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New Kicks X SKECHERS

Moms of walkers meet SKECHERS Foamies.  These sporty kicks are our new favorite walking shoe. The impossibly cute color scheme, from this season's collection, takes fashionable athletic shoe to a whole new level.

Their durability, comfort, and memory foam insoles are the reasons they earn a spot in Layla's closet and this is no small "feet" (pun intended).  More importantly, the shoes garnered my approval and major mom points for being machine washable. Walk-Wash-Repeat

If you are the mommy of a little man, be sure to check my three favorite boys picks here 1.2.3.

Neutral Color trend at NYFW

Jill Stuart 

Rodarte

 Rag and Bone 

Naeem Khan

Jill Stuart 

Oscar de la Renta

(all photos from WWD) 

5 Minute Makeup

These days getting ready in the morning is as challenging as pulling a rabbit out of a hat; in other words only a magician could pull it off. My makeup application is now performed in route to my morning's destination. Here are my 5 must haves to complete the job.

1. Laura Mercier concealer -This concealer specializes in covering up dark lines under the eyes.  Need I say more?

2. Dior Show mascara-Renown for maximizing volume which enhances tired eyes. (A good drug store option is Volume Express by Maybelline).

3. Bobby Brown eyeliner-Tired? Hungover? Have a baby? Haven't showered for a few days? If you answered yes to  any of the above then this stealthy liner is a must. Eyeliner can create optical allusions that no other makeup can achieve.

4. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer-Lite all over coverage with sunscreen. I have been using this power tool for the last 8 years.

5. Clinquie Chubby Stick-A little color goes a long way. I love this light pink hue; perfect for any daytime activity.

Trending now-Pale Pink

Zara/Jill Sander (similar)/Rebecca Taylor

I always seem to get stuck in a clothing rut come Fall. The culprit more or less is my boring, mundane outerwear. In the past, I have been in the mind set that coats serve a function...a coat doesn't need to make a statement or allude your fashion sense, it simply needs to keep you warm and dry when out in the elements. This season I am singing a different tune and rethinking my outerwear ideology. I have a new love for statement coats and oogling over outerwear that gives an unusual nod to spring/summer hues. Here are three pastel pink trenches that I am contemplating nabbing for the Fall.

Baby Steps

Shirt-Slyfox Threads/Headband-Little Hipsqueak/Leg Warmers-juDanzy

When your child turns 1 it seems everyone and their sister inquires about your child's first steps. My husband and I love to joke to the inquiring that Layla is really good at lounging. At almost 14 months she has yet to take her first solo step and her preferred method of transportation is being carried...wise child. Today something out of the ordinary occurred, Layla had a bee in her bonnet to be upright and she maneuvered from all fours to a standing position. Her balance was that of a drunken sailor and the precarious position ultimately scared her. Albeit no steps where taken, I was elated my toddler is one step closer to achieving agreeably one of the most important infant milestones.

Made in America Mondays-Stokke High Chair

I am obsessed with this made in the USA Stokke High Chair.  An environmentally friendly wooden high chair that is handsome, sleek and most important not made out of plastic is a rare find. (I can't tell you how refreshing it is to lay eyes on a baby product that is not made out of plastic) At first glance it appears there is not much to write home about but the seat and footrest can be easily configured to fit a newly sitting 6-month-old with the rail baby set or it can be adjusted to even fit a full-grown adult, both in ergonomically correct positions. Also, included is a detachable tray (not imaged)

The Cool Kids

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It literally feels like yesterday my mom was taking my sister and I back to school shopping. I vividly remember how important it was to pick out the cool Trapper Keeper; having the "right" one could make or break you in elementary school. 

One of my best friends is a third grade teacher and I recently picked her brain on what the "cool kids"were stocking up on for this back to school season. Here were her top 7 favorite finds, which includes stylish water bottles and funky desk accessories. 

The New Wedding Wear

Top-Helmet Lang (similar)/Skirt-FreePeople/Purse-Rebecca Minkoff/Shoes-Pedro Garcia (similar)

My favorite part of wedding season is witnessing the good, the bad and the occasional ugly ( the red armadillo cake) traditions of Holy Matrimony.  Thus far, my husband and I have had a continual supply of weddings to attend. However, as we have hit our 30's our inventory of single friends has dissipated and those nifty save the date magnets that previously cluttered our mail and fridge have been replaced by kids birthday party invites. In line with my current progression, I have changed my wedding attire tune. This past wedding season I focused on picking up items that would work well for other occasions, such as a dinner out with friends, a work event or even a baby shower.  This Free People skirt is a prime example of versatility. Pair this skirt with a graphic tee such as this and chunky boot (like this) for a fun night on the town.  

