Good Things.

{a collage of photographs. who needs frames these days. photo by Douglas Friedman}

I often find myself sitting back and reminiscing about the things I truly take great pleasure in. Whether it's my coffee, an amazing space, a vacation, a yummy glass of wine, art etc. They're the things that give you that feeling of satis-faction, or make you go "ooo-aahhh"; whether tangible or intangible.

So from now on, I am beginning a section for my blog called "Good Things" I'll share with you the things I enjoy.......find unique....... or just go down-right-crazy for.  

Catching my attention this week are some unique decor/objects I found that without, a room would never look the same.

{1930’s eastern european cello. hello. showstopper. photo by Lisa Romerein}

 

{empire chair + bright fabric = amazing. photo by Lisa Romerein} 

 {S.F.’s Lotus Bleu's wool-felt textiles in bright colors}

Feline Fever

In case you missed it in my previous entry; I talked about the love for leopard being seen everywhere, and the great prints I found while shopping around {seen here}.

Moving forward... this weekend was all about celebrating with good friends... which equals to the perfect time to put to use some of the items I've spotted (no pun intended).

Love how leopard effortlessly makes an outfit look so posh. 

 {BR exotic roll clutch- p.s. I love mismatching the prints}

{Ivanka Trump Pumps}

{Gianni Bini leather jacket, Necessary Objects blouse}

  

To find these items, click on the link I provided above.

Xx.

You can't tell by these images, but I chopped off my hair about six inches. Yikes.

The Wildcat

Leopard is.... has always been.... will always be.... in.  It's a style that continues to rotate. Everywhere I go I see it. Especially for this fall's fashion. 

It's a great bold statement, but if worn incorrectly, it could come off as tacky (i.e. too much of it). So, as I was doing my weekend shopping, I found some great leopard pieces that could really make an outfit come together looking fierce. It all starts with a little black dress.......

1. Mango Combi-Fabric dress

2. Mango Circular-Shape drop earrings

3. Essie Really Red nail polish

4. Mac Spice-It-Up red lipstick

5. Mango Layered bracelet

6. BR Exotic Roll clutch

7. Ivanka Trump Pump 
8. J. Crew Leopard scarf

How would you wear your spots?

Artist Spotlight: Nuel Friend

acrylic, polyurethane, oil, 

roofing patch, and glass. 2011.

With so much contemporary art in the world, who can choose their favorite? I can't. Buuuut I can say there are a few that really.... really speak to me.

I would like to introduce to you Nuel Friend. 

This Midwestern artist, whom I've brought to our gallery in San Francisco, is an artist that surpasses the definition of being talented. His undeniable originality juxtaposed with his technique in mixed media, are just one of the few things that outline why he is so brilliant. Your thoughts welcomed. :)

Is It Friday Yet?

Today I must feel like everyone. I really wish it were Friday already. But sadly it is only Monday, so to start the week, I am happy to share my highlights of this past weekend. 

With beautiful weather in San Francisco, I took advantage of taking a stroll to the pier. I started the morning with walking to the famous Ferry Building (a must go-to) and went straight to thee most charming pastry shop I know, Miette (another must go-to).   :)

Their pastries are one of a kind and the presentation is really spectacular. I always get the Macarons, and picked up a few extra for my friend's birthday dinner I later attended. I highly recommend the pistachio ones. 

And of course my last stop is always to Blue Bottle Cafe. Amazing coffee, and happens to be across from Miette. The line can be overwhelming, but well worth the wait. Did I say amazing?

 {Madewell Plaid Shirt}

 {Michael Kors Watch}

 {Banana Republic skinny belt & chain cuff}

{Simply Kasia Necklace}

A Simple White Tee

Tee from Zara

One of my favorite things about this city is that you don't have to make any formal plans to have a good time. With work being so demanding this week, I love to leave the house and go for a stroll by Union Square.  Especially now since tourism is at its best. You get to see all walks of life.

From heels to flats, and blouses to tees, I am transformed into something more casual, while still making me feel.....cute. HA! I've had these jeans foooor-ever but love their subtle flare and how low they sit.

A good pit stop? Fog City Pub & Cafe. A place you probably would walk past, but believe me, it has its charm, and there's no line (which is rare for anywhere else by Union Square). Plus I know some people who work there. ;) wink!

 

 

 {yes, you will see me with this jewelry set often because I heart}

Author's Note: As I was posing for these photos (may I add, I had removed my coat and was freezing) a girl calls out to me and happened to have been a girlfriend I knew since childhood, and was here visiting when she randomly walked by and recognized me....crazy coincidence.

And the Oscar goes to....

Oscar de la Renta Pavé Panther Brooch

I don't know about you....but I am just craaazy about this brooch by Oscar de la Renta. Not only is the panther my favorite animal, but the teardrop in an emerald color could not get any better! (my favorite color).

Love Love Love. 

And of course who doesn't like a little sparkle. This is definitely a timeless piece. Going on the wish list!

Andro meets Gyn

There is nothing more fun than being able to channel your masculine side through your wardrobe.

I knew I would be working and going out afterwards, so in my rendition of androgynous fashion, I pulled together a male's roll out of bed look that could work for me throughout the day. The blazer lends itself to dressing up the outfit while the rest of it can be casual once the blazer is removed after 5 o'clock. :)

 {I love a simple collared shirt. The one button look makes you look a little less serious}

 

 {Adding some jewelry gives it that feminine touch}

Minnie Mortimer's Elements of Personal Style

photograph by Claiborne Swanson Frank and article

found in Vogue's Culture section

When you think of Minnie Mortimer, you think of west coast and east coast girl. She defines herself as being both, and why not? 

 

Not placing a label on herself has proved to be successful in all elements of her life. As a fashion designer, she creates a clean chic functional look that relates to any woman. And though she loves a casual look, she knows how to effortlessly dress it up too.

The same can be said about her Malibu house. It's a great combination of textures and colors that really reflect her and her family's personality. Again, functional, the boho-chic space makes it ideal to lounge around and find inspiration. Without trying too hard, this space is per-fect.

click to enlarge

Beauty Secret: Youthful Skin

People really tend to compliment my skin and ask what my secret is, so I decided to share with you some of my must-do's because beauty doesn't always have to come with a high price tag.

In the mornings, I generously apply Jojoba oil (I buy mine from Whole Foods), and after that's dried in, I apply my Clinique moisturizer to protect my skin, while at the same time still hydrating it.

The most important secret? Water. Lot's of water. And of course get plenty of sleep!

Repeat everyday... ;)