Oliver Twist

I don't know about you, but I find it increasingly hard to do an outfit post with daylight saving's time. I usually do my posts after work, but by the time I get off, the sun is already long gone. So all we're left are pictures that aren't as appealing as I would like them to be. I guess these will do for now. I was doing some Black Friday shopping and scored these awesome olive pants from the Impulse section at Macy's. They are so comfortable and are a nice departure from my typical Levi's jeans.

 

 

{Top: Zara; Blazer: Gap; Pants: Bar III; Shoes: Nordstrom; Necklace: Macy's}

Gift Guide

With Christmas fast approaching, I am on the hunt for the perfect gifts for my loved ones. I have heard guys complain about what to get girls. Apparently, we're difficult. Well, I completely disagree. Trust me, we are way easier to shop for than you think! If anything, I think it's always harder to shop for a guy. They're always simple and don't "need" things like we do. I have put together a quick Holiday Gift guide, with a very respectable budget. There are so many other things that I wish I could put on this list, but here are my top picks for gifts under $50.You can totally get a thoughtful and fashionable gift while on a budget. Some of my favorite sites include Anthropologie, Jonathan Adler, Kate Spade, and J.Crew. They have great gift guides, and be sure to set a price filter so you don't overspend. Now, shop away!

1. Voluspa candle tin, $18

2. J Crew glitter bag, $50

3. J Crew Mini Wallet, $23

4. Small datebook - J.Crew, $25

5. Homegrown Monogram Mug, $8

6. TopShop leopard scarve, $32

7. Type Z round toe shoes, $40

8. American Fashion Book, $50

9. Jewelry Roll, $23

10. Fur Stole, £16

11. J Crew Wide Bangle, $35

12. Blouse, $49

13. Jonathan Adler Zebra Coasters, $48

Wishful

It's so hard not to shop when the holiday season is here. When you go Christmas shopping for loved ones, you can't help but buy a little treat for yourself. Here is my holiday wish list below. I'm currently loving textures--suede (booties, boots, clutches) and leather (leggings and skirts). Also craving short, voluminous skirts, sweater dresses, and everything sequins of course. What's on your wish list?

1. TopShop suede heels, $190

2. Heatwave Lipstick, £18

3. Madewell leopard shoes, $118

4. BCBG Max Azria sequin evening dress, $338

5. J Crew clutch hand bag, $118

6. Ralph Lauren chocolate brown skirt, $1,810

7. Moschino Cheap & Chic heel boots, $668

8. Jason Wu zipper skirt, £1,365

9. High rise pants, £32

10. J Crew merino wool dress, $140

 

Weekend Snapshots: Food Adventures

My rainy and cold weekend consisted of trying out 54 Mint, Christmas shopping (I got half of my list fulfilled!), lounging around the apartment, and celebrating a new work promotion! Hope your weekend was relaxing!

Appetizer at 54 Mint

Friday Treats--Sparkling water with cranberries + little caramel apples

Rustic decor at 54 Mint

Hanging Meat

Current jewelry I'm obsessing over

Risotto Balls

Cheers with yummy margaritas!

Always room for dessert :)

Bruised

Sometimes I just loving wearing black on black and adding some fun pops of color--what better way to utilize that than through accessories? Styled simplicity. Hope you all have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend.

{Top: Anthropologie; Jeans: Levi's; Shoes: Zara; Jacket: Nordstrom; Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Beaded Bracelet: Vendor from Mexico; Green Bracelet: J.Crew}

Garage

After getting some inspiration from all the beanies that Alicia has been wearing, I decided to throw on a gray beanie I bought a year ago, but never ended up wearing. I guess I am a little hesitant since I don't have long locks to hide behind, but it's a good alternative when you're simply having a bad hair day. I found these amazing Guatemalan bracelets below in Mexico, and they're my new-found obsession.

{Top: Levi's; Jacket: Levi's; Jeans; Levi's; Beanie: Forever 21; Shoes: Macy's; Bracelets: Mexico}

Postcards

Some snapshots from our week in Playa del Carmen...

Proudly showing my helmet before going back on the scooter that we rented

Shopping for some local jewelry

Lizards galore

Iguana

Feet

Beach at night

Ruins of San Gervasio

Torta

Best shrimp and conch cocktail I've ever had

Hammocks

Beach hopping on the island of Cozumel

Clear blue sky. Cruising in the scooter

La Playa

I'm back! I had an amazing time in Mexico and upon returning, I have now gotten sick. I think I need a vacation from my vacation. Nevertheless, we spent one week eating, snorkeling, and just relaxing by the beach. I pulled out this black romper from the very back of my dresser when I was packing for Mexico and realized I hadn't worn it in over two years. It's hard to see, but I love the ruffled collar and the three simple buttons. It finally made its debut when I wore it out to dinner. I love simplicity sometimes.

Pictures from my trip will be posted tomorrow, and special thanks to my guest blogger, Ashleigh, who did a great job!

{Romper: Forever 21; Earrings: Heritage Row; Shoes: Nordstrom; Ring: Gifted}

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Headed over to the American Apparel warehouse sale at Fort Mason to only encounter aisles of clothes and aisles of hipsters. The markdowns weren’t extremely friendly to the wallet but the glittery spandex, neon leotards and scrunchies made me want to “get physical” like Oliva Newton-John or just time travel to the 80's with a topsy tail hairdo. A farmer’s market was going on right next door and the assortment of flowers were perfect for your Thanksgiving cornucopia. 

Jacket: Forever 21; Tank: Urban Outfitters; Jeans: Levi’s; Shoes: Ash; Bag: Forever 21; Sunglasses: American Apparel, Necklaces: Madewell, Retail Therapy

This is my last post before Victoria returns. Have a great weekend!

xox,

Ashleigh

 

Sideways

New Yorkers escape to the Hamptons and San Franciscans flock to Napa. Our friend Sam and I spent Saturday taking a relaxing respite sipping wine at Sterling Vineyards, nibbling on Bouchon goodies and devouring Auberge du Soleil appetizers. It was great to leave behind the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and soak up the brown hues of autumn.

I decided to wear a New England style ensemble with a Letterman sweater, oxford shirt and comfy smoking slippers. Sam wore her blue and green solids but jazzed it up with a beaded blouse and tall brown suede boots. Together we decided to dress casual and mix in with the tourists but sophisticated enough to dine in a luxurious hotel.

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Rugby; Shirt: Levi’s; Pants: J Brand in wine; Shoes: Urban Outfitters; Sunglasses: American Apparel; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Rings: Trina Turk, ModCloth; Bracelet: Vintage; Necklace: Stelios

Blouse: Rebecca Taylor; Scarf: Club Monaco; Ring: David Yurman; Boots: Franco Sarto

Hope you enjoyed your weekend and I am excited to be Victoria’s guest blogger!

xox,

Ashleigh