Obsession: My Fitness Pal

Back in November, when Kingsley came back to Cali for a pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving she introduced me to a lovely app, "My Fitness Pal". Essentially it helps you track your daily calorie intake and exercise.  I was hesitant at first since I've tried Weight Watchers and that turned into "Well, I have 30 points/day and if double-stuffed oreos are 5 points each I'll just starve all day and eat six oreos for dinner". But I fired it up and gave it a shot anyway.

Turns out, I LOVE IT!!!

The app has 3 options. Lose Weight. Gain Weight and Maintain Weight. When you start it up you enter your current height, weight (and measurements if you want to get serious) and your goal weight. It will then give you a daily calorie allotment so, in my case, you loose about 2lbs/week.

If you work out with a heart monitor or on a machine that counts calories then you can enter your calories burned in the exercise tab. If not, it helps you estimate based on what you did and how long you did it for. 

You also have to enter everything you eat. Which I thought was going to be a pain and make me sad, but it actually is very helpful. It takes everything you eat and breaks it down into your daily nutrition and graphs that show you where your calories are coming from. Its become a game each day to get different numbers up (or down) and I'm kind of addicted!  

It's a good addiction though because I've lost 5lbs in the last month!!

Countdown to Christmas: Personalized Gifts

We've all been there, invited to a party hosted by an aquaintance, struggling to find a gift for the person who has everything or the person who has extremely specific tastes. In these situations I find it best to stick to the simplest gifts. Those things that everyone needs. Napkins, candle sticks, clutch, hors d'eorve tray, stationery...Maybe you use it everyday, maybe you use them once a year, but you cannot go wrong with a classic, functional gift. The problem with gifts like this is that they're usually pretty plain and come off as a little impersonal and that is the exact opposite of what a gift should be.

How do you spruce it up??? Well, with personalization of course!!  Here are some of my favorite personalized gift ideas!

The Everyday Leather Zip Pouch {mark&graham}
You can use it as a clutch, put your iPad in it, carry travel documents etc. Really it's an all purpose and unisex gift that anyone will appreciate! I love it in Porcelain Blue with a center monogram!

2013 Diary {Smythson}

For the more traditional calendar keepers you can't go wrong with a datebook. Smythson offers a variety of sizes, fun colors and personalization options! And the leather bound covers make sure they'll never wear out. Graphic Image offers some equally stylish, but less expensive options.

Letter or Zodiac Pillow {Jonathan Adler}

I have been pining for one of these letter pillows in black and white!!! Jonathan Adler also offers some  more whimsical personalization options with his Zodiac collection as well.

Silver Plated Julep Cup {Pottery Barn}
A GREAT hostess gift idea! It's a classic shape will fit in almost any room and she can use it as a candle holder, a vase or even a Julep!

Lilly Pulitzer Personalized Serving Tray {Lifeguard Press}

You can find these everywhere on etsy right now, but I like the fun designs that Lilly Pulitzer offers!

She has her classic 'ropes' print or you can go crazy with one of her more signature bright, palm beach designs. If you're looking for something a little simpler Design Darling has a adorable standard monogrammed tray too!

Lilly Pulitzer's 'Rope' Pattern

Cleaner look from Design Darling

Happy Shopping!!

November Goals {Follow Up}

So December is finally here!! We got our Christmas tree last night and I'm feeling especially Christmas-y now! That also means it's time to evaluate my progress on my November goals.....

#1) Be more Positive! - CHECK!...?
I don't really know if there is a way to evaluate this one, but I do feel like I made an effort to stop and remind myself that there is a silver lining to everything! I don't know if it is because I've been busier or actually just looking on the bright side but I feel pretty satisfied with my life last month. Looking forward to the craziness of December and keeping my November goal in mind!


#2) Finish 1 Book - eh?
.....well, I didn't exactly 'finish' a book, but I did make more of an effort to read!  I've gotten about 3/4ths of the way through The Great Gatsby. Which, considering I bought it LAST November and had only read the first chapter, is faster than I was averaging :) I love the book though! It is completely different than I remember from High School, but in a good way. I absolutely cannot wait for the movie to come out!!!

