HAPPY FOR HUE: HOT PINK

1. May28th & Kate Spade watch in spirograph, Kate Spade Saturday //  2. Crossover dress, Kate Spade Saturday // 3. Leather thong sandal, Zara // 4. Play the angels posts, Kate Spade // 5. Factory tiny dot tee, J. Crew Factory // 6. Hancock park - ginnie leather cross body bag, Kate Spade

Style Crush: Vintage Rings

Do you get hung up on a particular thing?  For me, it's always been rings.  I love love love rings. Necklaces are lovely, but I never seem to get around to wearing them.  I can't wear earrings because my ears are stretched.  I have two watches I really like to wear, but bracelets are not really in my wheelhouse - I think partly because they tend to get in the way when I'm on my laptop.  So, rings are my jewelry of choice.  But not ANY ring, I love luscious, unique, and vintage (ish!) rings. When you haven't seen one anywhere (and it's floral), it's exactly my style.  For example, my engagement ring is a pale green diamond, almost seafoam green, my favorite color!  And the ring I received from Edwin when Rosie was born is a morganite stone (peach/pink emerald) set into a rose gold flower.  I was trolling around the other day and found these rings, too pretty not to share.

1. C. 1960 Vintage Carved Coral and Diamond Bee Ring from Ross Simons // 2. Vintage Hexagonal Diamond Engagement Ring from Ritani // 3. Ornate Retro Vintage Tri Color Gold Eternity Band from The Three Graces // 4. Star Amongst Stars in a Russian Diamond Ring from 1st Dibs // 5. Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Bow Motif Ring from 1st Dibs // 6. The Irina Ring from Brilliant Earth // 7. 1.93 Carat Art Deco Diamond Ring from 1st Dibs

If I had more confidence about buying vintage when we were ring shopping for my engagement ring I would have totally gone for one of these.  There are some amazing and reliable resources for vintage rings out there, maybe for our anniversary?!  A girl can hope!  Swoon!

HAPPY FOR HUE: STONE GREY

Grey is one of my favorite neutrals. I could wear jeans and a v-neck grey t-shirt everyday for the rest of my life and be very happy. natalie 

1. Cece leather ballet flat, J.crew \\ 2. Boxy leather holdall, Topshop \\ 3. Cropped matchstick jean in garment dyed denim, J.crew \\ 4. Quilted sweat, Topshop \\ 5. Gloss short rain boot, Hunter \\ 5. Colored shirt, Zara \\

Style Crush: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid

I've seen the movie Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid at least 649 times, honestly.  It's a classic, it has tons of action, humor, and young Robert Redford and Paul Newman - swoon!

(pictures 1, 2)

But the real scene stealer is Katharine Ross as Etta Place (you might recognize her from The Graduate.)  Her long brown hair, her big brown eyes, that serious look and adventurous spirit.  She's totally gorgeous, and I have a style crush.  A full blown western-maxi-skirt-heavy-eyebrow-wild-spirit crush.

(pictures 3, 4)

So here are a few items I think you might catch modern day Etta wearing, in all her Sundance Kid loving glory.  I just want to ride off into the sunset in that maxi skirt and bleached denim shirt, on the back of Paul Newman's horse would not be a bad day.  Giddyup!

1. The Transport Rucksack from Madewell // 2. Annie Bing Sleeveless Dress from Shopbop // 3. Brixton Tiller Floppy Hat from Zappos // 4. The Archive Boot from Madewell // 5. Vintage Maxi Dress from Etsy // 6. Braided Updo Tutorial from She Let's Her Hair Down // 7. 1969 Bleached Western Shirt from The Gap

HAPPY FOR HUE: COBALT

I love a good bright blue. It's just so happy and summery! natalie 

1. Enlightenment crew neck sweatshirt, Poler \\ 2. Multi-strap sandals, Kate Spade Saturday \\ 3. Everyday shopper, Zara \\ 4. Cuffed short, Kate Spade Saturday \\ 5. Super ciccio eyeglasses, Madewell \\ Small enamel hinge bangle, Sequin \\

Hairdo

I broke down and cut my hair.  I know that's probably not the biggest news of the day, but I've been growing it out since I got engaged in January of 2009.   SERIOUSLY, it was pretty darn short.  You can kind of see in this picture, it was actually much longer in front than it was in the back. 

