:: BEAUTY :: Hairplay | The Deep Part

As a girl with naturally curly hair, I've struggled with my hair for as long as I can remember.  I do love curly hair... just not my curly hair (but don't we all say that?).  Sure, I've had a good curly hair day here and there, but the problem is I never know what I'm going to get and it requires much so much more work than just blowing it all out straight, so that's what I've been falling back on on a daily basis these days.  However, as someone who has the versatility of curly hair... I have to say that straight hair can get kind of boring (sorry).  So lately I've been playing around with different blow out styles and one look that I've long admired is the deep part, side-swept hair.

Whitney Port

Cara Delevingne

Eva Mendes

Amanda Seyfried

Penelope Cruz

I've only just attempted it in recent weeks, but I have to say that I love it!  It has a way of looking uber glamorous, yet casual at the same time.  It's like, "Oh my hair?  I just run my fingers through it and give it a toss."  Meanwhile you're face is perfectly framed with a lush set of locks falling down around your shoulder.  I might also add that this look lends itself nicely to the old trick of tossing your hair about as a way of casting your scent in the direction of the cutie next to you at the coffee shop.  Just don't over do it, ladies, because we've all been suffocated by the overly perfumed.  And a quick side note: if you use anything but an oil for scent, keep it off your locks directly, as the alcohol in it can be drying.  I find that hair picks up any scent nicely if you just dab it on the back of your neck.

Anyway, this look is all about volume, and since my fine hair has a tendency to fall flat, I know I have to really work the round brush to pull this off.  I also broke out the hairspray, which I rarely use, to keep things lifted and in place.  My hairstylist recommended Paul Mitchell's Hold Me Tight, which works great and has that nice "I just walked out of the salon" smell.  I also use large round brush for my roots, to kick up  the volume, and a medium round brush on my ends to give them a nice bounce.

Here's an actual tutorial from hairstylist Anthony Turner on getting side-part bed head, à la Cara Delevingne and Whitney Port.  You may also choose to go for a more polished look, seen on Eva, or one with a little more body and curl, like Penelope and Amanda above, which is the direction I tend to go.

Have you recently tried a new hairstyle?  What's your go-to, feeling-fabulous hairstyle?

*c

:: FASHION :: The Oscars 2013

Well kids, that's a wrap!  The finest night of red carpet glory has come and gone, and it did not disappoint.  From classic silhouettes to daring details, the starlets were in full force and aiming to leave an impression.  It was actually very hard for me to choose my favorites as I found there were many more hits than misses.  Nonetheless, I've selected several looks that I felt defined this year's Oscars and even managed to pick the one that I thought took the cake!

Best Dressed

Charlize Theron in Dior

We already know the damn woman is perfection, but Charlize's look last night, from head to toe, was absolutely flawless.  The intense structural design of this dress was the perfect complement to her statuesque figure, and her makeup was so light and natural, making this feel almost too effortless.  And this look with any other hair almost seems impossible.  The sporty pixie brings a freshness to this otherwise ultra classic look reminding us, yet again, how naturally stunning Charlize really is.

Simple Stunners

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen

Jessica Chastain in Giorgio Armani

Jennifer Garner in Gucci

These ladies don't need much when it comes to looking gorgeous.  Whether it's Jessica's flawless skin and striking hair, Amanda's engaging eyes, or Jennifer's pure grace, the dresses they wear almost seem to come in second to their natural beauty.  This year, their simple, yet stunning choices made a statement while still feeling true to their personal style.

Unexpected

Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

Jane Fonda in Versace

These ladies surprised me, happily, with something new and unexpected.  Kerry and Jane's colors were daring, yet absolutely welcome on this night.  And while the Reem Acra that Kristen chose was so intricate and fabulous in its own right, she did not really do it any justice.  Would this have been better on another starlet who would have shown this dress the appreciation it deserves?  Yes.  But I can't not celebrate the beautiful craftsmanship of Reem Acra just because of the body that this dress ended up on.

Architectural

Halle Berry in Versace

Naomi Watts in Giorgio Armani

Again, we have two ladies who took a risk, choosing two very modern, architectural looks at this traditionally classic affair.  The severe lines and cut-out of Naomi's dress are modern and right on trend, while the linear repetition of Halle's dress reminds us of old art deco buildings.  Both dresses fit these ladies like a glove, and perfectly accentuated their incredible figures.

Ball Gown

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Fan Bingbing in Marchesa

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

No Oscars are complete without a proper ball gown, and these three ladies nailed it.  Fan Bingbing's hot pink Marchesa was a knockout, while Amy Adams was pure romance in this decadent tulle gown by Oscar de la Renta.  Jennifer Lawrence's Dior was even more gorgeous than it was full, and the shape was so unique and special, creating an iconic moment for the star.  Kind of reminds me of the now iconic pink dress that Gwyneth Paltrow wore when she won.

