Dress: Alexander Wang (via The Real Real); Sandals: Witchery; Sunglasses: Celine
Happy Friday from Bondi Beach (technically Saturday here at the moment). We're actually winding down our little journey here on the other side of the world, which means it's back to reality in just a few short days. I wanted to thank all of you guys again for your sweet comments, tips and recommendations along the way! You've really helped make our trip so special (and never short on great places to eat!).
As promised, I'll be recapping our travel highlights next week. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Our first night in Sydney? Magical! We more or less rushed from the airport to our hotel and then straight to the opera house for a symphony performance. And yes, I had to pinch myself the whole time. Such a dream come true!
A lot of you had questions about our vacation plans thus far -- fear not! Stay tuned for next week when I'll be recapping our highlights from both New Zealand and Australia.
Also, as a quick reminder to my San Francisco-based readers, I hope to see you next Wednesday at Elizabeth Charles on Fillmore! All details can be found here.
While we're still in the thick of our vacation on the other side of the world (currently heading to Australia today!) it's hard not to think about the to-do lists I have waiting for me when I get back home. Don't worry, I'm not peeking at them or giving them much thought (yet!) but we do happen to be returning right before Thanksgiving hits, and hence the official start of the holiday season. This year, I'm excited to host a few little dinner parties and get togethers with close friends, so I'm more than ready to kick off the holiday planning with a bang.
This time around, I'm working with the folks over at Topshop to make sure I get each detail right -- from entertaining necessities to the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for-person (which tends to describe more than half my list). They've asked me to start compiling my season's must-haves here (work in progress -- more to come soon!) and now Topshop would like to spread the spirit of giving on to you guys! Create your own Pinterest board centered around your picture-perfect holiday season for a chance to win some amazing prizes including VIP concert tickets, a new Topshop wardrobe for an entire year and even designing your own pair of shoes with their in-house design team. Just make sure to hashtag and title your board #DearTopshop and enter it here when you're done.
You're looking at my new favorite pair of sneakers. Admittedly, I'm not much of a sneaker gal outside of exercise activities and especially swore off the sneaker wedge trend when I realized it just didn't work for my body type, i.e. not super leggy. Although I was recommended Vessi vegan shoes, these Nike Frees have been lifesavers during this vacation. I'm kind of digging this whole "I can totally walk along the lake after dinner without needing to change shoes first." And I can tell Dan likes it too. 🙂
I often get asked what I wear for flights and I figured this 12-hour trek of ours would be the best time to answer it. Basically it boils down to a few essentials: a wrap around coat (a great blanket for when it gets chilly mid-flight), a pair of skinny jeans, a broken in tee and two pairs of shoes: flats and heels. The flats are the more practical choice for most of the flight but I like keeping the heels as a back up pair for when we land, in the event we can't check into our hotel room yet and I still want to look polished and put together.
I'm curious -- what do you normally wear for flights?
And now for a quick break from our adventure down under to let you guys know about a fun soirée I'm hosting with Elizabeth Charles the minute I return back to the States. (In case you missed it, I formally introduced her and her killer shop here.)
For all my SF readers, I hope you can join me at Elizabeth Charles on Fillmore the evening of Wednesday, November 20 for some drinks, music and exclusive, one-night only discounts (who can say no to that, really?) Plus, there will be a few extra sweet prizes being handed out during the evening (including a $500 shopping spree!). Would love to see you all there and I know Elizabeth would love to meet you as well!
Please make sure to RSVP by November 18th to sf@elizabeth-charles.com.
I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face since yesterday. Why? We just happened to visit The Shire and I completely and utterly geeked out to the point I'm sure I made my middle-school self proud. No shame here.
Going to have to keep it short today as we're running off to go caving! More photos to come so stay tuned! Or follow along right here on Instagram.
Oh, what a week! Trying to pack in as much work/errands/more work/and a little bit of play before we leave this weekend! Not that I'm complaining at all -- just wish I had a few more hours in the day to fit everything in. More importantly, I wanted to thank you guys for all trip recommendations! Clearly, the man friend and I have plenty to read up on over the next few days. 🙂
Also on our agenda -- definitely making time to dress this guy up in his Halloween costume this week. He absolutely hates life when he's wearing it, but it's just too good to pass up.