My hair has pretty much been short my whole life.

Years later, years and years...and lots of neglect, it was looking pretty ragged.  And despite really wanting to be the kind of person who has long hair, it really was not me.  My hair is fine and I have about 12.5 minutes on a good day to do anything with it.  It basically lived in a sad sad pony tail and I was really starting to hate it.

No bueno.  So a couple Saturdays ago I brought these pictures to my trusty hair stylist, he's been cutting my hair for 7 years and I adore him.

I was going for a long-ish bob, with bangs.  I told him to do his thing, and he did.  It hits right at the collar bone, so I think it shows off that lovely line.  He said "it reads short, but it's still long-ish if you want to grow it out again."  I can still put my hair in a cute pony, and I can even twist it into a top knot.  I think he's a genius.  I look like a stylish person again, and boy does it ever make me feel good.

Someone once told me "you wear your hair everyday", and it's so true.  I think about that when I'm plunking down some cash for a sweet cut or some new hair product.  I know it's silly to be so vain, but I feel SO GOOD when my hair looks amazing. 

For more hair inspiration, I love the blog She Lets Her Hair Down (pictures 4, 8 and 9 above are from her blog.)

HAPPY FOR HUE: BLACK & WHITE

I'm back with black and white! Feel free to sing some MJ while you read. natalie

1. Scoopback dress in signature zig zag, Kate Spade Saturday \\ 2.  Something else paradox printed tank, Madewell \\ 3. Cross-back tanksuit in morroccan stamp, Madewell \\ 4. Metro in black dot, Kate Spade \\ 5. Elsa piped suede sandals, J.crew \\  6. Inkdot bandana, Madewell 

5 Favorite Things: Target

I have the typical problem at Target, I show up for sunscreen and leave with t-shirts, swimsuits, pill boxes, and oh so much more.  Why oh why do they have to be so good?!  Target is my favorite, and here are five favorite things I've picked up there recently.

Circo Toddler Girls Hot Air Balloon Swimsuit ($12), Pill Box from the Dollar Spot (oh boy do I ever love the Dollar Spot! $1), Kleenex with Lotion (anyone's allergies kicking up again?  What the heck? $6 for 4-pack), Mossimo Vneck T-shirt (not online, these are the SOFTEST! $7), Hyland's Teething Tablets (I don't care what anyone says about homeopathic meds, I seriously believe in these! $7.69)

So there you have it.  And if you don't already have four hundred and ninety two million reasons to love Target, I just came across these online.  You're welcome, and I'm sorry.  I'll be ordering this, this and this.  And I'll be using this and these for instructions on tying them.  Woohoo!

HAPPY FOR HUE: EMERALD GREEN

It's Pantone Color of the Year and it's everywhere, and I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.  Emerald green is just so good.  Between the emerald art deco jewelry out there (I have a piece a lot like this handed down from my great grandmother), deep green silks, sweet green and black wedges, or the palm springs revival palm trees on every ironic shirt...I'm living in Emerald City heaven.  Filling in for Natalie this week, here are MY favorites.  Enjoy!

1. Madewell Cabana Dress // 2. Anthropologie Mimbres Chime Pendant Necklace // 3. Juicy Couture Forrest Wedge Sandals from Shopbop // 4. John Bucklin Original Painting "Green Swells" from Serena & Lily // 5. Joie Alexsa Intarsia Sweater from Shopbop

If I could buy just one, it would be the palm tree sweater.  No, the Juicy wedges.  Wait, the John Bucklin painting.  Ahhhhh, I want it all!  Spill the beans, what are you jonesin' for?

Good Day Sunshine!

It's HERE!  The unofficial start of summer, and it couldn't come a day sooner.  I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine, maybe eating some BBQ and taking a moment to remember those who have died in the service of our country this Memorial Day.  I come from a long line of military service men and women, and although my family has been fortunate to return home from wars near and far - many do not.  I think about that on days like today.

To celebrate the beautiful weather we've been having and excitement about sunny days ahead, these are a few of my favorite toddler summer essentials.  If you need ideas about where to go with your toddler this summer, stay tuned for more I Love California adventures, the first few here.

