3..2..1... {happy new year!}

Top and skirt: Nicholas; Bag: Saint Laurent via The RealReal; Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Necklace: Iosselliani; Sunglasses: Elizabeth & James; Lips: Stila "Beso"

This year, I'm excited to close out 2014 with close friends over one too many dinner courses and bottles of wine. Perhaps it's my age catching up with me, but something about sitting down in a cozy restaurant corner sounds much more appealing than chasing each other around at an overcrowded bar (which trust me, I've done my fair share of).  

However you're celebrating the eve of 2015, hope you have a wonderful evening and thank you so much for stopping by and reading each day! It means the world to me. 

Now, bring it on 2015! 

Photos by Natalie Goel

cheers to that {cruise-inspired sips}

There's something about being on vacation (especially of the sun-infused variety) that demands a refreshing cocktail. While I'm definitely much more of a hearty drink kind of gal (give me a Manhattan and I'm a happy camper), I can't say no to sipping on something lighter and, dare I say, fruitier, while lounging in a hammock or taking in a tropical ocean breeze. When in Rome (or in this case, the Caribbean), right?

During our at sea adventures with Princess Cruises, we had a few days dedicated to just sailing to our next destination, which oddly enough, I relished in. It was a great chance to simply relax, unwind and appreciate the stretch of ocean surrounding us. For those days in particular, I relied on a few of my vacation standbys: a classic Mojito and my latest obsession, Death in the Afternoon, created by Hemingway himself (all the more reason to love it).

Hope you enjoy!

Mojito

1 ounce fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons of superfine sugar

1 cup crushed ice

12 fresh mint leaves + sprigs for garnish

1 ounces white rum

1 ounce club soda

In a Collins or highball glass, stir lime juice and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add 1/4 cup crushed ice. Rub mint leaves around the rim of the glass then tear them in half, adding to the mixture once done. Gently stir and then add rum, rest of the ice and club soda. Stir again and top off with mint sprigs as a garnish. 

Death in the Afternoon

1 1/2 ounces absinthe (but legally speaking, Pernod is a suitable substitute)

4 ounces Brut champagne

Pour absinthe (or a legal substitute) into a champagne flute. Add chilled champagne until the mixture clouds up and serve! Simple and addicting. 

This post was in collaboration with Princess Cruises. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

i'll have what she's having {wanderlust}

Finds kaftan // Ray-Ban aviators // Eugenia Kim hat // Tibi sandals // Zimmerman dress // Proenza Schouler sarong // Zimmerman swimsuit // Miguelina crochet shorts // Nocturne necklace // Talitha dress

If you recall from this post way back at the beginning of 2014, travel was a big goal of mine. And I'm so happy and thankful to report that I checked some major countries off the list this past year. I headed to London for my first time. Trekked around Turkey for two weeks with my best friend, Heather. Then there was Jamaica, Vancouver, and countless road trips in between. And, of course, there was my first at sea excursion with Princess Cruises through the Caribbean.  

As far as 2015 travel is concerned, 2014 has left some pretty big shoes to fill. And I'm already busy scheming and getting a few trips in the works for January and February. High at the top of my list, are a handful of tropical destinations (which seems fitting for this time of year), namely the Maldives, Santorini and Bali. But of course, I'd also be lying if I didn't admit a world cruise was looking mighty inviting right about now. 

To keep my more serious bouts of wanderlust at bay (like this instance), I like to pack a proverbial suitcase for the occasion, this time with heavy doses of resort wear's finest, fit for a lazy day at sea or exploring the local sights and villages. 

This post was in collaboration with Princess Cruises. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

off duty + nye prep

Jacket: IRO; Sweater: Everlane; Jeans: Frame; Boots: Celine; Hip pack: Ames Tovern; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Watch: Daniel Wellington

I may be guilty of repeating this outfit on numerous occasions this holiday break, but hey, if it works, it works. And this jacket is quickly becoming my new topper for my daily uniforms. 

Hope you all had a very merry little holiday with your families and friends -- but let's get real here. What are we wearing for New Year's Eve? True to form, I'm a big procrastinator when it comes to picking my outfit and this year was no different. I scooped up a few pieces yesterday and assuming next day delivery doesn't let me down (fingers crossed), I'll be sharing later this week!

with love

Dress: Stella McCartney (last year, similar style here); Shoes: Saint Laurent; Bag: Chanel; Sunglasses: Vogue; Watch: Daniel Wellington; Lips: Stila "Beso"

When I met up with my friend Natalie to snap these photos in Pac Heights, her first remark was, "You look like a Christmas present!" And oddly enough, that's exactly how I feel in this dress (in the best way possible). Happy holidays to you and yours this season! I, for one, am looking forward to A Christmas Story on loop for the next few days. 

Photos by Natalie Goel

designer crush {introducing ames tovern}

Cape: J.Crew (old, similar style here); Shirt: Heidi Merrick c/o; Jeans: Frame; Shoes: Saint Laurent (similar style here); Hip Pack: Ames Tovern; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Necklace: BaubleBar; Watch: Daniel Wellington; Bracelets: Vita Fede

I love meeting inspiring people, especially when they happen to be women I work with, blazing their own path. I recently met Aimee Gildea, a fellow Googler and Bay Area native, who's been working the past few years to launch her own line of luxury hip packs, Ames Tovern (a spin on her namesake and a dedication to her grandmother Vern). 

With a background in French pattern making, a savvy business head on her shoulders and a keen eye for design and quality leather, she's a triple threat to a T. And I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of these guys and promptly onto my hips. I, for one, am excited for the recent revival of waist and hip bags (remember this Elizabeth & James one I posted yesterday?) and am quickly seeing the functional beauty in them too (first and foremost, they're the perfect match for this season's cape). 

How about you guys? Have you dabbled in hip packs and waist belts yet?

Photos by Natalie Goel

i'll have what he's having {gifts for him}

Wallace & Barnes cardigan // S*well water bottle // Jeu D'echecs chess set // Penhaligon's aftershave gel // Ray-Ban wayfarers // Tom Daxon cologne // Everlane slim fit oxford // Everlane twill snap backpack // Wallpaper City Guides // Apolis candle // Tivoli Audio bluetooth radio // Type: A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles // Rag & Bone belt // Weiss Watch // Tom Dixon candle // Alexander McQueen cufflinks // Master & Dynamic leather headphones // J.Crew boots

Truth be told, I have way more fun shopping for guys than I do for girls. Here's a little starter guide for all those fellas on your list this year...

i'll have what she's having {gifts for her}

Oscar de la Renta book // Garance Dore stationary // Chanel book set // L'Agent by Agent Provocateur bra + panties // Amber Sceats ear cuff // Morgan Lane sleep mask // Whistles dress // Dannijo necklace // Le Labo Santal 26 candle // Elizabeth & James belt bag // Lauren B. Beauty nail polish // Saint Laurent sunglasses // Bella Freud candle // Nars "Rita" // Rodin cream // Mason Francis Kurkdjan perfume // Everlane market bag // Le Labo Santal 33 perfume oil // Porter magazine // Joie sweater // Tibi shorts // Kate Spade oxfords

Crunch time? Here's a little guide to help you with the best friends, coworkers, moms, girlfriends, lovers (and ex-lovers) on your list this year...

working from home {rainy days}

Growing up in Reno, snow days were pretty common. The minute it looked like a snow storm was heading our way, my sister and I would get our snow gear ready by the door, in hopes that 1.) school would be canceled the following day so we could 2.) go sledding at the park nearby in the morning or 3.) beg one of my parents to take us up to go skiing. 

Granted, living in San Francisco now, snow days aren't in my foreseeable future anymore (which I kind of miss these days!) but after last week's rainy "Storm of the Decade" that hit the Bay Area, I think rain days will do just fine. Given that I commute about 2 hours one way to get out to Mountain View, a lot of my team will opt to work from home or our San Francisco office to avoid flooded highways, accidents and overall, a headache of traffic. And I did exactly that last week. 

The tricky thing that I'm often guilty of when it comes to working from home, is the trap of not changing for the day, or what I like to call "VC presentable", meaning you look put together from the waist up for video conferences and likely wearing pajamas below. What I've found though is that I'm much more productive and energized if I put together an outfit I feel good in -- even if the only person who may fully appreciate it, is Elvis. And sometimes, he doesn't even seem to care. ;)

Lately, for my work from home attire routine, I've been incorporating a slew of cozy socks, sometimes worn slouchy with heels when I eventually head out of the apartment, or sometimes pulled up like this pair by GoldToe, to peek out of knee high boots. They're the perfect cozy touch for staying in and a great finishing touch to an outfit for drinks afterward (when the rain finally lets up). If you'd like to try a pair for yourself, GoldToe is awarding out assorted pairs every week and even a $1,500 wardrobe makeover grand prize. Simply like or comment on their Facebook posts with the hashtag #80DaysOfGoldToe. Good luck! 

Do any of you work from home? How do you dress for the occasion? 

Photos by my Mom (Thanks, Mom!)

This post was in collaboration with GoldToe. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

ok, pilgrim

Jacket: Modcloth (old, similar style here); Sweater: Hanes; Blouse: Equipment; Jeans: DL1961; Boots: Celine (similar style here); Hat: Gladys Tamez thanks to Syllabus; Bag: Chanel; Cuff: Hermes; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

We talk a lot about investment pieces here on TTT. Pieces that you know you'll be reaching for year after year; the quality never letting you down. And while, yes, I generally bucket bags, shoes and coats into this higher ticket category, there's something to be said about everyday basics, especially ones that don't break the bank. Jeans and sweaters that only get better with age, slightly broken in with love and memories.

As mentioned in my previous post here, I'm a huge fan of Hanes and have been for as long as I can remember. What I love particularly about their sweatshirts and shirts, is how easily they can transition from lounging in bed (full disclosure, I may have worn this black sweatshirt you see here to bed the night before) to daytime wear. With the right accessories, cue: this Gladys Tamez hat that I'm obsessed with and this camel coat, which I've also had for years, and it takes on a whole new elevated personality. 

Photos by Natalie Goel

This post was in collaboration with Hanes. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

grey matters

Jacket: IRO; Sweater, skirt and necklace: H&M; Shoes: Saint Laurent; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Watch: Daniel Wellington 

It seems only fitting that after such a serious black and white kick that I would shift gears over to grey. And I've been binging on it lately, especially when I spotted this leather IRO jacket (snagged on sale during Black Friday!). When it comes to investment pieces, shoes and leather jackets really are my weakness. 

I actually wore this all grey outfit a couple weeks back for the H&M store opening out in Salinas. Huge thanks again to everyone who made it out! I had a ton of fun shopping around with all of you (and mad props to the impromptu dance party that formed outside in the line).

This post was in collaboration with H&M. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

Photos by Aaron Shui