Sunday's Best: Eastern & Spring Edition

Well I am back from my trip to Mexico City, which I will tell you more about during the week and which was fabulous, and Spring is well on its way, so this Sunday's post is dedicated to Eastern reminders and Spring time inspiration.

- If there is one food that reminds me of Eastern celebrations is eggs and the wonderful Mark Bittman has come up with the Everyday, Anytime Egg-Combination Generator. Take a look, it's full of great and simple egg recipes!

- Of course, you may need a little something to drink to go with those delicious recipes and these four spring-time cocktails might just do the trick. 

- And since we are on the subject of food: these cute-as-a-button cupcakes are perfect for Easter and beyond.

- If you are looking for some Spring inspiration, whether decorating ideas or gardening tips, take a look at Martha Stewart's "Good Things for Spring"

- One of the best things of the Spring season is that it brings out all the beautiful flowers and these paper ones might just be as pretty as the real deal. I just love that they use real branches!

How is the Spring season treating you?

xoxo,
Pilar

Fashionably Late

New York, London, Paris and Milan... they have all come and gone. Another Fall/Winter season has passed by and, although a little late in posting, I wanted to share some of my favorite looks and designers. 

- For me the coolest chicks this season were Celine (looks 1 & 4) and Chloe (looks 2 & 3). I loved the clean lines, the natural make-up and the nineties minimalism of both collection. Both collections oozed coolness! 

- A bit on the opposite side of the 90's chicness, are the ultra feminine collections at Jil Sander (looks 1 & 3) and Valentino (looks 2 & 4). This was Raf Simon's last collection at Jil Sander and he went out with a beautiful bang (please notice the sexy silver pumps paired with the soft pink dresses) and as far as Valentino goes, no one does femininity in a grown up way as well as they do.

- And last, but not least, the gorgeous gowns! My picks are a mix of the prior two with J.Mendel bringing clean cut, sexy, minimalist sophistication (looks 1 & 3). Would you look at that plunging neck-line golden sleeved gown? Amazing! While Marchesa (looks 2 & 4) provided head-turning yet very romantic looks. I would love to see Jennifer Lawrence in that last look. 

What were your thoughts on this year's collections? 

By the way, I am traveling to Mexico City on Thursday (for a 5 day visit) so if any of you have any suggestions on what to see, eat, or experience please let me know!

xoxo,

Pilar

Sunday's Best: Pretty Little Things

Please forgive my intermittent posting of the last months, life and work have become pretty hectic. This week though, I kept coming across such pretty little things I just couldn't keep them to myself.

- First off, New Stone Age has been added to my list of must-visit places next time I'm back home in L.A, a simply amazing store filled with hand-made treasures!

- This wooden pendant, from Australian store Polli, would brighten up any old outfit.

- Paper Source makes such pretty stationary, it is inspiring me to write hand notes again.

- I'm a sucker for hair accessories and this sweet assortment of bobbies is really speaking to me.

-... And by far my favorite  find of the week: the Moon Glass. Share a crescent, a half or a full moon drink with a friend!

Happy Sunday and I hope your week is off to a great start!

xoxo,
Pilar

Happy Weekend... Getaway!

Well some weekends just call for staying in, laying low and spending long mornings in bed. But others, such as this weekend, seem to beckon a little getaway which - thanks to the Costa Rican summer- I will be spending at the beach.

Both pictures are from an earlier visit to Puerto Viejo, the laid-back, hippie-inspired town in Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean coast, where I am spending the weekend. 

What's better than the simple pleasure of watching a happy doggie trot along carrying a coconut on his mouth?

xoxo,

Pilar

I am Loving...

Soft feminine jacket + skin tight denim + combat boots = the perfect balance of stylish and tough. 

So it's been a while since I did this little feature titled "I am Loving...", but Clemence Posey, the new face of G-Star Raw, with her messy hair style, perfectly natural make-up and an outfit that balances rock and chic...well, it was too good to pass up, I really am loving it!

