Style feature: Paloma!

      While browsing thru H&M recently I ran into the well put together Paloma. I made a bee line for her and instantly asked to take her photo. Luckily, she was so very nice and was kind enough to oblige me. Everything she is wearing is from H&M also! I ended up swooping the same T-shirt for a mere $4.95 (I might even be wearing the tribal inspired shirt as I type right now!).

Also, don't you just admire her hair? It's seriously a work of art. The mullet-esque mohawk fades from black to intense blue and then to a striking platinum blonde. I asked her where she got it done and she mentioned the salon Shampoo Dolls in San Jose!

Yours,

Nico

Cheers!

      I keep saying it, cooler times are headed our way. When I think of winter I imagine piping hot mugs of hot chocolate (I want to try this recipe), evenings in watching movies, and also sipping a cocktail or two at holiday parties with friends! I think these table top accessories and glasswares would make even a delicious drink that much more enjoyable:

These shot glasses double as decorations 

with their moose and deer heads:

Agate coasters keep your furniture intact 

while also adding a touch of colorful flare 

(also available in pink and caramel):

Frankenstein beverage napkins 

could bring any cocktail to life!

Puccini glassware makes even a simple glass 

of water at the end of the night more enjoyable. 

Set of four on sale for under $24!

I have been craving a serving tray for months now. While trying to find just the right one I stumbled across this little number. Love the functional handles for easy transportation. This tray is begging to be a showcase for a decanter and an ice bucket:

I discovered all of these items (and their images) on one site if you can believe it! Check out ZGallerie.com for more unusual and eclectic housewares. 

Yours,

Nico

From the garden to your kitchen:

      As some of you may know, my dad is continually bringing me fresh produce from his garden (as I mentioned in this post). I'm constantly trying to be creative with my use of these ingredients because my dad delivers them by the ton! A few days ago I was at his house to photograph some of the gorgeous fruits, veggies, and grains and to start thinking of new recipes! 

Giant sunflowers:

Wouldn't the seeds from the sunflowers be scrumptious on these Tejas?

This speckled hound pumpkin seems 

kind of shy hiding behind a vine:

I'd love to try my hand at creating 

this earthy harvest pumpkin soup:

I use fresh lemons constantly while cooking, and it is nice to have a steady supply from my father's tree. I use the juice as a flavoring agent and I have been known to use the zest for baking cookies:

A flawless lemonade recipe is 

something everyone should know:

Vine ripened figs:

A simple yet nourishing breakfast of 

yogurt, honey, fresh figs, and granola. 

Served with a moscato cocktail:

Fuyu persimmons that will be ripe by my 

birthday at the beginning of November:

Should I make these persimmon 

cupcakes for my birthday?

Anyone have any idea what I should do with these Turks Turbans? Yeah, that is what they are actually called. I have a metric ton of them (I swear!) and I have no idea what to do with them all!

Yours,

Nico

P.S. I'm in Napa today, I'll try and take some great photos to share!

Let's hear it for the boy(s):

      Let's get things straight right here and now, this is a blog for both women and men. It was recently brought to my attention that maybe I should do more features on men's fashion. With that said... I did some browsing and came up with a concise list of updates for your fall to winter wardrobe!

This grey oxford blazer has a classic cut but also has new and modern elbow detailing (not pictured in the photo below, but click the link for further product description). A jacket casual enough to throw over a crew neck tshirt and jeans but also pairs well with a black button up for a evening out:

(image c/o zara)

A heavy coat that hits slightly below the waist is a piece that will always be a go to in your closet. In Northern California where the weather can be unpredictable it is a good idea to have a warm dress coat on hand. This design is very classic however, the grey funnel neck gives it an updated twist:

(image c/o Zara)

While helping close guy friend's do their clothes shopping I have found that burgundy is a consistantly flattering color on most men. Try avoiding your usual greys, blacks, blues, and whites and opting istead for a deep shade of burgundy in a classic dress shirt:

(image c/o Zara)

Every guy I know owns a pair of blue jeans. Try out this grey denim option, I bet you'll realize they go with everything you already own:

(image c/o Zara)

I know this is sounds like crazy talk but I REALLY believe that accessories are ESSENTIAL to any outfit you put on. With out a couple accessories you just aren't complete (its like a delicious cake with no icing!). Scarves are a good idea for staying warm but also show a little of your personality (depending on the print you choose). The scarf pictured below is my pick for a cold weather accessory, and it's under $13!

(image c/o H&M)

You will constantly catch me sporting a boyfriend style  gold watch and I think watches look even more chic on men. A functional accessory for when your phone dies and you can't check the time. The watch picture below is made by fossil, constructed of stainless steel, comes with an 11 year warranty and can be found online here:

(image c/o Fossil)

      To recap this post, look for unusual detailing on blazers, try a new shade of burgundy or maybe a pair of grey jeans, but don't forget an accessory of some kind!

Yours,

Nico

A touch of paisley:

      I wore this outfit to the opening of Missoni for Target (yeah, I get dressed up for Target designer launches, crazy? perhaps). As my readers know, I've been looking forward to this launch since this post. I managed to swoop up a scarf and a skirt but the entire collection basically sold out within minutes of store opening! Anyway, back to the point of this post, my outfit:

Hat: Tarnish

Necklace: MyNameNecklace.com

Dress: vintage find

Bracelets from left to right: Lucky Brand (similar here), Tiffany's, and vintage Givenchy

Shoes: Isabel Toledo for Payless

(Previously featured in this post)

I really liked the cut out on the sleeves on this dress,  makes for an interesting silhouette don't you think?

Yours,

Nico