the red telephone box

Jacket: Alexander McQueen; Shirt: Amour Vert; Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch; Shoes: Miu Miu (love this pair); Necklace: Givenchy; Cuff: Hermes; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Coach

 Super quick post today from London (currently running on NO sleep right now, burning that midnight oil), so I'll just say this: I may or may not be considering canceling my return flight to San Francisco. I mean, did you see this Notting Hill apartment I just checked into? Talk about my kind of jam! 

And yes, in case, you're wondering, I booked a Notting Hill apartment because of that movie but I have to admit, I'm so happy with the choice! Portobello Market is calling my name this Friday! Oh, and Abbey Road isn't all too far. 

Photos by Nancy Gibbs

american in london

Blazer: Helmut Lang; Camisole: Mason; Jeans: Frame; Shoes: Valentino; Sunglasses: YSL; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner; Bracelets: Vita Fede; Bag: Chanel

What a whirlwind of a trip! It's only been 3 days in London so far and I'm already blown away by the vibe, the people and just how historic every corner I turn feels. I've checked a few of the obvious must-dos off the list thus far, like Big Ben here and the London Eye nearby but what I'm really looking forward to is digging into all of your recommendations for little haunts and hole in the wall gems. (So of course, if you have any more, would love to hear!)

As far as uniform goes? I think I found my London flair. Black skinnies, flats/kitten heels and a chic blazer. Done and done. 

And as always, you can follow the rest of my trip right here on Instagram.

Photos by Daniel Saynt

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.