well hello, readers!  i missed you last week. but the whole time i was gone, i was taking furious notes of all the things i had to tell you about when i returned.  yes, i spent nearly all of last week revisiting my old stomping grounds in san francisco.  thank goodness the city is still as amazing as i remember…though i don’t miss that 9% sales tax!

i shopped and shopped, and then i shopped some more.  i got tees at H&M, mugs at jonathan adler, a tour of the new spring collection at michael kors, macarons (and way too much candy) at miette patisserie, made several trips to bloomingdales and barneys, neiman marcus and saks, and drank my weight in cappucinos at my favorite italian cafe.  and i topped it all off with lunch at neiman marcus’ rotunda restaurant, quite possibly my favorite lunch spot ever.  how can you not love a huge stained glass dome, birds-eye view of union square, all the popovers you can eat, and live models trailing couture past your table.

i also got to catch up with several of my dear friends that i left behind in san francisco (hi to A and J!), and spend some much-needed quality time with my sweet mom.  and i finally (finally!) got to meet the lovely connie, who’s been my e-friend for years, and is now a real live in-person friend.  love that!

sigh….i’m exhausted just reading that!  yes, i had missed my city.  and i worked very, very hard to hit all the spots i missed while i was gone.  i picked up so many new tips, brands and ideas that i can’t wait to share…but for now, i have to start with what i brought home, don’t you agree?

my big splurge was this amazing leather blazer by vince – on super markdown at barneys, i might add.  vince calls it their ‘paper leather,’ and it really is amazingly thin, light and matte – plus it has knit panels on the underside of the sleeve and along the sides, which makes it ultra-comfy and perfect for layering.  this is last fall’s style (which i prefer for being infinitely less trendy), but if you want to see the current incarnation with its asymmetrical lapels (also very cute), it’s right here.  i can hardly wait to start pairing it with cropped jeans and frilly spring dresses.  you know, something like…

…this ella moss version i picked up (also on the barneys supersale).  it’s not online any longer (the hazard of buying on sale…), but this one is awfully similar.  just imagine it with short sleeves and no black mesh detailing.  i’m already plotting to pair it with black tights and short boots now (and that fabulous new jacket!), and a chunky nude sandal come spring.  i love that there’s a bit of black in this print – it keeps it just shy of being girly overkill, and will make it so easy to layer with darker colors.

and last, i couldn’t resist these gorgeous bronze (really more of a coppery shade) mirrored cutout flats from belle by sigerson morrison – they were a last-minute treat from neiman marcus.  i love these as an alternative to sandals (especially when the pedicure’s looking a little less than perfect), and can’t wait to use them to dress up cutoff shorts or boyfriend jeans this summer.

other than that (ha!), i was pretty restrained.  i passed up oh so many luscious handbags, and managed to avert my eyes from the jewelry department every time i went to barneys.  but even with all that self-control (ha again), it was an ab fab trip, and i can’t wait to do it again.

how was your weekend?

well, dear readers, i’m leaving on a jet plane…off to quarrel with family, eat too much stuffing, and most likely have a nervous breakdown when i see the crowds at whole foods. ah, the holidays…

i’ll be taking the rest of this week off, and that means you’re on your own for black friday. something tells me the 600 emails you’ll get from your favorite retailers will tide you over, but just in case, this is a pretty excellent roundup of what’s planned for the big day. also, shopbop is having a spend/save event running friday through monday – the deal starts at $50 off $300, and goes up from there. use code GIFT4U to score the deal.

i’ll be back for “cyber monday,” which should be awesome this year, if my sources are correct. naturally, i’ll keep you posted.

for now, i’ll leave you with a few things i’ve been meaning to share, in the form of my mandatory packing list for this week:

i am oh-so-excited to brave the frozen tundra of my homeland this week, knowing i get to cozy up in the inhabit cardigan of my dreams. my love for the brand is well-documented, but this piece might get the coveted ‘favorite of all time’ title. you knew i was after a camel cardigan this fall, and this one is the winner. the color is really more caramel than camel, and has some amazing details – including two-tone detailing at the hem, rolled pockets, oversize cuffs, and just a generally toasty warm coziness i can’t get enough of. most definitely a worthy splurge in my book ($495 – yes, i know…), though i’d keep an eye on their site for cyber monday (hint, hint!).

i’ve been sorely in need of new basic tanks for the longest time, and haven’t been able to find something that was exactly what i wanted: a scoop neck that’s more alluring than athletic, high arm holes to ensure no unnecessary exposure, and a length long enough to work for layering under sweaters. tall order, i know. so, when i found the pure body tank at the gap the other day, i bought every color in the store. the fabric is fabulous – close-fitting and soft, without being overly clingy. and the price is definitely right: $10 each if you buy two or more. which, trust me, you should.

my skin always misbehaves when i head home. it’s so cold and dry there, i end up with scaly patches that are, well, unsightly at best. but my secret weapon this time around is foolproof. i’ve been besting clarins’ new multi-active day moisturizers, and i am so very pleased! the day cream is actually thicker than my night cream, which does an amazing job of guarding against winter winds. plus, it’s built for skin about my age (ahem), when wrinkle-reducing needs are just starting, but radiance is key. once i get home, i’ll switch to the lighter version that contains spf, but while i’m gone, i’ll rely on the heavy-duty version (adding my spf a la carte, of course – that’s a must!) to get me through the week unscathed.

and, last but definitely not least, i need a completely engrossing book to let me escape from everyone when i just can’t take another second of family time. i happen to have already finished this one, but philippa gregory’s latest, the white queen, definitely fits the bill. gregory’s books are my harry potter: guilty pleasures i thoroughly enjoy, and can’t wait to buy when a new one hits the stands. the white queen is back up to her earlier standards (after a couple of recent disappointments), and it looks to be the start to a new series about the war of the roses. it’s fantastic, and utterly guaranteed to whisk you away from even the loudest family fights.

and, with all of that, i’m packed and on my way – i’ll see you monday. happy, happy thanksgiving, everyone…and may your pants still fit on friday!

i am so, so in love with all things liberty.  for those who aren’t familiar, liberty of london is an amazing, utterly unique department store in london that’s been made famous by its iconic fabric prints, used by designers all over the world.  each one is timeless, gorgeous, and always stylish.

i’ve been meaning to share this latest incarnation of liberty goodness for a while – a collection called “prints charming,” in which they’re retooled some of their most gorgeous and classic prints into household goods and fashion accessories.  so lovely!  literally every piece on that page would be extremely welcome in my house (ahem…you know, if anyone from london is looking to send me a gift for my birthday this week!).

i think my favorite liberty collection is their scarf line…they’re just extraordinarily gorgeous (and sadly, priced accordingly…but a girl can dream!).  i still can’t believe i didn’t splurge on one the last time i traveled to london.

and, just when i thought i couldn’t love liberty prints any more than i do, they just launched a collaboration with hermes, and the resulting collection of cotton scarves is just divine!

each one starts with liberty’s classic cotton fabrics, and is screen-printed with hermes’ classic ex libris pattern.  honestly, i’m not sure if i’d wear them or frame them.  alas…at $130-230 each (with current exchange rates), this is probably not a dilemma i’ll face in real life, but it’s fun to dream.  check out a lovely pic of the new hermes/liberty display right here.

here’s hoping i’ve converted at least a few new liberty fans with all of this lovely eye candy!

dear readers…yesterday was what i call “a day.”  one of those days when all you want to do is crawl back into bed (not least because the one bright, shining spot in the pile of crap that was thursday was my cozy new john robshaw quilt), hide under the covers, and hope a bomb doesn’t hit.

in my case, when i’m having one of those days, i crave travel – seeing new things, shopping new shops, eating at new restaurants…a new perspective (or just getting the hell out of dodge).  since i haven’t had even a glimmer of a summer vacation this year, and this labor day weekend promises more of the same, i thought i’d put together a post for those of you who are wishing you’d had a little exotic summer travel.  and so, a few pictures from some of my very favorite virtual vacation books – the tomes i turn to when travel is nowhere to be found, but i’m desperate to get away.

