london calling!

The day is finally here! By the time you're reading this, I'll be hopping over the pond to visit London for my very first time. While my itinerary is already miles long thanks to lots of guide books and all of your sweet emails and comments (thank you by the way!), it's the packing that I've been stubbornly putting off. I'm notorious for convincing myself I can whip up a functional suitcase in under an hour. The truth is, I can, but it ain't pretty. My apartment is usually left in an awful state of disarray when I'm done and without fail, I end up bringing too much (usually shoes) or too little (usually layers) of one type of item. 

This time around, I started a bit earlier (pat on the back for me!) by stopping off at Intermix for a few key basics that I know I'll get a lot of mileage out of during the trip. I'm particularly excited about my pair of Frame jeans and a crisp white Helmut Lang blazer that I think will look brilliant with ol' Kate here. 

Here's a little peek into what else I'm bringing along for the ride...

Couldn't help myself -- had to pack the "American Dream" sweater. :)

$5 says I'll be living in this McQueen leather jacket the entire time.

The lightest whisper of a camisole -- looking forward to wearing this with blazers, skinny jeans and flats.

A heavy rotation of denim. Obvi. 

The usual suspects: Konstantina Tzovolou, Henri Lepore Dezert and my trusty Birks.

bermuda triangle

Blazer: Helmut Lang; Shirt: Equipment; Shorts: Altuzarra (via The RealReal); Shoes: Zara; Sunglasses: Coach; Wallet: Proenza Schouler

I'm not sure about the fashion crazes you went through during middle school, but surf-inspired brands like Roxy and Quiksilver were king. Rather ironic when you think about it, given we happened to live in a pretty landlocked state with the nearest ocean shore being hundreds of miles away (um ya, hi Nevada!) but hey, sometimes trends don't make that much sense, or at all. I particularly remember going to Pac Sun on the weekends with whatever parent was willing to listen to me beg for another surf tee or on one particular instance, a pair of printed Roxy bermuda shorts. And man, did I love those bermuda shorts. Poppy red with Hawaiian flowers printed all over them. 

Fast forward a few (or a lot) of years and I'm giving this whole bermuda short thing another go. In my opinion, I have a few extra things working in my favor here: 1. strappy heels for a little more city chic and a little less boardwalk 2. a tailored blazer to elevate it and 3. I'm a lot closer to the ocean now. 

Photos by Dan Johnson

the wedding guests

Crop top and skirt: Honor (via The RealReal); Shoes: Zara; Sunglasses: YSL, Clutch: Vintage

As I mentioned in a few posts back now, we have quite the summer lineup of weddings, bridal showers, baby showers (the list goes on) that I've been on the lookout for several dress options that can carry me through the busy months ahead. What I love most about this matching set from Honor is that it's totally something I would scoop up regardless if I had an occasion for it or not. For wedding attire, that's a win, win in my book. 

The length of this skirt feels very "me" and, well, y'all know I can't resist a good crop top. Plus, how perfect is this outfit with this Southern-style wrap around porch?! All I'm missing is my tall glass of sweet tea. 

Photos by Dan Johnson

fields of gold

Dress: Isabel Marant (via Elizabeth Charles); Boots: Isabel Marant (via The RealReal); Sunglasses: Coach; Bracelets: Vita Fede; Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner; Rings: Jennifer Zeuner, Scheid Industrial

We escaped the city this past weekend for a wedding up north and decided to take a very meandering route back home afterward. From ocean views along Highway 1 to sprawling fields of gold, like this one, it was definitely a feast for the eyes (and one we need to repeat more often). While my wanderlust is definitely in full swing this week (hello, London, in T-minus 3 days), it's weekends like this past one that ultimately make me so homesick. 

How was your long weekend? I hope you ventured out and got lost (even for just an afternoon!).

Photos by Dan Johnson

best memorial day sales

Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend! In case you're not out on the road today or floating down a lazy river, here are a few sales to keep you busy (and happy!).

Moda Operandi: Up to 50% off clearance sale. I'll take these guys, please.

