Coconut & Bean

Where family and style coexist

short story on how to wear jean shorts

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Shorts-1

Madewell shorts similar, Rag & Bone tank (peaking out), Target sweatshirt, Dolce Vita tennies, Helen Ficalora alphabet necklace, Zara bag similar

So spring is in full swing over here. We’ve been gardening, dancing, oh and getting my brother married off. (Congrats to the newlyweds!) It’s been an insane month of travel and party planning, but one thing that has been easy is the wardrobe. With warm weather comes my simple uniforms, one of which is jean shorts. It’s always scary putting on shorts for the first time of the year (I hate my knees), but it’s also freeing. When I buy my jean shorts, I always buy them in at least one or two sizes larger than I would wear in jeans. That way you avoid the ever-unflattering butt flaps and the always uncomfortable you know what toe. Over the next few weeks look for lots of jean short looks. This one is pretty casual, and fantastic for drop-off/pick-ups, shop-til-you-dropping or a quick-lunch with girlfriends. I also think because of the baggy shorts, long sleeves and tennies it’s totally appropriate for volunteering on hot days at school. So go on, take your pants off!!!

Shorts-2 Shorts-3 Shorts-4

kids holiday party ideas

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Christmas-in-The-Bu

You know that hideous Santa experience you see in the malls every year. Kids crying, moms trying, lines growing. Well, never again! This year we got our Santa fix with the girls and my niece at The Malibu Country Mart and I am a full convert. I also think this would be a great idea for a kids holiday party. We got there at noon, waited five minutes to meet the big man for a quick (free!) photo, then embarked on some cookie making, playground warfare and lunch. It felt like the sunniest day of the year and the easy crowds and gorgeous views really made me get in the holiday spirit. The girls were both in their new plaid dresses from H&M and I was in my uniform these days, bell bottoms from Free People and an Old Navy plaid. We’ll be off to Mammoth this weekend, so we’ll miss the next event hosted by the folks at The Malibu Country Mart but I highly recommend taking the kiddos to check it out. It’s a visit from Santa’s reindeer. Yeah, real reindeer-get you some! Ho, ho, ho!

 

Cookies

Very serious cookie making.

Girls-in-the-sand

Very serious sand castle making.

Me-in-The-Bu

Playground chic.

Toms sunnies, Sam Edelman booties

Waiting-for-the-big-guy

Waiting for the big guy and the face off.

Santa-and-the-girls

Mission accomplished. Well sort of. Elle’s never been a fan of the jolly one.

Elle-in-The-Bu

She opted for a sandbox glamour shot instead.

 

 

 

 

 

outfit recipe-maxi dress for grammy night

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Full-body

Mike and I had never been to the Grammy’s, or any award show for that matter, before last year and now we’ve been lucky enough to go two years in a row. I got this BCBG Runway dress for a wedding last summer and it was perfect on its own, but with this event being about music and in the middle of February, I wore this SW3 jacket with it (on sale now) to add some warmth and a little edge.

Purse-detail

This year the Grammy’s were all about rock n’ roll with some of my favorite performances being Mumford & Sons, Fun., and The Black Keys, my new favorite. So I thought it appropriate to do a little homage with my jewelry. These pyramid bangles in black and pave did the trick. Note to self: stop holding your clutch purse like it’s a grenade, sheesh.

Earring-close-up

Since the dress is so graphic I kept the earrings simple, these Alexis Bittar sparklers were the perfect bit of glitz it needed.

Shoe-shot

These Ann Taylor sandals are very versatile and comfy, well for heels at least. They’re also on sale on my new Threadflip page!

Half-body-shot

One of my favorite things about this outfit is how comfortable it is. Maxi dresses this time of year are the perfect tool to make me feel feminine while covering up my not-ready-for-prime-time winter bod. Hello, pale!

Invitations

How nice of the Grammy’s to use some of my favorite colors for the after-party invitation.

 

outfit recipe-denim denim

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Back-shot

Never say never. I said I’d never wear denim with denim and here I am wearing it, and loving it. I think the key is in the color. I like the mix of light, almost white denim with a darker blue. When Mike and I hit the road for Mammoth last weekend I was inspired by the rustic scenery and got my mountain chic on with moccasins and turquoise. On the way up we pulled over to take a few pics at Red Rock Canyon, something I’ve always wanted to do but never have. Now I think I’ll always have to, it’s just too pretty not to. It reminded me that the joy of a trip really is in the journey, not just the destination. We’re always so amped to get out-of-town that we hardly ever stop to take it all in. Sure it was easier to do this time because we didn’t have the kids with us, but what 2.5 and 5-year-old wouldn’t want to stop and run around a cool spot like this? Next time for sure. Create a new family tradition, check.

Jeans, shirt similar, moccasins, turquoise necklace similar, Helen Ficalora horseshoe and love charm necklaces, vintage burgundy beads similar, sunglasses

Half-shot

Jewelry-shot

Shoes-closeup

I swear I take these off sometimes, just not much lately.

Mountain-shot

outfit recipe-plaid coat

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Full-body-double

Hot, cold, hot, cold-I can’t really keep up with the weather here in So Cal but on cold days I’m living in this comfy collar coat and super comfy jeans and moccasins. I don’t know how stylish it is but it sure is cozy. Temperature is always an issue for me, if it’s 70 degrees out I’m usually a little chilly. So I tend to go overboard on the layering factor (note: there are at least two under this sweater here). I love this coat for the classic plaid and the deep red/burgundy color which is really versatile. I hope you’re staying warm and toasty wherever you are today.

