April 30, 2014

WINE TASTING

On Friday I'm headed up to Napa for some wine tasting, Whoop Whoop! I am in serious need of a getaway, and this little trip is all kinds of perfect. Now I just need to find a cute outfit.

Wine Tasting Dresses
Hats: J. Crew $35 - H&M $13
Earrings: Bauble Bar $32- House of Harlow $21 - Kendra Scott $50 - Lucky $45
Sunglasses: River Island $22 - Minkpink $40 - Sole Society $30
Bags: Asos $37 - DSW (sold out in white) $30 - Lulu's $36 - Aldo $40 - Swell $45
Dresses: H&M $34 - Modcloth $45 - Asos $47 - Shop Ruche $43 - L is for Lover $49 - American Eagle $45


April 28, 2014

POSTGRAD LOVES: MONICA RAMOS ILLUSTRATIONS

I recently came across Monica Ramos' illustrations on Pinterest and I immediately took a liking to her art. I love that they are cute without being cutesy, and feature a lot of things I like (i.e. donuts, french bulldogs, llamas, sloths, waffles... the list goes on). I want them all framed and put on the walls of my apartment immediately. Take a peek for yourself below, and see more of her work on her website http://www.monramos.com/. 

Monica Ramos IllustrationMonica Ramos Illustration

Monica Ramos Illustration

Monica Ramos IllustrationMonica Ramos Illustration

Monica Ramos Illustration

Monica Ramos Illustration

Monica Ramos IllustrationMonica Ramos Illustration

All images via Pinterest and illustrated by Monica Ramos

April 25, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

Holy shit am I in need of some Spring Cleaning and organizing. Something I have never touched on here is that I work two jobs, so my only day off every week is Sunday. I'm totally okay with it -- I chose a job and career where I would make less money, but the sacrifice to do something I love is worth it. However, this leaves me with very little free time to fit in grocery shopping, laundry, hang out with my friends, sleeping, and cleaning my room. Obviously cleaning gets shoved to the end of the list every weekend. This is the first weekend in a long time that I am taking Saturday off, and I plan to make the most of it. Including organizing and cleaning my room, sigh.



-I scored this J. Crew tunic for $20 yesterday in store!
-Uhh.. Yum.
-50 Movies for Fashion Lovers, definitely bookmarking.
-I started a 'Finds Under $50' Pinterest board to save my favorites. Follow along!
-Hell yeah for more brunch spots in SF.
-Okay, I love this LA home. I'm ready to move in.
-Acai bowls are moving in down the street, maybe I'm not ready for LA yet.
-My obsession with Iggy Azalea is getting out of hand. This video is on repeat all. the. time.

April 24, 2014

WEEKEND BAGS UNDER $175

With summer coming so quickly, I am mentally planning tons of weekend trips. I'm already heading up for a quick 24 hours in Napa next weekend, and I definitely want to head down to LA and Orange County soon to visit my family and friends. My current luggage includes a giant suitcase that I took abroad, and a rolling duffle bag that is embarrassingly big for weekend trips. A weekender is looking like a necessary purchase for me. Luggage is on my list of necessary investments. I can guarantee anyone who has ever owned a cheap travel bag had it break on them while dashing through an airport to catch a flight. While it's easy to find a cheapie weekend bag, I can assure you that the extra money spent will save you many headaches. Plus, your bag will last as long as three or four cheapies would.
WEEKEND BAGS

Top Row: Kate Spade Saturday $180 - Everlane $95 - Stella & Dot $138
Middle Row: Anthropologie $168 - LeSportsac $116 - Herschel $80
Bottom Row: Baggu $82 - Sole Society $70 - J. Crew (It's Crewcuts, shh!) $37

April 18, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

Friday already? This week flew by so quickly. Midweek I lost all motivation and positive vibes and Pinterest, of all things, pulled me out of my funk. Seriously, the power of reading positive words is truly amazing.
Water Color Tattoo
Watercolor Tattoo image via

-I showed you my favorite dry shampoo last week... but dry conditioner!? I need to try this.
-Kid President is the most wonderful human to ever walk the planet. His videos make me giggle and laugh and feel inspired. And this is one of my favorites.
-I luuuuuuuurve this tablescape.
-Did you know Nordstrom sells select products from Etsy stores? I just found out about this today.
-I don't personally have a tattoo, nor do I think I will ever get one, but I do think watercolor tattoos are so beautiful. I also can't imagine the level of talent a tattoo artist must have.
-Gimme Gimme Gimme.
-SO. MUCH. ANTICIPATION.

