the [updated] black blazer.

rediscovering my love of black as well as having an appreciation for simplicity, i've been updating my wardrobe with neutral pieces in varying textures. mornings run smoothly when i can confidently grab separates that i know will work together and look good together.

this textured blazer has a form-fitting shrunken fit, different from the oversized shapeless black blazers i've worn in the past. layered here over my favorite leather tank top, the textures give this otherwise simple black on black mix enough visual interest to get noticed.

i'm also rocking love & sunshine's newest design...

the crossbody bag.

how do you simplify getting dressed in the morning?

(black textured blazer c/o Little Mistress; top/denim/shoes via Lulu's)

here's a few to try:

quick hello.

just dropping in to say a quick hello. i had a race on sunday which left little time (and energy) to take photos for the blog. i do my best to plan ahead for those weeks, but you know how that goes...so bear with me during the week following my races. 

the second week of east vs west is coming up tomorrow - check back to see what trend we're rocking. plus i have a neat giveaway that's perfect for the upcoming holidays and a recap of sunday's race. stay tuned!

how are you today?

mohair sweater.

anybody wanna cozy up?

this sweater is so soft and fuzzy, you will definitely stay warm in this animal print mohair sweater from Persun. we've had a great run of chilly weather here, but forecasts say it's (sadly) going to warm up soon. if  you are still experiencing cold weather or simply love sweaters like i do, check out Persun's huge selection of sweaters and jackets. i have two sweaters from them that i am extremely happy with. in addition, they just lowered all their prices for 2014!

have you heard of poi? it is a hawaiian diet staple made by pounding the root of the taro plant into a paste-like consistency. many locals feed it to their babies because it is an excellent source of calcium and iron, and, more importantly, hypoallergenic...making it great for babies with allergies. it's also believed to be a probiotic. some of us around here call it the perfect baby food. i was fed poi as a baby, and i fed it to my kids. i spent sunday with some friends at a workshop learning how to make our own poi pounder (pohaku) and board (papa). it's a lot of work, but my classmate had it down to a science. it took me nearly seven hours to complete my poi pounder and board, and my arms and back have been sore for days, but it will be so worth it once we have the first taste of our own poi.

have you tried poi?

(photo by friend)

cutting and sanding my board, or 'papa'.

stone ready to be rough-cut using the one on the left as a guide.

(photo by friend)

progression of the poi pounder, or 'pohaku'...

this is what it looks like after the above step.

now it's ready to be shaped and smoothed.

(photo by friend)

after final shaping and sanding.

before and after.

board just needs final sanding and butcher block oil,

then we're ready to make poi!

(animal print mohair sweater c/o Persun (buy); aeropostale denim; h&m bag)

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