What was your favorite look?  And did you watch the awards, or just tune in for the fashions?

*c

:: FASHION :: Weekend Looks

Just because it's the weekend doesn't mean you have to be a bum.  I like to think of the weekends as special occasions, since most of us guilty of the weekday hustle and bustle.  We should take the weekends to really celebrate our personal time and how much we accomplished during the week, and that means looking and feeling just as fabulous as you would any other day.  Below are two looks that I recently donned for my weekend adventures, from a trip to the SF MoMa to a simple farmers market and grocery run.  

Day at the Museum

1. {max & chloe pave studs}     2. {alexander wang combination cardigan}     3. {j.crew bow coat}

4. {ted baker silver watch, similar here}     5. {mother the curfew bell bottom}     6. {shoedazzle carine heels}

7. {j.crew leopard belt}     8. {max & chloe mixed metal bangles}     9. {forver21 ac/dc muscle tee}

Running Errands

1. {gap cozy neon scarf}     2. {jil sander cashmere cardigan}     3. {cuyana alpaca striped swing vest}

4. {anthropologie watercolor weekender}     5. {banana republic skinny jean}     6. {aldo theorise bootie}

7. {j.crew mirrored floral tee}     8. {lily dawson spike + stone cuff}

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:: LIFE :: The Importance of Being Lazy

Okay maybe not lazy, per se, but having the ability to let it all go once in a while, which is exactly what I did last Wednesday.

Take a note from this guy: the Red Panda, known for his sedentary lifestyle.  The next time you feel like you're running yourself ragged, congratulate yourself on all that you've already accomplished and take a day off.

I finally decided last week to give myself a little more structure while I'm off of work so that, even though I'm nowhere near short on time these days, I wouldn't be wasting any of my free time with stupid little things like figuring out how to plan my day.  So I committed myself to being responsibly productive Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, while Wednesday would be my adventure day and the weekends would be up for grabs.  

What's that?  What kind of adventures you ask?  Well I admittedly haven't explored San Francisco nearly enough for having been a full-time resident for just about 3 years now, so finding cheesy sightseeing, touristy things to do made sense.  I also thought it would be great to use Wednesdays for self-exploration as well; things like taking a photography or salsa class.  So I did a bunch of research and found list upon list of adventures I could go on.  When Wednesday finally rolled around the adventure I chose was (drumroll please!)… doing absolutely nothing.

When I woke up that morning, having not set an alarm for the first time all week, I realized I was absolutely spent.  I had started my awesome (yet brutal) Pure Barre classes the Friday before and worked out hard everyday since, had a full weekend, and had followed through on being totally productive that Monday and Tuesday.  By the time Wednesday rolled around, my body and mind couldn't quite handle an adventure.  So I threw in the towel, said "screw it," and lazed around my house all… day… long…  It was fantastic!

Though at first I could feel little moments of guilt trying to get it -- "You're going to regret this. You're not accomplishing anything." -- I quickly realized that I had accomplished things and had been doing so for the last five days straight.  I deserved a day off, dammit!  And the rest of the day I relished in that very thought: I deserve this.  By bedtime that night, I felt so rested that I was a little concerned I enjoyed my day too much.  What if I don't want to do anything again tomorrow?

To my delight and slight surprise, I was up before my alarm the next morning and rearing to get to my Pure Barre class.  That's right -- I was actually excited about working my quads so hard that they would burn and shake to the point of excessive lactic acid build up, making me want to cry and ralph all at the same time (I swear, it's a good feeling...sometimes).  As soon as I was up I knew that greeting yesterday with the wild abandon of not caring at all was exactly what I needed to avoid what would eventually hit me at probably the most inopportune time: burnout.  Not only did I get the rest I needed, but my lazy day gave me a boost to be even more productive and attack the rest of the week like I never had before!

Unfortunately that meant I was so occupied I didn't have time to post all week -- eek!  But I'm back, with a vengeance, and planning some great new posts to share with you.  Stay tuned!

*c

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:: FASHION :: In My Closet - February 2013

Despite my budgetary restrictions, I've still managed to squeeze in some shopping.  Although, that might change very soon.  Regardless, these are a few of my favorite purchases as of late... (FYI, yes -- I'm a J.Crew addict)

1. {anthropologie watercolor weekender}
Seriously, one of the best purchases I've made.  I am completely and utterly obsessed with my purse.  And I usually don't spend money on bags because I change them or get tired of them, but this one was so worth it.

