Wine Walk.

I love the feel of a small, quaint town. While my heart will always belong to Almaden Valley, I always look forward to my time spent in Los Gatos. Over the weekend (on the way to the beach), my mom and I met up with my godfather in Los Gatos for a wine walk. At check in, we received a Los Gatos Wine Walk 2010 glasses and a map of all the shops who would pouring. We walked from shop to shop, sampling tastings from 25 local wineries. We had such a great time! But then again, who wouldn't enjoy sipping and shopping?

Wayfare Tavern.

Not only is it exciting to watch a new restaurant move into the neighborhood, it's even more exciting when it's celebrity chef, Tyler Florence. But the BEST part is when the food is spectacular! I have to admit, I have been lucky enough to enjoy the Wayfare Tavern a handful of times now and this was the obvious choice to celebrate my mom's birthday before we headed out of the city for a weekend at the beach.

{Popovers}



{Grilled Monterey Bay Calamari}

{Baked Avacado}

{Chilled Organic Watermelon}

{Frog Hollow Organic Peach Pie}

{Billiard Room}

{Tyler Florence}

Thanks to Foodnut.com for images.

Indian Summer.

{H&M dress, Bebe leather belt, Picnic necklace, R2 booties}

They say it's Fall, but I could swear Summer has just begun. Lucky for me, a past trip to H&M turned to work in my favor. When the weather forecast said it was going to be in the 90's, I was incredibly relieved I had purchased this light, flowy leopard print dress for an upcoming trip to Palm Springs. It ended up being the perfect ensemble to debut my new, shorter hairstyle..

Simple Acts.

A little over a year ago, a great friend suggested I grow out my hair to donate. Over this past weekend, I finally made the cut. I decided to donate my ponytail to Pantene Beautiful Lengths - the hair collected is turned into wigs and distributed free to women suffering from the loss of their hair due to the effects of chemotherapy needed to fight the cancer in their bodies. It amazes me that something so simple can make such an impact on another person's life. I am so blessed for all that I have and feel so totally fortunate to be able to give back.

{Thanks to Juvella for inspiring me to be a part of something so wonderful}

Coral Reef.

{Coral Reef by Essie}

While I have always been faithful to my OPI nail polish, I decided I needed to see for myself what this Essie polish was all about. I figure if JCrew now carries Essie in stores, online and in catelogs, there may be something special here I just don't know about. So, last night at the nail salon, I chose Essie nail color 'Coral Reef' - fitting for this weekend's getaway to Santa Cruz to celebrate my mom's birthday. So far, I'm loving this fun, vibrant color, now let's just see how it holds up....

What do you think? Are you up for the Essie challenge?

REPORT....or R2?

I absolutely fell head over heels for these Reports Bowie Boots when I saw them. I knew it was a matter of time before they were all mine.......until a recent trip to DSW (yes, yet another DSW adventure), where I found these cute (and nearly identical) R2 Bauer Booties for a steal. These 4 inch platform wedges have quickly become a new staple in my wardrobe.

Fall Inspiration.

1. Women's McQ Alexander McQueen McQ Linen-blend tuxedo dress Online, $405
2. Roll Blouse, $465
3. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Marine striped wool sweater, $205
4. Kain Silk-blend tank, $85
5. Diane von furstenberg coats CAMEL, $990
6. Diane von furstenberg knitwear CAMEL, $410
7. Helmut Lang High-rise stretch-denim skinny jeans, $195
8. Leather pants, $465
9. J.Crew Joey sequin-embellished skirt, $268
10. Christian Louboutin Rolandzip 120 suede platform pumps, $795
11. KAMILLE Soft Brogue Shoes, $100
12. Easy in Leopard Printed Nylon, $1,245
13. Alexander McQueen Antique brass skull-embellished bangle, $560
14. Michael Kors Rose gold-plated chronograph watch, $250
15. bat print scarf, $280
16. Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses, $285
17. Christian Dior Vernis Nail Polish Sweet Orange No. 334, $25

Thanks to www.polyvore.com for the layout.

Bonding Moments

Don't you love it when you see something that reminds you of someone special and it makes you smile? Over the weekend, while lazing around watching tv, I saw a DSW commercial that made me think of my mom and smile. I just love our trips to DSW. We spend hours talking as we walk up and down each aisle trying on shoe after shoe. Some of our greatest conversations have taken place in the aisles of various DSWs....plus, who doesn't love shoe shopping.

