June 26th, 2008
Tomorrow is the official start of my 10-day vacation spent up in Northern California. Due to some unfortunate natural disasters, however [read: 200 wildfires], my boyfriend and I have yet to determine exactly where we will be staying for the majority of the trip. Since he’s not a native of where I grew up, here are some of the things I can’t wait to share with him:
-Sunset on Mount Tam
-Grilled Ahi burger at Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena
-Hike in Muir Woods
-Get ice cream at the Bi-Rite Creamery
-Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (for those of you who have never had the chance, I’ve attached a link for a virtual experience)
-Wine tasting in Napa
I will write intermittently throughout my trip, but I will miss you all and will return with plenty of pictures!
xo
Emily
view from my parent’s deck in Mill Valley
June 25th, 2008
Sometimes I feel as though every trend is taken to the extreme when it comes to L.A. As soon as gladiator sandals became popular, outrageous versions snaked up women’s thighs all over town. And take skinny jeans, for example. While this style does no favors for the majority of women who wear them, we continue to pour ourselves into the tapered legs, hoping they’ll look the same on us as they do on Mary-Kate. But, my favorite illustration, of course, is the fedora. While it’s a very practical accessory, these little hats have completely inundated the city. Though I’ve never thought I could pull off this look, I much prefer the simple straw, instead of the gray or flannel versions. The picture of Michelle Williams is my favorite I’ve seen, with her relaxed dress and plain ballet flats. As always, dELiA’s has a fantastically uncomplicated version, that even I’m swooning over. For only $19.50, the Evelyn Straw Fedora will make for the perfect pool companion, with a black grosgrain ribbon and just the right amount of coverage.
June 24th, 2008
Though I wilt in any temperature above 80º, the onset of warm summer nights is always welcomed. With just flickering candles for light, I love being able to sit outside, sans any kind of sweater. This past Friday, another couple invited my boyfriend and me to their apartment for dinner, and the weather couldn’t have provided a nicer ambiance. After a flavorful salad, pizzas with red peppers and sausage, and a couple of bottles of wine, we broke into my contribution to the meal: cupcakes. They were from one of my favorite little eateries in L.A., called La Provence, that’s home to some of the best cupcakes in the city. Since I couldn’t decide on one flavor, I went with the Red Velvet, Chocolate Ganache, Strawberry and Chocolate. As usual, they did not disappoint.
Even though there are a plenitude of shops dedicated solely to cupcakes, they don’t always provide the best options. Have you had similar experiences or are you sold on places like Magnolia and/or Sprinkles?
Friday’s dinner
Friday’s dessert
Me picking out cupcakes in Magnolia Bakery last fall
June 23rd, 2008
Some people are naturally adept at styling hair.
I am not one of them.
From an early age, I was very particular about how I wore my hair, and insisted that my mom recreate the same look for nearly seven years [see above for the beginning of what I call the 'whale spout' phase]. To this day, I’m still limited in my options, usually relying on a messy ponytail or dreadlock-like waves. Since I’m still partial to the half-up, half-down look however, this Braid Leather Hair Stick will work perfectly. I love the natural feel of the slightly worn leather and think that even I can manage to maneuver the wooden stick into a somewhat acceptable style.
