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Stuff

Fall Flats

Posted on October 14, 2015
fall_flats_collage3

I am not exactly the biggest fan of ballet flats. (GASP) I know they are practically part of EVERY girl’s wardrobe but I just can’t get behind them. I keep trying, but no luck. (I even have 1.. ok 2, pairs for emergency outfits that require such flats) but generally speaking they just don’t do it for me.

(I chuckle, then shutter when the SF wind is barreling around the tall skyscrapers downtown and I see a poor girl in ballet flats, her feet mustttt be popsicles. You crazy girl! No bueno for the winter)

So in liu of the ballet flat, I’ve collected some better suited substitutions for fall … aka a bunch of loafers and oxfords… ranging from more fancy to casual, from the subtle finishing touch to the center of attention for your fall wardrobe.

  1. Rag & Bone White Leather Brogues – A semi-sporty take on the traditional oxford shoe. Slash these shoes will never give you blisters (seriously so comfy)… and thats a big win.
  2. ASOS  Lace up Leather shoe – Like a cross between a clog and oxford. Maybe a cloxford? 😜 These are totally unique fall flats…. and psss they are on sale too!! 👍
  3. ASOS Suede Loafers – A great starter loafer if you are hesitant to give up those ballet flats. Plus suede is like so like trendy right now like.  😉
  4. Jeffrey Campbell Belanger Suede Flats – super sleek for the stylish working girl, not to mention navy is totally trending right now 👌
  5. Madewell loafer –  Love, love these with the strap across the top giving this shoe more individuality. Plus the combo lends for better matching!
  6. Everlane Modern Loafer – Been eyeing these shoes for monthsss now. 100% Italian leather and color varieties…so infatuated! TIP: Everlane just rolled out their Room Service platform today so why don’t you treat yourself and have the shoes come to YOU.
  7. Zara Fringed Penny Loafers – Fringe adds a contemporary twist on the classic black leather penny loafer; a wardrobe staple for sureeee
  8. Rachel Zoe Embellished Leather Loafer – Sophisticated lady alert! How can you resist that gold trimmed heel and buckle?! Do I dare say holiday parties?! Are we there yet??? YES were there… 😁😁
  9. Nightwalker Broken Arrow Boot – Absolutely adore the fact these boots are slip on and backless, totally making them clog-esque. The black pony hair and oversized gold buckle make them a seriously bangin shoe.
  10. Anthropologie Painted Oxfords – Artistic and elegant with a bit of edge. I mean who else has painted oxfords?! These shoes are great for pattern mixing. Do you dare?!
  11. Miista Gold Brogues – Because gold RULES, duh. Especially love the fact these gold shoes have a chunky white bottom, separating them from many other gold oxfords on the market emerging now.
  12. Sam Edelman Loafer – Obsessing over the dual material in these shoes. Mixing wool and leather, BAM hello fall!

Loafers and oxfords elevate your style, ballet flats maintain. I cannot sing their praises enough. They can dress up a casual outfit or dress down a fancy outfit (and even better when you’re as giant as I am and don’t wanna wear heels!) 🙌

So get on board and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!! 💁✨👞 💁✨👞

Beer Booze

Beer Rec: Russian River Redemption

Posted on October 11, 2015
russian river brewery redemption

redemption2 redemption3 redemption5 redemption6

Pantones of the Postpantone swatches

The Facts
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 5%
Brewer: Russian River Brewing Company
Location: Santa Rosa, CA

I don’t know how many of you out there have gotten the chance to visit the Russian River brewery but if your a Bay Area local than its a SERIOUS must. (Shhh it’s even better than Lagunitas). Luckily enough for those that can’t spare the drive time, the brewery does a pretty good job of stocking their beers on taps and stores around the Bay Area. 👍👍

A few fun facts before the taste test…Redemption is created after a Belgian-style “single” which is rarely brewed in America (or Belgium!). Typically this style can only be brewed at Trappist Monasteries – have you heard the term Trappist Ale? Yes, thats what that means – The monks drink half a bottle with each meal…Idk about you but that would DEF not be enough for me haha, I have no moderation! All or nothing! 

TASTE TEST:  Warm golden hue on the pour. YUP tastes like a Beligian! Heavier ale, but still really light so maybe I mean more “full”. Tastes like any other blonde ale, to be honest. Is it done better?! Idk. Maybe… Quite classic but delicious. Something you can count on/I would recommend. Spices hint of orange. Smells familiar. Fruity (barely). A bit “thick” and some particles. Overall soft and silky on the palette with a smooth and dry finish. Tastes like warmer weather, like the last glimpse of Summer with the oncoming Fall. 

