My SB Style Summer Favorites!

I don't know about anyone else out there, but I begin thinking (and planning) for summer, while winter is still here!  It is officially springtime here in Santa Barbara, and that means longer days, beautiful weather (always), with your occasional foggy morning!  I have come across a handful of items that I won't be without this summer, and once you know about them, you might not be able to live without them either!  So here it is: a list of my summer must-haves!!

1. SDY Jewellery's Acorn Bracelet

http://www.sdyjewellery.com/

photo:facebook/sdyjewellery

SDY Jewellery is designed and created locally by an amazing and talented artist, Sara Dapra-Young.  Sara has had a successful career designing jewellery for Vivienne Westwood in London, and other prominent British labels, and has recently come out with her own line of jewels for us to indulge in!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/sdyjewellery?fref=ts

Once I got this bracelet, I have honestly worn it constantly!  It is unique, easy and goes with everything.  I love to wear it stacked with other bracelets.  Maybe if I am lucky I can get one of her Glitter Bark Bracelets next.

photo:facebook/sdyjewellery

Sara makes all of her pieces by hand using ancient knotting techniques and incorporates 24K gold and silver dipped acorns, pine cones and feathers.  Don't miss out on these amazing pieces.  To get one of SDY's pieces for your own, visit K Frank on state Street, or Hawthorn at Padaro Beach (at Santa Claus Lane next to the Garden Market), check out Shop September on the web, or call
805-453-1961.
http://www.sdyjewellery.com/

2. The Naked Belt

http://thenakedbelt.com/

photo:thenakedbelt.com

This is one of those things that I think every woman needs!  This belt holds your pants in place, with out the ugly, lumpy belt buckle bulging under your shirt.  The minute I saw it I said, "I have to have one!"  As the mother of 3 between the ages of 5 and 1, I have pants in sizes across the spectrum.  Some of those pants I didn't buy that long ago, but they are now a little larger in the waist.  This belt keeps them up and in place, with out any embarrassing moments when I bend over, crouch or sit down!!  And for all of those pre-pregnancy skinny jeans, I can keep those up too, with out anything to add bulk to the waist I now want to show off!!

photo:thenakedbelt.com

I got the nude one first, and I am seriously considering it in black, and navy too.  At $20 a piece, I think I NEED all 3!!  Like Spanx, this belt is about to go HUGE!!  Super functional and affordable!
Here is what a happy customer said about The Naked Belt:

I just got my Naked Belt and I am so happy! I needed a solution to belting my pants but not having the buckle leave a lump under my clothes. … I highly recommend The Naked Belt to everyone! You will use it every day. – Lori Mills Lorge

TheNakedBelt@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/likethebelt

3. My New Makeup Bag/Clutch

I am obsessed with the global trend this year.  And I was in need of a new makeup bag.  Put the two together and you get this:

photo:Sarah K Relis

I had seen bags like this at Angel in Montecito ($185), and in In Style Magazine by designer Caroline Issa for LK Bennett ($495).  I really wanted a bag like this but it is a little out of my budget at the moment.

photo:Caroline Issa for LK Bennett

So what did I do?  I went on etsy and started looking at all kinds of bags.  I came across this fair trade clutch in tons of colors and designs embroidered in Thailand.  I paid $6.99 plus $4.50 in shipping!  And best of all it holds all of my makeup- even my makeup brushes, and a box of mints!

photo: Sarah K Relis

 When it arrived in the mail, it was so pretty, I had to force myself to use it for my makeup.  I really wanted to keep it  as a clutch.  Maybe I will order another color or design and use it as a clutch.  To see all of the beautiful Thai embroidered wristlets go to:
https://www.etsy.com/people/EthnicLanna?ref=pr_faveshops
I think these would make great gifts too!!

