palm springs {travel diary}

If you happened to spy some sunshine-infused Instagram shots from me this weekend, you already know I ran off to Palm Springs for a quick getaway. My mom had booked her annual San Francisco trip a bit early this year so we decided to mix things up and head south for some much needed: 1.) sun 2.) pool side reading and 3.) retail therapy (hello outlet malls!). We even managed to sneak in a few bucketlist-worthy road side attractions, which included large robotic dinosaurs (quirky, but fun) and Salvation Mountain (a must-see!). It was my first time down in the Springs and I'll admit it right now, it definitely won't be my last! From the palm trees against stark mountain scapes to the saturated 60s-mod-inspired colors everywhere, I think I found my new weekend escape! 

Oh, and apparently, the  President is on the same page -- his Air Force One made our flight back home quite tricky (read: several hours delayed). 

Our home away from home. I loved the fact they converted an old Howard Johnson and Denny's restaurant, maintaining the original road side hotel + diner vibe with extremely covet-worthy decor.

I've wanted to visit Salvation Mountain ever since that scene in "Into the Wild" (also known as the only movie I can really stand Kristen Stewart in).

The pool side essentials. #Obvi.

When I wasn't lounging in my bathing suit, I lived in these white Guess overalls.

Each day, they had a new saying listed out on this old marquee board. It was fun to check each morning. // Pool party life!

A fun idea for patio furniture -- brightly painted, but chipped, mismatched chairs.  

Photos by Krystal Bick

intermix palo alto + google gals

A few weeks back, right before I left for London, the Intermix team invited myself and a few of my other stylish coworkers to break in their new Palo Alto store. In true Silicon Valley fashion, we stopped by before all of our meetings for the day (read: EARLY), coffee in hand and explored the store before opening hours. Let's just state the obvious here and say, more work days should really start with a little retail therapy. 

You can see more photos and read our little Q&A here on the Intermix blog. And if you're in the area, do stop by their new Palo Alto store in the Town & Country Village. Thanks again for having us, Intermix -- we'll be back again very soon! (Especially, because I think I NEED that gray IRO jacket in my life.)

The entire store was ours. OURS. Muhahaha.

Trying on new shades for summer, with my incredibly cute pregnant coworker, Irene (check out her blog here!).

I eventually talked Laura, our marketing guru for Google Shopping Express, into trying a pair of overalls on. And while she won't admit it, I think she kinda liked it. ;)

Regretting not getting this Nicholas crop top and skirt combo.

The grey IRO jacket that will forever haunt my dreams. Debating if I should go back and scoop it up...

How cute is she?!

Pattern mixin' it up!

Photos by Noriko Shiota Slusser

kate the great

Blazer: Helmut Lang; Shirt: ElevenParis; Jeans: J.Brand; Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Coach; Necklace: Givenchy; Cuff: Hermes

After living out of a suitcase for the past several weeks on and off again, it feels so nice to be back home. Of course, I can't complain, especially after getting a much-needed tan while down in Palm Springs this past weekend (Seriously, 100+ degree heat? I'll take it!) I'm in the midst of sorting through all of my photos, both from London and our trip down south, so stay tuned this week for some serious wanderlust recaps.

As for this outfit, I wore this for one of my last full days putzing around London. My new friend (and talented photographer to boot!), Nancy and I shopped around Portobello Road Market, admiring vintage tea seats and old Beatles records before (quite appropriately) hopping over to the infamous Abbey Road crossing. Unfortunately, we were one of many folks there (tip: get there SUPER early in the day because it's still a busy traffic intersection) so most of my snaps have a ton of other people and cars in them. BUT, I still had that "pinch me" feeling while I was there. How could you not?

Photos by Nancy Gibbs

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