New Year, New Beginngins....

Dear followers... all five of you, hahahah! In anticipation of the new year I have re-named/re-located to "Coco and Toast!" www.cocoandtoast.blogspot.com Please enjoy and follow;)

xoxo

erin

Something old, something new...

The panic is starting. That holiday party is just around the corner, knocking on your closet door... What to wear, oh what to wear?? Yes, that LBD (little black dress) would work, or your sparkly sequined top.... but lets think outside of the box for a minute. Halloween isn't the only holiday where a great thrift shop comes in handy...... Yes, lets talk Vintage. Vintage items are a great way to showcase your individual style, and set yourself apart from the crowd. An advantage of buying vintage is that if you are lucky, you can find designer pieces at bargain prices! If you are up on your fashion history 101, you'll know a jewel of a piece when you find it. Hello gorgeous YSL tuxedo jacket... Good day beautiful Pucci print... Ah, the joy of the second hand store, it's like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. But wait, don't act so quickly! There are some pitfalls to be aware of when digging through vintage booty, for falling into one can make you go from 'vintage chic' to 'vintage cheap' in no time! When you are vintage shopping, be strict! The piece should be in almost, if not perfect condition. Stains, discoloration, and pulling strings can mean the difference from FAB to DRAB... ugh, we do not want that! Make sure the garment fits, or is in a position that it can be tailored to fit. Too small is definitely a no no (c'mon, you know you will be eating those Christmas cookies and drinking that bubbling champagne!). If vintage clothing is a fail for you, head strait to the sparkling beauties in the jewelry section. Jewelry will always be your best friend... Hello little darling (Vintage Chanel cuff) , I am here to rescue you, and take you to a nice, loving home...

xoxo,

erin

crayons and cashmere

Great vintage online resources... ebay.com and etsy.com

Check out some of L.A.'s best rated Vintage shops on citysearch

It's been a while...

OMG! Has it really been over a month?! Oh dear blogging world, and dear readers, I am back:) As some of you know, I recently 'went under the knife' to fix a very painful, and annoying back pain due to a herniated disc. Well, results have been amazing! I feel great and am back to being pain free (something I have not been in 3 years!). So, thank you Dr. Lin and staff!! Ok, enough about that! Yesterday, on a quick trip to the mall, I found my inspiration to blog again... A gleam of light in the shoe department caught my eye... Sparkling gold, pink, and silver, like one might find at the end of the rainbow! As I approached the table, The name "Tom" became clear on the back of these sparkling darlings. Surrounded by Prada, Jimmy Choo, Jeffery Campbell, and Cole Hahn, these glittery creations of 'Toms" were on a table with other canvas creations, and a picture of a guy (I assume it was Tom, right?!) putting the same shoes on a bunch of kids. Yes, that's right, these magnificent shoes were a pair of 'Toms," the shoe that gives back in more ways than one. Toms shoes not only give your foot an oh so chic, amazingly simple look, the comfort of a well padded, cozy slipper shoe, but also gives a new pair of shoes (for every pair bought) to a child in need. They call it "One for One." Now that's a bit of Christmas spirit that everyone can appreciate! These shoes are sold year round, and are very affordable. AND if you have little ones to shop for, the kids Toms are so adorably cute!! Well Tom, I admire your dream being brought to life... just watched your video (click Toms) and need my box of kleenex...;')

xo, sniff, xoxo,

erin

crayons and cashmere

TOMS for toddlers

Pink TOMS (Dear Santa, if you are reading this I have been a very good girl! size 9.5 please ;)

Cuff 'em!

Hello all, and happy Friday!! Well, seeing as how I'm so loving everything that sparkles right now, I'm sticking on the topic of jewelry and addressing my second favorite piece (after the cocktail ring, of course), the Cuff bracelet. This chunky statement piece never goes unnoticed and is often, if not always, seen on the runway. According to the ever so wise Nina Garcia, "The cuff is a piece that is often used to assert or proclaim someone's personal style. The uptown girl wears a diamond, or platinum version. The bohemian girl wears leather or wood. The rocker chick goes for black leather with studs." (The One Hundred) No matter what "girl" you are today, this bold item can 'glam up' an otherwise casual outfit, or add that needed edge. So try channeling your inner style... throw on a cuff and layer with a few bangles tomix it up a bit!!

Cheers to all!

xoxo,

Erin

Crayons and Cashmere

Here are a few cuffs we adore....

J. Crew 'Teardrop Cuff"

J. Crew 'Crystal Cluster Cuff' (Santa, if you are reading this, I've been a very, very good girl!)

On top: Topshop 'Zig Zag Cuff' and 'Chain Wrap

ped Cuff'

Jewelry... bling, bling!