if you’re dreaming of an ultra-luxe tropical respite – maybe some exotic, exclusive hotel in the middle of the ocean – you’ll want to pick up ultimate tropical (from rizzoli), stat.  i want to visit every.single.five.star.resort in this beautiful book, sit in front of every.single.infinity.pool, and sleep in every.single.canopied.bed.  come on, aren’t you dying to wake up on that bed?  surely not as good as the real thing, but considerably cheaper (and easier to come by).

the book i desperately needed yesterday was still (from chronicle), a collection of photos by debra bloomfield. aptly named, it’s the most calming book i’ve ever owned – just page after page of beautiful ocean and sky.  the layout is such that you get one photo per page, cropped square…the whole thing is just so serene.  i had the hardest time choosing which photo to share…click here for a few more, or just buy the book.

of course, a virtual vacation doesn’t have to be all zen.  it can be food and shopping and all manner of touristy goodness.  for that, my guilty pleasure of choice is the one hundred and one series (from rizzoli).  for me, i’m going straight to italy – no surprise shops and crafts is my favorite - and instantly transport myself to a cafe somewhere in florence, sipping chianti and being utterly free of stress.  or maybe a tiny little shop where i can buy handmade leather gloves, in fuchsia ostrich skin!  ahem…sorry, got a little distracted there.

so, readers, what will you be doing with this last weekend of summer?  i hope you have barbecues, relaxation…and maybe a little travel in your future.

a little admin note: i’ll be taking it easy next week. i have a birthday coming up (hurray!), family coming into town to celebrate (hi, mom!), and just looking forward to some down time.  don’t worry too much…i have a few goodies lined up to keep you entertained.  and of course, there’s always my new twitter addiction, which i’m sure i’ll be indulging.

have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

i started digging through the dusty nether-regions of my bookmarks folder to write this, oh, maybe two hours ago.  now, i’m thoroughly bleary-eyed and exhausted, but i found what i was looking for!

in my opinion, few summer essentials are as overlooked as the overnight bag.  when the beach is the destination (or somewhere equally relaxed and inviting), i get weighed down just thinking about carting my ancient roller bag along for the ride.  there’s just something about summer travel that makes me want to throw “responsible” to the wind, and use a bag i’ll really love for my vacation.

i’ve been testing out the new patent-finish collection from lesportsac, and i’m fairly convinced this might be the most durable bag ever made.  first, it’s h-u-g-e…you’ll definitely get your carry-on max with this baby.  the straps are padded and comfy enough for even heavy loads, and lesportsac’s normally-impermeable nylon is made even more indestructible with a hearty patent coating on the exterior.  so, when that mean flight attendant insists you shove your carry-on into an overhead compartment, you won’t need to fantasize about pushing her off the plane.  if you’re classic, grab it in black, but i kind of like the posey for summer fun (better pic here).  plus it zips flat…so it doubles as a “i bought too many souvenirs” emergency stowaway.

i can’t think of a single thing by angela adams that doesn’t make me swoon with delight.  i am not at all kidding when i say it’s my dream in life to own one of her amazing rugs (later in life…when i don’t have dogs that will puke their guts out all over it).  for now, i’ll happily settle for this sweet weekend tote ($145), which reminds me of a classic ll bean tote, but so much more chic.  it’s  packed full of pockets, and made of super-durable cotton canvas (hand-printed, by the way).  doesn’t it just make you think of a summer weekend in nantucket?

and last but not least, hayden-harnett is always a classic for chic travel options (their ibiza flight tote is a legend).  i’m dying to get my hands on their new avion tote ($318).  with leather handles and a chic paule marrot fabric pattern, this one is made even more perfect by being laptop-friendly – and, while i don’t condone working on a vacation, how else are you going to get your cardio poolside?

