Petite Freebie: Alt Classes

I have yet to attend Altitude Design Summit (one day!), the popular annual conference for design and lifestyle bloggers.

  image via

Fortunately, non-attendees now have the opportunity to partake in blogging wisdom via Alt's online classes. There are at least six classes in July that piqued my interest.

Each session costs only $15 but thanks to Bing's Summer of Doing campaign,  we can take two Alt classes for free! All pertinent information can be found here. Merci beaucoup, Bing!

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Petite Celebration: 4th of July

I am in disbelief that we are in the last week of June. I did not realize until two days ago that Americans will celebrate Independence Day next week. Time to work on those red-white-and-blue projects!

 Some ideas for those of who are last- minute planners:

garland | tart | wreath | fruit skewers | paper lollies | cones

Pink Paislee recently released a wonderful product line called Independence. Be sure to check out their site for ideas for the 4th of July.

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Petite Shop-ping: Fancy French Cologne

How can I not smile with an e-boutique named Fancy French Cologne? I bet you just did also! Named after a Joni Mitchell song, this San Francisco business is a collaboration between two musicians. The site is filled with goods that are vintage-inspired, effortless, and affordable.

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Petite Style: Ruche Summer 2012 Lookbook

Have you seen the latest Ruche lookbook, "The Tuscan Sun"? The photos are gorgeous and the styling is impeccable...

The shoot took place at Demetria Estate Winery, which is 5-6 hours away from me by car. Weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, anyone?

{ Photography by Jose Villa; images via Ruche and M Loves M }

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Petite Chic: Summer Essentials

It is the first day of summer, and I always face the warm season with trepidation. Heat and I do not get along! Here are essential items that help me to survive the season without looking like a mess.

Chambray dress | Sunglasses | Canvas tote | Shoes | Trousers | Hat | Hair Pin

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Petite Reads: Style Blogs

Do you read any style blogs?  There are a few that I follow, but then I saw a recommended list of "30 Spectacular Style Bloggers Over 30." Some of my favorites even made the list! The list piqued my interest, considering that I am in the age group of these bloggers. :)

My new-to-me favorites:

Girls of a Certain Age
{ photo by Todd Heisler for The New York Times }
I have been a subscriber of Lucky magazine since its inception, and I must say that I miss Ms. France's presence in the publication. Imagine how thrilled I was to find out about her blog. While I do not agree entirely with her worldview,  I find her witty and down-to-earth.

The Average Girl's Guide

As the blog's name suggests, blogger Alyson Seligman is all about approachable style and living. 

Holier Than Now
Ann Colville Somma's  blog is such a visual treat! I cannot help but be inspired by her fashion collages and  curated mood boards.

Do you have any recent favorite blog finds?

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Petite Chic: Anne Willi

I love stumbling upon unique products. Anne Willi is a Parisian fashion label for women (and at one point it also had a children's line). These days I gravitate more towards chic yet unfussy clothing now that I am a mother, and Anne Willi's offerings fit my lifestyle.

Current line:

From previous collections:

Be sure to check out Anne Willi's blog, and get a sneak peek at next season's collection!

{ All images via Anne Willi }

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Petite Eats: Las Paletas

Living in San Diego, California not only means that I am in close proximity to Mexico, but I also have easy access  to authentic Mexican food. Now that summer is {almost} here I want to cross the border to enjoy a frozen treat called paleta.

 via Sweet Paul Magazine

But would you believe that some of the best paletas I have had the pleasure of consuming are found stateside? ¡Sí! In Nashville, Tennessee to be exact.

 via Flitterin

via The Hungry Southerner

Going to Las Paletas was one of the highlights amidst the sticky Southern heat. My husband nonchalantly asked the proprietor one day how these goodies are made, to which the she replied mysteriously, "It's a secret family recipe."

Fortunately the magic behind paletas have been demystified, thanks to Fany Gerson's book and the latest issue of Sweet Paul magazine.

Have you had a paleta, or have made some?

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Petite Art: Tinou Le Joly Sénoville

I fell in love with this oiseaux print via Creature Comforts, so I went to find more about its Paris-based creator, Tinou le Joly Sénoville.

papillons stickers

via MonJoliShop

Insectes

via Smallable

Spring 2008 Collection

via Read Me

Alphabets

via Fouinzanardi

Balloon Invitation

via Pulp Creative Paper

Valise

via Ninipompom

Lest you think that all her works are whimsical or limited to the under 12 set, Sénoville has also illustrated for numerous grown-up publications like Harvard Business Review and The Oprah Magazine.

via Garance

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