Another great summer to fall transition beer. Who am I kidding, Redemption really is a great year-round beer with its classic Belgian taste. So when you get sick of those IPAs and porters in the approaching months don’t forget this little guy he will bring you back and satisfy. 😋

Last tip! This beer is refermented in the bottle so the spent yeast forms a thin layer of sediment on the bottom of the bottle. Great for complexity in flavor but not so great in your cup, so pour slowly allowing the natural sediment to remain in the bottle. 👌

🍻😃 So go grab a beer this beer and have a happy Sippin’ Sunday everyone!! 😃🍻

Stuff // Beer: Redemption (Found here)  / Cups: Crate & Barrel //

Colors (left to right) // Pantone 7545U / Pantone 660U / Pantone 2915C / Pantone 454C (60%) / Pantone 7573C //

Night Style

Mischief Maker

Posted on October 7, 2015
urban street style

alternative womens fashion tennis4 tennis3-2 tennis5-2 tennis6

Pantones of the Postpantone colors

The first thought I had stepping out onto these courts last night was: Man. This would’ve been a good “slumber party sneak out with my friends to meet all the boys” spot. Dimly lit, surrounded by a park. It’s all tooooo familiar. #suburbia 👫😈🏡

Alas, reality set in as two British gay boys started yelling at each other from up the street, causing ears to perk in the quiet city darkness. Katie is EXTRA jumpy after being chased down by a crackhead lady in the mission last week (true story 😲) but I reassured her it was just a “gay boy fight.” So we begin… Living on the edge….😝

I’m feeling like a total mischief maker right now…the setting, the outfit…😎 Oh yeah! So, the outfit…

I call this one of my “yeah I want to look baller but exert no effort at all” outfits – thank you oversized graphic tee and beanie. Yes, It is very street kid, urban, hip-hop flared (but I did mention that joining a hip hop team was one of my life altering moves😛). Def channeling miss MIA. Which I have found that one of the easiest “look at me” things to toss on a loud shirt slashhhhh, with colored pants?? Game over.

The term “graphic tee” is thrown around frequently in fashion. In my book there are MANY categories of graphic tees.  Let’s clarify ➩ This is the alternative patterned, loud one not the kind you find squeezed on a rack at a thrift store with an old rock band logo. While the latter puts you in a previous decade nostalgic bucket, the former will give you a strong sense of female bad ass character.

If you can find the right accessories for the loud graphic even betttaaaa! In this case… more is MORE ❗⭐❗

At this point, I should probably give a little attention to the vintage store where I got this shirt, Painted Bird, since I tag them quiteeee frequently in my posts. Well, SORRY 😁 I just can’t get enough!! They sell HELLA cool pieces that consistently contribute to my eclectic closet. Plus – it’s pretty affordable and good quality.👌 I seriously SERIOUSLY love that store (and I’m going after brunch this weekend so don’t go and snag all the cute shit before I do! 😜)

I leave you with this track in hopes that your hump day can be a bit rebellious. 🖖

Wearing //  Shoes: Nike (similar: here, here, here, here) / Pants: Sandro Paris (old) Similar: here, here, here / Shirt: Thrifted via Painted Bird  (similar: here, here, here, here) / Hat: Reason Clothing (similar: here, here, here) / Necklace: Aldo (old) / Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics //

Colors (left to right) // Pantone 268C / Pantone Black 6C / Pantone 5763C / Pantone 458C / Pantone 4715C //

Booze Cocktails

The Perfect Opening Drink

Posted on October 4, 2015
prosecco aperitif drink

jardesca2jardesca3long

Pantones of the Post

Kickin’ off my new “Sippin’ Sunday” series with this easy drinking aperitif cocktail – PERFECT for a Sunday like today with the sun shining. Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean it’s frigid yet. Aka still plenty of time to enjoy slightly “summery” drinks before everyone replaces them for mulled wine and Hot Toddy’s. This Jardesca based cocktail is not only the “perfect opening drink” to quote them but also the perfect refreshing drink for your last backyard bbq of the year. ☀️

I discovered this aperitif wine at one of Whole Foods typical tasting stands that rope you in, make your mouth water then victimize you so you feel guilty and buy what they are selling…or does that just happen to me 😁😩 … I have a problem with saying no. But this time around I am glad I said yes because this is seriously the perfect opening aperitif drink to quench your thirst.

