Sweater Weather

Sometimes the winter weather requires a cozy knit to keep one warm. I picked this one up in a thrift store in New York. In my book, a good winter sweater is oversized and full of warmth. Hoping to shrink this one a tad bit, but for now, it's doing it's job.

A Touch of Eskimo

I'm naturally colder than most - I am almost convinced my body temperature is below average (even though a thermometer says otherwise). So, if you were to look into my closet, you'd notice that I own way more coats and jackets than a human being should. Nonetheless, every fall and winter, I have to add at least one or two more to my growing collection. 

pancakePROFILES: Azil Boutique

Are you guys ready for the next featured small business in my holiday gift guide series? This week, I'd love for you all to learn more about to my friends at Azil Boutique. For those who may not be familiar, Azil is a charming jewelry and accessories shop located in San Francisco's Hayes Valley and Russian Hill neighborhoods. Filled with dainty and beautiful pieces, Azil is your one stop shop for the jewelry lover on your holiday list. 

I Left My Sourdough in San Francisco

On your standard Saturday or Sunday, you can find me in these threads - jeans, a simple sweatshirt, my typical braided hair and a beanie or a hat (with coffee in tow, but of course). There's something so nice about being able to put on a pair of jeans with a little sparkly piece and walking around the city.

#SFlovesHM Event Recap

I had the pleasure of co-hosting H&M's grand re-opening event for their Powell Street location in San Francisco. It was a fun morning of shopping the new store, as well as helping one lucky blog reader pick out a free head to toe outfit! My winner, Danielle, scored big and picked out the cutest hot pink number, along with black heels and a necklace for New Year's. I also got to pick out a head to toe outfit for myself and let me tell you - it was hard! I couldn't decide whether to go with the cozy knits and beanies (obviously way more appropriate for the season) or some fun party dresses for the holidays. I ended up picking out some print on print action to spice things up.

Thank you so much to H&M for having me and to everyone who tweeted and participated in the giveaway! 

MinkPink

Dress: MinkPink (Check out the shirt version here!); Jacket: MinkPink; Tights: Target; Boots: Nine West

Photos by: Jesica

I've recently fallen in love with the Australian brand, MinkPink. Their fun, quirky and unique pieces have slowly started to make their way into my closet, and I'm only mad that I didn't start my collection back in '05. Better late than never though! You've probably seen me wear this dress multiple times on Insta, but what can I say? I'm a repeat offender. The tweed jacket I just got on super sale at Nordy's and although I have maybe four other green-sleeved jackets, I couldn't pass this one up. It's more than likely you'll see me wear these pieces again and again and again - but when you have something you love, why not?

pancakePROFILES: Garden Apothecary

So you guys know that I love San Francisco, right? But San Francisco wouldn't be half as cool as it is without all of the amazing people that help make it what it is. Being a blogger in this grand city has given me the opportunity to meet many of the creative, passionate, and supportive people in the SF Bay Area community, including some awesome small business owners who are doing the damn thing.

In celebration of the holiday season, and to show some love to many of the small businesses and small biz owners who have always shown us bloggers support, I wanted to share some special stacks throughout the month (a series of gift guides, if you will). Along with some of my holiday gift picks from these local businesses, I'll also be sharing a couple Q&A's from the people behind the scenes, who are making it all happen.

Shopping Is My Cardio

Beanie: True SF; Pants: Nike; Tee c/o ShopStyle & Everlane; Sneaks: H&M

Photos by: Jesica 

Just kidding, guys. Yoga & boxing are my current sources of cardio (but shopping is definitely up there, ha!). As a continuation of my ShopStyle lay-down that you saw in my last post, I also wanted to share some look photos to help give ya some outfit inspiration. Definitely not afraid to meander the streets of the city in my workout gear... even if it means wearing offensively bright pants. I mean, if you can't wear highlighter yellow pants just for the heck of it, then what can you really do in life? But really though, when I say I'm no stranger to fun workout clothes, I mean it. And pun-ny water bottles? Yeah, I like those too.

#SFlovesHM - Join Me on Thursday, 12/6!

Bay Area friends, have you heard the news? The H&M on Powell Street in San Francisco has gotten a revamp and is re-opening their doors to the public, this Thursday, December 5th. What's even more exciting? Myself, along with a few other bloggers, will be there to help welcome you all to the new store and play personal stylist for a few lucky readers. What's that? Tell you more? Why sure!

Doors to the new digs open at 9:30AM and the first 200 shoppers in line will get an "Access to Fashion" gift pass, valued anywhere from $10 up to $300! But that's not all. H&M is rolling out a global garment recycling program, where customers who donate a bag of donated clothing can receive a voucher for 15% off an item on their next purchase! Anyone who brings garments to be recycled on opening day will also have the chance to win H&M gift cards valued between $50 and $100 (in addition to receiving the 15% off voucher!).

But the most exciting news of all? If you want to go and can attend the opening event on Thursday morning, follow & tweet me (@pancakeSTACKER) and @HMUSA with the hashtag #SFlovesHM while you're in line at the opening and I'll pick one lucky winner to attend the pre-opening (at 8:45 AM) for a head to toe style consultation... meaning you get to KEEP the whole outfit!

