Boutique Wishlist: Wine Country Casual to Cocktail Chic

One of the reasons I enjoy living in the Bay Area is its proximity to Wine Country. Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg… I love them all. At one point, my husband and I were frequenting Wine Country almost every weekend for a couple months. Crazy, I know. Unfortunately, Napa Valley’s reputation for catering to the rich and hi maka maka (my use of pidgin in this blog is long overdue so you can look up the meaning here) precedes it. In the last three years, I’ve learned you can visit hidden, affordable spots to luxurious, jaw-dropping gems. I’ll save my travel guide to wineries for another post. Let’s start with what I would like to wear for my next visit.

This outfit was inspired by my last trip to Cuvaison and their 2008 Espiritu Dessert Wine. It’s sweet but, not overly so, unlike other dessert wines rich in caramel and butterscotch. This one simply reminds me of a really good berry pie. Its color is so amazing. You can see by the tiny drop I have left in the picture above (no, I’m not a lush. Thanks for asking).

The colors I wear to Napa Valley are usually grape and earthy tones. Not just because they’re pretty but because I’m a klutz and wine stains on white are not so flattering. I also like wearing things that are loose but still elegant and edgy. That’s why I love Fighting Eel’s "Tube Uri" dress from their Fall 2010 collection so much.

I also don’t like fussing with a huge purse to lug around. This Alexander McQueen clutch comes with a detachable glove. Yes, it’s weird but practical for the lady with an insane amount of money.

On the other hand, the Cydwoq boot is something that I might just splurge on because... well, it’s fabulous! Kidding aside, I love Cydwoq. I have two pairs of Cydwoq shoes and they fit my God-made-me-expensive feet. My feet are unusually narrow and I find it extremely difficult to find nice shoes. Regardless if your feet were destined for a sandal shoe ad or not, Cydwoq prides itself on making shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and durable.

Alas, my outfit is not yet complete. Any suggestions for jacket and accessories?

Boutique Wishlist: beach goddess

Where do you go shopping for cute girly girl outfits? Ever since I moved, I can't say I have found that store yet. Until then, I'll be clipping stuff from around the web into a new series of posts named Boutique Wishlist, full of pretty things from indie designers.  This outfit started out with earrings I already own, Ligia earrings from Noelani Designs.  I love these earrings.  You can even ask Noelani to make customized jewelry and she'll name the new piece after you. DR 332 Animal Print is from Tamara Catz, another Hawaiian island designer. Noelani Designs and Tamara both have lovely bridal collections too. What do you think of this fab clutch to match. I found it on green with glamour. The girl in this outfit is ready for her hot date or meeting her girlfriends for cocktails. Don't you see her sipping a lavaflow at the Royal Hawaiian's Mai Tai Bar? I would love to see your beach goddess outfits. Post a link to them in the comments below.

Noelani Designs

Tamara Catz

green with glamour

I love Moxsie

I just discovered Moxsie and oh boy my wish list is now too long. Check out some of my favorites:

The Harbinger Co

Medium White Blossom Earrings
These are laser cut bamboo earrings made here in the Bay! How adorable.

SPUN

Cowl Neck Olive Dress
made by Spun, a great organic clothing line

Miele Bianco

Miley Hobo Handbag Brown
made by Miele Bianco where you can get vegan, budget-friendly fashion handbags. Melie is also having a summer blowout sale that ends on August 9. Go check out their stuff.

Moxsie features independent designers and donates a portion of their proceeds to charity. Wow. Oh, I wish my shop was already up and running.

for the NASCAR princess bride

Roberta Oaks

I bet you didn't think NASCAR and princess fit into the same title, huh? Well, check out Roberta Oak's vintage car insignias transformed into jewelry.  I can totally see Audrina Patridge wearing the cuff with this outfit. 

Image courtesy of Shopstyle

Speaking of recycling... in an effort to keep things green for all you eco-conscious brides, I just wanted to let you know that my blog is carbon neutral!  How so? A tree has been planted for my blog courtesy of “My blog is carbon neutral”