Western Wear, Part III, Ranch Life

I've been dressing the part, I won't lie. Ranch life, is laid back...casual and down right bliss. 

My boyfriend has taken on Ranch Manager functions and although I'm mainly with our daughter all day - how can you not be inspired to jump in and ride the tractor...

This look starts with my boyfriends cowboy hat - a souvenir he picked up on our road trip from LA to Texas when we moved.

The shirt is Eze Sur Mer, a fabulously lightweight flannel that is so utterly perfect for this Texas heat. I can't wait to collect more colors and styles...this one is Rose.

The vest is vintage Jil Sander. 

The jeans are Forever 21, my favorite place to snatch up skinny jeans as they have stretch in them...and new mothers can appreciate that! Plus, I love buying tons of jeans and starting at $20 a pop - I feel justified...

My grey Hunter rainboots - are a definite MUST have on a ranch. With wild Texas flash flood storms at a moments notice - I have started throwing them in the car when we go out. I'm dying to buy a pair of turquoise ones after my mother-in-law went ahead and rocked my world by buying hot pink ones! Gotta love it.

The necklace belonged to my grandmother and is made from 1940's italian glass beads.

The bracelet is a vintage Christian Dior charm necklace...another gift from my lovely mother...which I doubled up for the wrist.

And the sunglasses are my boyfriend's. He bought them after he saw a pair on Joaquin Phoenix. They're from Benjamin Eyewear...an LA based designer.

Well, there's a taste of ranch life! I am sure you could wear this look a lot of different places, if not...well I guess y'all will just have come to visit us at the ranch! 

Love, 

Kristina 

Photographs by the talented Mr. RC Peters

Western Wear, Part II, EL Vintage

This one is for my dear friend, Emily Liebl who owns EL Vintage. I ordered this vintage dress from her fabulous website and like the professional that she is, I received it, beautifully packaged and right on time, with a sweet personal card to boot. 

I had envisioned this dress paired up with my vintage 1980's boots that I found a couple of years ago at Urban's, their line Urban Renewal is one of my favorite things to look for when I shop there. It's like an Easter Egg Hunt every time. And for $60, well let's just say that they have paid me back in wear, ten fold. 

Inspired by the ranch, I have created this look...

The pinstripe boyfriend blazer is a recent purchase...literally picked it up on a flyby at J Crew here in Austin. A definite must have in any wardrobe. 

The belt is vintage (another great friend from my new local thrift store). 

The turquoise necklace is a new family heirloom, my mother made it when she was a teenager and I have been begging and borrowing it from her since the day I was 12 years old and spotted it in her jewelry box. She recently surprised me and passed it on to me as a gift for giving birth to my daughter Piper - and of course, one day it will go to her...and so an heirloom is born. I layered it with a necklace I picked up at Forever 21...vintage inspired painted beads and multi-chains. 

The sunglasses are Max Studio...

The bangles are just a few from my prized collection, of which I think I have more than 100 now. 

 

I hope this western style look inspires you for the summer!

Love, Kristina

To shop El Vintage go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/styleforlife ...  

Photography by none other than the talented RC Peters

Western Wear, Part I

This summer I have been inspired by the ranch to try some Western styled looks. I have put together a handful of outfits and for fun and good measure, I figured I'd display some for y'all ladies to see...

For this outfit, I've taken a denim styled tunic/dress I picked up at Urban Outfitters a couple of years ago made by Hawks. I paired it with a BDG mens workshirt and you can't see it, but around my waist is a vintage brown belt. 

Then I added a fabulous vintage Marni styled necklace find from my small, yet gem worthy thrift store... a $5.00 score! 

Lastly, I paired this outfit with my custom made riding boots. My boyfriend picked them up from "Wall Street Western", a small almost Nudie Suit inspired store in the small

village near the ranch. And for $400 down from $2,000...they were a sweet bargain find. 

So, what do think of my Western Wear ladies?!

Love, Kristina 

Boots MADE for walkin'!

In the small and charming village right outside of my mother-in-laws ranch is a gem that any boot lover would definitely get a kick out of, it's called the Wild West Store. If you are obsessed with boots, as I most definitely am...then ladies and gentlemen - this is the place for you. 

I cannot tell you how many times I have passed up fine jewelry from my man, for a pair of boots - Fiorentini & Baker, Frye, Prada and just recently a pair of knee high custom riding boots for Mother's Day. There is something magical about a pair of boots that fit and fit well. Doesn't really matter what you are wearing, boots always look good - heck boots with a wedding dress, I would even be tempted to try it, such is my passion. 

