Happy {Summer Lovin'} Weekend!

Rue's sixth issue is slated to come out next Monday, July 25, and I have no doubt we'll all be working in overdrive to make that happen! Thankfully my boyfriend is flying into San Francisco for a few days before I have to kick it into high gear. Here's hoping his visit will provide just the rejuvenation I need...

If our weekend consists of nothing more than sleeping in, brunching out, and his first Giants' game, I'll be one happy girl. What are your plans for this summer weekend?

{photography by Ali Degraff}

Rue's sixth issue is slated to come out next Monday, July 25, and I have no doubt we'll all be working in overdrive to make that happen! Thankfully my boyfriend is flying into San Francisco for a few days before I have to kick it into high gear. Here's hoping his visit will provide just the rejuvenation I need...

If our weekend consists of nothing more than sleeping in, brunching out, and his first Giants' game, I'll be one happy girl. What are your plans for this summer weekend?

{photography by Ali Degraff}

Quote du jour.

Shoppin' at Poppin

Confession: I am completely and hopelessly addicted to school supplies. (Or are they called office supplies once you've graduated?) Regardless, it says so in my about page and that means it must be true. So when the friendly folks over at Poppin offered to send a few goodies my way, you should know I was all over that.

Free goodies and saucy packaging? It doesn't get much better than that.

I'm loving my new medium red notebook and you can bet I'm putting my new ballpoint pens to good use with my obsessive list-making. Of course the swag bag worked because I've now added these other must-haves to my cart...

{Jumbo assorted highlighters, $4}

{Staplers, $8 each}

{Tape dispensers, $8 each}

And if their awesome office supplies weren't enough, Poppin is debuting a furniture line in the near future. I can only expect that it will be as colorful and contemporary as my new goodies! Go check them out and let me know if you're as obsessed as I am.

Confession: I am completely and hopelessly addicted to school supplies. (Or are they called office supplies once you've graduated?) Regardless, it says so in my about page and that means it must be true. So when the friendly folks over at Poppin offered to send a few goodies my way, you should know I was all over that.

Free goodies and saucy packaging? It doesn't get much better than that.

I'm loving my new medium red notebook and you can bet I'm putting my new ballpoint pens to good use with my obsessive list-making. Of course the swag bag worked because I've now added these other must-haves to my cart...

{Jumbo assorted highlighters, $4}

{Staplers, $8 each}

{Tape dispensers, $8 each}

And if their awesome office supplies weren't enough, Poppin is debuting a furniture line in the near future. I can only expect that it will be as colorful and contemporary as my new goodies! Go check them out and let me know if you're as obsessed as I am.

Chez Azaria

When I came to California, I thought I was packing for summer — sunshine, warm weather, etc. Little did I know that San Francisco summers are anything but! With the chilly temps and hazy fog we've been experiencing lately, I can safely say I'd much rather be hanging at actor Hank Azaria's Bel Air home a few hours south of here...

Designed by Trip Haenisch, the 1932 property features views of both the ocean and the bright lights of Los Angeles.

I love the open plan of the kitchen. The stainless steel and more rustic island make for a very organic feel — just the California cool I've been missing!

Where there's sunshine, there ought to be an outdoor living space. I could happily spend all day out here, blogging and reading for my 101 in 1001 list.

The interior of the home leaves nothing to be desired, featuring dramatic pinstriped walls and an on-trend Beni Ourain rug.

And then there's this. I mean, what more could you need?

{all photos via Architectural Digest}

P.S. I'm getting personal on Diana's blog I Love Brunch & Boots today! For anyone who's recently graduated and trying to figure out their next move, be sure to take a peek!

When I came to California, I thought I was packing for summer — sunshine, warm weather, etc. Little did I know that San Francisco summers are anything but! With the chilly temps and hazy fog we've been experiencing lately, I can safely say I'd much rather be hanging at actor Hank Azaria's Bel Air home a few hours south of here...

Designed by Trip Haenisch, the 1932 property features views of both the ocean and the bright lights of Los Angeles.

I love the open plan of the kitchen. The stainless steel and more rustic island make for a very organic feel — just the California cool I've been missing!

