Favorite Things: Montara

A few generations ago, my family bought a house on the cliffs of Montara in California. When they first acquired it, it was just a single room and a fireplace. Now it's two bedrooms, a fantastic kitchen and a dining room as well as the Big room. Most of my family holidays have been spent here and more than a few of my favorite memories took place in that kitchen or on that deck. I've made friends there and grown up there. I solidified my love for my family and discovered some of my favorite foods there.  

Basically, I love it. 

We stayed there in May and I got to snap a few photos of the place, my cousins and the newest family member, my cousins baby boy. Here's some of my favorites...

Google Reader, Anxiety and YOU!

As you loyal readers know, I used to be pretty awesome at updating my Pinterest all the time. I even had a weekly feature for a while.

See, the process has always been read the blogs, star the posts I like the most, pin the pictures from said entries. I like to use Pinterest as my own personal blog imagery file cabinet. Then I'd share it with you lovely people.

You might have also noticed that that has slowed from a pleasant skip to somewhat of a slog as of late. 

Here's why:

Google Reader stressed me out.

Not only because it's shutting down and I need to find an alternative (which seems upsettingly unnecessary in my first-world-problems life,) but because it triggers a strange and unshakable... something in me.

Oh- right. The word is anxiety. 

But it's not google readers fault; It's reeeeeeally more of a me problem. 

Let me explain:

There is nothing quite the same kind of stressful as when you get busy for, say, a week, and then cheerfully sit down with a mug of hot chocolate or tea (I don't do coffee), only to be met with the glaring 1000+ count at the top of your list. 

 You think, how can this be? It's been a week? Has that much happened? 

HOW WILL I READ ALL THIS???

Now, keep in mind I am not afraid of long reading material; one of my favorite books is Anna Karenina. But there is something about having a lot of blog entries to catch up on that makes my blood go cold.

It's like that feeling when you realize you were supposed to email someone or text them back, like, yesterday and TOTALLY forgot. In your head, you know that the blogger in question won't take it personally that you got behind; in fact, they probably have no idea who you are. Almost definitely, actually. But this breach in loyalty is something that I cannot abide in myself. 

So, I just shut my computer and franticly hum as I walk away until my unread pile reaches a digital stack up to the ceiling. 

Oh, I know it's crazy; don't worry about that.

SO it's been a while....

Yeah. Sometimes you turn around and realize its been months since you've touched the internet outside of Facebook updates and the occasional Netflix binge. Lucky for you guys, I have a whole stack of photos and stories to share from the spring. So let it begin!!!

In May, I took a trip back to the Old Country (or, you know... San Francisco) with my cousins and some New York friends. It was amazing. Days of gorgeous drives, more than a few laughs, and our fair share of wine. 

I also got to use my new camera.

Here's a couple to wet your appetite.

Lookin' Good: Face Masks

There are few things I relish more than a day on the couch with a glass of wine, a good movie and a face mask.

It sounds silly and a little self indulgent, and it is, but I don't mind. I mean, why should a girl turn down a little self indulgence once in a while? 

I like to slather on a mask, plop down for some TV and just SIT. 

Then I wash it all off, take a washcloth with hot water and slap that on my face for a minute, then smooth on some vitamin E cream and call it a day. 

I have some favorite masks. I have combination skin, so mine are mostly in the clean-out-those-pores verity. 

My favorites are Freeman's Clay Mask with Avocado and Oatmeal, Freeman's Anti-Stress Mask, Origin's Clear Improvement and Soap & Glory's Fab Pore (which I talked about here as well- what can I say; I'm a fan!)

What about you guys? What are your favorite masks/ ways to indulge?

My Favorite Things: Paris Sweater

I've been thinking about my favorite pieces in my closet and come to a very important conclusion.



Most, if not all, of my favorite garments are either impulse buys or gifts.

This sweater is no exception.

My cousin lived in Paris for about 6 months last year (I know) and I got to go visit her (I KNOW). On that trip, she lent me this luscious and insanely cozy sweater. Then she let me keep it. Now it's one of my staples, my favorite sweater.

 It goes with everything. It layers like a dream. And its warmer than some of my coats. I especially love to wear it with a vest over, like my leather vest. No matter what I wear with it, It always takes my outfit up a notch and polishes everything off, you know?

And it makes me think of Paris and my cousin.

What could be better?

Never Ending Story Pt II: The Goods.

Remember that time I started sorting my clothes? I know it's been a while, but I promise I didn't forget.