Well, this afternoon I discovered that this is my new favorite western vintage boot store.

The Wild West Store is owned by a lovely German lady, Ulli Johnston...a lady who is locally known as the "Boot Whisperer". It all started with 2 pairs of boots over 20 years ago she 

explained...a sort of personal collection at first, but now 17 years after owning her store - it's grown to over 500 pairs.

And this is a spectacular collection no doubt! 

All of her boots are authentic vintage boots, dating as far back as the 40's and no earlier than the 80's. She explains that even top of the line boot makers started going to China and India during the 90's and she won't have anything to do with that.

I asked her why she is known as the "Boot Whisperer" and she enthusiastically asked me to take my shoes off. I said sure, after having a look at my feet, my ankles, my calves...she disappeared into the back and pulled out a size 9 pair of boots that were from an exclusive Ralph Lauren collection during the 1970's. The client who had sold them to her, had hardly ever worn them and so they were in mint

condition. I didn't tell her I wear a size 10 and instead tried them on...and to my complete and utter surprise, they fit like a glove and I absolutely loved them. Boot Whisperer indeed!! I would not have chosen these boots, but the second I slipped them on, I knew we were fated to be. And at $295, the price was a definite steal.

She has customers from all over the world that have vacationed in Hill Country who even order via telephone, trusting her taste and suggestion of what would suit them. Just yesterday she explained a lady walked in and she said immediately: "red boots!!", with her strong German accent. The lady said: "Oh, no...I couldn't do red boots". Ulli disappeared once again, came out with red boots, the lady tried them on...and it was destined to be - she walked out in them.

Her prices range from $150 to over $2,000 a pair. But, I say, such is the price for boots that are MADE for walkin'.

Love, Kristina 

Wild West Store is located at 13709 Ranch Road 12 in 

Olde Town Plaza in Wimberely, Texas. Hours of operation 

are 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment 

only. For more information, call 512.847.1219 or 

visit the website at www.KoolBoots.com

Thoughts

My boyfriend left early to golf this morning (eager to make it official that he became a member of the local Country Club), I guess I could feel his excitement somehow. 

See, normally I'm up (more like zombie walking) at that hour, feeding Piper, changing her diaper, etc - but usually I go back to sleep with her and generally start my day around 9am. This morning however, I let her go back to sleep, grabbed a cup of joe and headed out to the back patio deck.

As I started waking up - my mind started racing with all of my recent obsessions, which, in case you were wondering, are...

Colorful ikat patterns, wearing all shades of grey, Gilt sales, my custom made riding boots, monogrammed jewelry (which started when Piper bought mommy her first piece for M's-D), lightweight western plaid shirts, watching our local squirrels (Thing One, Thing Two and Thing Three) run back and forth - taunting the dogs, mixing bold patterns/stripes/polka-dots in interior decorating and playing with yellows, blues, greens, reds and orange, finding the perfect gold pyramid/stud earrings (which I have yet to do, Noir came close, but they're not real gold), writing my friends actual cards and letters (just bought some new stationary to do it!) and finally - watching Piper cart around in "zoom-zoom" her aptly named jeep.

Now, I'm thinking about obsessing over...

Tiny flower print boyfriend shirts, tanks, dresses and possibly even shorts (the ranch inspired me), wearing my Hunter boots with shorts every day - even if rain isn't predicted, bleaching my hair a very pale blonde, starting the HCG diet, a variety of designer handbags too dangerous to list, teaching Coco how to walk in town without a leash (meaning giving in and actually training her), helping Lisa redo the back sun-room in a complete unapologetic western saloon style over the summer, how brilliant this designer I found on Etsy is who makes colorful chalkboard painted children's furniture (um, yeah that's what Piper's room will be filled with) and lastly - dreaming about buying all of my friends and family a pair of Toms, just to support Blake Mycoskie's cause. Imagine if people started businesses like his everywhere, what a wonderful world this would be. 

Well, there you have it, a short interlude.

I guess I've got some blogging to do.

Love, 

Kristina 

Watch out!

A friend recently said it so well..."I am just over the idea of Cartier, Rolex, etc, etc defining 

who I am. Plus I don't need or want something that everyone else already owns"...

I listened to what she said and realized, reluctantly, that I actually agreed.

Reluctantly, why?

Well, because I'll confess, my ultimate dream purchase has always been a $26,000 Gold Cartier Tank watch that I have practically drooled over for years. Seriously, I'd take that over a sports car or a dream vacation - ANY day.

