style: coachella fashions day 1

If you don't already know, I'm a huge fan of Coachella. This year will be my 3rd year and I. cannot. wait. While I tend to dress relatively preppy most of the year, Coachella is the time my inner hipster comes out. Here's my inspiration for Day 1. Loving the corset top with the maxi skirt look. (Now just for the associated diet plan to get me there.)

1. Michael Kors - Tristian Aviators, 2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Savannah Hobo, 3. ASOS Maxi Skirt, 4. Sam Edelman Gladiator Sandals, 5. Target Wood Earrings, 6. Free People Studded Bracelet Set, 7. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Bustier Top, Similar: ASOS Corset in Mex Tex 

currently craving: fun.

Yes, I always crave fun but this time, it's a band. I've had a crush on this band since oh, I don't know...2004? The used to be (plus minus a few members) called The Format and their first single was appropriately titled, First Single. I'm sure you remember it:



Since then they've had a few albums. I love their new single from their latest record, Some Nights. It makes you wanna yell 'WE ARE YOUNG' from the top of your lungs. Just listen to it a few times, and tell me you didn't do the same.

my week in instagram

Here's a look at my last week through the Instagram lenses.

Geographer show at 330 Ritch. You can stream their entire new album (out next Tuesday 2/28) here!

Fun new lipsticks. 

NARS Schiap

Make Up For Ever / Rouge Artist Intense #38 Satin Coral

Sparkly Pour La Victoire flats!

Manicure courtesy of Butter London. Recommend a quick stop if you are ever in the Seattle airport! 

Color: Trout Pout / Frilly Knickers

currently craving: gotye

The chorus of this song has been stuck in my head for weeks. Maybe it's because he sounds a bit like Peter Gabriel (who was a childhood favorite). Regardless, the hook is awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing him at Coachella. Speaking of which, I'll be posting a roundup of some Coachella fashions this week!

rainy day cravings

Whenever it's raining, there is nothing that I love more than a comfy pair of jeans and a soft sweater.  I've been on the hunt for some pastel jeans and I love these from ASOS. Another recent discovery: lipstick. I was converted a few weeks ago at Sephora so I think I'll give this bright pink one by NARS a shot.

Old Navy Sweater, Nars Lipstick in Schaip, ASOS Skinny Jeans in Soft Rose

seattle weekends

I'm headed back to the Seattle area for the long weekend. I spent most of my formative years there, and my parents still live up there. I love the area and get so excited to visit and return to my favorite spots.

Because I consider myself from Seattle but live in SF, I have to celebrate both. In that spirit, I love city posters but have run out of space in my room to hang them (that is until I convince my roommate we should decorate our hallway with them!) Until then, I'll share a few of my favorites here.

 Space Needle City Scene from loosepetals ($20) 

Rainy Day Blue Print from Ork Posters ($27) 

Seattle Skyline Illustration from LisaBarbero ($20) 

I Love Seattle Wood Block from LuciusArt ($39) 

How do you celebrate your hometown love? 

currently craving: bombay bicycle club

This week's Craving Music is straight from London, England. Bombay Bicycle Club is playing tomorrow night at the Rickshaw Stop at PopSceneSF (and at Say Media's party with Geographer, which is where I'll be checking them out!)



Give them a listen and let me know what you think.

valentine's day stella & dot party

This past Sunday, I had so much fun hosting a Valentine's Day party for my girlfriends. (Check out my party inspiration post too!) It was great to have a few different groups of friends meeting for the first time as well. I put together a few different snacks & desserts. We had heart shaped brownies, red velvet cupcakes and pretzel sticks covered in white chocolate and sprinkles. Not to mention, my favorite Valentine's Day treat: conversation hearts!

In addition to the treats, we also had fun trying on lots of Stella & Dot jewelry with one of their fabulous stylists, Kristina. If you ever want to host a party in SF, definitely talk to her!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day.

Part of the spread! 

White chocolate and sprinkle covered pretzel sticks. 

Heart Brownies (Who knew brownies tasted ever better with frosting on them!) 

Stella and Dot Setup from Kristina! 

Mary modeling one of the favorite statement necklaces.

Bahari Necklace ($98)

Loving all the gem stones for spring.

I ended up with these two this time around. 

On the Mark Necklace ($49)

Together Forever Necklace ($49)

Really loving the latest Stella & Dot spring styles. It was so tempting not to buy more! 

mimosa funday saturdays

In what has become a bit of yearly Pre-Valentine's day tradition, some of my girlfriends and I got together for a boozy brunch this Saturday at Lime in the Castro district of San Francisco. The original group has expanded over the years and it's a great (and fun!) reminder of the wonderful people I'm lucky to have in my life.