2. {j.crew pavé heart earrings}

3. {j.crew printed leopard iphone case}

4. {j.crew printed hearts iphone case}
These are the best iPhone cases!  Not only are they incredibly cute, but I've dropped my phone a hundred times (it's kind of ridiculous) and it's never cracked or anything.  I'm going to work on the not dropping it part, but for now I at least have piece of mind that these cases provide some shock absorption.

5. {j.crew gold heart ring}

6. {j.crew pavé heart ringt}

7. {j.crew café capri in colorblock}

8. {j.crew leopard belt}
This is another essential purchase.  I pretty much throw this on with every outfit.  Maybe another thing I should work on: variety.  But leopard is a neutral so I'm thinking it's okay to continue to abuse this belt's versatility.

9. {shoedazzle carine heel}
Another solid purchase, and totally budget friendly!  Can you believe these were only $39.99?!  And again, such a great neutral that I can wear them with practically anything.  I have to give myself kudos for super smart shopping with these ones!

*c

:: SAN FRANCISCO :: NoPA, Eat Your Heart Out!

No really.  Prepare to stock your kitchens and stomachs with some of SF's finest foods.  And don't forget the beverages!  Here's what's new to the up-and-coming neighborhood of NoPa (North of the Panhandle) this season:

Wine Kitchen :: now open!
With it's doors opening early last month, Wine Kitchen has quickly become a Divisadero hot spot, and for good reason.  One of those reasons: wine on tap.  I'm not exactly sure what the actual benefits of wine on tap are, but I do know that it's another way to get the wine to my mouth and I fully support that.  Specializing in (duh) wine, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful if you're like me and all you know about wine is that it tastes damn good.

Another reason for the non-stop nightly crowds: the bar-sized menu of very un bar-like food.  As much as I don't mind rejoicing in some greasy, I'm-gonna-pay-for-this bar food every one in a while, why not enjoy my libations (yes, they have beer too) with some delectable speck or frisée?  I can already recommend the soft egg and kale combo, and since it's only a couple blocks from me, I plan on working my way through the whole menu in no time.

As for the scene, it's small, dark and intimate -- just as good for a date spot or grabbing a table with the girls.  My favorite part about Wine Kitchen is that it has that great, neighborhood feel to it.  It's not too flashy for Divisadero, nor is it reserved for only the hippest of hipsters.  It really feels like a spot where everyone is welcome and that everyone can enjoy, and I think NoPa should be proud to claim ownership of this new neighborhood-anchoring venue.

{via winekitchensf.com}

The Mill :: reopening February 12th
Apparently The Mill has been quite the thing on Divisadero since last July, but in a rather obscure nature.  Maybe I simply passed by it without recognition because it was less of a store front than it was a temporary booth serving only drip coffee and toast.  However, it closed its doors (err, tarps?) in mid-January for a total makeover and will soon become an actual coffee shop.

I only recently took notice as I was passing the construction site one day and saw the tell-tale sign of a modern business with a classic sensibility: a white subway tile facade.  I mean, setting the scene in any eatery is half the battle, and going with the classic, timeless look of subway tiles circa 1906 San Francisco is this new establishment's way of brightening up the hood while holding on to it's historic roots.

Given that The Mill is a collaboration between local favorites Four Barrel Coffee and Josey Baker Bread, I think it's safe to say that this will be a huge hit beyond just the decor.  And given my eternal desire to be Parisian, I'm always excited about a good ol' cafe bakery.  You better believe I'll be there for the opening, and I'll be sure to provide an update with a review.


Bi-Rite Market :: opening March
There are a few local spots that others may use to gauge how San Franciscan you really are based on your familiarity and regular attendance of them.  One of those is Bi-Rite Market.  With it's origin in the ultra-hip(ster) Mission, I would say it's only one part cult favorite + three heaping parts really great market.  Featuring tons of local vendors, they really demonstrate a stewardship for the smaller, hard-working vendors.  Prices may be on the higher side, but provided their mission, "Creating community through food," you know where your money is going when you shop here and you can feel good about showing your support.

Now you're probably asking yourself, what about the creamery?  And my tastebuds are happy to tell you that the market will be large enough to include not only the famous Bi-Rite Creamery (sans lines around the corner in the biting cold), but also a full-sized cheese counter.  Of course, neither of those are really allowed on my current track towards my goal body, but I feel better knowing that, in a time of  emotional crisis, temporary, delicious self-destruction is only a couple blocks away.

{via biritemarket.com}

What do you love about our great city??  To keep up with more exciting SF news and places, follow me on Pinterest!

*c

:: FITNESS :: Pure Barre

As part of my quest to trim down and tone up before swimsuit season (which will be as early as next month for me -- bachelorette cruise party!), I decided to ditch my beloved bikram yoga + gym combo for Pure Barre + gym.  Today was my first class at Pure Barre... holy hell.

