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

Undergarments: ThirdLove's The Everything Bra & Microfiber Cheeky

Veil & Hair pin: Nordstrom

His:

Suit: JCrew 

Shirt: Everlane

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Pocket square & Bowtie: JCrew

Photos: Colson Griffith Photography

3 Things.

{Incredible city view from my office}

This weekend weather was nothing short of spectacular. While I know it's early in Spring, it certainly feels like we are closer to Summer. I plan on soaking up the sun whatever chance I can this week before heading to the mid-West for some quality time with the future in-laws. 

{Daily start ritual of warm water and lemon to boost your immune system, aid digestion and restore pH balance}

{Decadent white chocolate bread pudding from Nordstrom Cafe}

3 Things.

{Perfect dinner with my mom at Nordstrom}

Friday night, S and I watched our first episode of House of Cards and were immediately hooked. Basically, between dinners out and volunteer work in the city, our new binge watching obsession consumed our lives the greater portion of the weekend. So good.

{I volunteered at the Princess Project - such a great organization for teens} 

{A sweet treat for me. Chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate is my favorite}

MBFW // All About Texture.

JCrew dress & vest // Eileen Fisher leggings // Crown Vintage boots // Nordstrom Gallery coat // Fenton Fallon x JCrew necklace // Talbots gloves // DVF sunglasses

I decided on all black everything for my Day 2 at fashion week and added some texture with a grey Merino wool vest and some sparkle with a gorgeous statement necklace from the Fenton Fallon x JCrew collaboration some years back. While feeling chic with simplicity, I more importantly remained warm in the chilly New York weather.

MBFW // Keeping Cozy.

Everlane sweatshirt // Zara pants // Charles Jourdan heels // Nordstrom Gallery coat (vintage from my mom) // Missoni scarf // Marc Jacobs handbag // Talbots gloves

Delirium may have been setting in right at this point. I had just arrived to New York on a red eye, headed straight to the hotel, got myself looking somewhat presentable and bee lined it to Lincoln Center for some shows. Somewhere between landing and stepping out of the car at Lincoln Center, I convinced myself it was completely appropriate to wear modified sweatpants to fashion week, which is exactly what I did and savored every comfy moment of it. I just can't get enough of the New York fashion vibe - any goes, as long as you wear it with confidence.    

Always on Track.

Chic sweats + Heels = Love.

I could live quite comfortably in these pants everyday.

Little Things.

Sometimes a little pop of yellow is all you need to brighten up your day, especially when it has subtle studs around the leather band. Well as subtle as studs can possibly be. Love it.

Love your taste, mom! xo

Mother's Day Gift Guide.

Mother's Day is just around the corner. And if you're not quite sure what to get, here are a few gift contenders I thought would be perfect for my mom. Maybe yours too. Happy shopping.

1. Artful Decoration coffee table book
2. Monthly floral delivery
3. Dachshund stationery
4. House of Harlow necklace
5. Diptyque candle
6. Butter London nail polish
7. CC Skye cuff
8. Nantucket scarf
9. Toms loves Moms shoes
10. Spa Nordstrom pedicure 

3 Things.

If you don't already know, I'm especially close with my mom. She's the best person I know and I truly enjoy spending time with her. This weekend she visited me in the city and did all the things we do so well - shopping, pedicures, wining & dining and saw some improv at SF Sketchfest. And of course, Sunday evening was spent watching the SAG Awards red carpet tweeting with my favorite gals, Val and Emily. All in all, fantastic weekend.

1. Discovering my own little slice of heaven right here in San Francisco at the Nordstrom spa. This will be the only way I have pedicures going forward, it was that amazing of an experience.

2. The outstanding view from the Leatherneck Steakhouse.

3. Lavender mint loose leaf tea from The Grove is simply divine and my new favorite.