1. Tea Collection dresses (this one the Cave Rock Mini Dress.)  They are the perfect summer dress, easy and comfy to wear, durable (they wash SO well!), and so so so cute.  Rosie has a few and they are a favorite for both of us.  $15 dress sale ends today!

2. Salt Water Sandals (this one The Original from Nordstrom.com.)  My daughter is an explorer, and these sandals stand up to a lot of abuse (including LOTS of water at the water table!)  They have a really sturdy sole, and from the first time she wore them they were soft and needed no "breaking in."

3. Shorts from Target (these ones Circo Striped Shorts.)  Four dollars - they have lots on sale for that price!  So cheap, so cute, and so comfy.  Check, check and check.

4. Great Sunscreen (this one Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple.)  Rosie has my skin, very fair and burns easily.  I try not to be obsessive, but the girl needs serious sunblock and I hate that so many are basically toxic sludge.  This one is rated very well by the Environmental Working Group (have you used their website to look up Consumer Products?  Am I exposing my inner crazy?), and it's SPF 50.  I use it for myself too and it's not so thick and gloopy (like some zinc based sunscreens) that I look like I'm wearing pancake batter on my face.  Boom, covered.

5. Sporty Swimsuits (this one Old Navy Striped Cross-Back Swimsuit.)  I love this stripey number, with great coverage.  And at $11 the price is right!

6. Crazy Girly Flowery Awesome Bikinis (this one Janie and Jack Blossom Bikini.) Ok, ok, I am a sucker for toddler swimwear!  Rosie has several swimsuits, in every size up to 3T.  I have a problem!  They are just precious, don't you think?

7. Skinny Jeans (these ones Genuine Kids from OshKosh Denim Jean from Target.)  Rosie's Auntie Jenna bought her some amazing Circo Jeggings for Christmas and I've been OBSESSED with skinny jeans for her ever since.  They are just so adorable!  They don't sell the Circo ones anymore, I looked forever for extra pairs.  But these ones by OshKosh are perfection (Old Navy sells some great ones too, with great prints), with those tiny flowers embroidered on the waistband.  Yes, please.  I'll take one for me and one for her.

Oh and number 8. on the list?  PIGTAILS!  Oh lord, it's awesome now that Rosie's hair is long enough for pigtails (not that she's sitting still for it!)

Enjoy the sunshine, friends!

Style Crush: Scarlett O'Connor, Nashville

You guys, I have a serious style crush on Scarlett O'Connor from the show Nashville (please tell me I'm not the only one watching that show, because if it gets cancelled I'm going to be so mad.)  She has the most adorable style, gorgeous long curly hair (I always wanted long curly hair), and wears these amazing girly dresses and scuffy boots on every episode.  I'm obsessed, to the point of buying this dress damaged on eBay (which I fixed this weekend and wore yesterday - YAY!)

(Anabelle Flared Dress from Anthropologie, sold out - bought mine on eBay)

I mean, even doing the laundry the girl is totally gorgeous.  Just try and tell me you don't want this sweater (and her boyfriend, yowza!)

(Wildfox Couture Prarie Rose from Revolve Clothing, sold out - try eBay or here)

It doesn't hurt that she sings like an angel and plays the banjo, secretly I've always wanted to do both.  Maybe I'd like to be more Emmylou Harris than Taylor Swift though - if you know what I mean.  Most of the items from the show are sold out, so here's a few items I pulled together from my wishlist.  For all you Scarlett lovers.

1. Vintage 50's Dress from Etsy (similar here) // 2. Topshop Bright Flower Cami Tank Top // 3. Melissa Button Frye Boots from Zappos.com // 4. Jardin Lace Dress from Anthropologie // 5. Washburn 5-String Banjo from Guitar Center // 5. Topshop Organza Embroidered Dress (for her next big show, duh!)

The season finale is on tonight, I've been watching on Hulu but I might have to break out the old antenna so I can watch it live.  (No, we don't have cable - ain't nobody got time for that!)

