sweet soiree

now that we've moved into a space where we can actually both fit in the kitchen at the same time and we have more than enough seating, i've started to get the itch to entertain more.  we had a small holiday + housewarming party before christmas that was so much fun that i've been looking for an excuse to have our friends over again ever since.  the Super Bowl is coming up, and then the oscars are in march, but i've realized that i don't necessarily need to center the night around an event.  so instead of waiting for the perfect occasion, i'm just making my own and planning my very first dinner party (how grown up, right?!) in our new place.

the food will obviously be the center of attention that night, so i need a showstopper main course that's not only delicious but uncomplicated enough to make for a crowd.  since some of our friends are vegetarians, i think something like this portobello mushroom lasagne would be perfect.  for dessert, something that can be made ahead is key.  this salted butter caramel ice cream recipe from david lebovitz sounds incredibly indulgent and absolutely perfect.  add a little wine and bubbles...done and done!

i don't plan on leaving any details out; i'll be sending out invitations, everyone will get place cards, and i'm even thinking of doing menu cards as well.  to make the whole process even easier, i recently found minted: an online retailer that specializes in customizable cards, party decor, invitations, and stationary.  with just a few clicks, i have my choice of colorful cards, striped straws, or personalized prints.  after looking around the site, my favorite set is the sparkle everywhere collection.  i love the classic black, gold, and white color combination; it's simple but elegant, and exactly what I would want for my first dinner party.  here are a few of my favorite items that i have on my wish list:

how amazing is this menu card?!

gorgeous invitations

adorable straws for sipping cocktails

one of the best things that minted offers (or really the best thing in my opinion) is the endless amount of ways to customize your items.  for example, if i wasn't a huge fan of gold, i have the option of changing the color of the sparkle on the invitations or cards to silver or rose gold; i could even change the shape of the cards if i'd like.  their site is so easy to use and you can truly find something for every occasion; holidays, weddings, baby announcements, parties...they even have wall prints!  they're currently offering 10% off on valentine's day cards through 01/29 with code HEART10 too.  so if you need a little something for your significant other or if you just have an event coming up, i definitely suggest heading over and checking out their offerings for yourself...planning will be such a breeze. 

enjoy!

oh hello, 2014.

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well that certainly came fast. i cannot believe that it's already a new year...and already two weeks into it!  time flies when you're busy having fun.  the end of 2013 was a whirlwind: the boyfriend and i took the plunge and moved in together (and out of the city), i got a promotion at work (woo!), i hosted thanksgiving for the first time, and our schedules were booked solid with travel and holiday events.  so, i'm actually pretty excited that the holidays are over and it's time to recharge!

while most people have started the year off with big resolutions and good intentions, i've actually chosen not to make any.  i've found that every year i decide to make a resolution, i almost never stick to it (oops).  so instead, my plan is to just be better.  be better to my body, be better to my mind, and be better to my soul.  this way, i can make little decisions everyday that will make a positive impact and help me be better.  if you decided to make a resolution this year, i wish you all the luck in the world and hope that you reach your goals...and if you didn't, no big deal, i think 2014 will be just as great for you too!

fashion week from afar

well, hello.  i've been so busy with work and packing (more to come on that) that i almost forgot that new york fashion week is going on! just kidding.  i think i actually may be spending more time post-work scrolling through instagram and style.com to catch up on all of the new shows.  here are a few looks from some of the more recent shows that i absolutely love...i have to say, that while fall isn't even in full force yet, these are making me crave spring! 

robert rodriguez spring 2014 RTW

alice + olivia spring 2014 RTW

alexander wang spring 2014 RTW

j.crew spring 2014 RTW

oscar de la renta spring 2014 RTW

what are you loving this year? are there any trends in particular that you're absolutely going ba-na-nas (in typical rachel zoe fashion, of course) over???

collection by club monaco

well there goes my budget this month (kidddding...sort of!).  club monaco has introduced their collection line, and it is incredible.  i am completely in love with this jacket, this dress, and this show-stopping skirt.  every piece is so luxe and chic, yet still captures the modern minimalism that club monaco is known for.

can we just take a step back and think about how they're killing it right now? first the shoe collection and now this!  take a look and let me know what you think...will you be investing in the new collection?