So, let's recap - gift cards, free outfit, a fun shopping date with your sassy friend, pancakeSTACKER? DO IT. Come on, guys - let's play dress up! If you can't attend, be sure to follow me and H&M on Insta to see all the fun in real-time!

#WeShopStyle with Popsugar & ShopStyle

Photos by: Jesica 

I recently participated in Popsugar and ShopStyle's latest campaign, "We Shop Style!" It was definitely a tricky one, as shooting a lay-down-style blog post was no easy feat. Though, with a little help from my ever-so-patient friend, Jesica, I think we got the job done.

When I thought about creating my lay-down look, I was inspired by the simplicity of a great workout. All you need is a good pair of shoes and some fun gear and you're ready to go. And what's more motivating than working out in fun clothing? I personally love to make a statement in my workout gear, and anyone who has seen me at the gym can attest - I like to keep it bright and bold (with some basic staples, too, of course).



Be sure to check out ShopStyle's latest campaign here and make finding your personal statement pieces that much easier!

This post was sponsored by ShopStyle.

Food Friday: Jones

Jones 620 Jones Street

Okay, so I know Thanksgiving just passed for us here over in the US, but there's always more room for food porn, right? A couple weekends ago, I finally made my way over to 620 Jones for their Sunday Brunch. It's been on my bucket list for the whole year (yes, the whole year, really), so I was delighted when my plans finally came into fruition. Some things to know about Jones: 1. It's in the TL (but don't let that stop you) and 2. They only do brunch on Sundays and don't take reservations for small parties, which means get there good & early.

Feelin' Fancy, Feelin' Free

Tee: Brandy Melville; Jean Jacket c/o Lulus.com; Maxi Skirt: Threadsence; Hat: Jigsaw London, Boots c/o Pink and Pepper; Necklace c/o Capwell+Co 

Photos by: Kathleen 

When it comes to bottoms, maxi skirts take the cake for me. I love nothing more than a long piece of fabric covering my legs, but still allowing me to be free as a bird. When I saw this skirt on Threadsence, I knew it'd find the perfect home in my closet. Since purchasing it, I've worn it more times than I can count. Best thing about a maxi? You can wear it for warm or cold weather. I know what you're thinking - cold weather? Listen, I'm convinced that my body temp runs lower than normal, but I'm a full supporter of a maxi on cold days. For one, you can wear socks and booties, and bam you're all covered up, or, if you really want to keep bundled, wear 'em with a pair of tights! I've done both and can attest that I didn't look strange whilst doing so. Another great thing about maxis? You can dress them up or down. This is probably one of the most casual ways I like to wear my maxis - a simple tee, a pair of booties, and a denim jacket. Don't forget to add a statement necklace and hat to accessorize and give your look some extra oomph!

Dress For Less

Dress, scarf, cross body, and shoes all c/o Ross

Photos by: Jesica

If there's one thing you must have figured out by now about my blog and my personal style, it's that dressing up doesn't have to come at a huge expense. Sure, I love a good splurge every now and then, and I DO think it's important to treat yourself and spend on good quality, but I also strongly believe that deals are out there and it only takes a little digging to find them. Whether it's digging at the thrift store, digging at the sales rack at a department store, or digging in your mom's closet (ha), it just takes a little patience to be able to find that hidden gem. So, when Ross asked me to share my style under $100, I thought, "No problem!" And, I was right.

I went to my local Ross store and was so lucky to find this beautiful sweater dress (perfect for San Francisco weather, might I add), which was a steal at $16.99. I mean, let's be honest here - if I told you this dress was $17, would you believe me? After trying on the dress, I knew it was meant to be. In fact, I'm convinced this whole outfit was meant to be. After deciding on the dress, I looked around the accessories and shoe department and came across these amazing gold sneakers, in my size, and knew I had to get them. Oh, and did I mention that they were $19.99? Yeah. I have a huge thing for cross body bags - they're essential for girls on the go, so was happy to find a great one in a lovely chestnut color for $15.99. And since we're getting ready for colder weather, I picked up a pretty little gold scarf to finish off my look. Cost of the scarf? $9.99. In total, it took me one hour to pick out my outfit, and with tax, the whole look came together for just under $70.00. Amazing, right? So believe me when I say that looking good doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. All it takes is a little patience and a positive outlook.

Coven

Cara Lace Dress c/o Jigsaw London; Hat: Jigsaw London; Boots: Nine West

Photos by: Kathleen 

Any American Horror Story fans out there? Then Coven should ring familiar. It wasn't until after I put together this outfit did I realize how back to back episodes strongly influenced me to unintentionally emulate the show's wardrobe. How's that for marketing, ha. But in all seriousness, how fantastic is this little lace number by Jigsaw London? The best part of such an LBD is the ability to dress it up with heels, or give it a casual look, with boots, such as the way I've worn it here. I'm looking forward to wearing this one come holiday season - cue fancy heels and winter coat. And, it goes without saying that I'm clearly obsessed with this hat. Like really obsessed. Hands down, best purchase I've made all month long. Thank you, Jigsaw!