I knew I was in for a challenge, but my word!  It probably didn't help that my legs are still practically immobilized from my last lower body strength work, and I had just upped my game with my upper body routine yesterday.  My body was not ready for this.  I seriously barely made it through the warm up, which is more like a crash course of pilates than the standard "roll your shoulders" warm up.  BUT... through all the sweat and cringing and disbelief over what I had just committed my body to for the next month, all I could think was "Damn.  I'm gonna be smokin' after this... right?"  It was a killer of a workout (or torture, whichever way you want to think about it) and I'm glad I committed to a month of classes.  I'm not sure I'll be able to walk tomorrow, but I will (with lots of arnica and Advil) be back on Sunday.  After all, I only have a month to get my body to look like this. (Just let me pretend it's possible)

Have you tried Pure Barre?  I'd love to hear what everyone else out there swears by to get their body into tiptop shape!

For those gym rats out there, here are some of the playlists I put together that really get me pumped:

*c

:: FASHION :: Lines Not to Miss

This season brings two incredible launches to fashion week: one collaboration between two veterans, and one brand new line from a woman who's made a name for herself with her citronella-like fashion philosophy.

{via loefflerrandall.com}

Designer Jessie Randall has teamed up with Tucker's Gaby Basora for a collection of shoes and handbags, which launched on loefflerrandall.com just last month.  The Loeffler Randall x Tucker collection includes some cheerfully edgy pieces that were inspired by the movie Edward Scissorhands, as Randall explains in this elle.com article.  The pairing of fabulous florals with stark leather and buckle details is a little bit femme, a little bit funk.  Any one of the pieces will give your wardrobe a quick refresh, just in time for Spring.

And then there's Leandra.  Ohhh, Leandra.

{via lifestylemirror.com}

Yes, I have a major crush on one Leandra Medine.  The Man Repeller has won her way into the heart of many a fashionista.  But more so than her impecable style, the chick is just rad.  And she's bringing all the radness that is Medine herself to her new line, Man Repeller x PJK.  Launching on pjk.com on February 14th, Man Repeller x PJK was born out of "just thin air," as she tells Lifestyle Mirror.  Medine explains that she "just wanted to create clothing that doesn’t exist, but exists in my head and that I wish existed in real life."  I mean, how many of us have envisioned that one key piece that would make out outfit totally rock, only to settle for something else that would just have to do?  (Note to self: seriously consider sewing classes.)  Medine's line, like everything else she does, is sure to be admired by the fashion world, and hopefully I've abstained from shopping long enough now that I can treat myself to a piece or two when the day finally arrives.

*c

:: FASHION :: Can We Talk About Shopping?

I mean really... Of all the times for me to be on a strict shopping budget due to my current state of blissful unemployment, this is not one of them.  I'm getting the shakes from all of the fashion buzz this week!

First of all, we have New York Fashion Week starting tomorrow, which means inspiration overdose!  Aside from admiring some of the most fantastical invitations I've seen to date, there's going to be a bevy of pins, blogs, Instagrams, Tumblrs and tweets featuring not only the collections, but the NYFW attendee fashions as well.  My shopping drive is going to be so high, I don't know how I'm going to resist taking advantage of some of these ridiculous temptations...

J.Crew Spring/Summer 2013 Preview :: available for pre-order

Kate Spade Surprise Sale :: up to 75% off!

{ends February 6th at 11:59pm pt}

French Connection on Gilt City :: 50%-off or a 66%-off shopping spree for six

PinkClouds :: designer + vintage online retailer

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:: LIFE :: Happy Monday

Well, if you're not a San Franciscan or 49ers fan, that is...  Our city is still reeling from yesterday's super-sized loss (we came SO close!), but as with all disappointing moments in life, we have to find inspiration to move us forward towards happier times.  I love this quote from John Lennon (my hero) that one of my friends shared today on Facebook, plus more happy links below.

My blogging bestie recently pinned this cute little critter, the Quokka, who's known for being a happy and friendly animal, and he sure looks it!

For those interesting in expanding your knowledge of fashion history, check out these beautiful books from V&A Publishing, detailing fashion from the 17th & 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

I've been obsessed with Latin culture for several years now, which is why I am absolutely loving this "Modern Mexicana" tablescape from coco+kelley.

Ease into savasana in style with Free People's new yoga line.

Check out Who What Wear's latest Style Stalker, Aimee Song, to give your style a jumpstart.

Get your wallets ready: barneyswarehouse.com is here!  The legendary Barney's deals are online, all the time!

Today, I'll be upping my happiness levels by getting some much needed chores done around the house, picking up some clean-food groceries, and (sigh) getting back to the job hunt.  Okay, maybe not all that exciting right now, but it will make me happy in the long run.

What's making you happy these days?

*c