in the bag . . .

There's been a lot of talk over the new Kate Spade Westward collection by Emily Current & Meritt Elliott - well lovelies there's reason for it. It's drop dead gorgeous in person! I'm currently coveting the Westward Wanderlust Satchel. It's a thing of beauty and I can't stop thinking about it. So to make me want it even more I pulled together the top fall essentials I would keep in this handbag - from lipgloss, to a trusty notepad. I knew this was going to make me lust over the collection even more! Bravo to the dynamic duo it's lovely collection!

Products: Kate Spade Westward Wanderlust Satchel / Chanel Lipstick Boy / Laura Mercier Powder / San Pellegrino / Fabulous Summer Read by Sloane Crosley / Graphic Image Gold Envelope (love mine!) / Kind Granola Bar / Oliver Peoples Sunglasses / Chole Perfume / Rodin Face Oil

I'm Loving . . .

What can I say, I'm still obsessing over stripes . . . my pile is growing weekly, which I don't consider a bad thing. This ensemble is perfect to throw on for a San Francisco summer day.

I've been daydreaming about my summer in Paris a few years ago. I put on an Isabel Marant top I bought and it instantly made me want to go back, sit in a cafe and watch the fashionable people stroll by. Hoping to go back soon.

All of us need to remember to slow down - just like Jessica talked about in this blog post. This weekend I'll be turning off the computer, embracing the sunshine up in Napa and getting a little R&R with my husband.

A few years ago I never thought I would be where I am today - working in publishing, doing interior design on the side and writing a daily blog. Everyone needs to remember that sometimes the unexpected is the right way to go. So if you have a feeling about an idea or working with a group of people jump on it, because you can always pick yourself up if it doesn't work out, but just remember if you don't try you'll never know what could have been.

What are you loving this week? A room with a view? A handbag you've been lusting after? Do tell!

Photos: 1.east atlanta 2. loft life magazine 3. Jennilee Marigomen 4. unknown (anyone?)

currently wanting . . .

Today, I'm super excited to be featured on Elise's blog, Pennyweight - one of my go-to blogs for instant inspiration! Her style is impeccable and incredibly well curated. Click on over to check out my "wanted" post . . .

*products: pop over to Pennyweight to see!

it's all about stripes . . .

I'll admit it, I'm a stripe-aholic and I blame the lovely Mrs. Erin for my obsession. I've worn stripes 4 days in a row and I still can't seem to get enough . . . they just strike my fancy. My latest find that has been taunting me is a classic navy and white stripe cotton dress by Chance - it's a perfect classic for spring and summer.

Do you have a pattern you've fallen head over heels in love with?

Photos: Chance

february love list

1. My Love Tray from Jayson Home & Garden

2. Postalco Notebooks from Brook Farm General Store

3. Clare Vivier Flat Silver Tote from Clare Vivier

4. Mulberry Maryjane Chestnut from Marais USA

5. Grey Uzbek Silk Pillow from Oriental Creations

Wishing and hoping to have an office like this someday - chrome, caramel leather and all white . . . be still my heart!

*Photo: Convoy

I'm Loving . . .

Can you tell that I'm in a fall mood this week? I have a feeling it has to do with the blue skies, crisp air and sea breeze here in San Francisco. I've been stocking up on fall clothes already, mainly because I can already wear them. I make a list every month of things I'm coveting - these are them. The cute black booties and gray pull-over sweater have been worn so much my husband has noticed (which is never a good sign). I'm dying to get a pair of army green pants, they are a great alternative to jeans for work and the bag - le sigh - would be the perfect for work, but alas WAY out of my budget.

What are some of your early fall favorites? I'd love to know!

*photos via pants, sweater, handbag, and booties

still crushing on a clutch + a guest post

I've been lusting over this clutch for a long time - maybe a little too long. It's timeless, elegant and perfect for any and all occasions. Sofia Coppola mastered the art of a fabulous clutch because she couldn't find one herself.

"I had an idea of what I was looking for and couldn't find... I think it must be every woman's fantasy to dream up an ideal bag and shoe. It was great to be able to make exactly what you want." ~ Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola wanted to design her Louis Vuitton collection with one of her fashion heroines in mind, Lauren Hutton. She wanted to design a clutch that you can take out of your work bag, leave it behind and then take the clutch out on the town. Genius!

This clutch even adds beauty to a room when it's not in use, I would display it just as it is above - although I don't think I would ever let it go. It's one of those treasures that would hold the test of time and be passed down to loved ones.

Check out my guest post today over on Apartment #34! I'm blogging about my dream destination, while Mrs. Erin is on her European honeymoon - lucky girl!

{photo's courtesy of 1. ilvoelv 2. jak & jil 3. escapade}

I’m Loving . . . May Must Haves

Although it’s almost mid-May (time is flying by), there are a few things I’ve been lusting over the past few weeks. With the sun making a regular appearance, I’m getting in the summer spirit.

With May being National Bike Month, I’ve been longing for a bike! There are so many fabulous brands out there. One in particular caught my eye a few weeks ago at the Farmers Market. Rob Forbes, the founder of Design Within Reach, has created an urban bike so chic people will stop you on the street to ask where you bought it. Public Bikes are modeled after classic European silhouettes with unisex frames and eye-catching colors (my favorite is the white). The Public Bikes online shop launches May 15th, but until then, you can preorder yours.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of Paris and since it’s coming up on the year mark of when I last visited – I’m getting the itch to go back. This Original Flea Market bag is calling my name in more ways than one. Each tote is charmingly signed and numbered, how unique is that? But wait there’s more that make these totes special. Each piece is handmade from organic cotton/hemp canvas and the leather is vegetable tanned in colors that range from white, sienna, saddle and more. One last detail, it’s lined with seersucker – this is just the cherry on top of a priceless bag. Hopefully, I’ll be opening a package on my birthday with this tote in it (hint, hint, wink, wink).