#3) Workout 3x a Week! - CHECK!
It took me a week and a half to get into it, but since November 11th I've been hitting up BurnSF at least 3x a week. I love it because it's close to my apartment, but also it incorporates cardio, strength and Pilates all in one!!! I've been reading more and more how you have to start strength training in your twenties to keep your muscles and your metabolism up. I am definitely not one to get up and go to the weight room on her own so I've experimented with a couple classes. I did a weight class at the gym, which wasn't that challenging for me and then I tried the Bar Method this summer. I liked the Bar Method, but if I went 3x a week I felt like I had put in my workouts and never did cardio, which is still necessary!! BurnSF brings it all together and adds Pilates to keep us short gals as long and lean as we can be!


#4) Be more Budget Conscious  - CHECK!...?
I haven't been sticking to my budget completely, but I have cut back on lazy cab rides and un-necessaries (which may or may not vary depending on the moment). I did set up a budget on my bank's website though so I got a start! And I also rejiggered my 401k accounts so hopefully I'll be rich when I retire! It's like when you're dieting.....baby steps right?

#5) Get Christmas Shopping Done! - CHECK!
I'm officially checking this off, because even though they haven't been created yet I've picked everything out.

Brother- I have purchased my brother's gift and mailed it home for X-Mas! I got a GREAT deal at J.Crew on cyber Monday.

Parents - For my parent's I've decided to make them this:

My family has moved A LOT; 10 houses and 6 states. So I thought it'd be cute to get a snapshot of our family at the time we lived in those places and frame them with the map.  I have my Grandma's on picture patrol, but if they can't come up with enough I have this as my backup. I think instead of hearts I'll just cut out the states and put little hearts on the cities we've lived in!

Grandparents - I bought one sets of Grandparents tickets to the Nutcracker in Chicago when I'm back, followed immediately, by my Dad's gift to them of a "delicious" Swedish Smorgasbourd dinner in Andersonville. If you sensed sarcasm you were right. Silver Lining (see goal #1) - no worring about Holiday weight gain that night!

Co-Workers and Acquaintances -I am going to attempt to make homemade Caramels next weekend for my co-workers!....stay tuned for a blogpost on that. Considering I lit the Thanksgiving Pecan Pie on fire, I'll probably be an interesting one.

Friends- Christmas Cards & appropriate gifts have been purchased! Addressing them next weekend!

Wrapping - I am pretty excited for wrapping this year. I LOVE the simple wrapping and fun ribbons. On Pinterest that someone suggested using left over paper bags. (of which we have a ton of in San Francisco since plastic are outlawed....seriously.) I 'm going to use those and get some cute ribbon at Michaels and tie them all up beautifully!

#6) Blog 2x a Week {at least} - CHECK!
Um...did you read them!??

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!?

The Holiday Season is in full swing... along with work and workouts and Junior League! I've literally only been in my apartment to sleep this week!

I had a (brief) moment to catch my breath, aka scarf down a sandwich between meetings, and had a minor panic attack about all the things I need to do in the next three weeks. The answer to minor panic attacks? To-do List! So I put making a to-do list on my to-do list and after a quick drink with friends to ignt, crossed it off.

Looking forward to a productive weekend, squeezed in between birthday parties and volunteering!

San Francisco Thanksgiving Staycation

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was relatively quiet this year. I chose to avoid the crazy and exhausting holiday travel and stay in the city. One of my roomies stayed this year too, she had just been home the previous weekend for her brother's wedding.

It was a perfect weekend, the weather was beautiful, we got out and ran, saw out of town friends and did some fun touristy activities. We also cooked an absolutely delicious Thanksgiving for 2 (that could have fed 8)!

Our Thanksgiving Table

Only 1 minor mishap when the bourbon I was reducing for the Pecan pie caught on fire, but everything came out unscathed (including the pie).

Friday we decided to get out and be active so we rented bikes down at Fisherman's Warf. The original plan was to bike the bridge over to Sausalito, but we ended up going through the Presidio to Ocean Beach. I hadn't ridden a bike (outside of spin class) in maybe 5 years and never did anything super adventurous then. The Presidio is pretty hilly so the first part of the ride tested our endurance. The biggest ( not steepest, but longest) was at the end of the Presidio, but the down hill is along the coast and looks over Sea Cliff and China Beach.

It was absolutely stunning and made the entire ride worth it! I had run the hill before on the Nike Half Marathon, but nothing beats flying down the hill on a bike. It was definitely one of those "only in San Francisco" moments and I'd recommend the ride to anyone coming to visit. Unfortunately I was too busy soaking up the moment to take pictures, but I found this one on google! It doesn't really do the view any justice and it was a much nicer day, but its a little glimpse of what I saw.