Made in America Mondays-Pendleton Woolen Mills

Today's Made in America feature is the ever timeless and classic Pendleton brand! I adore this company's rustic aesthetics, American dream story and high quality luxury fabrics. I re-discovered Pendleton last winter when I was rummaging through some clothing in my parent's attic. I found a bag chock-full of our family's old ski clothing.  Among the neon ski bibs, Bolle metallic tinted goggles and Esprit beanies. I pulled out a beautiful, tribal print wool Pendleton sweater. I was smitten and even asked its mom (my mom) for permission to bring it back to Southern California with me. I have great dreams for this sweater which includes a journey to Big Sur in the fall.

Be sure to check out their For Little Ones section, which includes insanely cute hand stitched artwork such as this.

What to wear to a casual evening concert

Shirt-Rails/Jacket-Veda/Jeans-Joes/Shoes-TopShop/Bracelet-Vita Fede, Mansai/Tote-Free People

Do you ever consider wearing your PJ's out and about? If you answered yes, then you may want to check out Rails, a women's line that creates extremely comfortable, ultra soft button downs. Tonight I am wearing my rails shirt to a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl, one of my favorite out door venues.

On another fashion note, I recently picked up this reversible vegan tote from Free People.  This bag has become my make shift diaper bag. I unintentionally toss Layla's diapers and toys into this tote and leave her diaper bag in the dust; I have become so tired of lugging around an over sized diaper bag these days.

Made in America Mondays-Lucero Olive Oil Company

I am branching out today (pun intended) and featuring a product that is not baby, style or clothing related. In fact, this is the first "foodie" product to grace the pages of Year of the Bib. I do not consider myself a foodie, and if I am really being honest, I had Taco Bell last week, which is a hateful thing to foodies...but that was then and this is now. I am sharing this disclaimer because it validates my story about a tiny miracle that occurred in my kitchen.

Several months ago I hosted a small dinner party. My husband and I agreed to keep the menu simple; green salad, pork tenderloin, and rosemary scallop potatoes. I lightly doused Lucero’s rosemary infused olive oil along with other seasonings on the latter two menu items. The results were out of this world and subsequently two earth-shattering things occurred; (1) my husband informed me it was the best meal of his life and (2) my guest asked for my potato recipe. This of course opened Pandora’s box and I promptly ordered several varieties of their olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Here are three of my favorites. 1.2.3.

To learn more about the Lucero Olive Oil company please check out their website here or better yet visit this American owned and operated business in Northern California

Santa Barbara's Hidden Gem-LotusLand

Today I am teaming up with RelayRides to discuss my hometown's hidden gem! When RelayRides inquired about Santa Barbara's best kept Secret, LotusLand was the first and only spot that came to mind.

It took me three years of living in Santa Barbara to discover this botanical mecca. In fact, my all knowing, horticultural enthusiast mom spilled the beans during one of her visits. She had heard about Lotusland from a friend who grew up near the estate and insisted we must make the trip. The tour of the 37 acre estate did not disappoint, I was blown away by the vast and lavish landscape including, the Japanese garden, succulent terrace, and citrus orchard. The tour even included juicy tidbits about the garden's visionary, Madame Walska, who was a well known, wanderlust opera singer in the 1920's and 1930's. Madame Walska and her 6th husband purchased the estate in the 1940's with the intent to open a retreat for Tibetan monks. When the monks never showed face, Madame Walska turned her attention to the landscape and set out to create a grand garden oasis. Up until the 1980's Madame Walska was "head gardener" and called all the shots; a true spitfire as they say. To learn more about Madame Walska and this historical hidden gem visit their website here.

In the same vein as Lotusland, RelayRides is the "hidden gem" of rental cars. Their unparalleled service and unique business model is changing the rental car industry in a big way! To learn more about RelayRides, check out their website here.

Made in America Mondays-Filson

I know the whole heritage thing seems to be slowing a bit, but just hear me out on one of my favorite  bag brands.  Filson, which got its start in 1897 by outfitting men bound for the Klondike Gold Rush, is all about sticking to its roots-comfort, protection and durability. Still around today and thriving in the Pacific Northwest, their products are made to last and built with only the finest leather, hardware and fabrics. This computer bag belongs to their more modern Black Collection. All Filson products, including travel bags are made in the USA.

Year of the Bib X Chairish-Styling an Accent Chair

1-Walnut Lamps/2-Accent Chair/3-Metal Teardrop Lamp/4-Sea Urchin Art/5-Horse Painting/6.-African Springbok Pillow/7-Raffia Wallpaper/8-Flokati Shag Rug /9-Vern+Vera /10-Mid-Century Cocktail glasses

I have a thing I like to say about decorating; do what you want to do and what pleases you. I am a rogue decorator and not one to follow any rules or decorating bylaws. My decorating style is also very mercurial; one minute I am in love with my simple beach bungalow aesthetics and the next I am desiring to create a rustic, Hemingway feel.  

