Swell Sip: Seattle's Best

Seattle's best citizen blogger, that is. This week's SWELL SIP is an ode to and collaboration with Ms. Shannon Eileen, the beauty and brains behind Happiness Is, a blog of good things and her labor of love that brings her musical life in Seattle to life for us all. And what might she be sipping come the grey days in the Emerald City? A concoction crafted from coffee (of course) with a hint of almond and a spoonful of cream. Wrapped up in a rust colored scarf, proper rain boots and a poncho to stay dry, and this is how they sip in style in the Northwest. (That being said, she's visiting Los Angeles as we speak. Should you see her, give her a big welcome). Cheers Shannon!

8.Seavees Off Shore Tall Rain Boots 9. Rag & Bone Tompkin Scarf 10. Monki Jorun Bag 11. La Sardina Camera Domino 12. Steven Alan Outdoor Poncho

Swell Sip: Ginger Cheer

This, friends, is a very special SWELL SIP for a very special mister—the one and only Mr. Goicochea,of course. A fantastic fellow (and a perfect pop to the pups and cats), I am honored to call him the peas to my carrots and the pep in my step. In short, he makes life grand! And being so stylish and snappy, smart and sweet, this ginger-apple-vanilla concoction suits him perfectly. Ian, cheers to your day of birth and to many years to come! I love you, good sir. 

6. Gant Rugger Blazer 7. General Pants Expedition Boot 8. Swaine Adeney Brigg Flask Umbrella

9. Topshop Resin Segment Collar 10. Scoth & Soda Japanese Styled Scarf 11. Peter Jensen Pintuck Dress

Swell Sip: Sleepy Ghost

After a spooky and spectacular Halloweekend, there may be a chance that you'll want to  hole up in your house on Monday to watch frightening flicks and keep the spirit of All Hallows' Eve low key. Well, at least I might so any good recommendations for films welcome. So may I present to you the right libation for the occasion: the Sleepy Ghost, a SWELL SIP so stiff (pun intended) from vodka, Creme de Menthe Pastille and vanilla schnapps that you'll want to savor it slowly should you end up truly sleepy if you don't. Happy haunting friends!

6. Toast Cableknit Short Socks 7. CB2 Buckley Organic Blanket 8. Toast Storm Lantern 9. SALT Optics Martin Crystal Glasses 10.Vanessa Bruno Apron Shirtdress

Swell Sip: Jolly Pumpkin

Since I fancy autumn so much, I couldn't help but create an outfit for a casual seasonal fete—perhaps a pumpkin-carving party or jabbering around the hearth with plenty of blankets. With a bit of whipping cream, warm notes of spice and a rum base, this SWELL SIP is like pumpkin pie in a glass. Meaning, skip dessert and end the night with a Jolly Pumpkin. Here's to a very merry weekend!

6. Toast Colibri Shoes 7. Rag & Bone Montgomery Crop Sweater 8. ASOS Polished Bangle Watch 9.Topshop Pleated Chiffon Skirt 10. Pendleton Beach Boys Rust Motor Robe Blanket

Swell Sip: Morning, Autumn

Brisk autumn mornings in Los Angeles when the sun is out and the air is clear enough to realize how close we are both to the ocean and the mountains are simply perfection. It makes you wonder how you could ever live anywhere else, no? This SWELL SIP, a coffee and hazelnut concoction that is meant for sipping on any crisp day, is best had after an early Sunday spent munching on pain au chocolat while perusing flea markets and farmers markets. Come home, find the newspaper and enjoy while taking your sweet (and nutmeg-y time). Morning, autumn!

8. Boy by Band of Outsiders Easy Shirt 9. Hill-side Scarf 10. Apolis Market Bag 11.  Minnetonka Suede Ankle Boots 12. Toast Boy Jean

Swell Sip: Harvest Moon

The arrival of October has me overlooking the fickle weather in Los Angeles (Will it be gray? Will it be hot?) to find pieces of autumn like this A.P.C. Tartan Bag that just beckons to be taken away for the weekend. No matter the weather, a tall glass of fresh-pressed apple cider with a suckerpunch of moonshine and a swirl of cinnamon simple syrup and you're going to be feeling fall. Too much of this SWELL SIP and you'll fall. So be careful and drink slowly. Here's to the harvest!

8. R.C.P. Holden Grey Oxford 9. SALT Optics 10. A.P.C. Tartan Travel Bag 11. Opening Ceremony High Top Dress Shoes 12. J.Crew Slim Leg 484 Selvedge Jeans

Swell Sip: Hard Day's Night

Perhaps you know those kinds of days or weeks. Yes, I'm sure you do. So this is a SWELL SIP that is a mighty strong but oh-so-nice libation for when you need to toast with friends to another weekend's arrival. Take on this recipe if you wish, or walk up to the bar and tell them how to whip it up for you. Either way, TGIF.

