Rock and Vine Book Launch

Oh hello, 2013!  This past month has already proved to be an exciting year with lots of exhilarating projects and events in the works. I’m so honored to announce (and be included) in the book launch of Rock and Vine – a stunning coffee table book which features the lives and innovations of eleven young change-makers who are shaping the future of wine through their own skill and style.

Authored by publisher Chelsea Prince, edited by Master of Wine Christy Canterbury, and photographed by Mary Steinbacher, the book introduces talented wine industry trailblazers who are primed to perpetuate and evolve the legacy of Napa and Sonoma Valley.

The eleven profiled Rock and Vine leaders include:

• Joe Wagner of Wagner Family Made Wine
• Nicole Marchesi of Far Niente
• Angelina Mondavi of Dark Matter
• Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards
• Christina Turley of Turley Wine Cellars
• Tony Leonardi of BNA Wine Group
• Jason Exposto of Futo
• August Sebastiani of The Other Guys
• Jordan Kivelstadt of Free Flow Wines
• Morgan Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co.
• Danny Fay, Mike Benziger, and Ben Flajnik of Envolve Winery
• *Maggie Pramuk of Robert Biale Vineyards - writes the introduction

Here’s a sneak peek and behind the scenes look…

P.S. A portion of all profits from Rock and Vine sales will benefit Wine To Water, a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world. For more information on Rock and Vine and to purchase the book, please visit www.rockandvinebook.com - Chelsea, thank you again for your passionate vision and for bringing this beautiful book to life.

All That Glitters

There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold and she's buying a stairway to heaven... -Led Zeppelin

Happy Holidays! There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to combine all of the girliest details into a single, over-the-top look, complete with a gold sequin jacket, cream colored dress, bright lips and peep-toe heels. Sequin statement pieces consistently work anytime you want to get dolled up for the holidays or a night out in the town.

With the end of the new year approaching, this is the perfect excuse to shell out all things that glitter, sparkle and shine and what a better way to refresh your wardrobe then with a dose of glam. Ole!

{H&M sequin jacket - similar here, BCBG dress + gold ring, Kenneth Cole heels} 

This past weekend, I went to Lake Tahoe for a much needed girls trip! Our agenda was jam packed with ice skating, hot tubbing, mimosas, white elephant gift exchange and more. Stay tuned for a fun blog post to come - I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Dia de los Muertos

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. - G.B. Shaw

Oh, hello November. October has come and gone in such a rapid sweep (Go SF Giants!), that I have officially welcomed fall and all of its autumn glory. This is unquestionably one of my favorite times of the year, which begins the holiday season with Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead. In my culture this is an honored holiday that celebrates and remembers the lives of passed loved ones.

It sounds a bit more morbid that it really is but this national Mexican holiday celebrates death and welcomes the departed spirits home. One of the most important symbols is the calavera, which stand for “skull” in Spanish. Raging from the calaveras de azúcar “sugar skulls” to artwork, these colorful skulls are used to adorn the altars for the dead.

Recently the popularity of calaveras has developed into a highly artistic style of make-up design, combining stunning and elaborate face-paint with various flowers and beads. Here are a few beautiful examples of Mexican skull make-up art, fashion and color that took my breath away…

Arm Candy Giveaway!

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Hola amores. Today I have a special treat for you! I’ve been a longtime lover of all types of jewelry - particularly full on arm candy! That's why I am so excited to team up with the fabulous sisters of Amoretto Boutique. This time, you have a chance to win this multi-layered stacked wooden bangle bracelet! I love wearing these bangles with a pair of bright colored jeans, a cheerful top & wedges.

To Enter:

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Update! 8/31/12 -Congratulations Nicole Gordon Needham!!!You are now the sweet owner of this stunning bangle bracelet! Please email customerservice@amorettoboutique.com to claim your winnings!

Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned for the next giveaway. xo

Bookworms Can Be Sexy Too

As a kid, one of the worst insults is to be called a nerd. Oddly enough, nerdy chic has somehow evolved into a trend that has been embraced seen here & here. Lately I’ve been finding myself taking shelter in coffee shops, the library and anywhere else bookworms might linger to study. I’m not one of those people who can stay home and work considering the many entertainment distractions {mindless reality T.V., snacking, Twitter, Pinterest, and errr… Facebook}.

When going to class, I usually opt for what’s comfy and colorful - a crisp shirtdress, scarf and simple flats. I find that changing up my school wardrobe and keeping a polished look helps me stay focused when long school days become a bit tiresome and when black tea and caffeine just won’t do it anymore.

So, besides finance and marketing textbooks, what am I reading right now? I must admit, 50 Shades of Grey has captured my full attention {for the next few hours}. Ole!

Like my fashion choices? Get a similar look with these lovely items below!

Shop:

• KORS snakeskin flats, $129
• SPLENDID belted shirt dress, $110
• NARS (Heat-Wave) lipstick, $24
• Kate Spade reading glasses, $68
• Orange Elephant laptop bag, $58
• Adriano Goldschmied skinny jean, $160
• For fun! 50 Shades of Grey {Kindle Edition}, $9.99