? 

The entry to the apartment is organized and chic. 

Annie's nursery is fun, yet functional. I mean, this rocker? Dying. 

Katie's bedroom is the stuff dreams are made of. That headboard is unreal and mixed with the blue bedding is perfection. 

 The dining room has such a great mix of what you can only think are some of Katie's favorite finds. From antique markets to travels. 

Worship the lantern light fixture and farm house table. 

You can tell that Katie knows how to make a space livable for adults and kids. Chic storage, plenty of space to play on that table (actually 4 ikea tables put together), a comfy space for Mom to hang out with friends too. 

I mean, the cuteness. 

All of Katie's touches work so well together. And I love the appearance of a room full of things that the owner loves. 

xo

Erin 

LA Weekend

The weekend in LA was fantastic. Plenty of time off from being a Mom with insanely great food and even better friends makes for a perfect few days. Here is a little glimpse into what I did.  

Teas and shopping on Rodeo. Came across this adorable BCBG dress for 50% that I passed on, but now am kind of regretting. 

Read more after the break...

Interior Inspiration: Summer House Santa Monica

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Summer House Santa Monica for the first time. Though the name makes it seem like I ventured away from Chicago, this spot is actually located in Lincoln Park. The name of this restaurant totally does it justice. Once you walk in you immediately feel the tranquil, coastal California vibe. Light and bright with a lovely outdoor patio and flanked by a white planked bar that makes you feel like you are saddled up by the beach. The best part is that (and perfect for when you want to feel like you escaped in the middle of winter) there is sky lighted courtyard that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco. Shades totally required. The food was also delicious and light. 

Being in this atmosphere made me crave that California feeling. Even though I grew up in Chicago, my family and my heart really is in sunny So Cal. It inspired me to put together some interior ideas to bring this fresh and coastal feeling home. 

1. Brass Urchins $45 / 2. Tortoise Mirror $250 / 3. John Robshaw window panels $125 / 4. Moonshine Vase $45 / 5. Burmese Blue Vase $62 / 6. reclaimed pine console table $550 / 7. Serena & Lily Stool $295 / 8. Furbish rug, various sizes / 9. Lulu & Georgia table lamp $219 / 10. West Elm Down Sofa $1299 / 11. Furbish lumbar pillow $88 / 12. Pedestal Table $399 / 13. West Elm striped chairs $850 / 14. West Elm Terrarium $29 / 15. Serena & Lily Side Table $495

xo Erin 

Ellen Goes Country

I want to thank everyone for the crazy love I got yesterday after telling you my big news. I am already diving into nursery decorating at an alarming pace. So I thought taking a break to look at some much more grown up design would be better. 

Ellen (yes, the one and only) recently moved to sprawling 26 acre ranch outside LA with her Aussie, Portia. This insane place includes horse barns, a barn just for art (#richpeopleproblems), and a half dozen guest houses. How sweet is that? You can always host the family reunion and holidays, but everyone gets their own pad. You just need to come up with a gazillion dollars to land that kind of luxury. No big deal. 

As someone who lives in horse country (sans horses, Ellen has them naturally), I love to see how the country look can be elevated into something modern. I am constantly trying to shy away from the traditional aesthetic of our house and make it more contemporary, but these make me feel like that is not really necessary. 

High beams and an industrial lantern

You will notice that natural wood, black, rich leather and white are really the only colors and textures. 

Beams again in this bedroom. Do they ever get old? Love the crispness of all the white. 

Gray brick fireplace, heaven. 

Wait, there is blue. Love the minimalist painting above the fireplace. Cozy chair, too. 

This room shows how to use some of that equestrian tack and art in a modern way. Pretty masculine room, actually. 

I love this room, although would do something besides that ring. Maybe a giant photo? Oh, and yes I would love to curl up next to that window with an Hermes blanket. Thanks, Ellen. 

This is a really fun and dare I say easy to build (I know nothing about building) gazebo. 

The idea of a giant picnic style table to have giant meals with friends and family at gets me so excited. I wish we did not have bugs in IL, because I swear I would entertain way more with this set up. 

Ellen likes to move around, but apparently Portia is in her dream house since she is a horse person. I love how they move from place to place making it so chic. but if this was my latest, I would think about staying here a bit longer. After I added a few pops of color. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend at Barbie's

Sometimes something online just makes you smile. And how could you not at this dream house in Santa Monica. 

This is the house of Ruth Handler, the founder of Barbie. It was her real life dream house until her death in 2002. Even well into her later years, the woman was living the life of her beloved doll in this bubble gum pink and purple beach house. 

How fun would a girls weekend in this house be? Everyone packs with Barbie in mind and your suitcase is full of pink, sparkle, lace, pastels, girlie prints and that fun loving spirit that only she could inspire. If only...