Why? Well, I guess it just because it's one of those things...a woman's allowed her fantasies. 

But how about reality, that bank account may not have that just sitting around...or more importantly, why not venture outside of the box and wear a watch that expresses "you"...

And so, that leads me to my recent find...

Etsy isn't a secret anymore, the cats out of the bag - it's a resourceful and wonderful vintage and handmade haven...If you haven't gotten addicted yet, well - once you start searching their site - I can almost assure you - you will.

I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by a recent find, one which I would like to take time out to share with you.

Marrianne Handcraft Watch & Band Studio is an actual watch making company based in Busan. They make beautiful handmade watches that you can custom order and engrave.I am so in love with this look, it's like finding that amazing vintage styled watch...but instead of having to get it entirely refurbished, here it is brand new with a vintage look, completely unique, charming and well, just totally unlike any other watches I have ever seen.

I've posted some of my personal favorites...I'll let the picture speak for themselves.

I am personally drawn to the double strap watch that you can have your name or special date engraved on.

Or, if I really wanted to be adventurous, 

I am in love with the idea of the steam trunk 

part watch, with the face on the side.

I think the teal leather band, which is my personal

favorite color, adds a further touch of whimsy. Any of these styles would look great piled up with a collection of bracelets and bangles.

This watch designer is definitely on my list - I'll behave as I just got showered with amazing gifts for Mother's Day...but I am going to get one - watch out!

Love, Kristina

You can review their over 300 styles at http://www.etsy.com/shop/revolt70.

For quality assurance I read all of their reviews and every single one was positive. The craftsmanship, the shipping (apparently super fast) and the packaging all top notch.

Wild about Feathers

Last year I visited Austin briefly when I was about 4 months pregnant. My boyfriend and I literally just stopped for lunch at the local restaurant Enoteca Vespaio. It was slightly windy, but the breeze felt good...so we decided to sit outside on the patio. I remember now, that was the first time I tried quail, which was, in retrospect...let's just say - way too rich for my liking...

Anyhow - across the street there was a bright teal store with the words "feathers" plastered very clearly across the top. As we sat there and ate, knowing we were in a hurry...I started to subtley let my boyfriend know that I would love a souvenir of my first trip to Texas. As soon as he said sure and the meal was paid for, I practically bolted across the street.

When I walked in I was impressed...this was no "hole in the wall". This was a small, yet beautifully edited and laid out vintage store with an amazing selection of beautiful clothes, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, belts and local artisan crafted jewelry.

As I walked by the counter I saw a proudly mounted feature of the store in LUCKY magazine and that's when I knew that my initial reason for wanting to stop in was that I had read about this place and how it was the hottest vintage boutique around, it was coming back to me now.

Well, I wasn't let down...

I could not get over the selection or the reasonable price points. I mean, an YSL vintage black boyfriend blazer for $79.99. Are you kidding me!? If it hadn't been XS I would have snatched that find up in a heart beat or as fast as plastic can slide and you can enter your pin number. No doubt about it.

I spent at least an hour browsing, trying things on. Unfortunately, nothing fit quite right as I was at that pregnancy stage where the belly was big

and the boobs were even bigger. My normal size 4-6 was no more...

So...I quickly decided I wanted a piece of jewelry and that's when I saw some of the best selection since a recent trip to Barneys and the best part, it was almost all made by local artists and in my opinion, the prices were a steal.

I spent quite awhile trying things on and finally decided on a vintage "watch parts" type necklace in gold. Turns out as I go to pay for it that it was made by the co-owner of the store, Masha Poloskova. On a large chunky gold chain, the piece was heavy and just right, I put that necklace to good use over the last year...

Then when we recently decided to move here, I went into town several times just to pop in and shop and I have never been disappointed. The way the clothes is hung by color, easily draws your eye to that which you love and knows looks good on you. And the taste level, superb!

During SXSW, I was in the store shopping when I happened to met the other co-owner Emily Hoover. I got to speaking with her and she told me her inspiration behind the vintage boutique. I loved how she told it, very real,

very genuine. She explained that as a really young kid she would shop at thrift stores and for less than $10 she could put an entire new outfit together, kids wouldn't believe her

 - having just spent $10 on one thing from places like Wet Seal. As she got older, she continued this trend and now travels all over the US searching and finding amazing vintage finds to resale in her store. Needless to say, she has spot on taste. And she was very nice to boot.

So the moral of this story is that the next time, you're in Austin...please stop by this treasure chest and shop. You'll always find something special...something you really could not find anywhere else. And that is why I am wild about Feathers....

