November Grey

Red shorts/short hair

2013-05-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I'm all about the vintage red bottoms. Two of my favorite pieces that I wear non-stop (and have for the past few years) are these red shorts and these silk, red trousers. It helps to have some interesting pieces to toss on when you would otherwise just be reaching for denim. These days, making serious effort in an outfit, is a serious challenge, so I'm trying to tailor my go-to wardrobe down to easy and interesting pieces I can just toss on. (More on that later.)

On another note, I was just reading an article on Katie Holmes yesterday and whether she thinks short or long hair is easier. Like her, I've had both. I have to concur that long hair is much much easier. You would think it's the opposite, right? It's true, with my long hair I found myself doing nothing more than tossing it into a top knot bun every day, but who has time to deal with a "hair style?"... not this mama. I've had super long hair for most of my life and this is the second time that I've done a serious chop. It was bold and refreshing and fun... but I must admit, now that it's growing out a bit, I'm finding it easier. Much more versatile too! What do you think? Are you a short or long hair fan?

Hip'tique + Kelcey Fisher/Fashion + Art = My favorite combo

2013-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, Hip'tique in Santa Monica hosted a special fashion and art night with artist, Kelcey Fisher. Not only was I dying to spend some time with a girlfriend I hadn't seen in forever, I was eager to get out and see some local art, check out Hip'tique's warm weather fashion and meet the artist responsible for this multicolored, fashion/pop/street art hybrid A-MAZING-ness. Totally crushing on the painting above and seriously considering the piece for one of our (many) empty walls. I serendipitously wore the perfect, bright pink dress (last seen here) that vibed quite well with the aesthetic that night.

Noa Bolozky of Sunset and 5th

Christine Berardi - Hip'tique, Kelcey Fisher - artist, Tanya Dempsey - November Grey.

And just like my last fashion choice dilemma at Hip'tique (remember it here?) I am now positively in love with two Clover Canyon pieces I must decide between. Stay tuned! For more on Kelcey, visit here. More on Hip'tique, go here.

{Clover Canyon blazer pic via Hiptique/Dress pic via Revolve Clothing}

{Happy Weekend} Vintage by the beach

2013-05-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

I read this funny quote on Pinterest or somewhere: "Yay, it's the weekend! Oh, wait... I'm a mom." I laugh and laugh at this because it's true. As a mom, your job never stops. And with this little guy crawling all around now, I can't take my eyes off him for a second. It's such a fun age. He claps and gives kisses and loves to dance to music, but man, oh, man... he gets into everything. Poor dogs, their food is always on the counter now. I should stop typing and get to it, but wanted to wish you all a happy weekend. (Whether your work stops or not.)

Chambray top - Old Navy

Red silk pants - Vintage

Necklace - Vintage

Sneak Peek ~ My little girls room

2013-05-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Amongst the 10,000 other things I'm trying to wrangle on a daily basis, I'm also attempting a carefully thought out and decorated home. This takes time. And planning. And budgeting. And patience. Which I don't always have. But I need to remind myself that I'd rather have every corner of every room in my home be beautiful and mean something, than throwing it together in urgency. So here we are... little bits at a time.

Stella's room is nearly complete, as I tackled it first, wanted her space to feel like home right away. She got involved in the planning from day one, even picking out the paint color. (Ballerina Pink by BEHR!)

The wooden letters were painted white and hung on a string in the backyard of our old house for her second birthday. Remember it here? We cut new pink ribbon and daddy tacked them above her bed with tiny nails. The dresses were sent to us c/o Biscotti and Kate Mack and they are just too pretty to keep hidden in the closet.

The chandelier is from Pottery Barn Kids and the hubs nearly electrocuted himself to death installing it (thanks, honey) but isn't it pretty? It replaced a very unattractive ceiling fan.

The framed floral art is antique and was scored at one of my favorite local thrift stores. The lamp base was also thrift for about five bucks. I was looking for a simple design that had a pull switch for tiny fingers and believe it or not, that was very tough to find! I ended up finding this simple shade at Big Lots and it was perfect! (Inexpensive, but doesn't look it, right?!) The frame is from Home Goods and holds one of my favorite photos of her.

A pregnancy photo and a memory box (also from Home Goods) displays a vintage slip dress she wore as a tiny tot. I want to cry when I think about her chubby legs teetering around in that thing... The vintage postcards need to be framed and hung, but dwell above until I find the perfect spot.