4. Mineral Fusion Bronzer

I had never used bronzer before, but I had seen some photos in a magazine using nude makeup colors, and I wanted to try something like that.  I buy most of my makeup at Lazy Acres market on the mesa in Santa Barbara, and I can not say enough good things about the Mineral Fusion  brand.

photo: Sarah K Relis

 When I made the switch to "natural" makeup brands, I was hunting and pecking so to speak, just trying things.  Some were good, some okay, some went in the trash.  But every Mineral Fusion  product I have tried has been really good, even their mascara!  The colors look good with my complexion, and the "formulas" have great consistency.

photo: Sarah K Relis

 I really like this bronzer (in Luster) because it has two colors in one compact, a darker tan and a shimmery peachy bronze.  I have used it to contour my face, as an all over tan, and as a blush.  I use the shimmer to highlight, as an eyeshadow, and even mixed with lip balm as a goldeny-neutral lipgloss!                                                                                                                                                       

5. Origins The Great Pretender

I am all in favor of the sun.  I am always at the beach in the afternoon, summer and winter.  But as a busy mom, I don't always have time to "layout" in the sun to get that sunkissed glow.  I am also all too familiar with that one sunny day where I want to wear a dress or shorts, and my skin hasn't see the sun in weeks (months).  

photo: origins.com

When sunless tanning first came out in the late 80's - early 90's, I was the first one in line to try it.  My results were less than optimal, streaky, orange... and that smell.  Does anyone relate to what I am talking about?   This time around, I was looking for a product that had worked out all of those kinks,  and I was concerned about all of the chemicals in most self tanners out there. 

Here is the answer!!  It is from Origins, and it is the most natural one I have found.  It's tinted so you get some color right away, and you can see where you are applying it, and where it needs to be blended further.  I have been so happy with this product!  The color is natural, it starts out light and you can add layers for darker color.  And it doesn't have that obnoxious chemically smell!  Someone who I know is a sunless tanning aficionado once said to me "You look so tan!"  She had no idea I hadn't been laying out in the sun all week!  Ha!  Get your own sunless summer glow, and check out all of the reviews at:
http://www.origins.com/product/3820/10250/Bath-Body/Daily-Essentials/Safe-Sun/The-Great-Pretender/Shimmery-self-tanner-for-body/index.tmpl  

This is my top 5 new purchases for summer.  I am looking forward to spending the long days outside enjoying the sunshine with great friends and family!  What are your plans for the summer?  Do you have summer "must haves"?  I would love to know what products you are super excited about, too!  Also, check out my interior design blog and website at:
http://www.designtheroomyoulove.blogspot.com
http://www.designtheroomyoulove.com

SR

Wearing Santa Barbara Style

Recently I came across the book, Parisian Chic by former Chanel model and muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, Ines de la Fressange.  This book was found within the mecca of Santa Barbara Style, the collection of stores in the upper village of Montecito owned by Pierre Lafond and Santa Barbara Style guru, Wendy Foster.  Ms. Foster pioneered this casually elegant look, that is a little European and a little California, and has had a great career in doing so.

Courtsey of Upstairs at
Pierre Lafond

I started thinking about the essential elements of dressing with Santa Barbara Style.  Here is a selection of basic items and helpful tips for creating a wardrobe where no matter how you put it on, and in what combination, you always look casually elegant.  These, of course, are my ideas of the essentials, and you may have a different view.  I welcome your comments and ideas!

For a look that is always elegant, basics are key.  Here are essential basics for Santa Barbara Style.






1.  Great White Blouse, with feminine details

photo:  chictopia.com

 This is the essence of classic.  It can be worn in a million different ways depending on what you wear it with and the accessories you add.  The details you choose, give you an opporturnity to express your personal style, wether you want something crisper and more classic, or something flowy and bohemian.  Looking for something that flatters is of upmost importance.  Trying lots of different styles that you might not expect to like may suprise you.
I recently saw my Mom when she was in town, and she had on a beautiful, white bohemian-style blouse that was loosely fitted and had Guatemalan style tone-on-tone embroidery on the front.  Subtle, elegant, and with a feeling that she picked it up on some fabulous trip somewhere.
Dressed down with shorts, or add a blazer to dress it up a bit.



photo: chictopia.com

2.  Slim Jeans that can be worn rolled at the ankle, dressed up or down

photo: J Crew.com

I usually see dark wash denim suggested as the way to an elegant look, but I gravitate to a worn in, more casual look for Santa Barbara Style.  Slim, but never to tight.  If a darker wash is what suits you, then go for it!









3.  White Jeans

photo: J Crew.com

I like white jeans because they seem like summer to me. In Santa Barbara, white jeans work all year. You can wear them with anything you would wear traditional denim, but for more snap and contrast to your look.  I find myself wearing white jeans when I don't want to add "blue" to my outfit.  For a tonal look in creams and whites they're perfect.  Or for lots of contrast, with black, gray, or brights like yellow or orange, better than traditional denim.  Does anyone still follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule anymore?





