Tag Archives: Summer

Clothing ETC.

Urban Beach

I can’t believe August is almost over. Because we had such a cold, cold winter things didn’t really got hot until July – and now it’s about to end! So…this post is one more of my favorite Summer looks before we move on to talk about Fall colors and chunky sweaters.

This outfit is another great combination between old and new. Maje is a French brand I discovered when I went to Paris last year. Contemporary and chic with amazing fabrics. This simple tee is everything but simple. My shorts are by Equipment purchased this Spring. They are named “the pajama shorts”. 100% silk and the most comfortable thing I own. By far one of my best buys. My bag is by British designer Mulberry – the ultimate urban bag! With leather so soft I just fell in love with that brown color. The shoes are Reva flats by Tory Burch. What can I say… I love these shoes. I have them in three other colors, and they are my always trusted flats for day or night.

Bye, Bye Summer. It was nice having you.

IMG_9136

IMG_9150

IMG_9174

IMG_9177

 

Photos by Kate Bolt

Standard
Clothing ETC.

Summer Breeze

Finding that perfect summer outfit, the one that you wear all the time because it’s comfortable during hot summer days, is not always easy. It’s kind of funny that I’m thinking about my perfect summer outfit while it’s been pouring rain here in Michigan the last few days…

My perfect outfit is a good pair of shorts, a flowey top, nice pair of sandals/espadrilles/flats and my favorite sunglasses. It’s an outfit that looks good for day and a casual evening out, and most important – comfortable!

The outfit below is the perfect mix of old and new: the blouse is by Equipment (my ultimate brand for everything silk and/or blousy) purchased 3 years ago at Bloomingdale’s, the chambray shorts are from J Crew purchased this year, the sandals are Stuart Weitzman purchased 2 years ago and the Valentino bag was a gift I received just a few months ago. Since I constantly edit my wardrobe it is very easy for me to mix and match and to reuse items over the years. The satisfaction is higher knowing they were great buys. This is by far one of my favorite looks!

Enjoy the last days of Summer because as they say “Winter is coming!”

IMG_9019

IMG_9022

IMG_9029

IMG_9037

IMG_9044

IMG_9046

 

 

Photos by Kate Bolt

Standard
EAT

Happy Birthday P&C!

A year ago, I embarked on a new journey and started “Peonies and Caramel”. A blog where I share my inspiration and my passion for life. I have enjoyed every moment of my first year. Each post made me a better blogger.

My only wish is that this year will be just as good and even better.

Thank you for following, commenting, sharing and just visiting.

XOXO,

Shani

PS – it can’t be a birthday without a party… Take a look at the birthday luncheon I hosted at my house. 

IMG_9407

IMG_9419

IMG_9453

IMG_9456

IMG_9469

IMG_9493

IMG_9523

IMG_9534

IMG_9994

 

Photos by Kate Bolt

Standard
Clothing ETC.

The Maxi Love

Finding the right dress is a tricky task. Finding the right maxi dress is even more difficult. You HAVE to find that perfect balance between your height and the length of the dress. I am a 5″9, and whenever I tried a maxi dress in the past it was either too short or too long. No matter the brand or the size, I just couldn’t find a flattering one. Then, I found Mara Hoffman, and fell in love.

The print, the cut, the fabric and the length are just perfect! It is by far one of my favorite pieces. It is comfortable and fun. It looks amazing with flip flops on the beach or with studded sandals in the evening. What more can you ask for?

IMG_9057 (1)

IMG_9081

IMG_9084

IMG_9090

 

Photos by Kate Bolt

Standard
Clothing ETC.

Casual Chic

During the Summer, I often feel like all I do is drive. Actually, when I think about it, my whole day is spent in my car. I drive to science camp and back home, to the pool and back, to the playground and back, running errands, grocery shopping and the list goes on.

So, during these lovely long summer days, I want to be as comfortable as I can while still keeping the chic factor. I know how tempting it is to just wear Lululemon athletic cloths  all day long, but I try to avoid it on days that I don’t work out.

Back in February when I was buried in snow, I bought a few pairs of J Crew shorts for summer. I needed something to cheer me up…I just knew I would wear them, all the time. I love them. I chose really bright, fun colors such as lime green and orange. They look perfect with a plain white T or a button down Denim shirt.

Here is my summer UNIFORM: a comfy T, shorts, espadrilles and a big bag to carry my entire house.

IMG_8920

IMG_8926

IMG_8938

IMG_8942

 

Photos by Kate Bolt

Standard
Clothing ETC.

Sample Sale

Back in April, just hours before we left for the airport, J and I went to a LANVIN sample sale. We were enjoying and taking our time that New York morning until it was explained to us that if we were not there when the doors flung open there was no point of going. At a sample sale everything is 80% off original price. The best advice we got before going in was NOT to buy something just because it’s 80% off.

On our way there, I thought that I was going to this glamorous sale at a Madison Ave. boutique. When we arrived at an office building with instructions to go to the fourth level, I began to realize my glamorous thoughts were far, far from reality.

The elevator’s door opened to a 20-something year old with a clip board demanding to know our names (“if you’re not on the list you CAN’T go in!”) Once she verified that we were on the list, she said (in a not-so-nice-voice) that we must leave our jackets outside. Only small wallets allowed.

Another door opened to a very boring, packed office space with people running around with clothes and shoes in their hands. J went to the men’s side and I went to the women’s side. The last thing he said was to come and get him if I saw something nice. What a typical guy , describing LANVIN as nice! So, here I was trying on gowns with tags that ranged from $1000 to the sky, realizing I had nowhere to wear these gowns. I took them sadly off and checked on J who was having too much fun picking sneakers: “do you think I should take all 4 pairs?”