6. Proenza Schouler Pouch 7. Dorothy Parker Cable Knee High Socks 8. Monki Costanza Dress

9. Madewell Biker Boot  10. Marc Jacobs Doe Brass Studs

Swell Sip: Earl's Cure

When you're under the weather, we all know you must drink plenty of water, sip on broth and cozy up to nurture your health. But should you be sick say through the weekend, I'd recommend throwing yourself (and any brave or silly soul who'll come near) a tea party spiked with a little bit of brandy. This SWELL SIP, Earl's Cure, is just for that purpose. Brew some quality Earl Grey tea, slice a few oranges and get out your tea set. Then pass around the brandy, triple sec and pot of honey and you're ready to toast to feeling better. If this sounds like I've planned this out, it's because it is exactly what I intend to do this evening along with eating a hearty supper and watching a good flick. Followed correctly, I should be bright-eyed by Monday. See you then!

6. Terrain Honeycomb Throw 7. Anthropologie Shibori Swatch Pillow 8. Madewell Faded Pointelle Socks 9. SALT Allie Glasses 10. J.Crew Striped Pajama Top  11. Toast UK Monika Slipper

Swell Sip: Heat Wave

Yes, I know it's September, but tell that to the weather, won't you? I didn't visit the beach once this summer, but with triple digits now I'm ready to take my market bag, pack a picnic and plant myself by the water. This SWELL SIP, packed with a punch of peach and tequila plus a slice of green fig, is meant to drink in moderation, but can be your go-to for chilling out. I'd recommend serving it up in large batch along with a fresh avocado and tomato salad to your fellow melting mates as an early Saturday dinner. Stay cool out there!


6. Woven Straw Bag 7. Illesteva Freida Glasses 8. Monki Penny Shorts  9. Basabo Woven Sandals 10. Miju Ariz Necklace 11. Girl by Band of Outsiders Baptista Cami

Swell Sip: Long Weekend

Whether you're escaping the city in this comfy weekend outfit or simply sitting on your porch for three days, may you find time to cool down with this subtly sweet SWELL SIP. A mix of Civilized Vodka, elderflower syrup, fresh pear, cucumber and a spot of fizz, it is refresher to end the summer properly. It went by quickly, but it was good while it lasted. Cheers folks!

8. J. Crew Slimfit Selvedge Jeans 9. Master-piece Blanket Rucksack 10. Warby Parker Winston Frames 11. Thorocraft The Williamson 12. Sunspel T Shirt

Swell Sip: August Dusk

Teal and orange like a evening sky, I swirled up this SWELL SIP (based on a recipe for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) to feel a bit dangerous and mysterious with its gin base, touch of la fée verte, and a puckery finish of orange bitters. Imbibed while on on the patio in this late summer ensemble and who knows where the wind will take the rest of your night?

8. Uniform Wares 150 Series 9. Fleet Ilya Layered Loop Satchel 10. Gorman Woodgrain Ballet Skirt 11. Durbury Acute Cut Pumps 12. Monki Chelsea Singlet

Swell Sip: Boyes-enberry Bliss

I concocted this sparkly and sweet SWELL SIP in honor of one of my favorite duos, Justin and Monica, or as we will soon know them: Mr. and Mrs. Boyes. Simple pour a glass of sparkling white wine or your favorite bubbly, add a bit of muddled boysenberries, a splash of blackberry liqueur, top with a fun straw and serve. Cheers to many years of good fortune and good fun! See you Monday, my dears. 

5. Dolce & Gabbana Check Shirt  6. J. Crew Men's Socks 7. Allsaints Spitalfields Fuse Bowtie 8. Iacoli & McAllister Necklace No. 3 9. Dieppa Restrepo Shoes 10. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Dress

Swell Sip: The Outside Land

Happy Friday! Many of you may already be sipping your java and getting giddy for your next few days of throwing down your blanket, pulling out your camera and listening to the sounds of Ellie Goulding and Beirut under the eucalyptus trees at Outside Lands. To you I say, have a marvelous time! To the rest of us (oh you know, the ones trekking to SF who will be eating summer squash tacos at Tacolicious, but skipping Golden Gate or those who are staying in LA and keeping it mellow), here is a SWELL SIP to celebrate the festival anyway. With a smidgen of lime juice, a hint of tarragon and a lot of gingery fizz, it's an concoction best enjoyed in the fresh air—wherever you may be.

6. Cutler and Gross Sunglasses 7. Apolis American Bundle 8. Steven Alan Thermal Crew 9. Fisheye One Woodgrain Camera 10. Jack Purcell Shoes 11. Burberry Tote

Swell Sip: Iberian Escape

Though I may be visiting Spain for the holidays, I still cannot help but wish I was spending the last weeks of summer under the shade of Seville orange trees (just like I was wishing last year.) Instead, I'll take sitting under the leaves in Hahn Park with a jar of this Iberian Escape, a SWELL SIP that is both nectarous and piquant with bites of kumquat zest and flavors of rose. Paired with this Eva Monki dress (how appropriate) and a colorful scarf, and it's a bit of vacation in a glass. Salud!


 
6. Steven Alan Legacy Handbag 7.  Dieppa Restrepo Shoes 8. Monki Eva Dress 9. Madewell Sunset Horizon Scarf 10. Super & Liberty & Co. Elysian Sunglasses

Swell Sip: Trail Blazer

With Jenna away on vacation and my indoor camping birthday fete tomorrow (a bit early as I turn a year older on August 9), I got behind the bar to create a SWELL SIP fit for toasting with after a long hike. With a swizzle of Midnight Moon, Lemon Peel & Ginger Root Mash and a sprig of rosemary, this is sure to both refresh and relax your senses after a day exploring. I imagine sitting in a safari tent at El Capitan Canyon (the definition of glamping) with a few fellow hikers, a round of these and a vintage set of dice. A proper excursion for the end of summer, don't you think?




7. Urban Outfitters Sahara Wayfarers 8. Madewell Acorn Necklace 9. Steven Alan Erin Shorts 10. Madewell Sun Fade Sketch Tank 11. Thoro Craft Shop Hudson Boots 12. Herschel Supply Company Survey

Swell Sip: Summer Salty Dog

Being that we are well into the dog days of summer, Jenna has stirred up a deliciously refreshing SWELL SIP. With Fizzy Lizzy Grapefuit bubbles and a perfect rim of salt, it is sure to pucker you up and cool you down. And speaking of dogs, stay tuned for my must-have canine travel gear full of perfect ideas for your wayfaring pooch. We're taking the pups to Palm Springs for a little R&R and while we sip our Summer Salty Dogs, they'll be happily acting like lazy dogs in the breeze of the AC. Happy weekend!

5. Topshop Yellow Oversize Hexagon Sunglasses 6. Sparkle and Fade High/Low Tank 7. Coral Slouchy Bag 8. Sun-San Saltwater Sandals 9. Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Shorts

Swell Sip: L.A. Staycation

Thanks to dear Jenna (who sends her love and condolences to our freeway-dependent city), we can at least make the most of this silly weekend with a sunny SWELL SIP, a tart mix of lemon vodka, grenadine and sugar. A couple of these plus a viewing of Valley of the Dolls in your lady of leisure outfit, and you'll be sittin' pretty at home without a care in the world.

7. Chanel Aviators 8. Jane Norman Floppy Hat 9. Valley of the Dolls 10. Kimchi Blue Henley Romper 11. Aldo Rodda Womens' Flat Sandals 12. Kate Spade Bamboozled Graduated Necklace

Swell Sip: Toasted Fisherman

And if I was going The Dune House, I would absolutely take a fisherman (the Mr. loves these Apolis picks, but can he fish, I wonder?) and of course, the makings for Jenna's Toasted Fisherman, a tawny and cooling Northern hemisphere-inspired SWELL SIP that will leave all your mates jolly as old sailors. As R.D. Culler, author of all things nautical, said, "Boats, like whiskey, are all good."

So. . .down the hatch!

6. Apolis Breton Shirt 7. Apolis Standard Issue Chino 8. Zara Buckle Bag 9. Obey Shepard Nylon Jacket 10. Zara Canvas Ankle Boot

Swell Sip: Starry Sangria

Yes, I know. Sangria isn't exactly All-American. But it is a perfect potion meant to be shared (as in, note the recipe calls for a bottle, so pull out your punch bowl, won't you?). With a splash of bubbly—club soda or champagne—and loads of fresh fruit, this is worth making to celebrate the red, white and blue and to imbibe well into the last days of the season. In short, it is a delightful summer SWELL SIP! Pair it with your polka dot bikini this weekend and you will be nothing short of festive. Hurray!



7. Vintage Persols 8. Top Shop Red Spot Bikini 9. Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt 10. J. Crew Miansai Hook Bracelet 11. Saludos Espadrilles

Swell Sip: Happy Camper

Happy Friday you happy campers! I don't know if you're bound for the woods for a rugged getaway, but whether you're making a mess with s'mores under the stars, or just standing around your TV with the cracklin' fire video playing, this is a minty-fresh Mason jar SWELL SIP from Jenna that will get you back to nature. After her Rhode Island excursion, consider this authentic.