Must Have: Wide Brimmed Hats

Wide Brimmed Hat Love 

Besides my ever-growing & unhealthy obsession with stripes and plaid (I think I need therapy), I have been called by a higher power to find the perfect wide brimmed hat.  Dramatic.  Yes, indeed.  But, I have been looking for that perfect hat to add to my collection (I have a lot of hats).  Hats are an essential accessory to any outfit in my opinion.  In fact, I feel naked when I am not wearing one!  I love them so!  It takes a certain quiet bravery to rock a damn good hat, ya know what I mean?  I totally made that up, but I love a girl in a hat.  Sigh.  I also have an image of the perfect wide brimmed hat that I am seeking in my head: felt or wool, maybe a little worn & roughed up from years of use, a thin leather band wrapped sweetly around the magical hat, a deep chestnut or dusty gray hue and a nice wide brim.  End of story.  I have yet to come across it on my thrift store jaunts and may have to pay a little more for one somewhere else-eek.  My obsession with the wider brimmed hats is obvious if you follow me on Pinterest.  Ridiculous and out of hand I tell you.  The hats & the stylish ladies donning perfectly wide brims above are my current favorites.  That blue one is dreamy!  So, is a wide brimmed hat a must?  Duh, of course!  I'd love to know how you would style yours?!!

xo, B   

This That These: Winter Edition

This That These: Winter Edition

Sharing some of my recent obsessions today.  I am so smitten with all of the cozy beanies I see everywhere!  But I am even more in love if the beanie has a poufy pom-pom adorning the tip top-such a sweet whimsical detail!  I have also rekindled my romance with vintage (or vintage inspired) sweaters.  I have dug through my closet to find a few of my dearest ones & especially like the ones that are a wee too small & have funny graphics.  The Poler one above is a new fav, with such a great fit and color.  I really dig anything that reminds me of camping or has camping references-perhaps due to my desire to find myself in Big Sur sometime soon.  My other crazy obsession is day packs!  I mean, my Pinterest is filled with rad day packs that I would love to own.  Out of control!  Day packs are such a lifesaver-fitting everything you need into one convenient and stylish pack.  Sigh.  I have my heart set on that kaki Poler one above!!

In other news, I still have an unhealthy obsession with anything Pendleton and socks.  I am the kind of girl who would spend a lot of money on socks if you let me.  So bad.  And lastly, I am on the hunt for an awesome overnight/duffle bag.  Traveling over the holidays made it very clear to me that my current travel bag situation is no good.  I really like the new Baggu weekend bag.  Any thoughts?  

Ahhhh, it's good to get bloggin' again folks!  

Tomboy, Polka-Dots & Stripes

TPS: Layers 

I am endlessly inspired by all of the super cozy autumn/winter tomboy layers I am seeing everywhere!  Keeping it fresh, strong, classic and cool while adding just the right amount of wooly coats, chunky socks, leather boots, thick scarves and piled on cardigans.  I dig this ladies slouchy beanie, which dresses down her chic camel coat and slick boots.

I am liking my polka-dots wickedly girly lately, with sweet feminine details like the lace collar and fuzzy cashmere above.  Pair it with a motorcycle style boot and a felt hat and you are golden. 

Finally, the striped bow tie is the perfect mixture of two of my fav style elements, combining tomboy prep with those luscious pops of stripes, to make your collared button-ups dazzle on those dreary days.  This outfit is making me excited for those foggy and chilly days ahead!  Our firewood is drying out & will be ready for a sparkling fire any day now-eeeeep!  

Weekly Roundup...on Saturday!

Last minute Halloween costume-Where's Waldo?

Some lovely things have been happening around the inter-web lately-too much to handle!  I have been busy working and living, trying to enjoy each moment I have with my little family when I get home instead of trying to document everything.  It has been nice and much needed.  I was feeling uninspired and way too much pressure to blog everyday while working & mama-ing.  So, I am just trying to let it happen naturally and write when I feel the groove.  

