Something...blue!

Something...blue! by nsaich featuring beaded jewelry

      I've been eagerly texting my friend Sabrina small details about her wedding day and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate one of the biggest days of her life tomorrow! I'll be voyaging to Carmel in the early morning to help Sabrina style her hair and make up (preview here) so she can feel and look like the most elegant bride! It still seems like just yesterday that we were dying each other's hair and doing make overs after school and now I feel so blessed to be able to contribute to one of the biggest days in Sabrina's life! Congrats to her and her husband-to-be Mike, I hope happiness follows you wherever you go!
      For some reason, I almost always end up wearing a blue dress to a wedding. I guess that's the good superstitious friend in me always wanting to make sure any bride includes "something blue" on her wedding day. Tomorrow will be no different and while I am wearing a second hand dress I found at Crossroads Trading Co, I wish I could be wearing the outfit featured above. I love the cerulean blue swingy fabric of the dress accented with jewelry that symbolizes infinite love, please make sure to click the link below the photo for outfit details!

Yours,
Nico

Live Fast Cause It Won't Last:

Live Fast by nsaich featuring a printed shirt

      Life just seems a bit sweeter when the month of March hits. Sunlight starts flooding my bedroom window as a welcome wake up call in the early mornings and I can't help but feel the need to seize the day! When warmer weather hits, you can typically find me using every spare moment that I can find to really enjoy even the most mundane of tasks. Gardening becomes a hobby instead of a chore and even doing the dishes seems pleasant while looking out a near by window at the lovely weather. There are so many little things in life to be enjoyed and taken advantage of, you just have to change your perspective. Side bar, I just got new prescription glasses and I am beginning to wonder if the lenses were made slightly rose tinted! Here are a few other things that make me see pink:

1: Super Nintendo- Growing up, my childhood friend Megan and I would spend any sunny day we could find out in the backyard by the pool. When it got too warm we'd head inside for an intense session of Super Nintendo. I like the idea of reviving that tradition but replace the pool with the Santa Cruz beach!

2: Floral Printed Gardening Tools- because a perky print makes potting and planting that much more fun.

3: Bright & Zesty Flats- Ideal for running around town and having adventures.  

4: Luscious Fragrances- I've been wanting to indulge my sense of smell lately with lovely scents and candles. Marc Jacobs "Daisy" seems to be the perfectly perky floral and if I could get my hands on a Diptyque green mint candle I'd be set. 

5: Insect Jewelry- I've been scoring inexpensive bug themed brooches at vintage fairs (styled with a floral dress here) and I've been wearing them with everything in my closet. Lately I'm digging those classic lady bug studs.

6: High Waisted Skirts- After wearing lots of layers all Winter, I'm looking forward to swingy printed skirts with lots of movement. 

7: Catch Phrase Sweatshirt- Lately I dig the idea of motivational catch phrases printed onto an everyday basic, like this gray sweatshirt. A constant reminder to stay on the right track.

Yours,

Nico

PS: You can always keep in contact with me on Twitter, Instagram, Polyvore, Pinterest, and Facebook! 

Impatiently:

Waiting for Spring.... by nsaich featuring a bow shirt

      I've said it once, I will likely say it 1,000+ more times but I am SO looking forward to Spring time. The frost melting away to reveal fresh floral print dresses, pastel polishes adorning my nails, and warm weather produce surfacing at the local farmer's market. Valentine's Day is also around the corner which is one of my favorite holidays! I never really need an excuse to tell others how much I adore them but Valentines Day makes my habits seem less unusual. I also believe that February 14th is one of those days toward the beginning of Spring where I get to create a ton of goodies to satisfy any sweet tooth! For example these peanut butter cups or some baked mini donuts. For now I'm waiting out Winter wrapped up in cozy blankets with a warm drink and picking out my favorite Spring style selections on Polyvore. 

     How are you hibernating these chilly days?

Yours,
Nico

PS: There are new ways to follow along with Satin&Salt! You can like me on facebook by clicking here, if you're into twitter you can follow me here, and on pinterest here! 

How to Survive.....

Holiday Shopping by nsaich featuring messenger bags



      After composing yesterday's post, I figured I would also offer some shopping tips and tricks for surviving this hectic time of year. During the holidays the mall somehow turns into a place of extreme dread.  With parking lots laid thick with cars and stores filled with even more people... the season of giving can become overwhelming. Have no fear! I will return your holiday cheer with some helpful hints for getting dressed to run around town as well as battling crowds and long lines!


1: Cozy sweater- Leave your scarves at home (why carry an extra item?) and stay warm in a soft turtleneck instead.
2: Sunglasses- Perfect for avoiding evil glares from the jealous woman who just saw you snatch up the last cashmere sweater off the sale table!
3: Watch- Stay chic and punctual with this time piece from Betsey Johnson
4: Cereal Bars- The holiday season is busy, make sure to have snacks on hand for when you don't have much time.
5: Casual Trousers- I like to wear a looser cut, better for mobility. And I love that this option is under $20 and still dressy enough to wear to a holiday party.
6: Messenger Style Bag- Ideal for having both of your hands free for shopping and also to carry around all your essentials.  
7: A Thrilling Book- So I can't magically make the lines disappear at all your favorite department stores but I can tell you how to make the situation more enjoyable. Read a good novel while standing in line and maybe snack on one of those cereal bars while you are at it! Take those annoying moments spent waiting in line and turn it into "me" time! I'm currently enjoying a new book from Chuck Palahniuk titled Damned.
8: Kitten Heel Shoes: Some of you may be wondering... Why would I ever wear a shoe with a heel to go shopping?! Well, this particular pair is by Cole Haan, my favorite brand for comfort. A low heel makes this shoe utterly practical for running around without severely damaging your feet and you won't have to carry an extra pair of shoes in your bag for the holiday party you are attending later. How great is that?


