Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Love & Lace.

Tory Burch top & skirt / Valentino shoes / DVF clutch & sunglasses (c/o) / Hermes bracelet

Those who know me know I'm not one to shy away from mixing patterns....ever, but I simply love how polished these separates look together. To balance out the sweetness of this look, I reached for my beloved Rockstuds to edge things up.


Friday, September 26, 2014

Trina Turk S/S 2015.



Never one to shy away from color or pattern, Trina Turk's theme this season was the LA Flower Mart. With each collection, I'm always brought right back to my California girl roots. I can't get enough of her perpetually happy floral prints and energetic color palette. It's refreshing.




Thursday, September 25, 2014

Carmen Marc Valvo S/S 15.


The Spring collection unveiled had a retro, 50's vibe perfectly blended with modern fabrics and cut-out's done oh-so right. 


And to everyone's surprise, Carmen Marc Valvo debuted a men's line in celebration of his 25th anniversary in fashion. What a gift to us all.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Easy Breezy.



Nicole Miller dress / Cole Haan heels / Everlane clutch (c/o) / Hermes bracelet / DVF sunglasses (c/o)

When enduring New York's sweltering heat, it's comforting to know that my forever faithful Nicole Miller tank dress is by my side. It's comfy, easy to wear and it makes me feel like a million bucks. What more could you want? 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Grungy Gentlemen S/S 15.


New to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Grungy Gentleman show us where urban essentials meet an athletic approach to tailoring. Clean, simple and tasteful silhouettes in deep burgundy, navy, black, white and various shades of gray were effortlessly cool. Keep an eye out for much, much more from this brand...


Friday, September 19, 2014

Wedding Week: The Love.



Our wedding was the best day of my life. There has never been a time where I have been surrounded by all of my favorite people in one place and it was an honor to share our love and commitment to each other in their presence.


One of my favorite photos - a stolen moment alone just after the ceremony, but before the reception.

Photography: Colson Griffith Photography

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Wedding Week: The Reception.


After the ceremony, family and friends headed to The Faimont for the reception. Guests joined together in the Loggia sipping cocktails and tasty Hor d'Ourves prior to lunch served in the Pavilion room, set in the garden where Stephen proposed. 



The Pavilion room has the best natural light with 3 floor to ceiling glass walls that also provide stunning views of the city. My favorite part is the intricate light fixture, it's unlike anything I've ever scene before. Absolutely breathtaking.


The floral design was created by Orna of Ornamento, resident florist at The Fairmont. Orna is incredibly talented and understood exactly what I was looking for. Colorful arrangements and centerpieces of hydrangeas, dahlias and garden roses complimented the floral grounds surrounding the Pavilion, almost as though they had been plucked right from the garden. 



Each table setting had a glass heart in cobalt blue, amethyst, seafoam, emerald or crimson engraved with our initials and date. Stephen made each momento at Public Glass Works a few weeks leading up to the wedding. They were quite beautiful.


The Fairmont's head chef, JW Foster, served a delicious menu - a crab & avocado tower, baby iceberg salad and filet mignon with Parmesan & smoked bacon polenta and garden vegetables. My mouth waters just thinking about it. So. Delicious.


After lunch, the toasts began. Stephen's brother, Brian, and my best friend, David, told the story of how Stephen and I met at Brian's wedding just 2 years prior.


 Then my father and godfather shared touching words of wisdom and full of love. We laughed and cried, it was a special moment.



Kelly of Inticing Creations created a beautiful cake with alternating layers of salted caramel and strawberry dream. Stephen actually played a large role in the cake design, but truly the sweetest detail was a mini Ziggy peeking out on the first layer. We just love that little guy so much.


After everything was said and done, Stephen and I escaped to the garden for a few minutes for ourselves to reflect on the day. Although a bit chaotic, we still found time to take it all in and enjoy the celebration of our commitment to one another with our dear family and friends.

Venue: Pavilion Room at The Fairmont
Flowers: Ornamento
Catering: The Fairmont
Cake: Inticing Creations
Photography: Colson Griffith Photography

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Wedding Week: The Ceremony.


From the beginning, Stephen wanted to get married at City Hall. And after I exhausted every other possible option, I realized he was right. San Francisco's City Hall is rich in history, undeniably beautiful and located in the city where we met and fell in love. Absolute perfection...it just took me a minute to get there. Don't tell him I said that. 


We reserved the North Gallery on the 4th floor and my sweet father walked me down the aisle to an acoustic rendition of Canon in D. We added the guitarist was a last minute addition and am so happy we did. The music added that touch of elegance needed to elevate a simple City Hall wedding to the next level. Plus it hushed me from speaking to everyone as I walked down the aisle and allowed me to focus on what was coming next - the vows.


Our wedding was officiated my godfather's good friend from law school, Judge Goldsmith. He kept things intimate, yet fun.Once we were pronounced husband and wife Stephen and I collapsed into each others arms. After so much anticipation for this day, I was was so relieved to get through my vows without tearing up. This is one of my cherished moments captured of our ceremony.




Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wedding Week: The Look.