Jewelry has been on my brain for the past couple weeks! As many of you know, I have recently become a consultant for "Touchstone Crystal," a direct selling company, member of the Swarovski crystal corporation. The beautiful pieces I have received, and shared with friends, have inspired me to share my love of jewelry with all of you! Jewelry is a conversation starter, an eye catcher, a little friend that will spark up your mood! Now, who doesn't love to sparkle? Whether it be a little gleam of light, or a sparkle so bright it reflects off the walls! The idea is to make a statement, to inspire a "wow" from all. As the all wise and ever so fabulous Rachel Zoe has said, "There is gorgeous costume jewelry out there, pieces that sparkle with cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystals, and faux gold that resembles the real thing." See, Even Rachel Zoe loves Swarovski!! I have already written about my favorite piece of jewelry, the cocktail ring, but now want to focus on some jewelry box basics. A life of sparkle and glamour begins with some basics. Real os faux, these basics can go from day to night, mixed, layered, or worn alone. Here are a list of basics from Rachel Zoe's book," Style, A to Zoe":

*Diamond Studs, real or fake

*A statement-making cocktail ring

*Simple hoop earrings, white or yellow metal

*A big pair of "wow" earrings can glam up any outfit in a snap!

*A strand of pearls, real or faux

*A watch

*A simple chain for everyday, with a charm that is personally meaningful. This piece becomes your signature. Mine is a layer of two sterling silver chains, one with a letter J (for my son) and another with a letter E (from my best friends, when I turned 30...Love u JEM!)

*A bracelet, be it a bangle or a cuff

*A dressy necklace or pair of earrings, It can sparkle wi

th diamonds, crystals(preferably the most

sparkly of them all, Swarovski). Make sure it's something that makes you feel instantly dazzling!

Here are a few of my favorite basics:

1. Millionaire's Club earrings (top)

2. Safari Cuff (top)

3. Green Supreme Earrings

4. Black Diamonds Ring (I LOVE!)

5. Key to Happiness (necklace)

6. The Big Easy Earrings (hoops)

If you are interested in any of these glamourous pieces, they can be purchased online here, or just let me know!!

Thank you all for reading, and don't forget, I love hearing from you all! Please feel free to leave any comments, ideas, or questions. Ciao!

xoxo,

Erin

'Crayons and Cashmere'

Cocktails Anyone?

Ah... the ever adored 'Cocktail Ring' is an absolute favorite of 'Crayons and Cashmere.' Whether wearing your favorite jeans, or a gorgeous little black dress, throw on a bold, blinding cocktail ring, and the power of transformation is undeniable! This glittery friend of ours brings us even that much closer to FABULOUS! Waving it around at a party while you are mingling, or twirling it on your little finger is absolutely one of the best ways to amp up your 'style' and make a statement. Fun Fact: "The term 'cocktail ring' emerged during Prohibition, when women would wear large, bold rings to illegal cocktail parties. A woman would flit her hand around, drawing attention to the bauble, to let you know that not only was she drinking illegally, she was doing it with style." (Nina Garcia, 'The One Hundred") That makes it even MORE fun to wear!! The great thing about the cocktail ring is that it does not have to be real- in most cases a great big piece of fake costume jewelry is preferred! Therefore, you don't have to spend the 'ca-ching' to get the 'bling, bling!' Can it get better than this?! So be BOLD, ADVENTUROUS, FABULOUS! Get your bling on!

xoxo,

Crayons and Cashmere

A piece we adore....

Touchstone Crystal: 'Blue Diamond Ring'

Tights!

Fall weather has finally come to CA... Time to put on the tights ladies!! Don't rush to put away those mini skirts or spring dresses. Just add a pair of tights and a boyfriend cardi, and you are one chic girl. Black opaque tights have been walking the streets since the early 60's, and have graduated into all colors and textures. These 'leggy wonders' can lead way to an ultra edgy outfit, or a miraculously longer, slimmer looking leg (Yes please!)! Wear matching color tights and boots (ex: black tights, black boots) to create a long, sleek line. Throw on a mini with tights, and bypass the thought...'Is this skirt too short??'

Here are a few favorites:

J Crew: Metallic Ribbed TightsNordstrom: Commando Opaque Tights Nordstrom: SPANX 'Bloom' Lace tights (My Favorite!!)

xoxo!

Crayons and Cashmere

Riding the Clutch....

