On to 2015.

By far, my fondest moment of 2014 was marrying S. He's my true inspiration and he makes me the happiest. When the moment counts, it's with him by my side and look forward to what's in store in the year to come. And although I've never been one for the whole new year, new you, I do have areas I would like to continue to develop in 2015 for a more well-rounded life and self in the new year. 

Give back. I'm so fortunate for all that I have, it's important to me to give back to the community that has taken such good care of me. This is a main reason why I joined the Junior League so that I could make a greater impact with a group of like minded woman. You truly do get what you give.

Take advantage of San Francisco living. On repeat. This was something S and I vowed we would do and we kinda nailed it in 2014. From concerts to pop up dinners to art exhibits to sporting events, we dabbled in a bit of everything this city has to offer. BUT there's still So. Much. More. to enjoy, so this will continue to be a priority in 2015.

More yoga & Pilates. During the Summer I switched to early morning cardio before work. I love the clarity of my day when I start my day at the gym but it's just not the same as taking a class. I miss my abs and hope to see them again real soon.

Continue to set, meet and celebrate financial goals. To put it simply, we want a home of our own. Where that home may be located is still up in the air, but exploring neighborhoods is exciting and celebrating milestones met along the way keeps us motivated.

Master the crock pot. So random, I know. But not only do we come home to a warm dinner waiting for us, we save on not ordering take out. A friend recently gave me this cookbook so plan on taking a culinary tour around the world in a crock pot. Coming to a blog near you.

Learn to play the ukulele so I can play with the locals in Santa Cruz. Just because. 

Dance more.

Smile always.

Best of 2014.

As year is coming to a close, here are some of my Insta-Highlights from 2014 (top L to R): 1. Falling back in love with The Fairmont San Francisco // 2. Roadtripping with my main squeeze, Ziggy // 3. Game time at the new 49ers stadium with my mom // 4. Cheering on Giants at a play off game // 5. We got married! // 6. Celebrated 80 fabulous years of my godmother // 7. Another inspiring season at NYFW // 8. SF layovers with my dad // 9. Precious time spent with my Gammy             

3 Things.

Sunset from the 280.

The last few weekends have been go, go, go. So after S partied (a little too) hardy on Friday night at a bachelor party our weekend plans changed just a hair. No more movie night at the Kabuki and trying out a new restaurant, rather he slept and I caught up on magazines. Later that afternoon, we decided to get out of the apartment and took a drive down the coast. The beauty of the ocean awes me, I can take it in for hours. 

That evening, when we returned home pulled together dinner with what we had on hand a and settled in watching some of our favorite 80s flicks. While not what I had initially planned for the weekend, it was exactly what I needed. In my everyday gig, I pour over the finest of details so it was a treat to escape the minutia of it all and surrender to the weekend. This is life, an it never goes exactly as planned, but that's truly the beauty of it all.

80's classics movie marathon

Dahlia's for days

Perspective.

The last few weeks I've been a little off from my usual self. I know that things can't and won't always go my way, but it feels especially so lately. However, last night I had a change in perspective when I attended a fundraiser for a coworker who is running her first Half Marathon proceeds going towards the cure for Crohn's and Colitis, which is something that personally affects her. Seeing this type of dedication is touching and reminded me I have so much to be thankful for - great family, friends, job, my health, love and Ziggy. It's important to stay focused on the positive in front of you rather than dwell on the little things that pass you by. From the disappointments will eventually come the realization that there's something better right around the corner.

3 Things.

A weekend of beautiful, layout worthy weather at the beach, I couldn't ask for much more for my birthday. What made it all that much sweeter was my mom and grandmother celebrating with me.

1. Cheers from La Posta

2. Ziggy doing what he does.

3. Gammy at the Bargetto Winery La Vita release party

3 Things.

A little change of scenery can be so refreshing. For mother's day, my mom, Ziggy and I had ourselves a little overnight stay-cation in San Francisco. We got in touch with our inner tourists finding perfect balance of relaxation, excellent food, and walks through Nob Hill. I fell in love with the city all over again.

1. The phenomenal views from the top of Nob Hill.

2. Discovering just how delicious the Nob Hill Café is & it’s just around the corner.

3. Cozying up in the luxurious bedding at The Fairmont.

Garden Therapy.

The weather in California has been particularly lovely lately making me long for the days I had more space to enjoy the sun, namely a backyard. Days the weather was nice you could almost guarantee I'd be out back gardening - I found it to be quite therapeutic plus I always had fresh herbs & beautiful flowers around the house. Sadly, the size of my San Francisco apartment just won't allow for this, but I look forward to the day when own my own little piece of heaven in the city. It most likely won't have that backyard, but here are a few cute happy compromises that could work for a city gal like me.

Personal Style.

