I'm Loving . . .

I am still attempting to embrace the sunshine with bare legs and flowing dresses. I am coveting this black dress that makes it a little more formal as we transition into fall.

Simple and clean lines in a bathroom is something I day dream about - weird I know, but it happens to the interior design obsessed. There is something about this bath tub that makes my heart sing. But this weekend I'll be working on my bathroom vignette.

I've been attempting to do a braid in my hair for far too long - this weekend I'm sitting down and making one final attempt to perfect it. It's the perfect way to do your hair when you want it look chic, but a tad messy.

When I walked into one of my favorite shops, Grenouille in San Francisco my heart stopped with I saw this farm house table - it's perfect my current client. It's the perfect color and the best part is it's on wheels.

Is there anything you're coveting or loving this week?

1. Pretty Stuff 2. Varpunen 3. Abby Try Again 4. Caitlin Flemming

simply summer . . .

Are you ready to retire your winter attire? I certainly am. A casual and comfortable wardrobe that embodies these in a stylish way. Although we have chilly summers that allow us to wear booties - I'll still be embracing summer with effortless neutrals.

*photos: 1. we heart it 2. vanessa jackson 3. odette new york 4. flaunt magazine nov 2010

currently coveting . . .

Have you ever found a designer where you anxiously wait for their new collection to arrive? Well, one of my favorite designers, Michele Janezic's Spring/Summer collection just hit stores - I've been dying to get my hands on a few pieces this season. Each piece of Janezic clothing I've owned has become an instant staple in my wardrobe. What I love most is that you put each piece on and you are ready to hit the town - no fussing around needed. This season I'm in love with the Liberty print Lou, Metropolis Julia and Marcel in black crepe de chine . . . all are must have's that will get you through summer and will transition perfectly into early fall.

Along with these stunningly beautiful photographs Leslie Williamson took of the Janezic collection is a lovely one minute video that will make your soul sing and your heart my skip a beat from it's beauty. I've watched it far too many times anticipating the arrival of these gems.

You can find this seasons Janezic collection at Dish Boutique on Hayes, Erica Tanov in San Francisco & Berkeley and McMullen in Oakland. I promise one (or three, or five) of her pieces will make you an instant fan of this line. It has truly transformed my wardrobe!

Photography: Leslie Williamson
Hair & Makeup: France Pierson
Models: Robin Ayers-Lee & Mariah Nielson

striking sun light

With the sun shining bright and the air oh-so warm, it's time to break out long dresses, bright pops of color and of course, show off your legs. With temperatures raising to above 80 degrees in San Francisco it's definitely the perfect opportunity to do so. What's not to love about warm sunshine?

Images: Simone LeBlanc via Elle Sweden May 2011

talbots ooh-la-la!

I had to do a double-take when I saw this Talbots spring 2011 ad campaign. For the first time ever you might find me taking a trip to Talbots. This collection looks beautiful and makes me crave spring even more - how is that even possible? I'm dying for some sunshine. Huge round of applause to Talbots!

Photos: Talbots featuring Julianne Moore by Mert & Marcus via Fashionising

happy monday!

Hello everyone! I'm back from a lovely weekend in Portland, hope you had a great one too. I'm actually still making my way back to San Francisco this morning after a canceled flight last night but lucky for me it meant that I got to spend time with family and enjoy the last part of the Academy Awards - what did you think of the winners, fashion and hosts? I thought Mila Kunis, Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Williams looked stunning AND Hilary Swank's hair was to die for chic, so Hollywood glam! I'd love to hear what you thought.

Have a wonderful weekend!

*Photos: Patterson Maker, From Me to You, Convey

spring fever

Every season I wait with baited breath for the Toast catalogue to come out. This early spring issue doesn't disappoint - it had me day dreaming about re-decorating (these interiors are to.die.for), spring cleaning so that I can add some fabulous clothes into my wardrobe and of course traveling the world. Not to mention, each outfit makes me crave warmer temperatures and sunshine days!

What are you looking forward to the most this coming Spring? Warm weather? Sunshine? Cotton dresses? Sandals? I'd like all of the above - a girl can dream, right?

Photos: Toast UK

a perfect combination

This classic outfit has me day-dreaming for warm spring days where I can spend the day brunching with girlfriends and finding treasures at consignment shops around the city. Ahhhhh, a girl can dream - instead I'll be wearing rain boots and my trench for the next couple of days.

*Photo: That Kind Of Woman

an all black ensemble

When I try to come up with cute outfits for cold weather it seems to get repetitive - jeans with layers. I know, it's nothing special, but when it's gloomy outside it's hard to get inspired. This all black ensemble is exactly what I needed to see to kick start my inspiration. The touch of chocolate and fur make it perfect in my eyes. I'm off to recreate this outfit. Hope it inspires you as well!

*Photo: style clicker via thatkindofwoman

what to wear? that is the question

This Friday Katie, Taylor, Alicia and I decided that it was about time to have a San Francisco blogger cocktail party. I can’t wait to meet up with some new friends. The question is, what should I wear? Everyone keeps asking me – are you wearing a skirt, dress, sequins, leopard or jeans? Ladies, I’ve got no earthly idea what my outfit will be, but I can assure you I’ll probably be wearing jeans. Do you have any cute go to outfits you wear out on the town? And for those of you coming, what are ya’ll wearing?

I’m counting down the hours until I get to meet everyone. See you Friday!

ps. And the WINNER of the January sponsorship is . . . Jeanette from JVW Home Design. Congratulations!!

Photo: Patterson Maker

j.crew bridal: a taste of luxury . . .

The first J.Crew Bridal Boutique isn't just for brides - thank god! If only I had waited a few months to get married (just kidding). Take a look inside the new store.

Could I just have one of everything? Those shoes are TO DIE FOR - I think I may have the perfect spot in my closet for these lovelies!

J.Crew Bridal is one of only two stores that carry Histoires de Parfums in New York.

One of many things I love about J.Crew is their jewelry. Every piece I've bought or received as a gift is beautiful and I cherish each piece I add to my collection. Don't you just love the way they display their jewelry?

Whether your a bride or bridesmaid or a guest at a wedding, there is something for everyone at this store. Just look at the beautiful wedding dresses to choose from - le sigh! They are amazing. Not to mention on the other side of the store you've got an array of stunning bridesmaid dresses. Any bridesmaid would be lucky to wear any of these dresses. I can spot a few I already love.

To end the night, J.Crew had Rickshaws available to take guest home for free - très chic. On the side of each of them it read, "Say I do to J.Crew."

J.Crew definitely pulled out all the stops for this lovely event. I can't wait to stop by the store next time I'm in New York.

{photo's courtesy of The Bride's Guide: Martha Stewart Weddings}

Wednesday Wedding Break

Today is exactly two months until the BIG day. Time sure is flying. Last night Eric and I finished stuffing, stamping and sealing all of our invitations. While I'm excited that they are on there way to our guests, I'm exhausted.

So, I'll be kicking up my feet today (after work) for the first time in awhile.

See you back here tomorrow where I'll be posting about what inspires me (part of Blog It Forward) and I've got another exciting giveaway! I'm excited to share both posts with you.

Have a great day luvies.

{photo courtesy of definitely golden}

Wednesday Wedding Updates!

Hi lovelies, today is an exciting day. Our invitations are "out for delivery" and I'm waiting not so patiently at my desk. Every time I hear the elevator ding, I hope that it's UPS.

Once they arrive, I have about a week to get the envelopes to our wedding planner (who has amazing calligraphy) and send them out. Boy is it going to be a busy week.

Be sure to check out the sneak peek of our invitation, here.

Something else is arriving this week . . .

My lovely mom is flying down to San Francisco this weekend with my wedding dress. We're going veil shopping on Saturday. I'm excited to try on my dress again!

Next Wednesday, I'll be featuring an interview with a special person that made one of my dreams come true for the wedding.

{photo's courtesy of style me pretty and Elizabeth Anne Designs}

Wednesday Wedding: Elizabeth Dye

After my first year of college I few home to Portland for the summer to find a job and I ended up working at the English Department with owner Elizabeth Dye. Back then it was filled with ready-to-wear clothing and only one rack of wedding dresses. Now, it's transformed into a beautiful bridal boutique where you can find gorgeous one-of-a-kind wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses.

