Closet-less and Surviving

Friends, I do not have a closet (insert gasp here). In fact this is my second apartment situation where I have not had one. Last year I lived in what used to be a dining room and made due by lining my heels in the glass paned dining room cabinets. I have made it work for over 2 years now with some serious creativity, lots of color coordination and the help of this Ikea clothing rack. I stuff everything I possibly can into bins underneath my bed, use these huggable hangers and line my bookshelf with shoes instead of novels. I am willing to forgo a large walk in closet for San Francisco charm; but honestly, I can not wait for the day when my 'Big' gives me (Carrie) the walk in closet of my dreams (think SATC Movie). 

Carrie Bradshaw: "Don't give me a diamond, just give me a big closet."

From my closet  clothing rack to yours, cheers to a fab Friday!! 

Snow Trip: Tahoe

My boyfriend and I both took last Friday off and spent the day snowboarding in Tahoe.

My favorite run happened to be 'Nob Hill.' :)

We stopped for a drink late afternoon; turns out I'm a fearless tipsy snowboarder.

At the end of the day, we spotted this quaint cabin among all the other wooden log cabins. Cute but random right?!

This snow trip made me realize, I have turned into a fair weather boarder. We lucked out with moments of sunshine, but as soon as the clouds rolled in and the tiniest of snowflakes starting falling I was done for the day! 
Ready to snuggle next to the fire and watch movies! 
 

Eyewear, Would you Wear?

we heart it

Freshman year of college I claimed to have eyesight problems. My science text books and Dell laptop screen were taking a toll on my sight. Therefore I ultimately NEEDED glasses to go on in life and succeed in college; aka: I thought glasses would make me look studious and librarian-ishly cute when studying! I somehow managed to talk my mom into it and went to see an eye doctor. I wore my dark brown eye frames around campus with pride on the days I wanted to appear extra bookish. :)

I absolutely loved Emily's eyewear look here and was again reminded of this trend when I opened an email this morning from Daily Candy about Warby Parker. You can actually upload a photo of yourself to see what frames best fit your face. After browsing their site I decided the Huxley is my favorite look.

So friends would you wear eyewear as an accessory?

For the Love of Cheetah {Alexander Wang}

Spotted on Shopbop: Alexander Wang Natasha Choked Pumps

shopbop

What a great addition these booties would be to my cheetah sprinkled wardrobe.  

These girls would jazz up a simple skinny jeans and tee ensemble or add a fun twist to a classy all black on black getup. AND, if I really wanted to show off my fun loving personality I would pair these AWang beauty's with a hot pink dress and tights.

Tara's Twenty Fifth

My lovely girlfriend Tara turned twenty five this weekend! She threw an adorable cocktail party complete with dangerously tasty Craft cocktails (a la Tom Colicchio), homemade pesto and veggie pizza slices, brie and personalized birthday girl m&m's; which were too freaking cute to eat (although I somehow managed to). We rounded out the weekend with Sunday brunch overlooking the ocean at The Cliff House and afternoon manicures on Polk Street. 

I think all Sundays should include delicious food, pampering and girl talk. Don't you? :)

My vote: Let's do it all over again next Sunday!!

A Free Afternoon

Wednesday morning I arrived to work with just enough time to make coffee (phew) before the power went out. Unfortunately the city wide power outage was caused by a fatal plane crash. As awful as the circumstances were it was nice to be sent home with an unexpected free afternoon. It was a beautiful day in the city which made me VERY excited for Spring. I snapped a few photos of the neighborhood while on an afternoon walk.

How would you spend a 'free' afternoon?

Simply Awkward

This is my awkward attempt at an outfit post. It is confirmed that I will never be a model. 

And this is for two reasons... one: I am 5 foot 1 inch short and secondly: I obviously do not know what to do with my hands. 
Can everyone please look at the little paw I made with my left hand ...  

J.Crew sweater, Rich & Skinny Boyfriend Jeans, Vintage Purse, Michael Kors Watch, Sofft Heels

Strong Coffee & Brick Walls

 I am a self-professed caffeine addict. In fact, coffee is right up there on my list of vices that I usually can't go more than a day without. Monday morning (yay for days off!) my boyfriend and I met friends for coffee and pastries at Old Soul in downtown Sacramento. I fell in love with the brick walls and funky interior of this laid back cafe. I could have spent all afternoon here, lounging with a good book in hand. This is one of the reasons why I miss college - hanging out in cafes and book stores; two of my favorite places to be.

