Love at First Sight: Global Elements

by Heather

One of the many vignettes in the shop

Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, I didn't think I did until I discovered Global Elements of Scottsdale, AZ. Located just a block north of WestWorld, it's an incredibly chic retail establishment filled with unique objets d'art, jewelry, clothing, and home furnishings. The interior is reminiscent of a loft and was designed and built by a local architect. An interior designer rents the upstairs space and is available for consultations. Even without having something in mind to purchase, I can always find something I didn't know I wanted or needed.

Here are a few items that came home with me from various forays into Global Elements. On the right are two orange and  dark gold chain necklaces and coordinating earrings.

Couldn't resist the unusual shape of this necklace and the neutral colors.

The "books" made from lightweight wood caught my eye so I bought four slightly different versions. Love to use them to add varying heights to vignettes.

This necklace was on consignment from a jewelry collector. There were so many incredible choices from this lady's collection, but my love of orange made this purchase easy.  My friend, Susan, sells her exquisite handmade scarves and wraps periodically at Global Elements. I never know what I will find at the shop when I stop by but I know I'll always see something unique!

If you're ever in Scottsdale, stop in at Global Elements. Tina is usually at the front desk and is a sweetheart who's as much fun as the store!

Have a wonderful week and if you're in Arizona right now, don't let the heat get you down. Fall will be here before we know it (and if I say that often enough, I might start believing it).
Love,
Heather

Summer Metallics

by Heather

I don't wear a lot of metallics in the summer. I did several years ago but now it seems I  reserve that look for the holiday season.  However, when a fellow blogger said that her link party this week was going to feature metallics, I thought I'd try to rise to the challenge. It was fun shopping my closet to see what I had, and once I got started it was hard to stop. Gold? Silver? Pewter? Maybe all three? Nah, I'll save the pewter for fall but I will do the gold and silver. I found outfits that I hadn't worn yet this summer and also put a couple of new pieces into play. I really like the idea of someone else suggesting a "theme" -- helps break me out of fashion ruts into which I fall.

Chico's jacket/pants; WHMB tank in white with silver sequins

Michael Kors purse and watch

Ann Taylor bracelet (top); Etsy Ocean Dreams Hawaii sterling starfish ring set

Sperry Topsiders in silver sequins

Chico's linen tunic and slacks; Michael Kors purse and sandals; WHBM belt (reversible: gold to silver)

Maybe my new Michael Kors purse would be a better summer accessory?

 Chico's open-weave gold sweater (with nude cami underneath) and dark denim jeans
I think my face looks like I'm saying, "Aren't we done yet?!" Nothing like a forced smile, eh?

New Chico's necklace with three removable brooches

Another Michael Kors purse and watch; Kiel James Patrick woven gold anchor bracelet

Coach navy and gold bangle; other bangles from local shop

Sperry Topsiders in gold metallic leather

And no photo shoot would be complete without a little welcome interrruption from the granddaughter and the puppy.

Pretty sweet pair, aren't they?

Wishing you a wonderful week full of smiles and wagging puppy dog tails!

Love,
Heather

Fashion Rules (that I Make)

by Heather

I believe that ensembles should match. Call me crazy.  I know the matchy-matchy look is not the fashionable thing nowadays but I have to admit that I'm at my most content when things match. For those of you in my age range, you'll remember Doris Day's matching coats and dresses and then a little later, That Girl (Marlo Thomas) with her complete coordinating outfits down to the hats, shoes and purses. I loved those outfits.

I had the yellow and tan hat (Loft) from last year in my closet; the sweater (J Crew) was a new addition this year.

Linen pants are from Chico's; cami from WHBM.

Do you get that warm, happy feeling when you discover that a new purchase matches something that's already in the closet?  I recently bought a yellow and tan sweater and found that I had the perfect matching hat already. Finding items that match is bound to happen sooner or later since my purchases are usually from the same color palette, but it's always a pleasant surprise. This summer my color choices have definitely been navy, yellow, and mint (and orange). Last summer I was into brown and turquoise (and orange).

Steve Madden sunglasses (Nordstrom's)

Early in the spring I told myself that my clothing rule for the spring/summer season was to buy only navy and white items (this was after buying that wonderful Michael Kors navy and white striped purse), but that was before I saw the mint...and the yellow...and of, course, more orange.  I was hoping that by limiting my colors, I would buy fewer items. Riiiight.

Loft hat (last year)

Juicy Couture bracelet, Michael Kors watch

Brina Box necklace

Do you make rules for yourself when it comes to buying clothing and accessories? 

One of my rules last year was to only buy clothing that I would wear when rolling down the road in our RV (we don't have one yet; it's about three years away but I thought I would get ready). I made a fabulous Michael Kors long nubby knit cardigan purchase that will be perfect for continuous travel...but I discarded the "rule" when I discovered linen blazers on sale at Nordstrom's (which are probably not an optimum choice for RV'ing). 

One of my current rules is to only buy items that will suit my retired life style (but then how did the darling new navy and white polka dot dress end up in my closet? Oh yeah, it fits the navy and white rule).

Marc Fisher wedges, Michael Kors purse (both old)

Libby has rules but she doesn't follow them either.

I had a boss once who called me a renegade (I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it as a compliment).

Am I still a renegade when I'm breaking my own rules?

Have a wonderful week breaking any and all fashion rules!

Love,

Heather

Packing for a Weekend in the Pines

by Heather

Two of  three pieces of  luggage I purchased from Walmart. I first saw the suitcases on another blogger's site and thought they were so so cute. I use the pieces as storage for out-of-season scarves when not in use for travel.

Thursday, July 18th

We're going on a short road trip this weekend up north to pine country. With highs in the mid 70s, lows in the mid 50s, and thunderstorms forecast, you know it's going to be very different weather than here in the Valley and that means a totally different wardrobe. My winter clothes are packed away for the season (I know, for some of you those temps don't spell "winter" but they do for desert dwellers) so let's see what I can do with what's available in my closet. I'll need to include clothes for leaving the hot climate as well as returning to it, so layering will be key. Because of the impending stormy weather, I'm going to start with my one all-weather jacket in black and cream and go from there.

The last time I wore this coat was on an Alaskan cruise with my two blogger buddies and our spouses. If it rains in the Valley, it's either too hot to wear a raincoat or I go with a trench coat as seen here: http://friendshiplifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/rain-drops-keep-fallin-on-my-head.html.

Also, we're taking the puppy (she still acts like one at 18 months) to see how she'll do when traveling. It's been amazing to me how much a dog changes one's wardrobe needs, especially one as rambunctious as Liberty. No really high wedges when I'm with her -- she'd pull me right off them -- and no dry clean-only items as muddy paws usually find their way to my clothes. We've had two dog training classes with her (she can sit on command now) but we still haven't mastered the meet and greet without going bonkers. Oh, I take that back. A neighbor just dropped by and Libby actually listened to my command to stop the jumping. Amazing! And speaking of Libby, she'll need a little something for the foul weather, too, so I picked up the cutest red and white polka dot raincoat complete with hood for her. I couldn't get her to sit still for a photo so you'll just have to believe me that she is darling in her rainwear.

We'll be doing very casual activities so I'm bringing three pair of black jeans: one crop, one straight, and one bootleg.  I could throw in a pair of tan crops, but hey, that would require ironing.

For the drive up from the Valley: black sleeveless no-iron blouse from Chico's; Antrhopologie belt; L.A.M.B. purse; Nordstrom hat 

One of three pair of shoes -- Juicy Couture flip-flops (well, four pair if I count the black and cream Pumas for walking the dog)

When it cools down in the evening, adding a J Crew Factory sweater and Chico's scarf over the blouse will keep me warm.

Black and gold accessosries:  my new braided leather and gold anchor bracelet from Kiel James Patrick; Michael Kors watch; Chico's gold/black bangle and earrings; Alexis Bittar gold and tan bangles

Born boots (the most comfortable boots ever)

Loft sequined striped tank; Talbots lightweight cardigan

Local designer sterling and shell bracelet and ring; one of my favorite pair of earrings from Seattle-based jeweler

Target flats

An extra  top just in case...J Crew cardigan, Chico's white tank, Target scarf

Saturday, July 21st

On the way to Flagstaff, Arizona...

Tom and Libby at Sunset Point rest area -- good news, Libby is a great traveler! She's also quite the draw -- people fall in love her and want to pet her soft fluffy coat.

Our first stop in Flagstaff was a quaint wine bar, Vino Loco Wine Bar and Shop, where Libby was invited inside and given a nice bowl of water while we drank great wine and enjoyed a lovely cheese board. We learned that Flagstaff is truly a dog-loving town and is sometimes referred to as "Wagstaff."

The small college town of Flagstaff (Norther Arizona University is located here) has a lively downtown area.

Just one of the birds available for strolling tourists to play with...

A fairly new addition to the downtown area, Señor Pickles Cafe, pulled me in by offering batter-fried pickles. Had to try them!

Really good, but too many for one person to consume.

Tom ordered mini tacos -- very tasty with cilantro, guacamole, salsa, sour cream -- and a beer to wash them down. The owner brought out a bowl of water  for Libby along with a couple of dog treats. See what I mean about a dog-loving town!

Can't go to Flagstaff without stopping in Sedona either on the way up or the way down. If you've never been there, put it on your list of places to see. The red rocks are stunning!

And as long as you're passing through Sedona, make sure you stop at Tlaquepaque (extra credit points if you pronounce it correctly), a quaint village of art galleries, fine restaurants, and shops. 

Our favorite restaurant in Tlaquepaque: Rene's

Of course, Libby was brought a bowl of water while we drank Prosecco (for me) and Pinot Grigio (for Tom) .

Pepper steak and bleu cheese crostini

Sweet creamy corn chowder

The night before we left, the heavens opened and we received almost two inches of rain in our desert neighborhood but the skies were blue when we left in the morning. The weather held all day until late evening when Flagstaff was treated to a lightning and thunder storm of epic proportions. We were safely ensconced in our hotel room by then and the next day, the sun was shining. On our way home, after leaving Sedona and getting back onto the freeway, the rain caught up with us once again and stayed with us. I had packed two umbrellas but neither one was put to use. Now that's a good weekend getaway!

How are your summer travels going?

Love,
Heather