Seeing stripes

September and October in San Francisco are usually the best months of the year. Morning fog often burns off to leave the rest of the day and evening in sunshine. I dragged the tripod out to the backyard tonight.

Old Navy has really had some great J Crew dupes lately - and at a price point that's more than 1/3 of the cost. I picked the following striped sweatshirt up this weekend during a 50% off one item promo and couldn't wait to wear it today. I paired it with chambray and a black sweater skirt.

My backyard got even better when these guys decided to stop by.. our newest neighbors, some of the telegraph hill parrots. The parrots of telegraph hill have been in San Francisco for years. They're gorgeous, often fly in groups, and are quite loud. At least 4 have taken over some nearby trees as of late and today I got to get up close with a few of them.

This one seemed to particularly enjoy eating an apple and then making sure I saw him. What a little bugger.

Outfit details:
Striped sweatshirt: Old Navy (exact)
Chambray shirt: Nordstrom (similar)
Skirt: Loft (similar)

White linen

I'm not gonna lie - I was a little apprehensive about picking out a white blazer, let alone a linen one. But when I saw the price on this at nordies (35.90) I decided to let myself be a little bold and picked it up. I also grabbed the cute littler triangle/banner necklace. I'd seen it at another store but Nordstroms had it cheaper. Hurrah!

Blazer: Frenchie, Top & Jeans: Banana Republic, Necklace: Nordstrom's BP, Watch: Michelle

I have to admit that I'm liking the white, probably because it's linen and it's a ligher fabric. And since it's 3/4 sleeves I can always roll up my blouse for some fun.

I also have a bunch of other items that I got from the Nordstrom sale - I'll be posting that sometime soon and I'd love to hear feedback on what should stay/go back.

And just for fun, here's my manicure I'm rockin' this week:

It's hard to believe that my wedding is just 17 days away. My bachelorette party is on Saturday night, and on Sunday I have my final dress fitting. I'm trying hard not to stress out, but sometimes it's hard. I'm DIY-ing a few items for the wedding and I'll make sure to post those, too!

Since I've been so tired/stressed at night I've been trying to do my best to unwind and unplug at home. I've been reading a lot (just finished the 50 shades series, I have no shame..) so book recommendations are welcome too!

Here's to a great week(end)!

Blazer Dilemma

Okay - perhaps its not really a dilemma, but really I'm on the hunt for a fun colored blazer to add to my wardrobe of drab blue, black, and grey ones. I need some spicing up in the blazer department - and I have a visa giftcard that I'm going to put toward the purchase.

Below are some of the ones I'm considering... I'd love to hear your thoughts on them and welcome any other suggestions you might have!

Photo via nordstrom.com

I saw this online and tried it on in store the other night... perhaps it was the lights there or maybe I'm just not confident enough but I'm half wanting to buy this right away and half wanting to turn and run. It is a bit more reddish orange in person. It also comes in a cobalt blue which was not in my size and I liked as well, and white was gorgeous too (but I'm paranoid to spill something on it...). Gibson blazer, 88.00 via nordstrom.com

Image via nordstrom.com

Another option from Nordstrom - but this one is in a pure red. I like red. I'm not quite sold on the sleeves. But.. the price is fantastic - and it also comes in yellow, green, and white. Ambition twill blazer, 59.00 via nordstrom.com.

From Forever 21

This is a more cost friendly option from forever 21. I would definitely have to go in store to try this one on because their sizing can fluctuate on me. I also really like the pink option they have.. but I'm not so sure this is something I could wear to the office. Single button blazer, 24.90 at forever21.com

Image from Loehmann's.com

I saw this on Loehmann's.com and if it was in my size I would possibly order this. It also comes in several other colors as well. I know, I know... its blue. But.. Cobalt is different than navy, right? Necessary Objects Boyfriend Blazer, 39.99, loehmanns.com.

Adorableness from landsendcanvas.com

I know, I know. Grey. And tweed. BUT IT HAS ELBOW PATCHES! Do you know how excited I get over elbow patches? You might now. Anyway. This is on sale. I kinda sorta love it. Just had to throw this one in there... just because. Women's wool hunting jacket, 64.99, canvas.landsend.com.

So that's my round up... any input is more than welcome!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!