My top 10 of 2010

At least, according to me.

I'm still kinda in disbelief that its already December 29th and another year is about to end. I'm eager and excited to see what 2011 brings my way - but first I thought I'd put together my top 10 things from the year 2010.

Drum roll please... and in no particular order:

Fashion + giving back = excellent.

1) Toms shoes. I guess I kinda joined the bandwagon late on this one, but I'm glad I did finally get there.  My first pair is in red (notice how I said first?) but I may go back for seconds on the navy ones, too. I also noticed on a section on the website that you can sign up to be a shoe dropper. If I had the time and ability, I'd totally do it!

2) Mobile food festivals. Whoever came up with the idea to bring a whole bunch of food trucks into one area, add music and alcohol is brilliant. We had the pleasure of going to one in Seattle and also hit up one in our hometown. I really liked being able to have a sampling of everything in one place. Not quite sure what my favorite has been, though.

who knew birds could be so angry?

3) Angry birds. Genius. Seriously - I can't get enough of this game. I've beat both the season and regular angry birds and I'm really hoping that an angry birds 2 is in the works. But thank you to the creators of this game for keeping me occupied on many public transportation trips and also on long airplane flights. I owe ya one.

4) Ankle booties. I finally mustered up the guts to get a pair from jcrew and I'm in love. They go with everything - and once I added in some arch padding they're perfect.

Take a walk on the wild side...

5) Leopard print anything. Okay, not anything  but... I'm loving the animal print trend.  If you're wanting to try it out, I got an awesome leopard print scarf from H&M for about 12.00 that really has helped me ease into the prints. Plus it looks fantastic with black! I also snagged a leopard print top that I think would look great under a boyfriend blazer with dark jeans. The last thing I'm craving is a subdued leopard print cardigan.

6) The new mac and cheese movement. Mac and cheese + truffle oil = a godsend. Reinventing the classic comfort food has suddenly let mac and cheese grow up from the good old blue Kraft boxes to something that I don't mind eating at a nicer restaurant.

7) Lace. There's something so feminine and gentle about adding some lace to your wardrobe. I recently picked up the above shirt at the gap's sale and I'm really loving it. It adds a delicate touch without being too overboard.

8) Greek yogurt. Another foodie trend (can you tell I like food?) that has become a breakfast staple at my office.  Greek yogurt mixed with honey and some low fat granola is a healthy breakfast that keeps me going. Plus its good for you! My favorite is the Fage brand (that I get in huge tubs at Costco for 5.99).

Skinny jeans plus heels a shirt is a great date outfit.

9) Skinny jeans. Who would've thought that I could pull these off? My favorite pair is from Banana Republic because they have stretch, feel amazingly soft, and wear really well. Plus they usually go on sale for great prices (not that you'd need more incentive to get them, though...)

10) Frye boots. I purchased my first pair recently after seeing them go on sale for a steal. And I am in love (more so once I get them on my feet). The Jane 14L's are stunning and go with everything. A boot jack may help in taking them off but I am so thrilled I was finally able to nab these.

Well for now, that's all folks. I'll probably make one more post on Friday with my list for 2011. Hope you are staying dry and warm where ever you are (I actually typed this from my office wearing mittens. ugh).

Post-vacation round up

Dear blog, I'm sorry I neglected you in times of warmer weather and beaches. Unfortunately I couldn't be asked to do much besides decide whether to sit by the pool or the beach. In remembrance of my vacation which is now sadly over I thought I'd put together a list of a few things that I love when traveling to warmer locations.

Rainbow sandals. You might be thinking holy cow that's a lot for a pair of flip flops - but let me tell you, they are fantastic. I've had the same pair for about 4 years now and I've worn them trekking through Europe, canoeing, and of course to the beach. They are durable, cute, and mold to your feet after they are broken in. I can't get enough of these - and of course with traveling on an airplane they make are easy to remove to go through security lines.

An awesome straw hat.What other than a beach ready straw hat screams vacation? Definitely a necessity when you're sitting in the sun soaking some rays and trying to read. Not only does it shield your eyes but it helps keep your head out of the sun (because scalp sunburns are never pretty). I actually picked one up just like this not too long ago at Norsdtrom in the BP section for around 7.00. Look around - you may find one on clearance during the winter!