You may have caught me alluding to this news I'm about to share (or perhaps you over heard me yelling it here with excitement on Twitter), but either way, drum roll please...
In just a few short days (eep, T-minus 7 and counting!) I'll be heading to the land Down Under, specifically New Zealand and Australia for a much-needed two week vacay! It's my first time visiting each country but both have been at the top of my bucket list for quite some time now. (If we want to get nitty gritty about it, it all started with my Lord of the Rings obsession in high school, but we'll save that story for another day.)
Of course, as the diligent traveler I am (read: I can barely focus on much else these days), I've been immersing myself in countless travel blogs, adventure tour sites and naturally, a few fave Aussie fashion blogs (hello Gary Pepper!). But I'd love to hear what you guys might have up your sleeves! Any tips/sights/adventures/stores/restaurants/Tolkien must-sees that we simply cannot miss? I'm all ears!
It's been a while since I've donned a printed suit, which is odd considering it basically was my MO this time last year (remember this get up?). So when it came time to pick my outfit for last week's Express event, I knew I wanted to give their suiting a try -- and I wasn't disappointed! I've been itching for a black and white plaid and/or herringbone suit ever since seeing this photo of you-know-who and the leather detailing on the labels here sealed the deal.
Thanks again to everyone who made it out last Thursday and special thanks to my lovely co-hosts, Julia, Taylor, Ahn and Jessica!
Hopefully I'll see some of you again this week at Macys -- full details here.
Dress: Suno, found on The RealReal (but love this version with a cutout); Shoes: J.W. Anderson X Aldo (love these similar Dolce & Gabbana heels on sale here); Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Clutch: Vintage
Hope you all had a great weekend! To kick this Monday off, I'd like to invite my SF readers to a fun styling event I'm hosting this Thursday, October 24 at Macy's with San Francisco Magazine. We'll be celebrating the launch of a few great lines that are now being carried in store, including Maison Jules, which I happened to catch a peek of while in New York just a few weeks ago. Plus, happy hour bites from the gals over at Rice Paper Scissors, a live performance from local band Kiwi Time and, of course, plenty of champagne to be had. All in all, not a bad way to spend your Thursday. So mark your calendar already! 🙂
Festivities start at 6 sharp at the Macy's in Union Square on level 3, in the Impulse section -- hope to see you there!
Took advantage of the Indian Summer we've been experiencing to hit up the Alameda Flea Market yesterday with Heather. It's been a while since I've made time for this and I completely forgot how much I love browsing through antiques. Dare I say it, but I may have caught the apartment decorating bug again -- which I've also been sadly neglecting as of late.
And here's the second installment of my feature with Refinery29 and G.H. Bass shoes -- you can peek the first look here and the full story here. Happy weekend, folks! It's been a long past couple of weeks, namely because my team and I launched Google Shopping Express in the Bay Area(!!). For my SF-based readers, would love to hear your thoughts about the service! In the meantime, I'm just going to take comfort in the fact that it's FRIDAY.
While I love my heels Monday through Friday, nothing beats throwing on a pair of chic flats to bike to brunch and run quick market errands. I recently partnered with Refinery 29 and G.H Bass shoes to style my ideal weekend looks around these classic loafers. You can see the full story here (and huge thanks to Lindsey for snapping these photos for me!).
Shirt: Markus Lupfer; Skirt: Stella McCartney; Boots: c/o Sigerson Morrison; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner (here and here)
Dear SF friends, I hope to see you this Friday for a fun little event I'm hosting with Levi's and Refinery29. Lots of jean DIYing to be had -- and who knows, maybe I'll try to sneak a certain furry guy in with me for a quick appearance.
Dress: Roksanda Ilincic via Elizabeth Charles; Shoes: Zara; Jacket: Zara (borrowed from Christine); Jewelry: Jennifer Zeuner (here and here)
You all know I have a thing for Roksanda Ilincic (case in point here) so when I spotted this two-tone stunner at Elizabeth Charles, I knew it had to come home with me. I love how her pieces are seemingly classic but the color and or a single structural element turns it on its head.