Happy Monday all! Today we are sharing our love of the Clutch (and we're not talking cars here!). The clutch purse is a girls best companion for a night out on the town. With the holiday party season approaching (and a bachelorette party for someone very special), we have been on the lookout for an oversized clutch, because we would love to carry a little more than just our license... This has been easy to do because a clutch purse comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials! A bright color, or a great animal print clutch will add glamour and excitement to a black cocktail dress! Have fun with your clutch and make sure it is big enough to hold all of your essentials- cash, credit card, license, lipgloss, and of course cell phone! The clutch is your new best friend, especially because it will fit snuggly under your arm, keeping your hands free to hold your cocktail! Cheers all! Here are a few clutch purses we adore...

xoxo,

Crayons and Cashmere Street Level 7797

Betsey Johnson 'Climbing Cheeta'

Chic Active Wear?!

Yes, we said "Chic" active wear... sounds a bit odd, but yes, it has been done by Heidi Klum. We are die hard "Project Runway" fans and almost fell out of our seats when we saw the last episode in which Heidi asked the designers to create three looks for her new active wear line, "HeidiKlum for New Balance" being sold on amazon.com. Now, who has not had a day where all you want to do is throw on that pair of "black stretchy pants" (agh!) and a hoodie?? Trust us, we've been there... Well, now it can be done with style! Heidi's designs are effortlessly chic, and claim to feel "amazingly soft" against the skin. For this line, they chose to use a cashmere blend fabric which gives the garment a luxurious look and feel. Honestly, many of these pieces can be worn straight from dropping the kids off at school, to the gym, then to your next meeting. Here are a few of our favorite pieces...

"Project Runway" winning design, by Andy south: this flattering long sleeve dress features asymmetrical charmeuse inserts and has a banded bottom. Just gorgeous!

---

Shoe "Bootie"

Ankle boots have been walking down the runway since the fluorescent days of the 80's. These fabulous little "shoe booties" started peeking out of trouser legs, and have now graduated to skinny jeans and skirts! Feeling a little flirty, and a bit 'punk"... throw on a pair of ankle booties with your favorite cocktail dress and walk into the party like you OWN the place! Pair them with a pair of black tights and you're ready for the Fall. If wearing ankle boots with pants, a great trick to make your legs look miles, and miles long, are to keep the colors the same. Black skinnies tucked into black booties will keep your legs going, and going! So, for your next cocktail party, or night out on the town, take little risk and enjoy a little shoe "bootie!" Flaunt your fabulous legs!

xoxo,

Crayons and Cashmere

Fashion "Heals!"

Happy Monday all! This weekend, in honor of Breast Caner Awareness Month, we attended an amazing event hosted by St. Jude Medical Center (their 21st annual fashion show), "Imagine...A Walk Among the Stars." The true"stars" of the show shared one thing in common, they were all survivors of cancer. These AMAZING women and men strutted their stuff down the runway, presenting beautiful garments provided by Macy*s. We were honored to be invited to this event by a very special "runway model", our dear friend Kari. Kari was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29, and has been "strutting her stuff" ever since! She, along with Corrine and Erin's grandmother, Anne, have been extremely inspirational in our lives and have shown us when life hands you lemons, you better "squeeze" them and make the best damn lemonade you've ever had! All three of these beautiful, extraordinarily strong women have survived cancer, and we are so blessed to be on this journey in life with them.

Todays post is to show that fashion can truly heal, in making a person exude confidence, like many models of the show had done on Sunday! We thank them for sharing their stories with us. This is what TRUE beauty is......

xoxo,

Crayons and Cashmere

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are a girl's best friend. Whether it's a night out to dinner, or a day in the classroom, they are forever chic.... and comfortable! Think of the classiness of Audrey Hepburn in her impeccable black ballet flats. Oh, how we love her... There are many options for a girl to choose from. Of course, you cannot go wrong with a pair of black flats, but also throw in a little FUN with a bright, bold color, or even the ever so adored animal print. From Tory Burch, to Gap, you can find a pair of ballet flats to fit every budget. Here are a few we adore...

right: Sam Edelman 'Caper' Flat

Another option: Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat Norstrom.com

Be Bold, Wear BOOTS!

In honor of our FIRST comment (thanks Jules!), we are all about boots today! In the early 60's, women began wearing Frye chunky boots in a bold defiance of the 1950's restrictive femininity ("The One Hundred" Nina Garcia). Since then, women have been strutting their stuff in boots. Heeled, flat, chunky, or wedge, throw theses puppies on with jeans tucked in, or with tights and a dress, and you are one uber chic girl. We adore wedge boots, the ultimate in comfort and chicness... Here are a pair we are lusting over...