We did a lot of editing while we stood in line to pay. The girl in front of us took so many pieces she maxed out her credit card. I hope for her sake she wears everything she bought every day (and oh: no returns, no refunds or exchanges).

So, here is my LANVIN outfit for 80% off: dress, shoes (100% silk) and belt (python leather) all for less than $700.

IMG_8775

IMG_8785

2

Standard
Clothing ETC.

50 Shades of White

When I first moved to the United States I learned (for the first time) that apparently there is a rule where you can’t wear White after Labor Day. I thought it was strange. Some years, it is still warm and sunny in September, so why not wear White?! But rules, are rules, and that year I was the ONLY one wearing White jeans in mid-September (which was perfectly fine by me).

By now, half of the Summer is already behind us, I thought it only made sense to create an inspiration board of everything White for the rest of the Summer. While browsing the web for ideas, I kept looking at all the beautiful photos people are posting on Instagram from Capri and Portofino

My first inspiration is actually from Chanel’s Fall 2014 Couture runway show. I dream of this dress. Karl Lagerfeld’s creative mind is amazing. As Tim Blanks from Style.com described Chanel’s runway show last week: “…there was look after look of a gorgeousness so exquisite it could only be achieved in ateliers that were accustomed to confronting the impossible—and mastering it.”

So, here are my ideas for a  stylish vacation in the Italian Riviera! Oh, and “gorgeousness” is my new favorite word.

Buon Viaggio! 

all 1

  1. Chanel Fall 2014
  2. Halter bikini by Australian designer Zimmermann
  3. White embroidered dinner napkins by Mark and Graham
  4. Lace romper by Zimmermann
  5. Faux pearl and Swarovski necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane
  6. Panama Hat by British designer Melissa Odabash
  7. Canvas Tote by Mark and Graham
  8. Suede-paneled Leather high heel sandals by Sergio Rossi
  9. Flat sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals 
  10. Alexander McQueen Cat eye sunglasses
Standard
EAT

Summer cool

I’m always looking for new recipes to try. I love making recipes that are simple, easy and don’t require any special ingredients. My father is visiting with us and we have been cooking and baking all week long. He is by far the best cook I know!  That being said, it is difficult getting recipes from him because he cooks and bakes from the heart.

Last weekend was so hot and humid, and he immediately decided that it was time to make cucumber yogurt soup. I think his wife created the recipe and he add his own touches along the way. The combination of the dill and mint makes this cool dish even more refreshing. Serve it between courses at a dinner party or for lunch with toast and salad. The soup needs a good 24 hours in the fridge before serving.

Naturally when we made this it rained the next day, but I still had the perfect lunch!

Yogurt cucumber soup

2 containers Greek yogurt
8 oz sour cream
6 green house cucumber, unpeeled, chopped 
5-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon garlic oil
1/2 cup dill and mint chopped 
freshly ground pepper and coarse salt for seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yogurt and sour cream (If the yogurt is too thick, add a little bit of milk). Mix in the cucumber, garlic, salt and pepper and stir well. Fold in the dill and mint, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

Serve chilled, garnished with fresh dill.

IMG_6640

IMG_6708

IMG_6770

IMG_6802

IMG_6860

IMG_6958

Standard
Clothing ETC.

Something White, something Red, something Blue

4th of July is here. In between running around with the girls from one activity to another, the holiday just arrived.  I can’t believe how fast summer is going. It’s the time of year of going from one BBQ to another, from the beach to the pool.

I know the web is full of 4th of July idea boards, but still I had to create my own chic version for the long weekend. I just love Prada’s take on the stud trend. The shoes are subtle and cool, and the sunglasses are just pure fun! J Brand always offer the most beautiful minimalist garments that just look and feel fabulous. The jeans with the camisole, shoes, sunglasses and clutch just make the perfect outfit.  Effortless chic for the Holiday weekend! I found the recipes at MarthaStewart.com and I can hardly wait and try them out.

Eat, drink, be happy and safe!
XOXO,
Shani

ALL2

  1. Vintage americana kid’s room decor
  2. Ostrich leather clutch by Coach
  3. Kate Spade statement necklace
  4. J Brand white camisole
  5. J Brand skinny jean in color Heartbreaker
  6. Firecracker Ice Pops
  7. Joie silk romper
  8. Prada studded leather ankle strap sandals
  9. Prada Voice sunglasses
  10. Red, white and blueberry Trifle

 

Standard
Clothing ETC., EAT, OUT & ABOUT

11 Things for Summer

I’m good at making lists. I write them constantly to help me keep organized. I also love to make fun lists of things I’d like to do, clothes that I’d love to wear, food that I want to make and places I wish to go.

Summer in Michigan is the best! We have daylight from 6AM to 10PM, we have beautiful beaches, great local farmer’s markets and lots of outdoor time. We usually spent most of our time either at the pool or on the beach.  I love to have friends over for  BBQ on our deck, and I’m always on the lookout for fun summer recipes. The list below is a little bit of everything – beach and pool items, and food and entertainment ideas.

I hope they will inspire you the way they’ve inspired me. I already made the Sangría for a dinner party I hosted last week, and I just bought the Beets for the salad.

All

  1. Beach chairs by Serena and Lilly
  2. Beautiful summer table setting by Crate and Barrel
  3. Lace Caftan by Miguelina
  4. Striped bikini by MIKOH
  5. Gold plate flat sandal by SEE BY CHLOE
  6. Illesteva Leonard Mirrored Lense Sunglasses
  7. Fresh flowers including my favorite pink peonies
  8. White Sangría with Mint, Peaches and Plums
  9. New Balance MINIMUS ZEO V2 in white, blue and coral.
  10. Vans for J Crew slip-on shoes
  11. Crushed Beets with Lemon Vinaigrette salad by bon appetit
Standard