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{A shiny new ride I have to get around town -- thanks to C.Wonder. And huge thanks to the man friend for helping me put it together!}

This past weekend was just what I needed. Lots of sunshine. Newspaper reading. And finally scooped up #GirlBoss (a signed copy to boot!). I'm feeling energized and ready to tackle this week (but of course, cooking up some fun for our long weekend ahead up in wine country). 

{An über feminine Isabel Marant dress that I nabbed at Elizabeth Charles. Perfect for a Palm Springs getaway I have planned with my mom coming up in June.}

{I've mentioned my London trip before but it's just now dawning on me how quickly it's approaching! I'll be heading out May 29th for Regent Tweet, with a full weekend of shopping, interactive workshops and lectures lined up. I know it's going to be a blur so I want to feel like I can hit the ground running while out there for little over a week. I've been reading this book like a mad woman and our breakfast nook is slowly become my London planning HQ (ahem, as seen above).}

{My favorite thinking spot tucked away over at Baker Street steps.}

{Spotting bougainvillea never fails to make me smile.}

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After posting about mules here, I'm officially getting on board the bandwagon. Luckily, this pair from Zara is pretty wallet-friendly in case it doesn't quite work out between us. I'll keep you posted.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We spent most of ours being lazy in the sunshine and riding bikes to run all of our errands (which made carefully holding my iced coffee in one hand quite the endeavor). And while I can't quite place it, something about this past weekend, in particular made me fall back in love with San Francisco all over again. Granted, we've never had a falling out, mind you, but it's easy to get swept up in the day to day each week (especially when you commute way out of the city for work), that makes you forget just how awesome your town really is. We stumbled upon new favorite spots (Baker Street steps) and rediscovered old gems (hello Miette!). I know everyone in NYC talks about dating the city itself but I do think there's a reason there's a phrase, "I left my heart in San Francisco." It's easy to do.

Picking up sweets, upon sweets, upon sweets at Miette in Hayes Valley.

His and Hers at the Biergarten, also in Hayes Valley. Soaked up lots of sunshine this afternoon.

We had originally planned to eat brunch out on the patio of a little cafe near our apartment but at the last minute, opted to get everything to go so we could eat up at Alta Plaza Park. This egg breakfast sandwich hit the spot.

Slowly, but surely, our bedroom is coming together. The headboard is from Target, side tables are from West Elm and that furry throw? A favorite recent purchase from Pottery Barn. 

PS -- if you were into my 6 spring shoe trends from last week, I have just the contest for you! DSW is giving away one $250 gift card to a lucky reader of mine -- simply follow the steps right here. I'll be randomly selecting a winner on May 18th. Good luck! 

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A sneak peek of an outfit I'll be sharing next week -- stay tuned!

It's been a little while since I've shared a "this & that" post and I just realized how much I missed shooting and capturing these little moments. Here are a few things in and around my life that have been inspiring me lately. 

I'm usually a creature of habit when it comes to flowers around our apartment (hello white hydrangeas), but these tulips are just too fitting with May finally here, no?

We recently got a new dresser (finally!), which I shared here on Instagram. Since then, I've been organizing (and reorganizing) my accessory trays that sit on display on top. Clearly, I need a few ring holders.

This is Elvis' best "please-share-your-avocado-toast-with-me" face. And I give in every time.

Update: Thanks for your comments and emails about this! I had no idea avocados were toxic for dogs! Definitely not sharing with him anymore! 

A perfect summery print I can't wait to wear with all this 80 degree weather San Francisco has been experiencing! 

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An oh-so-necessary end of season sale item. I stalked it for months when it was full price and snagged the last one at Barneys at a ridiculous price. Stella, you never disappoint.

Nothing soothes the soul like a day out in wine country. Every time I make it out, I'm always baffled as to why I don't go more often. 

The occasion for wine country? Celebrating this gal's birthday (which meant lots of mid to late 90s rap for the day, and, of course, outfit pics).

And let the September issues roll in! Kind of obsessed with J.Law on the cover here (and I'm a bit fanatic over her pinky ring!).

My ride this summer. Just need to find a wicker basket large enough for Elvis now. 

While I'm more of a red wine gal myself, I can't seem to get enough of lighter, crisper wines this summer and this new line by Francis Coppola is hitting all the right notes! Plus, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging -- just begs to be taken on a picnic. 