Wedding Wednesday: Guestbook

This is one of my (many) favorite things about the wedding. Instead of a traditional guestbook, we're going to have our guests take fun photos of themselves and put the photo in our special guest book with a note or friendly word of advice.

Both Eric and I think this will be something we'll be able to look back on for years to come.

Plus, it'll be fun to bring on our honeymoon. I have an obsession with Polaroid pictures!

{photo's courtesy of Photojojo}

Sun-drenched: A Touch of Spain

Do you ever day-dream about floor to ceiling windows? Where light pours through and lights the house up instantly. It's something I dream about on a daily basis.

This home is what I envision having in my future. A sun-drenched home, crisp whites, with a touch of color added into the mix. Everyone needs a little burst of color in their life.

{photo's courtesy of this is glamorous via micasa}

Picture Perfect Party

I've been re-reading this post on 100 Layer Cake from a few weeks ago because I think it would be such a fun Wedding Shower or low-key Bachelorette Party to throw for a good friend. Anything that has to do with making my own bouquet of flowers is at the top of my list.

I am positively swooning over every detail…so perfect! Love the workstations with scissors-and-ribbon place settings.

Sarah from Blossom and Branch taught everyone how to put together a picture perfect bouquet. I love how each bouquet is colorful, but reflects each person’s individual style.

Sarah offers this service for any group interested in learning simple floral design principles and techniques. The best part, she will come to you! To hire Sarah for your next soiree or put your name on the mailing list for her next public floral class, email her sarah@blossomandbranch.com.

Styling: Jillian Event Design
Calligraphy: Love*Jenna
Photos: Scott Clark
Cookies: One Girl Cookie
Wine: Spin the Bottle
Craft treat bags: Nice Package
Note Pads: Linda & Harriet

I'd like to thank 100 Layer Cake for an unique party idea. This is definitely something I'll be doing in the future with my friends.

{images courtesy of 100 Layer Cake}

March Wardrobe: ba & sh

Last summer when I was in Paris I fell in love with the clothing line ba&sh. The line is full of beautiful prints, fine fabrics such as shear cotton, cashmere, and silk presented in fine cuts and shapes. I bought one dress from them and I've been wearing it to death. It's perfect for a night on the town.

Now that it's (almost) Spring, I'm hoping to get one more piece from their Spring 2010 collection. I love the prints and textures of this seasons collection.

It was in July 2003 that childhood friends, Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief decided to create the "ideal closet" by designing clothes that they felt like wearing everyday. Subtly mixing designs that are simple and feminine, using soft and natural fabrics, their collections are light in spirit, but chic, romantic and modern.

I'm off to check it out in person at Nida, a local San Francisco store that carries these beautiful designs.

{photos from ba&sh}

Effortless Layering

What perfect layering. Living in San Francisco, this is how I dress year-round. Sad, I know.

Oh, how I love finding layering inspiration!

{photo courtesy of The Sartorialist}

I'm Loving . . . Origami Invitations

I just came across these DIY origami heart engagement party invitations last night by Amy on Eat Drink Chic. She created these to send out to her wedding guests. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely take the time to put these together. They are incredibly cute!

Although it takes a lot of time printing, cutting, folding, sewing, stuffing, addressing and stamping. It's totally worth it in the end.

You can read more about these origami heart invitations here. Download the template to create a love note to someone special.

Hope you enjoy these cuties as much as I do.

{photo's courtesy of Eat Drink Chic}

I LOVE . . .

My latest obsession. . . the Gary Fisher Simple City 3 Stepthru. It's the perfect bike to ride around the city.

I'm Loving . . .

It's a thing of beauty. I've dreamed about having a Barcelona chair for a long time and this confirms it.

{photo courtesy of This Is Glamorous}

Kitchen Envy

There's nothing like a fabulous kitchen. And let my tell you that I'm green with envy about this particular one. Wishing and hoping that it could be mine.

I'm a HUGE sucker for any room decorated in all white with a splash of green. Why? Because my entire apartment is decorated in all-white with touches of green, linen and brown.

I love how organic this space feels (it's not filled with electrical appliances). My other two favorite things are the open cabinets and of course the green counter. The simplicity of this kitchen is utter perfection.

{photos courtesy of Nuevo Estilo}

A Gorgeous Duo

These girls know how to have fun. This entire Marie Claire photo shoot looks like it was a blast, probably because of the bond Jen and Jessica formed while filming Valentine's Day. I can't wait for this movie to come out, I love chick flicks.

Reminds me of how my girlfriends and I act when we're out shopping or having dinner together.

Great photos, gorgeous clothes, lots of smiles and laughter. That's all a photo shoot needs to be a success.

{photo's courtesy of Marie Claire}

I'm Loving . . .

Ever since Ally from The Right Bank guest blogged about her 10 Things That Make Her Happy, I've been dreaming about this Chanel 2.55 luxury purse. I just can't get it out of my head.

I'm hoping that one day (probably not in the near future) I'll be able to carry this bag over my shoulder. For now I'm going to have to keep dreaming about it, which isn't that bad either.

I Love . . . Kate Spade

Where do I even begin with both of these pairs of shoes? I’m in love. The black heel with the ivory satin carnation on top is to die for chic. Quite possibly the perfect shoe for my Portland bridal shower, oh yes!

Now onto the sequins; there’s nothing much to say except that they’re fabulous. A touch of holiday spirit in my eyes.

I have to admit that I bought both and I’m looking at them right now. So beautiful.

{photo's courtesy of kate spade}