designer crush {brooke roberts}

Jumper and skirt: Brooke Roberts; Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Elizabeth James; Necklace: Givenchy; Cuff: Hermes

The world really is a small place when you think about it. 

Case in point? Before heading out for London last week, I received an invite to a presentation with London-based designer, Brooke Roberts at the Battery Club here in San Francisco. The presentation was literally the night before I flew out, which as you might guess, meant I had lots of packing left to do, but I loved the idea of meeting a London-based creative before hopping over the pond. Plus, her story absolutely hooked me -- a radiographer by profession turned knitwear designer, using actual MRI brain scans as the basis for her print work. I mean, talk about trailblazing your own path! 

Naturally, I loved getting a glimpse into her design process and seeing her work up close but unfortunately, had to duck out before getting a chance to really introduce myself. Fast forward to later that week and both Brooke and her fiancé invited me out for a night of dinner and drinks around London, chatting about her design work, jobs we've liked (and didn't like so much) and who serves up the best burgers in town (Meat Market for the win!). It was one of those evenings that was completely unplanned and spontaneous and I loved it. 

Oh and, of course, when she asked me if I wanted to style a few of her A/W pieces, I (happily) jumped at the opportunity. I'm just bummed I didn't have time to also take this dress for a test drive. Reason to visit again soon perhaps, Brooke?

Photos by Nancy Gibbs

i'll have what he's having {father's day edition}

J.Crew oxford shirt // The Beatles "On the Road" // Brooks England backpack // Drake's tie // Frescobol Carioca hand surfboard // D.S. & Durga cologne // WANT Les Essentials de la Vie wallet // Ray-Ban clubmasters // Jack Spade cuff links // Aesop post shave lotion // The Monocle Guide to Better Living // Kaweco fountain pen // Daniel Wellington watch // J.Crew baseball jacket

I think in another life, I was meant to be a men's boutique shop owner. There's something about the rich leathers, classic staples and understated sophistication to menswear and accessories that just speaks to me. Don't get me wrong, I love everything about being a girl, including our affinity for dressing up, but I do take great pride in shopping for the fellas in my life, especially my dad. 

What are you guys getting for your dads this Father's Day?

notting hill stoops

Jacket: Alexander McQueen; Shirt: Everlane; Jeans: Frame; Booties: Konstantina Tzovolou; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Coach; Headphones: Frends

Getting back into the swing of things at work right after vacation has to merit it's own vacation, right? Once I dig myself out of my overflowing inbox, I hope to have a travel post roundup for you guys. In the meantime, can we all just admire how adorable Notting Hill stoops are? I mean, #precious.

Photos by Nancy Gibbs

theater night

Dress: Katie Ermilio (still on sale here!); Blazer: Helmut Lang; Shoes: Valentino; Clutch: Vintage; Sunglasses: Elizabeth James; Bracelets: Vita Fede; Rings: Jennifer Zeuner, The One I Love NYC, Alexa Leigh; Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner; Lips: Stila "Beso"

When it comes to packing for trips, I don't have many rules or helpful tips (as I mentioned here, I usually fly by the seat of my pants when getting my suitcase together). I do, however, have one strong suggestion though that I always try to abide by: pack one outfit for the theater. Odds are, you won't regret it because even if you don't snag tickets, it's never a bad idea to dress up a little extra special for your last night in town. 

I wore this particular dress for Kevin Spacey's performance in Clarance Darrow at The Old Vic. If you're in London, I highly recommend!

Photos by Patrick Bentley

bloody brilliant

Jacket: Alexander McQueen; Dress: Peter Pilotto (love this one on sale now); Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Bag: Chanel; Sunglasses: YSL; Cuff: Hermes

I only have a few days left here in London and I'm cherishing each coffee, each new pub and each new neighborhood I get to explore -- seriously feeling so utterly grateful right now for this opportunity. And to get really all cheeseball on you guys -- thank YOU for reading! You've all touched my life in some way that I'll never ever really be able to describe.  I'm just glad we could all go on this wild little ride together.

On a lighter and more relevant to this outfit note, this dress is going down as one of the best sale finds of all time. I'm currently drafting a London guide (which by no means is meant to be comprehensive as I've only just started to scratch the surface here) and while I haven't done a ton of actual shopping (that exchange rate KILLS ME), I did stumble upon the gold mine that is Joseph's Outlet store on Kings Road. If you're in the area, stop reading and GO NOW. Seriously. 

Photos by Patrick Bentley

that london beat

Full outfit details here // Photo by Jenny Ong

One of my favorite things to do while traveling (especially on longer trips) is to set aside a few hours on one particular day to just aimlessly wander around. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to be said about running a tight ship schedule-wise, running from one attraction or monument to another, and trust me, I've been doing a lot of that while over here in London. But, I have to say, there's a beauty to just getting lost around a town you don't live in. Your pace slows down a bit, you're not so concerned about checking Google Maps to make sure you're headed in the right direction and you stumble upon a lot of things you wouldn't otherwise stumble upon. 

And since I'm traveling solo for a good portion of this trip, I've been cruising around listening to music -- tuning my thoughts and worries out and just focusing on the here and now. Here's a sampling of what I have on repeat lately while I've been hitting the streets here in London...

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