If you haven't been to Lime, all I can say, is that it's like Las Vegas: white booths, disco lights and Rihanna on replay. If you have, you know what I'm talking about. From mimosas, we headed to the Lookout and then as tradition would have it sung our hearts out at a karaoke bar. (This time at The Mint). And in spirit of the late, Whitney Houston, we made sure to pay our tributes, with a rendition of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody."

Mimosas (The first of many) 

A fun Valentine's Truth or Dare game from my friend Caitlin. You can check out her full tutorial on the cute scratch off cards over on her blog Teaspoon SF! 

All smiles from the boys at the Lookout. 

3 of 6 of the Cottage roommates. 

Do you have any fun traditions with your girlfriends?

Lime - 2247 Market St. 

Lookout - 3600 16th St. 

The Mint - 1942 Market St.

instagram roundup

Instagram. It's one of my favorite apps. Of all time. And if you know me, you know I love my apps. Here's my last week on Instagram. 

Young the Giant at the Fillmore 

Hunter Boots for the cloudy, misty SF weather

Bottle of Wine & TV night

Spinsters of San Francisco 'Great Gatsby' party at Rosewood

Rob Delaney (@robdelaney). One of my favorite Twitter comedians in the flesh at Cobb's Comedy Club (with @nealbrennan) 

Pretty flowers from a good friend :) 

You can follow me on Instagram here! 

party inspiration: valentine's day

This weekend, I'm hosting a fun get-together for my girlfriends: Valentine's Day treats, red, pink and Stella & Dot jewelry. Could it get any better? Plus, I'm excited to play hostess. Rarely ever do I get the chance to throw a get-together for my girlfriends that actually involves more than a few bottles wine (read: vodka) and casually sitting around our dining room table (read: standing in the kitchen).

The potentially more exciting part about planning a party? All the Pinterest-ing I get to do in the name of research.

Here are some of my favorite inspirations:

(all images from Pinterest) 

I've also started planning my own Stella & Dot wish-list for the event. What do you think of these pieces?

1. Paradise Studs ($24)

2. Paige Enamel Bangle ($59)

3. On the Mark Necklace ($49)
4. Sunset Bangle ($69)
5. La Coco Rope Necklace ($59)

6. Rose Gold & Crystal Drop Earrings ($34)

7. Together Forever Necklace ($49)

8. Rhea Bangles ($79) 

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures so check back next week to see how it turned out!

currently craving: young the giant

Do you ever have those weeks where work and your social calendar collide in a non-stop 'what happened to Monday' kind of way? I'm having one of those weeks and sometimes that means I'll have to say no to something. I'm really hoping I can work it out so I can still go to the Young the Giant show tomorrow night at The Fillmore. Regardless, I've still been on a Young the Giant kick this last week and "Cough Syrup" is one of my favorites from their latest album.



I've also always been fascinated with how ink moves in water, which makes this video all that much better.

currently craving: darwin cafe

Darwin. My mouth starts watering whenever someone mentions the name. Darwin Cafe is a hidden gem and while I can't believe I'm sharing the secret, I believe everyone in San Francisco should pay this joint a visit.

Tucked away on Ritch St. between Brannan and Bryant in SOMA, Darwin Cafe is a small place with just about 4 tables and a few barstools. They typically switch up their menu weekly but they always have a few baguette options for $5, sandwiches for $9 and salads for $8. I typically get the turkey sandwich of the week or the Kale salad. All the items though are highly recommended.

While it's definitely worth the wait, the line can get long during peak lunch hours so come prepared. And no, they don't do additions or substitutions as they only buy enough for the week's menu but believe me, you won't need to make them, trust the Darwin magic!

Darwin Sign on Ritch St. 

Fresh flowers outside.

Handwritten Menu 

Vintage Cash Register 

And of course, the yummy sandwich & side salad. (Turkey with Estero Gold Cheese, Coleslaw & Russian Dressing - yum yum yum!) 

I'm soaking up as much Darwin as possible in the next few weeks before my office moves to the FIDI. If you check it out, let me know what you think!

Darwin Cafe - 212 Ritch St. San Francisco, CA 

craving jason wu for target

Jason Wu. For Target. Love. A lot. Will it be Target for Missioni all over again? Probably. But this time, Target.com - I'm ready for you. The collection is french, chic and ultra cute with many nautical inspired pieces. Here are the items I hope to grab early Sunday morning.

DRESSES

BAGS

Who can resist at prices from $19.99 - $49.99!? You can check out the entire collection here.