      I also know that it can sometimes be impossible to stay on budget while out purchasing gifts for your loved ones. How I stay in my limits is that I always carry cash over plastic. If you see the money leaving your hands you are less likely to over spend. Another helpful trick is to decide how much you are willing to spend on each person on your shopping list. From there, place each budgeted amount in separate envelopes labeled with the person's name. I hope these simple tips will help you survive the last bits of 2011!






Yours,
Nico


PS: Do you have any advice for me this shopping season?

Tara's Wedding Dress

Tara's Wedding Dress by nsaich featuring high heel pumps

      My friend Tara, who I have been friends with since 8th grade, is getting married! I'm so utterly happy for her and her fiance, Marcus! She has already selected the wedding dress of her dreams, a gorgeous ivory satin with a tiered pleat hem but is having trouble finding just the right shoe. Tara has told me that she wants something bold, perhaps even a teal or pink pair of shoes to compliment her dress. In the picture above you will see Tara's actual dress plus a few ideas for shoes she may wear. I also thought a second pair of fun glittery flats would be fun and comfortable to wear during the reception, what do you think?

Help Tara decide which shoes to wear 

by leaving a comment with your pick!!

Yours,

Nico

Handbag Haven:

      My blogger friend Paris and I like to do something called "pretend shopping." Meaning we scour all our favorite web sites essentially "window shopping" from the comfort of our own homes and at the end of the venture we swap our favorite online finds. Anyway, while "pretend shopping" for vintage handbags on ebay.com I decided to check out my own personal handbag collection and I realized I really don't need anything new! Sometimes instead of looking at all the things you don't own, its better to "shop within your closet." Rediscover items you forgot about or sell the items you no longer use at a consignment store! 

These are the hidden gems found in 

my stash of purses that I have been 

collecting over the last several years:

Handbags clockwise from top middle:

1: Lavender snakeskin embossed Michael Kors drawstring bag

2: Grey leather bag with gunmetal hardware by 

Betsey Johnson

3: Chocolate brown leather vintage Gucci bag

4: Marc Jacobs studded "Large Single" bag 

(featured here)

5: White patent leather Kate Spade clutch (seen here)

6: Vintage BCBG Maz Azria gold clutch

7: Red vintage coach bag (last worn here)

8: Brown leather coach clutch

9: Hayden-Harnett for Target tan and gold 

shoulder bag (see what I carry in this bag here)

10: Random grey faux fur studded clutch scored 

at a vintage shop

11: Large black leather Chloe bag 

Yours,

Nico

PS, don't forget to store your purses in their dust bags to reduce damage!

Product of my environment:

      

      I never realized how my taste in fashion jewelry is linked to how I decorate my own room! While browsing the nordstrom webpage, I noticed I was repeatedly selecting jewelry based on these items found thru out my room:

A peacock lamp found on overstock.com 

(similar style available here)

A fan I found at World Market. I usually have it tacked to my wall but it has also been used as a practical accessory on especially warm days.

A piece that hangs on my wall. Drawing 

by Pepe Nunez (he does amazing tattoo 

work as well!), coloring by yours truly! 

Costume jewelry I crave:

Betsey Johnson "Asian Jungle" long statement pendant necklace. Would wear with a white tank, black formal vest, and flared dark denim jeans:

Bring some sparkles to your face 

with this stunning pair of earrings:

What I refer to as the "holy grail" of peacock feather earrings. Won't get damaged over time like these ones and have that instant WOW factor:

The instant I saw this featured on my dear friend Paris' blog, I knew I wanted it for myself (would wear with this fantastic dress):

Wouldn't you find this guy inspiring? 

Clearly I sure do:

(image courtesy of National Geographic)

Yours,

Nico

Shoe In.

Functional shoes: 

Basics for every outfit/occasion 

and wardrobe staples for life.

(prices range from $79 to $285)

(Functional Shoes)

Statement Shoes:

They may not go with everything but they sure are pretty!

(Prices range from $130 to $1,495! I hope the shoe 

box also doubles as a studio apartment!)

(Statement Shoes)

Which would you choose?

(Valentino vs. Jeffery Campbell)

The Jeffery Campbell's are the clear winner for me. Not only is the price tag much easier to look at, but I love the black and nude color combo!

Yours,

Nico

A Few Fashionable Favorites:

Bold animal inspired jewelry for a wild summer:

 (from left to right: vintage, BCBG, Urban Outfitters, vintage)

My Michael by Michael Kors "Joan" bag back from the cobbler! ( My local Michael Kors store had it repaired for free)

Vintage Denim Moschino grommet vest adorned with my favorite pins for a slight "Rocker" look.

Shades for an occasion:

(the pair 2nd from the bottom are my current pick!)

 ( Oliver Peoples, Chloe, random street vendor, Juicy Couture, F21, Ray-Ban, Betsey Johnson, Coach )

My small but versatile collection of scarves!

(from left to right: vintage, random street vendor, vintage oscar de la renta, pashmina, Burberry )

Just a handful of things I LOVE to wear. 

Yours,

Nico