Weekend Getaway

Jack and I went on a nice long trip to Napa/San Francisco this past weekend (hence the hiatus) and we forgot our camera! I have no photos of this memorable weekend. This makes me sad because this trip was planned to celebrate Jack's 30th birthday (it was sort of a surprise). The birthday boy was truly wined and dined and...well...so was I! Now that it's not such a surprise I can post on all the lovely things we saw and experienced.

I truly feel at home when I visit San Fran (or as my Mom likes to call it... San Pacho). I'm a third generation Californian and I have been itching to move back some day. The only other place I consider to be like "home" is New Orleans. Despite the fact that I don't have an ounce of Southern blood running through me I'm always treated like family when we go back. In fact both cities have many similarities; both are European in feel, they have taken food, music and drink and elevated all three to the highest of art forms and both welcome all kinds of eccentricity. Anyway, it truly was relaxing to get away; sometimes the mind, heart and soul need a little TLC. This was Jack's first time to San Fran and I'm so glad he enjoyed it! Weekend getaways are a must!

10 Fashion Basics

I'm a huge fan of Garance Dore's blog. She recently posted her top 10 fashion basics and she challenged her readers to do the same. It got me thinking.....what items encapsulate how I express myself and what makes my look authentic? I mean, I could list a pair of Louboutins as the quintessential wardrobe basic but who am I kidding?!? Alas, that is not "me". Shit- I can barely walk in my 2 inch heels! There is wishful thinking and there is being authentic.

Speaking of authenticity, I really appreciated reading one comment from Dore's post, who said:

"What I get from Alt’s list (and Garance’s as well), is an idea of how to be at ease and oneself in clothes, rather than a list of stuff per se. Perhaps this reflects the fact that I’m forty and so not a very young woman. I think of the basics as things that put a person at ease in the role that they play in life, and in the purpose that they set out to fulfill each day."

Well put. So I set out to list the things that make me feel...well...like me. Well tailored clothing that reflected my love of craftsmanship and quality with accessories that have panache and color. And I reminded myself that less is more. So here it goes:

1. Button-down Shirt:


I like mine tailored with a slim fit and I always try to keep mine crisp and pressed. Tucked in or worn out, black or white- either way I'm game. Sometimes I roll the sleeves up for a sporty look. Now that I have lost some weight (I went down a whole cup size), I can wear these nicely without the buttons looking like they are about to pop off. Anne Fontaine makes the prettiest white button down shirts in the market.

2. The Perfect Jeans:
One commenter on Dore's blog said it perfectly: "No muffin top, no bell bottom, not “skinny”, not wide. Dark, simple, lean and long. This is a never ending quest." Yes, yes, yes! I'm partial to Hudson Jeans boot cut- they give me that nice long lean look.

3. Colorful Scarves and Sunnies:


Ok- so I'm lumping two into one. But besides being accessories, they keep the elements at bay, both the sun and the cold. I wear both scarves and sunglasses year round; silk blend scarfs in the summer, cashmere during the colder months. I love my sunglasses from Oliver Peoples… not only are they stylish but they actually get the job done. I’m a photosensitive epileptic and these beauties keep my seizures at bay. Isn't the photo taken by Dore so much fun?!

4. Blazer:
I probably have a jacket for every outfit, every season and in every possible fabric out there. I admit- they are a bit of a security blanket but they just make an outfit in my opinion. I heart my jackets!

5. Red Lips and Manicured Red Nails:


Another lovely Dore photo. I honestly feel 100 x prettier when I wear my raspberry red "Romantic" lipstick from Chanel. It makes my blue eyes pop and livens my mood. And red nails? Well- I grew up around a mother who always reminded my sister and me to keep our nails manicured and hands well moisturized. And I love the color red.

6. Flats:
I almost listed boots on here but I'm starting to veer away from wearing them so often. My sister turned me on to the wonderful world of flats and I’m hooked. Flats are just more multi-functional and comfortable; you can wear them for both work and play. Tod's makes the prettiest flats and so does Miu Miu, Repetto, Tory Burch and Roger Vivier

7. Leather handbag (black or brown):



You can get a well made, long lived handbag without spending a fortune. I love the handbag I recently purchased from Country Road; the leather is buttery soft, it has all the little pockets I need to store my stuff and it goes with everything. It looks just like the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag shown above but I got it for much less:)

8. Super Soft Tees:


I love v-neck and boat necks soft tees, preferably with 3/4 length sleeves. Any color really although I'm loving the nautical stripe right now. Splendid and Alternative Apparel make great t-shirts.

9. Timeless Watch:


You will never see me without my Cartier tank watch. It is to date the best investment piece of jewelry I have ever received. Jack bought it for me years ago and I wear it every.single.day. The workmanship is exquisite and the design timeless.