When I asked Elizabeth what her inspiration was behind her Spring 2010 collection she said "my inspiration for the collection was heroines of English literature—writers and characters—so I called the collection “Heroines.” I wanted to make dresses that feel pretty and romantic but are still perfectly practical for bicycling down a country lane. Okay, maybe you couldn’t bicycle in all of them, but you know what I mean." Read below to read what Elizabeth has to say about the two dresses I adore.

"This dashing party dress is made from silk shantung and English tulle. Silk bodice with sweetheart neckline and princess seams is embellished at the waist with a scalloped band of vintage Alençon bridal lace and a whimsical tulle ruffle."

"This dear little dress would be perfect for a wedding by the sea. Alençon lace bodice with slight sweetheart neckline is embellished all over with delicate ruffles of silk chiffon and strewn with vintage pearl beads."

I wish I could change into one of these dresses for my reception. They seem like they'd be so much fun to dance in. Don't you think?

If you live in Portland be sure to go to Elizabeth's fashion show on January 31st. For more information go here.

Thanks Elizabeth for the beautiful wedding dress inspiration!

{photo's courtesy of Elizabeth Dye}

Wedding Wednesday Update: Veil

Tonight I'll be booking my last flight to Portland before the wedding. I've got to pick up my wedding dress and bring it back to San Francisco in order to find a veil the works with the dress. Since my dress doesn't have a train, I'm leaning towards a long veil, but one never knows what could happen in the end...

I love the dramatic feeling a long veil adds to the whole look, along with the photos.

Short veils aren't seen as often anymore and that's something I like seeing, but there really isn't anything like a long veil being put on for that last touch.

In the end, I'm almost positive I'll be wearing a long veil, but like I said before, "one never knows" because I never knew I'd be wearing a strapless dress.

{photo's courtesy of Style Me Pretty}

Happy New Years Eve!

What I love about NYE is that you can do something different every year. One year you can go up to the mountain and sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate and/or champagne, the next year you can host a party (like I am doing this year) and invite all of your friends, or you can just stay home and enjoy some much needed R&R. This year I'll be putting on my heels and heading out with a bunch of friends. I don't think I've dressed up this much for NYE in a long long time. How are all of you celebrating New Year's Eve this year?

I want to thank all of my family, my friends, my readers, my fellow bloggers, and most importantly to all of you who have shown me their support since I started my blog this year.

Here's to a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2010!

{photo courtesy of Plush Palate via Julia}

Wedding Wednesday Update: Bridesmaid Dresses Arrived

This weekend I'll be heading to Bella Bridesmaid with my maid of honor and one of my bridesmaids to try on their Lela Rose bridesmaid dresses that finally arrived. I've been excited about seeing them in the ivory and mint green I chose.

I know all of my bridesmaids are excited about getting the dresses. A little too excited. I'm just hoping none of them wear the dress before the big day (yes B, don't do it!).

While 2009 has been a busy year filled with planning the wedding, it's been a great experience. I can't believe everything I've done for the wedding this past year. I'm excited to share the last three months of updates with you. The wedding is quickly approaching. I'm astonished at how fast this past year of being engaged has gone by, but I'm looking forward to being married in 2010.

{photo courtesy of mary ruffle}

Wednesday Wedding Update: The Dress Has ARRIVED

Yesterday I received the phone call that every bride dreams about; "your wedding dress has arrived!" My body immediately got goosebumps.

I can hardly wait to go in for my fitting. I'm excited to step into my dress and see how it looks. Oh, I can envision all of the white chiffon, satin and silk right now. Wish I could show all of you the dress, but a certain someone reads this blog, so you'll have to wait until after the April 2010 wedding.
Unfortunately I have to wait until I'm in Portland for Christmas to try it on. Wish I could fly up this weekend, but three weeks will fly by, especially since we're approaching the holidays.

Of course I think a little champagne will have to be involved afterwards with my mom and a few of my friends that will be in Portland. December 23rd, here I come!

UPDATE: I'm heading home this weekend to support a friend who lost a family member. Since I'll be home I'm going to go in for my dress fitting, which means my dress will be done by Christmas!

{photo courtesy of coco+kelley}