What's in a Year? My 2017 Fitness Recap

Earlier this year I partnered with The Bay Club to test our their facilities and get my butt in shape. It was a 3-month partnership, but because I loved the facilities so much, I decided to join. It's now December and I've made it one whole year at the gym. Because you guys have heard me rave about my reignited love for the gym, I decided to round out the year by telling you guys how I tracked against my fitness goals. So, let's get to it, shall we? 

Stacker Style: Christmas Cheer

Keeping this post short and sticky sweet. Wishing you and yours a very joyous holiday season! I'm so grateful to have this little place on the internet, and more than that, I'm thankful to have a community that supports my work. With the year wrapping up, I am looking forward to another fresh start with more good things to come. I hope you guys are all taking some time today to slow down and enjoy time with your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

Food Friday: Robin

Robin 620 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102



If there's one thing that you've probably learned about me over these past seven years, it's that my favorite cuisine is Japanese. My boyfriend, who also happens to be half-Japanese, declared very early on that he doesn't know anyone else who eats as much sushi as me. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, he also stated that it's honestly a wonder that I don't already have mercury poisoning. This last statement, although troubling, should give you an accurate depiction of just how much I love sushi. Luckily for me, my boyfriend also loves sushi and humors me, every time I "surprise" him with a sushi restaurant (or a restaurant that offers sushi, lol) to take him to for his birthday. Our first year together, I took him to Roka Akor, our second year together I took him to Mama's Fish House, and just a few weeks ago, I took him to San Francisco's latest omakase hot spot, Robin.

Robin, which opened in July, is a "hip," omakase-only (meaning chef's choice) restaurant located in Hayes Valley. Its interior is beautiful - shades of pink tiles adorn the wall behind the sushi bar, gold paint drips from the walls, and vibrant plateware stand out once placed against the rest of the restaurant's blacktop tables. Even the wooden spoons used for dessert are cute enough to stick in your pocket (don't worry; I didn't). Omakase begins at $79 a pop and can run all the way up to $179, depending on your hunger levels. For San Francisco standards, $79 for 10-11 bites isn't terrible -- that is, so long as the food is good and you're decently satisfied. So, where does Robin stack up against the bunch? My review, after the jump.
 

Stacker Style: That '70s Girl

I love pulling out these retro-style brown boots because they always make me feel like I'm living in the 70's. And with the boots, comes this suede shearling vest, because the two just go together so, so well. I am almost certain that the last time I styled these boots for the blog, I pulled out the vest to go with. (Updated, I did and here is the post, lol.) Alas, I am the queen of rewearing my "old" clothes, but I think that's ok because this is real life, after all. This time around, instead of wearing some blue jeans, I opted for, well, a blue denim dress. I think browns look really classic when paired with denim... especially denim with brown stitching. I layered another striped long sleeve under my dress, because as I said before, stripes go with everything. Invest in a good quality striped piece, if you haven't already. This one is from Amour Vert and it's sustainably made. Not only does it feel good to wear, but it feels great knowing I'm being smart with my style.

A Visit to the Atrio Spa at Las Alcobas, Napa Valley

Let's be real - the holidays are stressful. There are holiday parties, end of the year deadlines, races to finish work before vacation hits, and presents - a whole lotta presents to buy for a whole lotta people. I tend to enjoy the season because everyone's in a much more tangibly happier mood. People smile and move a little slower, generosity is doubled, and I'm also super into holiday honey-baked hams (just being honest). That being said, just like you, I, too crave moments of tranquility. I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't methodically plan when to hit the grocery store or shopping mall just to ensure encounters with people were as minimal as possible. (Again, just being honest, lol.) So, what's the perfect relief for getting away from it all? For me, it's wine country. Ask my friends - they'll all joke about how I am practically a resident of the area because I am there so often.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Atrio Spa the Las Alcobas property for the first time. If you're unfamiliar, the property is a little over a year old and located in the heart of St. Helena.  It boasts a whopping 68 rooms and suites, a beautiful pool that overlooks the vineyards, a yoga room, and the Acacia House restaurant by none other than Chris Cosentino of San Francisco's Cockscomb. Oh, and one more thing to note - the hotel is an adult-only retreat. So kiddies under 16 have to stay at home. Do you see where I'm going with this post yet? Basically, Las Alcobas is the perfect getaway or treat before/after the holiday rush. Whether it's a gift for you (because #treatyoself), or a present for someone special (they gon' love it, and you), it's a no-brainer.

Stacker Style: THIS DRESS... Again

Alright, alright. Yes, it's this dress again, but I told you I would show you how to style it three ways, right? How else will you believe me when I say that it's the most versatile silk slip dress around? The first time you saw this dress here, I was channeling a summer casual vibe. The second time was just last week, here, and I'd say it was still more "fall" than winter. Now, this time around, I decided to style this silk slip dress with OTK/knee high boots and a chunky turtleneck sweater, so there would be no question about what season I was dressing for. The sweater, by J.Jill is one of my absolute favs. I received it from the brand a few seasons back. Along with the two other sweaters that I have from them, this one stays in heavy rotation. Nothing says "winter" quite like a turtleneck, right? These boots go well over the knee, but for this look, I folded down the cuff to show you a little bit of leg. I love long maxis and midis with slits; they're a great way to add a little somethin' somethin' to otherwise basic pieces. I received these boots from C.Wonder before they folded a little while back, but I linked a few very similar (and affordable!) options at the end of this post. 

Friendly reminder, if you want to snag this dress, you can use my sign-up and get 10% off once you make your first purchase. Again, this isn't sponsored, I just really, really love this dress. (I believe it's automatically applied at checkout, but should you have any issues, holler at your girl.)

So, which look is your favorite? 

Stacker Style: Layer Up

These days, I've been very into layering. More often than not, a turtleneck is involved. In this case, I pulled out an old, old (like 2015 old) sleeveless one and decided to layer it with one of my trusty striped long sleeves. If there's one thing you guys need in your closet (aside from a versatile slip dress), it's a good ole long sleeve. I have three and they're all in variations of black, white or navy (shocker), so methinks it's definitely time to get one with some color... in the new year. I topped off my top half with this faux shearling aviator jacket that is trés chic and warm. I even wore it to Outside Lands, so you know it's made for warmth (ha!). It comes in a million other colors (all of which have slight variations to them) including burgundy, a really fabulous dusty pink, and this contrast tone one. I'm a sucker for distressed jeans, even in the winter, so I couldn't resist my high waist wedgie jeans (that you guys originally saw, here). Finished off the look with my trusty day heels - these suckers been getting me around town since I got them.

Stacker Style: The Most Versatile Slip Dress

I am about to show you every single way to wear this versatile slip dress that I got a little while back. You first saw it, here, when I wore it with a long cardi and my casual sneaks. Now, you're seeing it here with leopard booties and my favorite poncho (from two seasons ago, that's still for sale online...and under $40!). Not to spoil the fun, but you're about to see it again in a post coming up next week, lol. (I'm not one for keeping secrets!) But in all seriousness, this silk dress is the best $79 investment I've made yet. It comes in a handful of colors, but you know you're girl stays steady rockin' that black and white. I'll likely cop it in red next! If you so choose to add this one to your cart, you can grab 10% off through this sign-up link. Not sponsored - just real love for this closet staple!

Food Friday: Plaj

Plaj 333 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94102

When you hear "Swedish meatballs," your first thought really shouldn't be Ikea. And if it is, that's okay - I'm here to help change that. Cue Plaj (pronounced "play"), a San Francisco Scandinavian spot that you maybe haven't heard of yet. And if you have, then you're already ahead of the game! Plaj, tucked away inside the Inn at the Opera, is the perfect place to stop by before heading to the ballet or the symphony. Better yet, it's the perfect place to stop by if you're looking to spice things up and try something different. I don't know about you guys, but I haven't had a lot of Scandinavian cuisine in my life. (That is, aside from my favorite cake of all time - princess cake!) So, before Plaj, I didn't really know what to expect. If you're nodding along and thinking "me too," then this post is for you.

Stacker Style: Girls To The Front

I wasn't lying when I told you that I wear these pants to death. I'm literally in one of my pairs at least twice a week. I wear them to meetings, when I've got to look a little more polished, and I wear them with sneakers (like in this look), when I am moseying around town. Highly recommend. As for this cute tee, I picked it up a few months back when I was in Austin. I had been eyeing it at other shops for a while, and finally decided to go for it. I wear it when I'm feeling a little sassier than usual. Given my sass levels, it's a wonder that I'm not in it more...

Stacker Style: Black and White, or Bust

I heard it was a whopping 90 degrees last week for my SoCal pals, so this one's for you. In all fairness, the weather up north has been fickle as f, so this look wouldn't be too uncalled for. I received this cami from Two Feathers and was super excited to wear it out. I love the asymmetrical detail - it really gives it a little something extra, doesn't it? I kept it simple in black and white, but I'm already thinking up ways to spice up this cami to be a bit more fall-appropriate. Stay tuned to see what I cook up next.