(all photos courtesy of taschen)

it’s getting to that time of year when i’m restless, and just desperate for a vacation.  but, times being what they are, i’m relegated to daydreaming about fabulous locations.  for me, it’s not so much about the sightseeing (though i do that too).  it’s about the shopping (duh), the food, and the people-watching….just relaxing and “being” in a city.  if you’re the same, you’re going to love taschen’s paris.  

this is quite possibly my favorite “picture book” of the year (though i know it’s only march).  it’s essentially the perfect marriage of a coffee table book about a city and a guidebook – you get the best of both.  rather than the traditional travel book about cathedrals and museums, taschen’s paris is devoted to three things:  hotels, restaurants and shopping.  the book is broken down into those three categories, and is piled high with gorgeous photos of the best in each group.  it’s exactly what i wish every guidebook could be…though it’s definitely not portable.  you get photos of rooms, lobbies and salons in the best hotels in paris.  you’ll see fantastic plates of food and the most perfect sidewalk cafes for people-watching.  and the shopping section…le sigh!  you’ll get photos of every stunning flagship store in paris (hermes, louis vuitton, etc), but you’ll also find out about the little hidden gems – sometimes so hidden, they don’t even have a storefront!  

if you’re craving a vacation, but paris isn’t in your budget this month, taschen’s paris will get you as close as you can get without boarding a flight. splurge on a box of macarons (the next best thing to sitting in the laduree tea salon), brew a lovely cup of tea, and curl up in your favorite chair with this book.  you’ll be transported, i can promise you that.

leaf through some of the amazing photos at taschen’s website (warning – you’ll become a fast addict to the rest of taschen’s publications!), or at amazon.  and stay tuned…i predict more wanderlust ahead!

editor’s note:  in honor of my tropical vacay, i couldn’t resist torturing you all a little bit.  could we all give a fabulously enthusiastic welcome to alyson helwagen, founder & owner of leichic.com – daily finds for life & style in hawaii.  for those of you that aren’t going anywhere for resort season this year (i’m guessing that’s most of us), alyson is here to give us a little guide to bringing the tropics home.

Not everyone is as lucky as your regular writer, who gets to spend this week in Hawaii. But it’s cheaper than ever to travel to the islands right now – so if you are thinking about it at all, now is the time.  Beat of Hawaii and Beyond is my favorite tip spot for the best airfare steals. You’ll also find news of hotel deals and specials there too – a great first stop for planning your trip.

But, if you simply can’t go, you can get some virtual aloha too. There are literally TONS of cool things from the 50th state. But here are a few of my favorites:

1. Check out some local Hawaii designers.  Fighting Eel is known for their super-soft cotton jersey dresses. Everyone wears these out here, to weekend backyard barbecues, casual cocktail hours, even out to dinner.

Muumuu Heaven takes old muumuus and refashions them into chic dresses. The boutique stocks only things made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers (lots of bamboo fabric with accents made from vintage muumuus), so every dress is one of a kind.

Also, Satori is a brand new Hawaii line launched by a local girl, Lynn Sakutori, who spent the last decade in NYC designing for Kenneth Cole and other big labels. She just came back to the islands to do her own line, and it’s way less island-y than Fighting Eel or MuuMuu Heaven, but still simple, cute and really versatile.  You can read more about her on Lei Chic.

2. Splurge on some island-inspired jewelry. One of my favorite jewelry collections is Misa Jewelry. It’s chunky and fun, and designed by a Hawaii native who now lives in LA. You can’t buy it online, but it’s stocked in some LA boutiques, and you can always call to order pieces you see online.  Also check out Pua Jewelry and Hinu Jewelry – they are kind of similar, but super popular here.  Everyone I know wears pieces from one or both of these lines. The two designers used to have a line that they designed together, but they each do their own lines now.

3. Indulge with some Hawaii beauty products. There are a lot of fake-pineapple and fake-coconut scented potions out there. No one who lives in Hawaii actually uses that stuff. But there are some really good quality skin care and beauty products that are local favorites.  The most luxurious Hawaii beauty products are from Malie Kauai, and made with local, organic ingredients. The cream soaps and lotions are used by lots of local women.  For natural, floral perfume, there’s Saffron James fragrances. They are based on native Hawaii flowers, which kind of replicates the experience of having a lei around your neck and smelling the sweet scent wafting up. Read more about them on Lei Chic.  I also love the locally-made line Pure & True.  I know Michelle Garcia, the creator of this line, and once you see her skin, you’re an instant convert to this stuff.  Check out Lei Chic for more info on Saffron James and Pure & True!

4. Hawaiian Food + Drink. Okay, forget the mai tai – it’s sort of generically tropical, and not something locals drink regularly. If you really want to sip like a local, try a lychee martini, which is often made here in the spring, when lychees are in season.  And local food? It’s more than adding pineapple to anything.  To do it yourself, the best cookbook from a local chef is the one from Alan Wong – he is the top five star chef in the state. I have this, but since I’ve eaten a lot of these dishes at his restaurant, and they are so good, I’m hesitant to try to cook them myself. But – worth a try if you aren’t able to visit the restaurant!

5. Aloha for the home. To add a little aloha chic to your home, I love all the artwork, and home décor accents by Kaypee Soh at Somace Design. It’s really modern, but also island-y in a clean, fresh way. He is launching an e-commerce site any day now, so keep checking back!  Also, the one thing about Hawaii you notice as soon as you get off the plane is how different the air is here. It’s soft, thanks to the moderate humidity, and you always smell something good – seaspray, flowers, etc. To bring the scent of Hawaii inside, get a reed diffuser from Alora Ambiance. This was the very first reed diffuser on the market, and the owner creates scents using plants from her backyard.

And remember, above everything…it’s about attitude.  So, relax, kick back…and aloha!

after talking about travel chic, i got to thinking about travel beauty.  airplane cabins are gross, germy places that also dry out your skin.  the number one thing you can do to stay beautiful is to keep hydrated. 

the day before you leave, drink lots of water – i absolutely love this new water from aquadeco.  i am freakishly picky about bottled water, and this one is my new favorite.  plus, the bottle is gorgeous – i’ve actually been using one as a bud vase at work!

another pre-travel beauty must is to keep away from salty foods and alcohol.  while it’s tempting to have that in-flight bloody mary, drinking water or tea will keep you looking fresh.  bring your own tea bags, too – mighty leaf tea is my favorite, i love the silk bags.  also, evian makes these adorable travel sized hydrating sprays, that will keep your makeup looking dewey and fresh – no one wants that cakey make-up face (just watch out for the people behind you when you spray!).

turn the cabin into your own mini spa by carrying luscious travel-sized hand creams. duwop’s hands 2 hair works as a styling creme for your locks as well as a hand cream, which is perfect for me because i get some serious fly-away hair while in flight! 

i like to keep my makeup to a minimum when i travel.  stila’s illuminating tinted moisturizer gives sheer coverage and a subtle shimmer to keep you looking fabulous, just in case you have a gorgeous seat mate!  for your lips, try to refrain from the usual lipstick, which can dry your lips out.  instead, try c.o. bigelow’s mentha lip tint in pink – it’s moisturizing and has a great minty sensation (also great for your breath!).  with a bare face, you can always duck into the ladies’ room when you land to freshen up – carry trish mcevoy’s ‘be prepared’ kit for sizes that will make it through security. 

finally the best beauty advice for any girl on the go:   relax, enjoy your trip and smile! 

what are your best travel beauty tips? 

editor’s note:  i am thrilled to introduce the lovely and talented jessie, of prior shoppingsmycardio fame, as our newest contributing writer!  let’s send her some welcoming warm fuzzies, shall we?

once upon a time, flying was glamorous. ladies would dress up in a suit with hosiery and a hat to fly. lately when i travel, i feel like the coach cabin is the equivalent of a greyhound bus. gone are the smart suits and chic hats - these days, you are more likely to see travelers in their pajamas.

i am not advocating that we all step out in pillbox hats to fly, but who doesn’t want to feel chic after a day of travel?  fortunately, it is possible to look great and be comfortable.

