city chic

Semi-Annual Sales (and a Closet Cleaning)

Wed, 30 May 2012 22:34:00 -0700

The resigned shopaholic in me decided to re-appear over the Holiday weekend, but who could blame her with a trip to Old Town Pasadena and a plethora of ridiculous Memorial Day sales?

It always feels so good to complete my semi-annual closet cleaning and purge all of the styles I haven’t worn in ages. It feels even better (and is way more fun!) to replenish it with updated versions of some of my favorite basics, like these Joie tops (60% off at Last Call!), BDG cigarette pants and James Perse button up shirts. I also always find myself re-buying my favorite inexpensive staples, like these Nine West peep-toe low wedges and $10 Old Navy thong sandals. I’m all about the easy essentials - especially when they’re on super sale!

Other pieces I find myself living in these days? The much loved Rebecca Minkoff MAC in Moss, plain v-neck t’s, striped french terry pullovers, my new $19 braided Dolce Vita wedges (SERIOUSLY!) and comfy maxi dresses. If it’s comfy enough to sleep in and stylish enough for the streets of San Francisco, it belongs in my closet!

Time for Some Southern California Sunshine...

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:14:00 -0700

Oh my gosh. Things have been CRAZY LATELY! Lucky for me, it’s a good kind of crazy where I’m spending a ton of time helping build something I love, taking cool classes, going on fun dates and making time for random adventures with friends.

I’m totally looking forward to a fun three day weekend in Southern California where my plans consist of nothing more than a sunset drive down the West Coast after work tonight, girl time and going with the flow.

I’m sure I’ll be back with some good photographs (thanks much in part to the new tips & tricks I learned from the lovely Ashley Batz this week), serious sale finds (Memorial day shopping? YES PLEASE) and other fun stuff to share.

Enjoy your Holiday Weekend!

Where the Land Ends

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:26:00 -0700

It seems that I find a brand new reason to love San Francisco every single day. From my obsession with Benefit to constant cravings for a La Boulange granola bowl or Blue Barn salad, there are so many little things that make this city such a perfect place for me to live.

Those minor details aside, the scenery is one of San Francisco’s most obvious draws for me (and the millions of other people who love this magical place as much as I do). Despite having lived here for nearly two years, I still pinch myself every time I drive down Fillmore from the top of Broadway on my way home from work and see the Golden Gate sparkling by the Bay - and I still spend my weekends exploring as much as I can.

With this said, I’ll never know why it took me so long to scope out the Lands End Trail by Ocean Beach - but I’m so glad I finally made it over that way on both Saturday and Sunday of this past weekend:

This is a partial view of the famous Sutro baths and the beginning of the Coastal Trail. The trail is a perfect mild walk - some hills and steps but nothing too major. With a distance of about three miles, it makes for the ideal laid back afternoon activity. I hate that these photos do the landscape no justice!

A patch of wildflowers, which are among my favorite simple pleasures in life.

There were tons of boats out on the water (sailboats on the other side of the GG Bridge not pictured) but I was bummed to miss out on seeing the shipwreck remains because of a high tide.

Interestingly enough, I think most people who visit the trail go to see the incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Eagles Point and other stopping points along the way…yet I walked away without a single photo of it to add to my enormous and ever growing collection. Too funny! There’s always next time I suppose.

In addition to enjoying the amazing weather and fresh air, I enjoyed wine and appetizers at The Cliff House on Saturday and was back for brunch on Sunday. I’m not typically one to do something twice in a row so this is a real testament to my new found love for this part of town. The Cliff House is known for their spectacular popovers, and it’s no surprise why:

Perfect lightness, flavor, everything. So yummy!

And of course, a quick shot of Ocean Beach:

For more on the Lands End Trail, check out my long list of all things SF. You can also find full-size photographs & additional shots of the weekend over on my outtakes photo blog, she photographs.

Let's Go.

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:19:00 -0700

So it appears that I’ve been totally slacking here, but (and there’s always a but, isn’t there?) in my defense it’s totally just been one of “those weeks” - you know, the ones where you don’t hear from the people you wish you would, you spill your lunch on your brand new white James Perse shirt, you can’t find parking anywhere at anytime and the cookie just doesn’t crumble the way you think it should. Oh, AND the Loeffler Randall booties that you were psyched to score at more than 70% off last week finally arrive, only for you to discover that they just don’t fit. Like at all. Okay, maybe these tragedies only happen in MY life.

But seriously (all jokes aside), I do know that things are pretty freaking fantastic…so I’m celebrating Friday by forcing myself to turn off the endless loop of John Mayer’s “Stop This Train” that’s been playing for most of May, grabbing a third cup of coffee and starting the weekend with the resolve to keep on keepin’ on…

The Soundtrack of Summer

Tue, 08 May 2012 21:49:00 -0700

It’s been so incredibly warm in the city during these past few days which makes me the happiest girl alive. Not only did I really enjoy my sunny walk home from the event I attended downtown on Sunday, but I was able to spend the majority of last night writing from our lovely little back porch. As if it could get any better, my tickets for Train & Mat Kearney at the UC Berkeley Greek Theater came in the mail today. Woohoo!