Breakfast Club

When's the last time you got up early and made your way to enjoy a seated breakfast before starting work, or your day? For me, it was a few weeks ago, when Breakfast Club invited me to slow down and have a seat at Lord Stanley's table. I had work that day, but opted to get in a little later, so I could meet and eat with some of SF's local creatives. When I first started blogging seven (!!) years ago, I made a very conscious effort to attend events and meet new people in the community. 25% of the time I would go with a friend, but 75% of the time, I went alone. I forced myself (an quiet introvert) to put my phone away and introduce myself to as many people as possible. Fast forward to 2017 (and even a few years back, if we're being totally honest!), and I almost never go to events alone anymore. I bring a pal, or my boyfriend, or if I can't bring someone, sometimes I just end up passing. As of late, I wanted to change that. So, I did - starting with this particular event. I missed making myself uncomfortable and getting to know new people. So, I decided to forgo asking for a +1, and instead, took the morning for myself. It was sorta scary to head into an event alone and ask strangers if I could join their table, but I did it. And, I met some really cool people. Aside from that, I got to enjoy an epic breakfast by the Lord Stanley crew. I sipped my tea, laughed with locals, and left filled with good vibes. Moral of the story? Get outside of your comfort zone. Put your phone down. Talk to people. Talk to people. Talk to people. It's good for the soul.

Stacker Style: Pinstripe Pancake

I am having a hard time coping with the fact that fall is here. On the one hand, I'm excited for nights in, Netflix binges, and fuzzy sweaters and socks. But I truly am a sunshine girl at heart. I love the warmth, I love the sun, and I love basking in it. Plus, isn't Vitamin D a natural mood booster? Of course, fall and winter aren't all that bad. Cozy layers, anyone? I've already pulled out all of my turtleneck sweaters, wool coats, and am looking for new ways to layer up some of my summer items, including this pinstripe piece that I received from Two Feathers. Because fall crept up on me, I wasn't ready to give up my dresses just yet. I decided to layer my wrap dress with a light turtleneck to keep me warm in SF's brisk, but warm, but brisk weather. Next up, once the weather gets even colder, I'll probably add in some tights and some knee-high boots.

Food Friday: Maker's Common

Maker's Common 1954 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

East Bay friends, this one's for you. Maker's Common is the new kid on the Berkeley block. It's an eatery and marketplace by the owners of San Francisco's beloved, Mission Cheese. The eatery is a casual neighborhood gathering place, where folks grab a quick bite, park it outside on the patio, or make themselves comfortable for family-style meals. The marketplace is stocked with goods from local makers and is meant to inspire patrons for their next picnic or gathering. I recently had the pleasure of touring the beautiful open space and delighting in some cheese, meats, and treats for dinner. After the jump, view more of the space, designed by Studio KDA, and see what you can nosh on when you visit.

Black Friday Shopping Steals and Deals

Black Friday happens to be one of my favorite times of the year. My very first Black Friday, I made my poor mom wake up at 3 or 4am to stand in line with me at Best Buy, so I could buy The Sims Expansion pack (aka The Sims + every single expansion pack created) for $7.99. $7.99!! It was absurd, because clearly no one was waking up to line up that early for THE SIMS. We stood in line to pay for maybe over an hour, but at the end of that morning, I was one happy camper. And hooked... on Black Friday. These days, I'm a little less crazy, and while I do still enjoy the in-store experience, I can appreciate the online steals much, much more. So, for anyone like me, I put together a few of the best steals around!

Stacker Style: DVF Kissed My Cheek

An alternate name for this blog post was "Where's Waldo," which is coincidentally what I was for Halloween, thanks to this stunner of a sweater. But, I thought "DVF Kissed My Cheek" was more appropriate, because, well, it happened. You've already heard me preach on how much I was feeling myself after the whirlwind of a night that was the #DVFStudioxLevi event, but like I said, I have a vault of photos and it's time to share them all.

After the jump, read up on my evening out with DVF, catch photos from the event, plus more shots of my full look!

Friendsgiving with DoorDash

Thanksgiving is in two days, you guys. Two days! Is it just me, or did this year totally zoom by? I honestly can't believe it's nearly December. Every year, around this time, my friends and I host a Friendsgiving potluck, where we gather 'round and stuff ourselves silly with amazingly delicious food and drinks. (Think lumpia, ribs, pies galore, cider, sweet potato mash and more... mmmmm.) Because we lost track of time and forgot to plan, this will be our first year out of the last several that we won't be having one. (Insert sad face, here.) Luckily, we also host an annual Friendsmas gathering, so not all is lost. Even better, Bay Area-based restaurant delivery service, DoorDash recently saved a seat at the table for me at their's, so I didn't have to totally miss out on the Friendsgiving tradition. Aside from chowing down alongside some of my blogging pals,  I also walked away with some fresh ideas for how to "wow" guests at my next gathering. Anyone out there hosting people this year and could use some extra tips, too? Well, my friends, you're going to want to read more after the jump.