Lately, I've been asked about my personal style - what inspires me, how I put together certain looks, etc. It's all about comfort and confidence. During my twenties, my wardrobe was really in a state of flux. While I was great at picking out cute and well-styled individual pieces, I never really knew how to combine them to achieve a personal style. I knew what I wanted, but struggled to achieve a cohesive "look" that felt like me. If you've ever felt this way, it's time to get organized and give these tips a go:

Fashion Magazines. Flip through fashion magazines and gather images of your favorite celebrities and fashion icons. Now is not the time for compromise - whose closet would you covet most if you could choose anyone in the world? Don't limit yourself to those whose looks you like, but ones that feel like you (and if funds were unlimited and you have your own stylist). And although not formally trained, sometimes I enjoy sketching out the looks myself. And while I'm lucky to haven inherited quite the artistic streak from my grandmother, I'd love to further refine my skillset. I've been referencing this guide to Online Schools for more details about fashion merchandising and design education.  

Mr. Newton// The Socialite Speaks//Refinery 29//A Peek of Chic are just a few of my daily reads.

Street Style. Fashion blogging is obviously one of my passions and I peruse other blogs as a source of inspiration. While you're out in the real world, check out people around you who look the most together. What are they wearing? Tailored blazers, designer handbags, colorful scarves? Note key style pieces in your mind and begin the search for your own interpretation. Personally, I live by my ipad and Pinterest to keep organized.

Christian Louboutin high heel pumps, $1,395//Chanel black quilted handbag//Cartier diamond jewelry//Chanel white pearl necklace//MICHAEL Michael Kors gold watch, $250//Silk scarve, $325

Classic Quality. Invest in some high quality pieces in your wardrobe, these items will last you a lifetime. I love the mix of trendy lower price items combined with a high-end handbag or shoes. Sometimes it just makes sense to spend more on a few simple items, such as a beautiful white blouse, designer scarf, high quality belt, a strand of pearls, great jeans, and similar items. 

Make a List. Now go back and make a list of recurring themes from your celebrity photos, favorite street fashion and your own best pieces. Really break down what you see, don’t guess. Is it the chunky accessories that make the look? The retro tops? Make a list of the major characteristics that you see in all three of your categories. These are the keys to your personal style; these are the types of items to reference when you shop. Again, pinterest is a dream for this.

Don’t Be Afraid of Change. Some of the items on your list might be scarily different than your normal look, but don’t be afraid of them! If necessary, ease into incorporating them into your look, especially if you’re in a notoriously unstylish place like Starbucks on Sunday morning or the airport (seriously, is that where fashion goes to die?!)

UC Santa Cruz graduation

Educate yourself. I've always been an advocate of education. I can't think of a better way to build confidence and polish oneself. Since graduating college a few years ago, I've always known I need to continue on with an MBA and then attend fashion school in order to build a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Lately, I've been referencing this resource to learn more about degree programs right for me.

Lucky Stripes.

Free People dress//Zara sweater//JCrew scarf//Dolce Vita shoes//DVF sunnies//Bulova watch c/o Watcho

I always say joke that I’m gonna live in muumuus some day – actually, caftans (the chic muumuu). For now, I stick with a more age appropriate version in a long maxi, which I’ve been living in the past few weekends. The California weather has been so beautiful, I’m looking forward to getting out with Ziggy and soaking up some sun.

3 Things.

There is nothing I love more than good things happening to good people, especially when those people are ones that I love. Great things are happening all around and I feel so fortunate to witness as life unfolds. And with happy news brings need to celebrate - something I always love to be a part of.

1. Attending the annual Junior League of SF fashion show with 2 of my favorite gals

2. An amazing view on a clear day at the Top of the Mark

3. Brunch in San Carlos with old (& new) friends at Piacere and enjoying a gorgeous sunny day

 

3 Things.

This weekend was nothing short of being jam-packed and fun-filled. Friday night, I headed over to Slim's to see one of my favorite bands, Counting Crows. Saturday morning, I took Ziggy with me to the nail salon, where he waited very patiently. He was rewarded with a visit to the park where he could run around while I caught up on The Hunger Games for my Spreecast book club. As usual, while I sat on the park bench reading and soaking up some sun, there was Z sitting right next to me on the bench. Someone needs to break the news to him that he is a dog! Later, I met friends for lunch at the Presidio Social Club and then we attended the Taste of Success benefit for Junior Achievement at the Golden Gate Club. We had a great time sampling a seemingly never-ending selection of fine wines and delicious food. During the afternoon, we bid on several items from the silent and live auction. This was a great event and very well run - quite impressive!

Saturday night, one of my childhood friends came up for a visit and as always, we had a blast - my sides still hurt from laughing so hard. No matter where we are or what we do, we always manage to have a great time. 

Thankfully, Sunday was much calmer. Sleeping in, enjoying a lazy lunch, and a little spring cleaning were some of my most strenuous activities for the day.

1. Listening to Adam Duritz sing that sweet poetry. Love.

2. Wine tasting for a cause in good company. Does it get much better?

3. Finding this photo of Ziggy as a baby – just precious!



Reasons Why I L-O-V-E The Plaza Hotel.

And you should too...

The stunning Plaza Hotel//our Gorgeous Edwardian suite//opulent & spacious bathrooms that make getting ready so much fun//closet space for miles// private butler service// each room has it’s own ipad//Royalty could be right down the hall//brunch at the Palm Court//Martha Stewart & prized pooch, Ghenghis Khan stay there//Hello, house car//some of the most coveted NYFW shows (um, Thakoon) in the grand ballroom//Nick in the Champagne Bar//the Rose Club//people watching//treats waiting back in the suite//stellar white glove service// I could go on forever.

A special thank you to The Plaza Hotel for their outstanding accommodations. They sure know how to treat a gal!



3 Things.

Today flew by. After a lovely weekend spent in Palm Springs relaxing, today was the farthest thing from that. From my delayed flight to the phony bubbly flight attendant and to the rest of the crazy that seemed to be coming at me from all sides, I handled it all. But couldn't help myself from daydreaming about some of the fun I just had. It feels so far away.  

1. Checking out the stars in downtown Palm Springs {wearing my favorite Dolce Vita's}.

2. Noming on a delicious sushi dinner at Edokku. Seriously, I rate this one of my top 3 sushi spots.

3. New arm candy from Marianne of Palm Springs. Plus I got to meet Marianne - she's 73 and fabulous. I could live in her over the top boutique.

Ageless Appeal.

 {Eileen Fisher glovette//my Great Grandmother's ring}

When my mom and I go to New York City, shopping is a major part of our trip. Then again, who wouldn't like that?  For quite awhile now, we've both loved the Eileen Fisher experience {see here when I first discovered EF} and visit the Stanford and Fillmore shops regularly. But last Saturday while in New York, we were in for a sweet treat when we found ourselves in front of the Eileen Fisher Boutique on Madison Avenue - Two floors! We had a great time perusing each piece; I was drawn to mustard-colored glovettes with just a bit of bronzey sparkle which I had to have {every girl needs a bit of sparkle now and then}. My creative energy was peaked once meeting Delyana from this scarf tying video of scarf tying options - such a great way to change up your look. Delyana actually works at the Madison Avenue boutique; I just love how this company utilizes and celebrates its personnel to represent their company - after all, they're there on a daily basis, and who would know better?

A few days later, while shopping in Soho, we made a stop at the EF store there.  Again, another lovely experience and what a gorgeous store, don't you think? 

Actually, I love the Soho area so much I think I could live there happily ever after....

Empire State of Mind.

Heading to the city I love the most and looking forward to good eats and fabulous fashions all in good company.  Look out New York, here we come!

Creature Comforts.

...brought to you by Cost Plus World Imports. On Monday, I mentioned (here) one of my favorite things from the weekend was the "home-made" chicken soup my Mom cooked up Sunday afternoon - the beach house smelled deliciously, cozy. Not to mention, it was the easiest thing ever. And I mean, ever. Just add chicken, a sweet onion, and broth to this mix.

What is your favorite comfort soup?

3 Things.

{La Posta in Santa Cruz, CA}

After our wonderful family holiday in Santa Cruz, my mom, Ziggy and I headed back to tidy up and enjoy a little sunshine, while we still have some left.  Getting an early start on spring cleaning, we stopped by a commercial laundromat.  And because I forgot to push the "start" button, we had a little extra time to kill in between washing and drying.  We happened upon  a Yacht Harbor area restaurant called "La Posta".  We sat at the bar {industrial stainless} tasting different wines and snacking on authentic (and surprisingly light) Italian pizza and in house freshly-baked bread.  Uh-mahzing!  And to think we discovered this little gem just because I forgot to push the start button!

Poor little Ziggy was left behind a lot this weekend,  but on Sunday morning, his luck changed when he headed to the beach with my mother.  He played in the sand for almost an hour, and then a very tired dog spent the rest of the morning laying out on the porch soaking in the sunshine. 

It was hard to pack up and leave; one more day would have been divine.  I think I'm still having a hard time adjusting back to my routine after the holiday commotion and shorter work weeks.  Hope all goes smoothly this week - it's my first full week back in four weeks - eeek!  Am I the only one who feels this way? 

{crackled bronze task lamp from Pier 1}

{healthy, hearty dinner...and next day's lunch}

1. La Posta; such a wonderful find and sister restaurant to another favorite, Soif.

2. A new reading lamp from Pier 1 - I was bummed to find my lamp had broken, but my mood turned when I laid my eyes on this beauty.

3. The best {and easiest} chicken soup ever. And it’s from Cost Plus of all places!