From Nothing to Luxury Knits

That would describe Marie Gray, creator of St. John Knits. When I was growing up, her designs were my mom’s favorite, so naturally when she made an appearance in our hometown, I really wanted to meet her. What impressed me most was that even though I was only ten, and clearly not a customer, she stayed late just to chat …

Beth’s Café

Buddy up to Beth if you’re making a stop in Seattle this summer. Her funky eatery has been a hub since the 50s and her legendary breakfasts are served 24/7, so there’s no time when Beth’s Café can’t cure your craving. Besides comfort food, this place is known for organic art. While waiting for your meal, you can draw something …

Summer and Sundresses

When the sun makes a command performance, I always get the urge to take a ferry to a beautiful island. Can a girl get more sun-appropriate attire for such an outing than a SUNdress? Today, for Fashion Friday, I’m featuring Forever 21 maxis and bangles. What I love about these dresses is that they can be used either for a …

Happy Fourth of July!

As you can see, I’m on my way to a patriotic picnic. I love this holiday! But I love even more the meaning behind it. I never tire of hearing how the leaders of thirteen modest colonies, with no organized military, had the audacity to meet in secret and pass a resolution to obtain their freedom from the mighty Kingdom …

Rag Doll Style

When I heard how “Rag Doll” came to be, I just had to tell the story in an Instagram vid set to the music of that ‘60s hit. Songwriter Bob Gaudio was driving to his Manhattan recording studio when he paused at a stoplight and a waifish girl began washing his windshield. When he reached for his wallet to tip …

Who Loves You?

I bet you already know what nostalgic rock anthem I’m dancing to in this Instagram! https://instagram.com/p/pt2K_hifFG To pull it off, I chose a gown with a sweetheart neckline like that worn by Frankie’s future wife on their first date in the movie Jersey Boys. Both frocks also have flowing skirts—all the better to twirl it. Since this is Travel Thursday, …

Ladies Snapping up Men’s Suits

Women want to wear the pants too! And they have done so fashionably since the ‘60s. I’m referring to men’s wear-inspired fashions for women. The trend catapulted to popularity back then and is now experiencing a revival. So today, while continuing our trip down Memory Lane, I pulled together a feminine, updated pant-and-jacket ensemble that I could wear while executing …

Meet the Jersey Boys

“Everyone remembers it how they need to.” That’s the movie’s tagline. But it applies to so much more than the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I’ve chatted with ladies who lived through the band’s heyday as they reminisced about the fashion and dance moves of that time. They each remembered it a little differently, so I decided …

Photo-Ready Peacock

I was heading toward the leopard cage to take a pic in my leopard dress when I spotted this stunning peacock. The sociable bird, who rules the zoo, struck a proud pose for our photo shoot! I wore a leopard dress that I’ve owned and loved for years. In fact, I wore this in my first Meeting European Men comedic …

Animal Adventures Around the World

I got the idea for a zoo-inspired fashion week after seeing stores bursting with animal prints. Today is all about the feisty jaguar posing behind me in the second picture below. I’m wearing a top from Ro & De. It’s described as a “leopard print,” but when I wore it to the zoo, one of the cats’ caregivers had a different …

Zebras Everywhere

When I discovered this Milly zebra-patterned dress, I couldn’t think of a better place for a fashion shoot than with the zebras themselves! While I was taking this picture, a little girl passed by and told her mom that she wanted to be “twins with a zebra too.” If I had to sum up Milly’s creations in only a sentence, …

Flamingos, Fashion, and Nail Flair

Upon leaving Hawaii, where tropical animals abound, I wasn’t ready to say sayonara to all those delightful creatures. After featuring my amazing dad yesterday and his daring photography stunts with wild animals, I thought it was fitting to finish out the week with a fashion shoot at the zoo. Today is all about flamingos. Since I don’t have any help …

Goodbye Hawaii

Before saying farewell to a place like this, a girl has to have a proper celebration:) I planned an island party and put on one of my new Hilton Hawaiian Village dresses by NIJI of Waikiki. I limited myself to just bringing home two; otherwise I could have ended up owning the entire store:) Not wanting the fun to end, …

Rock Island Café

You can travel back in time to the 50s, 60s and 70s in this Hawaiian café. It features authentic décor bursting with memorabilia autographed by rock legends and shining stars of the silver screen. It also offers one of the best food-splurge fests. Of course, I splurged big time! This throwback is tucked into Waikiki’s turn-of-the-century style shopping area, King’s …

A Resort You’ll Never Want to Leave

A girl could go to Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki, never leave the property and have a landmark trip. This place is an oasis of waterfalls, flowers, tropical animals, surfing, restaurants, the best ice cream on the planet, and charming stores. I spied this NaPua sundress at one of the Village shops. Each is tiny and packed with island-inspired frocks…many …