Stacker Style: Red-y to Ruffle

I've come to acknowledge that my favorite color might just be red. I love a red lip, a red statement bag, and now, this red dress. I'm often found wearing the basics - black, white, navy - but the more I put this color on, the more I feel good and alive, confident, and happy. Can you tell? How's that for feeling like a million bucks? 

Food Friday: Bluestem Brasserie's New Brunch Menu

Bluestem Brasserie 1 Yerba Buena Lane

Bluestem Brasserie recently welcomed Trevor Ogden into their kitchen as their new Executive Chef. Chef Trevor hails from Park Tavern and brings with him over 15 years of experience, as well as a new weekend brunch menu, which I got to experience for the first time just this past Saturday. It should be no surprise that I couldn't pass up a brunch tasting at Bluestem. I frequent the restaurant often for happy hour and anytime I have a hankering for my favorite cake in the city.  I was really excited to try Chef's take on brunch, because it's truly my favorite meal. So what was on the menu? See more after the jump.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day Three

What I didn't tell you about my Austin City Limits adventure is that the day before my trip, I got attacked by a crazy mosquito. It bit my forehead six times and my arms about another six to eight more times. Yes, it did look like I got hit in the face. And then, just as my face and arm swelling started to go down... I got bit by MORE mosquitoes on my legs when I got to Austin. It was sad and funny all at the same time. I was swollen, it was humid and hot, and I got no relief. Why am I telling you this? Because on day three of ACL, the sun came out in full force and it was almost miserable. My bites were more swollen than ever thanks to the heat, and if you look really, really closely... you can see a few in these photos. Luckily, Juice Land saved my soul, and the Gorillaz and Zhu met my musical expectations. Now, time to start saving and planning for Austin, year four.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day Two

I found these pants at a random shop in the mall and they cost me less than $20. Aside from being insanely affordable, they also happened to be the most comfortable pants I own. Hyperbole? Nope - they're really that comfortable. Maybe it's because they were loose and free flowing and allowed me to eat queso and bbq to my heart (and stomach's) content. Whatever the case, day two's festival fit was my favorite of the whole weekend. It also helped that I had a matching bag and some dope platform sandals to give me an inch or two above the concert crowd. Aside from that, I was having a really good hair day, so there's that.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day One

I'm finally getting around to this ole thing and let me tell you - the photo vault is fully and plenty. So, it's time to start churning these babies out. Starting with this one. A little over a month ago, your girl took a trip to her favorite city in the country, Austin, Texas. It was my third visit to the city and my third Austin City Limits in the books. This year's lineup was pretty rad - Zhu, Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Portugal. The Man, and more! Truth be told, I'd seen most of the performer's on this year's bill. But, I was really excited to finally see the Gorillaz and the xx, and I was even more excited to catch Zhu and the Peppers again. The xx closed day one and they were my favorite set of the whole weekend - so magical to see them perform live!

Stacker Style: High Waist, Wide Leg

I bought these pants in 3 different colors and I am not even sorry. I've never been one to do the high-rise thing. (You may remember my first pair of high-risers over here.) After trying on a pair and deciding that I could, in fact, pull it off, I decided to keep the streak alive. So I proceeded to buy these. And then I got them in this color and then this color. I now even own a pair of high waist jeans. WHO AM I? I am not sure, but I feel very cool. Maybe it's the residual effect from my haircut, maybe it's these pants. Likely both. Whatever it is, I'm riding the cool girl wave, and there's no end in sight.

Stacker Style: Gym Rat

I bought these pants for a whopping $12. $12, Y'ALL. Now that I have become a self-proclaimed gym rat, I'm trying to look fly as hell, but on a budget. Can't be spending $100 on a pair of pants, you know? So when I walked by a sale rack of $12 yoga pants, I had to do a double take. I went inside, asked if the pants were really $12, and then proceeded to try on a few pairs. Walked away with two and now my booty is looking even more banging whilst I Zumba and stretch away. Unfortunately, this was a one-time, in-store only sale, so the pants are no longer available on the low-low. BUT, they are available on the low, so get them here, while you can!

Beauty Bites: Seed Phytonutrients

Last week, I had the pleasure of being introduced to L'Oréal's new incubator beauty brand, Seed Phytonutrient. I know what you're thinking (because I was, too) - another beauty brand? Do we really need one? Probably not, if it's just another brand. But after spending the day with the Seed Phytonutrient team, I quickly realized that they're far from that. They're a brand ready to change the sustainability sphere and are already sparking conversations to help make sure that we, as consumers, are, too. Intrigued? I thought you might be. Read on to hear about my day and this new brand that you need to know about.