Yenna Italian Shearling Jacket

Libby Leather Moto Jacket

Kaylan Italian Wool Dress

Alena Leather & Suede Skirt

Warren Slim Wool Pant

Krista Shearling Zip Sweater

Delaine Cashmere Poncho

skirt flirt

i've officially fallen for the fluted skirt trend.  although i'm hesitant to call it a "trend" because in reality, the shape of these skirts will never go out of style.  they compliment every body type and are seasonally neutral; wear with a chunky knit and tights and boots for cold, or throw on a pair of sandals with a lightweight blouse for warmer weather.  for me, any piece that is multi-functional that way is a good investment and screams "buy me now" from the racks.  

i've picked out a few favorites below (i actually just got the ivory jcrew mini) in a variety of neutral colors for your browsing pleasure.  let me know what you think; are you as much of a fan of the fluted skirt as i am?

Theory Skirt  //  J.Crew Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe  //  Tibi Italian Ponte Yoked Skirt  //  Zara Skirt with Asymmetrical Frill

happy friday

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finally the weekend is here! has anyone else felt that this week just took forever?  i'm looking forward to a pretty relaxing weekend, which is exactly what i want.  tonight i'm going sailing on the bay and tomorrow night we're heading to our first giants game of the year (a little late in the season, i know).  other than that, we have nothing scheduled.  i plan on enjoying a latte, going to yoga, and maybe taking a walk on the beach or going for a hike in the headlands.  hellooo serenity.

have a wonderful weekend!

falling for plaid

one of the fall trends i'm most excited about is plaid.  maybe it's because it's a subconscious reminder of my pre-teen years in the nineties and all of the time i spent watching my so called life, clarissa explains it all, and of course the endless viewings of clueless (i'm pretty sure someone was wearing plaid in every scene of that movie).  or perhaps the more likely reason is that it's because it's such a timeless and classic print.  while it may not pop up in runway collections every season,  it plays a major role in street style from year to year and is seen worn in an endless amount of ways once the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change color.

here are just a few plaid pieces that i'm lusting after currently.  i especially love those joie flats and think they would look perfect with a pair of skinnies and a big cozy sweater (and maybe a pumpkin spice latte in my hand).  can you tell i'm ready for fall?!

Madewell Pentfield Chatham Buffalo Plaid Shirt  //  Joie Pointed Toe Smoking Flat  //  PJK Plaid-Front Silk Popover  //  Zara Checked Wool Coat  //  Alice + Olivia Weston Straight Skirt with Buckle

these boot(ies) were made for walking

1. Dolce Vita Jaxen Bootie  //  2. Chloe Susanna Studded Bootie  //  3. Sam Edelman Mariel Bootie  //  4. Hudson Riley Bootie  //  5. Joie Dalton Bootie  //  6. Jean-Michel Cazabat Noni Bootie  //  7. Rag +Bone Harrow Bootie  //  8. Madewell Biker Boot

i'm currently coveting some new booties for fall and have rounded up a group of my absolute favorites here!  some of these are definitely dream purchases (ahem, i'm talking to you, Chloe studded booties) and may be out of reach for now, but others like the madewell biker boot or the dolce vita jaxen bootie are totally attainable additions to your closet.  by staying with a neutral color like black or brown, it allows you to easily pair them with anything; i'm thinking skinny jeans + a moto jacket, tights + a mini, or a cute  and feminine dress to balance out the toughness of the booties.  i also love the seasonal versatility of booties...they're one of the only year-round shoes in my closet.  and since you're able to get so much more mileage out of them compared to traditional boots, it makes splurging on an amazing pair that much more worth it!

pop art

i just received a zoku quick pop maker as a birthday gift (after walking by the williams-sonoma store with the boyfriend too many times and "hinting" that it would be so fun to make our own popsicles) and have been on the hunt for some delicious pop recipes ever since.  can i just say that there are so many to choose from?  plus, they're all so gorgeous to look at, like mini-frozen works of art.  i'm not sure that i realized how popular making your own popsicles had gotten!  

while summer in san francisco isn't quite warm enough to really necessitate cooling down with a frozen treat, it's still a fun way to celebrate the season.  i'm torn between the fruitier recipes and the creamier ones...they both look so good! i have to admit though, anything that involves chocolate will always be my number one choice.  so even while i'm bundled up in a sweater and jeans in august, i'm planning on indulging in some of these sweet treats and savoring the last days of summer!