Shoes-close-up

Necklace-closeup

 Face-close-up

Coat similar, jeans (ON SALE NOW), moccasins, necklace, sunglasses, top similar

outfit recipe-graphic cardigan

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Bold, graphic ardigan sweater

The cold front let up this week in So Cal (yes, 50 degrees is a cold front here) so I was able to get out of my boots and wraps and get into one of my favorite looks: skinny jeans, v-neck tee, flats, cardigan sweater. I’ve really been attracted to more graphic cardigans since I sometimes feel frumpy in plain ones. These flats are THE BEST and totally worth their semi-alarming price tag . They have a hidden wedge built-in so you’re not scuffing around right on the ground and the little lift makes them super comfy. They come in an awesome assortment of colors, but I’ve yet to find an outfit this neutral tan didn’t work with. I’m also obsessed with my new necklace from American Rag (major sale online right now btw). Turquoise always brightens up a look and it goes with so many color combinations. You can check out more outfit recipes on Pinterest, where all my style dreams come true.

cardigan similar, jeans similar, v-neck, flats, necklace similar, Helen Ficalora horseshoe charm and chain

Necklace-detail

New-do

NEW HAIR! After 15 years I finally said goodbye to highlights and hello to ombre. New year, new do. More hair crushes here.

Elle

Special thanks to my photo assistants on my first selfie outfit recipe. You gals trigger a remote like nobody’s business.

Coco

Coco’s feet in this pic are killing me softly.

Elle’s dress and leggings H&M

Coco’s shirt and leggings Target

family photo shoot

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Dressing a family for a photo shoot can be a nightmare. Scratch that, dressing my family can be a nightmare, I try not to generalize. Even for me, who loves to plan outfits for people. Fortunately, there is comfort in numbers as I’ve noticed many of my parent peeps have the same issue. So I was inspired to write this post to address the madness that can be family picture day. Here’s my unsolicited advice, as a stylist and a mom. Rule #1-be comfortable! If you put yourself or your kids in something that’s not you, or them, just because you think it will look great in a photo you’re going to ruin your photo. Because if you don’t FEEL good, you won’t LOOK good. Rule #2-keep the kiddos happy. If your daughter wants to wear her favorite pink dress (above) let her. Even if it’s supposed to be a “holiday” photo and it’s freezing at the beach and your mom really wants you to put on the cute jeans she just bought you, ahhh I digress. At least you’ll have that memory captured, “Awww I remember that dress, you hardly ever took it off.” I tend to stick with neutrals in our family pics with a pop of color here and there, sometimes unexpectedly. Again, above. But here are a few more combos that may inspire you on how to coordinate the fam so they’re all cohesive. Remember, deep breaths-it may be the most stressful day of the year, but it’s just one day. And it usually falls around cocktail hour, so don’t forget to properly celebrate once it’s over and say cheese!

Photo of by Michelle Warren

Pattern by Leanne Shapton

Modern Family, one of the best family portraits ever from one of the best episodes ever-“Family Portrait”.

 

 

 

T-shirts to the rescue

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Sometimes when I’m getting dressed in the morning, I feel like I’m a soldier preparing for war with all the scenarios I have to consider. OK, gotta be comfortable because after Elle’s drop off Coco and I are hitting the park. It’s been cold in the morning and hot later in the day so need to do some layers. Jeans or a maxi skirt with moccasins or flats are in heavy rotation right now. OK, now for a top. No, not that shirt-too fancy, not suitable for the inevitable mess it will adopt after Cokes’ lunch. No, not that one-too binding, I’m on the move and I need something that will move with me. More days than not it really becomes the art of the perfect t-shirt. Enter My Line. These soft and comfy tees manage to be all that and chic at the same time. They’re available here, but I’m really excited to hit a trunk show of theirs tomorrow night. A sip-n-shop if you will. Pretty much my dream scenario. Really what’s better than drinking wine with friends and shopping at the same time? Wish me happy hunting and I look forward to reporting back my finds soon.

Photos by Rick Rodney

 

tennis trends

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Photo/shirt/bag/headband/wristbands/skirt/tennis bracelet

It’s been three years since I played tennis. I played almost every week when Elle was three, and up until I was 7 months pregnant with Coco. So as I gear up to get back on the court, I can’t help but think of what I’d like to wear-naturally. I love tennis for so many reasons, not least the smart style revolved around this classic sport. Now in truth, I will probably just dust off the old Champion sets I use to wear at the net, but a girl can dream can’t she!?! And while I’m dreaming, I might as well get my super-hero on right? I mean, intimidation can be half the battle.

Top/skirt/wristbands/bag/shoes/visor

Wristbands/dress/bag/star earrings

 

handmade jewelry

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Beads art

A few months ago, I found this necklace at a boutique in La Costa and I haven’t taken it off much since. Maybe you’ve noticed. The necklace caught my eye, but the story behind it cinched the deal. The necklace is sold by Ember Arts, a company who partners with women in Uganda, East Africa who make this charming handmade jewelry out of recycled paper and plastic. Yeah, the goodness just keeps on coming-total guilt free shopping here. Through the connection to the American market, these women use the profits to rebuild their lives and their families lives after a devastating civil war. When I went to look for another purchase on their site the other day , this video (below) was on the home page. If you can take a minute to watch it, you will not be disappointed. These women are amazing. What I found most incredible was how much I related to them even though our worlds could not be more different. I mean my daily suburban strifes were put into MAJOR perspective. Their struggling for daily survival, I’m struggling for the shortest line at Target. But in the end, we’re still mothers, daughters and sisters doing what women do-looking out for those around us and trying to make the best life we can for our families. I’ve been so inspired by this story, and I hope you are too.

multicolored necklaces/three string necklaces/earrings/pouch/necklace