let’s start with a fabulous carry on.  it needs to be large enough to hold your essentials but not so big you are cursing the weight of it when your flight is delayed. keeping in mind that said bag is going to slip under the seat and the plane floor is not the cleanliest place, don’t carry a bag that you will be devastated when it gets gum or whatever else is lurking under your seat on it.  with that in mind, for $118 you can’t go wrong with this aer satchel (even if it is by jessica simpson).

i like to wear jeans when i travel: a wide legged pair in a dark wash looks put together yet effortless. the faye jeans from citizens of humanity ($194) are perfect for travel.  they have stretch in them so they will hold their shape, and they are really soft for your comfort. best part, the darts on the back do wonders for your posterior!

travel days can be long, so wearing a fabric that won’t wrinkle is key, you never know when you will be late and have to run straight to dinner.  a solid tee is perfect travel wear, you can always accessorize to dress it up. michael star’s tees wear beautifully; they have great lines and come in fun colors. i love the cotton scoop neck long sleeve in eggplant ($52), one of my favorite colors for fall. if you are more of a neutral girl, go with the java color. the longer length is perfect when bending down, so you aren’t showing anything you don’t want to. 

i heard someone say once that animal prints are either fifth avenue or call girl (and not the fabulous call girl, belle de jour, on showtime). this gorgeous leopard wrap by kashmere is definitely uptown chic, and you can pick it up at bluefly for the bargain price of $90 (marked down from $195). wearing a scarf when traveling is key, if you are cold you can use it as a blanket, or in a real crunch as a pillow.

airplanes can be chilly, so layer a chic blazer like this cotton blazer from banana republic ($125). in khaki, it will work with most anything you have packed for your trip, and is sure to become a classic in your wardrobe.

finally, footwear.  who are we kidding…it always come back to the shoe!  i am going to suggest wearing a classic heeled boot like the classic campus boot from frye ($398).  this boot will look amazing under your wide leg jeans or over your skinny jeans. i have been coveting frye boots, ever since i was in high school and i would wear my mom’s vintage pair. i recommend a boot over flats because when you are enduring the humiliation of security and you have to take your shoes off, don’t add insult to injury by having your bare feet touch the floor! boots = socks!  wearing your boots will also save room in your luggage for all your other shoes!

now that you are gorgeously dressed for your travel, enjoy your trip!  and don’t worry…all that staring is only because your fellow passengers wish they looked that chic!

thanks to the lovely victoria of sfgirlbybay, i came across a stunning new site featuring loads of the best wares latin america has to offer.  my travels south of the border have been limited to the usual cabo/mazatlan cruise circuit, but i can tell you that even that limited exposure showed me that this is one occasion on which it’s better to buy your souvenirs from the comfort of your couch than from the roadside haciendas outside the cruise dock.  every piece is beautifully crafted, inspiringly colorful, and otherwise just plain wonderful.

sfgirlbybay’s finds are amazing, but i thought i’d show you a few of my favorites as well:

i just received the gorgeous new sofa i ordered back in may, which means i’ve been a little throw-pillow-obsessed of late.  all of the pillows at lama are making me happy, but i love the childish, fun vibe these animal pillows ($120) radiate.  my fave is the llama, but that little burro is running a very close second.

and i can’t think of anything more perfect for my next summer barbecue than to dress the table up with one of these gorgeous oilcloth tablecloths ($40) – i love the vibrant summer colors and the low-maintenance ease.  with this much style on the table, i’m pretty sure i could serve KFC, and no one would notice.  i’ve seen these before, but this version has a contrast-finished edge, which makes it much more stylish than others i’ve come across.

all of the ceramics on the site are divine, but i can’t get this lovely little vine bowl ($160) out of my mind.  the piece is definitely pricey, but amazingly intricate – i can hardly believe it’s only 6 inches across.  it would be the perfect place to store your most-used pieces of jewelry.  i’m also completely in love with this bright turquoise bird tray ($75) for the same purpose…and it could easily double as a drink tray or something else wonderful when you’re entertaining.

i could go on and on, but well…you’ll find it all on your own.  just make sure you don’t miss the eva peron storage boxes, the gorgeous mexican striped laundry basket, the…  well, you get the idea.