Well I completed Step 1, which was getting rid of the pieces I don't wear or don't like anymore (which was a much smaller pile than I was expecting). With that phase finished, packing went much faster. Now that I'm unpacking, I'm starting Step 2. Step 2 is going through and assessing what I have going on.

So here's a brief overview of the closet:


TOPS

Looking at all my tops lined up, I have come to a conclusion: I'm not allowed to get any more cream or white button downs. Especially if they're sheer. To be fair, I wear all of them, but there is a limit.
I also noticed that I have pretty much all solid colors. A color locked or small scale pattern will sneak in there once in a while, or maybe some beading, but my tops are dominated by solid colors. The cut of my tops is fairly uniform: either button downs, semi-fitted t shirts, trapeze tops or camisoles. That's it.



OUTERWEAR

My jackets are kind of dull, really; either leather jackets (of which I have many like my boots,) or blazers. I have a grays, black and a red one. Boom.

I also have two vests, a black leather one and a fishing vest from my uncle. It sounds a little odd, but it looks awesome with everything and is so cozy.

I have a problem with buying orange and oatmeal sweaters. I just keep wearing and loving them; is that so wrong? They tend to be finer knits with some drape or cardigans. The chunky knits I have are few and far between. There's my Paris sweater from my cousin which I wear like a coat and my gold metallic sweater, the ultimate statement neutral. That sounds backwards, but just trust me on this one.


BOTTOMS

I hate jeans shopping, so when I find a pair I like, I just stick to that and don't deviate. As a result, all my pants are either from Old Navy or Uniqlo. My favorite cut is straight/ skinny, and I like some color; I have dark denim, gray, yellow, green, black and purple. S I've got some interest going on there.

As for skirts, I tend to go patterned on these guys. Looking at them all together, I tend to go with warm colors ranging from tans to reds with a black skirt thrown in for good measure.


DRESSES

I have a couple. this is actually the most diverse part of my closet. Most of them are plain, but I have a few ikat print and floral dresses. Color-wise, I have the whole spectrum: creams into pinks to reds all the way through to purples, browns and blacks. Even the cuts are diverse. Some full skirts, some straight cuts, fitted and draped, thin straps and long sleeves.











So that's what I'm working with. I have a lot of good base pieces, but a lot of it, but feels a little...stale. Or too much like college. Im not sure which; maybe its both. Either way I'm dissatisfied with my closet as a whole.

I think what I need to do next is look at my inspirations again and figure out my favorite pieces. I might even pack away my non-favorites for a few months and see if I forget about them or miss them. Although I love most of my closet, it lacks focus and a cohesive quality that would make it more functional and pleasing.

Now that I've looked at everything together, I'm ready for the next step: deciding what I love about my clothes and what I'm missing to take this pile of garments and turn it into a wardrobe.

I think I've got some more sorting to do...

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My Favorite Things: Boots

You know what we haven't talked about yet?

Boots.

I really don't know how we got this far without discussing them.

Boots are very near and dear to my heart. I'm the girl who wears them until July. I'm not gonna lie; they're kind of the backbone of my wardrobe. I'm also very loyal to my boots. I wear them until they literally cannot be worn any more. The heels have to break off or the soles have to slip off before I let a pair go.

In my move of epic proportions, I had to leave a pair or two at home, but I do have some of my favorite pairs here with me.

First up I have my black M&S boots. I got these in London about four years ago when I was studying abroad there. It was a day that started out sunny and then began pouring down rain. Naturally, I was in flats. So I ran into Marks and Spencer (M&S) and literally grabbed these off the rack. I've been wearing them incessantly ever since.

Then theres my Frye boots. These babies have been with me since freshman year of college. I found them after stalking them on ebay for... longer than I'd like to admit. Long story short, I got a pair of (admittedly used) $300 pair of boots for just over $100. Then they arrived and, miraculously, they fit me perfectly. And when I say perfectly I mean I'm pretty sure those clouds in that pixar short made them and the storks delivered them to my door. They really are the most perfect stacked heel boots a girl could hope for. They've worn in so nicely, with those fantastic slouches around the ankle that make me feel like Lauren Hutton or Angelica Huston circa 1970 (AKA freakin' fabulous).

Finally there are my Madewell boots. These were a birthday present from my grandparents, Grandma & Bumpa. My grandma loves shoe shopping, so I sent her pictures through the selection process, which might have been the most fun part. I knew I needed flat riding boots for the day when heels were just a little too much. I went to Madewell because I love their clean style (and I like to pretend I can afford beautiful %50 t shirts), and I was looking for something versatile without too many bells and whistles. Don't get me wrong; I love me some hardware, but it has it's time and place, y'know? Anywho, I saw these, tried them on, and fell instantly. The leather is beautiful and soft and they make a satisfying click. I started calling them my Han Solo boots because of how kick-ass they make me feel. That, and I wanted to name something after the coolest Harrison Ford character.