We were busy this week, with Halloween shenanigans (ours was pretty simple & last minute), a sick baby and a sick mama!  Whoa.  But, I am so happy it is November!  I am anxiously awaiting Christmas because our nephew, Mav's cousin Dylan will be arriving in California for all of us to finally meet!  They are only 2 months apart and we can't wait to see them together.  Oh and Thanksgiving food is where it's at!  Excited to let Maverick try all sorts of yummy eats at Thanksgiving dinner.

I will be relaxing, snuggling in a blankie, drinking hot tea, watching movies and maybe making it to the Farmer's Market for a new Beeswax candle this weekend.  What are you up to?  Here are my links to love this week!

DIY Kid's Tee-love this easy DIY from artist Oana (I simply love all that she does!)

The Perfect Autumn Scarf-I have loved Yokoo's scarves on Etsy for some time now.  They are so breathtaking!  This one is my fav, in Hazelnut.  You can win one on the Design Love Fest blog!

Styled to Last-great post over on Baby Blackbird on hand-me-down styles for the kiddos.  I appreciate any tips on recycled fashion, especially for the babes since they outgrow everything so fast!

Listen to French Music-a casual, Fall inspired Tomboy look over on One of Each's blog.  I love me some classic plaid and I adore her 60s vibed out ponytail!

Trick & Treats-a beautiful post about my most favorite holiday...the light, the mood, the colors of these photos are so inspiring!

Boots & Pine-a breathtakingly glorious photographic poem to a few Toronto neighborhoods...just click, you won't be disappointed!  Too much pretty to handle:) 

Happy Weekend!!

♥

This That These: Sweater Round-Up

Sweater Love 

I have been dreaming about these lovely sweaters for a while now, even though the weather here in Southern California is confused.  It's Autumn, by the way!  Just making sure you know that, So. Cal.  It's sunny, bright and warm here still-which I love and appreciate.  However, I wouldn't mind a stormy cool day here and there.  I enjoy layering up & became quite the master at it when I lived in San Francisco, so I would relish in a chance to put those spiffy skills to use.  

These sweaters are the perfect Fall companion, right as rain (see what I did there) paired with skinny jeans and ankle boots for our version of Fall in Ventura.  No need for scarves or beanies.  Just an easy light sweater to throw on once the temps dip a bit.  I am particularly smitten with that vintage pink polka-dotted one!  Time to choose a cozy sweater or two to enjoy the Fall season in! 

♥

Check my Pinterest for more stylish sweaters! 

This That These: Shades of Mustard

This That These: Mustard (click here for all the details)

Getting happy for Fall with shades of mustard yellow, sweet hearts and cozy striped sweaters for baby and me!  Let's take a moment to drool over those skinny baby jeans-like seriously, how cute are they!?!  

♥

Whimsical Weekly Roundup

Hello lovelies!  I went back to work last Thursday, therefore there was a bit of silence over here on the blog.  It will take me a little while to work out the kinks, get used to working again, being away from Maverick (which I don't think I will ever get used to) and trying to schedule in blogging time.  Whew!  It's a lot to process!

So, here is my weekly roundup...two weeks worth!  Hope your weekend is restful and fun!  All I want to do is sleep in or just sleep in general.  See you back here on Monday with a new Tomboy, Polka-Dots & Stripes post!

❖I always enjoy Erin's weekly roundup of her fav outfits for the week...so good!
❖This post from We Three Pilgrims really hit the spot for me-right in my heart.  Not only are the photos magical, but her words on "soul care," present and simple mothering are sentiments that I have been sharing lately.
❖I have quietly stalked knitter/blogger Tara-Lynn ever since I first started reading blogs...& I adore her beautiful knits!  I am so going to purchase one of her perfect for fall knitted turban headbands!
❖Fell in love with these handmade mustache and bow tie onesies...it's more challenging to find stylish baby boys clothing & I have a baby shower to attend in a few weeks, so I just may be getting a few of these for baby-to-be!
❖A Farewell to Summer music mix...I will miss those long summer days for sure!

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday!  Well, it has been a whirlwind of a week over here!  I have been cleaning up a storm and trying to de-clutter.  I had one of those moments where I wanted to rip the house apart and get rid of everything!  Ever feel like that?  So, I am trying to streamline things as much as possible with my closet next up on the list of things that need shaking up!  I have another good reason for cleaning things up (besides being crazy): this mama is going back to work!

