Life in the Fog

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive;
and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
-Maya Angelou

March 31, 2014

SF style - Hayes Valley

When I think of Hayes Valley, the first thing that comes to mind are the amazing interior design and home decor shops in the area, so naturally I curated Hayes Valley style based on bold prints and design.


I am obsessed with the Azzedine Alaia skyscraper high shoes - Teardrop suede sandals
Iam by Ileana Makri Chantilly cuff
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Morgan cotton-blend sateen dress
Sole Society Baroque earrings


   

March 30, 2014

SF style - The Mission

Everyone has their own interpretation of San Francisco style by district or location and I thought it would be fun to do mine.

When I think of the Mission I think of artists and a mostly black wardrobe.  No, I'm not thinking of the over-hyped, over-used H word associated with the Mission...



Warby Parker Beckett eyeglasses
Cambridge Classic Satchel
Naturalizer Lonnie Oxford flat

March 29, 2014

Kaftans

The unofficial uniform of the Cote d'Azur.  They're easy and effortless as a bathing suit cover-up or for dinner on the terraces of Hotel du Cap



Beautiful embellished kaftans by Pas Pour Toi 







 Oscar de la Renta silk chiffon gown and Kaufmanfranco kaftan




Mary Katrantzou Jewel print kaftan and BCBG Max Azria Dove printed blouse








Two really great, lower priced alternatives for under $100:







March 27, 2014

Gala and ball wear

Whenever I happen upon photos from the San Francisco Black and White Ball, I nudge my husband that it would be such a fun and memorable event to attend.  When the time comes, part of the fun will be the pre-party preparations...



SF Symphony Black and White Ball.  Photo from SFGate.






Maybe a little too risque for the Symphony, but this 
Elie Saab gown is a winner in my book.





San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House




Alice Temperley freesia satin dress
Victoria Beckham's cropped wool and silk blend gown.





Alexander McQueen gown - I'm a sucker for gorgeous details on the back.

March 26, 2014

Let it rain


It never bothers me when it pours in the spring, especially here in the Bay Area where we need it most.  I'm more than happy to break out my (orange) Hunters and stomp through those puddles along Sansome Street on my daily commute.  


Photo from the dark senses 



Top left to right:
This yellow Aquascutum duffle coat makes everyday sunny.  Hopefully it'll be back in stock soon
Jean Paul Gaultier very chic striped umbrella
Bare Escentuals top-rated waterproof mascara
Zara two-tone knitted sweater
Burberry lavender sateen trench coat
Hunter boots in Merlot

March 24, 2014

Wear to Napa Valley

Amazing how quickly time flies by; it was only last year that I was in Napa Valley with my girlfriends celebrating my bachelorette party and I had an amazing, unforgettable time.  One of my bridesmaids Janice, was in the middle of planning another friend's bachelorette party and she did a phenomenal job of organizing mine.  Much love to my girlfriends...




From top left to right:  Hive & Honey Prism dress
Sam and Lavi maxi dress
J. Crew black flats



Domaine Carneros - my favorite winery being that I love sparkling wines.  







Of all my years of living in Northern California, I have yet to go bike riding
in Napa Valley with my cyclist enthusiast husband.  

March 23, 2014

Jeweled bibs

I realized that I have a lot of solid colors in my closet and once in a while it's nice to have a little accessory to make things pop- these bib necklaces do just that.
















March 22, 2014

Wear to Paris

Winter is officially over.  I love Paris in the ___________!

Unfortunately I still have a few more months to go before my trip, but in the meantime maybe I can indulge in my favorite films Gigi or Funny Face. 





Chanel ballerina flats
Red Valentino dress - Lovely for outings at Cafe de Flore or Laduree
Hermes Constance purse
Jason Wu blouse
Isabel Marant Aura skirt - Perfect for shopping around the Marais neighborhood
Armour Vert blouse - Effortless look for picnicking near the Seine River or Eiffel Tower 



March 20, 2014

Cuyana

I am so inspired by this new SF company Cuyana and their philosophy in quality over quantity and style over fashion.  I ordered their tote monogrammed with my initials and cannot wait for it to arrive.  It's definitely going to come in handy with all these crazy trips planned this year.





I have tons of make-up bags that I get from my mom, my aunts 
(ahem, handed down from "free gift w/ purchase" specials), having another one can't hurt and the
quality of this case is a thousand times better!





Ordered mine in caramel - if it can fit a magazine
that I can bring along on long flights, I'm happy.  




The bow on these Panama hats make them so much more stylish and feminized 




Reminds me of this cape sweater I picked up at the 
Coin department store (Italy's version of Macy*s),
five years later I still wear it as part of my weekly wardrobe.


March 19, 2014

Tanvi Kedia

It's really hard to pinpoint the style of San Franciscan women, but if I had to choose a designer whose clothes would come close to exemplifying it, it would have be Indian designer Tanvi Kedia.

This dress reminds me of what
a bohemian SF girl born to former SF hippies would wear.
Photo by India Times







A colorful dress to wear to go shopping in Hayes Valley 
or picnicking at Golden Gate Park.




Perfect for date nights and it's in one of my favorite colors - gray!





A lovely dress for brunching in the city
 or a day trip to Domaine Carneros Winery in Napa Valley







This dress is so bright and sunny it could burn off 
the SF fog.  Photo by India Times





A really sweet dress; it would be perfect for drinks in Soma, 
particularly Nihon Whiskey Lounge.

March 17, 2014

Capri sandals

My first trip to the island of Capri was 5 years ago and I'll never forget how beautiful it was.  At every turn were beautiful flowers blooming- it's literally like a garden on an island, and I loved the contrast of bold, hot pink bougainvillea flowers growing against the stark white houses of Capri.


Besides beautiful ocean views and its easy going, laid-back vibe (stroll deeper into the neighborhoods and all the tourists will gradually disappear), Capri is home to Amedeo Canfora sandals, a brand known for their craftsmanship and hot on its heels are designer Emanuela Caruso.

















Jackie Onassis strolling the island












One of my favorite pictures of Jackie Onassis looking carefree on the island.
And I just adore that headscarf on her...




March 16, 2014

Wear for Antibes


My trip to France just can't come soon enough, but while I patiently wait at least I can have a little fun finding amazing, inspiring looks for this equally amazing trip.



Antibes wear: