Guest Post: Garden to Fashion by Starlet

Hi everyone, my name is Starlet, and I am guest posting on The Marin Scoop today. I blog at Can You Come Home and I run an online handbag shop, Meridian110. I write about garden to fashion where I take elements from the garden and bring out the fashion in them.  I love connecting the two worlds, nature and fashion, as a part of our lifestyle.

Today I want to share with you a rich and fun fashion trend that I spotted in the garden. Or rather, a wonder of nature spotted in our style world =)

One color blocking, so many ways! 



When I saw this adorable mini pansies in the Berkeley Botanical Garden, I immediately knew that I had to do a fashion spread for it. Another proof of nature being the inspiration of our fashion trend! So cool, no?

Do you dare dress up in color block?

1. Giambattita Valli color-block dress $1635 $818 from My Theresa 
2. Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique S/L Drape Sleeve V-Neck Color Block Dress $80.99 from 6PM 
3. Runway Zuzanna color-blocked dress $478 from BCBG 
4. Reverse Color Block dress $62 from Singer22 
5. Coco Love Pleats Excuse Me Dress $57.99 from ModCloth  my pick!

I love the bold contrast between the purple and electrified yellow. It's so fun and unexpected. While BCBG is always my go-to, in this round up, the pleat dress from ModCloth is my favorite. It's an effortless and cute way to take color blocking from day to night.

Accessorize in Color Block

1. DVF Mimosa Snake Embossed Clutch $475 from Nordstrom 
2. Irene Color Block Hobo Bags $148 $88.80 from Hobo 
3. Asos Priscilla Platform Color Block Leather High Shoes $146.59 $72.43 from Asos
4. Gianvito Rossi yellow purple contrast-trim suede shoes $1016 $847 from Matches
5. Genuine Rare Ametrine Diamond Ring $1799 $949 from FineJewelers super popular (other style has been sold out, and I can definitely relate why!)
6. Purple and Gold Stripe Self Tie Bow Tie by Elite $45 from Ties.com 

To ease the fear factor of working with bold colors, you can inject them in limited amount with accessories. Match with any neutral colors or pair with same-family-hues, you can create a gorgeous ensemble that will catch the eye.

There you have it: color blocking in garden inspired fashion. Thanks Sophie for having me today. I really enjoyed hunting these fashionable pieces, there were plenty that it was hard to narrow it down! (Plus, I cannot say no to bold electrified hues!). So, let us know, which one of these contrasting color pieces is your favorite? 

Going For Gold - Olympics Gift Ideas!

As we gear up for the Olympics starting this Friday, I thought I would share some fun gift ideas for you and your family members to get into the spirit of the games and go for gold!

(Photo credits clockwise from top middle)

1.     Medal T-shirt (6 – 24 months); Poconodo

2.    Olympics Print; myMzone

3.    Team USA polo dress $55; Ralph Lauren

4.    Special Edition Line of Team GB LEGO Minifigures ShopLEGO.com

5.    New Balance “Patriotic 574” sneaker, $69.99 New Balance

6. Vintage Olympic cover story of Lucy Lui In Harper Bazaar magazine.

Style Scoop - Candy Pink Ombre

Our next two weekends are booked up with girl’s birthday parties, which has put me in a girlie mood.

The ombre trend is popular at the moment and I think it looks especially cute on little girls. I found this soft tulle dress by Chasing FireFlies which would be perfect for a special occasion, and at an affordable $58.00 it would look great with candy pink or metallic shoes.

For us moms, a maxi length dress is ideal to keep cool in during the summer months, as you can throw it on for an effortless look at the park, pool or school run. It can be easily transformed into a smarter look by accessorizing it with a belt, beads or statement necklace. This pink and coral striped maxi dress from GAP also comes in violet or royal blue, and would also work with this pink ombre scarf from Forever 21 if you are heading into the cooler city. 

1.    Living etc. magazine view website

2.    Pink ombre scarf, Forever 21, $6.50

3.    Pink & coral maxi dress, GAP, $74.95

4.    Pink ombre tulle dress, Chasing FireFlies, $58.00

5.    Ombre swirl cake by Glorious Treats blog 

Amy's Fashion Postcard

I’m so thrilled to be guest posting on my friend Sophie’s blog today. We know each other from our years working in the fashion industry in London. I am now full-time Mum to a 3 year old, Noah, and I also pen a style blog over in the UK called; Simple Style Notebook. It is all about confident, modern, pared down dressing for the real world. My theory is that our lives are complicated enough, most of us are juggling children, and demanding jobs or businesses so our style shouldn’t be.

Last week we took our first holiday for 2 years to the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Menorca. It was such a joy to be by the azure sea with the sun on our faces [it has been the wettest summer since records began in the UK!]. Noah loved sitting on the beach, building sand castles and splashing in the pool. I enjoyed exploring some of the pretty back streets in the nearest town, Ciutadella where I discovered some cute little boutiques full of vintage inspired fashion and boho jewellery, perfect for the Balearic vibe.

Packing for a short vacation can be a challenge especially if you’re travelling with kids and your baggage allowance is limited, as we were on our budget flight. So the trick is to take versatile pieces that can work together. My tip is to stick with neutral colors with the odd bright splash to add personality. Here are some of my favorite holiday wardrobe pieces.

1.     White cropped jeans, Madewell

2.     Paisley bikini, J Crew at Net-a-Porter

3.     Bracelet, Anthropologie

4.     Grey jersey tube skirt, Old Navy

5.     White cotton tank, Club Monaco

6.     White canvas pumps, Supergra

7.     Striped t-shirt dress, Banana Republic

White jeans are one of my staples in the summer. They can be so easily dressed up for the evening with a beautiful printed blouse and decorative earrings [gold always looks great with white and a tan!], or you can match it with a simple tank like this one from Club Monaco for day.

The jersey maxi skirt is another brilliant summer piece that is great for day or night, you can even wear it as a beach cover-up pulled up over your bikini. I’m a stickler for tan lines so much prefer a bandeau style bikini for the beach, this bikini top even looks good worn under a light cotton shirt or smock instead of a bra.

I think dresses are one of the simplest ways to stylish dressing. You can throw one on and look instantly put together so I always travel with a few. A t-shirt dress like this one from Banana Republic is light, comfortable, and could even work for travelling in.

Wardrobe sorted we had plenty of time for relaxing and fun. I always travel with my trusty DSLR and a notebook, I found these cute notebooks in TK Maxx for a few pounds here in the UK and we made one into Noah’s holiday journal. This is such a great way to keep special memories and Noah enjoyed taking it to pre-school to show his friends and teachers what he’d got up to.

We also enjoyed making a passport for Noah’s bears from a free printable at Pretty Blog: 

Wherever you’re off to this summer I hope you have a lovely time, and I hope you can visit me over at my Simple Style Notebook blog.

Jean Paul Gaultier - From Sidewalk to Catwalk

Jean Paul Gaultier - From Sidewalk to Catwalk  exhibition will be showing at the DeYoung Museum until August 19^th. It is an impressive exhibition for those wanting to see a well-executed retrospective using multi-media to bring his amazing creations to life.

Jean Paul Gaultier at De Young Museum - The Marin Scoop

As you walk into the beginning of the exhibit you are faced with a collection of mannequins, including Jean Paul Gaultier himself, talking and looking around the room. Footage of human facial expressions has been projected onto each mannequin’s face to give the visitor the feeling that they are standing in front of a real person. Jean Paul Gaultier partnered with the Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagnie de Création in the design of 30 animated mannequins throughout the space who talk and sing, which is very entertaining.

Jean Paul Gaultier at DeYoung - The Marin Scoop

Jean Paul Gaultier launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and his punk collections from the late 1970’s and early 80’s are displayed on mannequins lined up in front of a great graffiti wall inspired by San Francisco during that time.

Jean Paul Gaultier Punk - The Marin Scoop

Jean Paul Gaultier’s140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs through the years up until 2010 are displayed on mannequins throughout the space. Some of his incredible creations are displayed on podiums so you can walk around them and see their intricate details and genius tailoring up close. They are fascinating to admire.

Archival documents, sketches, photographs and video clips tell the story of fashion’s enfant terrible. His beautiful editorial and past advertising campaigns are also displayed on the walls, most of which are up lighted with light boxes to make them even more eye catching.

Kylie Minogue in Jean Paul Gaultier at DeYoung

There is a whole section dedicated to his muse Madonna, featuring the costumes he designed for the Blonde Ambition tour. The iconic satin cone bra corsets are displayed next to fabulous sketches, Polaroid photos of fittings and beautiful photography from that era I remember so well.

Madonna's Costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier

I highly recommend going to see this within the next three weeks, as it is a revolutionary and memorable exhibition that is thoroughly enjoyable for those either interested in fashion or interested in seeing an impressive multi-media exhibition.

View Website for opening times and ticket information.

Customize your iPhone & iPad with Casetagram!

Sophie Davies collage

I love beautiful photography which is why I am becoming addicted to making and sharing photos on Instagram (well, it keeps my Pinterest habit at bay). 

I also enjoy making collages, ever since I was a teenager cutting up fashion and music magazines and creating collages of my favorite bands, movies and teen pin ups and putting them on my school notebooks and bedroom walls. I got to do this for real at college by creating mood boards for my fashion studies, and still enjoying making collages today, either the old fashion way or on the computer.

There is a fantastic social design company called Casetagram that enables you to make collages out of your Instagram photos and turn them into a hard case for your iPhone or iPad!

Casetagram iPhone & iPad cases - The Marin Scoop

This fun process can be achieved in three easy steps; just connect to Instagram, import your photos, create your own customize design using their templates and Casetagram will print and ship your creative case to you!

Casetagram iPhone case - The Marin Scoop

Users can take a look at other’s people’s designs for inspiration and try the process out for free on their websites choosing from 7 design templates and 3 case covers (white, clear or black matte).

You travel pics Casetagram case

It makes a great gift for your fellow Instagram friends using their Virtual Gift Card, and Casetagram are also offering free international shipping for a limited time. At only $35.95 including shipping, it makes such a great personal thing to keep and enjoy each day!

I can’t wait to make mine! 

(follow sophialdavies on Instagram) 

ModCloth - Vintage-inspired Fashion & Home Shopping

Founded by high school sweethearts – Susan Gregg Koger and Eric Koger; ModCloth is a vintage-inspired shopping site that features clothes, shoes, accessories and cool things for the home. 

Silverware from ModCloth - The Marin Scoop

Their mission is to empower their customers and readers by joining their ModCloth community  flipping through their stylebooks, products and find one-of-a-kind designs. You can even be a virtual buyer for Modcloth with Be the Buyer and help what designs get made!

Dress from ModCloth - The Marin Scoop

Flat pumps from ModCloth - The Marin Scoop

I particularly enjoy following their blog Modcloth Blog inspired by fashion, art and culture. They recently posted a great entry about Business Savvy Site for the Business Savvy Girl and the Best Jobs Ever. Read about the working life of a floral designer, writer, veterinarian, vintage clothing store owner, interior designer or the costume designer for the cult TV show Mad Men...an inspiring read! 

Teaset from ModCloth - The Marin Scoop

You can follow ModCloth on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest

Yarn Cake Topper - ModCloth on Pinterest 

If you like this, you may also like to read:

Mom Inc: The Essential Guide to Running a Successful Business Close to Home

On-line Shopping for Charity & Schools with Treehouse Tykes

Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco

The Fancy

I have just joined The Fancy community; similar to Pinterest you browse images in various categories such women’s, men’s, kids, art, media etc. and shop for them at the same time. As you click on things you fancy you unlock opportunities to collect badges (similar to SneekPeeq) and are awarded promo codes for discounts.

I actually think there is more choice for the male audience on The Fancy than Pinterest especially in the “media” category which features cool gadgets, artwork from classic movies, record covers, design books, boy’s toys and general lifestyle gift ideas….ideal for birthdays and Father’s Day coming up!

Here are a few examples of what I “fancy” at the moment:

Rachel Zoe sandal on The Fancy

Notebook on The Fancy

Horbert MP3 Kid's Player on The Fancy

Dear Photograph book on The Fancy

Paul Smith mini on The Fancy

You can also find out about popular culture in the “media” section, for example I came across this poster by Pascal Witaszek with his idea for new bio flick on Walt Disney by Ron Howard starring Ryan Gosling, it’s a great idea…I hope it would happen one day!

Mock Ryan Gosling poster by Pascal Witaszek

The Fancy is a lot of fun to browse, so join up and invite your friends through Facebook or Twitter!

The Shops at Target

Not only is Target a great place for finding everything you need all under one roof from fertilizer to flip flops, but it is an exciting company that collaborates with so many great brands. From Liberty London which was Target’s first designer collection spanning multiple departments, to the frenzy that was Missoni for Target.

The shops at Target

Their new partnership program is one of their most interesting to date. It is a new concept of selecting five small niche shops and offering their unique products within the Target stores around the country and online. From the home emporium Privet House located in Connecticut to my favorite The Candy Store based right here in San Francisco!