Food Friday: Pacific Catch

Hello, Friday! Or should I say, "Aloha"? Why you ask? Well, one of my favorite places to grab a bite, Pacific Catch, is now offering Aloha Friday, where you can grab Mai Tai's for $5 all day long, so long as you show up in Hawaiian attire. Not a bad way to celebrate Friday, eh? Not into cocktails? No sweat. Pacific Catch offers HH deals on delicious bites Monday through Friday, so you can score some dollars off any day of the week. I happen to love Pacific Catch for their shrimp tacos and rice bowls (Japanese Wasabi bowl, Cali-style poke, half brown rice, half salad is my go-to, in case you're wondering!). I recently stopped by to fill up on all of their other tasty offerings including sushi, calamari, poke and more. Verdict? Everything is worth a taste. Stop by one of these upcoming Fridays and see for yourself!

Stacker Style: Power Pants

Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Or so the saying goes. When I think about my life and my career, I honestly can't tell you where I'll be in five years. For all intents and purposes though, I like to think that it will all work out. My career path to date has been less than straight, but it's always worked out (even with all the bumps, potholes and detours!). Sure, there have been times where I've been at a stop sign for a little longer than planned, or even had to back up, before moving forward. Nevertheless, I've always believed that I'm where I'm supposed to be, until I'm supposed to be somewhere else.

The Coachman Hotel

The Coachman Hotel 4100 Pine Boulevard South Lake Tahoe

Came for the waffles, stayed for the s'mores.

Food Friday: Santa Clara's New Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 2762 Augustine Dr, Santa Clara, CA‎



Late last month, I had the pleasure of attending a restaurant opening for Santa Clara's latest hotspot - Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. I've been to many a steakhouse in my day, and I know that you have been, too. So, what makes Fleming's stand out in a sea of steaks? Well, for one, their wines. Fleming's boasts an impressive 100 wines, specially curated, featuring esteemed vintages and local favorites. The fact that these wines rotate each year makes the quest to taste each even more enticing - can one really drink them all? I don't know, but I am willing to find out. But what's wine without the perfect pairing, right? At Fleming's you can have it all - surf and turf. And, if you know me, you know that I love a good cut of meat, as much as a I love a good selection of seafood. Like most steakhouses, Fleming's also offers a delicious array of sides to accompany your main course - mushroom, potatoes, spicy mac and cheese and greens. Why pick, if you don't have to? So long as you still have room for dessert. And trust me, you'll want dessert. So, now that you've got the overview, let's hear about my night, shall we?

Stacker Style: Kickin' it with Keds

Time and time again, I will tell you that I cannot settle when it comes comfort. In fact, the older I get, the less I'm willing to compromise when it comes to what makes me feel good and happy. And, because I'm embracing the less is more mantra, it's even more important that the things I fill my closet with are good quality, versatile, and, of course, worth my money! I recently slipped on a pair of Keds and took them for a whirl. I had always known about the brand, but never had the opportunity to try a pair on for size. First off, I had no idea how many different styles of Keds there are out there! I'm a classic gal and really wanted a pair of basic white sneakers, so I went with these. I couldn't have been happier with my selection - not only do they go with everything (jeans & tee? yeah! dress? no problem!), they also happen to be comfortable as comfortable gets. I've been wearing them on long walks around town, to work, and everywhere in between. I even wore them to Outside Lands. What's a better test than a 3-day music festival, right? And yes, my feet survived and my favorite new sneaks passed the festival footwear test. 

Stacker Style: Outside Lands 2017, Day 2

On day dos of OSL, comfort was once again key. I'm usually one to mix up the outfits - one day, I'll keep it casual with jeans, and the next day I'll let it flow with a floor length maxi. This year, I kept it easy with jeans and sneaks both days in a row, but made sure to jazz up my looks with some fun statement pieces. See the breakdown of my outfit, including which Rebeca Minkoff pieces I styled for this look, after the jump!

Stacker Style: Outside Lands 2017, Day 1

Outside Lands has come and gone, but my #OOTD photos live on, thus, I must share them. OSL was my first festival this year, which is slightly shocking for a festival gal like myself. What's even more shocking is that I only made it to two of the three days this year. This girl is getting old, ha. Luckily for me, I had no expectations, no agenda and was just there for the fun. I danced, I laughed, and, of course, I ate. This year, I was stoked to work with Rebecca Minkoff to showcase how us SF gals do festival fashion. After the jump, see how I styled my RM.

Stacker Style: Gym Bag Essentials

Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to to be my fittest self ever by 30. I've been a gym goer here and there, but never anything consistent. Ever since joining my new gym earlier this year, I've been keeping up my cadence of hitting the gym 3-4 days a week. It's been an awesome and motivating journey and I'm feeling optimistic about my hitting my goal. I'm still seven or so months away from hitting the big 3-0, so we'll see! After eight months of gym visits under my belt, I've got my routine down to a science. I don't let anything stand in the way of my gym visits (and I've gotten quite good at saying "no" to things, in favor of spending my time working out and filling up on endorphins!). I've also been treating myself with my favorite apparel (after hitting a fitness milestone) and stocking my bag with all of the essentials. I've found that all these little things (cute athletic wear and amazing products) help to make working out all that more fun. Curious to see what I keep in my gym bag? Read more after the jump!

Stacker Style: #SayHi to My New Favorite Jeans Thanks to Old Navy

There's a lot of simple pleasures in life, and one of mine is finding a really good pair of jeans. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that many women get just as giddy when they find a pair that feels and looks good. Think about it - think about how many pairs of jeans you have in your closet that are stretchy, comfy, feel good, make your legs look long, and make your bum look good. Theoretically, all our clothes should make us feel that good, but the truth is sometimes we strike out! A few months back, I was introduced to a pair of jeans that I now have two of in my closet. Want to hear more? Of course you do, so read more after the jump!

Stacker Style: Slow Down, Loosen Up

99% of the time, you can find be in casual, easy breezy outfits, like this one. I'm a big proponent of sneakers and wedges, and basically anything else that's easy to walk in. Included in my repertoire of casual-wear are cheeky tote bags, loose tanks and baggy, distressed denim. (Basically, everything you see in this post is what I regularly wear on the weekends.) This particular tote is one that I picked up from a shop in New Orleans. Again, ha, the shop is located next to the Ace we were staying at. It was less than $20 and it spoke to me, so I had to add it to my collection. Every time I wear it, I'm reminded of the mantra plastered on it, "Slow Down, Loosen Up." I'm constantly moving, thinking and doing - sometimes it's nice to be reminded to slow down and to go with the flow. I'm trying to embrace more of that breezy feel so often found in my outfits with friendly reminders (hence, tote bag) and personal mindfulness. The gym, slow weekends and "me" time all help, too. Got some tips for slowing down? Share 'em with me, below!  

Stacker Style: Green Day-to-Night Get-Up

While I was in LA, I stayed downtown at the Ace, which happens to be down the street from BNKR. I couldn't resist hopping in and trying in a few goodies, including this dress! Well, not this exact one because the one I tried on was just a tad too big. I left empty-handed and proceeded to scour the web to find it. After a few searches I found it and now you're looking at the proud owner of the most versatile green dress ever. Seriously. It's the perfect day-to-night frock. Easy to dress up, and even easier to dress down. I styled it with my favorite leather jacket (which is starting to stretch because I wear it to death!) and a pair of leopard sling backs (which actually happen to be a half size too small for me, but I can't bring myself to get rid of them because I love leopard print..). Finished off the look with my new lippie (into the orange pout, you guys?) and a classic pair of sunnies. These days, I'm all about the double-duty pieces. After getting rid of half my closet, I'm only added pieces that can be worn well (and to death!).

Stacker Style: Ways to Combat the Monday Blues

Ever since I cleared out my closet, I've been finding many oldies, but goodies, like this chambray shirt and matching stripe chevron stripe Soludos. I've been putting so many of my "new" clothes into rotation, that I'm getting lots of questions about my outfits. Sadly, most items are no longer available (these are like years old, guys, ha), but I'm doing my best to share similar items in the widgets at the end of my posts.

I actually wore this frock right before the Fourth, to get into the festive spirit. Ironic to wear a Canadian tuxedo in preparation to celebration the US's independence, but it is what it is, ha. But, because the Fourth is long gone, I decided to do a post on combating the much-hated Monday blues. Scroll below for some fun tips and treats!

Stacker Style: Jump(Suit) for Your Love

I love a good jumpsuit, but the truth is I only own one...and you're looking at it. Don't get me wrong - I have a ton of rompers, but sometimes I feel like jumpsuits are hit or miss. I decided that I'd rather try and return, than not try at all, because landing on the right one is such a score! I grabbed this stunner from Zara. Unfortunately, like with most Zara pieces, this one is all sold out, but I've shared a couple of my favorite black and white options (as well as other similar items to this outfit) in the widget at the end of this post!

Beauty Bites: Masks of the Moment

If there's one thing you must know about me it's that I'm a skincare junkie. I turn 30 next year, but I'm trying to keep my skin age 18. Luckily for me, most people still think I'm in my early 20s (which used to bother me), but now I don't mind at all. One secret? Masks. I love a good mask. My ideal Sunday evening is spent in a good mask (or two!), with candles or sage burning, and Friends playing in the background. So, as someone with a bit of an obsession with masks, I decided to do a round-up of my current faves and must haves.

