Friday Five: End of Summer Wishlist

Moving to Chicago means the return of Seasons!! I'm super excited for fall, but as summer wraps up I'm still looking for some fun transitional pieces. Here's what is currently on my list:

Rolled Denim Shorts

I'm usually late to the 'trend game'. The idea of jorts repulsed me for a long time, but I think a cute pair like this would be fun and casual for the last few warm days of Summer.

Cuffed, Destroyed Jeans

Colorful Work Out Pants

I've been all about the black, but some colorful ones sound really fun and energizing! 

Black Maxi Dress

Active Layers

Weekend "Getaways"

I've been heading home "for the weekend" about once a month now for the past 4 months. There have been bachelorette parties, weddings, one of those I-Need-To-Sit-On-The-Couch-At-HOME-And-Do-Nothing weekends. When I say home, I'm referring to my parents house which is.....2,000 miles from San Francisco so heading back for 4 days could be quite the adventure. I've officially mastered airport security and the perfect weekend getaway bag! Last weekend I flew back, for a wedding,  and what will hopefully be the last time before the holidays...heres what I'm tucked away!

I find the classic LL Bean Boat Tote in medium to be the perfect carry-on size! Monogrammed, of course, like Reese is carrying here and seem in the background of my instagram from this weekend above! I do wish I would have gone with the longer handles for a little better over-the-shoulder action.

Vera Bradley's 3-1-1 Cosmetic Case is great for getting liquid toiletries through security! I usually throw this in my purse so I can easily remove it  without unpacking everything.

I love Aveda products, I don't use their shampoo, conditioner and body wash in my normal routine, but I find something luxurious about having them when I'm traveling AND they come in travel size! 










When it comes to your ensembles step 1 is to check the weather! Once you've figured out climates, I've found the best way to pack for a short getaway is to do it by outfit. The nice thing about short travel is that you usually know what you'll be doing (Friday: Dinner/Drinks, Saturday: Wedding,  Sunday: Brunch & Shopping) it's just simple to pick out an outfit  (down to the jewelry, shoes and necessary panties) for each and then pack a few extra basics. Plane Clothes, Sweat Shirt, Yoga pants and you're good to go!

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!!

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!!

Trina Turk for Banana Republic

Trina Turk just came out with a fun, summer collection for Banana Republic. I love Trina's classic shapes, but whimsical and colorful patterns and designs. They are perfect for summer.
Here are some of my favorites!

 

 Her bright pink and orange Swirl Tunic dress is perfect for a day at the office or a Saturday morning Farmer's Market adventure!

 

This one shoulder silk cocktail dress reminds me of backyard pool parties! It also comes in Coachella Print.

I LOVE this pink, silk tie halter! Would go beautifully with a light navy cardigan. I absolutely must find these  patterned shorts! I couldn't find them on the website, but maybe that's because everyone else wanted them too?

 

She was also able to do a line of fabulous accessories. 

The turquoise clasp on her Tomato box clutch adds that elegant yet fun element I love about her stuff.

And how fun is that enamel cocktail ring!?

Summer Dresses

There's nothing simpler or easier than a summer day dress. I'm looking forward to taking a few to the other side of the pond with me as they don't take up too much room and can easily be weather adjusted with a cardigan or jacket.

One of the things I cannot stand about them is that they're, more often than not, over $50. Really? I'm going to spend $100 on a piece of jersey cotton? If it was really cute I might consider taking the bait, I mean I am a girl with a soft spot for cute clothes, but I haven't really found one that rocks my world.

I HAVE found a several really cute ones at Target that land around the $20 price range. That means I was able to get 3 for the price of 1!!

I have a closet full of coral, but I really can't get enough of this color. It pairs nicely with brown, black or navy and it's girly. I've been wearing this with my old school Gap jean jacket and gold accessories.

I got this one in turquoise.
The halter top makes it a little more fun and beachy for the summer!

This dress is my favorite. It is super comfortable to wear and has pockets! I got it in olive and navy and, oddly, I'm struggling to find a cardigan in a dark navy to go over it!?










I also bought this polo dress from J. Crew earlier this spring and I'm officially obsessed. I'm not sure how the long sleeves will hold up in the desert heat of Moroccan summers, but it's perfect for chilly San Francisco!