10. Nude bra:
Last but not least... a great fitting nude bra. Not the prettiest undergarment, a bit plain, but it can be worn under anything and if you are fitted correctly you will have all the support you will need. Nobody likes droopy bewbs.

What are your fashion basics? I'm truly curious- I had so much fun reading other people's basics on Dore's blog:)

Pretty Gold Pieces

This pendant from Scosha cracks me up:) Thou shall not talk shit... hmm... even the best of us need this reminder. Although I'd be pretty tickled pink if I could get one that said, "Never Complain, Never Explain". I think that would suit me better!

I love these relatively affordable stackable rings from Jennifer Meyer (ok- I pretty much love everything that she does). She makes simple, elegant gold jewelry that suits me to a tee. You can get a stack of three for $375 and there is a nice selection of stones to choose from (diamond, sapphire, ruby, turquoise etc)

In case you forget who you are here's a pretty monogrammed pendant by Blanca Monros Gomez.

Again- some more pretty gold jewelry by Jennifer Meyer. Every girl needs a nice pair of gold hoops and these do the trick. I love the addition of the solitary diamond on each hoop.

Feeling Safe

It's been a little stressful with school and work (I have several workshops I'm presenting at next week) and there is nothing better than coming home to the one you love and having all the stress from your day just melt away. Jack is and always will be my safe harbor... he makes things all that much rosier for me. Here's a wonderful poem that reminds me of one of the many things I love about being married. It's written by George Eliot, one of my favorite authors:

"Oh the comfort of feeling safe
with a person;
having neither to weigh thoughts,
nor measure words,
but to pour them all out
just as they are,
chaff and grain together,
certain that a faithful hand
will take and sift them,
keeping what is worth keeping
and with a breath of kindness,
blow the rest away"

George Eliot

Kitchen Items I'm Loving

1. Anthropologie Latte Bowls, Brook Farm General Store Porcelain Canisters, Vintage Kitchen Timer, Fish's Eddy Polka Dot Handled Mug

Baggu

My cute Baggu bags arrived! I decided to get some non-disposable bags for grocery shopping as part of my effort to be a little more earth friendly. They are multi-functional--I can really use them for just about anything and they are cute and stylish to boot. The fabric is lightweight but really sturdy. As you can see these bags can hold allot!

Here I am being a big goofball- pump it!

Style File: Olivia Palermo

I have a crush on Olivia Palermo... I love, love, love her style. I hate her personality on t.v. but I have to admit that she has the "it" factor. I can't get over her hair. My God! I wish I could curl my hair like that. I did a search online and it's rumored that she uses a GHD (a super expensive straightener that you can also use to make loose curls). I already have a straightener so I'm going to attempt to do the loose curl tonight. If it looks halfway as good as Olivia's I might post a photo. Wish me luck!

Images: The Sartorialist

Pretty Scarfs

I am addicted to pretty scarfs folks. Especially from Calypso Celle. They always have a fantastic selection to choose from. It's such a great way to add color and style to any outfit. Case in point: the pop of grey to the gorgeous outfit above from the Sartorialist ties everything together. Love it! Here are some of my favorites currently being sold at Calypso Celle:

Birthday Goals

I usually set my yearly goals on my birthday in June instead of New Years. For some reason it feels more attainable and realistic. This past year I really tried to set attainable goals. As Spring is coming closer I'm going to be doing a little inventory of where I stand with my goals so I stay focused on trying to achieve them. Each month brings a new opportunity to stay on the right track and I'm excited to share with you what I have on my agenda through June! Jack always gets me cupcakes from Swirlz for my birthday so maybe this year I'll have a candle for each goal I achieve:)

Be Healthy:

1. Train and run a race with Jack. It will be good for us to accomplish something together while getting in shape. The St. Paddy's Day Run has our names all over it. Done!

2. Make working out part of my daily routine

3. Come up with a healthy eating plan that is realistic

4. Buy organic milk and veggies

5. Don't sweat the small stuff

Nurture Hobbies:

6. Create a book club

7. Go sailing with Jack more often

8. Finally go to Ravinia for picnic/music

9. Learn how to ride a motorcycle
10. Go on low-key weekend getaways more often
11. Chronicle life's moments; take more photographs

Pursue a New Career:

12. Finish graduate program. The goal is so close and it is finally within reach! This is the year to graduate and move on to bigger and better things

13. Start an internship: I should look at internship programs to get my feet wet.

14. Map out long term career plan

Home Improvement:

15. Have a guest ready home at all times; clean, organized and well maintained. That includes cleaning out the car once a week

16.Be more earth friendly: Use non disposable grocery bags from either Flip & Tumble or Baggu Done!

17. Buy fresh flowers regularly

Other:

18. Contribute to favorite charities as often as possible

19. Write handwritten thank you cards

20. Keep up with friends

21. Create and print honeymoon book using Blurb

22. Complete Family Photo project and buy frames