48 Hours in London: The Ultimate Travel Guide

You may have noticed on the gram that I've been hit by the travel bug again. I've been taking my weekend escapes seriously and jetting off just about every chance I've been able to. So far this year, we've been to Palm Springs, New Orleans, LA, and of course, wine country. Not so bad for the first half the year, if I do say so myself. Now that summer is in full swing, I've got longer itineraries on my mind. Although nothing is booked yet, I'm thinking I may pull the trigger with all of these international deals. But where to? Well, for starters, the pound is at a 31-year low. Yes, 31-year low. Can you imagine how much you can save on travel to London right now? (If not, refer to this handy Brexit Calculator that Virgin put together to help you calculate your savings!) If you're itching to head across the pond, then I've got the perfect post for you. I've partnered with Virgin Atlantic to put together a handy guide for all the things to see, do and eat in London in 48 hours. Of course, if you're heading all the way over, may as well stay longer.. but just in case, here's all the musts.

Stacker Style: Sunday's Best

Alright. Confession. I shot this look seriously just about a year ago and somehow didn't get this post up! But, since Mother's Day is coming up and you might be in the market for some ideas on what to wear for a day out with mom, I figured now is as good of a time as any to finally share this look. A stunning silk skirt plus a matching silk top is a sure-win recipe for success. In fact, having first put this combo together a year ago, I can tell you that every time I need an outfit to look my best in, this is the combo I'm grabbing (especially since I have matching lipstick to go with!). And, if you're still in need of a sure-win present idea for mom, I've got that, too. Aside from your time, get mom a classic silk piece that she can wear over and over and over. Scarf, skirt, top - can't go wrong (especially if you pair it with some lipstick to match, too!).

pancakePROFILES: Perch SF

Perch 654 Chenery Street

It's been a while since I've done a pancakePROFILE series on the blog, but just in time for Mother's Day, I wanted to introduce you all to the owner behind the sweetest little shop I was invited to, in hopes that you'll make time to visit him and his store, too. If you're not familiar, my profile series is where I interview local folks in the San Francisco area who are doing some cool things (like starting or growing their own business) and making the city a richer place because of it. Truth be told, I encounter so many rad people doing amazing, inspirational things on a day to day basis through my blog, that I'd love to spend more time telling their stories again. Thus, I'm brining this long-too-dormant series back and truly hope that you guys enjoy it. So, let's get started shall we?

Stacker Style: City Girl

We're officially back from New Orleans and even though it's nice to be home, I am already planning our next escape. I love San Francisco, but lately, I've been finding myself more and more anxious to explore. We've already got our yearly ACL trip in the books, which isn't until October, but I'm excited to have something to look forward to. Given Austin isn't until October, we're brainstorming possible road trip options to SoCal, international travels to Europe, and our fill of weekend getaways. In fact, with Memorial Day and Fourth of July just around the corner, I know it won't be long until this city girl is on the road again. But the question remains... where to next? Anyone have any suggestions for fun places to visit? 

Beauty Bites: Clarins Spring 2017

You know that my love for Clarins runs deep. I look forward to the brand's spring launch every. single. year. (See here and here, if you don't believe me.) This year was no exception. Probably the biggest reason why I have loved Clarins for so long is their mission to constantly innovate and improve upon skincare. The brand evolves products and doesn't settle when it comes to good skincare solutions. This spring, I was delighted to find that the same thing still rang true, both with new products and improvements upon old favorites. After the jump, take a look at some of the brand's new spring standouts and see which products I've found myself keeping in my makeup bag ever since receiving them.

Stacker Style: Comfortable Sandals for Spring

In the spirit of sharing shoes that don't suck, let me introduce you to another recent pair that my feet were happy to wear: these pretty little sandals pictured above by Dansko. I'd heard of Dansko before, but never had an opportunity to slip a pair on. So, when the brand kindly reached out to see if I'd be interested in trying some of their shoes for spring, I decided to take them up on the offer. It's been a while since my toes have seen the light of day (outside, that is). San Francisco still has these weird weather moments where rain will suddenly appear out of the blue. And, even when the sun is out, the wind is in full force. So, in an attempt to keep as warm as possible, I've stuck to close-toed shoes all the way. In fact, even as I'm writing this there's rain in the forecast for later this week! That being said, I'm ready to get my pedicure on and rock some sandals this spring. So, I opted for the sandals pictured above, as my next step into spring. How did they stack up? Find out after the jump!

Food Friday: Breaking Bread at Tawla, San Francisco's newest Eastern Mediterranean Gem

Tawla 206 Valencia Street 

Mediterranean is quite possibly one of my favorite cuisines. In fact, there was a point a little while back where I'd visit the same Mediterranean restaurant every Friday night. (La Med, in case anyone is wondering and my standard order is the chicken kebab plate with lentil soup, lol.) That being said, I was excited to be introduced to a new Eastern-Mediterranean spot in the city. Somewhere new to spice things up! Cue the mission's latest gem, Tawla. When people think of Mediterranean, oftentimes they're used to "street food" items like shwarmas, pitas and kebabs, which isn't a bad thing - because all of those things are delicious, in my opinion. That being said, there's a whole other layer of deliciousness that has yet to be tapped: food made at home that you just can't get anywhere else. That's where Tawla comes in. Tawla's founder, Azhar Hashem, wanted to fill a void in the San Francisco food scene by showcasing the comfort food of the Levant and Mediterranean regions. When I thought about this, I realized, I didn't know what home-style, Levant-region food actually was. Thankfully, that would change that evening, as I got a crash course in Levant-style cuisine thanks to Azhar and the Tawla team, who graciously welcomed us into their "home." So, what did I learn? Read more after the jump.

How I Balance It All

Some people ask how I balance it all - work, love, family, friends, my blog, the gym... the list goes on. Truth it, it's hard. There's no universe in which I am able to do everything. Well, not everything all at once. I've taken endless breaks on this blog - just search "I'm back" in the search bar, and I'm sure at least ten posts will pop up (hahaha). I've taken a break from the gym (and had the pounds to prove it, lol). I've gone weeks without seeing my friends (and have some angry "WTF" texts to show for it). I've even gone too long without giving my parents a call (and have the "Hello, where are you??" voicemails saved to remind me of it). Balancing everything is hard (and I'm not even raising a family - it's just me!). There's no secret. But, in between it all, I've found some ways to make things work. Note, I don't claim to be an expert and some days my sanity hangs on by a tiny little thread. But, I figure we're all going through it in various degrees, so we might as well talk about it together.

Stacker Style: The Everlane Day (to night) Heel

I'm not one for believing in big statements (without proof, that is). It's in my nature to analyze everything. In fact, as and English major in college, I found it thrilling to analyze every angle of a 4-word line in a poem. I could write paragraphs out of just a sentence. Point is, I like to challenge things. That being said, I'd still consider myself a healthy mix of both optimistic and realistic. If you say something, I genuinely want to believe you - but I need proof, ha. So, why am I telling you this? Because Everlane just released their Day Heel, coined the most comfortable heel to walk in by scores across the web. Everlane's own website says it's the heel you can walk in all damn day. Now, let me tell you something about myself. I love dressing up. I wish I could lie and say that I'm chic AF and rock the heels 9 to 5 at the office. I'm not. I prefer comfort over style and sometimes forget that the two can go hand in hand. When I was living in LA for college, I trained myself to love heels. (We're talking live, breathe,walk in-them-forever-love). Well, 7 years later, San Francisco has turned me into the sneaker queen. People at work marvel over how I can keep my collection so pristine. But, every now and then I miss the old heel-loving-me. So, when Everlane invited me to their Day Collection pop-up, you know I had to show up. The verdict? Find out after the jump.

Weekend Getaway: Palm Springs

My favorite place to get away is Palm Springs. Despite my San Francisco resident status, my true home is under the sun. And Palm Springs, my friends, is my desert dream under the sun. I venture to PS at least once a year (usually for Coachella), but every now and then I go just for some good ole R&R. This year, because I'm not headed to Coachella (I know, I can't believe it either!), I decided to book a trip to the desert to get my fill. It was also Derrick's first non-Coachella PS trip, so we decided to live like the locals, if only for a weekend. After the jump, catch a photo diary of our trip, along with a list of favorite spots to catch whilst in the city.

Stacker Style: Fits Like a Glove

I'd been looking for a camel coat for years. You might remember this oversized stunner, that I continue to keep in my closet, despite it being extremely too large for me. (It's too beautiful for me to let go of, and I sort of think I might get it tailored one day...) Well, I went on about wanting a camel coat for so long that someone eventually listened. My boyfriend surprised me with this stunner for my birthday back in February and I finally took it out for a spin. Now, had you seen me in this a few days ago and you would have thought I had lost my mind, given the city's hot 70 degree weather. But, never one to stay out of the limelight too long, Karl quickly rushed back and with him so did the cold front. I was just getting used to light jackets and toe-bearing mules. That being said, a chic coat, skinny jeans and over the knee boots aren't so bad either.