Shopping for a wedding dress was probably the most stressful aspect of planning the wedding. Actually, I think I was more intimidated than anything. I never had that vision as a little girl as to what I would look like on my wedding day, but knew I didn't want anything too fussy, cheesy, or overwhelming. It wasn't until my mom and I were in New York this past February that I tried on my first dress at the Reem Acra showroom. Quite honestly, the entire experience was a dream come true and felt so right especially because at that time, we were planning for a New Year's Eve wedding. But as life happens, we moved up the wedding and had a much smaller time frame to work within. 

After I went to try on dresses at a bridal store in San Francisco, I knew I did not want to go the traditional route. It just wasn't me. I started to look at white dresses at Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, you name it, but found nothing. I was starting to feel discouraged until my mom sent dress options from Gilt Groupe to my email, including this beautiful Valentino. Someone must have had the same idea because the dress was unavailable just a few minutes later and it was gone. Little did I know that my mom had waitlisted the dress and one day received an excited call from her to say it was available and it was ours. I finally had my dress. 



Next, I needed to find the perfect undergarments. My dress had such intricate lace and beading detail, but was quite sheer. I didn't want anything that would take away from the beauty of the design, but still wanted comfort and coverage. I turned to ThirdLove. and in minutes had taken measurements via their handy (and accurate) app and my order was received in just a few days. So simple, so convenient, so comfy - all so important for your big day.


Now the shoes.... Now this was the easy choice; I knew I wanted Valentino Rockstuds from the start. It was choosing the right color that posed the biggest challenge given that I didn't have wedding colors. I tried on every option possible, fell in love with these Bordeaux colored stunners and never looked back. 


I knew the moment I got engaged that I wanted owner of Salon Mona Lisa and dear family friend, Lisa, to do my hair. And even more than her styling expertise, she's just plain cool with such a calming vibe. I've always looked up to her and think of her as a sister. Not to mention my hair can be quite unruly at times and she's really the only person I trust.  I never had a hair trial. She's just that good. 

I wore a veil for the ceremony so Lisa created simple beachy waves parted down the center. And for the reception, Lisa recommended a romantic side-swept look secured with a vintage hair pin. I've felt so beautiful.


My makeup was done by Alexis from A Smooth Start. She's sweet, professional and incredibly talented. I had my make up trial a week before the wedding and Alexis created a natural look with light pink lip and classic cat eye.

I wore my great grandmother, Gamma's, exquisite wedding ring and earrings I wore to high school Senior Prom. Both perfectly complemented the sweetness of my dress.


Stephen wore a 3-piece Italian wool tan suit, blue striped bowtie and merlot paisley pocket square all from JCrew. I had the cuffs fixed on a crisp white shirt from Everlane so that he could wear his grandfathers cuff links. He looked so handsome.



Hers:
Dress: Valentino via Gilt Groupe
Shoes: Valentino via Nordstrom
Veil & Hair pin: Nordstrom

His:
Suit: JCrew 
Shirt: Everlane
Shoes: Kenneth Cole
Pocket square & Bowtie: JCrew

Photos: Colson Griffith Photography

Monday, September 15, 2014

Wedding Week: One Thing.


One year ago today, my best friend asked me to marry him right on this very bench in the gardens at The Fairmont in San Francisco. After meeting at my friend/his brother's wedding, Stephen's flight out was delayed a day - our bonus day, July 1st, which ended up being our wedding date just 2 years later. Together with our family and close friends we celebrated our day on a Tuesday afternoon in a way that was perfectly us. I'm so excited to share our wedding details in a week long wedding series and hope you enjoy too. 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Desigual S/S 15.


"Daisies in bloom, desert roses, tropical hibiscus and Mexican dahlias; flowers freshly cut from an imaginary garden" 

Desigual's collection is nothing short of F.U.N. full of bold prints, bright pops of color and flower crowns. And I think we all know I'm a sucker for a floral crown.  

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Todashi Shoji S/S 15.


The best way to describe Todashi Shoji's Spring collection is like being transported to Venice. Whimsical silhouettes of pastel and lace with intricate, beaded details took the runway one flowing gown after another. Pure romance.


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Jay Godfrey S/S 15.


Jay Godfrey's collection is a perfectly infused boho-western vibe. With subtle use of color mixed with neutral, soft metallics and luxe textures, the line was modern, fresh and free-spirited. I can't get enough of the long, flowing skirts.



Monday, September 8, 2014

3 Things.

View from my home away from home, The Plaza

While it took us a little longer than expected, my mom and I finally made it to New York City. From the moment we touched down, we've been on the move and having so much fun. The older I get the more I appreciate the time I get to spend with my mom. I'm lucky to have not only a mother, but best friend in her too. She's truly one in a million.

Central Park views from the walk home from Lincoln Center

The most decedent lobster roll from Luke's Locker

Friday, September 5, 2014

This City.


I've got the city in my sights and stardust in my eyes. I couldn't be more excited to be back in New York for fashion week. The energy is simply magnetic.

Follow along my adventures via Instagram or Twitter

Monday, September 1, 2014

3 Things.

Early morning view of the San Francisco skyline

Three day weekends are simply the best. With my trip to New York City just days away there's a ton to do and I haven't even begun to think about what to pack. And to delay things even further, S and I relocated to a friends home for a Labor Day weekend staycation. While our friends are away, we've taken over their home exploring a new neighborhood, enjoying the extra space and all meals al fresco. 

Late afternoon berries in bed

Celebrating 33 wonderful years of my dear friend, Carly.