I've always thought it would be fun to live in an apartment or loft with a brick accent wall. It adds so much character and warmth to a room.

Fuschia Flats

My boyfriend surprised me with the Tory Revas I posted about for V-Day... eeeee!! 

In return I made him my annual 'Valentine' ice cream; a concoction of vanilla ice cream and any red/pink candies I can find. YUM! An even exchange, don't you think? ;)

Le Love

Happy Valentines and 3-Day Weekend!! ;)

(this pic was taken last Saturday... we were dressed as twins!)

This weekend I'm especially looking forward to:

Friday night sushi date with the boyfriend

Bicycle rides and an effort to run (starting to train for SF 1/2 marathon in July!!)

Sunday Brunch with my Mom & Dad

Cooking Valentines dinner (still not sure what I'm making...)

Monday night Chinese food and Wine with the girlfriends

xoxoxo

Valentine Spirit

I was inspired (thanks to the new issue of Lonny Magazine) and feeling somewhat crafty (thanks to Martha and an afternoon spent on her website) and decided it was about time I got into the Valentine's Day Spirit. 
I spruced up our place with a little red and pink cheer!!

{cut out hearts around the fireplace}

{red tulips on top of the bookshelf}

{yummy chocolate hershey kisses}

{a festive manicure to top off the night}

Next on my to-do list: Homemade Valentines! 

Rise and Shine

When I first moved into my new apartment it was hard to get used to the Cable Car noise; especially when the trolley set off a few car alarms in front of my bedroom window at 4am! But as silly as it may seem, I now find the rickety sound rather soothing to wake up to. In fact, I've grown to prefer this over my alarm clock. 

Memory Lane

I took a trip down memory lane this past weekend and walked through the Santa Clara Campus.

I can not believe all the changes they have made over the past 3 years (oh dear, I am getting old). The new library, business school and fancy cellar market with organic fruit?! As much as I miss college, I'm happy to be finished with that chapter and feel very lucky to live close to many college friends!! In fact, I'm currently living with girls I met my freshman year in Swig. ;)

Do you miss college life?

Cocktails and a Movie

Friday night I dragged my boyfriend with me to see Dear John. I bribed him into going by seeing it at the Kabuki Theater where he could enjoy a cocktail. He knew he was in trouble when only crying women came out of the theater from the screening before us. Although Channing looked very nice 10 times his actual size, it wasn't as 'Notebook-esque' as I had hoped. I am a sucker for cheesy romcom's but I suggest reading the book for this one. 

I wore my necklace made by Emily from her CupcakesandCashmere Etsy shop. :)

Rebecca Taylor Sweater, F21 Jeans, Banana Republic blouse, CupcakesandCashmere Necklace

For the Love of Cheetah

Jak & Jil Blog

Happy Friday... wishing I was going to NY for Fashion Week;

I guess a Super Bowl Party will have to do! :)

Dear Boyfriend...

I recently came across this old photo from sophomore year of college.

I can't believe how young we look!

Dear Boyfriend,


I can't wait to see you this weekend. It has been too long! :)


Love,
Leash


PS: Can we pretty please see Dear John on Saturday? 
I promise not to cry too much.

My Latest Obsessions

{I don't bake enough and purchased these pretty jars to (hopefully) inspire me in the kitchen.}

{I love that I can actually smell Chloe perfume on me throughout the entire day.}

{Our family room fireplace makes this room feel extra cozy. I can't wait to light the votive candles inside!}

{Sunday morning walks are a peaceful way to start the day!}

First Dates

Do you remember your first date? Or your first date with someone memorable? 

These memories are usually both sweet and awkward.  ;)

My boyfriend and I met on a blind date at Applebees. Super romantic.

He is obsessed with their Chicken Fajita Rollup and thought this would be the perfect meeting spot. And while I personally don't care for the food, or care to ever eat there again for that matter, Applebees will always hold a special little place in my heart.

we heart it

So for the juicy gossip...

Last night my little sister went on a first date with someone she likes! And me, being the embarrassing older sister ran to the door to meet him (rather motherly - I know, but I am very protective of her). I approved, he was so cute and nervous! They both looked adorable together and it was obvious the butterflies were flying around in each of their stomach's!! I wish I had taken their picture (she would have killed me).

Charming in Red

Sunday morning I decided to take a stroll through the quaint streets of Nob Hill. Along the way I happened to notice a number of apartments and homes with bright red front doors. These doors reminded me of the house I grew up in, which also had a red front door. 

Luckily I had my camera on me and snapped a few photos.

A vibrant red door is so inviting! Don't you think?