I’ve really loved the look of long-sleeved dresses lately. They’re perfect for colder weather, immensely flattering and this one just happens to be utterly charming with its flirty bright pink hue and swingy skirt. Plus, I love its versatility: wear it with tights and ankle boots or heels, or go bare-legged with sandals or Audrey-esque ballerina flats; it’s also great for the office and for drinks after.

It also just might be the perfect dress for an appearance on a show that I’ll be a guest on in a few weeks (bright solid color + defined waist + comfy). Yes, I believe it is. Okay, I’m getting it (at $70, how could I not?). How about you? It comes in navy, too… And I love the free shipping & free return shipping, too, in case it doesn’t work out.

Available here.

Twelve years ago today…

A dozen scarlet roses arrived at my doorstep.

The card read: “Sender did not leave name.”

Four days later (four days, quel beast!), it was revealed who they were from…

Fred Baby, I couldn’t be happier (or luckier) that they were from you! Here’s to seeing what adventures the next 12+ years (and four days) hold, my mystery valentine… I love you xx.

 And to you, my darling dears, wishing you unimaginable love today and always.

[Photos via Rare Audrey]

Every time I go home, my Mom makes her Famous Chocolate Fudge Cake. It’s so delicious (the frosting tastes like fudge!) and always reminds me of my childhood. If you want to bake your valentine a treat, Mom has generously shared her recpe with us.

Mom’s Famous Chocolate Fudge Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease & flour a 13″ x 9″ pan

In a mixing bowl,  combine:

2 Cups flour
2 Cups sugar

Bring to boil:

2 sticks butter or margarine (16 Tbsp or 1 Cup)
4 Tbsp cocoa
1 Cup water

Once brought to a boil, pour over flour & sugar mixture and combine.

Next, combine:
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 Cup sour milk (see below)

*Sour milk: In a 1/2 Cup measuring cup, add 1/4 Cup evaporated milk & 1/4 Cup hot water, then 2 tsp white or cider vinegar to curdle; Set the 1/2 cup measuring cup into a 1 cup measuring cup filled with hot water to help it curdle. Then, add 1 tsp of baking soda to the sour milk mix. (Note: The mixture will foam up and possibly over so be over your bowl when you do this part!)

Pour mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

 *Note: The cake doesn’t rise much, so not to worry when it doesn’t!

Icing:

In a mixing bowl:

Pour in a 1 lb. box of confectioner’s (powdwered) sugar

Bring to a boil:

1 stick of butter (8 Tbsp or 1/2 Cup)

4 Tbsp cocoa

1/3 Cup milk

Once brought to a boil, pour over confectioner’s sugar and add:

 1 tsp vanilla

Mix to combine.

Pour over cake and enjoy!

*Note: Icing will not be thick; just pour it over the cake and then let your favorite person lick the beaters and the bowl (my favorite part!).

Thanks, Mamala xx!

Do you have a favorite family recipe? I’d love to know what it is!

[I hate a recipe without photos. Apologies, I've been sick for days and unable to bake, but will get one up ASAP. For now, Lucy will have to do. This is one of my favorite I Love Lucy episodes ever. Yours, too?]

Darlings, are you ready to get your Grammys on and rate the red carpet? Smashing.

Let’s start with Carrie Underwood’s twinkling, snowy Gomez-Gracia frock. While demure from the front, the back was a fun surprise! I loved her dazzling diamond earrings as well as her espresso clutch and feathery lashes.

There were a lot of neutrals on the red carpet (whites, blacks, metallics), so seeing Fergie’s blood-orange Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown felt very fresh. Not many can pull off a peek-a-boo dress, but Fergie managed to do it with flying colors (er, color) — and it still felt rather ladylike. Bravo.

I also swooned over Katy Perry’s powdery blue Elie Saab, which oozed 1950′s glamour. Of course, she kept it cool and true to herself with a matching blue ‘do. Russell who?

Gwyneth Paltrow looked polished and modern and in a floor-length Stella McCartney black dress and shiny gold belt.

She wasn’t alone, as Paris Hilton (why hello, Paris, fancy seeing you here) cinched her ladylike Basil Soda cap-sleeved frock with a gold belt, too. Do you like this trend? I do!

While most Grammy attendees flaunted long dresses, Corinne Bailey Rae’s swingy ruffle-hemmed Christian Siriano number charmed and delighted and felt both girly and glamourous.

Speaking of glamourous, Adele’s sparkling black custom-made Armani gown was perfection. The cinced waist was figure-flattering and her vintage-inspired hair, makeup and jewels are all I’ve been able to think about since seeing them. A glam slam, indeed!

Well, this is a first, but Taylor Swift’s golden Zuhair Murad gown dazzled  – and fit her to a tee – making her a Best Dressed nominee!

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

p.s. Which of these dresses would you most like to wear? Color me surprised, but I’m leaning towards Katy Perry’s dress! How about you?

Darlings, I wanted to share one of my favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas with you, in case you are racking your brain trying to think of a way to show your Valentine how you feel (like I am!). I call this a Love Jar or Love Bucket and you simply fill a handsome jar with tiny heart-shaped love notes.

Here are the steps:

1. Find a jar and/or bucket in which to put your love notes. (I used a vintage decanter {similar} and silver bucket {similar} from my fave store in San Francisco, Past Perfect, but you can use whatever vessel strikes your fancy. I chose both a jar to put the love-note hearts in and a silver bucket so that my valentine, Fred Baby, had a place to put the notes he had read.)

2. Pick up a sheet or two of pretty paper. (I used Paris map wrapping paper from Paper Source. Papyrus and Kate’s Paperie also have great options. Be sure one side is blank so you can write on it!)

3. Cut out tiny hearts! (Or, use a heart-shaped punch, which is probably much easier. The number is up to you. I used our anniversary, 2/18, and cut out 218 hearts, which admittedly is a lot, but you could do whatever number means something to you and yours. Or, add a twist: Start with 14 for Valentine’s Day and then add a new one each day – that would be such a fun tradition!)

4. Use a pretty pen to jot down your favorite memories. Ideas of what to include: things you love about your Valentine, special dates, adventures, nicknames, inside jokes, or whatever you want to express (our Love Jar is filled with a lot of food references and travel adventures – big surprise!). It’s amazing how writing something as simple as “ancho fudge pie” or “San Marino snow” can bring back a flood of memories.

5. Deliver your Love Bucket to your love bucket! While it’s technically a gift for your valentine, it’s really such a gift to yourself, too, as you get to travel down memory lane with your favorite travel partner.

Do you have any favorite Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts that you’ve given or received? Do tell, lovelies xx!

[Photos by BussBuss; art print by Shelby Healey]

Dahlings, are you ready for the weekend? Between New York Fashion Week and the Grammy’s, it’s bound to be one of the most stylish of the year! I’ll be tuning in to the red carpet and look forward to bringing you the best dressed highlights on Monday! I also look forward to sharing more favorites from New York Fashion Week. So far, Kelly Wearstler, Kate Spade, and Lauren Moffatt have my heart skipping beats.

Speaking of, if you’re still in need of Valentine’s Day gift ideas, check out My 10 Favorite Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas, plus 15+ More Valentine’s Day Gifts for You & Yours. On Monday, I’ll also be sharing my Mom’s Famous Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe in case you’d like to whip up something sweet for your sweets, and I’ll share a tear-inducing Valentine’s Day DIY. (To prepare for both, stock up on plenty of butter, cocoa, flour, sugar and milk, plus pick up some pretty paper and a handsome glass jar…and maybe some Kleenex while you’re at it.)

Until then, I wish you a gorgeous and delicious weekend xx!

p.s. I woke up craving Rick Krispie treats. Do you have any variations on the original recipe?

[Photo via Rare Audrey]

Lauren Moffatt’s collections are always adorable in a nostalgic kind of way. So it’s only fitting that her Fall 2012 presentation was held in a school. The theme: The School for Wayward Girls. Sign me up!

Sometimes a girl just wants to be bad, daaahling.

And sometimes a girl just wants one of each coat! (Can’t you see Alexa Chung in this collection?)

What do you think of Lauren Moffatt’s Fall 2012 collection? Are you ready to be sent to the School for Wayward Girls?

[Coat photo by Habitually Chic; All others from Fashionista]

Kate Spade always charms and delights and such was the case with their Fall 2012 collection which featured playful details like polka-dot nails (and bags and coats!), glittering heels, and poppy brights.

Brad Goreski styled the show and Garance Dore lent her illustrations to the decor. Her prints can also be seen on some pieces of the collection. A fab collab, indeed!

What do you think? Are you charmed by Kate Spade’s Fall 2012 collection, too?

[Photos via Kate Spade's Tumblr; top right photo by beautyblitz's Instagram; top bottom right photo by] psimadethis’ Instagram]

Truth be told, the runways hadn’t felt very inspiring, colorful or fresh– that is until Kelly Wearstler’s punchy Fall 2012 presentation! Who could make ’80s acid wash chic? Kelly, that’s who! Suddenly, I’m craving colored denim with a downtown twist and punchy coats in cool-girl shapes. You too?