Green Smoothie Detox Pop

these are definitely the healthiest pops i found while browsing (guilt free!).  not to mention, they could do double duty as both dessert and breakfast!

Roasted Strawberry and Toasted Coconut Pops

these look divine.  joy can do no wrong; i love all of her recipes.   these seem especially delicious and like a gourmet-version of a popsicle...if those exist (roasted strawberries, toasted coconut? these would definitely be the fanciest pops i've ever had)!

Coffee Dulce De Leche Pops

and now for the crazy indulgent pops.  yum yum yum!  i wonder if these taste like a frozen caramel latte or macchiato?  there's only one way to find out...i guess i'll have to make them this weekend!

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut + Rum Pops

does it get any better than a pina colada and chocolate?  um, no.  taking a bite out of one of these seems like it would immediately transport you to a tropical island...count me in!

so in conclusion, i'm going on a popsicle-only diet for an indefinite amount of time.......kidding!  but these not only look like they would be absolutely delectable, they're also a pretty, fun, and different way of presenting a summer dessert (especially when entertaining!).  labor day is just around the corner, so for your last summer barbecue, think about trying out pops as individual desserts for your guests! they'll be amused at your creativity and delighted when they take the first bite.  i know i'll be putting my zoku to work and whipping up a batch...enjoy!

animal instinct

it's old news that i love a good leopard print.  i think that it works so well as a neutral and really adds another dimension to  what can be an otherwise simple outfit.  i had a pair of jeffrey campbell leopard flats for the longest time and they finally reached their end recently.  while looking for a suitable replacement for them, i've stumbled across some other pretty gorgeous leopard print pieces that i'm now coveting!

Clare Vivier Flat Clutch Supreme  //  Velvet Leopard Sweater Dress  //  Elizabeth and James Leopard-Print Calf Hair Satchel  //  DVF Kay Printed Dress  //  Equipment Liam Top with Contrast Sleeves  //  Club Monaco Mackenzie Leopard Slippers  //  Mural Leopard Print Skater Skirt

i will definitely be getting those club monaco flats to replace my worn and torn jeffrey campbell pair! i also adore anything by equipment, so i'll be heavily considering that top as well.  what do you think of wearing such a loud animal print? do you love it or is it too intimidating? i personally can't get enough of it, as long as it's in tasteful doses ;) !

splurge or save

confession: i've been dreaming of a new sofa for some time now.  while i'm not in the market to change anything anytime soon, i've been planning browsing for my new piece of furniture a lot lately.  it can't hurt to look, right?

i'm leaning toward a mid-century style tufted sofa, in some shade of gray.  i've found so many options at every price range.  obviously a lower price point is ideal, but i wouldn't want to sacrifice quality and longevity. so, what do you think...splurge or save?

splurge: Crate & Barrel Aidan Sofa ($2,199)
save: Z Gallerie Benny Sofa ($999)

link love

oops...it's been awhile! time has just gotten away from me and there's been a lot going on...more to come on that in the upcoming months (there are some big things happening-!!!).  for now though, here's another installment of link love.  and don't worry, i'm back and already working on upcoming posts for this week!  woo!

1. Lovely Pepa  i stumbled across this blog via Pinterest and am now obsessed.  alexandra is based in spain and has incredible style.  i love her unique style and that she's not afraid to try different trends...bonus-she incorporates high and low items so it's easy to attain a look like hers (i already tried searching for that MSGM dress she has on above...sold out, but so gorgeous!).

2.  Sick Days for Your Period?! um...ok!  read this article and tell me what you think.  i love hello giggles and think this is a really interesting article and to be honest while it sounds great (two extra days off a month?!), the author discusses interesting and valid points about why this might not be a great idea.

3.  Lemon Rosemary Yogurt Cake oh this sounds amazing.  last year i made lemon thyme sugar cookies as a thank you for a friend and this sounds like an even better version of those.  plus rosemary is my favorite herb...yum!

4.  DIY Firepit i love this DIY.  it's so simple but would make such an impact on an outdoor space.  now i just need to find a washing machine drum...

5.  Vince Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater well vince has done it again.  i seriously cannot get enough of this brand.  i saw this sweater at cusp this weekend and fell in love.  this will be seriously considered when adding pieces to my closet for fall!

6.  Issa for Banana Republic there are just a few mere hours left until these pieces go on sale! after wearing this amazing Issa dress to a friend's wedding, i can't pass up the chance to own my own piece. i'm lusting after the gorgeous printed wrap dresses that look like they can go from work to play!

work it out

1.  Lululemon Inspire Crop II // 2.  Lululemon Mod Moves Singlet // 3.  Old Navy Mesh Running Shorts // 4.  Old Navy 1/4 Zip Running Shirt // 5.  Newton Distance // 6.  Nike Zoom Running Jacket // 7.  Lululemon Track Attack Short // 8.  Lululemon Mile A Minute Tank // 9.  Nike Relay Running Capris

i've always been active, whether it's playing team sports, running a marathon, or taking bar classes.  my work outs have evolved as i've gotten older, and i'm more willing to try different ways of exercising outside of the standard running and lifting at the gym.  this has been especially true since i moved to san francisco, where i've been incredibly lucky to be able to head over the bridge for a quick hike, begin kiteboarding, and dabble in all sorts of yoga classes (bikram, vinyasa, power...so many options!).  

since i try to exercise a few times a week and i change up my routine so often, i need my work out clothes to be multi-functional.  i've come to love (and live in) my lululemon crops and pants because they really are just that comfortable.  layering is important here too, since it's inevitably freezing when you head out and then in ten minutes you're so hot you can't stand having your jacket on any longer.  the nike jacket and old navy half-zip above are perfect examples of what i wear on my runs.  they're so easy to throw on over a tank or layer under another jacket.  plus, they block the wind.  double win!  i have to say, that when i find gear that i like, i tend to stay with that brand.  when it works, it works, right?

what are your favorite exercise apparel brands? do you find yourself going back and back to just one?

kate spade saturday

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i'm currently loving kate spade's new, more casual (and affordable!) line, kate spade saturday.  there are so many cute dresses and tops, and the patterns, colors, and cuts used are so fun for summer (although as you'll notice below, i've gravitated toward neutrals yet again).  i have quite a few items that are on my wish list (possibly even lingering in my cart...) that i'd love to snatch up and add to my closet.  admittedly, a lot of them are dresses, but how can you resist when throwing on just one piece of clothing means you're completely done thinking about your outfit?!  they're just too easy to pass up! plus, i'm purging my closet of so much unworn/old/out of style pieces that i have some room to fill up!  let the online shopping browsing begin!

Neat Pleat Dress...this may be my favorite piece on the entire site.  yes, i know i raved about the colors and patterns above, but i couldn't resist the simplicity and elegance of the black.  you may not be able to notice here, but the entire dress is pleated, which i can only imagine sways beautifully while you're walking.  and isn't the length perfect??  dress it down with flats, dress it up with heels. done and done.

Apron Tank...how cute is this white tank? the geometrical neckline is gorgeous and super flattering.  i'm already imagining it paired with my white zara skort and nude heels for a crisp summer outfit.

Squared Sunnies...i practically gasped out loud when i saw these.  they look strikingly similar to some elizabeth & james and karen walker glasses that i've been eyeing forevvvver but are literally about a sixth of the price.  so obviously i'll need to get them in both black and tortoise, because i'll still be saving money!