J.Crew: 30% off sitewide through May 27th. Use code "WEEKEND".

Neiman Marcus: Up to 75% off through May 27th.

The RealReal: Take 20% off through tonight with code "GETAWAY".

Barneys Warehouse: Take an extra 30% off sale items.

Intermix: Take an additional 40% off sale items. Got my eye on this guy.

Happy shopping! 

link love {friday distractions}

Raise your hand if you're ready for this long weekend to start! Great, that makes two of us! Let's kick things off...

1. This photo round up made me miss Bondi Beach so much. #TakeMeBack

2. The perfect explanation as to why I get so overwhelmed by beach attire and accessories. Sometimes, all you need is a simple man's white button-down shirt. 

3. Our favorite street style stars immortalized as cat drawings. Too cute!

4. The Olsens launch a retail store with home decor pieces? Sign me up. 

5. An op-documentary about getting internet access to remote parts of the Amazon jungle. The line that stuck with me most was from a little girl probably no more than 5 years old who said: "I just want to learn about things that I don't know about."

6. Start camping now, ladies. Altuzarra for Target has just been announced.

7. Mona, Frida, Cara and Audrey. The 27 best brows of all time. 

8. So as I start prepping my suitcase for London, I can't get this girl's look out of my head. I'll have everything she's having!

9. Let's be honest though, there's no better way to kick this weekend off other than a little sale shopping! This Mary Katrantzou dress from Moda Operandi is just my cup of tea. 

And congrats to Caitlyn S., the winner of the DSW $250 gift card giveaway! I'll be contacting you shortly about your prize!

i'll have what she's having {the london edit}

First collage made by me // Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

J.Crew shirt // #GirlBoss // Burberry trench coat // Stella McCartney bra // Stella McCartney blazer // Cuyana cosmetic bag // thisworks mask, moisturizer and primer // J.Crew passport cover // Aesop facial cleanser // Thierry Lasry sunglasses // Fame denim // Gianvito Rossi flats // J.Crew crossbody bag

Exactly one week from today I'll be jumping over the pond to London for my first visit ever. Needless to say, I'm beyond excited (OK, stupid excited!) and have been prepping like mad the past few days. Thank goodness for that long weekend coming up but seriously, guys I  have LOTS to do still. (Like figure out what the heck I'm going to put in that suitcase of mine!)

As I mentioned the other day, the folks over at Regent Street have invited me over for their annual Regent Tweet event -- a weekend chock full of social media workshops, discussion panels and, well, shopping (yes, please to all of the above!). While my itinerary is pretty packed the first few days, I'm also really looking forward to exploring London on foot solo (another first for me!) for the remainder of the trip. 

Now I've done my fair share of the European backpacking experience in college, but I've always had a few companions along for the ride. Oddly enough, I think there's going to be something about traveling alone that I'm really going to love. The self-reflection? The "me" time? Or being completely in charge of my own schedule? I'm not sure -- but I can't wait to find out!

Of course, before I hop over, I'd love to hear from you guys! Any tips you'd recommend for me while over in London? Sights to see? Restaurants or pubs I can't miss? Also, would love any and all recs for London-based photographers as I'll be trying my best to fit in an outfit post (or two!). Feel free to send me an email (krystalannebick@gmail.com) or leave a comment below. 

grey gardens

Shirt: Everlane; Skirt: Alexander Wang via The RealReal; Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Sunglasses: Coach; Clutch: Celine; Cuff: Hermes

I'm slowly embracing the fact that I'm just more comfortable in neutral colors, namely black and white. While I've never shied away from wearing black and white looks here on the blog (heck, I sport it here pretty often), I tend to feel, well, somewhat guilty when I do. Something about defaulting to a uniform set of colors used to feel like I was cheating almost (they are a pretty fool-proof color combo after all). What I've come to realize though is that my closet, particularly after cleaning it out a few weeks ago, is slowly streamlining itself into pieces that I truly love and get excited about wearing (and yes, they are primarily a range of blacks and whites). Guilty as charged.