April 17, 2014

SF CITY GUIDE

Have you checked out the SF City Guide? The link is in the navigation bar (or click here), and it includes a list of where to eat, drink, shop, and sweat. Comment below with any additions! 

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Crissy Field
Golden Gate Bridge image via Pinterest

April 16, 2014

BALLET INSPIRED

Do you remember Center Stage? I just found out it's on Netflix and stayed up way too late watching it. I still remember watching it when I was younger and wanting to be Jody in the final student performance when she spins and her black costume turns into the amazing red one. Also, can we talk about the sound track? Chili Peppers and Jamiroqaui are just too good for words. 

I still do the Higher Ground dance every time Chili Peppers are on. Dun dun dunahnahnah dun, do do do do do do.

I'm getting pretty tired of the tea length tulle skirts, but I really like this floaty one from H&M. The skirt and the boatneck are both subtle nods to ballet. The flats, maybe not so much. 

BALLET INSPIRED

Top, Aritzia $45- Skirt, H&M $42 - Flats, H&M $6.50 
Hat, ASOS $31 - Bag, Lulu by Lulu Guiness $50
Lipstick, Tarte 'Angelic Nude' $16 - Nail Polish, Deborah Lippman 'La Vie en Rose' $18

April 15, 2014

SPLURGE/STEAL FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH

So, this isn't exactly a new topic to the beauty world, but we shall discuss anyways. I've been reading rave reviews of Clarisonic cleansing brushes (along with the rest of the world), but couldn't quite stomach the thought of spending at least $100 on what looked like a giant electric toothbrush. I've been lucky to have pretty good skin my whole life. It's definitely not flawless, but I (thankfully) never got horrible acne. I kinda figured if it ain't broke, don't fix it with a $100 giant toothbrush. But I've read some pretty good reviews of the Olay dupe, and it's on sale on Amazon so I'm going to give it a go. Check back in a few weeks for a review!

SPLURGE/STEAL FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH


April 14, 2014

MUST HAVE MONDAY: 15 WHITE DRESSES UNDER $100

Wedding season is about to begin! For all the lucky bride-to-be's, you don't need to break the bank finding a white dress for your shower or engagement party. Save your money for the big day! Here are 15 white dress options under $100.





1. ASTR $68
2. ASOS $87
3. Nasty Gal $48
4. Zara $80
5. Ladakh $92
6. Wyatt $89
7. BCBGeneration $98
8. BCBGeneration $98
9. Aqua $98
10. Cloth $50
11. Ruche $73
12. Ruche $49
13. Lulu's $44
14. Lulu's $57
15. Modcloth $65
16. ASOS $53



 

April 11, 2014

WEEKEND LINKS

I'm just about ready to move to Europe, especially if my front door looked like this.



-When I read this post on Man Repeller, I was appalled that someone called her "ugly as fuck". In what world do we live in that a man calls a woman that, LET ALONE IN A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL? Why was that even relevant? I wish I knew what website it was so I could boycott. Her response was beautiful. I don't know if I would have taken such a high road.
-This might just be my favorite sloth video ever, which is really saying something. I also imagine this is how I am in the morning when I am looking for coffee. and food. or maybe advil and water.
-I had never met a dry shampoo I liked, until now.
-I saw this wedding video over a year ago, and I still love every last detail.

April 10, 2014

April 9, 2014

POSTGRAD LOVES: ROMPERS

I love rompers, always have and always will. Around the internet I have seen quite a few amazing rompers for spring and I rounded them up for an inspiration post.

April 7, 2014

MUST HAVE MONDAY: PARK PICNIC EDITION

We take our park-going very seriously here in San Francisco. It's not really an activity, so much as a religion or way of life. Whether you are buying truffles Dolores, braving the wind at Fort Mason, or playing Full House at Alamo, you have to be prepared. 



MUST HAVE MONDAY: PICNIC EDITION

PLAY:
Ladder Ball ($25): My favorite park game! It's hard at first but really fun when you get the hang of it.
Deck of Cards ($25): Perfect for impromptu drinking games.
A Dog: Joking. But not really. Specifically frenchies and corgi's.
Polaroid Camera ($100): Polaroids are so fun, and a picnic in the park is a perfect setting.
JBL Bluetooth Speaker ($100): Avoid the "who doesn't want to sacrifice texting and instagram for music" moment with a bluetooth speaker. Make sure you have a picnic playlist ready to go.