The thing that makes me love these boots so much is simple. I love them because they can all go anywhere. They have all been to parties, to work, to class, to family reunions, to Paris, you name it. All of them look amazing with any outfit, are comfortable enough to wear all day, and make me fell, well, fabulous. And isn't that what boots are supposed to be?

My Favorite Things: Perfume

I have a thing for smelling good. I hate leaving the house without a spritz of perfume. Perfumes are one of those things that make me feel complete. This is going to sound a tiny bit crazy, but I feel they take a group of garments and turn them into an outfit. They make me showered to clean and ready. They take me from awake to alive.


I really love perfume.
I wasn't kidding.

And I've gathered quite the collection over the years.

My relationship with perfume is a long one. So here it is.

me, loving one perfume best 

When I first started wearing perfumes every day, I started with the sweet, fruity ones like Ralph by Ralph Lauren. That one stuck for years; I was very into the signature scent school of thought. Like Belle in Beauty and the Beast when the shopkeepers like "girl, you've read that book!" and she's all "I don't care. Im gonna read it again."


That's right; I'm Belle in this story.

there are other perfumes? say WHAT

Later, I switched it up with florals when I discovered Stella by Stella Mccartney. I was extraordinarily loyal to my Stella, and still am in my heart. I still have a few bottles of Stella and Stella Fresh which I use regularly.

HELLS YES.

Then, about three years ago now, I realized something: by sticking to only one perfume, I was missing out on a myriad of scents. I could be wafting about smelling completely different and yet entirely like myself every day. Suddenly the walls of Sephora weren't just a shimmering collection of lights and glass, but a library of possibilities. I felt like Belle when Beast is all "here's a whole ton of books (ps please love me)" and she's all "What the WHAT? Awesome." Then she gives herself a mental high five.

Anyways, I became a woman of many perfumes. Not surprisingly, my collection expanded fairly quickly. After looking at them for a moment, I realized that I had, once again, fallen into a particular type of perfume: French, classic, and sexy. You might say that my perfume collection has matured as I have matured. Or you can say I have a weakness for Chanel. You would be right on either count.

Either way, my favorites right now are all have a crisp, old-world feel to them. On my nightstand, where they live, I have Eau de Fleures Néroli by Chloé, Chanel Allure, Coco Mademoiselle and it's predecessor, Coco, Love, Chloé by Chloé, and the recently rejuvenated classic Chanel No. 19 Poudré. I love them all for their subtlety and playfulness, their familiarity and  substantiality, but most of all for their sense of self.

Basically, I love them because they are everything a good book is.


And isn't that what all good perfumes should be?

So now you know my favorites, what are some of yours?

My Favorite Things: Bracelets

I'm one of those people who buys a pair of ballet flats and wears them until they literally fall apart.

The same goes for my bracelets. I find bracelets I like for every day and I just never take them off.

Like these ones:

I love these. I literally never take them off. I got each of them with people I love, and they remind me of them. They also help me remember to look for the color and the brightness in life. As cheesy as that sounds, I need that reminder sometimes.

I got the two leather ones with my friend KZacher. She's my big sis in my sorority and a huge part of my college experience and me being who I am. They remind me of the ties i made in college and how true friendship can be.

The burgundy and red ones I got with my cousin in Paris. She's one of the most important people I know, and I have the good luck to share blood with her. The colors stand for hope and strength, two things I needed and didn't have at the time I got them. I think of her and how important she is to me and how much I admire her every time I glance at my wrist.

I love the colors and how these pieces stack, but for me jewelry has a more important place. The pieces I hold on to and wear are the ones that resonate with me and have a story.


But the ones I truly love, like these ones, are tied to people I love.

My Favorite Things: Lush Body Products

There are two factors in a product that will sell it to me instantly and without hesitation: smell and packaging. That is why I don't let myself near the Benefit store. And why I am not allowed in a Lush store alone or with a credit card. (You heard me gush about their lotion in my this older post.) All of their lotions and potions come in the cutest, cleanest packaging with hand-made looking labels. Between that and the giggle-enducing, mind-calming, unmistakable scent that wafts from the doorway, I'm completely on bored. Add amazing organic ingredient and I'm driving the ship.

I have tried (what feels like literally) every single product on their shelves, and I've come to and important conclusion: I love them all. The bath bombs even make someone as impatient as me like sitting in a bath tub. I can usually only do a 10  minute bath tops before I get bored senseless. But when a Lush bath bomb is involved, I take my sweet time. The prices are higher than I'd like, but the quality and effectiveness make them worth it. These are just the after-bath bits I love; I'm afraid the bath time goodies are going to have to wait for another post. Until then, enjoy smelling, feeling, and looking amazing. 

(Trust me- you will)

Here are the products I love the best and are completely worth the price tag:

Breath of Fresh Air- I like to keep this toner in the fridge and spritz my face when it's hot. It's also a nice way to start your day if you're not a morning person (like me)

Tea Tree Toner Tabs- These are a great little addition to a spa night. After you scrub and before you put on your mask, get a pot of just-boiled water and a tea towel. Drop one of these little nuggets into the water, place the towel over your head and bask in the glorious steam. The tea tree oil in the tabs is incredibly cleansing for your skin, smells great and just makes you feel spa-like. Cucumber water, please!

Dream Cream- LOVE this. It smells and feels like a sunday where you have nothing scheduled and you stay in your pajamas all day reading.   

Volcano Foot Mask- It's a little tricky to use, but I think it's worth it. You slather it on your feet, then wrap them up in plastic wrap (which is a little strange at first, but you get used to it). Then you just sit back and let it soak in for a while. And then the awkward plastic-wrapping process becomes worth it. I don't know how, but it makes your feet tingle, then just relax. You feel the muscles in your feet calm down and unclench. Then, you take off the plastic wrap and rinse or scrub it off. The results? Soft, happy, relaxed feet. 

Stepping Stone- This little foot-sheped nugget is one of my favorite  foot scrubs. It crumbles into little bits and you can just scrub and scrub till your feet are soft again. Its also great for post-beach elbows and knees.

Bewitched- This massage bar smells RIDICULOUS. It has violet, lime and chamomile, which sounds weird at first. But trust me, you smell this and everything is better and sweeter and softer. It also has those yummy knobs to gently coax knots to calm down for a second.  

Shimmy Shimmy- LOVE this. It's basically solid body lotion. You rub it on and the warmth of your body makes it melt just a little. I like to use it before bed so it can soak in all night. Oh yeah- and it's a little bit sparkly. Which is a gimmie for this gal. 

Lustre- I use a little bit of this every day. It's a gold flecked powder with the finest glittery texture. It also smells like jasmine. I use just a touch (thats really all you need) on my shoulders and collar bone, or I put it in my hand with my lotion for my legs and arms. Not gonna lie; it kinda makes me feel like a fairy princess, and I kinda* love feeling like a fairy princess. 

*By kinda I mean REALLY.

My Favorite Things: Nighties

There are few things I love buying more than slips and lacy bits. I have a vast collection. 

victorias secret neglige, etam slip, vintage slip and garter

I run warm, especially at night, so having slips and little sets as pajamas is the BEST. I'm a huge sucker for bows and lace- can ya tell? These are my favorite nighties:

My Vintage Slip: This was snatched from a costume shop donation pile. It's the brightest orange anyone will ever see and I love every second of it. It makes me feel like Joan Holloway. Always a win.

My Victorias Secret Creamy Set: I grabbed this in the begin in got the summer this year in a fit of displeasure with the humidity. I hate most weather in general, but I have an especially low tolerance for heat. It just makes me cranky. Anywho, all of my jambes felt so heavy and confining, so I found this floaty silky matching camp and undies set. It was love at first sight. 

My Garter Belt: This is a random Victorias Secret find. I wasn't looking for a belt at the time, but I came across this little number in the sale pile of all places. Its a longer belt, feels endlessly vintage, and fits me to a T. I don't wear it very often, but its so comfortable, I think I might have to change that habit.

My Black Etam Slip: This is my grow up slip- it's the first piece of French lingerie I bought myself in Paris. I think my favorite activity is lingerie shopping in Paris. I found this in the corner of a little shop and just threw it in for good measure; a black slip aways seems practical. It turns out, like many of my impulse buys, to be one of the most comfortable, beautiful pieces I own. It has tiny lace and pleat detailing and a long simple bow in the front. It feels like luxury and sweet things and a hot cup of tea. 

Dress is More: Black Chiffon Shirt

This is one of my favorite pieces: my american apparel black chiffon button down with nude collars and cuffs. One of my roommates snagged this for me at a sample sale and it has since been a prized possession. Today I paired it with my Old Navy cutoffs from freshman year and my trusty kick-ass ankle boots. I'm not gonna lie: I looked pretty badass.