From head to toe: Another year wiser

Getting older is a funny thing. Of course I am not saying that I feel old, but 22 is a turning point. You are no longer a wild 21er, but not yet seen as a fully blown grown up. Celebrating another year of life can come with a lot of mixed emotions, under-realized expectations, and hopefully a delicious dessert. I spent my birthday in Carmel with my lovely Mama wandering around the shops and eating delicious food (see: breakfast at La Bicyclette). The shopping and sea breeze were two of my favorite things, but I found that the biggest gift of the day were the messages from friends and family Cue audience: "Awwww".  One moment of thoughtfulness can make someone smile for hours. A friend (looking at you Alex) once gave me a card that said "the effect of one good-hearted person is incalculable". Going into my 22nd year I'm going to try and keep that mentality with me and remember that greeting the world with a good-heart makes all the difference. That, and buy the damn purse, eat the cake, and you can do anything for 10 seconds. 

Scroll through to see snapshots of my day!

My  look:

Coat: Zara linen duster coat, similar here

Shirt: RD Style, similar here

Necklace: From an art walk, similar pendant here

Jeans: Mother 'The looker' Frayed Ankle Skinny Jeans

Shoes: Vans 'Classic' Perforated Slip-on Sneakers

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Original Aviator 

Purse: Florence knockoff of Stella McCartney 'Falabella- Shaggy deer'

With love and candles,

Sarah Belle

From head to toe: Dave Matthews Band Concert

Mama B and I made our way to the Greek Theater for a good dose of tunes on a Tuesday and Dave did not disappoint! Those musicians were put on this earth to entertain. So. Incredible. 
The bodysuit trend has hit me full force and as of today I am the proud owner of 5 (all from Forever 21!). They are so easy to throw on and immediately make an outfit a bit more sleek, especially when paired with baggier jeans like these embroidered ones from Gap. This suede jacket isn't a new purchase, but I think this fall it's going to be center stage in my wardrobe. Also, I curled my hair on my own! Took me 45 minutes!! So grown up!!
Ironically, adulthood is full of baby steps. 

My  look:

Jacket: Zara, but similar here 

Bodysuit: Forever 21 High Neck 

Jeans: Gap, similar here

Shoes: Vans 'classic' Perforated Slip-on sneaker

Necklace: similar here

Lips: MAC Mehr

Nails: Kiko '372 Nude' Nail Lacquer (post on Kiko beauty here)

Rings: similar here

With love and rythmn,

Sarah Belle

Black bean ragout & zucchini noodles (GF & Vegan)

Fancy words like ~ragout~ and ~zoodles~ are confusing, but this recipe is beyond easy. The ragout is adapted from The Smitten Kitchen, a cookbook full of colorful and creative recipes, but they aren't necessarily healthy. Instead of the garlic bread and crema she suggests to pair the ragout with, I opted for zucchini noodles inspired by this simple recipe. During the winter this would pair really well with spaghetti squash! 

This summer has been a journey in wellness of all sorts... more to literally and figuratively digest will be on the blog soon!

With love and simmering, 

Sarah Belle

From head to toe: Maxed out

My look:

Maxi dress: Vero Moda Maxi Dress (similar)

Bandeau: Urban Outfitters Lace Halter Bra in Ivory

Sweater: Urban Outfitters 'Ride the Wave' Sweater (similar)

Necklace: Free People, but similar here

Bracelet: Cape Cod Single Ball Bracelet

Rings: Stacking rings: SF street faire, gold & pearl: Hands Gallery

Sandals: Sam Edelman Gemma (similar)

Nails: Essie'Marshmallow' Toes:'Suzi Shops & Island Hops'

Lips: Kiko Smart Lip Pencil in '702/Coral' and MAC 'Lasting Sensation' Liner 

With love and summer seafoam,

Sarah Belle

Cabana Surf & Turf: A Summer Solstice Party

I had a pretty awesome childhood. I grew up with a swing AND a treehouse in the backyard, two younger brothers to mess with, and wonderful, adventurous parents. I was even forced to do swim team and take piano lessons, a right of passage if you ask any Bay Area kid. I actually was lucky enough to not only have two parents who raised me, but a whole Sleepy Hollow village. Around our block lived some of my parent's best friends, whose kids ended up being my best friends, and who surrounded me with support and the loudest cheerleading squad a girl could ever want (or be embarrassed by). As I've gotten older I have leaned on this community more and more, and I am inspired by my many Moms and Dads everyday. They are strong, driven, caring, entertaining, fierce partiers, and always bring out the best in each other, and in me.

This night was a celebration of many of their birthdays and I was lucky enough to fill the last seat at the table. Enjoy this little photo timeline from the first bottle popped, to lobster surgery, to the aftermath of a messy table and sticky fingers that is the sure sign of a good time. 

My lovely Mother designed and executed the table with me, her willing sidekick. Mama, the table was stunning and as always you gave 110% to even the most minute details. From flowers in the napkin rings to the squeeze and back rub you give during a hug, the details are what make everything you do so special. Dad and the boys built the cabana from the ground up, a pretty apt representation of the role Dad plays in our life. Daddy you design, create, and reinforce even the most challenging of projects whether they be big or small. Thank you for always doing whatever it takes with a smile on your face to make the perfect party come together, and make your girls happy. 

Cheers to many more years!

Table decor: Hydrangea collection from Sur la Table: napkins / bowl / placemats

Dinner: Orzo salad / steak & lobster / arugula salad / asparagus wrapped in prosciutto / 'Bundtinis' 

With love and lobster,

Sarah Belle