The infusion of color (no one mixes hues better than Wearstler) – cool blues, purples, and greens with a jolt of peppy peach – are the ideal antidote to fall’s more expected neutrals like camel and espresso. Kelly Wearstler surprises again; Fall 2012 I welcome you with open (acid-washed) arms!

What do you think? Do you love Kelly Wearstler’s Fall 2012 collection as much as I do?

 [Photos via Style.com]

New York Fashion Week kicked off today and if you’d like to follow the stylish whirlwind as it happens, there’s a great guide on how to do just that. From all the shows that will be streamed live as they happen to whose updates to follow on Twitter and Instagram, it’s a great way to follow all of the excitement of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! Check it out here.

Of course, I’ll be posting my favorite collections and trends as seen on the runways, as well as my favorite celebrity and street-style pics, so stay tuned xx!

[Thank you to reader Amy C. for the tip!; Photo via here.]

I’ve shared My 10 Favorite Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas. Here are 15 more lovely gifts for you and yours (okay, mostly for you!).

1. Bow Bandeau Set

2. Sweet Wood Sign

3. Hidden Message Tie Clip

4. Say Yes “Mrs” Studs

5. Bow Belt

1. Porcelain Lace Cups

2. Love Sign

3. Personalized Home Is…Wall Art

4. Spooning Print

1. Loved Tee

2. I Kissed a Frog Multi Clutch

3. Sailor’s Knot Hinge Bangle

4. I Married an Adventure Clutch

5. Play Hooky Bracelet

6. Love Bunnies Ring Holder

7. Boo Necklace

If you love Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s as much as I do, you must watch this Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired makeup tutorial by makeup guru Lisa Eldridge showing how to get Holly Golightly’s look — from her eyebrows to her lips.

Audrey eyes are so coveted and I can’t wait to try out the kitten-eye look! There are so many clever tips for getting her brilliant doe-eyed look even if your eyes look nothing like hers.

Do you love Breakfast at Tiffany’s too? What’s your favorite Audrey Hepburn  film?

Thank you Kristen Turner for sending this our way, daahling!

[Photo by Rare Audrey Hepburn]

There’s so much to love about Valentine’s Day — candy hearts, chocolate galore, the prettiest red-white-and-pink palette. But Valentine’s Day can be a total stressfest, too. What to give your Valentine to show just how much you love him (or her)? Here, a few of my favorite ideas…

A vintage typewriter for writing love notes to tell your Valentine why (s)he is just your type.

The most darling postcards for sending handwritten love notes. (Try sending one a day until Valentine’s Day — or spell out a secret message for your Valentine to put together at the end of the week!)

A 5 Year Diary for keeping track of your adventures together (one of the best gifts I’ve ever given and received; Fred Baby and I each have one and write in them every night).

His and hers boxers for lazy weekend lounging and cuddling.

White bedding that makes your bedroom feel like a glamorous hotel for luxurious spooning at home. (My secret source for high-thread-count white cotton sateen sheets and duvet covers at the best prices).

The Audrey Hepburn Collection which includes the most charming and romantic movies ever: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, and Sabrina. (What could be better than a romantic movie marathon cuddled up on the couch with your favorite someone?)

Chic, vintage-inspired luggage for your adventures abroad or just a few hours down the road. (I find ideas for fun, romantic getaways for a steal here and here).

Speaking of, this print is a good reminder to get away… (Where would you go?)

A honey bear vase for your sweet bear.

An impromtu picnic for two. Because the best gift is spending the day together doing nothing.

Do you have any favorite Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve given or received (or secretly wish for)?

My dear friend Chrystina recently rang in her 30th year in style – with a glam black-tie soiree.

It was fun getting dressed up (Fred Baby wore a tux, which elicited extremely flattering references to James Bond; I was even called a Bong Girl – that’s a first — um, and probably a last!).

Here is what I wore:

Dress: Odylyne ‘Sterling’ Dress in Canary Blue (borrowed from Bollare)

Bag: Nina ‘Margo’ Clutch (borrowed from Bollare)

Belt: Lisa Michelle c/o {also worn here}

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell {similar} {also worn here}

Bracelet: Kristen McCloud c/o

Earrings: Carolee Chandelier Earrings {similar}

Nail Polish: Essie ‘Secret Stash’

This dress continues my new love of long dresses and was so incredibly comfy.