1. Wide leg pants by J. Crew $85

2. Hot pink fit and flare with gold belt Asos $202 (obsessed)

3. White and floral print bikini Mara Hoffman $195

4. Sweater dress Heidi Merrick $218

5. Ribbon flats by Melissa + Jason Wu $108 (obsessed)

6. Bib necklace in fun colors by Adia Kibur $50

7. Louise Grey sequin tank dress Topshop $350

8. Metallic and lace skater dress Topshop $82

9.  Lace back romper Topshop $92 (obsessed)

10. Retro bikini Topshop $64

11. Ikat print cover up Topshop $68

12. Envelope clutch J. Crew $98 (obsessed)

13. Nude patent bow wedges by Prada $510

14. Ruffle skirt Topshop $64

15. Essie Forget Me Nots $8

16. Oversized cat eye glasses by Stella McCartney $225 (obsessed)

What would you pack? 

xo

Erin 

Destination: Santa Barbara

Last Thursday I hopped on a plane with my man for a weekend in Santa Barbara. You know you leave early when you see the sunrise over the city, but it was worth it. 

Landing in LA at nine in the morning gives you lots of time to enjoy your day. We rented a car and drove up the PCH towards Santa Barbara. The only downside of getting in so early was that my plans to stop in Malibu for lunch were not possible since we were there before the place opened. The views from the car made up for it and and after a few stops and this glorious meal at In N Out...

We made it to Santa Barbara. 

I have been here before and even almost went to school here, but it always seems almost fantasy like when I come back. What lucky people get to live in this dream land year round? The weather is perfect, the beaches gorgeous, and there is plenty to eat and see in this coastal haven. 

We stayed at the Four Seasons Biltmore which is located where Santa Barbara meets Montecito. The resort feels more like one of the sprawling Spanish style compounds that surround it. And a larger version of one of my favorite hotels, the Arizona Inn. There was plenty we could have done, but after checking in and finding a spot on the beach, why leave? 

Especially when we were introduced to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. We sat here for drinks on arrival, ate a delicious dinner at sunset, and even was able to celebrate with the bride we had traveled to celebrate for lunch the next day. It is a members only club, but guests of the hotel can enjoy it. The room rate is worth every penny so you can spend time here. 

One morning we walked into the town of Montecito and had breakfast at Jeannine's (several locations in Santa Barbara) for breakfast. Let's just say I fell in love with their cinnamon roll that was made from croissant dough. Miss it so much. 

I highly recommend a trip into this adorable little town. A farmer's market was being set up as we ate with families of farmer's displaying some insane produce and flowers. We also walked around the neighborhoods and saw some houses that made me swoon. 

We headed into downtown Santa Barbara the rest of the weekend for the wedding of one gorgeous bride. There is plenty to see, do, and eat in town. Playa Azul Cafe has a charming patio and authentic Mexican. For a good old fashioned breakfast, Joe's was perfect with shredded hash browns and fluffy pancakes. The late night pizza from Uncle Rocco's was probably the best slice I have had in awhile. We all met for drinks at Blush's outdoor patio one night, generous wine pours and tons of outdoor seating made it a great gathering spot. 

Santa Barbara does feel like a fantasy of sorts. And one of my favorite girls in the world, who grew up there, made it feel even more so at her dream wedding. Saying she was stunning is an understatement. All her dreams came true and she got to come full circle and see it realized at her childhood home. 

Her vision was Great Gatsby meets Havana Nights, and if you know her that statement makes perfect sense. So under crystals and chandeliers we danced all night under a crazy full moon. 

Cheers B&B. xo

Wedding Weekend Wardrobe

Big, big weekend ahead. My one and only brother is getting married to the most amazing girl in Northern California. It will be a weekend filled with CA sunshine, lots of family time, plenty of laughs over wine, and more love than is imaginable for a brilliant couple. Packing is an art, and I have only semi-mastered it. I have plan to bring just enough to get me through...

1. Pleasure Doing Business $176 (similar style)

2. Splendid $52

3. Jimmy Choo $395

1. Juicy Couture $215

2. Alexis Bittar $255

3. BaubleBar $24

4. Brian Atwood $660

Dress by J. Crew and shoes by Jimmy Choo

And I will add in a few items like these to wear during down time....

1. Parker $198

2. Madewell $138

3. Goldsign $195

4. Equipment $210

May your weekend be filled with just as much love. 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Kathryn

Now we get a taste of some West Coast style from Kathryn, in San Diego. For sure one of the sassiest and stylish girls I know. She shares with us what she uses to doll up, stay in shape, and how this teacher stays chic. 

'First of all, if I were homeless, I'd still find a way to have my brows waxed. Melissa McDougle at Salon de Marcus is my brow shaper and I adore her. She is simply the best brow waxer/shaper that  I’ve ever gone to and I will never stray! 

I used to swear by Lancome Definicils mascara. However, after relocating to Tucson for college and being 60 miles from the nearest Nordies, I was forced to buy mascara at the drug store. It took me years to find a good one but I finally did.  I am completely dependent on L'Oreal Telescopic mascara. My eyelashes are thicker and longer than they have ever been before, except when I had eyelash extensions, of course, and I recommend this brand to everyone. 