DRINK:
Mimosas, Mimosas, Mimosas: No explanation needed.
Mason Jars ($11): The lid is clutch for when you can't find a stable surface to put your drink on
Fun Straws ($7): Because, fun straws.
Water Bottle ($25): I preach drinking tons of water everyday, especially if you are in the sun.

WEAR:
Hat: A no brainer, but I adore this J. Crew factory version of the Panama hat.
Sunscreen: Should also be a no brainer. Coola is great because its very light and non-greasy.
Fun Sunglasses ($22): Yet another no brainer. These are under $25!
Sturdy Blanket ($17): These mexican style ones are perfect for picnics because they don't stain easily and will hold up to getting walked all over.

April 4, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

Hi! Happy Weekend!

My plans include trying the Taco Bell breakfast, and that's about it.

Any fun plans for you?


-I seriously died laughing while reading this. Then I read it again. And laughed again.
-I'm such a sap, this video made me cry happy tears.
-I absolutely need these for spring/summer.
-I am going to memorize all of these for when I am finally a contestant on Chopped.
-Shout out to the lovely lady that runs petite deli in this wonderful write-up of North Beach.
-These will be on my bar cart soon.

April 3, 2014

GET THE LOOK: SHAY MITCHELL'S MARCH BEAUTY LOOKS

Shay Mitchell is flawless. The Filipino-Irish-Scottish actress constantly kills it in the beauty department, and during March she had two outstanding looks. Both included a bold lip (which I love!) and are perfect for warmer weather. 
GET THE LOOK: SHAY MITCHELL

Hair: Curling Iron, T-3 $150 - Hairspray, DevaCurl $10 - Curl Spray, BedHead $18
Makeup: Blush/Bronzer, ELF $3 - Eyeliner, MAC $16 - Eyeshadow Palette, Bobbi Brown $48 Mascara, Rimmel London $4 - Lipstick, Joyus in 'Bright Coral Red' $25


SHAY MITCHELL

Hair: Straightening Iron, Chi $100 - Shine Serum, L'Oreal Paris $6
Makeup: Lipstick, Revlon Super Lustrous in 'Violet Frenzy' $8 - Eyebrow Kit, Sephora $19 
Highlighter, TopShop $18 - Mascara, Maybelline $5


April 2, 2014

STYLE STEAL: OLD NAVY FLATS

Ever since I started wearing a Fitbit (which you can read more about it here), I started walking to and from work. It's two miles each direction, so it took quite a toll on my flats I wear to work. There are some nice pairs I am just not willing to sacrifice on my daily commute, but I also didn't want to buy cheapie (Re: Forever21) flats that would be uncomfortable. Enter Old Navy flats. Really affordable, really comfortable, and really cute. If you have a long walking commute, I highly recommend you give a pair a spin.

Pro-tip: The flats retail at about $25 a pair, which is already really inexpensive, but I have found pairs in-store on sale for $7


STYLE STEAL: OLD NAVY FLATS
Suede D'Orsay Flat $25
Cap Toe Flat $13
Snakeskin Flat $17
Perforated Flat $23
Heeled Ballet Flat $12
Metallic Ballet Flat $20
Scrunch Ballet Flat $27
Patent D'Orsay Flat $23


April 1, 2014

POSTGRAD LOVES: OH JOY! FOR TARGET


Happy April 1st! I can't believe how fast 2014 is flying by. I have 100% turned into one of those people that exclaims 'It's already the first!?' every. single. month.

Anywho.
When I heard that Target was doing collaborations with 'power pinners' I was pretty freaking excited. The Oh Joy! line dropped March 16th and is absolutely perfect for a spring party. I wanted to see the quality of the products in person before I wrote about them, and today I got the chance. They look so cute in person as well. I can't wait for the rest of the collaborations to debut.

POSTGRAD LOVES: OH JOY! FOR TARGET



String Lights $13 - Hooray! Decoration $4 -Plates $4
Party Horns $3 - Party Bags, $4 -Party Hats $3 - Glass Bottle $10
Paper Latnern $4 - Pitcher $13
Bag $7 - Cups $4 - Ice Bucket $15 - Cake Stand $25


Shop Oh Joy! For Target Here