Check out the commercial, which also features my new Madden Girl booties (here).

Welcome to First Came Fashion!

I am thrilled to unveil the new look of my website First Came Fashion. What began as a New Year's resolution has become a true passion. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement and support.

Can't wait to see what the future holds!

xox,

Hoyt

Plato's Atlantis

{Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 collection}

Alexander McQueen is known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics when it comes to fashion and these "armadillo heels" are no exception to the rule. While these are nearly impossible to attain (there are only 21 pairs in existence ranging from $3,900 to$10,000), they are beginning to show up off the runway and on celebrities. McQueen was quoted in the NY Times, "I don't think it makes sense to play it safe in these times. The world needs fantasy, not reality. We have enough reality today." One thing's for sure, you are not playing it safe while attempting to walk around in these 10-inch stiletto booties.

{Demi Moore Harper's Bazaar April 2010}

{Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen}

"Momento Miro, Carpe Diem"

You are mortal, seize the day.

I was lucky when I came across the D.L. & Co. boutique on Gilt Groupe - I picked up skull stationery from the coveted Momento Miro Collection at a fantastic price. Douglas Little, Modern Alchemist and Purveyor of Curious Goods, founded his company, D.L. & Co. with the desire to bring objects of opulence and beauty to those who yearn for the uncommon and exquisite.
Don't forget DL & Co. upcoming Halloween sale October 11th!

Shop Gilt Groupe here.

{D.L. & Co. skull notecards from Gilt Groupe}

Glam, Garbage Bags & Gaga

This year's MTV Video Music Awards red carpet was much quieter in comparison to previous years. Maybe this had to due with the fact the red carpet was actually a calming, snow white..? Anywho, while the white carpet did eliminate an entire color category for dress options, many chose to go with contrast wearing black. Here are some of my favorites...(and not so favorites)

{Chelsey Handler}

{Sophia Vergaza in Dolce & Gabbana}

{Bethenny Frankel}

{Emma Stone in Emilio Pucci}

{Cher}

{Ke$ha in "Home Depot" garbage bag}

{Lady Gaga in Giorgio Armani}

{Eminem & Rihanna.....just because I loved them :)}

Casual Sunday..

{H&M Sweater & striped top, Henry lll Generation jeans, Chloe purse, JCrew necklace, Madden Girl booties}

I love when my mom comes up to visit me in the city. We always have some fun activity planned--walking Ziggy, trying out new restaurants, sipping on vino... This past Sunday we switched things up by heading to the current sale happening at World Market located at Fisherman's Wharf area. While less than enthused with the idea of having to search for parking, I was motivated by having found my new dining room chairs. I threw on my favorite weekend shirt and military-inspired buckle booties - casual, comfy, and most importantly, easy to maneuver through heavy foot traffic. Not only did I pick up two fabulous Mid-Century Modern red leather chairs, I have the hysterical memories of my mom and I loading my new chairs on and off my old, tiny elevator......Thanks, Mom xox

Added Bonus: World Market at Fisherman's Wharf location has parking!

Sun Withdrawl.

With Fall just around the corner it's a wonder why I am writing about bathing suits. But with the absence of the Summer season this year in San Francisco, the plan making is underway for some warmer weekend getaways - both beach and desert bound - making it necessary for me to find the perfect bikini. When choosing beachwear, I go for mix and match two-pieces from JCrew - the swimsuits have an easy European way about them. I chose this ruffle bandeau bikini in copper-the top is great for a small bust and the foldover band bottoms are flattering. Here's to copper days ahead!

{Jersey Lomellina wave ruffle bandeau top}

{Jersey Lomellina foldover wide-band hipster}

The Tillman Story

Life changing must see.

All That Sparkles.

There is nothing I love more during award season than the looks from the red carpet. And this year's Emmys left no disappointment. The running theme on the red carpet is all about the statement piece--statement jewelry, statement accessories and statement dresses. From sparkling jewels to glittering gowns, here are some of my personal favorites..

Simple Perfection{Armani Prive}

{Atelier Versace}

Loveley in Lace

{Carolina Herrera}

Short and Sweet

{Marchesa, Lorraine Scwartz necklace}

Best Mother-Daughter Duo
{Donna Karan, Thierry Mugler}

Work of Art

{Prada chandelier heels}

Best Dressed Man

{Giorgio Armani}

Best Dressed Woman

{Oscar de la Renta, Lorraine Schwartz cuff & necklace}