Japanese peasants preferred indigo blue shades because the color mirrored the hue of the oceans surrounding the Japanese islands, a symbol that was both culturally and economically important.  The Japanese discovered that cotton is a difficult fabric to dye except with indigo. Consequently indigo dye was widely used throughout Japan as a coloring and designing agent for cotton textiles. The dyeing process lasted a week or more and required individual cotton pieces to be immersed and removed from the dye vat more than twenty times. This assured the dark blue color was firmly fixed in the material. Over time, use and washing, the dark blue appearance gradually faded, producing a visually striking effect.

Americans think denim + we think Levi's + the gold rush....  In both cultures it was fabric of the worker.  Today Indigo is loved by all.

The first time I met the charming Serena Armstrong was in Napa Valley the week after the BFF Bag Launch Party.   She immediately ordered a Hudson Bay Messenger.  I immediately liked her + thought yes a kindred Haute Bohemian soul.

Serena, a mother of two, a lover of home design, fashion, fabrics came to her present metier late.  But it seems to be her destiny.   After moving to Marin + renovating a home or two she started a home design blog to document the renovation. http://www.farmhouseurban.com/   Next came a few satisfied customers which morphed into Serena Armstrong Interiors.  And finally her delightful atelier/shop on Magnolia Street in Marin.  Where she both sees private clients + 3 days a week has the store open for retail shoppers.

The store is a not too overwhelming a mix high/low.  Items such as chairs below + chaise lounge are given a facelift of elegance + usefulness.  Modern fabrics + treatments of materials breathe new life into what had become stodgy pieces.  Serena has a terrific eye +  focused point of view.   I would love to have her come to my home + spin her magic. Nothing seems too forced, just lovely + fresh.  You can see some of her work in this month's issue of RUE Magazine. 

And what is a visit on a Sunday morning to a home store sale without scrumptious  enticements?  Serena with her good taste had pastries + coffee from the
The SweetLife Bakery in San Anselmo on hand.  Visiting the Farmhouse Urban Home Store, chatting with Serena Armstrong + savoring an almond croissant is truly THE SWEETLIFE.

I have never met a stripe I did not like.   With few exception they add a playful charm + easy cool to any space they break up.  After all that is the purpose of the stripe.   Here are a couple of stripes that I would joyously add to my own collection.

One's hair is said to be one's best accessory.   And this season that accessory is red.    What a breathe of fresh air from all the blonde wannabees, play it safe brunettes + super trendy pink or blue dos.  Perfect red hair has the perfect pitch.  Just enough impact but stopping short of contrived.  Strong enough to stand up to a black leather suit or imbue extra cool to a color block outfit.  Proof the two lovely ladies photographed at the Fall 2012 RTW Shows.  The best place ever to sniff out what is new before it arrives at a Starbucks near you.

Fiery neon are everywhere for Spring.   These bold colors add spice to an otherwise neutral outfit.   The best part is that one can make an instant wardrobe update with just one purchase.  And one that won't break the bank but will break up the monotony.  American Apparel has these soft leather clutches in any neon that strikes your fancy. 
Go wild buy 2.

Than there is the power of double neon....

Fuschia + red pack a beautiful punch.  The recipe for instant neon cool.

 Endowed with confidence + blessed with a slender silhouette?   Be bold and take the road less traveled.  Potentially a style home run... you can sport the pieces separately on the days that you don't want to be a show stopper.  And on the days you do...watch out you dreary folks in neutral....

From the moment I met Beth Buccini, than Beth Sheppard my young intern at Mirabella circa 1990's, I was smitten.  Beth's style mantra...playful, more is more, daring + darling about sums it up.  Only matched by her delightful Southern charm.  Below on the cobble stone streets of Soho just steps away from the fashion mecca Kirna Zabete that she founded with her dear friend + college roommate Sarah Easley.  Another Southern Belle.