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...

Welcome to 2013

Hello!

Sorry it has been so long since I posted; I got beyond swept up in travel and the holidays.

Seriously, a LOT has happened since I last posted. I got to see two of my best friends, went to Charleston, SC for the first time, and got to meet the newest member of my family, my dear cousins new baby!

Other than that, I spent the bulk of the holidays soaking up as much puppy time as possible.

See, when I lived with my other cousin in New York last year, her dogs had puppies. I fell head over heals for one of the puppies in particular, and then proceeded to convince my parents to get this dog.

It didn't take much convincing. 

So I naturally spent the majority of my break hanging out with the family and snuggling this little nugget. 

But fear not, I'm back now. Look out for more food posts, more outfit posts, and well, more me. 

Happy New Year, everyone!!!!

Little Bits: Shoes

Hi all!
It's been a busy two weeks- now back to real life!

I should be posting more regularly from now on- (or at least till Christmas)

Anyways, here's a glimpse of what I've been wearing lately as I've been bustling about.

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?

Happy Friday!

Oooooh, what goes with my Giants hat???

Oh, thats right- EVERYTHING.



Happy Friday

And Game 3.

Wish List: Vases

Here at our apartment we've gotten into the habit of having fresh flowers in our living room and... foyer? welcome nook? front hall? I don't know what it's called, but its the first thing you see when you get home and I like it. Anywho, since we've had flowers around a lot, it's got me thinking about vases. So here are some vases i've had my eye on.

Enjoy!

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?

A Little Bit of Blog Love

Just wanted to give a shout out to my favorite blogs. These ladies perk me up and keep me inspired. I hope you enjoy them too!

Charmingly Styled
Cup of Jo
See Creatures
Heather Snacks
A Beautiful Mess

What are the blogs that inspire you?

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.

Weekly Pin Ups

Since it's been so long since I've posted the pin us, this weekend is going to be a double whammy. So get ready!

Happy Belly: Frisée Salad

favorite!

I love food, particularly French food.

And I love eggs- remember?

home made croutons

So it makes sense that one of my favorite meals in the world combines those two things: simple and exquisite french food and poached eggs.

Papa Cravens makes a salad of frisée, bacon, croutons, AND egg.
Here's how it works: the dressing is particularly acidic and vinegary so the creaminess of the egg warms up the salad and turns it into a glowing, luscious salad.

The salt of the bacon and the crunch of the croutons make it satisfying on all fronts. I especially love it because Papa makes homemade croutons. The whole house smells warm and salty. Sometimes, he'll get the thick lardon that stays a little chewy and soft. I love the soft parts of the bacon. It's like finding the squishy fries that have soaked up the Ikea gravy.

When all of these elements come together, it turns into a cornucopia of every flavor and texture I love: crunchy, soft, warm, cool, crisp, salty, vinegary, and creamy.


Basically, it's beautiful and delicious.

Sometimes I lick the plate.

Fine; I always lick the plate.

Sometimes Weeks are Crazy.

This is one of those weeks. I'll see you all next week!

Inspiration: Lacy Things

I love lingerie.
It's my favorite thing to buy.
By far.

However, buying really pretty and fantastic lacy bras and matching undies (I hate the word 'panties') is not exactly possible on a post-grad budget. But, thanks to the internet, I can fill fake carts and leave them stranded in the middle of the store, minus the guilt. (Note: anyone who has done this in a real store will know the cold flash of guilt that trickles down your back when you do this. The glares from the clerks as they watch you slink out the door will amplify this feeling).

To be fair, my collection is fairly extensive. But theres always room for more... Right?

Weekend Pin Ups

That's right. It's Mitzi Gaynor.
I'm always surprised when people don't recognize her; wasn't everyone brought up on classic American musicals? It's like when people haven't seen All About Eve. I just don't understand parents these days.

Anyways, here are my Pinterest picks this week: