Going back to school retro style

Parents it's almost time for your vacation because the kids are going back to school. Yeah...oh sorry kiddies! I keep hearing from parents that the summers seem to be getting longer, but not from my best friend R the teacher. Well I wish everyone a great back to school year and may you go back with a little retro style...

In school crayons were my favorite so I could color outside of the box. I can still remember the day when I discovered the Glitter and Metallic crayons (seen here on Amazon). My world was rocked and my cheerleader signs got bigger and more colorful. Read about my cheerleader days in this moving from Canada to America post.

Choosing the first day of school outfit was such an ordeal. I sat on the phone with both my girl and guy friends to determine the right look. Some things never change huh? I still feel like this when I start a new job.



For a back to school retro look, every child needs a pair of high socks with a lunchbox. Pair the socks with a Catholic Girl skirt and you'll be the talk of the school. Unless you actually go to Catholic School!

Lunch is another difficult thing to control on your first day. Parents can pack the lunch and add some fun colorful paper cups to hold the food. Let's leave the toothpicks out...ok?

Back to school fashion is fun for girls. A dress with matching tights and clunky dark boots makes for an adorable outfit.

Paper Mate pens are a colorful way of going retro in school.

Oh how I miss having this school desk with my friends around me. Maybe I should get one of these desks for home. Would I even fit anymore?

Is it creepy or cute for an adult to carry a lunchbox sweetie?

To all the kiddies and parents out there, happy almost back to school week. You've all hung in there so well. No go out there and buy some back to school retro fashions that would make me proud! I know you can do it. What was the item you just had to have for school when you were a child lovely?

Come on Vogue with The September Issue!

Something clicked for me while watching the fashion documentary The September Issue this week. I swear I heard the angels singing. I felt like a fly on the wall in Anna Wintour's office, editor-in-chief to American Vogue. And to get yelled by her would be a dream come true!

Or maybe it would be a thrill for me to just be inside the Vogue walls.

Vogue fall photo shoot

From the documentary it was Grace Coddington, Fashion Editor, that really caught my eye. It is her creative vision for photo shoots, cutting edge fashion and passion for shoots that struck me. Some of Grace's photo's can be seen here.

It was the marriage between Anna and Grace that surprised me. Anna is always on the forefront of Vogue, as she should be. Yet it was Grace that was able to challenge her with her true vision for the magazine.

The September Issue

Take a look at this promo for the movie to see Anna and Grace (the unmistakable redhead) go head to head.

Color, color, color and perfect pose. Work it girls! This picture seems to be flowing through.

I'm pretty sure I have this hat somewhere in my closet from Toronto. Hold on as I go and try it on!



I love this color and wish I could wear it everyday. If I wear a turquoise ring with it would it be too much sweetie?

Love this Cameron Diaz California girl inspired shoot from the Vogue 2009 issue. The September Issue movie helps the viewer understand a little more about the high society in the fashion world. Whether it's designs, to clothes, to photo shoots, to runway shows or flying to Paris a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Tell me, does this movie speak to you like it did to me lovely?

I wish they all could be California girls!

Ah to be a California girl, but a Caly girl's fashion is completely different between Northern and Southern. The weather has a lot to do with how much you wear or don't wear in the Sunshine State. And since I've lived in both locations, the main fashion difference is... in Northern Cali scarfs are a must and in Southern flip flops just about rule. Come along sweetie for some California dreamin'.

J'adore Antonio Genevia flickr stream. He's a photo talent that sees great color in every pic. This outfit would be a perfect in San Francisco.

I miss how my freckles go away from the dull San Francisco sun, but come alive when I'm back in L.A.



Jason Christopher Photography captures L.A. fashion with sun kissed California girls.

Love this retro San Francuisco boutique design, sweetie don't you?



7x7 magazine is filled with color, restaurant ideas, society locals, neighborhoods and advice colums. All you need in one little magazine... 7x7|Insider's Guide to the Best of San Francisco.





That was a fun California girl photo shoot! I wonder if these office pumps would be worn more in San Francisco or in L.A.? What are some of your favorite fashions from Cali? Have a great day lovely.

The twenty question link back contest

I love getting to know my blogging friends better. So I'm reaching out to you with twenty questions that I hope you will answer on your blog. Post these questions and your answers on your blog, link back to Under the Sheets-shhh and comment back to me when you’re done. I promise to link to your post. And bonus points if you become a follower...take it away sweetie.
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1) Dressing up or casual?
I'd have to pick dressing up over casual.

2) Most original Halloween costume?
You can’t beat being the sassy green M&M!

3) What would your talent be if you were participating in a beauty pageant?
Interpretative dance.

4) What do the words retro boutique design mean to you?
Red, creative, pinup girl and unique.

5) What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Surviving in this crazy mixed up world.

6) What household chore pacifies you?
Emptying the dishwasher.

7) Favorite type of weather?
Either Spring or Fall weather.

8) Do you sleep with the sheets tucked in or out?
I like the sheets tucked in.

9) Do you have freckles?
All over my nose.

10) Favorite kind of sandwich?
Simply turkey sandwich.

11) Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
I wish I could.

12) What’s your name spelt backwards?
Arual and I kinda like it.

13) What message is on your voicemail machine?
You’ve reached Laura. I can’t talk to you, but you can talk to me!

14) What was the name of your first pet?
Munchkin (he was 80 pounds)

15) Do you believe in karma?
Yes, I do.

16) Do you believe in luck?
Absolutely.

17) Do you have a nickname?
Lala.

18) Are you a shopping addict?
The say admitting it is the first step to acceptance.

19) Favorite superhero?
Wonder Woman. I’d love to borrow her invisible jet!

20) Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate.
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Ok now its your turn to enter the twenty question link back contest and I am looking forward to reading your answers. Go on, I know you can do it. All the cool kids are...

Hostess with the mostess 4th of July

Happy July 4th sweetie! If you're out of ideas to be the hostess with the mostess please use some of these pictures for inspiration. At this years holiday party, it's time to have more than hot dogs and corn. And why not look fabulous while hosting away? Red, white and blue baby!

We usually spend our 4th of July on our apartment roof which overlooks San Francisco's bay and financial district. How much do you want to put this apron on and start entertaining?



I love this picture of red, white and blue retro desserts. All you need is some flowers and fruit. Please hold as I go and steal a strawberry...

Outfits are key to making it look like hosting is a breeze. Check out these great red, white and blue shoe options.


I saw this creative 4th of July hostess with the mostess real parties post on this lovely blog.

I promise to wear this outfit today while frolicking on the beach. Won't you join me?


Oh and this vintage suitcase has my name written all over it. I would keep it safe in my room and fill it with blankets and sweaters. What a lovely piece!



Happy 4th of July to you and to yours and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. What are your plans for this weekend? And are a fireworks or sparkler gal?

Be In Style blog review

I was recently contacted by the lovely fashion blog Be In Style to see if I'd like them to review my blog. What a lovely compliment sweetie! And then I was flattered by their review of how I see things in my little corner of the world, San Francisco. Be In Style is all things fashion, deals, trends and some gossip, but it's all class and lovely things.

Review
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Laura, the blogger for Under the Sheets~shhh, lives in charming San Francisco, California. She blogs about everything from Grace Kelly’s wedding dress (over thirty seamstresses worked on her incredible gown!) to outfits for 80’s-style workouts. One of her most recent posts is about a trip to Tuscany and Rome. She makes these romantic Italian places seem like the one and only place any fashion-lover would want to live!...When you get a chance head over and check out the review.
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Let me know what you think sweetie!

Italian fashion inspiration

Two weeks away in Tuscany and Rome was a much needed trip after the weddings. As soon as we touched down in Italy, I started to hear the angels singing as I saw the unique fashions pass me by. The roman sandals, fabulous bags, parachute pants and sunglasses were all calling my name.
And now I feel inspired by the soft Italian leather, classy lines and women dressed to the nine. Honey and I would turn a corner and I would see into a dress shop and my breath would be taken away.

So the Italians truly have secrets about food, love and fashion.

But the shoes were just fabulous and amazing. I could have bought so many pairs and made them my own. I took one pair home and I promise they will be worn out soon.



Fashion is an art and then it takes the woman to carry it off. Can you feel her confidence in this bold red trench?



And this was a typical storefront in Florence. What made me stop dead in my tracks were the gorgeous children clothes shops. The Italian children were dressed so well.

I discovered that my own fashion sense tends to be European. Blame it on my English family, but my clothes were similar to the fashion trends.




I feel forever changed and inspired by the Italian fashion trends sweetie. What has inspired you on your travels? Do you still use your inspiration today?