Wednesday, December 21, 2011

On the Street: Vanessa & the Art of Layering

Oy vey! I first need to apologize for my ridiculously long absence. I have no excuse, save that I have been coming home from work exhausted and have been terribly unmotivated. Bad, bad blogger! 

That said, I'd like to introduce Vanessa. You'll probably see more of her here in the future (assuming she's willing!). I've seen her from time to time on the way to work (we take the same bus) and finally decided to ask her to be on my blog. She always looks adorable! I totally covet the jacket she's always wearing (see below). I particularly like her look here because she's got the quintessential San Francisco winter layers on. 

I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful holiday season! 










Sunday, November 20, 2011

Dragon Girl

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently bought a new shade of lipstick (NARS Dragon Girl). I'm  head over heels for it; it's the inspiration for this outfit and I'm sure for many to come. I know that may seem silly, but I'm telling you, this bright red lip makes me feel...powerful! Heads turn when I wear it. Maybe it's the eye-popping, notice-me shade, maybe it's the confidence it gives me. I don't know for sure what it is, but I am sure I'm smitten.













What do you think of the long trench? I obtained it at a recent clothing swap. It's really long, but I think I like it!


A special thanks to Min Son for taking the time to be my photographer!!


Blouse (cream): Gianetta
Sweater (black): Georgiou
Skirt, from Budapest: Eclectick
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bracelets, from American Craft Council event: Louise Fischer Cozzi
Watch: Invicta
Trench: Your guess is as good as mine (I can't read the label)!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sephoralicious

It has begun: the flood of Friends & Family discounts, holiday savings, Black Friday deals; all this temptation is making me crazy!

Yesterday was the last day of Sephora's V.I.B. 20% discount, so I ran over on my lunch break to pick up a few things I needed. I realized I've never done any product reviews, but now is as good of a time as any to start! Stay tuned for my upcoming 2011 Holiday Gift Guide (which will include loads of gift ideas), but for now, here are a few things I love.


Urban Decay

I know different makeup works well on different people, based on skin type, but I have sworn by Urban Decay's eyeshadows since I first tried it. They put together amazing palettes, and their shadow stays on for hours. I just adore this new palette; it's going to be my go to for the next few years (and now I really have no excuse not to throw out my old one, which I have had for four years, gross).


Urban Decay Naked Palette

Ojon Dry Shampoo

Let's face it, how many of us have not had a day when we desperately need to shampoo but simply don't have the time? I'm loathe to admit how often this happens to me.

I've tried several brands, but Ojon is the clear winner. And apparently they've done something recently to detoxify their formula. Bravo!

Ojon Full Detox Rub-Out Shampoo

Natural (Boar's Hair) Brushes

I recently read an article about how to get healthy hair; of course hydration and diet are the biggest factors, but external elements play a role as well. I'm trying to grow my hair out, so I thought I'd invest in a natural hair brush (one of the article's recommendations). My hair salon carries Bumble & Bumble brushes, at a going rate of $80. No thanks! So I'm trying out Sephora brand's boar's hair detangling brush (so far, so good!).

Sephora Collection Detangling Brush





 Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

I haven't worn it yet, but I'm trying to be bold and wear a red lip. I went with Dragon Girl (siren red). How could I not? 

NARS Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

Any products I should know about? I'd love to hear your favorites!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Cozy Up for Fall

Yesterday I had the day off for Veteran's day. Ironically, neither my father nor my brother had the day off, despite the fact that my brother is active duty, and my father is retired from the Air Force. Seems a little unfair! I must admit, I was overjoyed to have the day off and to be able to catch up on a bunch of stuff I needed to do--one of which was getting a desperately needed haircut. 

I go to Ginger Rubio in the Mission, and I feel like because everyone there is so cool, it gives me occasion to dress up a little when I go. I asked my stylist to give my hair a little curl, and she somehow managed these curls with a flat iron!?!? Must experiment!