But so what? As someone who's definitely bought (and still buys) into fleeting trends from time to time, it's a refreshing feeling to walk into my closet feeling inspired by what I see. That can be a simple black silk blouse (like this one from Everlane that I also have in white, obvi) or this funky, mesh panel black and white tropical floral skirt. Furthermore, that's what some colorful accessories are for, right? Ahem, I'm looking at these bad boys in particular. 

Photos by Dan Johnson

this & that

{A shiny new ride I have to get around town -- thanks to C.Wonder. And huge thanks to the man friend for helping me put it together!}

This past weekend was just what I needed. Lots of sunshine. Newspaper reading. And finally scooped up #GirlBoss (a signed copy to boot!). I'm feeling energized and ready to tackle this week (but of course, cooking up some fun for our long weekend ahead up in wine country). 

{An über feminine Isabel Marant dress that I nabbed at Elizabeth Charles. Perfect for a Palm Springs getaway I have planned with my mom coming up in June.}

{I've mentioned my London trip before but it's just now dawning on me how quickly it's approaching! I'll be heading out May 29th for Regent Tweet, with a full weekend of shopping, interactive workshops and lectures lined up. I know it's going to be a blur so I want to feel like I can hit the ground running while out there for little over a week. I've been reading this book like a mad woman and our breakfast nook is slowly become my London planning HQ (ahem, as seen above).}

{My favorite thinking spot tucked away over at Baker Street steps.}

{Spotting bougainvillea never fails to make me smile.}

off the shoulder

Dress: Reformation; Clutch: Kate Spade (love this one here); Shoes: Prada; Sunglasses: YSL; Bracelets: Vita Fede; Lips: Stila "Beso"

You may recall I posted this photo of Yasmin Sewell back during the after Christmas sale season, wearing a to-die-for off the shoulder, midi dress. Basically perfection in a nut shell. Well, those sales have come and gone but I can' seem to get that dress off my mind! Naturally, being as OCD as I am, I've scoured the internet for similar dresses and was ecstatic to find this number from Reformation. While it's not quite the full skirt midi I was looking for, it's definitely a sexy little black dress that I can stand behind. 

Photos by Natalie Goel

link love {friday distractions}

We're a bit behind on our Friday distraction today (this week was a doozy!) so I can only hope that you're all already en route to happy hour somewhere. Happy weekend, everyone! 

1. In case you didn't catch Poppy Delevingne's wedding gown, take a moment and swoon right this way.

2. You guys! Hold the phone. Grace Coddington just joined Instagram and I couldn't be more excited! 

3. Interesting read about the pay gaps between male and female journalists, especially in light of Jill Abramson's sudden resignation as The New York Time's Executive Editor.

4. 3D printed makeup? My mind is blown!

5. It's that time again -- bathing suit shopping season! I'm debating taking the plunge with a one-piece. What say you?

6. Looking forward to catching this documentary once it starts playing in San Francisco (May 23!). 

7. JLaw being adorable on Jimmy Fallon. Per usual.

8. Ironically enough, I'm sharing this cute video about disconnecting from our many technology devices on a technology device, but let's all agree to head outside right after we watch it, OK?

9. Serious style crush ahead! 5 days, 5 looks, 1 gal. 

life lately {according to instagram}

It's been pretty sweltering here in SF lately (hello 80 degrees!) and just browsing back through my photos here on Instagram makes me instantly feel the sunshine! Here's a little slice of what I've been up to lately...

1. I mentioned last week I'll be heading to London for the first time ever at the end of this month (more on that soon!). I also have my sights set on Istanbul later this year. Have you guys ever gone? Would love to hear what you thought and any recs you may have!

2. My weekend beauty look is pretty simple. Some blush + sunnies and I'm out the door. The peonies sure don't hurt either.

3. Bougainvillea just never gets old. Especially when it's wrapping your driveway entrance. 

4. Trying out the whole slip-on sneaker trend in these calf hair Celines. Speaking of, don't forget to enter my contest with DSW to win a $250 gift card!