Ingredients:

1 bottle Jardesca
1 bottle Prosseco
1 Orange
2 Limes
1 mint

Process:

  1. Pour Jardesca over ice till cup is about 3/4 full 
  2. Splash prosseco on top 
  3. Squeeze 1/2 orange in each glass
  4. Squeeze 1 lime in each glass
  5. Clap 1 mint sprig between palms to release oils and then garnish cocktail 

Are you kidding me?! Just 5 simple steps and no shaking, stirring or cutting needed!? That must be the easiest drink in the book! 😜Taste wise I love it because it’s NOT. TOO. SWEET. (Something I find myself begging the waiter pretty much every time I order a cocktail at a bar/restaurant). It’s actually quite like sangria without sugar – a light citrus, lemon, spritzer. Since it is not sweet at all, adding the juice from the citrus fruits is a key ingredient that I added on to their recipe. BTW it also smellsssss divineeeeee, like a bouquet of flowers. 💐💐👌

The Jardesca Spritz is MEANT for outdoor smooth sippin. With a natural taste, herbs over flowers, citrus over sweet, it goes def goes right down the hatch. No need to feel gross after drinking it. In fact, I am about to head to a rooftop party over looking the city and going to bring a bottle of this to serve!! 💃

Just do me a favor and sit outdoors this month and sip on this cocktail, you won’t regret it. 😉🌺🍊 🍹🍋🍹

P.S. If you’re feeling real nuts, I could see this going reallllll good with some vodka and a splash of lemonade? I haven’t tried that yet, but prob plan on it hahaha. Just a lil’ hint hint for you hardcore folk. 😈😎

jardesca5

Stuff // Jardesca (also found at Whole Foods)  //

Colors (left to right) // Pantone Red 032C / Pantone 218C / Pantone 367C / Pantone 122C / Pantone Warm Gray 8C //

Discover Travel

Jacuzzi Pizza Sundays!

Posted on September 30, 2015
jacuzzi winery

jac2jac3jac4jac5

Pantones of the Post

UM, Yes please! I mean who wouldn’t want to eat pizza in a jacuzzi on Sunday?! Its most def at the top of my weekend to-do! But I must confess, thats not what were talkin’ about here.😮😁

Starting last weekend and ending in December, Jacuzzi Winery has live music and pizzas in their courtyard on the last Sunday of each month. We went for the kick-off and I DO I have some thoughts for you! haha.

This is something I have been wanting to surprise Katie and do for well over a year now (pathetic I know). But finally the early fall months came around and we could take a day together up in wine country.👭 Sounding romantic right?

Well, the idea ended up slightly more romantic than reality…

I made some assumptions beforehand that I guess I shouldn’t have which is why I want to make sure you know exactly what your getting. So I’m going to level with you guys here…

  1. ASSUMPTION: Wood-fired pizza served on an artisan platter with maybe some arugula on top. 🍕🍕
    REALITY: Pizza made in their back oven served on a paper plate with minimal toppings….    The good news is that all pizzas are made from sustainable ingredients from a local farm. The bad news is that the balsamic drizzle miiiggght have been the most interesting/flavorful thing on our pizza. Eeeeeehehe
  2. ASSUMPTION: Light music, guitar or some other string instrument based band. 🎸🎻
    REALITY: Full-blown (loud) opera singer…💂🎼🎶 🎼

    Wait did he [the opera singer] just say Rick Ross hustlin?!?”😬Mid Katie’s pizza bite saying it’s “sick pizza” hahahahaha.😬😬 She’s spoiled being a Beretta server, mission foodie girl.… Butttt she’s right, it’s not LIFE changing. Probably aligns with what I would make at home. BUT just $30 for pizza and a bottle with a side of sunshine and music??👍😉 Eh, I’m not toooo upset.

    ….And now he’s doing an opera rendition of “Everyday I’m Hustlin“. 😯 What. Is. Going. ON. Hahahahaha 😂😂
  3. ASSUMPTION: Really cute, classy afternoon getaway, lounging in the sun sipping wine.
    REALITY: Slightly crowded, hodgepodge of people, you eat/drink (be merry) then dash not linger.