A journal to write in. There's something about Moleskine journals that I just can't put my finger on - perhaps its the simple gleaming cover and neat lines, or the way your pen ink looks once you've finished with an entry. I'm particularly addicted to the red ones, but the black ones will always remain a close favorite. The hidden pocket in the back of these make the perfect place to store little trip mementos - boarding passes, stickers, or even a photo from  your vacation.

Maui babe browning lotion. Yeah, I'm pasty white as a ghost. What am I gonna do about it besides try not to burn, right? In comes the answer - Maui babe browning lotion. I tried this out a few years ago and ever since then I've been hooked. I apply it after I put on my regular SPF sunscreen and let it dry. It helps accelorate your tan (and smells mighty good too). Seriously - this stuff works. I have the tanned arms and legs from the past few days to prove it. I know that most ABC and other pharmacy stores in Hawaii sell this, and you can also order from their website. I haven't seen it at that many places outside of the Islands, though.

And last but not least (I think I always save the most expensive for last) would have to be a great camera. I personally adore my Nikon D80 (even though I most definitely pay that price for it). The camera is fantastic - aside from my car it is probably the best money I've ever spent. It takes amazing photos and I can easily switch lenses when I need to get a better shot. My personal favorite lens would have to be the 50MM 1.8f which takes glorious photos that I sometimes can't believe happen to be mine.


Anyway readers - that's my wrap up list. I'll be doing a top 2010 item roundup in the next few days!

Back to corporate america

It has taken me a few months but ultimately I've realized that my current job situation is not quite what I want. So, at the start of the new year I will be relocating back to a company in the financial district. I'm quite frankly thrilled - there's always such huge movement downtown - there's people, places to eat at, coffee shops, and just a buzz that I haven't seen anywhere else (except for maybe New York...). And with a new job comes the fact that my jeans and uggs probably won't cut it at my makeshift desk anymore - and I've dedicated today's post to some of the best things about getting a new job.

Skirts. I am SO inspired by wool pencil skirts with thick tights underneath that I can barely contain myself. I may splurge on JCrew's double serge pencil skirt; however my only concern is what color to get! I'm really liking the navy blue, and I wish I was brave enough to pull off the ochre or dahlia. I think this would look so clean with a nice crisp white button down and a cardigan. Oh the possibilities!




I'm also really liking this shirt from the Gap - and I'm pretty sure if you find it in store it's an additional 30% off! Not bad! I'm not sure which color I like better - the blue or the maroonish color. I think it would go great with a pair of slacks to break up the monotony of looking like a drone.


And of course, I actually couldn't resist picking this up at a private event yesterday (and I had a coupon credit, too). I thought it would be the perfect little accessory to keep my bus card and potential elevator and badge that I'll need for my new building. Plus I could always put some new business cards in them - squee! So excited! I was really torn between the colors but I ultimately ended up with the purple, cause hey, who doesn't love purple? I also really liked the blue and black, too.


And with my new accessory, I'd love to have something big and pretty to put it all in. Behold - the bag of all carry all bags - the Longchamp Le Pliage tote. Totally lusting after one of these in the large size (ahem in bf's direction) just because I'll have the opportunity to walk to and from work again. With a bag this size I'd be able to throw in a change of shoes, an umbrella, a scarf, my agenda, and even lunch. Plus with the strap drop it's a perfect size for me to plow down the streets of SF with. I'm really digging the black, but I also like the navy. Heck, I like all the colors. Hah.

So here's where I turn it over to you - what are your must have's for your job - whether it's an awesome coffee cup, a pair of shoes or an item of clothing. I'd love to hear it from you!

Sunday morning we are off to the beautiful island of Hawaii so the next few posts may come with plenty of ocean photos (especially after a mai tai or two...). I do want to do a vacation beach feature so look forward to me posting that sometime next week.

Until then.... Aloha!

Holiday nails

Readers, I apologize for my absence over the past few days. I came down with a horrid cold that kept me cooped up for most of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I'm still suffering from congestion and a runny nose and cough, so hopefully I'll be better before getting on board that plane on Sunday.

