Maps and Chalkboard Doors

 Maddie: Coat, from San Francisco. Shirt, Old Navy. Jeans, Forever 21. Bandeau, hg (store in San Luis Obispo). Shoes, Steve Madden.

 Meghan: Blazer, Urban Outfitters. Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Fur stole, vintage. Jeans, Forever 21. Shoes, Nordstrom Rack. Rings, vintage. Bracelet, vintage.

 

Me: Coat, Forever 21. Dress, Urban Outfitters. Tights, Nordstrom. Shoes, ebay (also can be seen here). Ring, vintage.

Katie turned 20 on the 22nd, which meant a celebration and some yummy food were a must. And obviously, we did just that. We went to Bleecker Street, a pretty hip and happenin' place for the Valley, and an adventurous change from the usual chain restaurant dining. It was fun and exciting to get all dolled up/wear my new favorite shoes for my friend's birthday. Love you, girl. And Kathy Griffin, here we come!! (I got her tickets to go see Kathy in Santa Barbara...cannot wait.)

P.S. I love the different ways we all dress. Maddie's white (coat) on white (top) was soft and dreamy, while Meghan's pop of red from her all black outfit was demanding and eye-catching. The stark contrast of their overall looks reminded me of why this blog was created in the first place. My friends' fashion senses greatly differ but all are inspiring.   

 Maddie and Alexa's family portrait. Please take note of the burning candles in the background. A truly serene setting.

Roommate shot. Brittany, the birthday girl, and me.

Birthday Girl! and her Pretty Woman boots.

Tea Time in Style

Day #1's Outfit

Day #2's Outfit

 

I love visiting my Grandma in Palm Springs. Her little condo is like a well-known, studied map, that holds so many cherished memories of my childhood, of my family, and of the times I have spent with her. My Grandmother's independence and strength as a woman have instilled in me the desire to emulate those qualities, and to be confident with the person I am. I am constantly learning from her wisdom and from her kindness,  just two features of many that have impacted my understanding on life. I can easily call her both a role model and a best friend. A best friend who just so happens to have a sense of style that is incredibly fashionable and enviable. She reads the fashion magazines and knows what is up. Her long skirts are beautiful, and I was fortunate enough to have been given one from her closet during this visit. It will be worn very soon, and very often.

I love you, Grandma. xoxo

 Native Foods (all Vegan). We went there for lunch and it was DEEE-LICIOUS! (there's one in Westwood for those who are interested).

  



My Grandma's original wedding ring, given from my Grandpa to her. And now, it belongs to my lovely sister, Sarah. It is beautiful.

Playing dress-up with my sisters at my Grandma's house. Tea Time!

 

My amazing Grandma.

Italian Lovin'

  

Sarah: Sweater, Banana Republic. Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Jeans, Citizens of Humanity. Boots, Target. Scarf, gift. Earrings, gift. Watch, Swatch. Necklace, Grace Cathedral (St. Christopher).

Me: Jacket, Free People. Dress, Free People. Tights, Nordstrom. Boots, Target.

Every year, the extended Tancredi family gets together at my Aunt and Uncle's house and we celebrate the holiday as the year comes to a close. In a matter of seconds, first, second, and third cousins pile into the rooms, consequently followed by the overwhelming amount of love (and alcohol) that also floods in. The strong sense of Italian kinship hovers around: it's very special.

Before heading over, my parents and I picked up my sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Brian, at LAX.  Luckily for me, Sarah will be sticking around for the week, and then I get to go up to San Francisco with her for 4 days. Her and her lovely clothes will be featured in many of the upcoming posts. 

(Unfortunately, my other sister, Meg, and her boyfriend, Mike, couldn't make it to the party, but we missed them terribly, and so I ate second helpings for them...well, sort of for them. That's just the excuse I'm sticking to.)     

 

Italian goodness (lasagna, pasta, AND pizza)

 

Sarah and her boyfriend, Brian

Sisters

true Italian pose of the first generation boy cousins (with the exception of my Uncle Tom, who obviously didn't get the memo)