Care package from Papa

This week I got a small piece of my Papa's history wrapped up and delivered in a box. He sent me the two children's books he wrote, his 3 gold records, and two movie stills from the movie he was in "Phantom of Paradise". All the items were lovingly signed with a special note on each. It is such a treasure to have these things. It is an indescribable feeling to have my Dad as part of my life after all these years. Yay!

Stop and smell the roses

" One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."
Dale Carnegie

*Love by design Cardigan (similar here), Silence and Noise Rose Tank (similar here), J Brand jeans, Vintage pin Necklace (I made myself), Rose Ring (similar here), and Steve Madden Ruffle peep-toe heels (similar here).

Look: Moto Sport

I love a little moto inspired fashion. Today my look is inspired by the Ducati Monster. I love it's sporty clean lines, tonal greys and blacks, and the mix of matte and shiny detailing.

G-star insulated jacket (available in-store only), Realitee burn-out tank (similar here), Hudson Jeans, Deisel boots.

*Bike image from http://www.biketraq.com/2008/08/27/ducati-monster-696/
◀ Back

Feeling the Love

"To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead."

Bertrand Russell

Today I am rocking a playful heart print top complemented with a fun studded heart ring. I am feeling inspired by love and the bravery it takes to find it.

::Joie Top(similar here), Kill City Jeans (similar here), Marc Jacobs Ring (similar here), Burberry Flats (similar here)::

Oaktown in the Spring

This Spring weekend was spent enjoying the wonderful warm weather in the lovely town of Oakland. Oakland is a complex place with endless hidden treasures. This weekend some of my girls and I hit up a few of our fav. spots. On Friday we went to Henry Hubert, a local boutique and bought some yummy smelling soap. Then we went and had sushi and sake at Coach Sushi (where you go for the sake slinging, not the sushi). That evening was ended by Audrey doing some gymnastic feats in Lake Merritt Park (which provided some serious comic relief) and a movie at the Grand Lake Theatre.

Saturday I picked up the keys to my new place and headed with the girls to brunch at Bake sale Betty. We went all out and had pear ginger scones and a fried chicken salad followed by a serious dose of strawberry shortcake and some lemonade. The rest of the day was spent running errands around town while people watching. Today was the Oakland marathon so traffic was crazy, but we got to see some runners and crowds of people out enjoying the event and the weather. All in all, it was a very mellow and fun weekend just enjoying my surroundings.

Style Inspiration-Josh Hiney

Lot's of people have real husbands, not many have "work husbands", but I do. My work husband is Josh and I heart his real wife and their little french bulldog Tonka very much. But at work Josh is my buddy and friend, and as we joke my "work husband". Josh is fun, inspiring, and is always a support system for me. So today my style inspiration is josh, because he really knows how to class up the joint in his gentlemanly attire. I love this look and was thinking of creating my own looked based on it. Check out these items that would be a cute way for a girl to pull off a little bit of gentlemanly style.
Gingham top: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=127230118&pid=anonymous
Vest: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=118957870&pid=anonymous
Slacks: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=118958113&pid=anonymous
Shoes: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=112536757&pid=anonymous
Bow Brooch: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=133949654&pid=anonymousid=141839115&pid=anonymous
Clocks: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=139129531&pid=anonymous
Cocktail Ring: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=103951039&pid=anonymous

TGIF

It's Friday and I can't wait for the weekend! Today I am channeling the easy breezy vibe of the weekend. The leather jacket is Steve Madden Similar here, Velvet Tank Similar here , G-star Raw denim jeans, Via Spiga pumps Similar here, Hammered silver hoop earrings Similar here, and my new Skeleton key necklace that was a gift from Gaelyn when I got my tattoo Similar here.

Bundling up

I'm bundling up today (hopefully for the last time) before Spring sunshine makes it's way to California. I'm wearing my black Hudson jeans, Burgundy Aldo boots (similar here), a cream Forever 21 coat (similar here), a Super Maggie cream bird printed tee (similar here), Urban Outfitters bird necklace and earrings, and a Banana Republic striped scarf (similar here).

Moving

I am packing boxes for the next two weeks to move into my new little place. It is a Victorian duplex in Oakland designed by Julia Morgan. I love the amazing windows, it is full of light and lovely details. I am overwhelmed right now with all the packing and preparing, but I am so excited to make my new home in this adorable hilltop gem!

Made Her Think

I just came across the jewelry line "Made Her Think" I love the drama and rock and roll feel of all their designs. Their rings are especially unique. I really like how each piece is a statement without being too overdone. The detail of each piece is intricate without being busy and the styling is tough yet glamorous. Love!

Click on the photos above to check out more of their collection.

Jason's Extraordinary Ordinary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeA9gH_iWXY&feature=player_embedded

"This video reminds me to take immense pride in everything I do... my step dad used to talk to me a lot about this
...and talking about him last night got me thinking that he really did teach me a lot."

Quote of the week

Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing.

Sylvia Plath

Red Rocks!

I spent the last three days in Red Rock Desert at the Red Rock Rendezvous. I had a blast climbing, drinking, and chatting with some super people that I only get to see a few times a year. I also got to meet some very interesting new peeps who will hopefully become good friends and new climbing partners. This trip was a total recharge to the soul. It was so refreshing to be in the outdoors with inspiring people doing the thing I love most. I am looking forward to the warm weather and more trips like this in the coming months! Next one on the horizon-Flagstaff! I am already counting down the days!

St. Patty's Day

Last night some friends and I got together for a few St. Patty's day drinks after a good session of gym climbing. We hit up an Oakland local spot, Cafe Van Kleef. They have the most amazing Greyhounds (which happens to be my drink of choice). They make theirs with fresh squeezed sweet grapefruits from Mexico and each drink comes complete with a giant wedge of grapefruit. Yum! The evening was awesome. There is nothing like killing the pain of forearm pump with a tasty drink and the entertainment of friends. Happy belated St. Patty's day everyone!


*Photo from NY times: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/oakland-eclectic-cafe-van-kleef/

Wooly Pockets!

I saw these awesome flower pot alternatives on a design show a while back and was reminded of them by a friend yesterday. I just love them. They are so modern and eco friendly! I am moving to a new place in a few weeks and I definitely want one of these Wooly Pockets to add to my decor! Check em out! http://woollypocket.com/