Countdown to Christmas: The Nutcracker

I realize this is pre-mature (only 2 days, but whatever). I am just too excited! One of my favorite Christmas things is the Nutcracker. I don't know why, I just started going when I moved out on my own. Kingsley and I went to my first one in San Francisco and I've been going every year since.
Maybe it's because they make it snow outside as you walk in and actually feels like Christmas.

I just bought tickets to take my Grandma and Aunt to the Joffrey's Nutcracker while I'm in Chicago this year and I'm so excited! The sparkles, the dancing and maybe even some REAL snow!

This is my favorite part: The Grand Pas De Deux. The music is absolutely beautiful, I could listen to it all day.....and maybe I have been :)


P.S. 33 more days 'til Christmas!

Thankful Thursday

This week has really demonstrated that my goal to try and be more positive about things is a lot harder than just saying that I am going to be. You actually have to change your perspective and, especially if you don't know anything else, it's hard! Trying is what counts though, right??

#1 People that Put Up with Me
As I said in my previous post, one of the reasons I chose to start being more optimistic is because I can be pretty negative sometimes. Yes, it makes me sassy and yes, sometimes I'm hilarious and yes, some times I'm a huge B and I can't even control it. Believe me I know it and believe me I get just as frustrated with myself about it as I'm sure people around me do. I'm slowly learning (and working on admitting) that this comes from sensitivity, maybe even an over sensitivity, but meanwhile there are few who have managed to weather the storm that is ever so often my personality. This week was a tough one and there is no way I could have gotten through without them. I don't tell them enough how thankful I am that they're there to put up with me, even more than I'm willing to put up with myself.


#2 Zicam
Superficial? Yes. Lifesaving? Also yes. Everyone at work has been battling a super cold and I woke up Tuesday with a hint of a sniffle. My ever so wise self, popped a Zicam and haven't sniffled (for cold related reasons) since. A former roommate and now close friend told me about it. I rolled my eyes and brushed it off as some crazy "california hippie thing". A few weeks and tissue boxes later, I was still struggling to breathe. So I sucked it up, tried one and have been hooked ever since. Take it at your first incling of a cold and you'll be golden!


#3 My Roommates
For those of you that actually know me on a daily basis, you are going to think this is a sign of the apocalypse  but it's true. I have been crazy busy lately with work,  Junior League, Theta, drinks with friends etc and my house has become a safe place of rest. Away from muggles and cold weather and things other than sweatpants and netflix. I've really needed to know that I have that place lately and, after going through a lot of craigslist crazies I feel like I'm FINALLY in place where it 110% is that place for me.

#4 My Old School Pajama Set
Yes, I'm talking cotton, button up top with matching pants. It's been chilly here at night and they keep me nice and warm. I've loved them so much I'm considering upgrading from my VS pair to J.Crew, monogrammed of course :)

#5 Christmas suggestion e-mails/texts from my Mom
Okay so maybe this one is a little greedy, but I'm allowed to cheat once right? Even though I don't want a "knock off keurig thats on sale for $39.99" it means she's looking for suggestions and it's time to start compiling my list!!

Obsession: Halcyon

Just downloaded the new Ellie Goulding album Halcyon and I'm OBSESSED! Her voice is like fun and dance-y meets chill, which I know sounds like an oxymoron, but its the truth.

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Cards

I hope you've all received your December issue 'Real Simple' which includes a fabulous checklist of all the things you should be doing to minimize the stresses of the Holiday Season.

 First up on their list is to order your holiday cards by November 30th! I would say a little earlier to insure there are no bumps in printing or delivery, but that's just my anxiety prone self. 

Needless to say I've already begun my search for the cutest Holiday Card ever. Between Kate, Lilly, Ashley, Etsy & Minted I don't know how I'm ever going to make a decision!  Below are my favorites so far!

Kate Spade's 'Shine On' Holiday Card, because the holiday's are the best time to sparkle!!

Inside Reads: 'tis the Season to Sparkle

Love the Art-Deco lettering and fun Turquoise! A New Year's card is great for a neutral Holiday card and it gives you a little more time to get them out! Definitely the best choice if you're going to be busy entertaining for both Thanksgiving AND Christmas!

Inside Reads: Happy New Year

"Spread" The Cheer Cards from Kate as well, because who doesn't love some "cheesy" holiday humor?

Inside Reads: Spreading Good Cheer

Lilly Pulitzer's "Falalala Lilly" card is fun and sassy!

Ashley Brooke designs has a lot of fun, unique options as well! 

Both her "Favorite Things" & "Santa Baby" cards come in folding cards AND postcards!

She also offers gorgeous customizable cards for the couple and the single gal! She does have ADORABLE photo cards available, but what is more custom than a portrait of yourself??

They make me want to get a twirly skirt for all the upcoming Holiday Parties!!

Minted is a stationery/card website that allows you to design your own cards and share your designs with others (& vice versus). I found this card last year on Tumblr and fell in love with it! I sums up the holiday's perfectly for me! Maybe I'll suck it up and get it this year??

So now that I've shown you all these fabulous options where on earth can you find them?

Kate Spade's Cards: Nearest Kate Spade Store or Crane Stationery website
Lilly Pulitzer Cards: Lifeguard Press Website

Ashley Brooke Designs: In her Holiday Shop Of Course!

Minted: Minted.com

Thankful Thursday

Happy almost Friday! Being that its November, the month of Thanksgiving, and I'm making a conserted effort to be more positive about my life I thought I'd start doing Thankful Thursday!

Things I'm most thankful for this week:

1) People with everyday manners.
 Please and thank you go a long way and I think our generation forgets that a lot, especially with each other.

2) The right to vote! 
Duh.

3) Fall weather. 
Finally getting to bust out my sweaters!

4) Amazing San Francisco restaurants
Never ever cease to amaze, transport and satisfy me!

5) Holiday Spiced Teas 
Mostly Winter Solstice from Peets :)

6) Visits from Out of Town Friends
1 last weekend and 1 coming up this Weekend!!

National Health Blogpost Month

Since I was slacking on the blog front in October I completely missed the chance to give a shout out to Dysautonomia Awareness month and my friend, and fellow blogger, Kingsley over at Life as Griki who was spending October blogging about her experience with P.O.T.S, a  condition of dysautonomia.  Lucky for me November happens to be National Health Blogpost Month and I can make up for it, because she's spending November continuing her posts!

MyWegoHealth is sponsoring the blogging event and providing prompts for everyday in November.
Yesterday's prompt (day 4) was "What do you have to carry in your purse for your health needs?".

My biggest health issues are chronic headaches and severe migraines. Mind numbing, vision affecting, limbs go numb, can't eat, can't sleep, "Am I having a stroke?" migraines. For those I carry Maxalt dissolving tablets with me everywhere because you never know when those first symptoms will hit you. When they were first prescribed I only took them when my headaches would get to that can't eat- can't sleep phase. Serious medication like that made me nervous. I've slowly begun to learn that the best way to avoid those life-inhibiting headaches is to take it BEFORE it gets that bad. Before my migraines I usually get a pinching feeling on the bottom of the right side of brain and the light sensitivity and nausea start coming in waves. THAT's when I have to pop a maxalt, not when I'm already laying in bed and can barely stomach the tablet on my tongue.

The other thing that goes with me everywhere is Advil (yes, my purse often makes the sound of pills shaking in the bottle). I used to be an all tylenol girl and then I found out tylenol can actually cause backlash headaches, especially when you take it 3-5 days a week so I've converted to ibuprofen  I've just recently read that the gel capsules absorb more quickly so I've just switched to those. Every second counts when you're living an active life!  It usually takes me a little less than a year to go through a 350 pill, family sized jug and I always joke that I have a bottle from almost everywhere I've traveled because my travel bottle ALWAYS runs out.

November Goals

Well it's finally November. Just 2 more months left in the fabulous year of 2012. October was a little hectic for me with work, out of town visitors, brunches, boys being their ridiculous selves, Fleet Week and the Giant's World Series chaos it literally flew by (and I only managed to squeeze out 1 blog post).

So I made my #1 goal for November to get my act together, organize my life and make some goals for the month! We'll have to wait and see how they pan out, but I have to start somewhere and, if anything there will have to be a follow-up post (contributing to Goal #6)!

#1) Be More Positive

One of my favorite things about myself is my sarcastic, and somewhat cynical, sense of humor. While, I wouldn't really think of myself as a "Debbie Downer" I do think those abilities stem  from a more pessimistic view of life. I've started to notice this, outside of my sense of humor a lot lately. Whether it's being sad about feeling like I have no control over my life, to getting up every morning and dreading the people I will encounter on public transportation, it's all becoming exhausting. So I've decided to put it in writing to remind myself to think out side of my usual tunnel and notice the positive things that are happening!