And boy did we DASH when we overheard there was Golden Retriever Convention next door at Jacuzzi’s sister winery, Cline Cellars. No, I’m not joking. That really happened. 🐶🐶🐶 And I’m pretty sure you can find Katie in heaven right now, floating on a cloud with 10 pups smothering her. OK FINE…yeah, I bent down to pet one, just one. 😏

Doggy love aside, Cline really sealed the deal on our day in Sonoma. And by Cline, I mean Gayle – our totally kooky beyond amazing old lady wine specialist who we hit it OFF with, causing an extensiveee time at the tasting bar.🍷🍷🍷 Opening special reserve bottles for us for free and smuggling a champagne stopper under Katie’s shirt, she was a dream.🙌 Bottom line: There may not be Goldens next time you’re at Cline but there will be Gayle! HAHA …Find her! 💃🙏

jac6jac7jac8jac9So here’s the thing though… I am just being completely transparent with you guys. Always have, and always will be. I say all this not to shit all over the experience because all-in-all it was a FABulous Sunday spent (slash you got a girlfriend like mine and you’ll never stop laughing😃). I say this so that you know what your getting since you’re prob spending a chunk of time to drive out there. Once you rearrange your expectations (GOD SF food really did ruin us all didn’t it) “Pizza in the Piazza” does have redeeming qualities!

If asked, I would recommend going to someone, explaining everything above as I just did. It’s still cheap, it’s still food, it’s still live music and it’s still a place to go with good company. But after you’re done at Jacuzzi, head on over to Cline Cellars to make the day a bit more fulfilling….🍷🌈🍷

Wearing //  Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old) / Dress: Karen Millen / Hat: Goorin Bros (similar) / Sunglasses: Thrifted //

Colors (left to right) // Pantone 278C / Pantone 7747C / Pantone 4665C (50%) / Pantone 4715U / Pantone 4695C //

Day Style

Pretty Pink Fall Fringe

Posted on September 28, 2015
girly hipster style

fringe3 fringe4 fringe2 fringe_Close fringe5-2 fringe6

Pantones of the Post

It went something like this…Woke up, got dressed, got donuts, and walked into work like Stevie Ray Vaughan (or at least thats what my office called me. To which I responded with a blank stare….hellooo I was born in the 90s people). They like finding explanations for the crazy outfits I stroll in with but they’ll never stop getting my closet’s curve balls. 😜

When I saw this top at Painted Bird my jaw dropped. PINK f*cking FRINGE -are you for real?! And pre-cuffed sleeves?! This shirt was madeeeee for the cowboy Barbie in me *card swipe.*

Actually, fun fact: I did not play with Barbies when I was younger, but rather G.I. Joes…I guess thats what happens when you have 2 younger brothers. We would set up full on battle scenes taking over the entire bedroom. G.I. Joes hanging from lights and window blinds, thats some reallllll dedication.

Although, I definitely wore a wayyy oversized bow headband and princess gowns 24/7 growing up so I’d say the combo of army man to princess is quite appropriate for my sometimes boyish and sometimes girly character today no?? 👰💂

Like this touch of pink fringe…a touch of girliness on a dreary, too early, foggy hipster Mission morning soothes the MY soul. Or maybe that’s the coconut donut talking.😳💖🍩 Either way, I’m finding some calm in life at the start of fall…. phew, seriously needed…..🙏😔

Wearing //  Shoes: Buenos Aires Street Market (similar: here, here, here) / Pants: Urban Outfitters/ Shirt: Thrifted via Painted Bird  / Hat: Worth & Worth (similar) / Sunglasses: Dior / Wood Bracelet: Carla Fernandez / Black Bracelet: Elliot Rhodes //

Colors (left to right) // Pantone 706C / Pantone 447C / Pantone Black 6C / Pantone 7542U / Pantone 726C //

Uncategorized

Pantones of the Summer

Posted on September 23, 2015
summer pantone swatches

Yes, it’s been established (by pretty much EVERY blogger out there lolll) that the official end of summer is today and fall begins tomorrow. A whole new season, a whole new closet selection available, (a whole shopping spree perhaps?😉) and several new color palettes to create.

I started doing these “Pantones of the Post” about a few weeks into the launch of Chasing Kendall and it was a successful venture, in my opinion.😜 Now I’m starting a new experiment: “Pantones of the Season.”

My intent is to use all the swatches from all the posts during said season to create one massive spectrum of colors reflecting the tone/vibes/energy/emotion of the past few months….

Most importantly to note is, that (at this time) the summer set represents MY SUMMER in color not necessarily the fashion gods at Vogue’s and what they deemed the go-to colors of summer 2015. Well see how the set evolves but for tonight I’ll take away this: I had a prettyyy vibrant, diverse, rich summer full of energy and breadth. Busy yet relaxing and going ALL over the map it seems.

It will be interesting to see in upcoming seasons how the project grows. I can only hope that fall’s color groupings reflect a more muted, earthy and rich set of hues but I can’t predict my future can I!? So we will just have to see in a few months how this experiment turns out. Hey, you can’t know until you try!

Maybe the colors will be similar and then we can chuckle together. But for now, farewell Summer 2015…. onto Fall we go!! 😃👋🍂 🍃

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