I had a special interview last week that I was almost certain I would get but I didn't want to jinx myself. Well, I just found out yesterday that it is official and I will be returning to work faster than expected.  I am a bit freaked out and excited all at once!  What's really freaking me out right now is pumping enough milk for Mister Boy while I am working.  I know I can do it though and am trying to remain calm and positive.  Mom's out there, please send any working while breastfeeding advice/tips!

Ok, back to the fun stuff.  Here are the things that made me say ohh la la this week!

➸Go check out Love Fox Vintage!  Faith just started, so expect great things to come as she works it all out!  There are some cute things in there right now and that blouse above is my favorite!  I love the slouchy boho shape and bright colors that will enliven your fall duds!
➸➸I have become obsessed with beeswax candles, so I was delighted to see the DIY on Elsie & Emma's blog, A Beautiful Mess!  It's like they read my mind!
➸➸➸Since I am newly in love with Instagram, I loved reading Sweet Thing blog's instagram editing process-so fun!
➸➸➸➸Have you seen this series?  In love!

A Few Things...

A Few Fall Things (click here for item details)

Just a few lovely things to make you cozy...

xo, Benicia 

Motherhood: Favorite Baby Toys

Fav Baby Toys 

Now that Maverick is getting bigger and way more interactive each day, I've been thinking more and more about safe toys for him to play with.  I am not really into all those blinking, noisy plastic toys (although we do have some that family has given us).  I love the classic designs of the wooden toys, with beautiful colors and simple parts.  They are aesthetically pleasing so I don't mind seeing them scattered all over the living room.  Plus, I love how lots of the companies who make them use non-toxic paints & ethically sourced woods.  Good design and fun!
I have been thinking a lot lately about pairing down on Mav's toy collection and just keeping his favorites, while adding some well-made toys like the ones above.  Investing in several different age level toys that will last longer makes so much sense.

1. Yellow Label Kids Organic Veggie Rattles-Mav has the red radish & it's one of his go-to toys.  It's bright, cute and light making it an easy toy to take with you.
2.Plan Toys Drum-I love Plan Toys!  This drum is a perfect grow with baby toy, enabling years of entertainment.
3. Hape Rhythm Set-Hape is another company I really like.  All of their wooden toys are simple with modern colors and chew friendly.  I really want to incorporate more musical toys into Mav's collection & this set is perfect!  These will also last for years to come.
4. Hape Wooden Book-we have this little picture book & Mav loves when I "read" from it, pointing out the colorful animals on each wooden page.  I like that it's made with non-toxic inks so it's ok for Mav to chew on this book!
5. Plan Toys Push Cart-this is on our list especially since Mav will be trying to walk soon.
6. Hape Butterfly Push Toy
7. Kid O Stack & Nest-Mav is almost ready for stack toys and I like the simplicity and warm colors of this one.  Plus, it's a stacking and nesting toy all in one, which means less toys.
8. Wee Gallery Sea Art Flashcards-mostly I am in love with these!  So pretty!
9. Plan Toys Assorted Fruits & Veggies-this is so cute!  This is for a toddler but I am keeping it in mind.
10. Skip Hop Bath Birds-now that Mav enjoys bath time play, I am thinking about getting these.  We own a few other things from Skip Hop and really like them.  I like their designs and how affordable they are.

What are some of your favorite toy brands?  All of these items can be found at Oompa or click the link above! 

Link Lovin'

A new month has snuck past our shimmering eyes already!  A new month always signals fresh starts to me.  A reset button if you will.  Even more so with the changing of the season and moons.  I am approaching this month with an open heart, positive attitude and exuberant spirit.  And, I don't know if it's the season change or what, but I just want to de-clutter and revive my space.  I am craving simplicity (more on this subject later).

Here are my happy links for the week, all with a nod to the simple things!  Hope your weekend is filled with beauty!