And I wore my comfiest heels, which made it easy to enjoy the party — and to run after the cake the fastest!

Happy weekend, my dears. May it include lots of cake xx!

p.s. Will you be watching the Super Bowl or the Anna Wintour interview on 60 Minutes?

Sunner ‘San Remo’ silk dress in Pavement print  {similar as seen on Kourtney Kardashian}; JewelMint earrings c/o; H&M faux fur vest {similar}; Sole Society boots; Kristen McCloud cuff c/o

Have you ever been to the Biltmore in downtown LA? We popped into the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room for the first time recently to hear Luca Ellis sing Sinatra tunes and it was divine. The 1920s architecture is astounding and it’s a good spot to grab a generous martini. The Biltmore hosted the Oscars back in Hollywood’s heyday (proof: see the blown-up black-and-white photos of Old Hollywood lining the halls).

I wore a long printed silk dress by Sunner (that Bollare nicely lent me) and I had fun wearing it both long…

And short! I simply tucked part of the dress into a short slip I was wearing underneath for an assymmetrical knee-length version.

It took me a long time to hop on the long-dress bandwagon (I refuse to say “maxi dress” – worst name ever), but now that I have, there’s no stopping me. They’re so comfy and easy to wear, but you feel dressed up. I say ditch those yoga pants for a long dress instead (well, unless you’re actually doing yoga)! Sunner’s printed silk dresses feel even better and the vintage-inspired prints make you feel like you’re in a different era.

Do you wear long dresses or would you try out the trend? 

 [Photos by Klaus Moser for BussBuss]

2B top c/o; GAP 1969 jeans; Rebecca Minkoff bag c/o; Sendra ‘Sara Clare’ boots c/o; hair by Joseph Chase

My darlings, I’ve finally found love! With a hair stylist that is. I’ve always secretly envied girls who had trusted stylists that they returned to over and over again. Despite “dating” many, I never found my perfect match. Until today.

And I have Groupon to thank, no less! Remember that great deal that popped up last week at Argyle Salon in Sunset Tower? Well, I nabbed it and I’m so glad I did. Frankly, I was in a pretty rotten mood all day Jesse Spano-ing out (time, time there’s never enough time!), so I wasn’t expecting much. In fact, I had visions of myself crying in my car (again) after my having my haircut (um, I’m not the only one who does that, right?).

But then I met Joseph Chase. We chatted delightfully for a good 10 or 15 minutes about what I wanted, what would be a good fit for my lifestyle, options, etcetera and finally decided on a Nicole Richie-esque bob with a long side-swept bang. I had been feeling like a troll, and walked out feeling like a million bucks. If you are in need of a wonderful hair stylist who truly listens and “gets it” and gives you exactly what you want, I couldn’t recommend him more. And the salon itself was lovely too. Low-key (which is saying a lot considering the A-list celebrity clientele they cater to), great West Hollywood location, extremely friendly staff. Check it out and tell Joseph I said hi xx!

[Photos by BussBuss]

I’ve always loved the idea of a short wedding dress like Audrey Hepburn wore in Funny Face. Playful and sweet, there’s something utterly charming about a tea-length or mini wedding dress, don’t you think?

For our wedding, I wore a knee-length white dress under a white coat (I don’t think anyone ever saw it as it was 18 degrees outside!), and a floor-length Art Deco-inpsired silky dress for the reception. If I were getting married today, I’d love to wear some of these pretty dresses:

This sweet-chic babydoll dress by Romona Keveza (the same designer of Kaley Cuoco’s SAG Awards dress) from her Spring 2012 RTW collection. So spirited, I adore the flirty feel and the movement.

These darling mini wedding dresses from BHLDN make my heart skip a beat (left: Seraph’s Whim Shift; right: Miraflores Dress). How perfect for a garden, backyard, or courthouse wedding.

This BHLDN minty crinoline skirt (which also reminds me of Kaley Cuoco’s mint Romona Keveza dress) took my breath away. (I’m obsessed with this color!)

While not a short wedding dress, I am completely smitten with this Oscar de la Renta poppy-print gown from his Spring 2012 RTW collection {similar}. Does it make you swoon, too?

So tell me, would you wear a short wedding dress or an unexected wedding dress with a twist? If you’re already married, what did you wear on your weddding day? What would you wear if you were getting married today? 

We have Australia to thank for adorable exports like koala bears, kangaroos and Hugh Jackman, but did you know our friends down under also gave us Australian Merino wool?

