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)

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?

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?

bloom

<floral looks from the Spring 2013 runways>

from left to right: Moschino, Chanel, Prada, Ralph Lauren

<translating the runway into everyday>
Tibi Daisies Sleveless Yoked Tank / Rag & Bone Cambridge Jacket/ Preen Ella Printed Skirt / Gap Printed Legging Skimmer Jeans/ RED Valentino Strawberry Field Print Dress/ Madewell Painted Lacebloom Dress

one of my favorite spring trends straight off the runway is florals.  i love that they can be completely feminine, like the pretty and pink Moschino look above, or toughened up-case in point: the Rag & Bone floral + leather jacket.  Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black wore this jacket recently here and it looked amazing the way she styled it!

another great thing about this trend: you probably already have at least one floral-printed piece in your wardrobe!  to freshen it up a little bit, try pairing it with a print or leather (extra points if it's pastel!).  i plan on wearing a silk floral dress that i already own with my leather jacket to add a little edge.  hopefully it'll be warm enough this weekend to be able to wear it...photos to follow!

will you give florals a try this spring? how will you wear them?

eye candy

i recently decided to treat myself for valentine's day and have my make-up done by a sephora professional before my date with the boyfriend last week.  now, for some background, i don't really "do" my make-up (my boyfriend may disagree, as i do take just a littttttle bit of time to get ready).  my basic routine includes tinted moisturizer, some concealer, blush/bronzer combo, and some mascara. done-i'm out the door! so i didn't really know what to expect when i went to my appointment last week...will she paint my eyelids purple with sparkly eyeshadow? will my face look orange from bronzer? will i get raccoon eyes? AH! 

thankfully, i was so happily relieved with the result and thrilled with what she did.  i've never had my make up done that well.  she really listened to what i wanted and kept everything pretty natural, just enhanced.  in fact, she did such an amazing job, that i ended up buying the eye shadow palette and liner that were used (i've even successfully used them since!).  

here are a few of the main products she used on me.  i can honestly say that i think the Urban Decay Naked Palette would look gorgeous on anyone, no matter what skin tone.  the colors are beautiful and allow you to come up with so many different combinations for day looks and night looks, plus it comes with a mini shadow primer! i also loved the Laura Mercier Cream Eye Liner and bought a pot for myself (seriously, it glides on so smoothly that even i can draw a perfect winged liner).  so go out to your local Sephora and schedule an appointment with one of their artists (maybe even ask to try some of these products in your session!), trust me, you will not be disappointed!!

Urban Decay sparkly eyeshadow / Tarte blush / Laura Mercier eyeliner / Yves Saint Laurent yves saint laurent mascara / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics colorful lipstick

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? 

a very merry gift guide : for the food & wine enthusiast

for all of those aspiring top chef's and sommeliers-in-training on your list, here are a few ideas to satisfy even the pickiest of palates:

Fitzwater Serving Board / Le Creuset Signature Round Wide Dutch Oven / Leather Theorem Coasters / Wüsthof Classic 9-Piece Knife Block Set / Riedel "O" Trio, Bordeaux / Mille-Feuille Apron / Banded Glassware Set / Williams-Sonoma Cheese Cookbook / SPQR: Modern Italian Food and Wine

i love to cook, and have to admit that some of these items may be on my wish list too! you won't go wrong giving Le Creuset cookware; it's beautiful and dependable, and the recipient will never, ever get rid of it.  of course a good knife set is essential too, and some fun wine glasses (these stemless versions are a modern alternative to the more traditional Bordeaux glasses).  add in a cookbook and some metallic leather coasters, and your friends will be beyond happy!

a very merry gift guide : for him

buying for the men in your life who already have everything? welcome to the club.  every year we fall into the same routine: you pick up another tie for dad, a new sweater for your boyfriend, or anything sports-themed for your brother.  why not try something new?  i promise it's not as hard as it seems!   here are a few ideas for your consideration...pick one (or two!) and start stuffing those stockings!

J.Crew j crew / Persol eyewear / How To Be A Man By Glenn O'brien / Leather Card Holder / Men's Accessories ETIP GLOVE / The Art of Shaving Fusion Contemporary Shaving Set / Antique Globes

a very merry gift guide : for her

'tis the season, and you know what that means...it's time to put those presents under the tree for everyone who made it on to santa's "nice" list!

i don't know about you, but i'm still on the hunt for a few gifts with just under two weeks until christmas (helloooo crunch time!).  since i'll be heading home to the east coast for the holidays, i'm focusing on small gifts for everyone that i can ship back over the next few days so that nothing gets lost in my luggage...or more importantly, so that they don't take up valuable room in my suitcase (i'm packing for christmas, a wedding, and new year's after all!).  

if you're still searching like me, i'll be posting ideas for everyone on your list over the next few days!  first up is a gift guide for all of the wonderful women on your list:

J.Crew oversized boyfriend sweater / J.Crew knit top / J.Crew ballet shoes / J.Crew wedge heels / J.Crew leather wallet / Rebecca Minkoff / Monogram pendant / J.Crew polka dot scarve / Viktor & Rolf / diptyque

i love the monogrammed necklace. it's such a thoughtful gift and you can be sure that anyone on your list would really appreciate the effort you took to get them a personalized piece.  i also love these sparkly flats (how festive!) and the Diptyque candle.  honestly, i love all of these pieces though...you can't go wrong!!  

happy shopping!

nyfw

i've been reading fashion magazines since i was in the fifth grade and i've always dreamed of attending new york fashion week. now that it's upon us (eek!), i cannot wait to see what the designers have in store!  over the next week, i'll be following some of my favorite designers on style.com and of course checking in on my favorite bloggers who are lucky enough to be attending this year (check out some of them on my daily routine)!

now, while i'm ridiculously excited to see what the big trends for spring '13 are going to be...i have to admit that i'm slightly preoccupied with some of my favorite fall trends at moment, as i haven't even gotten the chance to wear most of them! here are a few that top my list of must-try trends for this season:

1.  leather   

2.  anything oxblood

3.  peplum 

4.  work appropriate sheath dresses

5.  cap-toe pumps

these are just a few of my favorite things for fall (the list could go on and on, let's be honest).    the best part about these five though is that they can all be appropriate for work and for play.   i might try the peplum top with a pencil skirt during the week, then pair it with a pair skinnies and the cap-toe pumps for a fierce weekend look.  

what are some of your favorite trends for this season? is there anything you can't wait to buy + try?