The Candy Store at The Shops for Target

The Candy Store  is located on Vallejo Street at Polk, just a few minutes walk from where I used to live and work so it was a regular place for me to stock up on my favorite British chocolate bars! The store is stocked with lollipops, toffees, chocolates and lined with glasses jars filled with every kind of candy imaginable from all over the world!

Privet House at The Shops at Target

The Shops at Target will be an ongoing project that will partner with the shop owners of specialty stores to co-create affordable limited-edition collections. The first flight of stores will be Cos Bar (cosmetics), Polka Dog Bakery (dog treats), Privet House (home ware), The Candy Store (candy) and The Webster (fashion).

Polka Dog Bakery at The Shops at Target

“It is bringing the boutique experience to Target” says Milan Vukmirovic, founding partner of The Webster store in Miami.

The Shops at Target debuts this Sunday May 6^th, so I may have to do a quick shopping sweep as soon as doors open to pick up some candy before setting up my daughter’s birthday party. Necessary?  No, but it’s the trill of discovery!

The Webster at The Shops at Target

Target also announced that an exclusive home collection by designer and TV presenter Nate Berkus will be launching in October…exciting times ahead!

Target Style Facebook page

Tori Spelling

One lady that defines the “mompreneur” title is Tori Spelling. In yesteryear she was Donna Martin from 90210, but now she is a bestselling author with four books under her belt and a new one launching next week, a jewelry designer, a craft designer, the owner of a home and lifestyle store in LA called "Inventori"  and the star of the Oxygen reality show Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood

Tori's family with baby Hattie in US Weekly

She is a creative woman with great taste and attention to detail which can be seen in her beautiful website called "ediTORIal" It features style tips for the home (Dwell) and your closet (Style), party ideas (Entertain), recipes (Eat), creative projects (Craft), lifestyle articles (Live), parenting tips (Raise), relationship advice (Love), and updates on all her businesses ventures (Launch).

"Dwell" Interior decor on 'ediTORIal" website

Most of the stories featured on the ediTORIal website have a personal angle, for example she will show how she cooked a particular meal with family snapshots alongside the recipes, or a picTORIal from a recent family holiday or vacation.

Tori's family on 'ediTORIal' website

One of my favorite aspects of the show Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood is the various parties she organizes for her children, friends and charities. The parties usually have a theme such as a children’s “Hello Kitty” or “Ghostbuster” party or a “Vintage Bunny” baby shower. Now Tori is sharing her expertise in a new book about party planning called “CelebraTORI” out April 3rd (pre-order on Amazon.com). 

Tori's new party planning book 'CelebraTORI"

She will be doing a book tour in LA and New York, unfortunately no San Francisco date, but my friends and I loved meeting her and her gay husband Mehran when she was promoting her “Uncharted TerriTORI” book. She was very charming and personal by taking the time to engage with everyone who stood outside in line on a foggy day. I also got a kick out of her taking particular interest in the bright yellow necklace I was wearing that day!

Meeting Tori Spelling in San Francisco

When you see Tori organizing a party or wedding on TV, she is running around multi-tasking the goodie bags, overseeing the dessert table and making flower arrangements, it is clear that Tori Spelling is the one in control and fanatic about detail. She is also an avid crafter who wants to make arts and crafts cool. To help get in touch with your inner-crafter, Tori will be the host and executive producer of a new TLC show called "Craft Wars" airing on June 26^th. The show will feature craft enthusiasts competing against each other in two rounds of challenges with Tori as their mentor.

Tori will host "Craft Wars" TV show

Tori Spelling also launched a new craft and stationary line on HSN last month which featured tasteful graphics in beautiful color palettes. The line included a stationary thoughts card kit, a stamp, block and card kit, a memory book kit and a craft clutch bag for your tools and materials.

Tori's new stationary & craft line on HSN

On top of all that, last week Tori announced that she is pregnant with her fourth child after only giving birth to her daughter last year. How does she find the time and energy to pursue all these creative ventures and run a family? Who knows, but we enjoy watching and following her inspirational triumphs along the way!

DVF ♥ GapKids on Sale Today!

Diane Von Furstenberg created her signature wrap dress in the 70’s and has inspired American fashion ever since, now she has designed a collection for our little ones with GapKids & BabyGap. 

DVF for GapKids

Baby romper suits, T-shirt dresses, T-shirts, leggings, jackets and accessories in neon colored graphic prints that include vintage DVF prints like the hibiscus and leaf print. Of course the wrap dress has been re-worked for children to wear. 

DVF for GapKids

The collection goes on sale today in GAP sales and online..