Of course, with the nice weather and summer concert schedule comes a serious need for a windows down/sunglasses on kind of playlist. Since I am a mix master, I thought I’d put together a list of the oldie-but-goodie type tunes/new favorite tracks that I’ve had on heavy rotation during my recent commutes. In true nerd fashion, I whipped up a faux album cover in Photoshop with one of my recent Instagram shots of the city:

I know, I know. I just couldn’t help myself!

While the 80 degree temperatures are sure to fade away as quickly as they came, I’ll be rocking out to these jams while en route to Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento and Lake Don Pedro in coming months. So tell me: which songs will grace your playlist for summer 2012?

Leave a comment or tweet me with your favorites - I love discovering new music!

View from the Green Room.

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:44:00 -0700

One of the best parts about my job is that I get to spend my time helping women share their passions. While it might seem trivial that my work encourages ladies to create digital lists, the truth is that building tools that enable women to share the things they know and love is incredibly rewarding.

I had the pleasure of attending an afternoon tea at The Green Room yesterday to support Help a Mother Out, a wonderful Bay Area based charity that advocates for young moms and provides them with things they need. Not only was it fantastic to be a part of the tea (the venue was absolutely gorgeous!) but it was really neat to meet some of our local SkinnyScoop mavens who joined us at our table to support the cause.

I’m consistently inspired by the different bits of knowledge and skills that individuals bring to a group. We always say that SkinnyScoop helps women to “unleash their Inner Oprah”, so to be seated among women of diverse backgrounds who are doing just that was stimulating. I have so much admiration for people who have found their niche and use it to make a difference. Sometimes that difference is as small as compiling a list of resources that can save another friend time or energy and sometimes it’s as big as hosting a fundraiser that helps young mothers in need. Knowledge is power, and I’m proud to help spread the word.

For more about Help a Mother Out and their favorite causes, check out this list.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Sat, 05 May 2012 16:10:00 -0700

I (not surprisingly) skipped out on Kentucky Derby & “Cinco de Drinko” festivities to be productive today, but I still managed to make time for an hour long walk around a few of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods.

Since I just got an iPhone on Wednesday (so late to the party, I know!), I had a blast using Instagram to capture a few of the pretty things I spotted in the Marina, North Beach and Russian Hill.

(Clockwise top to bottom) The Bud Stop, 2200 Union St.; Steiner/Filbert; Union/Polk; Lombard Street

It was so nice to take a break and get some fresh air on a beautiful day. Here’s to hoping I finish my to-do list in time to get a margarita somewhere tonight!

Are you on Instagram? Follow me @city__chic.

Geek Chic?

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:16:00 -0700

My allergies have been in full force lately - but these gorgeous ladies make me feel a bit better about having to wear my glasses to work. Who knew the geek chic look was so on trend?

AND…since it’s beyond time to invest in some new glasses (I’m the worst about putting things like this off), how great are these Warby Parker frames?

I’m thinking that I may check out their San Francisco showroom on Divisadero this weekend as I’d love to support a small and growing business rather than a corporate giant. Warby Parker also donates a pair of glasses for each pair purchased (much like TOMS shoes) and it’s awesome to shop with socially responsible companies when presented with an opportunity to do so. Additionally, the feedback I’ve been getting about their products and services so far is really positive.

Have you worn Warby Parker glasses before? Any input is helpful. Thanks!

Grateful for Gratitude.

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:25:00 -0700

Feeling extra inspired after a lovely evening tonight, I realized that I’m grateful for my appreciation of the beauty in my own life. While it often frustrates me that others miss it in theirs, I never took the time to stop and think about how fortunate I am that I feel it so deeply. Not a day goes by that I don’t say thanks, and that’s a blessing of its own.

Spring & the Present

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:55:00 -0700

Forget Christmas - spring feels like the ultimate gift giving season. Between baby showers, weddings, graduations, spring/summer birthdays and everyday moments that deserve celebration, I feel like I’m constantly searching for the perfect little something that won’t break the bank.

Being a list-lover, I finally put together some of my go-to gifts for girl friends that cost under $50. May she be a co-worker, sister, cousin or partner in crime, I hope this will prove to be a helpful cheat sheet next time you find yourself in a pinch.

View this list »

What are your go to gifts for girl friends?

she photographs.

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:53:00 -0700

So I started something new. I know, I know - it seems like I can never finish something old. Or actually, even maintain something that’s present (cough, this blog).

However, I recently discovered that I have more than 15,000 images on my computer and I’ve decided that I need to do something with them. I’ve shared some on city chic, but others never make the cut. Everything I share here is curated, edited and mostly people-centric.

Inspired by this finding, I decided to start a photo-blog to house my favorite full-scale, raw photographs as I comb through my collection. This is where you’ll find the out of focus sandwiches, birthday cake alternatives and crooked sunsets. The unplanned Tuesday afternoons instead of the sparkling Saturday nights. The real, unedited version of my life.

I’ll be spending my time uploading as much as I can to ‘she photographs’ over the next few months and will continue to add big, candid photographs of future adventures (outtakes, if you will) to my photoblog as I travel through this beautiful journey that is my life.

What more could you ask for?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:48:54 -0700

What more could you ask for?

American Honey.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:21:00 -0700

One of the best parts about living in the Bay Area is the ability to find any kind of outdoor adventure within a three hour drive. You want cold temps and snow capped mountains? You’ve got Tahoe. You want scenic views that take your breath away and one of the richest eco-systems in the world? You have Monterey Bay. You want hot hot heat and natural wonder? You have Yosemite.

I spent the weekend enjoying the hot weather in Mariposa County, where wildflowers line the windy mountain roads and Lake Don Pedro is only a few minutes away. A lack of cell phone service (hallelujah!), awesome group of people, endless snacky treats and a weekend on the water with country music, brews and some wakeboarding made these last two days absolute heaven:

[Beautiful scenery - this lighting was unreal]

[Roadside wildflowers. I swear this is what Lady Antebellum is singing about in ‘American Honey’]

[A day on Lake Don Pedro with friends]

[Catching up on some reading & catching some rays on Saturday morning]

[The gang]

[Strawberries & solitaire on Sunday morning]

If this is any indication of the way Summer might go, it’s slated to be one of the best ever.

Isn’t that the truth.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:59:44 -0700

Isn’t that the truth.

This - this is inspiration. So proud to know this...

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:36:02 -0700

This - this is inspiration. So proud to know this guy.

(Don’t miss Josh’s website, Boston Blind Runner)

My Favorite Coffee Table Books.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:09:00 -0700

I love books, but coffee table books are my absolute favorites. There’s something about the big, glossy pages and gorgeous images that make lounging with a cup of tea the perfect way to unwind. Throw in some candles and a warm blanket and I’m done.

Some of my favorite selections are about design, style, history and photography:

My Coffee Table Book Collection

Which coffee table books are in your collection?

"A love story can never be about full possession. The happy marriage, the requited love, the desire..."

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:25:00 -0700

“A love story can never be about full possession. The happy marriage, the requited love, the desire that never dims - these are lucky eventualites but they aren’t love stories. Love stories depend on disappointment, on unequal births and feuding families, on matrimonial boredom and at least one cold heart. Love stories, nearly without exception, give love a bad name. We value love not because its stronger than death but because it’s weaker. Say what you want about love: death will finish it. You will not go on loving in the grave, not in any physical way that will at all resemble love as we know it on earth. The perishable nature of love is what gives love its importance in our lives. If it were endless, if it were on tap, love wouldn’t hit us the way it does. And we certainly wouldn’t write about it.”

- Jeffrey Eugenides

Bunnies, Snakes + Peepshi in Dolores Park

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:49:00 -0700

I missed it last year, but couldn’t say no to crazy festivities with friends in the city this year. Having finally attended this famous celebration, I can attest to the fact that it’s true: there are NO words for what Easter in Dolores Park is like.

There are of course, a few pictures:

Peeps on a jacket? It happens here.

“Peepshi” that Nic made after seeing them on my “Most Creative Easter Treats” list!

…only in San Francisco.

Adorable Vincent with his new friend, “Fluffy” the snake.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) I was having too much fun drinking mimosas, eating crackers with amazing triple cream cheese and making new friends to capture the rest of the fabulous bonnets, sea of “hunky” Jesus competitors and sparkly queens.

There’s always next year!

Lighthouses, Surfers & CA Sunshine

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:57:31 -0700

Sometimes a girl just needs to grab a good friend, get in the car and go.

Today was an exceptional reminder as to why I love living in California. Cruising down the one with my hair blowing in the wind (and the heat blasting) makes my heart so happy. Spontaneous road trips, good playlists and great company are really all I need in life:

Danielle at Pigeon’s Point Lighthouse - a totally random find somewhere along 1-S in between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.

Hungry girls get lucky when they stumble upon turquoise & fuchsia hole-in-the wall type bakery cafes that play oldies & cater to washed up surfers.

Danielle’s amazing cheeseburger - went halfsies on this with avocado grilled cheese. There’s something to be said for a symbiotic friendship and sandwich sharing, as well as having company that’s always game to split an enormous piece of pie:

A la mode, OF COURSE.

Whale City Bakery, Route 1, Davenport CA

…& we ended up in Santa Cruz. This boardwalk always makes me think of Mitch Albom’s 5 People You Meet in Heaven. It’s totally Ruby park to me.

Happy sigh.

I can’t say it to you, so I’ll say it here instead: I really miss you.

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:55:00 -0700

I can’t say it to you, so I’ll say it here instead: I really miss you.