When the folks at Merino wool asked me to help spread the word about this luxe, eco-friendly natural fiber, I sheepishly (pun so intended) had to admit that I didn’t know that much about it. When I think of wool, visions of heavy, scratchy sweaters pop into my head. But Merino wool is actually quite the opposite. It’s soft, luxurious, naturally breathable and beloved by everyone from high-end designers like Armani to mamas who want to clothe their babies in the best (re: extremely soft and comfy clothes).

And while I’m admittedly a fast-fashion connoisseur, I’m starting to appreciate more and more the value of not only how something looks but how it feels. (I’m guessing I’m not the only one who turns into a grumpy bear if I’m wearing something stiff, uncomfortable, scratchy and hot-flash-inducing?). I want pieces to feel as good as they look not only because I know they affect my enjoyment and my happiness, but also because my husband is probably tired of hearing me complain when I don’t wear something I feel good in. Does your better half say, ”Just wear what makes you comfortable” too? He really means it. But comfortable doesn’t have to mean unfashionable. In fact, I would love these to greet me in my closet and they’re all made from merino wool.

1. Markus Lupfer ‘Emma’ Embroidered Merino Wool Dress

2. Aubin & Wills Bathgate Striped Fine-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan

3. J.Crew Pencil Skirt in Super 120s

4. Kate Spade Ooh La-La! Sweater

 5. Rag & Bone Bromley Blazer

You can learn more about merino wool, including its long heritage, which fashion designers use it, and how to care for it here.

Plus, check out this quick video that shows the sexier side of merino wool.

Kaley Cuoco looked like a princess in this feathery mint confection by Romona Keveza.

I love a red carpet! You too? Here, my Top 10 Best Dressed picks from the SAG Awards red carpet. Who do you think takes the cake? Peruse the Top 10 and then vote below xx!

Kaley Cuoco delighted in Romona Keveza.

Emily Blunt dazzled in emerald green Oscar de la Renta.

You can buy Emily Blunt’s emerald Oscar de la Renta dress right now, if you have the green. Wink, wink.

Zoe Saldana looked like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy haute couture.

 Zoe Saldana’a Givenchy gown came straight from the haute couture shows in Paris and was shown just two days prior.

Emma Stone was sweet-chic in a tea-length Alexander McQueen espresso frock.

Emma Stone showed a softer side of the famously edgy Alexander McQueen.

Kelly Osbourne delighted in white Badgley Mischka and a vintage-inspired 'do.

Doesn’t Kelly O. look so ladylike in white Badgley Mischka?

Jessica Chastain was sleek and chic in a brilliant pop of blue Calvin Klein.

Nobody does simple and sleek better than Calvin Klein.

Giuliana Rancic was Wonder Woman-cool in Basil Soda.

 Are you familiar with Lebanese designer Basil Soda? You are now!

Ashlee Simpson was the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour in a floor-length ebony gown by Jenny Packham.

Ashlee Simpson has never looked better. Love the haircut and her Jenny Packham gown {similar}.

Michelle Williams was red hot in scarlet Valentino.

Only Michelle Williams could make red Valentino look understated.

Natalie Portman was plum perfection in Giambattista Valli as a presenter at the 18th Annual SAG Awards.

Natalie radiates chic in Giambattista Valli.

Who gets your vote for Best Dressed? Cast your vote and share your favorties in the comments below!

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

My darlings, what are you looking forward to this weekend? I can’t wait to finally visit Kelly Wearstler’s new boutique and to fete my fabulous friend at her black-tie 30th birthday party. I’m also excited to watch the SAG red carpet and hope to hit the beach — it’s supposed to be in the 80s here in LA this weekend!

Here’s what I’ll be wearing (in my mind!) while, true to Sh*t People Say in LA form, complaining that it’s too hot at 85 and too cold at 75:

 1. Caribbean Swirl Sunhat (via Oh Joy!)

2. Dear Marlene Bikini

3. Kate Spade ‘Eat Cake’ for Breakfast’ Bag

4. Tory Burch Cactus Wreath Necklace

5. Topshop Co-ord Stripe Fluid Shorts

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and sending some amazeballs deals your way:

Everywhere: $50 Off Jeffrey Campbell Shoes at Plum Polly (major!)

Everywhere: $50 off any full-price purchase of $250+ at katespade.com w/code YOP12 (whoa!)

LA: $55 for $125 to Argyle Salon in Sunset Tower (I’m hoping to bump into Rachel Zoe!)

LA: $20 for $40 to Prado (I love this Larchmont Village resto!)

LA: Blogger Flea Market at Space15Twenty! (dangerous!)