The Better Daily Essentials

 

There is something so fascinating and forbidden about peeking into the handbag of a woman. You can learn more about someone from what they deem every day essentials than you can from a fifteen minute conversation. The lady that carries dog treats is far different from the woman who carries five different shades of lipstick. Here is a peek of what I carry with me (minus crumpled receipts, spare change, and gum wrappers, of course). 

 

1. Altoids/ 2. Powdered water flavoring / 3. Cosmetic case/ 4. Keys, mini nail clippers, and the doo-dad for the ball machine at the driving range/ 5. Kindle / 6. Think Thin brownie crunch bar / 7. Note book and Tiffany's pen/ 8. Marc Jacobs wallet/ 9. iPhone and headphones / 10. Juicy business card case / 11. Weekly copy of The Economist/ 12. Lilly Pulitzer agenda / 13. Burberry aviators

1. Cosmetic case from Ann Taylor Loft/ 2. Bobbi Brown finishing powder/ 3. Neosporin/ 4. Bandaids/ 5. Missoni scented hand lotion/ 6. Nivea lip balm/ 7. YSL Touche Eclat/ 8. Bobbi Brown stick foundation/ 9. Benefit mini mascara/ 10. Eos lip balm/ 11. Bobbi Brown blush/ 12. Hair ties and hair pins/ 13. Bobbi Brown kabuki brush

The Better Business Card

I am am crazy in love with cute call cards, and for ages I have wanted my own. When I went to some of the local stationary and printing shops, I saw so many wonderful cards at not so wonderful prices. $50 for 100 was a bit hefty for my budget forcing me to walk away. As a person who takes pride in creative problem solving, I knew this was an opportunity to cross a project off my list without breaking bank. 

Inspired by cards like this, this, and this, I decided to design my own, and find a way to get them printed that wouldn't leave my wallet dry.

The Better Summer Essentials

In a couple of weeks I will be taking a trip to the east coast to watch my brother graduate from medical school (he's now qualified to operate on people...CRAZY!), and it got me thinking about what I would pack. I can't remember the last time I didn't take more than I needed, and this time I'm determined to use everything I carry with me. This got me thinking about my summer essentials.

THE CHAMBRAY SHIRT

Other than my favorite white tee, nothing compares in versatility the way my chambray button down does. Used as a sleep shirt when I forget to pack pajamas, a cover up when I'm at the beach, or an easy top with white denim shorts, I can easily use this item 4 times in one week. I especially love how it can be taken to a level of sophistication when tucked into a pair of crisp capris and sitting below a layer of bold necklaces.

BRIGHT AND BOLD SHORTS/SKIRTS
I love skirts and shorts that have a bright, bold pattern. They make the rest of the dressing process easy because simplicity is key. Most of the time I don't get more creative than a thin, v-neck sweater or a James Perse tee, and as I run out the door I usually throw on a pair of leather flip flops. 

THE PERFECT SUMMER DRESS

Living in California my perfect summer dress is my perfect spring, fall, and winter dress as well. But for those of you who aren't lucky enough to have 80 degree weather year round, whipping out one of these must bring you great excitement. For a casual day of shopping and lunch I might pair it with espadrilles or leather sandals. But the great thing is it works well for dressier brunches or dinners when worn with a bit of a heel. 

THE FLAT ESPADRILLE
What other shoe screams summer the way a ballet flat espadrille does?  They always add a touch of innocence to the high hemlines of short shorts and mini skirts. Anytime I'm headed to a beach destination these are always in my bag; they offer the practicality of a flat shoe with the playfulness of the espadrille heel.