HAPPY FOR HUE: PERSIMMON

I was totally just planning on calling this orange, but learned that orange is not a cool fashion word. Nope, you have to call things neon persimmon or tangerine tango. Maybe I'll do tangerine next? natalie

1. Soft moccasin, Zara \\  2. Tie-front tanksuit in safari sketch, Madewell \\ 3. Oh, snap! Hoodie in cotton ottoman, Kate Spade Saturday \\ 4. Cotton-jersey racer-back tank, Victoria Beckham Denim \\ 5. Pilar sandals, J.crew \\ Ariel crepe skirt, J.crew \\

Gift Guide: Mother's Day (May Day Inspired)

Inspired by the flowers of May Day, below are a few floral Mother's Day gift ideas.  All my pretty but affordable picks are $32 and under, enjoy!

1. For the moms out there who love flowers, The Flower Recipe Book ($15.99) - the cover alone is swoonworthy!  "A flower-arranging bible for today's aesthetic."  YES PLEASE! 

2. This floral hedgehog print from ChipmunkCheeks on Etsy is adorable and chic ($20), a mother who loves art and decorating might enjoy this.  Pop it in a little frame ($10), done and done!

3. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the production samples of the Rifle Paper Co. iPhone Cases on Anna Bond's Instagram in January.  I've been dying for the Rifle Paper Co. Botanical Rose iPhone Case ($32) ever since.  Could it be any prettier?  Nope.

4. My mother loves to garden, and I'm pretty sure she'd love these gorgeous Flower 3 pc. Tool Set from PJ Tool Supply ($29).  They remind me of the Liberty of London and Target collaboration a few years ago, do you guys remember those gardening gloves and household items?  I still dream of them, and wonder why I didn't buy more of the amazing items.  Sigh.

5. For the mom who loves to cook, or just loves her kitchen I love this Pink Floral Dishtowel by Etsy seller LisaRuppDesign ($20), the print is an original work by the seller/designer Lisa Rupp.  It is so pretty, and comes in two other designs grey and yellow. 

6. For the perfect hostess of a mother, these glasses are $2.49 each KROKETT glasses from Ikea.  They come in pink and light green and are even prettier in person, seriously you guys.  A set of 6 would set you back $15, such a good deal!

7. Does your mom sew?  If so, think she would seriously obsess over what to do with a few of these gorgeous Liberty of London fabrics - I know I do!  These are my favorites, starting from the top left going clockwise, Claire-Aude in Pale Yellow ($8.75), Claire-Aude in Red ($8.25), Nancy-Ann in Purple ($8.75), Irma ($9), Tatum in Blue ($8.75).  (all prices listed are for a fat quarter)

8. For the most sentimental of moms, this Mother-Daughter Card by Rifle Paper Co ($4.50) is seriously my favorite.  Ever.  It says "Happy Mother's Day, to the mom who taught me everything."  I would love to get this card from little Rosie Posie someday, with a note about all the things I taught her.  Hopefully she'll leave off "swear like a sailor", but let's be honest - probably not. 

In true May Day fashion, I'm off to pick up and arrange some flowers to drop off at a friend's doorstep.  Hope your day is extra sunny and full of pretty flowers!

HAPPY FOR HUE: RED

Red is one of my favorite colors! So I've shared my favorite shade of red lipstick (sadly, I lost mine...) and a few other things I wouldn't mind wearing right about now. natalie

1. The holepunch flat sandal, Madewell \\ 2. Bowery silk crepe de chine blouse, Marc by Marc Jacobs \\ 3. Scalloped tank in brilliant flame, J.crew \\ 4. Face Stockholm lipstick in chili flake, J.crew \\ 5. Honeybadger in cardinal, Bonlook \\ 6. cross my heart bobby, Ban.do 

Made For The Boys (But Perfect For The Girls)

I love lipstick, skirts, dresses, high heels, and braided hairdos, but sometimes I feel a little more like a tomboy than a girly girl.  My best friend growing up was my twin brother, and even though I have THE BEST GIRLFRIENDS EVER (made later in life, I didn't have close female friends until my mid-twenties) the majority of my friends are still male.