Which is why Chairish, and I are a match made in decorating heaven. Chairish, which has been featured on Elle Decor, InStyle and Oprah Magazine, is an online marketplace  to buy and sell pre-loved furniture and home decor. No more wasting my Saturdays hoping to find some handsome "found objects" at a local garage sale. There is also no need to get up at the crack of dawn to be first in line at the Pasadena swap meet, everything I need and more can be found on this nifty site. 

Today the team at Charish asked me to style an orange accent chair, here is what I conjured up; most of the accompanied one of a kind items (minus the wallpaper and Wall Sea urchins) are available now on Chairish!

Rabbit Hole

Sweater-Rag and Bone/Pencil Skirt-Express/Shoes-TopShop/Sunglasses-Chloe (similar)

I feel like I have fallen down a rabbit hole of sorts; I have been so busy juggling multiple fronts the past several weeks that the change in my surroundings have gone unnoticed. Now, having just come up for air...It dawned on me that summer is in it's final stretch...Goodbye backyard BBQs and hello sweater weather and hot cocoa!  To commence this fall season, I picked up this exquisite Rag and Bone pre fall sweater at Diani, which is one of my favorite Santa Barbara based boutiques. I also have my eye on this white leather handbag, to which I currently only have visiting rights but hope my wardrobe gets full custody in the near future. 

Made in America Mondays-Bannor Toys

Bannor Toys started as a fun hobby with just a few toy designs in the Bannor residents basement,  located in Des Moines, Iowa. Fast forward three years to now, and the company has grown into a full time family own and operated toy business with a modern day workshop.  Their product offering includes baby teething toys, ABC building blocks, toy cars and my favorite the personalized baby rattles....plus much more!

The most exciting part about purchasing a Bannor Toy is that you can have a product that exceeds all federal toy testing requirements, is made in the USA, and you are still supporting a small business that is eco-friendly. This company strives to create an environmentally sustainable business model; their wood scraps heat the shop in the winter, they re-use and re-purpose their supplies and materials, use eco-friendly packaging, and all the toys are created from responsibly harvested woods.

"In a world of mass production and quantity over quality, we still take the time to hand craft each toy one at a time. That allows us to create a toy that is of heirloom quality so you know that it is safe and will last until your kids pass the toys down to your grandkids."

What to Wear to Brunch

Shirt-Theory(similar) Shorts-J. Crew (similar)/Shoes-Zara ( in store only, similar here)/Sunglasses-Ray-Ban/Bracelet-J. Crew

This past weekend my husband and I jumped over to Palm Springs for a short getaway. We were both excited and eager for an adult only vacation, far removed from the everyday chaos. The trip was a brief two nights but we managed to pack it in with fun activities such as, bronzing poolside, late morning brunching and a night on the town with friends.

We frequent Palm Springs often as it is only a mere three hours from my home, and I find it amusing that my wardrobe seems to drastically change when I visit the desert. Unconsciously, my shorts get shorter and my heels get higher and I tend to dress in my edgy attire, such as this jumper from my Coachella trip, which was featured on OOTD Magazine this week!

During our getaway we brunch at the La Quinta Resort and Spa.  I kept my outfit simple with high waisted white shorts paired with a short sleeve chambray.

If you visit the La Quinta Resort for brunch be sure to order their Bloody Mary, which comes equipped with bacon infused vodka. It will knock your socks off!

Made in America Mondays

Today I am launching a mini series titled Made in America Mondays. Each week I will feature a business that is dedicated to making their products in America. My objective is to promote and showcase high quality American made products and to encourage my viewers to make a conscious effort to purchase products made in our country.

My first feature is clothing line Sonnet James; this company produces durable, comfortable and beautiful mom attire. Sonnet James was founded by a mom who appreciates staying stylish while on mom duty. Her company’s founding mission statement is “equipping moms to look great without letting her clothes get in the way of the next big adventure”!  All of the garments are made in San Francisco, and the fabric hails from NYC! 

Here I am wearing the Remi Dress, which would look perfect paired with this made in America leather baseball cap.

Parenting.com Feature

Have you ever checked out Parenting.com's online content? There is a mother lode (literally) of information from family friendly resorts to tips on how to get your abs back in shape. When I was pregnant I saved their baby name list to my computer favorites and stocked that page like it was a bad habit. Now, I could spend hours surfing their parenting advice pages and DIY articles if it was not for my constantly moving towhead. So naturally, when I found out Year of the Bib would be featured in their Fashionable Favorite Blogs I was over the moon excited! Check out the article here.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

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I was born and raised in Seattle and consider Nordstrom my Alma mater. As a youngster, my mom would take my sister and me to their Anniversary Sale at the flagship store for our back to school shopping. After our exhausting shopping extravaganza we would spend the night at the Four Seasons, where my sis and I would do a "fashion show" with our purchases.  

Tomorrow the Anniversary Sale launches and you won't want to miss it! These are some of my favorite picks from their accessories, beauty and kids clothing. Stay tuned to see Layla's first "fashion show" from our Anniversary finds.