Cheetah is the New Black

For the Love of Cheetah {Blogger Style}

2010-03-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Spotted: Amazing animal print on a few of my favorite bloggers this week!! :)

I was giddy like a school girl to see these outfit posts so I thought I would share them with you, just in case you somehow missed them.

Karla's Closet

Sea of Shoes

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Weekend To-Do List:

Friday Night White Coat Ceremony & dinner for Shaylyn

Saturday St. Patrick's Day/Housewarming Party

Sunday Spring Cleaning

Chinatown's Charm

2010-03-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I lived in Northbeach a walk down Grant Street through Chinatown was almost an everyday experience. I usually kept my head down while power walking as fast as I could to escape the crowds and fragrant aromas. It wasn't until recently that I've come to appreciate this cultural neighborhood for it's vibrant colors, thrifty shops, fresh fruits and the complete experience it offers. Chinatown has a charm unique in itself; I'm glad I finally 'slowed down' to see it.

PS: Have you ever tried dragon fruit?

Sweet Treat {Kara's Cupcakes}

2010-03-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am typically an ice cream or frozen yogurt girl, but when in the company of my boyfriend (an any kind of sweets fan) we switch it up in order to satiate his ever present sweet tooth. After a long and VERY hilly walk through the city we ended up in Ghirardelli Square; my boyfriend's mouth watering for Kara's Cupcakes. I personally think cupcakes are almost too cute to eat, yet I manage to be talked into doing so on a fairly regular basis. Kara's in my opinion is better than Sprinkles, has the perfect amount of frosting to cake ratio and I have yet to hit a sugar low after devouring.

I like to try the latest seasonal flavors but my absolute favorites are:

Chocolate Velvet, Sweet Vanilla & Kara's Karrot

{His: Vanilla Chocolate} & {Hers: Sweet Vanilla (with Oscar's themed star to top)}

Calling all San Francisco tourists, be sure to add a trip to Kara's on your must do list!

Spring Wish List

2010-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

While getting ready for work this morning I had a "I hate everything on my clothing rack" experience. I know you've been there! This usually happens to me in between seasons and/or trends. And although the weather is beginning to change in the city, even on those sunny days (like this past weekend) the breezy wind stops me from wearing what I actually want to wear. In preparation for spring (and because I'm over the rain), I am going to start clearing out my thick winter sweaters, making room for flirty dresses and colorful accessories. I'm currently eying a few fun pieces to add to my wardrobe and have put together a little wish list:

1. Pale Pink Sunnys (Chloe)
2. Gingham Button Down (JCrew)
3. Coral Polish (Flirt by Essie)
4. Floral Dress (Forever 21)
5. Denim Dress (Lover)
6. Hot Pink Clutch (Rebecca Minkoff)
7. Wrap Belt (JCrew)
8. Oxfords (JCrew)

What's on your 'Spring Wish List' ?

Alameda Flea Market

2010-03-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning I woke up way too early (I even talked the boyfriend into going) and crossed the bay for the monthly Alameda Flea Market. I have been wanting to go for some time now but always seemed to miss the Sunday's it fell on. I finally made it a point to mark my calendar and I'm glad I did! With a large cup of coffee in hand, I strolled down aisle after aisle and was impressed to find a wide array of treasures. From: crystal chandeliers, antique dressers, fur jackets, chunky necklaces and rows of glasses this flea market has it all covered. I was completely torn and in fact, a little overwhelmed with how much I wanted to take home with me. Somehow (props to the boyfriend for not letting me go crazy!) I managed to walk away satisfied with just one purchase, a gold framed mirror that I plan on hanging above my bed secured with ribbon.

Here are my tips for those who plan on attending in the future:

1. You do NOT have to wake up at the crack of dawn - anytime between 9-10:30am, when the entrance fee is cheaper ($5) is fine and I guarantee it will not be picked over.
2. Load up on caffeine and wear comfy shoes - you will do a lot of walking and may need the energy boost as you could easily spend all afternoon here.
3. Bring extra cash - I could have purchased much more but ran out of cash (this was probably a good thing).
4. Remember where you parked your car - the parking lot is massive!

For the Love of Cheetah

2010-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Sartorialist

Fashion is Poison

Dear Friends,

Exciting news, I am purchasing a fancy-schmancy camera this weekend!
I can't wait to take lots of pictures and hopefully sign up for a photography class this next month.

PS: Feeling sappy, thanks so much for all of your amazing comments and emails this week!
My friends, family and the blogosphere have all been so inspiring! :)

PSPS: I couldn't be more ready for the weekend.

xoxo

Girls with Style {Nicole - Part 2}

2010-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Top: Aqua, Jeans: Aqua, Shoes: BCBG, Sunglasses: Tory Burch

Part two. Same girl. Final outfit.

A few laughs and three outfit changes later, we headed for the Tipsy Pig in San Francisco's Marina District.
Our Order: citrus salads, white bean soup, a juicy cheese burger, sweet potato fries and flaky cheddar and chive biscuits with (get this!) a side of warm, thick honey for dipping. A-mazing!

This gastropub was definitely a scene on this particular Saturday afternoon and although we sat inside they have a fun patio out back as well. Lunch left me feeling fat and happy but I can't wait for my return in which I plan on indulging in a specialty cocktail or two for a true 'Tipsy Pig' experience.

Girls with Style {Nicole - Part 1}

2010-03-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I sat down to write about Nicole and her unique style these are the words that immediately came to me:

Glamorous, Confidence, Spontaneous

She is not afraid of bold colors, loves statement accessories and knows how to "work" an outfit. Nicole can wear almost anything and make it seem glamorous all because of the confidence she exudes. I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal on Janie Shoenborn (Design Director for Lilly Pulitzer) which reminded me of Nicole. Janie, like Nicole, loves loud prints and bold colors calling herself "Miss Statement Clothing." The article discussed pairing wild shoes with classic black pants, statement jewelry with crisp blouses or basic tees and how to mix and match patterns together without looking like a cartoon.
"Whatever attention-grabbing piece you choose, you have to wear it with confidence" says Janie.
So ladies we need to learn from Janie and Nicole and step outside of our basic black comfort-zones. I vow to throw more color into my daily routine, wear a few daring pieces once in awhile (this is the age to do it!) and to work what I've got because confidence is the best statement you can make.

Skirt: Target, Tee: Alternative Apparel, Boots: Tory Burch

Hat: Vintage, Skirt: BCBG, Blouse: Aqua, Heels: Jessica Simpson

From Gloss to Stick

2010-03-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

we heart it

What defining moment transforms a girl into a woman?

I would argue: The day you switch from gloss to stick.

I am twenty four years old and just purchased my first tube of lipstick. Yes, my mom has encouraged me to wear color on my lips for years now but I’ve always been a gloss girl. I think I was afraid colorful lips were too much of a contrast with my pale skin. It wasn’t until I saw a few other fair skinned beauties pull this look off, that I worked up enough courage to step up to the MAC counter and let the cute pony tailed man do his thing. I decided to jump on the hot pink bandwagon and went with the color: Show Orchid. Honestly, I couldn't be happier with this purchase and I truly feel more grown up.

Perhaps a real woman? I now carry lipstick in my purse!!

Photo Shoot: Take One

2010-03-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

You may remember this post, in which I mentioned that I have learned a lot about fashion from the stylish girlfriends that I surround myself with. Well, I am excited to share that I have started a new blog feature titled: 'Girls with Style,' staring all of my style inspiring friends. This last Saturday I borrowed my friend Alex's camera (thanks a gazillion), headed to the Palace of Fine Arts and shot over 200 photos of the pretty little ladies pictured below. I have turned into the paparazzi, no joke.

Laughing Above: Carlina & Nicole
They weren't too sure about what they had gotten themselves into...

Fedora: Target, Blouse: Diane Von Furstenberg, Jeans: F21, Boots: JCrew, Watch: Michael Kors

Stay tuned this week for a sneak peek inside Nicole's Style.

Closet-less and Surviving

2010-02-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-02-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

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}

2010-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T23:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Jak & Jil Blog

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

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