This little bunny jar is one of the most meaningful items in the room... Stella likes it because she can hide trinkets and treasures away, while I reminisce about my sweet friend (who also made my wedding dress) and the day she gifted it to me while Stella was still in my belly.

Stella in stripes and Chanel-esq jacket! {My little model}

2013-05-15T07:45:00.003-07:00

Call me ridiculous, but wearing coordinating outfits with my daughter to dinner is just about as fun as it gets. Here's her look that matches my previous post for dinner at Post and Beam. She insisted on wearing the jeans, even though they are a bit too big. I guess she was going after the boyfriend look. Dying over this jacket and currently looking for a similar in my size. Hope you're having a great day!

Ode to Chanel Jacket- c/o Biscotti and Kate Mack

Striped blouse - Zara

Jeans - Mossimo Supply Co (similar)

Sunsets, Stripes & Savory Nights (+Aviation cocktail recipe!)

2013-05-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Blazer - H&M

(Did you see my video rant about it here?)

Dress - Unknown label

(Via Crossroads Trading Company)

Sparkle flats - Bamboo

(Similar for cheapo)

This past weekend was filled with family time, good food, and not one, but two sunsets I actually took a moment to notice. This evening in particular was sweet and savory. From the company, to the cuisine, to the cocktails... Here, on the patio of Post and Beam, I got to spend time with my littles, the hubs, my father in law in town from NY, and a girlfriend I hadn't see in forever! We devoured oven roasted brussels sprouts, shrimp and grits, incredibly delicious pizza and my new favorite drink; The Aviation Cocktail. Cheers to soaking it all in! xx

What being a mother means to me

2013-05-12T15:06:00.003-07:00

Being a mother means never having to be alone again. If I do things right, these tiny, wondrous, wonderful creatures will grow up big and smart and kind and strong and with any luck - will still want to hang out with me!

Being a mother means no more late nights with girlfriends, no more last minute weekend trips, or lazy and lounging days off to recuperate ones soul... being a mother means that my soul is already full. Filled to the top. Brimming over with love. My body may tire, but my heart beats strong. And the little lady beside me... she's the best girlfriend I've ever have.

Both photos taken on Mother's Day 2013

Bodhi - 8 months, Stella - 3 1/2 years

Dedicated to the sweet angels who changed my life. Mommy loves you.

Styled by Stella ~ Vintage top + lace shorts

2013-05-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

Everything head-to-toe was picked out by Miss Stella. (My three year old daughter, in case you're new to these posts.)

I guess she was feeling quite the girly vibe this day because she picked out some of my most feminine pieces to wear all at once! I forgot how much I liked this vintage top and honestly haven't worn these lace shorts in forever. Another true confession is about these gold bow heeled sandals. I scored them at DSW a while back for mere dollars and loved the detail and femininity of them... but have never really worn them out. And why not? They'll have some stiff competition with these Zara beauties, but they've been moved to the front of my closet now. And the pink bag was picked out because, well, it's pink. I pulled out my stacked glass jewelry jar and gave her free choice of anything. I found it interesting that she matched gold earrings with bracelets also accented in gold.

One of these days we'll grab a snapshot of Stella actually styling me, because it really is a sight to behold. But funnily enough, the artist doesn't like to be photographed while she works!

More Styled by Stella here.

Makeup Tutorial Video - Applying false eyelashes

2013-05-09T07:10:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to be bringing you another video! After showcasing a favorite spring trend in my debut video, I thought it only natural to do makeup next! A big, fat, false lash is one of my very favorite makeup looks. So many friends have asked me how to apply them properly, as it can be a bit tricky to get right. So my sis, makeup artist, Lisa Dempsey offers us a little help. Hope you enjoy!

(new!)

Shop this video!

Ardell Eyelashes "Wispies"

Clear Eyelash Glue
Hair Clip/Eyelash Tool

"Think Pink" Pale Pink Lipstick

Black Halo Dress

Uniform

2013-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Quick snaps from the iPhone for a recent date night look. I'm absolutely crushing on these Zara sandals. They elevate any look. And lately, my go-to uniform consists of jeans, tee and a blazer. Throw in an interesting shoe and you're good to go!

Blazer - H&M

Tee - Old Navy (similar)

Bag -American Apparel

Sandals - Zara

Baby boy, capturing the kiddos (+ what am I wearing?)

2013-05-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about having a blog, is capturing (sometimes by chance!) all of those photographic memories of the little ones. You constantly have a camera on you and you're constantly snapping away. I mean... look at his face! Does it get any cuter? It made me realize that I really want to make an effort to capture my babies in an organized way. I have SO many photos and the time is just whizzing by. How is it already May?
So every month, I'll recap the photos and milestones of my family and children. This is mostly for me, but I hope you enjoy it too.
And for those of you who have asked, yes, "Styled by Stella" is coming back too! My little stylist isn't always in the mood to help mommy get dressed, but she was recently inspired. Look for it this week!

PS - what am I wearing?

Black AllSaints Leather (+Shopping off season)

2013-05-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

It's starting to warm up and feel like summer time! I won't be able to rock this favorite AllSaints leather for much longer, so I've been taking it for a spin on chillier nights while I still have the chance. That reminds of of when I found this jacket. These babies retail for about $500-$700, I found it (in the dead of summer heat!) for $40, brand new, in a local thrift shop. I think someone gave it up by mistake, or perhaps a stylist had too many... at any rate, I snatched it up so fast my heart was pounding. I don't think anyone else was even looking in the winter section at that moment, which was good news for me. Now is the time to grab your deals on colder weather fashion you'll love later!

Another off season goodie I'm considering - Sequin blazer ~~$108~~ $35!

Leather Jacket - AllSaints (similar here)

Tee - Calypso St. Barth (avail here)

Necklace - Ace Commune (avail here)

{Me + lingerie} Hipster G. girl of the month!

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was pretty flattered when asked to be Hipster G. Girl of the Month for May 2013. I must admit that it feels pretty good to still be rockin' my lacy things after two kids. (And what feels like a lifetime from my modeling/acting days.) So this was so much fun! To see more pix and read my 20 questions...

Visit Hipster G. here.

{Ace Commune} Jewelry Winner!

2013-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations...

Kelsey

from

You're the winner of the Ace Commune Giveaway!

We'll be contacting you to get a mailing address, so we can send out your bracelet! Thank you to all who entered! And thank you to Ace Commune for the lovely giveaway!

Vintage Dress + Denim Jacket

2013-04-30T09:27:00.001-07:00

First of all, I'm not sure what I'm doing with my bangs. They're at that stage... do we grow 'em out or chop 'em up again? Still deciding, but in the meantime, a lot of 'pinning back' is happening. I found this sweet, turquoise, vintage dress last winter for a few bucks and I knew I'd love it come warmer weather. It's a bit sheer, so I had to wear a slip underneath. (So glad I have a stash of vintage slips for this purpose!)

The denim Calvin Klein jacket was also thrift from a while back.

Steve Madden Jellies

The hubs' Ray Ban's.

(I think it's time to find my own pair of shades.)

Monday Makeover - Silver Nightstand DIY

2013-04-29T07:45:00.005-07:00

There are so many things on my To Do list for our new home. And even more items we have to purchase! So I'm all about finding creative ways to make things work within a budget and I'm a sucker for antique and vintage, so this project was a no-brainer.

This antique nightstand has been in my family for years. Since I was a kid, actually. It's been painted and repainted and repainted again so many times. Before it was this shabby chic white (during my single years) it was three different shades of blue. Before that, shades of orange and green. It's been through several bad coats, but the shape is lovely and the wood is solid, so I knew I could do something with it.

I found a simple and sleek gray nightstand for the hubs and wanted mine to co exist in the bedroom with his, without being matchy-matchy. So I decided on silver! I also decided to paint instead of spray paint, because I had a feeling I would be better at it.

But the only silver paint I could find was very light, and I wanted to add a bit more depth... make it silvery gray instead of platinum. So I added in a little Rust-Oleum black gloss paint at the suggestion of a very helpful Home Depot man.

This was also the paint I used to bring new life to the handle, as I couldn't find anything modern that I liked as much as the original!

Here's how I did it:

1) Sand & wipe clean. 2) Paint with primer, let dry. 3) Test color on inside drawer. 4) Paint.

This was a long process, with a lot of sanding, priming, waiting and meticulous painting, but well worth it! I'm so happy with the results.

Hope you found some DIY inspiration! xx

Vintage Lace Dress - oh, yes!

2013-04-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's time to get back to my vintage loving roots. It's been too long. The obsession is still there, but life has gotten in the way. I used to LIVE for this stuff! (See some vintage posts here.) It's so inspiring to find something from the past (for mere dollars) and have the vision to bring it into the present.

I've had this vintage lace dress in my closet for over three years now. I knew when I found it (in a sale bin on Abbot Kinney, marked down from $250 to $20) that I would love it. It's heavy, it's beautifully detailed, it's meticulously lined with gorgeous fabric, it has the cutest little bow in the back, and it's in mint condition.

I was newly inspired when I saw this lace dress in Lucky Magazine recently. Very Valentino Spring right? I love the idea of mixing something so girly and feminine with more structured pieces, like the silver sandals and graphic bag shown.

Just as soon as my tailor is back from vacation - it's on! Stay tuned...

Casual Date Night (+lucky me)

2013-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that the hubs and I have been making a point to have a date night at least twice a month. We always intend to do it every weekend, but it doesn't always work out that way! It's tough having two little's at home. Your heart is always torn in different directions. The babies are only this little once. It's so hard to leave them. There are always so many reasons to stay home. But I firmly believe that a solid marriage brings a happy home, and we are never sorry we left once we're out!

I had no idea what my love had in store for me this particular night, but it was one of the best moments we've ever had as a couple together. I'll spill soon, but at times I feel so lucky that I can't believe this is my life. We're not millionaires, we don't have the best of everything, we never get enough sleep, we hardly have time to ourselves or with each other or a moments peace, but we are truly so happy. Love does that. Family does that.

And my dreams, all of them, are slowly coming to fruition. How did a I get so lucky? Looking forward to sharing it all with you guys soon.

T xx

Tee - Old Navy

(I bought it large and cut off the sleeves)

Jeans - Paige Denim

Pumps - Boutique9

Necklace - JewelMint

Bracelets - Express + Vintage

Purse - Vintage Paloma Picasso

East West Mamas: A Silk Maxi Story

2013-04-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

If it were possible to love a dress upon first sight, without yet trying it on - this would be the case. I was so thrilled to be doing another collaboration with fellow blogger Carly over at Thirty Something Fashion and knew upon spotting this baby on Etsi Wear that it would quickly become a favorite!

Washed black silk that drapes in the most deceptively simple way. The fabric and flow is simply lovely and feels like a dream on...

I trimmed a couple of inches off of the bottom and kept the remnant fabric to use as a belt...

But quickly realized that the beauty of this dress is in the ease of it.

And danced accordingly.

Dress - c/o Etsi Wear

(Available here - in yellow and red too! They also do matching mother/daughter dresses!)

*Get 10% with code SPRING13

Gold Tassel Belt worn as a Necklace - Vintage

Shoes - Zara (Similar here.)

Now head on over to Cary's site to see how she rocked it!

Ace Commune Jewelry Giveaway!

2013-04-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

I just love finding new lines to obsess over, especially when they are those of authentic artistry and craftsmanship. Ace Commune is one of those lines! I discovered this gem by way of my three year old daughter, who became best friends with a little girl, who happens to have the coolest mom ever.

I was always admiring her easy chic style and interesting jewelry, when she told me that she in fact made these gems! I couldn't wait to get my hands on a few and give you guys the chance to win something too!

This Indigo Hemp with Gold Triangle Necklace is seriously so cool. It's elegant while still having an edge. Interesting and unique, but delicate too.

And you may have noticed me wearing this Tassel Ascent Bracelet to death lately. I love it!

Another piece that is a personal fave is this Black Triangle with Tassel Necklace. I've worn it with everything from tees to dresses, layered with vintage chains or alone... I can't get enough of it! (Neither can little sis, cuz it somehow made it into her jewelry box!)

But don't just take my word on it. Head on over to Ace Commune and see for yourself! She also does clothing for the little's (I want this for Stella, and this for my little guy.) and home stuff too! Check it out!

To be eligible for drawing:

You must be a follower of November Grey (if you are already a follower, let me know!)
"Like" Ace Commune on Facebook.
Check out Ace Commune's Website and let me know which piece you'd prefer to win, the Gold Triangle Necklace, or Tassel Ascent Bracelet. (Or are you drooling over something else?) Comment back here with your entry!
For an extra entry, follow Ace Commune on Instagram (@ACE COMMUNE)
Make sure to comment back here that you did the above! Good luck!

Open to international submissions
Contest ends 4/26/13 at 10pm PST
Winner will be picked via random.org & announced by 5/1/13

Pleather leggings

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Leather pants are neither cheap, nor easy to wear, but I absolutely love the sleekness, don't you? There are a few ways to go about achieving this look:

A) Buy actual leather, spend a pretty penny and be sure they fit perfectly, or they will look all wrong.
B) Try the coated denim trend. They will fit like jeans and look a lot like leather.
C) Give faux leather/pleather leggings a shot!

Which is what I did! Luckily, the amazing folks over at Flat84 were kind enough to gift me a pair from See You Monday to try out! They are super affordable and super easy to wear. Just think - "amped-up" leggings.

I decided to give my new pants a test run with a worn in T-shirt, some interesting baubles, and my sexiest heels.

Which felt surprisingly effortless... surprisingly comfy. Casual, "bumped up" a notch. Already dreaming up other ways to rock them.

Hope you're smiling today! xx

Pleather Leggings - Flat84

Tee - Old Navy

Heels - Zara

Earrings & Necklace - JewelMint

Bracelet - Ace Commune

(Check back in tomorrow for an Ace Commune jewelry giveaway!)

Pasadena Rose Bowl scores!

2013-04-16T06:51:00.001-07:00

This amazing flea market only happens once a month, and for me, only seems to happen once every few years. So I was dying to get my vintage-loving butt to Pasadena this past weekend!

I showed up all ready to go with my sun hat and lightweight vintage blouse. Of course it was freezing. And freezing turned into a light drizzle. A trek across the grass left my feet soaking wet and me shivering. (See, it's not always gloriously warm in southern Cali...) So I had no other choice but to purchase the first $5 dollar sweater I laid eyes on. In this case, a much too short and ill fitting, blue wool blend.

There is so much to see in this place that you have to FOCUS, FOCUS, or you'll get distracted by the rows and rows of things you don't need. And in my case, I needed furniture. (Look away from the perfectly distressed denim and worn in tees!)

Then I found the sweetest antique, French deco side table... not sure where I'll put it yet, but it's going somewhere! And the little Tiffany blue makeup case? That was just icing on the top.

Love and comfort to those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing yesterday. Hug your family and loved ones today. It's the only thing that matters. xx

{Moon Jacket} Trend ~ Metallics.

2013-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Jacket - Thrift (similar here, more muted version here).

Dress - Crash & Burn, Hat - Vintage, Boots - Madden Girl.

I'm totally digging this metallic trend. And would you believe that I'm actually PSYCHIC?! I scored this jacket via thrift (for a buck!) a couple of years ago and I just knew it would find it's season. (There's actually some truth to the psychic comment. I come from a long line of intuition masters and brujas. But that's another blog for another day.)

How are you feeling about the metallic trend? Yay or nay?

Here are some other ways I'd rock it via Piperlime:

Coated denim in pewter and bronze.

This golden skirt by Robert Rodriguez is amaze. A less expensive version here.

Super easy Metallic Pullover.

Or you could always just do a pop of shine on a metallic wedge.

Fashion is so cyclical ~ Audrey and stripes

2013-04-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Audrey Hepburn Vogue, edition of January 1966

This is so very 2013... the black and white, the bold, vertical stripes. Fashion is so cyclical, right? I adore vintage and I'm obviously a fan of this trend (see my video on bold stripes for the season here) but this is so current. I have a Pinterest board of muses from yesterday here - which always seems to work when I'm looking for inspiration.

Have a fabulous weekend, friends! xx

Vintage red shorts + Tuxedo blazer + Mint Tshirt

2013-04-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

On my final day in San Francisco, I had just enough time to stop into one of my favorite home design studios and have a pow wow about some upcoming projects, including a video shoot for my bedroom in our new house! Stay tuned...

Hope you're having a great week!

Heels - Zara

Shorts - Vintage redesign

Mint tee - H&M

Tuxedo Jacket - Forever21

Necklace - JewelMint