hot hot heat

Rebecca Minkoff Bettina Sandal

while these may not be the most practical purchase for recent san francisco weather, there may be a (first ever) trip to hawaii in my near future, and i'm pretty sure these would be the only shoes i'd need to take with me (helloooo carry-on again! way to go me!).  i love the neutral color and criss-cross ankle strap.  i can see these paired with maxi dresses, a bikini and cover-up, a casual tee and mini, all while strolling along the beach in the warm sun...the list goes on and on. and now i've convinced myself to put them in my shopping bag (again, way to go me!).

until recent years, i wasn't much of an accessory lover--i focused my shopping energy much more on what i would call "main" pieces...dresses, tops, pants, etc. but i was MAJORLY missing out. i don't know what finally clicked for me, but shoes and accessories are now equally as important as the mains. jewelry, handbags, shoes, scarves, hats--oh the fabulousness! i mean, more is more, right??? 

one=two

work

Joie Mirrin Sweater / J.Crew Cafe Capri / Tory Burch Hawthorn Pumps / DANNIJO Stella Necklace /  Kate Spade Putting On The Ritz Studs / 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag /  Michael Kors Lexington Watch 

play

Joie Mirrin Sweater / B Brian Atwood Laplata Sandals / Alexander Wang Pelican Sling Bag / DANNIJO Cruz Earrings / Iosselliani Fused Stone Ring Set / Iosselliani Stacking Mixed Crystal Ring Set / Clover Canyon Skirt

i love pieces that are multi-functional.  when i know that i can pair a top or pants with a few different pieces that i already own, i'm much more inclined to make the purchase. this Joie sweater is a perfect example of such a piece. it's a beautiful, lightweight sweater in a neutral (black) that can be easily styled in multiple outfits.

here i've come up with a combination that i would wear for work (love the fun, yet work-appropriate windowpane pattern on the pant), and then one that transitions the sweater into a perfect outfit for play (can we please acknowledge the awesomeness that is those B Brian Atwood sandals?!).  i'd also pair this sweater with a fun pair of skinnies for a casual day look, or even front-tuck it into a printed short to wear on that mid-winter tropical vacation we all wish were taking  (the sun and sand are currently calling my name while i sit here, freezing, in san francisco).

do you search for multi-use pieces like this sweater as well? 

classic

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image 3, 4, 5, and 6

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i've been gravitating toward solids lately and have been getting (p)inspiration from the simple and classic black and white color combination.  it looks so chic and effortless; you really can't go wrong. i am especially loving the last outfit, with the pop of color in the burgundy bag.  follow me on pinterest to see more of my favorite looks!

to new beginnings

i hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday and a happy new year! i just got back from my week and a half long vacation on the east coast and feel reenergized and ready for an amazing 2013; the long break was just what i needed.

for NYE, the boyfriend and i went to friend's house for a delicious dinner and then headed out for a night of dancing. the best part of the night was when our gracious hosts insisted that we go around the table and state our resolution for the new year.  it was entertaining, and inspiring. i normally shy away from making resolutions, but this year i received Rosetta Stone for Italian, and so one of my resolutions is to learn Italian (...and plan a trip there, perhaps!).  the other is to make this blog the best that it can be; i can't wait to see what's to come this year!

unfortunately i was in a rush to finish packing before leaving for my trip and forgot my camera (major oops moment), but here are a few iPhone snaps to recap the holidays.  i really can't believe the hustle and bustle is all over now! what were your favorite parts of the holiday season this year?

left: madewell plaid shirt and sequin polka dot skirt
center top: a view from the bridge to hilton head island
center middle: colors for my festive holiday manicure
center bottom: my cousin's adorable new puppy, Gunnar
right: a white christmas at home in a zara coat + hat (no longer available)

ho ho ho and mistletoe

image via pinterest

i hope you have a wonderful holiday full of warmth and love.  see you in 2013!

xx

christmas came early

last week, the boyfriend and i celebrated our christmas early since we were both leaving for home on friday.  i turned the lights on on the christmas tree, hung our mini-stockings, and wrapped all of his gifts before we made dinner and hid inside for the night to avoid the cold rain. it felt so right having our christmas celebration there...making dinner, watching Christmas movies, and opening gifts together really put me in the spirit of the season!

presents under the tree (and my favorite elephant ornament)

mmmm...cheese plate and wine before dinner

we had received the new food & wine magazine in the mail on wednesday, and both looked at the recipe on the cover and knew that we needed to try it immediately. it was for a spice-rubbed roast chicken with a wasakaka sauce (this was the first time i had even heard of this sauce, but it would be equally amazing on fish as well), which i decided to serve over black rice and roast tomatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper.  we both loved it and can't wait to make it again.  

the finished project...absolutely amazing!

unfortunately the recipe is not online yet, but you should definitely go out and pick up the newest issue to try it!  it's delicious, warm, comforting, and healthy...perfect to warm you up on a chilly night this winter.

merry christmas!

a very merry gift guide : gifts under $100

for this last gift guide, i've compiled some of my most favorite gifts that are under $100.  during the holiday season it's easy to overspend and not realize it until that fateful day when you check your bank statement (...ouch).  these picks are great as gifts for your girlfriends or even as stocking stuffers, and they're easy on your wallet!  

choose baubles and bling, stripes and studs, or clutches and cards...the options are endless! happy shopping!

J.Crew slim tee / J.Crew vintage sleepwear / J.Crew travel bag / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Collar necklace / Teardrop earrings / J.Crew lip makeup / Glitter nail polish / Hand Engraved Pop Fizz Clink Foldover Holiday Cards / Faceted Infinity Pouch / Mary Green Good Morning / Good Night Sleep Mask