4.  Simple Dresses

photo: J Crew.com

These can be worn almost anywhere in Santa Barbara, from casually to the beach or shopping, to more dressed up to dinner or an evening out.  Again, depending on the accessories you choose, you can dress them up or down.

This is an opportunity to express your individual style by choosing a signature color.  Always keep in mind that casual, effortless elegance is what you are after.  I love seeing how someone can wear a simple dress lots of different ways- you can get more mileage out of one piece by focusing on simplicity of style and color.  Wear a dress with a scarf and flat sandals for a casual look.  Wear the same dress with a statement necklace, strappy heels and a clutch for a more dressed up look.

photo: anthropologie.com

5.  Tank tops for layering
These don't need much explanation.  Worn with jeans, shorts etc. layered under a sweater or by themselves- tank tops are essential.  A selection of neutral colors in basic styles are key.  I like tank tops that are a little on the longer side, so I can wear them tucked or untucked, and they always stay put over the top of my pants!  Because tanks are usually a more affordable item, this is a chance to experiment with a fun pop of color.  Whatever style or color you are wearing, you don't want anything too tight.  Stick to a slightly drapey fit.



6. Basic Shorts




photo:coolil.com



photo:chictopia.com

7.  Cashmere Sweater

photo: J Crew.com

If you must stick to just one, pick a neutral color like cream, tan, gray, black or navy.  If you can, get one in each of these colors, and one in a fun color you love, or even a great nautical stripe- we are by the sea after all!  V neck, crew neck or cardigan, choose whatever you feel best in.  And as with everything, fit is of upmost importance.









8.  Georgeous Beach Tunic

photo: nordstrom.com

I was at the beach this spring and I saw a woman there with her two kids.  She was wearing this amazing long-sleved aqua chambray tunic with cream crewel edging with little pom-poms along the hem and wrists.  It was elegant and fun.  To keep it casual she was wearing it with a worn in baseball hat, and when she was leaving, she threw on gray knit sweatpants.  She looked so cool, I wanted her outfit!  It was then I realized how essential a beach tunic is.  You look great while you are at the beach, and you also look great when you are going to and from the beach.  How many times do you have to run to the grocery store on your way home, and you don't want to look like a hobo!   

A tunic is great too because it is versatile.  You can wear it when you aren't going anywhere near the beach.  With leggings, jeans shorts, or as a dress if it is long enough.  I like one in again, (are we sensing a theme here?) a neutral color with some kind of intersting detail, like embroidery, for an elegant touch.

9.  Black Leggings

Wear with everything.

10.Drapey Tissue Cardigan

I see women wearing these all over town, and I love them!  They are truly effortless and elegant!  They aren't any harder to put on than a hoodie, but what a huge difference in your look.  Take your jeans or leggings and a tank top, throw on a drapey cardigan and you look put together, feminine and ready.  I love this because, if you are anything like me, sometimes you can't figure out what to wear, and this "uniform" is the perfect answer for those type of days.  I have a friend who is a young mom, and she wears outfits like this all the time.  She always looks elegant, pretty and casual at the same time.

11. Beach Essentials

Flip flops.  In Santa Barbara, you could almost get away with wearing no other shoes.  Thin strap Havianas are perfect. 

Sunglasses.  I love tortise!  It adds so much texture.  Look for a style that suits your face, and your personality.

Bikini.  Triangle top is definitely the classic beach style.  Mixing and matching tops and bottoms looks casual and chic.



photo:nordstrom.com

photo:jcrew.com



photo:jcrew.com

Beach bag.


 

photo:bagsnob.com

 

 12. Accessories


photo:kfrank

photo:kfrank

 Funky, unique jewelry.

Scarves.  Throw these on with everything.

Shoes.  Ballet flats, flat sandals, riding boots.

photo:nordstrom.com

photo:nordstrom.com

photo:nordstrom.com

One really great thing about our Santa Barbara climate, is that you can have one wardrobe all year.  You don't need to change out your shorts for heavy coats in the winter.  There are lots more things I could have included, and I could do an entire post just on accessories, but when I look at all these photos in a collection, I realized that if someone had these things and no more, they could make quite a few great looks.  Are there "essentials" I left out?

SR