#2) Finish 1 Book

For the last year...and maybe longer I've been starting books and not finishing them (except for the 50 Shades of Grey series all of which I finished in 1 month). I currently have 5 partially read pieces of literature sitting by my bedside and I'm vowing to finish 1 by the end of the month.  My re-reading of The Great Gatsby seems to be the best contender, but Fitzgerald's The Love of the Last Tycoon is close behind. I do still have Decision Points, Let the Great World Spin and MWF seeking BFF as well. So many choices!

#3 Workout 3x a Week

With the start of the Junior League active year, the school year and work swinging into full production. I have had zero time to work out. Exercising has always been more efficient for me to do after work and now my weeks are jam packed full of extra-curricular commitments. Since it's not coming easy I'm going to have to make more of an effort to get myself out of bed in the morning and off to the gym. Classes are most motivating for me and I was doing Bar Method for a while this summer. I loved every part of it except for the "I already worked out today so I don't have to do cardio." that got stuck in my head. I'm looking into BurnSF a cardio and pilates studio not too far from my house. I keep reading that us 20-something gals need both Cardio and Toning to keep our slowing metabolisms up and I'm trying to find the best way to do that. Stay tuned.

#4 Be More Budget Conscious

Apparently with all the craziness of October my credit card got a little crazy too. I have a budget outlined, but it's always kind of worked itself out. I guess I'm going to have to start paying more attention to it. Any good apps or tool tips would be appreciated!!

#5 Get Christmas Shopping Done

Now that it's November is officially the Most Wonderful Time of The Year in my book. As much as I love (zero-sarcasm there) spending December weekends in the decked out stores it's always stressful (see dreading of crowded public places in Goal #1) and December goes by so quickly. I'm hoping to be a little more crafty this year; pinterest as so many amazing things, but all those things mean I need to start early! I'm hoping to ready for crafting, baking and/or wrapping by the end of the month!

#6 Blog 2x a Week (at least)

I always get great ideas for blog posts, but never actually sit down to write them! I'm hoping Goal #6 will give me the motivation to make the time, write them out and entertain you lovelies with my oh-so-fabulous life (read sarcasm).

Ga Ga for Ginger Jars!

Nothing is more traditional in home decor than Ginger Jars. Well, except maybe ducks and plaid, but that has too much Bunny and not enough Charlotte for my taste. The jars have a very rich history throughout American and Chinese Aristocracy. 

The truest Ginger Jars are made of porcelain  emerged from China around the 10th century with the development of porcelain pottery. In the late 19th century the jars became a popular product for export as wealthy Westerners began to buy the imported jars filled with ginger, largely for decorative purposes. In China the jars were made as gifts to Chinese emperors and are were traditional wedding gifts to grooms.

Their curvy shape and classic blue and white patterns go with almost anything and add a great splash of color to a neutral room! They're multi functional as well. Historically, ginger jars held provisions, including not just ginger but salt, oils and other spices. In the West, ginger jars are mostly decorative rather than functional. They can be used for every thing from stand-alone decorative peices, to lamps of vases. I absolutely love how they look bursting with some white hydrangeas!

If you don't want to go antiquing for them C Wonder has a beautiful collection in multiple shapes and sizes.

Quality > Quantity

I hope everyone had an absolutely amazing weekend! San Francisco 'summer' has officially arrived and it was gorgeous!

This weekend was full of a lot of changes and letting go for me; between redecorating our living room, adjusting to new roommates and (gulp) cutting the cord with that 1 guy you always go back to it was a difficult, but productive weekend. Change is always scary and, especially, immediately after making changes I always find myself second guessing my decisions. A friend of mine shared this blog post on facebook this morning and I couldn't find it more relevant and absolutely true. The thing that almost scares me more than change is empty space and sometimes you have to face that fear and just let it be.

Boys, furniture, friends, food this is applicable to everything.

How to make space for quality to show up in your life.

