Vacation Dreamin'

I made a couple of collages for some pieces that are currently on my wishlist--outfits that I would wear for "springtime" here in San Francisco. Unfortunately, not pictured would be tights, sweaters, and a coat because let's face it. It's always the same lower 60 degree temperature year-round--which is the reason why I love living in the Bay Area. It's the perfect environment for becoming an expert at layering. 

I've been experiencing a bit of a wanderlust lately. I've seen pictures of my friends traveling to various places around the world. I haven't been on a proper vacation in such a long time that I think I may have forgotten how to have fun outside of work and school. I'm hoping to plan a trip this summer to get away from the City-life for a bit. Hopefully it comes to fruition! 

Making these collages showed me that I am loving anything with a pale pink color. I never used to like the color pink before because most "pink" items were the gaudy hot pink shade reminiscent of Barbie's plastic shoes, but when paired with darker accessories (to ground the outfit) or objects in the similar pastel neutral shades--it really works! Now I want fill my closet with more items in this dreamy shade. To see my previous Polyvore collages, click to view this post and to view additional information on any of the items I used, click through to my Polyvore.

Pink / Plants by kamanaka featuring an artificial arrangement

Shoes / Bracelet / Shay diamond stud earrings / Leather cord necklace / Sunglasses / NARS Cosmetics lips makeup / Makeup / Lux Art Silks flower arrangement / Lux Art Silks artificial arrangement / Lux Art Silks flower arrangement / Black and Natural Zipper Linen Pouch Amelia / Dress / Clutch / Drinkware / Artificial bouquet / Pinterest / Color Block Planner Poketo / Ca Va Aelfie / Monstera

Spring Fling by kamanaka featuring fake bouquets

Dusen Dusen pink pleated dress / Ankle booties / Ring / NARS Cosmetics satin lipstick, $30 / West Elm new york home decor / Geometric home decor / Madewell fragrance candle / Dusen Dusen Cube Tube Dog Sweater, $37 / Convertible Dot Clutch / Necklace / Fake bouquet / Fake bouquet / Snake Plant Sansevieria trifasciata / Monstera

Pink Lemonade by kamanaka featuring ceramic planters

ASOS felt hat, $25 / Coral wall art / Watercolor painting / Nautical home decor / Ceramic planter / Takeya Modern Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve, Snow/Ice Blue,... / Cotton & Flax Linen Plus Print Tea Towel | LEIF / Antibes / Lizzie Fortunato Palm Zip Pouch Black – Beklina / Rachel Comey - Tulip - Sandals - Shoes - Women's Store / R1601W / Kertis Leather Sunglasses Case / NLD Seaweed (4).png / Juniper Shift- Black – Fable / LARGE ZIPPER-TOP TOTE : BOOK/SHOP / Sunday Mornings Pin Pack – Explorer's Press / Shapes Clay Necklace Poketo | Nuji

Lastly, I would also recommend listening to Tennis because they are the perfect blend of dreamy vibes for any relaxing vacation.

Bella Vista

Z's parents gave us a groupon for nice French restaurant in Woodside called Bella Vista that we decided to use for our 5 year anniversary dinner. The drive there from the city was a bit scary since we had to drive up a tiny two lane road through forested area. I couldn't help but have flashbacks of all the scary movies I used to watch as a child about the crazy serial killer coming through the woods out to get me while menacingly waving a machete or chainsaw. After driving  the small winding road for what seemed like an eternity, we finally came upon the little cabin-like restaurant. The entrance area had a lovely fireplace going while we waiting for our table to be ready. The tables of the restaurant are facing wall to wall windows where diners can view the city lights amidst the redwood trees. The view was as the restaurant's namesake mentioned--beautiful.

The sitting area in the ladies restroom had the most lovely wood paneling and floral paintings hanging up. I felt completely ridiculous snapping all these photos, but it is not everyday that Z and I go to a nice classy restaurant. For appetizer, Z and I shared a bell pepper soup and some mussels. Immediately following this, the waiter served us a lime champagne sorbet. At this point, I thought it was so cool. (I had already drank 2 glasses of wine since we brought our own bottle to share.) After the sorbet, we had our entrees. I had the special of the night--lamb in wine reduction sauce, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Z had  Veau au Poivre--Sauted Veal with Green Peppercorns in a light Dijon Mustard Sauce with the same sides. We both tried a bit of each other's dishes and everything was delicious. For dessert, we shared a Grand Mariner souffle which was definitely more grand mariner than actual souffle...which was fine for 4 wine glass me.

I decided to wear my velvet dress from Vanessa of The Velvet Bird's holiday collection. All her dresses fit me like a dream and this velvet number is my new favorite dress. I added a cardigan clip of gold roses that I found on Etsy to add a little extra special something to my fancy collar.  If I could, I would probably wear this dress every single day! When we arrived back to the apartment, there was an anxious little pug waiting for us. His eyes were so sad and pleading that I just had to take a photo. Don't worry Finnegan...I only have pug eyes for you.

Outfit Details:
Velvet Collar Dress // The Velvet Bird
Gold Rose Cardigan Clip // Etsy
Black Mary Janes // Ebay
Brown Coat // H&M

Day to Night

Outfit Details:

Cropped Tan Top // Forever21

Brown Floral Maxi Skirt // Thrift Town

Brown Leather Belt // Vintage

Brown Woven Sling Backs // Etsy

Gingham Printed Purse // Urban Outfitters

Outfit Details:

Cropped Tan Top // Forever21

90's Printed Pinafore // Flashback in San Diego

Green Woven Shoes // Painted Bird

Day to Night. These were my outfits during the day when Z and I were running errands and then at night when we went to grab dinner and a couple of drinks. I kept the same crop top in both outfits since it's a nice neutral color that will go with anything. The weather in San Francisco can go from sunny and mildly warm to chill winds and foggy nights. I find that it is best to layer clothing when going from venue to venue, so that it's easy to adjust. I'm excited to visit my Mom and Sister this weekend because they are actually having weather that is characteristic of summer. Here's to not wearing tights and coats when going out this weekend! 

House of Maryanne Vintage

I've been following House of Maryanne Vintage on Facebook for awhile now and they never cease to amaze me with their plethora of cute dresses, jackets, shirts, and skirts. I tend to be drawn towards Mod dresses because their A-line shapes are universally flattering on all body types.  This current collection features a preppy yet playful schoolgirl look perfect for fall. I'm ready to bring out my knee-highs and socks to transition into colder weather.  Below are some photos from their look-book and I am in love with the clothes and styling:

All photos from House of Maryanne Vintage

House of Maryanne Vintage is a carefully edited collection of vintage clothing and accessories from Australia and the rest of the world, curated by Maryanne Bridges. Each piece is hand picked for style and quality with a keen awareness of current trends. Make sure to check out their website, Facebook, or Twitter for updates. 

Dresses vs. Pants

Z's little cousin from Maryland once asked me why I always wear dresses. I had not really thought about that until I tried to count all the pants that I had in my closet. I think I own about 3 pairs of pants in total! I can never really feel quite as comfortable wearing pants/jeans as when I am prancing around in a dress. By wearing dresses, I feel like I don't have to think as much as when I am pairing tops with bottoms in the morning before rushing out the door for work. Even though I have a weakness for girly dresses, I love to match them with masculine shoes/purses or other menswear inspired accessories.

Out thrifting with my sister in Downtown Ventura. Wearing the Alexa Chung Burnt Sienna Dress via Madewell, thrifted vintage COACH purse, Navy blue tassel loafers from Etsy.

 Running errands in a thrifted floral dress, Dansko Denmark Clogs via ShoeBiz, H&M Sunglasses

 Vintage floral tapestry purse, Vintage high-waist navy slacks (1 of 3 pants!), Vintage Brown  Wool Blazer, Tan Western Ankle Boots via Painted Bird, Thrifted Beige Silk Blouse

 

Blush Pink Dress from H&M, Dooney & Bourke Purse, NAvy Blue Tassel Loafers from Etsy.

Blue Floral Dress from Salvation Army, Vintage Ginger Cardigan from Clothes Contact, Vintage Dooney & Bourke Hunter Green purse. 

Brown toggle Hooded coat from The Painted Bird, Green Floral Lace dress from H&M, Vintage Hunter Green Dooney & Bourke Bucket purse, sunglasses from H&M, Navy blue tassel loafers from Etsy.

Dresses 4 eva.

Birthday Wish List

Birthday is in September, but a girl can dream about blowing her entire paycheck to purchase just one dress or a pair of shoes and then resorting to whoring herself out on the streets and doing tricks just to put food on the table for her little black pig baby, Finnegan. SIGH. Sounds like living the dream. One day I will have thee:

CLOTHING

SHOES