▼These two lovely calendars from Dear Friend (left) and Oana Befort (right)...go grab one!
▼This post from Three Wild Things about keeping it real-so good!  She talks about the sometimes chaotic realities of having kids & how we get bogged down with feelings of inadequacies while looking at blogs out there that seem to depict parenthood as dreamy & idyllic.  Thank you for this!  It's easy to forget that the inter-web is only a fraction of people's realities & that not being perfect is ok.
▼Loving the simple beauty of small farm life from Fig and Fauna.  Lots of yummy, wholesome recipes and appreciation for the natural world & all its creatures.
▼Check out MadebyLon's blog-lots of clean, modern design and fashion inspiration.  Totally inspired to tear apart my house & make it more minimal!
▼I am inspired by James from Bleubird to really reign in my cluttered, filled to the brim closet!  It's very difficult for me to let go of things because I am so darn sentimental.  But, there are loads of things I haven't worn or looked at in quite a while and I need to let go.
▼Melissa's post on the sweet heartbreak of watching our children grow so fast made me cry.  She has such a magical way with words.

Check out my new boards on Pinterest: Style Mama's and Stylish Couples!  Lots of eye candy!  
...what are your favs from this week?  Leave a link to your weekly roundups in the comments if you like-I always love to see what you are loving!

♥

And, thanks to those mama's out there that commented on my last Motherhood post-your words mean the world to me!  Hugs!

Link Lovin'

Another week has breezed by!  We are this close to September-wowza!  That means that autumn is just around the corner and that Mister Boy is closer to being a month older already!  I wept a bit the other day when I realized that he had lost his "baby" smell.  Where did it go and why?  I have a sense that all moms go through the rest of their child's years trying to smell that sweet smell one more time.  Things and people must grow, it is our lot I suppose.  While I go snuggle Mav, enjoy my roundup of pretty things from this week!

Clockwise from left...
     Attic & Barn Fall 2012 Collection-I am all sorts of smitten with this collection!  It's probably my favorite collection & one I am most excited about.  The vintage vibe with more modern shapes/cuts & the superb styling are spot on.  Yes, I want every piece!  Thank you.
     DIY Polka Dot Denim-another polka-dot DIY to try.  Easy-peasy!  I am a tad obsessed with the dots lately!
     DIY A-Frame Tent-I have been dying to make one of these for Maverick!  This DIY is excellent & I know Toby can rock this out in no time.
     DIY Canvas Tote-another rad DIY tote from one of my fav blogs, Say Yes to Hoboken.  This is a great tote for your child's books or your books too!  Love!

and, a few more things:
     Found this new photo blog that I am sorta in love with-Rose & Crown
     Read this post from My Little Loves and it totally hit the mark with me!  Amazing honesty and
     bearing of the soul!
     The new stuff from Bobo Choses is outrageously cute!  Maverick would look super cute in
     everything, duh!
     And lastly, my sister from another mama Faith re-opened the Love Fox online shop!  Such cute
     vintage at great prices, with more to come!  So, go have a look and hooray!

  What are you loving right now?  Favorite reads from the week?  

Happy Weekend!

♥

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday folks!  It's been quite a week-whew!  Maverick caught a cold (or a cold caught him?), his first time being sick.  It was just a little cold and he handled it rather well and was in pretty good spirits.  He did take extra long naps, which helped.  But he raged like no other when I had to Frida Hose his nose!  I felt awful putting him through it, but kept reminding myself that it would make him feel so much better.  Getting through a sickness with a baby is a huge milestone in my book-and, we made it! Now, on to all the pretty stuff that kept me smiling this week.

➽Found this great mama's website, which is all about her montessori style of parenting & teaching.  It's so inspiring and I feel such a strong desire to implement some of this style with Mav, especially since he is so strong willed and curious.
➽I so want to try this Neon Dot tote DIY!  It came out so cute and looks easy enough for a non-craftter like myself (I truly wish I was gifted when it comes to DIY's, but I must admit defeat & admire the pros).
➽The lady behind the Avant Blargh blog blows my mind with her tomboy inspired outfits!  This girls style is out of control crazy cool!
➽Related to this post on thrifting and when enough is enough!  I am a huge thrifter, but sometimes I tend to buy things just because I can't say no to an amazing deal...but, that leads to hoarder status & I have felt a major urge to edit my life lately.  Starting to believe that less really is more-except of course when it comes to layering, accessories and ice cream! Ha!
➽Have been enjoying these lovely blogs lately: Deer Circus, Sea Field and Tribe and Wolf and Wood
➽And this video made my week!  It is so magical and makes me want to take a trip to visit New Orleans again, this time with Toby who has never been...ahh, such a romantic, soulful city!