I'm a teacher, so the finer things in life are often just a bit out of reach. This is especially true when it comes to skin care products. A teacher friend recently introduced me to Oil of Olay's Touch of Foundation (not to be confused with touch of sun) daily moisturizer. I am obsessed! It gives you a dewy glow without the look of heavy foundation. It is great for daytime and also a great base to wear under powder at night. 

I am a loyal fan of Flowerbomb perfume by Viktor & Rolf. I have been wearing it for a few years now and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

I get my hair cut and colored by Dana Priest at Salon Texture. She is my hairstylist and my friend and I wish my hair always looked like it does after spending a few hours in her chair. 

I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter daily...it's Walgreen's best kept secret and it works to tone skin and smooth away any unwanted stretch marks. I also wear Aveeno SPF 85. I know it’s a bit excessive but I am a total weirdo about my skin these days!

My usual shopping often consists of getting hand-me-downs from lacey's closet. She works at Elyse Walker in LA. The best part is that it's usually "out of style" in LA far before it's even become "in style" in san diego. 

If I am in the mood for a hunt, I go straight to H&M. I prefer it to Forever 21 because I always have more luck there. It is so great to finally have an H&M in San Diego! 

If I don't feel like digging, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are my best bets. I can always find a cute dress and/or tops there. There are not that many great boutiques I like in San Diego these days, so I do most of my shopping at these two places. 

My favorite brand for dresses is Alice & Olivia…love their cute patterns and fun styles. For shoes, I am very into Sam Edelman at the moment. They are stylish and relatively affordable and I have bought more pairs than I care to admit in the last few months. A girl can never have too many shoes though, right? 

For online shopping, gilt.com is my favorite. It has really fun jewelry and I also do a lot of my jeans and dress shopping on Gilt. When shopping online, I usually buy J brand jeans because I know how the various styles fit my body and that's important to me when ordering online. If i'm being completely honest, it's an added bonus that J Brand's sizes run a bit big so you get to wear a smaller size than you might in another brand. 

I like to mix memorable and special jewelry, like my grandmother's rings and the diamond hoops that my parents had made for my 30th, with fun costume jewelry that I get from gilt.com and other local shops. 

Cosabella bralettes! (above) Lacey turned me onto these adorable lace bras and they are truly a girl's best friend. I have one in white, black, and pink and wear them over my regular bras because it's okay if they show through a semi-sheer top or if the strap is exposed since they're super cute. 

Voluspa candles are my absolute favorite and we have several of these great smelling, cute, decorative candles throughout the house.

I have been running lately. A lot. Running from or toward nothing in particular, just running. I completed my third half marathon this past weekend and today I feel as though I never want to run again. I have one more half marathon to go this year and then I am going to seriously scale back and go back to running 4-5 miles just to stay in shape. Running is great because it's a quick way to work out and because I live in San Diego, I am able to run outdoors most of the year. I will participate in the Rock and Roll half marathon every year because it's a super fun race with a great cause. Come join me next year!  

I LOVE yoga and especially the yoga sculpt class that is offered by Corepower Yoga. Sometimes yoga can be a bit slow moving for  my taste, so this is the perfect class for me. It combines traditional yoga and core strengthening with weight lifting and cardio in a heated room. It is an ass kicker and never gets easier.

I can be a glutton for punishment, so I really like boot camp too. In fact, I just bought a boot camp through Groupon, so I am looking forward to checking that out. After telling other people (4th graders) what to do all day, it's nice to have someone telling me what to do! Because of my hours as a teacher, I am able to work out 4-5 times a week, which is great. 

I am on a serious vitamin kick that is supposed to help combat migraines and actually has seemed to do so. I was prescribed this daily regiment by Dr. Craig Pursuit and I take vitamin D, B-12, Coenzyme Q-10, Calcium Citracal, and Fish Oil.'

Thanks Kitty! 

xo

Erin 

Destination: Parker Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs, CA, has become one of my favorite winter time destinations. Dry desert air, fun retro surroundings, and warm weather make Palm Springs a fantastic place to get away. I think the nostalgia is what sets it apart from other desert oasis's. I think of Elizabeth Taylor lounging near the pool, Mad Men driving with their tops down, and Bobe Hope hitting the links. 

My favorite place to stay is the Jonathan Adler designed, Parker Meridien Palm Springs. 

Obviously, the hotel has some seriously amazing design. Mr. Adler really put his cheeky-modern touch in the entire place. The room I stayed in had these fantastic black and white 1960s photos of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Nicks, that I still dream of owning. 

The reason that I love staying here is that it feels really intimate. It is not a big place and you can really enjoy every inch of it. I wish I could have found some more photos of the spa, because it is adorably nautical and preppy. 

The entire resort used to be Gene Autry's estate, so it has a ton of history. You instantly feel like you are the Hollywood siren getting away from it all when you are here. The martinis are cold and the food is delicious. 

If you don't mind the heat, you can get a great deal in the summer. But, the best time to go is in the fall, spring, and late winter. If you feel like venturing out, it is located close to town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Hiking and golf are blocks away. 

This place has given me a lot of inspiration. Look for a follow up post tomorrow. 

xo

Erin