Summer Dreaming

The California coast line...It is absolutely stunning. What else can I say? These photos were taken on a past trip to the Marin Headlands for a beach and hiking trip. The headlands are one of the most unique areas in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area because it covers various types of histories from the Miwok Indians to the Military, including historic Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, the NIKE Missile site and the 150 year-old Point Bonita lighthouse. Other attractions include varied hiking trails, dog friendly Rodeo Beach, and astonishing views of the coast and San Francisco. The trail itself was amazing since it wrapped around the coastline next to the water. Z and I were able to watch the sunset over the ocean as our little morbidly obese pug rested on the trail from exerting himself too much. Finnegan really loves going on these hikes, but tends to overheat easily. We stop to take little breaks for him so that we are not at fault for pug abuse and have some water for him to drink at hand. Poor little puppy face!

Outfit Details:
Tan Cardigan // Forever 21
Green shift dress // Vintage
Brown Woven sling-back shoes // Vintage
Market Bag // Etsy
Sunglasses // H&M

You can always gauge how energetic or tired Finnegan is based on the position of his tail. Usually when he is tired, his tail hangs limply or is positioned at half mast like a flag from a pole. I was looking online how other pug owners are able to hike with their fatty pugs (Gaw! I know I'm such a freaky crazy pug lady!), and found this hilarious blog post about using a pug stroller. I don't know if I am quite ready yet for that kind of dedication into Pug Lady-ness, but I am sure Finnegan would not mind being paraded around in his own carriage...he is after all--Prince Finnegan. Bow down.

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

Soooooul Food

For our birthday, Z's sisters gave us a gift certificate to a restaurant that we've been wanting to check out for the longest time, Brenda's Soul Food. We were so excited to try out as much as we could on the menu because waiting to get into Brenda's was a trip in itself. After waiting about an hour (which I heard is not too bad for the time that we arrived and put our name down on the waiting list), we were seated and able to have our cups endlessly refilled with watermelon sweet tea. (Delicious!) We ordered some of the specials for the day--pulled pork eggs benedict with the side hash and then a creole frittata for Z.  For an appetizer (like we really needed to get one--such fatties we are!), we ordered the beignet sampler. My favorites were the crawfish (topped with cayenne pepper) and apple cinnamon beignets. Everything was so delicious and well worth the wait! If you're ever up in San Francisco, I recommend checking out Brenda's Soul food but make sure to get there early! After gorging ourselves with so much food, Z and I decided to try and walk around to get some of that food digesting. 

Z looking like "Captain Pissed off"--Reporting for duty, Sir!

Outfit Details:
Brown Peacoat // H&M
Gingham Babydoll Mini Dress // Duet Vintage
Sheer Tights // Walgreens
Rachel Comey Mars Boots
Sunglasses // Urban Outfitters

The babydoll dress that I am wearing is from Duet Vintage and is one of the most comfortable dresses that I own. The shape of the dress is perfect for hiding my huge stomach full of soul food. Food baby! -___-

Congrats Sister!

I know this post is so late, but I just wanted to congratulate my beautiful sister on graduating from her Medical Assisting program, which makes her just one step closer to becoming the best nurse ever! She is such an inspiration to me and always manages to kick some major butt where ever she is and with what ever she sets her mind out to complete. These photos were taken outside of the graduation auditorium before heading out to the celebratory dinner. The lady at Walgreens (where I usually end up taking my film to be developed for lack of time) managed to do the most terrific job at cropping my photos where faces are cut off and hands are growing out of no where. I tried to fix the photos when I could, but alas...this batch was beyond saving. I posted what I was able to salvage, but looking at them still make me laugh a bit.

Outfit Details:
Black Lace Dress // H&M (from 2 years ago)
Tights // Walgreens
Rachel Comey Boots
70's Knit Sweater Cape // Cobra Cult Vintage

I am in love with this 70's knit sweater cape that I received from  Cobra Cult Vintage. It's the perfect cover-up that provides just enough warmth for when I'm out and about in Southern California where it doesn't get too cold. The cape's print has floral patterns, hearts, and checkers running through out and the buttons feature a windmill, tree, and farmhouse. There's just so much detail that I will have to photograph and share with you all later.

Congrats Sister! I love you and I'm so proud of what you've accomplished so far!

Black & White

For my birthday, I purchased Vanessa of The Velvet Bird's Bookworm dress. It arrived just in time for me to try it out for a night at the War Memorial Opera house. Z had purchased tickets to see Moby Dick for one of his assignments for his grad school class, so I was interested in how this literary masterpiece would be translated to a live-action opera.  Even though you cannot tell from my grainy film photos, the dress has little black dots all over that perfectly complement the black bow on the collar. The dress has brown corduroy elbow patches, which just makes the dress absolutely perfect in my eyes. I tried to get Finnegan to pose with me in my photos, but he just wasn't having it that night. He even refused to look at the camera when he usually flaunts around when I take it out. I guess he was a little moody since Z and I were leaving him alone for the evening. 

Outfit Details:
Bookworm Dress // The Velvet Bird
Black Tights // CVS Pharmacy
Mars Boots // Rachel Comey
Camel Peacoat // H&M

I absolutely love this coat from H&M and have been wearing it nonstop. I think it is just because I am partial to pairing brown with black. I never truly followed that cardinal fashion rule of not pairing black with brown or navy with black. People should just wear what they feel like wearing...the rules should be that there are no rules! Also...apologies for the chronic bitch face (CBF). I can't seem to stop making it in photos because I feel so awkward and don't know what to do with myself.   -____-

Bows & Chiffon

 It is no surprise that I will immediately fall for a dress that has any of the following components: lace, chiffon, velvet, peter pan collars, or bows. Even though this dress from Forever 21 is not vintage, it is definitely vintage inspired with the layered chiffon and shift shape. This dress is an old one, but it is one of my favorite dresses for when I want to go out and look fancy fine without much fuss. When I was younger, I never ever wanted to wear dresses because I thought they were such a hassle, but now I cannot stop wearing them.  Dresses are simple and quick when you need to catch the bus right away because you're late for work. I apologize for my awkward facial expressions...my sister was making me laugh and it was difficult to look fashion blogger serious in the remaining photos.

Sorry for the lack of updates! I thought that I would be done with my exams at the beginning of this month, but after a couple of canceled classes and exam dates being pushed back, it felt as though I had no time to do anything but study constantly! I have a bunch of film that I still need to develop so expect more frequent updates coming in the future!

Outfit Details:
Tights: Lace 
Shoes: Ce Ce Chin
Bag: Vintage Polaroid leather case
Dress: Bow Tie via F21
Vintage Gold Ornate Ring: Thrifted
Vintage Gold Casio Digital Watch