LIFE LATELY

Apple Goat Cheese Tartlettes via My Instagram + My Questionable Food Photography

READING: Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain is probably the first chef I really knew about. Kitchen Confidential is a good mix of personal stories and restaurant inside info.
EATING: Apple and Goat Cheese Tarts - I'm headed to a potluck tonight and was going to make goat cheese and carmelized onion tart, then I found this recipe. I ate all the extra already.
YOUTUBE-ING: People Getting Surprised with Puppies - I begin to question my sanity when I cry about videos of other people getting puppies. They are just so lucky! So much envy.
DRINKING: Saint Germain cocktails - My sister introduced me to the St. Germain cocktail this weekend and it is so good. One part champagne, one part St. Germain, and a twist of lemon or lime.
WATCHING: Whiplash - This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The acting is spectacular. I was completely engulfed for the entire film.
LISTENING: Banks, Goddess - I saw Banks live at Treasure Island Music Festival and got an instant girl crush. She is talented and so, so stylish. I ordered a blazer cape because of her.
WEARING: Blazer Cape - Said blazer cape, inspired by Banks, for when I'm feeling cool. Or rather, when I'm feeling uncool and want to feel more cool. Ya dig?
AWAITING: The Nutcracker at San Francisco Ballet - I've wanted to see The Nutcracker my whole life, and thanks to a very, very sweet birthday gift, that's happening in December!
FEELING: Grateful - I started a new job recently working with underprivileged young adults. I always try to practice gratitude, and since the start of my new job it has felt especially important.

SWEATER DRESS

I had just resigned to accepting that cold weather and pumpkin flavored everything were coming, but the weather had other plans. After a massive heatwave last week, the temperatures are very, very slowly dropping. I've been stuck in this strange place of being too cold without sleeves, but too hot with them. Such is life when I hike up big hills on a daily basis I guess! I've been on the hunt for sweater dresses though, because I feel like if my legs are bare I won't get too warm walking around. Plus they look cozy, and I don't like wearing pants.

Sweater Dress, Mango $40 - Scarf, New Look $16
Watch, Akribos XXIV $49 - Bag, Mango $40 - Boots, New Look $40

ALL HAIL THE DAHLIA

It's pretty obvious that peonies rule the wedding and blog world, but I much prefer dahlias. Dahlias (along with stargazer lilies!) are my favorite flowers and I am so happy they are coming into season now. Dahlias come in a variety of colors, but also a variety of shapes. Some have long fluffy petals, others have petals that curl down and make a spike shape, and some have very short petals that curl up and make a compact little flower. Yesterday, I saw bunches of beautiful, full, fluffy dahlias in a variety of colors at Whole Foods and had to stop myself from buying 10 bunches.

Dahlias that will last longer than a few days:

1. Perfume, Givenchy 'Dahlia Divin' $110

2. Dahlia Necklace, 31 Bits $54

3. Powder, Paul and Joe 'Dahlia' $28

4. Bra, Dita Von Teese $85

5. Candle Holder, CB2 $20 (Also separates in to two holders!)

6. Lipstick, Givenchy 'Rose Dahlia' $36

7. Earrings, Bauble Bar $24

8. Nail Polish, Dolce and Gabbana $25

9. Candle, Dayna Decker 'Dahlia Absinthe' $64

ANKLE BOOTS UNDER $150

When it comes to ankle boots, I am extremely picky. depending on where the boot hits on you the ankle, paired with the heel height, they can be very unflattering to your leg. After months of searching last fall, I finally found a pair I really loved. I wore them nearly every day -- to work, to dinner, to drinks, to running around the city. They got a lot of love, and Outside Lands was their last hurrah. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new pair to replace them. After scouring the internet, I found that Piperlime has the best selection at the best range of prices. While I mostly try to keep everything on PGIP under $50, shoes (and shoes that you wear often!) are one thing I believe in spending more on. Typically, you can get away with buying less expensive sandals, but boots are another story. But you still don't have to break the bank! I found 3 great, versatile pairs under $150.

1. Aldo 'Oneriwien' $100

2. Sam Edelman 'Petty' $130

3. Lucky Brand 'Toland' $99