...and here are a few favs from my pinterest this week!

Oh, and I did a little blog make over!  I tend to rearrange, redecorate, purge things, move furniture and eat a lot of cookies when I am stressed out...so, I did some redecorating on the blog while I ate cookies. What do you think?  Don't forget to follow along with me on Twitter and Tumblr (the links are above in those neatly arranged tabs-yay!)

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday!  It has been a pretty good week over here.   Running after a crawling baby who has now decided to start standing up on everything too has left me wishing Sunday would come much quicker.  Sundays are family days and I appreciate that time Maverick gets to spend with his papa & the much needed moments I get to myself.  The weather has been so beautiful too, so hopefully we will end up at the beach on Sunday!  Here are some magical reads and things to send you off into the weekend on a lovely note!

▼Discovered the Australian artist, Carla Elizabeth Rose and her lovely etsy shop via my twitter.  I adore that deer print above!  All of her illustrations have a child-like whimsy to them.  Go check her shop out.
▼I am obsessed with this House Tour over on Apartment Therapy, featuring the beyond talented Mason and Serena who own General Store in San Francisco.  They live in a tiny back house by Ocean Beach in my old neighborhood and have made their space so cozy.  Lots of beautiful art all over the place, found wood reused for shelving and storage solutions and simplicity at its finest.  Makes me want to move to Santa Cruz and live in a tiny beach shack!
▼In love with this Portland shop, Beam & Anchor.  Lots of handcrafted goodies in a light-filled space that I could totally live in.
▼This blog has been rocking my world this week!  So much loveliness I can't handle it!
▼Really diggin' this weekly feature, Home/Closet/Tool over on Glass and Sable's site.  Ciara chooses interesting and creative individuals, featuring their favorite things in their home, closet and tool box.  I love peeking into other peoples worlds!
▼Oh Happy Day's! posts on her families move to Paris are wonderful and inspiring!  Makes me realize the possibilities of our dreams even when we have children.
▼Lots of stylish festival goers over on Free People's blog from San Francisco's recent Outside Lands concert series.  
▼This is my fav outfit this week (found via my pinterest!)

I'd love to see what you are loving from around the web!  Check out my tumblr and pinterest for more eye candy!

Motherhood: Favorite Baby Clothes

Oh baby clothes, you are so cute and tiny!  And, sometimes you are difficult to get on a squirmy rolling chunky baby!  Over the last 7 months, I have figured out how to put clothing on a wiggly baby in lightening speed and which types of clothes are easiest (things with buttons and not snaps? NO WAY!).  My favorite type of onesies or baby body suits are basics that are durable, have some stretch, are soft and preferably snap all the way up as to avoid being put on over my babes head.  I have also come to really love a few particular brands.  If you look in your local thrift shop, you may find some of these great organic options at a deep discount!

Baby Wears by lovefoxvintage on Polyvore

Speesees Organic-great basics, lots of kimono wrap style options, soft organic cotton, funky graphics that both a girl or boy can rock and they make my favorite bib!  

Splendid-two words: so soft.  I really love Splendid's classic baby options!  Lots of stylish details like little pockets and gender neutral stripes.  Their jumpers are great workhorse pieces that really last through daily use.  I wish I could afford more of their stuff, but I have been very lucky and have scored a few pieces for Maverick at the thrift shop!  

Positively Organic-I own the striped blanket and blue rabbits nightgown above and love them!  We use the blanket everyday and I really dig the vibrant colors they incorporate into their designs.  They have so many whimsical prints and so far their stuff is super durable. These were two of my fav baby shower gifts!  

What are some of your favorite baby clothing brands?  I especially love to find organic pieces at a bargain!