Absolutely gorgeous, these boots are from "House of Harlow" piperlime.com

Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes!

Here at Crayons and Cashmere, we can't get enough of SHOES! Yes, we love shoes! This is one area of your wardrobe where you should be willing to splurge. Especially if you are on your feet most days... "Hello teachers?!" Every woman should have a great pair of flats (be it ballerina, nautical, loafers, moccasins, etc…), heels, boots, and sandals. These magnificent "Sole" creatures can transform your whole outfit and attitude! Ever notice when you throw on a pair of heels, you automatically stand taller, straighter, ready to conquer the day! With the above mentioned four styles of shoes, you’re ready for any occasion. With the right sole foundation, it can lay the ground work for a solid and confident you. Flats and sandals might be the most comfortable yet; versatile. There are many brands out there that fuse sophistication with comfort, and most can work with any outfit! Now boots, don't get us started on boots! Probably our fave.....Throw on a pair of great wedge boots and you might be able to walk a 10 K! Boots are great for the fall and winter seasons. Last, but certainly not least, heels, high or low, are great for giving us that extra height advantage and confidence , not to mention great calf definition. Ah shoes... our love affair will never end.

“A woman with good shoes is never ugly. They are the last touch of elegance” ~ Coco Chanel

October is Here!

It is October first, and the official start of "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month." We have had some very special people in our lives who have been diagnosed with, and survived breast cancer. We are so thankful for these amazing women and the spread of awareness and education. Here are a few of our favorite tee's inspired by this amazing cause...

The limited edition GUESS by Marciano “Love, Laugh, Cure” T-shirt, $68, comes with the inspiring message: Love who you are, Laughter is the best medicine, and work to find a Cure for all the women battling breast cancer. And 100% percent of net proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000). Available in GUESS by Marciano stores and at www.guessbymarciano.com.

(Thanks K for this!)

. Keep A Breast is For Lovers tee

Spread the love and have an amazing weekend!

xoxo,

Crayons and Cashmere

"Create" Your OWN Style...

Well, here you are, ready to join in this journey of personal style with us. So, where do we start? First things first, have an honest conversation with yourself. What are you happy about with your style, body-and what are you not happy with? Focus then, on what works for YOU. Remember, everyone has a different sense of "style." Yours is personal. If you love your amazing arms, then show them off with a tank. If its your legs you love, then show em' off! Amazing things can be done to transform your body, this is where the word "Create" comes into play. Proportion, color, and even your own fabulous attitude towards yourself can amp up any outfit! As Nina Garcia (Fashion editor of Elle) has said in her fabulous book, "The Little Black Book of Style," (http://www.amazon.com/Little-Black-Book-Style/dp/0061234907) "Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself." Very wise words Nina! Let's begin "Creating!"

Cheers!

Crayons and Cashmere

Crayons and Cashmere....

Wow! We are finally here, in this blogging world! "We" are Erin and Malis, two very stylish, or so we are told, teachers who love to share our passion for everything that IS style, beauty, and fashion. We've decided to start this blog after many, many years of sharing our love of style, and advice with each other, and coworkers... other teachers that just needed that boost to "glamify" themselves. We've never understood why some teachers, and administrative professionals, feel the need to dress "down" for work. Just because someone teaches in an elementary school does not deem it necessary to wear sweats to work. Parents and students might perceive the teacher in the wrong way, if presenting themselves this way. We know, we know..... "but students wipe their hands (and sometimes boogers;/) on me!" Well, wipe them off your nicely tailored slacks, or guess what...well-fitting JEANS. Yes, teachers are the very lucky few that usually CAN get away with wearing jeans to work! "But I can't afford...." We both live with our teacher salaries, and understand that it is not the best paying job in the world, but there are many stylish wardrobe choices out there for every budget, from Target to Nordstrom. Hello? Have you seen "Isaach Mizrahi" for Target?! His pieces are beautiful, and very affordable! Sometimes the choices are in our very own closets, and we just need someone to remind us. Shopping in your own clostet is the best! It's priceless....literally!
Our title, "Crayons and Cashmere" promotes the correlation of sophistication and fun! We are here to share our passion with, not only "teachers," but anyone out there that would love to "Glam it up" a bit. This is about loving yourself, wanting to feel amazing, no matter your circumstances. Our ideas may not be for everyone, but for those of you who will listen, we are so thrilled to share our ideas and thoughts with you. "Style" can be defined in many ways, to many people. We all have our own style..... wouldn't it be wonderful to find yours and share it with the world? Glam it up!!