Call Me Dress...one last dress! this color is so perfect, and i love the idea of this dress going from day to night.  it's a little nicer than your average t-shirt dress (better fit, and a little shorter) and with the right accessories it can be taken from running errands in the afternoon to dinner and drinks that night. 

so, what do you think of the new line? are you loving it as much as i am? 

i hope so...happy shopping! xx

minted

Bauble Bar Celadon Theda Bib Necklace / J.Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Drop-Shoulder Boyfriend Sweater / Parker Selita Mix-Print Dress / Erin Featherston Marylene Blazer + Apertif Shirt / Rebecca Minkoff Dylan Tote

lately i've been loving all things mint-hued.  i recently painted my toes with Revlon minted polish and am now slightly obsessed.  i like the color even better when mixed with black and white (like the parker dress and the j.crew sweater/pant combo above...i want, i want, i want!).  the color is great because it literally looks amazing on every skin tone and with every hair color.  seriously-if you don't believe me, go try something on in this hue and try to not buy it after seeing how gorgeous you look in it! 

tell me, would you wear something in mint? would you choose it as a part of your outfit or as an accessory?

silk and sunsets

i LOVE these printed linen shorts from j.crew and think they're the perfect building block for a summer day or night look.  i've put together an easy night look above, using the shorts and a few other items.  first, i'd pair the shorts with a cute silky top from madewell to dress them up a little bit.  then to give the outfit a little bit of edge, i'd throw this incredible Twenty8Twelve leather jacket over the tank.  finally, i'd keep the accessories simple with black strappy sandals from Zara and a bright clutch by ONE by Kayu to really pull out the bright pink in the shorts. 

isn't this the easiest outfit ever?  how would you wear these shorts?

skort-ing the issue

last week i finally took the plunge and purchased the oh-so-popular white zara skort.  i literally tried it on two months ago in the store and loved it, but was trying to be conservative with my spending and let it go.  sad day (needless to say).  well, i couldn't resist any longer and added it to my bag, along with these gorgeous tan heels.  hopefully i'll get a chance to wear both soon!  unfortunately not this weekend though, as i'll be on the water all weekend.  i can't wait...three days off, kiteboarding lessons on saturday, and a mini-vacation sunday and monday on a nearby island that boasts much warmer weather than san francisco.

when i am finally able to wear said skort, i'm thinking i want to dress it up with a cool graphic tee (maybe my home tee, or one of these manifesto tees that i'm loving right now), a black blazer, heels, and one of my bauble bar x honestly wtf necklaces.  one of the reasons i decided to finally cave and buy the skort is because it's so versatile.  while it is very popular right now, every single way i've seen it styled is different.  here are a few of my favorite ways i've seen it styled so far...

i love this neutral outfit paired with metallic strappy heels seen here on BettyStyles

alicia of Cheetah is the New Black pairs the skort perfectly with this amazing tie-front blouse and neutral strappy sandals

i love this sporty look from VintageVirgin too-the sweatshirt is totally awesome and the clutch is so fun!

i seriously can't wait to wear it, and i promise to do an outfit post on it (did i mention how i just learned that my boyfriend took photography all through high school? photographer: check!).  do you like any of the looks styled above? how would you style it?

nailed it

if you follow me on twitter or instagram, then you already know that i tried Sally Hansen's Insta-Gel Polish Starter Kit for the first time last week.  it was so easy.  the kit itself came with everything you need, including the polish, gel strips, LED lamp, nail file/buffer, cuticle stick, and nail cleansing pads.  the instructions were super easy to follow too.  first you shape your nails and clean up your cuticles (while i've given myself probably hundreds of self manicures, i never really push my cuticles back/trim them because they're never that bad...so this was definitely the trickiest step for me!).  next you buff your nails and clean them off with the cleansing pads, and then apply the gel strips.  i thought this part was going to be really difficult, but it was actually really manageable.  you use the nail file to get rid of the excess strip, then coat each nail with the gel polish and keep it under the LED lamp for 30 seconds. one more swipe of the cleansing pad, and voila! you're done!  my only issue came from not being the best at cuticle maintenance...so a few days later i could see that the polish was starting to peel off at the base of my nails so i just removed it all.  note to self: get better at that.

now that i've conquered at-home gel manis, i'm moving on to bigger and better things! ok, not really, but i am trying to decide how to paint my nails next.  these are a few options i'm considering; would you try any of them? i'm kind of loving the white statement nail that Danielle from weworewhat is rocking in this pic (especially with the black nails...totally on trend right now)...but anyway, here are the other options!

LOVING this floral + glitter mani by Emily at cupcakes + cashmere

in case i'm feeling really festive for memorial day weekend, this mani could be fun

basically the reverse of Danielle's mani, but with a skin-tone neutral + matte black

link love

just a little taste of things i'm loving lately!

1.  DIY Jeweled Statement Earrings after picking up these gems recently, i have a new love of statement earrings, especially pairing them with my every day tees and sweatshirts.  this DIY is an easy way to customize pairs of your own.  (apairandasparediy)

2.  Keaton Row this great new site offers an array of styling options for every occasion! the stylists create custom lookbooks for you based on your styling need that offer multiple options to choose from. (keaton row)

3.  I Tried Gwyneth Paltrow's Diet  i kind of love Gwyneth Paltrow and have tried a few  of her recipes (and even one of the cleanses...after getting it doctor approved), and this hilarious article describing one woman's journey through some of her menus had me crying i was laughing so hard.  trust me, you'll enjoy it!  (The Cut)

4.  Emme Halter Dress  ok ladies, tibi has some amazing pieces out right now.  i not only love the cut of this dress, but the graphic floral print is stunning.  i think it's slightly reminiscent of the 90's, which i adore.  also a plus, they're having a friends and family event where all new items are 25% off right now using the code FRIENDS25! (tibi)

5.  Salt & Vinegar Chips Topped Chocolate Cake i admit, this sounds like a strange combination, but it's two of my absolute favorite guilty pleasures rolled into a delicious looking cake.  i'll have to try it soon, and just hope i can find some volunteers to help me eat it.  (chasing delicious)

6.  Olivia Palermo's hair this last one is a little random, but i've been debating chopping off my ends for a shorter look.  miss palermo's hair has always been a favorite of mine, but now i have a few different looks to choose from as some of my favorite bloggers (seen here on Julia of Gal Meets Glam, here on Molly from A Piece of Toast, and here on Liz of Sequins + Stripes) have taken the plunge!  now i just need to work up the courage to do it myself. (pinterest)

nom nom

my three day weekend has officially begun and i am beyond excited...because it's not just any weekend, it's BOTTLEROCK! this will be my first ever multi-day music festival and i'm pretty confident in making this my first.  i mean, i don't think it can get any better than great bands, warm weather, wine, and cheese.  it's like the perfect storm!  it's supposed to be crazy crowded, so luckily i have a good friend who has graciously allowed our group to stay at his house, where we can walk to the venue.  as a little thank you, i decided to bake a few treats to bring up to the house.

since the shows don't start until around noon each day, i aimed more for the breakfast/snack group as we will probably getting ridiculously expensive food at the concert.  the two recipes i decided on were morning glory muffins and "bummer bars" from Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook, "It's All Good."  i've made a few different versions of the morning glory muffin, but this one turned out beautifully, and it was super easy to make.  i love these muffins because they're so good for you.  yes, there is brown sugar, but it can easily be subbed with amber agave.  otherwise, you have a delicious combo of fruits, veggies, and whole grains!  

inspired by Liz's post over at Sequins & Stripes, i went to my local bookstore and picked up Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook.  i've already done her goop 7-day detox twice, so after briefly browsing some of the recipes, i knew i'd be able to give some of them a try.  these "bummer bars" were my first attempt and they're pretty delicious.  the only issue is that when i tried cutting them into bars, some of them fell apart.  i decided to wrap them tightly individually and stick them in the fridge overnight to see if they harden up...cross your fingers! on the plus side, while i was cutting them i was able to sample (aka eating every single piece that broke off the bars) them and they were scrumptious.  plus they're vegan and healthy! #winning

these will both be a great way to start the day on a healthy kick over the next few days, which i think will be greatly needed.  hopefully both recipes will be a hit with the group, otherwise i'm stuck eating it all...which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing (yum).  i'll be posting more pictures and updates this weekend from the concert on twitter and instagram, so be sure to check everything out!

eeek i'm getting so excited! have any of you been to a festival before? any words of wisdom??