Just getting my bloom shoppin' on. Serious business, obvi. :) 

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I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! While we didn't leave for Tahoe as I was originally rooting for, we certainly enjoyed a very local three-day weekend and I couldn't be happier about it. First on my list? I got my butt down to the de Young Museum where I wandered around the "Girl with the Pearl Earring" exhibit. To my fellow San Franciscans, make sure you catch this before it ends June 2! 

My favorite time of year -- when the mulberry trees bloom!

Very honored to have been included in the San Francisco Chronicle's weekend piece on the Bay Area blogger scene. You can read the full story here.

A Monday date with the man friend at the San Francisco Zoo. Neither one us had been to the zoo in years -- I forgot how much I freak out over the penguins and, of course, the giraffes.  

An outtake from yesterday's look. Not pictured? Everyone on that cable car cheering as they passed us. 

While I'm much more of a Manhattan kind of girl, I've been craving gin and tonics lately. Must be summer kicking in! 

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As I mentioned in yesterday's Miami Vice-esque post, Heather and I headed south a few days ago for a quick weekend road trip. Our destination? Santa Barbara! Entirely last minute trip and it came together so beautifully. It's amazing what a little R&R outside of your normal routine and city can do for you. Wonders really! I'm already going through sunshine withdrawals and missing these vivid pink flowers sprinkled around the cute beachy neighborhoods.

The first of many margarita rounds. 

What better way to arrive in Santa Barbara than an orange Camaro? Thanks again to the folks over at GM for the perfect set of wheels for our road trip. We may or may not have indulged in more than our fair share of 90s music in this guy.

A pit stop on the way down. Hey, we never turn down a good wine tasting opportunity. 

The true pièce de résistance of the weekend -- this Proenza Schouler skirt (found at one of my favorite boutiques, dressed) came home with me the instant I saw the drastically reduced price. Just ask Heather, she had to peel me from the sale rack after I spotted it. 

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After missing out on the distressed denim Acne skirt craze, I stumbled upon this guy on Asos (for a mere fraction of the price). This also made me realize that I haven't worn a denim skirt since my Abercrombie days circa junior year of high school. Talk about blast from the past. 

A yummy polenta lunch for Heather's birthday bash out in Napa. 

The first round (of many) at said birthday bash. 

Someone just discovered how much they love digging. We're working on the not-eating-sand part now. 

New Jennifer Zeuner necklaces that I debuted in yesterday's post. Already tempted to get a few more for different layering options. 

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My silver lining playbook (clutch). A great find I snagged from Sam of Could I Have That? Even though I'm much more of a gold gal, I'm looking forward to styling this guy for spring (perhaps with some pastel looks?).

Speaking of gold -- it's no secret I love gold accents and often make up excuses to sprinkle it around our apartment (like gold necklaces draped atop mirrors).

Finally got around to putting this old guy up on the wall above our couch. You know what they say, home is where your antlers are!

Sneak peak of tomorrow's outfit post, featuring this jacket that I practically never want to take off.

Queen B looking regal in Dior. 

On an unrelated and much more serious note, I'd like to send my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by yesterday's Boston Marathon bombings. It's hard to make much sense of such senseless acts of violence like this, but I do hope that you all hug your loved ones a bit longer than you normally would today. Simply because you can.

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Caught up on my magazine reading this weekend with a new favorite snack.

How darling is this palm leaf printed short suit from Joie? I think I need it in my life ASAP (and a ticket to somewhere warm!).

Surprise bouquets are the best -- but a surprise bouquet with a bottle of champagne? Even better! 

A new-to-me buttery leather jacket -- aka my little slice of heaven.

Popped into my new trinket go-to, Surprise Party Beads & Shells on Fillmore after spying some enviable coral displays in the window. 

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Meet Elvis. And Yes. Those. Ears. Just. Won't. Quit. (Plus, get a load of those eyebrows!)

 Finally got around to watching "Charade" this weekend while Elvis napped. 

I'm most definitely guilty of judging wines by their labels, but hey, most of the time, I'm right on the money! This Malbec was a steal and delicious to boot.

Cheery orchids on a rather drizzly Sunday.

Latest shoe obsession, thanks to J.Crew. I've been meaning to pick up another pair of leopard heels for a while now and I love the chunkier heel on this pair.