Finally got a chance to wear this Stella dress for a morning full of shows. Highlights included heading backstage at Milk Studios to check out the beauty and hair situation at the Timo Weiland presentation and then scooting over to Lincoln Center for my personal favorite each year, J.Crew.
More outfits and show recaps to come -- stay tuned!
Jacket and dress: Zara; Hat: J.Crew; Picnic Basket: Picnic Time (borrowed from Heather); Wine: c/o Francis Coppola
While I love heading out for Fashion Week, it definitely takes a big toll on me when I return back to my normal routine. I spent most of this past weekend unpacking the last of my bags, catching up with my guy, giving this dude a much needed bath and finding every and any excuse to be outside (San Francisco summer has arrived!). Naturally, we figured the weather made for the perfect excuse to enjoy this Sofia Coppola rose I've been saving -- so on Saturday we biked over to Fort Mason and lounged/sipped in the afternoon sun. Just the weekend pace I needed.
Dress: Thakoon (yet again, scored on The Real Real); Shoes: Zara; Sunglasses: Celine; Clutch: Vintage
This dress was actually one of the first things I packed for New York. It's a recent consignment find (from The Real Real, naturally) and I've been itching to wear it out for a special evening ever since it arrived. Luckily, the Socialyte Gala was just the ticket I needed for an evening of drinking, dancing and meeting the infamous Menswear Dog.
Also, as some of you may have noticed, I finally got my act together and booked a long overdue hair cut. Huge thanks to the lovely folks at Arrojo (especially you, Tina) for taking care of this gal's weary locks. I'm back to my curly bob ways and it feels great!
Top and skirt: Nili Lotan (here and here) via Elizabeth Charles; Shoes: Tabitha Simmons (love this pair on sale here); Clutch: Vintage; Watch: Michael Kors; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner (here)
Took a quick reprieve from Fashion Week to enjoy a relaxing brunch at the Refinery Hotel rooftop with some old (and new!) friends. I'm convinced there's nothing a little sangria in the afternoon can't fix (including aching feet).
If you're in need of a quick getaway yourself, the folks over at Pavan are offering a Paris and French Riviera vacation. You can enter here. Good luck!
Packing for Fashion Week always makes me a bundle of nerves -- and I either end up overpacking or underpacking (I detest the latter). This time around, I was beyond excited to partner with one of my favorite San Francisco boutiques, Elizabeth Charles to style a few pieces I've had my eye on this past season -- this Marissa Webb dress being among the first I reached for. I wore this for back to back shows and meetings and despite the muggy heat, felt on point all day.
Crop top: Zara; Skirt: Altuzarra; Shoes: Zara; Sunglasses: Celine; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner (here and here)
I'm currently in the thick of Fashion Week madness -- and wouldn't have it any other way! I'll be sharing some of my favorite show snaps later this week, but in the meantime, you can follow along right here on Instagram. (Which reminds me, did you happen to spy my celeb sighting on Saturday? Still dying over it!)
It's undeniable. Heather and I love our long weekend trips (especially of the California variety -- remember Santa Barbara?). So when we randomly decided to head out to the Hamptons for Labor Day, we realized we were quite overdue to make this tradition bicoastal. Of course, having never stepped foot in the Hamptons (aside from experiencing it vicariously through Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte), we were excited for all the little things, like:
1. The Jitney. A surprisingly comfortable ride with snacks and Wifi to boot? Yes, please!
2. Riding around on beach cruisers. By the end of our trip, I'm positive we clocked around 24 miles around town.
3. Fresh fish. AND the lobster rolls.
4. On that note, chow-dah too.
5. Channeling our inner wasps with lots of stripes, crisp whites and pastels.
6. Enjoying this view for a few days with picnic grub on hand.
Next Labor Day? Watch out Montauk, here we come!
On a somewhat related note, I'll be in New York for the next few weeks, follow along here on Instagram!