Will You Wear Red on Valentine's Day?

Love, romance, candle light dinners, walks on the beach... Is there a better place to spend Valentine's Day than Santa Barbara?  The setting is perfect and there are countless places to enjoy this day with the one you love.

Whether you have a special romantic evening planned, or a cozy dinner with friends and family, here are a few ideas for looking chic this Valentine's Day.

I love red for Valentine's day because it is the color of love, the color of passion, but it is also committed.  It makes a statement and it screams confidence.   

For so many, you spend your day at the office, with little time to change before your evening plans.  What could be easier than this classic shirt dress?  Throw this dress on before work with black ballet flats and you're ready to go.  For dinner or drinks after work switch to heels, add a clutch, and your look is retro and sophisticated. 

 For a more relaxed, romantic look this dress is perfect.  This can easily go from day to night as well.  It can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize it.  If you are planning a picnic on the beach, or lunch at a romantic outdoor cafe, a dress like this looks effortless, chic and so Santa Barbara. 

 This dress is definitely a showstopper.  Romantic, modern, graphic and definitely sexy.   Worn with shoes like these, what else do you need?  This is what I'm talking about when I say red is committed. Wear this to a romantic candle lit dinner, or an intimate dinner party at a fabulous location- anywhere you want to be the center of attention!  

Not everyone has romantic plans this Valentine's Day.  For those that are spending time with their kids,or have casual plans with friends, but still want to look festive a top like this is perfect.  I love this with leggings, and black trousers would look so french.  

And I didn't want to leave out the guys.  For women I love red as a bold statement.  But for men, I prefer a less is more approach.  A red tie or scarf is all you need.  It looks fun and happy, while still sophisticated.

 For those who are looking for just a touch of red this Valentine's Day, try a ruby ring like this.  It is simple and luxiourous.  Wear this with a simple, monochromatic outfit and let the ring shine.  While this is a quiet statement, it will not go unnoticed!    

And nothing says classic like a bold red mouth.  Whatever you are wearing, if you want to dress it up a bit add red lipstick.  Keep the rest of your make up simple and fresh, and you will look stunning. 

However you spend this Valentine's Day remember to show the ones you love how much you care. 

 That is what it's about after all!!

SR

Dressing for Spring!!

Just one year ago, I was living where below freezing temperatures and shoveling snow were my Feburary reality.  Today I am in paradise.  In Santa Barbara, January and February are spring at its best!  The weather is perfect, skies are sunny, and everyone is out enjoying it.  While the rest of the country has to wait months to wear their spring-time wardrobes, we can wear ours all year long.

Right now, I am obsessed with easy, effortlessly chic dresses in creams, tans and taupes.  I love them with boho-chic details like lace and crewl, and modern graphic cuts.  Wearing a dress like this looks romantic, breezy and pulled together at the same time.  It can't get any easier to throw on a fabulous dress and your ready to go. 

  For Santa Barbara's laid-back lifestyle, dresses like these are great for the beach, shopping, or even dinner!     

This dolman sleve dress with sparkle detail at the neck and blousy elastic waist is so chic and easy.  You don't even need a necklace.  A dress like this can take you anywhere in style.  The shape is young and current, without looking silly or like it's trying too hard.  And I couldn't leave out the "Maxi".  I adore how romantic a dress like this looks.  Again, perfect anywhere, looks great, and so effortless!!

Accessorizing a look like this is really fun.  Sandals are a must!!  I love this leopard print T strap sandal.  It's minimal, and a much more pulled together option then basic flip-flops.  Mixing patterns looks cool and efforetless.  This graphic leopard goes so well with subtle florals, angular stripes or romantic details.  Espadrilles are a dressier option while still maintaing the breezy boho-chic look. 

The key to making this look fresh is keeping everthing in shades of cream, khaki, taupe, camel, copper etc.  Throw a cream cardigan or Khaki trench coat over it on a cool morning or chilly evening.  Pile on a variety of necklaces, or some fun copper chandelier earrings, and don't forget your bandeau bikini.  Add a straw trilby hat, avaitor sunglasses and an easy canvas or slouchy leather bag.  Come to think of it, what else do you need here in Santa Barbara?