What does bad home decor have to do with reaching your full potential? Thought you’d never ask.
Imagine an ugly chair — in your own living room. And in walks an angelic and hip interior designer who’s on a mission to help you create fresh, contemporary comfort in your space. And she says, “What’s with that damn ugly chair?” And you say, “I know it’s horrible, I hate it. But I haven’t had the money to get a new one.” Cosmic designer then orders you to get rid of ugly chair that very weekend. Pronto. And you protest, “But what will we sit on?”
Angel of design dictates, “Sit on the floor. Pile up on the couch. You’ll figure it out. The sooner you get rid of it, the sooner the right chair will show up.”
You resist, “But they’ll be a…big…hole in the room.”
Designer of flow says, “Yep! It’s called space! Every time you walk by that space, you’ll be thinking about how great a new chair is going to feel.”
You keep resisting, “But shouldn’t I order the ideal chair first, before I get rid of the old one? Have the new one delivered, then have the old one taken away?”
“Actually, it’s better of you don’t. Let the space be there. It’ll change the way you look at the whole room. And besides, maybe a chair isn’t what’s best. You won’t know until you let go…of the chair.”
The light dawns. You pipe up, “You know, I really can’t wait to get rid of that freakin’ chair.” Nodding. Grins. “I’ll call the Goodwill pick up guys.” Action!It’s a beautiful sight when right that very instant you shove that chair into the garage for it’s re-using destiny.
Letting go makes way for something closer to your truth…which is always more beautiful. Always.
Making space signals the universe that you’re ready for ideal…or at the very least, much improved.
Making space expands your being and clarifies (and dare I say, actually minimizes) your needs.
The Divine Law of the Ugly Chair applies as much to furniture and stuff, as it does to lovers, careers, and thought forms.
Because: Going without, and holding out, is better than selling out.Always.
Let’s milk the chair metaphor a bit longer. You’ve got the nasty chair (or…boss, or incessant critical thought, or crappy winter coat,) in your space. Every time you come across it in your physical or psychic area, you consciously or subtly think, “Meh, that damn… boss guy…self-criticism…crappy winter coat.” And you affirm to yourself that it’s okay to put up with fugly, or nasty, or uncomfortable.
You make “making do” your normal. You’re giving up precious space to something that isn’t precious to you.Things you don’t use. People who use you. Possessions-roles-gigs that make you feel pinched, or awkward, cheated, compromised, heavy, confused…stuffed — they need to go. You know this. But it’s not just because dumping the chump and reducing your carbon footprint is a rightful, socially responsible and life-affirming action. It’s because possibility requires space to unfold.Clear space.Expand possibility.Everywhere.

Kate Spade for Paperless Post

If you haven't heard of Paperless Post it's a fabulous website that offers beautiful & sophisticated notes, holiday cards and invitations. Sort of like evites....but classier :)
I've used it for dinner parties and acquaintances holiday cards. It lets you manages guest lists and create an address book. The Junior League uses it for all their meetings invites and reminders; it's just a little cuter than a casual e-mail.

The spectacular Kate Spade has combined forces with Paperless (just in time for the holidays) for a gorgeous collection of note cards,   thank you's, holiday cards and invites!

My Favorites below:

Thursday Tumbls!

Some of my favorite tumblr posts from this week!

I don't usually go for blondes, but ouch he's good looking.

Truth..

Okay,this is from last week, but I am OBSESSED with this dress from Oscar's Spring Line..

Love the dog. Love the look. Love the Claw Footed Tub. Love the turquoise and gold..

Last but not least,

Quote of the week..

Fall Wish List!

To most people Fall means cozy sweaters, chic riding boots, light jackets and maybe a Pumpkin Spice Latte. To San Franciscan's fall means summer. The midwest girl in me can still dream right?

Ralph Lauren Black Label Slim-Fit Cable Cashmere Sweater in Evergreen

Can I please just get one in EVERY color? Would it be weird to sleep in it too? It's just soooo soft.

Tory Burch 'Elina' Riding Boot in Coconut
I have a pair of RL boots, but they're heeled and I'm starting to feel a little hookerish every time I wear them.

 J. Crew Perfect Shirt in

 Buffalo Check 

I've been purposely avoiding the lumber jack shirts, but I may have to suck it up for this one...

The North Face 'Nuptse' Quilted Down Vest

Was debating between this and the Patagonia, but I decided I liked the wider quilting.

LL Bean French Sailor Shirt 
My mom has one in every color (still)  from the 80s!

The J.Crew Lady Jacket in Double Serge Wool

Absolutely love the pink and the navy, but the gray and the black would definitely make a great investment. Choices. Choinces. 

Angora Crewneck Sweater from The Gap 

The cashmere crewneck t-shirt has always been a wardrobe staple, but I'm seeing the style pop up everywhere this fall! It's perfect for the chilly(er) weather of California winters!

Uggghhh I can't wait for it to be winter and therefore be cold enough to wear these fabulous finds!!