Today I thought I'd talk about something that I love... indulging myself in manicures and pedicures. Seriously - when I look down and see nicely colored nails there's a little part of me that squeals every time. With Dave's holiday party on Friday night, two get togethers on Saturday and then vacation starting Sunday I decided to look into the new gel manicures that have been gaining popularity. It's similar to having acryllics put on but there's no nasty formula that goes with it or ruins your nails - and its supposed to last 3 weeks. So I ponied up my 28.00 (which is cheaper than a manicure a week + tip, mind you) and plunked myself down for a gel manicure.

The process itself took quite a while. It took about an hour because you have to let each layer of polish dry invididually underneath a dryer. So you're looking at 5 layers - your base, three layers of color, and then a top coat. But let me tell you... today is day 5 and my nails still look as if I got them done earlier today. Sure the process is a bit intense, but the major difference is that they were dry right away. Which means not having to worry about smudging or messing up my manicure.

Here's a photo - I quite enjoy this red. It's very similar to OPI's "I'm not really a waitress". So needless to say... I'm happy. We'll see how well it holds up after time in the sun and swimming pools...

And just so this isn't text only - a lovely shot of my hands on day 4. Four!!!! (sorry for the awkard lighting in my office... but there's no chips or anything).

A craving of color

While reflecting on my current handbag inventory (lol) I've come to the sudden realization that I have no more color left. Where did they all go!? Beats me.

Currently I have:
Black MJ large single
Black mbmj flash kelsey
Black jcrew hobo
LV mono speedy
Balenciaga officier RH city
and a few other tote bags.

And so my lust begins. Red? Purple? Green? Orange? I have no idea where to start - or even what to consider! I do love me some leather... so that will of course be my only requirement.

I've never owned a Rebecca Minkoff bag. Her nikki style is pretty cute - maybe if I could find it in a happy bright color.

And orange... of course. Hermes (just a daydream). But wouldn't an orange bag be simply fabulous with a darker outfit? I'm not gonna lie - an orange garden party would be absolutely divine.

So - I'm sorry I don't have any photos today, but any bag suggestions would be great!

Current obsession: Fair Isle.

So even though San Francisco doesn't get anything close to nordic weather (although a snow day would be really awesome) I'm currently obsessed with anything and everything fair isle related. I've rounded up a list of some of my favorites.

Last night at forever 21 with my sister I spied this and I may have to have it. The fair isle hoodie pullover won't break the holiday bank at 32.80. Plus it has a hood - and who doesn't like being able to snuggle down into hoodies in the winter? I really like the color accents on this one - it spices it up a bit instead of just sticking to a blue and white palette.

Also from forever 21 is this fair isle cardigan. It comes in two colorways - grey/cream and light brown/cream. I think I lean more towards the grey/cream one, but at least its good to know we have options. And at just two dollars more than the other one, 34.80 still isn't a bad deal for a cozy sweater. The big buttons and pockets really give it that winter flare. I'm really digging the big collar on this one... in fact I may have to snag this one over the blue one. Oops!

Not feeling the need for a sweater? I spied these cutesy gloves at Nordstrom's in the BP department and they were put on my Christmas wishlist right away. Fingerless gloves are sure to keep my hands (and wrists) warm while commuting every day to and from work - and the added bonus is that my fingers are free to still use my iphone (have you ever tried to use your iphone with mittens or gloves on? here's a tip, it doesn't work. at all.) so I'm still free to text, make calls, surf the net, and listen to music without having to pull my gloves off and on. And at 18.00 if they don't appear under the tree I won't feel guilty going out to buy them for myself at that price.

Over at JC Penney's I spotted this sweater if you want something that will give you a belted look. For only 21.99 this sweater is a steal - and it comes in three colorways - chocolate heather, heather charcoal, and ivory. My only concern is what color I would get for myself... hmm. Plus on the JC Penney website you can check stock in realtime at your store to make sure its available for you if you wanted to run down and grab one. How cool is that?

And I couldn't resist on these... although I might not wear them out of the house these are just too cute for words. For anyone who has hardwood floor in the house (me) or whose feet just can't get warmed up these MukLuks would be a great gift to make sure your someone stays warm during those cold winter nights. I really dig the buckle design on these, too!



Hope you enjoyed my little list - hope everyone is having a great Friday (Happy Weekend!) and stay warm!