I've had these sock/leg warmer things for a couple months now, and I hadn't worn them, primarily because I couldn't figure out how to wear them. I don't really know if they're age-appropriate...but I love them, so here they are! 


What do you think--am I too old to be sporting this look?

 









 
Top: H & M * Cardigan: Design History * Skirt: BCBG * Belt: H & M * Shoes * Chelsea Crew * Leg Warmers: From DSW Shoe Warehouse * love necklace: Erica Anenburg

Friday, November 4, 2011

On The Street: Alexandra in Seattle

While on a business to one of my favorite cities in the country (Seattle), I was able to take a little time to see the sights. While at the base of the Space Needle, my friend Amie pointed out a girl wearing a fabulous jacket, so I had to ask if she'd make a cameo on my blog. Her very proud mother-in-law informed me that she's a model. Aha! Not surprising!

I asked Alexandra about her outfit, but no chance of getting my hands on a pair of these boots; the jacket is from Russia, the boots from Italy.

Enjoy!






A little bonus view of the city from Gas Works Park


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Montreal, Quebec & The Traveler's Conundrum

As I mentioned before, Aaron and I just returned from a trip to Quebec Province. We spent most of our time in Montreal and Quebec City. I love, love, LOVE Montreal; it's such a fantastic and energetic city. I love to travel, period, but sometimes planning and packing can be difficult. It's always the same thing: how can I look somewhat fashionable, yet be prepared for all weather and for walking for miles and miles each day? Even as an avid traveler, it has taken me years to get to a point where I can pack quickly and efficiently. I've done some posts on business travel, but I thought it would be fun to share some of rules and some go-to items for recreational travel. Here are my travel words of wisdom.


Rule #1: Comfort over style
This does not mean that it's ok to wear mom jeans and sneakers when traveling, or, equally offensive, a tight velour Juicy Couture sweatsuit. What this rule translates to is simply thus: if the shoes are going to kill your feet, save them for short walks at home. If you're going to freeze your ass off because you really, really want to wear your new tank, then layer it underneath something.


Rule #2: If you don't wear it at home (or haven't worn it in 3 years), don't take it on vacation
Just because you dig in your closet and you feel somehow obliged to wear it, DON'T! You cannot resuscitate a bad sweater with guilt. This rule does not apply to beachwear, hiking boots, travel pants, or anything specifically reserved for vacation. If you haven't worn it in three years, it means that you're due for a vacation. Enough said.


Rule #3: Layer, Layer, Layer
Unless you're off to the tropics in the dead of summer, it's always wise to bring a long sleeve shirt, a cardigan (or multiple), a scarf, and a jacket. Even if it's hot, we all know that air conditioned buildings are not. Bringing an umbrella and a rain jacket aren't a bad idea either (if needed).


Rule #4 Repeat
It's ok. I promise. The fashion police are not going to seek you out just because you've been recycling the same 2 pairs of pants your entire vacation. I promise!


Rule #5 (and perhaps the most important)
Keep a travel bag ready with your traveling toiletries. Nothing stresses me out more than having to search for and pack mini sized goods every time I take a trip. If you keep it all in a ready-to-go bag, you'll be much better off. Then you can devote more time to shoe selection!


Here are a few pictures of beautiful Quebec City:






Tee: 4 Paix * Vest: H&M * Pants: GAP * Bag: Coach * Shoes: Boutique 9 *Scarf: From DSW

I also wanted to share this necklace with you. I bought it in Quebec City at Point d'exclamation. It was made by local designer Diane Bergeron. I absolutely love it! I probably wore it the first 6 out of 7 days that I owned it.


And I'll leave you with two more photos-- in the first one I'm enjoying Moules Frites in Montreal, and in the second one I'm learning how maple syrup is made.











Thursday, October 13, 2011

Stellar Stripes

First of all, sorry for the long delay between posts! I just returned from a trip to Montreal and Quebec City, and I didn't have any time to blog while I was away. We had a wonderful vacation, but I am so happy to be back in my own home, in my own wonderful city!

I bought this skirt at a vintage shop in Montreal (the vintage shops there are fantastic!), and I couldn't wait to get home to blog it! I am looking forward to wearing it with my new Madewell boots, but since we are in the midst of our Indian Summer, I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather! I felt so glam wearing this skirt... too bad I was stuck at my desk nearly all day, and I was mostly only able to parade around my office. Next time I need to wear it on a Saturday!









Details: Skirt & Blouse: Vintage * Shoes: Via Spiga * Purse: from Bangkok market

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Katie & the Fortuitous Boot Encounter

I was in line for the loo at LAX behind Katie, who was dressed so fabulously that I had to ask her if she'd model for the blog (after we left the bathrooms, of course!). She was wearing her brand new Madewell booties (see below), so we inevitably starting talking about the newly opened Madewell store in San Francisco. I was telling her about the Madewell boots I had recently seen and desperately wanted, and lo and behold, Katie informs me that there's a 30% off all boots at Madewell that weekend. As soon as I got home from the airport, I was on the computer frantically trying to purchase those boots before the 12pm EST deadline (despite that fact that I missed the "deadline," I was still able to purchase at the discounted price!). My lovely boots are on back order, so I have to wait until Oct. to get them. Rest assured they'll make a blog debut faster than you can say "Madewell Boot Sale!" 

Here's Katie, looking beautiful in an LA-based brand and a little Austin vintage. 





On Katie: 

Booties: Madwell * Top: Creatures of Comfort * Pants: vintage from Austin * Belt: Vintage (her mother's)

Friday, September 23, 2011

Jailbird

Why is it that black and white stripes always conjure up an association with prison? 


As most of you know, I used to teach in a prison. Truth be told, I saw a lot of green and the occasional orange (for those special inmates on "RP"--revoked privileges, or something to that effect), but never any stripes. One of my favorite stories from "the joint" goes a little something like this: one of my "students" conveyed to me a conversation he had had with his mother, trying to convince her to nominate me for one of the fashion makeover shows. I'm not making this up. He thought I dressed so poorly that I desperately needed professional help. What he didn't know was that I was trying to look as unattractive as possible, as a twenty-something female employee at an all-male correctional facility. Looking fabulous and finding myself an incarcerated boyfriend wasn't exactly high on my list of priorities. 

Alas, here is an homage of sorts to my days in prison, and to not being nominated for "What Not to Wear." Let the record stand that if anyone wants to put me on that show so I get a $5K shopping spree, I would not hold it against you!



Don't mind my crazy hair



Dress: Josh Brody * Shoes: Ash Italia * Nails: Essie - turquiose & caicos

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

City of Angels

This weekend the husband and I ventured down to L.A. for a wonderful 4-day weekend. We ended up eating our way through the city...Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, Gjelina, A-Frame, and The Abbey, to name a few... We spent a lot of time with friends and family, and we snuck in a couple of activities too. It goes without saying that we wandered around Beverly Hills a bit to take in a little shopping. I wasn't really in the mood to shop for myself (gasp, I know), but my husband lucked out because apparently I was in the mood to shop for him. I'll have to blog him in his new maroon Ted Baker sweater because he looks adorable (yes, I'm aware of my bias here).

As a non-native of California, I'm still completely in awe of how amazing this state is. I'm a San Francisco girl through and through, but I love a little weekend getaway to Los Angeles.I had some "maybe we should move here" moments when I was down there enjoying the company of some lovely friends, but there truly is nothing like coming home to my beloved SF.


The surfers down here sure are hunky

Discovering the Venice Canals

3.1 Phillip Lim (sigh)







Shepard Fairey Mural


And as some of you know, we are in the market for a place to call our own. I think we found it in Los Angeles!

Talk about California Dreaming

What did you all get up to over Labor Day weekend?