5. Catching a brilliant sunset out at Crissy Field.

6. Accessory edit as of late.

7. Our photo team at work is based out in Fairfax and every time I head out there I always mean to snap a photo of their adorable staircase leading to their studio. 

8. Not pictured here? My iced coffee in hand. #MultiTasking

9. Whipping up some mean margaritas! 

As always, you can follow along right here on Instagram!

i'll have what she's having...

We recently had a sunglass crisis around here just a few weeks back now. My darling puppy somehow stumbled across my go-to Celine sunnies and just a few too many drinks at dinner lead me to come home to them chewed and torn apart. Luckily, he was fine, but my ego and pride definitely took a beating. You may have noticed that I haven't been wearing them lately and I'm mainly taking my time trying to figure out the right replacement pair (or two actually).

While I'm definitely someone who loves her sunglasses, I tend to play favorites all too often, usually abusing one pair until they literally fall apart, get lost or a hungry corgi finds them. Just after a few weeks of having to rediscover my other pairs of sunglasses, I realized how many good ones I had waiting in the wings (like this vintage YSL pair!). Granted, I'm definitely in the market for a new pair of black sunglasses to replace my Celines (RIP) but will be making a more conscious effort to get my other pairs into the daily rotation. 

What are some of your favorite go-to pairs?

ode to overalls

Overalls: Vintage Lee (love this pair); Shirt: Everlane; Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Wallet: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Coach; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner; Rings: Alexa Leigh, Katie Dean, The One I Love NYC; Watch: Michael Kors; iPhone case: Nicole Miller

I bought this pair of overalls over my first summer here in San Francisco (almost 4 or so years ago now). Oddly enough, I remember buying them for a few paint projects I had in the works, never fully intending to wear them out save for an occasional coffee run, paint splatters and all. 

Flash forward over the years, and I've managed to dress them up in ways I don't think overalls were ever intended to be worn (some good and some not so good). Admittedly, I have to say this is the part of fashion and trends in general that I can see why people deem it all too fickle (um, ya, that neon lucite clutch of mine is still sitting in my closet, gathering dust). But sometimes when the trend is a comfortable, broken-in boyfriend denim one-piece that harkens back to elementary school days, well I'm sold. Doesn't hurt that I always have something to paint in either. 

Photos by Dan Johnson

this & that

After posting about mules here, I'm officially getting on board the bandwagon. Luckily, this pair from Zara is pretty wallet-friendly in case it doesn't quite work out between us. I'll keep you posted.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We spent most of ours being lazy in the sunshine and riding bikes to run all of our errands (which made carefully holding my iced coffee in one hand quite the endeavor). And while I can't quite place it, something about this past weekend, in particular made me fall back in love with San Francisco all over again. Granted, we've never had a falling out, mind you, but it's easy to get swept up in the day to day each week (especially when you commute way out of the city for work), that makes you forget just how awesome your town really is. We stumbled upon new favorite spots (Baker Street steps) and rediscovered old gems (hello Miette!). I know everyone in NYC talks about dating the city itself but I do think there's a reason there's a phrase, "I left my heart in San Francisco." It's easy to do.

Picking up sweets, upon sweets, upon sweets at Miette in Hayes Valley.

His and Hers at the Biergarten, also in Hayes Valley. Soaked up lots of sunshine this afternoon.

We had originally planned to eat brunch out on the patio of a little cafe near our apartment but at the last minute, opted to get everything to go so we could eat up at Alta Plaza Park. This egg breakfast sandwich hit the spot.

Slowly, but surely, our bedroom is coming together. The headboard is from Target, side tables are from West Elm and that furry throw? A favorite recent purchase from Pottery Barn. 

PS -- if you were into my 6 spring shoe trends from last week, I have just the contest for you! DSW is giving away one $250 gift card to a lucky reader of mine -- simply follow the steps right here. I'll be randomly selecting a winner on May 18th. Good luck!