My daughter also has kind of a boyish energy, so I get a kick out of shopping for her in the boys section.  Also, I find the boys clothes on little girls paired with a sweet skirt or some polka dot leggings très chic, no?  These items were made for the boys, but just perfect for little girls.
(1. Convertible Plaid Popover from The Gap // 2. Mini Boden Heart Pocket Denim Shorts from Nordstrom.com // 3. Kids Suede Paint-Splatter Macalister Boots from Jcrew // 4. Denim Jacket from Zara Kids // 5. Ostrich Smocked Mini Dress from Tea Collection // 6. Straw Fedora from Baby Gap // 7. Boys Sleep Sets from Jcrew // 8. Cherokee Infant Toddler Girls' Legging from Target // 9. Cable Stitch Sweater with Elbow Patches from Zara Kids)

HAPPY FOR HUE: YELLOW

Kjerste and I have been feeling a little blue (or black, depending on who you ask) lately so we needed something to help balance us out. There are few colors happier than yellow! natalie

1. Circle studs, Kate Spade Saturday \\ 2. The two-tone platform in suede, Madewell \\ 3. May28th and Kate Spade Saturday watch in pick-up sticks, Kate Spade Saturday \\  4. Sleeveless stripe shell top, Topshop \\ 5. Factory stripe leather envelope clutch, J.crew Factory \\ 6. Easy everyday belt in natural vachetta, Kate Spade Saturday 

Zara For Kids

Raise your hand if you're obsessed with Zara for Kids.  Everytime I peruse their ridiculously adorable children's section I am filled with a serious longing to purchase every. single. item.  I bought Rosie a coat from Zara Baby this past winter, and although she didn't get much use of it (mild climate here) I thought that the details, quality and style were spot on and worth every penny.  Here are a few things I'm particularly fond of lately:

1. dress with ruffle sleeves // 2. printed t-shirt // 3. printed raincoat // 4. leather desert boot // 5. regular jean // 6. striped swim shorts // 7. cardigan with elbow patches // 8. leather boot with stars // 9. 5 pocket satin trousers

HAPPY FOR HUE: BLUSH

1. Racer low rise desert twill pant, Citizens of Humanity \\ 2. Round preppy sunglasses, Topshop \\ 3. Milten loafer, BP \\ 4. Lizard embossed patent leather flap clutch, Halogen 

Happy For Hue: Navy

Hey Folks!  Sorry for the long silence, it's been a busy week and I can't wait to share what's in the works.  Now contributing to Rosebud & Penny with a weekly style column (read: wishlist!) will be Natalie Kershaw, who has her own awesome blog Kershaws In Cali. 

I double dog dare you to tell me she's not the cutest, ever.  Natalie and I met years ago (at work!) and since becoming dear friends she's been my style guru, my inspiration, and a trusted friend who I run like 88% of my aesthetic decisions through. I'm sure many of you already know Natalie, she is just so incredibly stylish and sweet I'm super flattered she's willing to contribute!  Without further ado: Happy For Hue: Navy...

1. Anchor-print cotton-canvas slippers, Charles Philip Shanghai \\ 2. Boy scouts cotton-blend terry sweatshirt, Zoe Karssen \\ 3. Jepson jersey scarf, Isabel Marant \\ 4. Voile shirt, Splendid \\ 5. Polka-dot skinny silk scarf, Saint Laurent \\ 6. Cotton-blend jersey t-shirt, Splendid

Sick Days + Rainy Days

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend, despite my family being sick we accomplished a lot (we went on a date! We bought a new dishwasher! We delivered the CUTEST baby announcements which I cannot wait to share! We played outside in the sun! I finished the layouts and ordered my sister's wedding album! EEK!)

There's nothing like a (going on) two week long cold to make you appreciate your health, am I right? The Lee household has been bogged down by this bug, and teething (for Rosie) and vaccine related fevers, for what seems like forever and we're all ready for some relief! Given all the problems we have had with little Rosie's kidneys and lungs, I do have to say I'm grateful for a good ol' cold that doesn't require any trips to the hospital or special tests. Thank god for small favors, even if it is the epic cold and flu season from hell.

It's a rainy day today here in the Bay Area, and when I pulled out my umbrella (a Christmas present from Grandma Nancy) I realized not only is it my favorite in stripes, but it matches my backpack perfectly.  Woot,  granny's are the best!

(Motorcycle Boots: Coach, Jeans: Gap, Jacket: Billabong, Blouse: Gap, Cowl: Sofia Cashmere, Umbrella: Granny, who knows?)

Hope you are all feeling well!  P.S. Speaking of rainy day style, how cute is this rainy day style blog post?   LOVE!

(pics by me using Instagram, and Natalie using Instagram)