You can follow their blog, run mainly by the Store Manager, Nikki at: http://feathersboutiquevintage.blogspot.com/ 

Or if you're in town stop in at: 1700b South Congress, Austin, TX - or call 512.912.9779.

Love, Kristina 

Soco a.k.a South Congress

Back in February my boyfriend, the father of my beautiful baby daughter, RC - asked me if I wanted to go out to Texas to visit his mother. He asked me this question around 11am, by mid after noon - we were packing, by 5am the next day we were on the road. That's just the nature of how we do things...spontaneously.

Well, in retrospect - that one spontaneous, "yeah, that sounds like fun"...would turn into a life changing trip and the beginning of a whole new life adventure.

When we got to his mother's ranch, we were greeted with a loving "granny" who was so happy and willing to play babysitter to her newly born baby granddaughter. Considering she was not even 3 months old at the time, it was a welcome opportunity to go on a day date.

RC drove me into Austin...the nearest major city, determined to show me around where he had once lived. We did some sight seeing and then it hit him...he knew just where to take me...a little gem, a budding district called "Soco" or as the locals know it by "South Congress".

Well, it was love at first sight.

Imagine if you can a mixture of Los Feliz and Melrose, all rolled into this mile or so long bustling, yet not crowded, strip. The energy, the vibe - man I could just tell something exciting was happening here. And well, turns out - something is...

South Congress many moons ago was a shady part of town, just south of the State Capitol. I still don't have the entire history, but the basic gist is that a lot of Government officials used to get caught hanging out there...with their pants down....

Then about 10 years ago a revitalization project began and it's a completely different scene. Boutiques, vintage, high-end, new developments, a wealth of amazing little holes in the wall - each with their own personal touch and style, diners, cafes, you name it, they have it...

One of the things that I found charming were the vintage "silver bullet" trailers up and down the street that have been converted into cupcake stands, hot dog stands and good ole' fashion BBQ joints. This being no small business indeed...one of the cupcake trailers has blossomed into a nationwide business and was just featured in Forbes magazine. And I will attest, their red velvet cupcake was off the charts.

But I want to say this, that even amongst all this expansion...every single person I met, every place I went was real, down to earth and still had that "big hearted" Texas feel.

Well, there I was walking down the street and I just felt this sense of peace. The kind you feel when you receive a heartfelt hug or when you've just gone out of your way to do a good deed. And it was at the defining moment that I knew I was happy here, this place had changed me and as it turns out there was no going back.

And so my friends, my South Congress adventures began...

Love, Kristina

An LA Fashionista in Austin

Thirty one years ago, I was brought into this world by a die hard fashionista, someone I am very proud to call my mother. Growing up she owned a chic boutique in Los Feliz that sold both new designer and gently worn designer clothing from celebrities whom she called her friends.

Just recently, I remember telling a story at Mother's Day, we did a round of "most embarrassing" mother stories and funny enough...mine was when I was barely even a pre-teen - during that slightly awkward stage, waiting for my mother after school...

Oh, I'll never forget it - I was hanging out with this cute boy named Tony who I had a serious crush on when I looked up to see my mother, all 5'8" of her, with her long Farrah Fawcett feathered bleach blond hair, her off the shoulder ruffle blouse, skin tight leather "skinny" pants and 3 inch stilettos. Oh, boy - I could have died with embarrassment at the time...now I smile and think "she was so damn cool".

I tell her this story and true to form, she says: "Oh, yes...I remember that outfit, it was a Dennis Goldsmith raw silk blouse and handmade Italian leather pants." Almost twenty years later and she remembers, ah yes - she is my mother.

Having been born and raised in Los Feliz and Hollywood my entire life...to then have suddenly uprooted, literally, to a whole new state - one they call Austin Texas - with dream to start a fashion forward boutique...I felt the need to start a blog...

(Well, actually...a close friend of mine recommended it and I am so glad she did- muchas gracias Lily!)

In this blog, what I have opted to write about are my experiences here as a proud Los Angelena, in regards to local Austin spots, new found designers, the process of establishing my store (which, cross your fingers...I hope to have open in the next year or so) and any other interesting tidbits and findings in the fashion world. I will not limit it to only Austin experiences, but - it certainly will be my main focus.

And for you music lovers, when you come out for South by South West or Austin City Limits or just plain come to visit me or family and friends, I hope that this blog will bring you closer to this city that I have so desperately fallen in love with. So, please join my blog, tell your friends...and most above all - write back, comment and ask questions. I will always be here to respond.

Love, Kristina