Where there's sunshine, there ought to be an outdoor living space. I could happily spend all day out here, blogging and reading for my 101 in 1001 list.

The interior of the home leaves nothing to be desired, featuring dramatic pinstriped walls and an on-trend Beni Ourain rug.

And then there's this. I mean, what more could you need?

{all photos via Architectural Digest}

P.S. I'm getting personal on Diana's blog I Love Brunch & Boots today! For anyone who's recently graduated and trying to figure out their next move, be sure to take a peek!

Introducing... K. Slademade!

I could not be more excited to introduce you to a new Design Darling sponsor this morning! I am so fortunate to have sponsors whose work I truly love and feel passionate about sharing with you. Without further ado, a new-to-me favorite: K. Slademade!

My first order arrived with a handwritten card on adorable customized stationery from the owner, Kelsea. When the packaging is this cute, you know what's inside is going to be even better!

I've been carrying my new Suzy Market clutch literally everywhere! The upper is hot pink canvas and the bottom is handsome pony brown leather. 

The gold zipper opens up to a plain canvas interior with a charming hand-sewn tag. It's the simplicity of Kelsea's designs that makes me certain I'll be carrying my new clutch for years to come.

After falling in love with my first clutch, I've gone back to her shop to add several more to my favorites. This fold-over Mexican-inspired clutch ($62) has my name written all over it. How perfect with a pink top and white jeans for summer!

I think this fold-over pony leather clutch ($68) will be my next purchase. Its oversized shape makes it chic, practical, and versatile — in other words, destined for very heavy rotation in my wardrobe!

My Suzy Market clutch is available in other colors as well! I love the color-block effect of combining canvas with leather. The best part? It's only $54!

- - - 

I'm seriously in love with Kelsea's shop and can't wait to expand my personal K. Slademade collection. I'm absolutely ecstatic to have her on board and I know I can count on you to give her a warm welcome!

- - - 

P.S. I'm sharing five summer essentials on Emmy's adorable blog Sprinkles on Everything today! Please go say hi if you have a moment.

I could not be more excited to introduce you to a new Design Darling sponsor this morning! I am so fortunate to have sponsors whose work I truly love and feel passionate about sharing with you. Without further ado, a new-to-me favorite: K. Slademade!

My first order arrived with a handwritten card on adorable customized stationery from the owner, Kelsea. When the packaging is this cute, you know what's inside is going to be even better!

I've been carrying my new Suzy Market clutch literally everywhere! The upper is hot pink canvas and the bottom is handsome pony brown leather. 

The gold zipper opens up to a plain canvas interior with a charming hand-sewn tag. It's the simplicity of Kelsea's designs that makes me certain I'll be carrying my new clutch for years to come.

After falling in love with my first clutch, I've gone back to her shop to add several more to my favorites. This fold-over Mexican-inspired clutch ($62) has my name written all over it. How perfect with a pink top and white jeans for summer!

I think this fold-over pony leather clutch ($68) will be my next purchase. Its oversized shape makes it chic, practical, and versatile — in other words, destined for very heavy rotation in my wardrobe!

My Suzy Market clutch is available in other colors as well! I love the color-block effect of combining canvas with leather. The best part? It's only $54!

- - - 

I'm seriously in love with Kelsea's shop and can't wait to expand my personal K. Slademade collection. I'm absolutely ecstatic to have her on board and I know I can count on you to give her a warm welcome!

- - - 

P.S. I'm sharing five summer essentials on Emmy's adorable blog Sprinkles on Everything today! Please go say hi if you have a moment.

Stripes On Everything!

Stripes seem to be a staple in every one of my style icons' wardrobes. I just ordered this striped boatneck tee and I have a feeling I'm never going to take it off once it arrives. How could I when bloggers like Blair (blonde) and Karla (brunette) sport their stripes on the daily?

Are you catching my drift? I'd be lying if I said I didn't try to track down the striped Zara dress that Blair is wearing in the last picture. It's probably better for my wallet that I couldn't find it anywhere! Have a happy weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Stripes seem to be a staple in every one of my style icons' wardrobes. I just ordered this striped boatneck tee and I have a feeling I'm never going to take it off once it arrives. How could I when bloggers like Blair (blonde) and Karla (brunette) sport their stripes on the daily?

Are you catching my drift? I'd be lying if I said I didn't try to track down the striped Zara dress that Blair is wearing in the last picture. It's probably better for my wallet that I couldn't find it anywhere! Have a happy weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Staying Neutral

I am perpetually torn between color and calm. The perfect shot of color can electrify an interior or an outfit like no beige or gray could — and yet there remains something to be said for the monochromatic calm induced by those neutrals. Here, a few favorite neutral looks of late...

Do you prefer colorful or neutral? Do you generally dress the same as you decorate?

{Windsor Smith, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 9 to 5 Chic, Irene Suchocki, Living Etc.}

I am perpetually torn between color and calm. The perfect shot of color can electrify an interior or an outfit like no beige or gray could — and yet there remains something to be said for the monochromatic calm induced by those neutrals. Here, a few favorite neutral looks of late...

Do you prefer colorful or neutral? Do you generally dress the same as you decorate?

{Windsor Smith, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 9 to 5 Chic, Irene Suchocki, Living Etc.}

Currently reading...

Library cards are a wonderful thing. When I was feeling homesick during my first week in San Francisco, my dad suggested that I get lost in a good book. I got my library card the next day and have read every evening since.

The fact that I have a few reading tasks on my 101 in 1001 list should explain the diversity of my current reads.

21. Read every Harry Potter book (5/7).

60. Read every Jane Austen novel (1/6).

69. Read twenty new-to-me books (1/20).

I'm making steady progress and, more importantly, enjoying the opportunity to read for pleasure now that my collegiate years are behind me. Tell me, what are you reading these days?

Library cards are a wonderful thing. When I was feeling homesick during my first week in San Francisco, my dad suggested that I get lost in a good book. I got my library card the next day and have read every evening since.

The fact that I have a few reading tasks on my 101 in 1001 list should explain the diversity of my current reads.

21. Read every Harry Potter book (5/7).

60. Read every Jane Austen novel (1/6).

69. Read twenty new-to-me books (1/20).

I'm making steady progress and, more importantly, enjoying the opportunity to read for pleasure now that my collegiate years are behind me. Tell me, what are you reading these days?

Weekend snapshots...

I had the most wonderful long weekend with my mom! It was such a treat having her fly in from Connecticut and I had fun showing her my new stomping grounds in San Francisco. Here, a few snapshots from our weekend together...

{Passing the time before her arrival with a half & half and a pile of magazines.}

{Admiring the succulents in the Botanical Garden}

{The carousel in Golden Gate Park}

{Stopping to smell the roses on an afternoon stroll}

{Pre-dinner pedicures! I chose Essie's Fire Cracker, which seemed appropriate for the holiday. Does anyone else choose polish colors for their names?}

- - - 

Do all you iPhone owners use Instagram as well? It's like Photoshop on the go — I'm obsessed!

I had the most wonderful long weekend with my mom! It was such a treat having her fly in from Connecticut and I had fun showing her my new stomping grounds in San Francisco. Here, a few snapshots from our weekend together...

{Passing the time before her arrival with a half & half and a pile of magazines.}

{Admiring the succulents in the Botanical Garden}

{The carousel in Golden Gate Park}

{Stopping to smell the roses on an afternoon stroll}

{Pre-dinner pedicures! I chose Essie's Fire Cracker, which seemed appropriate for the holiday. Does anyone else choose polish colors for their names?}

- - - 

Do all you iPhone owners use Instagram as well? It's like Photoshop on the go — I'm obsessed!

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! I hope you're enjoying the long weekend and spending quality time with family and friends. My mom left this morning after a fun-filled weekend exploring San Francisco together. How are you celebrating?

{Behati Prinsloo in Turkish Vogue}

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! I hope you're enjoying the long weekend and spending quality time with family and friends. My mom left this morning after a fun-filled weekend exploring San Francisco together. How are you celebrating?

{Behati Prinsloo in Turkish Vogue}