Are you a fan of combat boots? And Clemence's style?

xoxo,

Pilar

(image here)

eShakti

The kind folks at eShakti, an on-line clothing store, asked me to review one of their products and having heard only great things from friends I did not hesitate to accept.

What sets eShakti apart from regular on-line stores is that all their dresses can be fully customized to fit your body shape, you can select specific measurement and even choose the cut and length of the dresses. Another great perk? Their prices are truly affordable without sacrificing  quality.

With so many options and great designs, having to choose one item was a hard task! I ended up choosing something that would be work appropriate yet retained some fun details. 

The dress fit perfectly and I loved the slight shine of the 100% cotton material. Finally, the pink detailing and exposed zipper made the little black dress a little more special.

All in all, eShakti was a wonderful on-line shopping experience. Thank you for the wonderful gift!

xoxo,
Pilar

Weekend Moments

While Costa Rica has a vast diversity of flora and fauna, one thing it lacks are coffee shops, there are some, but rarely like the ones I'm used to from my times in college towns (Berkely and Durham). You know? Those coffee shops with perfect dim lighting, where you can sit down for hours doing work, sipping a nice warm drink and no waiter or staff comes around every 10 minutes asking if you want to order something else... well, those kind of coffee shops are rare here in San Jose. Fortunetely I found just the place this weekend and it was a specially nice surprise when I headed out after working quietly for two and half hours the owner stopped me and say "wait, I want to give you a little gift", and she wrapped one of their amazing muffins for me. Free. 

This little moment reminded me of a quote from Tortilla Curtain :

Here is some pictorial evidence of this little surprise plus a little more from the weekend.

I have been reading "Just Kids" by Patti Smith, a Christmas gift from my bff (Dyan) who knows my reading likes so well, and I must say I simply love it. Highly recommend it!

Cheers to small acts of kindness.

xoxo,
Pilar

Sunday's Best: Special Places

This week's favorite links are dedicate to special places around the globe. Little havens that are inspiring, and welcoming. Places where food, design or nature are valued and celebrated.

- GASP (pictured above) is an amazing concept of park, arts center, family spot and nature. An example that should be followed...

- Next time I'm in New York I plan to head to 22 Howard St., the home of "Smile", a take-out restaurant where simple, delicious Mediterranean recipes are the rule.
- As a book lover, I love shifting through these photographs of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Stunning!
- If you are not the kind to enjoy cookie-cutter Holiday Inn type hotels when you travel, this wonderful list will lead you to some truly unique and beautifully designed hotels around the globe.
- And lastly, the story behind the Smith Mansion is quite different (and a little heart breaking) but peering inside the seemingly chaotic exterior you can tell this is truly a home.

Here's to a wonderful new week!

xoxo,

Pilar

(images here and here)

Weekend Moments

As planned, this weekend was a pretty quiet and relaxing one, yet I still managed to do some exploring and admiring the simple things that surround me.

From top to bottom: a stroll through the parks of downtown San Jose, along with peace doves featured around the city. Sunday dim-sum brunch and some picture taking around my beautiful yard. I love that bougainvillea grows naturally and the wood burning oven recently finished by my landlady's son, so crafty!

How was your weekend?

xoxo,
Pilar

TGIF: Brew Me a Cup...

Sometimes weekends are used up for fun escapades or late nights dancing the night away... And other times all I want from the weekend is peace, quiet and some much needed solitude.

This video brings me to a happy, restful place. Thank you Kinfolk.

Cheers to a wonderful, peaceful weekend!

xoxo,

Sunday's Best: First of 2012

This marks my first "Sunday's Best" post of 2012, and I decided to open the series this year with a random array of links related to things I love: some art, some food, a great cause and, of course, a little travel.

- I love the colors and dry wit of this Brooklyn artist.
- Lets save some sea creatures! (and get some beautiful art in the process)
- A new find this week: Pepper Sprouts Designs. One of my favorite things are the writeable cheese markers, perfect for a dinner party...
-... speaking of food, don't know what to do with that day-old-bread? Try one of these recipes.
- And by far my favorite find this week: a new "porn" site. Please head to Cabinporn to be amazed. (trust me it is 0% nudity and 100% beautiful places)

xoxo,
Pilar

Natural Colors

This past week one of my best friends and his younger brother came to visit. And such a visit is the perfect reason to get out of the city and into the breath-takingly beautiful wilderness that abounds in Costa Rica.

More than anything its the vivid colors that amaze me.

From top to bottom: the view from our 8 person plane into Tortuguero jungle; highlighter colored flowers which seem to belong in an Alice & Wonderland set and; one of the most poisonous snakes, the Eyelash Viper, which our guide spotted during our night hike.

xoxo,
Pilar

Ring in the New...

Happy 2012 everyone!

After a hiatus from blogging, I thought my first post of the new year should be about sharing some inspirational words to start off the year in a positive way.

Here are my favorite verses from the poem "Ring Out, Wild Bells" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. 

And the best new year's resolution list ever, thanks to the amazing Woody Guthrie

My favorite? # 18: Stay glad.

So cheers to 2012, hope it's a wonderful year for all you out there.

xoxo,

Pilar

DIY and Awards

I can hardly believe it's November already! However, I must say the month has started in a positive note as I managed to accomplish a small DIY project. As a renter, I have to struggle with decorating without causing major damage to walls, so hanging pictures with the least amount of whole-making was on my to-do list. Over the weekend I bought some cable-string, small hooks, paper clips and picked some of my favorite pictures....

Materials....

...final product

I also wanted to thank Lisa Marie (Amarillo and Crema) and Starlet (Can You Come Home) for giving me an award.

The award calls for the recipient to:

1. Thank the presenter(s) with a linking post 
2. Dish 7 things (or more) about yourself 
3. Share the award with bloggers

So here are seven things you may not know about me:

1. My favorite flowers are poppies...

2. .... and my favorite herb is basil.

3. I love  am obsessed with soccer (Spanish national team and F.C Barcelona. woot!)

4. I was born in Madrid.

5. I am a coffee lover addict.

6. I really, really want a blood hound, they are seriously the cutest dogs!

7. Nina Simone may just be my favorite female artist of all time.

And now passing on the award to the following 7 blogs, for always being inspirational and lovely to read:

1. Village

2. Fashion Capuccino

3. Whimsy Being

4. Bohemian Twilight

5. Katie Belle

6. Dancing Branflake

7. Hearted Girl

Thanks again for the awards Lisa and Starlet!

xoxo,

Pilar

... And here it is, my Halloween costume...

Myself and four other friends went to our office party as "Angry Birds" the ridiculously addictive game popularized by I-phones, I-pads etc. And yes, our costumes were home made from the head gear to the little angry faces.

By the way, that's me as the blue bird.

Cheers and I hope you had a super-fun-filled Halloween!

xoxo,
Pilar

Happy Hump Day & Happy (early) Halloween...

The thought of combining black and blue might be frightening to some, but I must say it is one of my favorite outfit combinations, and if I could choose any any costume for a fancy Halloween party it would look like this:

1. Navy blue and black lace dress by Zara.

2. Blue patent leather pumps with Swarovski Skull by Alexander McQueen.

3. Furry creature accessories from Topshop.

4. Tassel earring from H&M.

I must say I am pretty excited about Halloween this year, specially for my a group costume involving home made outfits inspired by an Mac/Apple product craze, that's all I'm sharing for now... what would you be dressing up for Halloween?

xoxo,

Pilar

Runway to Red Carpet...

New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks have come and gone, leaving us plenty to marvel at. After reviewing some of my favorite collections I automatically wished I could dress certain leading ladies in them. Here are my picks:

Emma Watson in Oscar de la Renta and Emma Stone in Carolina Herrera. These ladies share many things including: first names, gorgeous red locks and a knack for elegant and feminine red carpet choices which always have an interesting element. I believe these gowns would fit both Emmas' sense of style and be total stunners on a red carpet event.

Zoe Saldan in Suno and Carey Mulligan in Jill Stuart. Zoe and Carey are both visionaries when it comes to fashion so I picked some fashion forward outfits that would be fitting for a T.V appearance or premiere. Zoe would look gorgeous in the kimono inspired dress and Carey has the fashion chops to pull off the Miami Vice inspired colors of the Jill Stuart collection.

Leighton Meester in Christopher Kane and Hailee Steinfeld in Blumarine. Although the lovely Leighton underwent a slightly trashy fashion phase during her music promoting days, I really hope she returns to her romantic roots with looks such as the incredibly elegant yet girly look above and, of course, Hailee has been a major fashion figure this year and managed to also stay age appropriate. I would love to see her wearing this colorful and youthful look!

Diane Krueger in Jason Wu and Blake Lively in Peter Som. These gorgeous blonds love to make an impact on the red carpet, and although Diane's style is far more high-fashion than Blake's, Blake's style has certainly improved since she became bff with Miss Wintour and Mr. Lagerfeld. Both the Jason Wu and Peter Som are statement pieces, but each would fit the fashion personalities of these ladies in a distinct way.

Any celebrity/designer pairings you would like to see in the red carpet?

xoxo,

Pilar

PS: thank you everyone for your kind words and support regarding my grandma's passing, it really means a lot!

Guest Post: Truly Inspired Rooms by Design Shuffle

Well, as promised, here is the first guest post of this little blog. The very talented ladies at Design Shuffle contacted me a little while back and asked if I would like to "host" them in my blog, of course I was delighted... So without further ado here is Susi from Design Shuffle. 

Enjoy!

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Hi, everyone, I’m Susi and I write as guest blogger for Design Shuffle, a fabulous online community of design lovers, professionals and amateurs, where you can share project and find inspiration. For inspiration, I also love visiting amazing design blogs like Wander.Lust. I'm so happy to be guest blogging here today about truly inspired rooms and decorating ideas we can find in designs. Where do you find your inspiration? Here are some inspired rooms that get their design inspiration from some unique sources. Hope you enjoy! I had fun visiting!

This gorgeous Moroccan inspired room takes the inspiration literally with Moroccan lighting and patterns. Some inspired rooms can be less literal.

Inspiration can be a launching point that is hard to recognize in the finished design. This living room was inspired by peacocks. Can you see it now? Beautiful!

Love the over the top design of this home office. Balloon chairs in zebra make a bold statement in this eclectic design. Dark walls add drama while brass shelves add sparkle.

Be inspired by where you live. This living room in Chicago gives a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright in the glass piece above the sofa.

Using art as inspiration is a great way to create an inspired interior design. Pick up patterns and colors from your favorite piece of art and build a room off of that. This can be great for any living room design!

Okay, so this isn't really a room but the design is so inspired I had to include it. This “painted” staircase is actually made with vinyl tape! So clever.

Leave it to an artist to create a room inspired by Andy Warhol that is pink. This is the home of visual artist Cary Leibowitz in Harlem.

This room is so over the top. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland (see the teacups on the ceiling) it is from a restaurant in Japan. Restaurants and hotels often push the edge of interior design and are great sources for inspiration.

Images [ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

Thank you Wander Lust for allowing Susi to visit! For more, take a look at Design Shuffle, where you can share ideas and connect with interior designers, including Boston interior designers, San Francisco interior designers and more!

Nothing is Permanent ...

Last week I traveled home to California, although the last minute trip was due to a sad event- my grandma's passing- the trip did include some very necessary family time and lovely moments with some of my closest friends. Instead of packing in a million things and going out, I did a lot of relaxing, thinking and sharing meals with loved ones... after just a few days in the golden state I truly felt a new surge of positive energy. So here are some beautiful images and wise words to keep in mind and inspire you through the week.

So take a moment to breath in, relax, and let the troubles fade away....

PS: in the coming days this little blog will be having some of its "first" moments with a guest post by  some inspiring ladies and a few other surprises.

xoxo,
Pilar

(images #1 & 3 here, #2 here)