Tieks by Gavrieli

Photos by K. Mears

Living in San Francisco means you cannot get very far in heels (oh so many hills!) so I have welcomed the addition of flats to my style. I'm always looking for a new pair to add to my ever growing collection.

My friend Jennifer introduced me to some very cute flats by Tieks, a company that's putting a designer twist on standard ballet flats. Tieks was actually started by one of her husband's grad school classmates. I love a good entrepreneurial story, so I pulled the trigger and made a purchase.

My Tieks arrived in the mail this week and I was immediately won over by the beautiful packaging. I also love all the extras that came with my order, including a little travel bag (small enough to stash in your purse) for days I wear heels in the morning and give up by the evening.

I ordered my ballet flats in clover green, which I think will perk up many of my winter outfits!

Ernest Alexander New York

Images from  ernestalexander.com

Jay has been looking for a laptop or messenger bag that suits his style for ages. Unfortunately, it always seems to be a decision between form and function. He finally found a bag with both, from Ernest Alexander New York. Ernest Alexander pays special attention to craftsmanship and design, producing all their lines in the U.S.

I only wish I would have come across Ernest Alexander's bags before he did! He found a great deal on Urban Daddy so he jumped on it.

It would've made an excellent Christmas gift. So I pass this information on to you. If you have a charming gentleman in your life who appreciates the finer things, I recommend checking out Ernest Alexander New York.

Ah, back to the drawing board for me...

Kate Spade Sample Sale!

Images from katespade.com

I realize this is the third time I have mentioned Kate Spade on my blog, but I really do love this brand for its classic and preppy style. Plus, I couldn't resist sharing a worthwhile sale! Items are marked down up to 75%, and shipping is a flat fee of $5.00. This is a good deal. The link for the sale is here.

Unfortunately, the Gramercy Park Calista laptop bag I've had my eye one for ages sold out (just as I was about to check out!). So the sale has been a bit of a bust for me. But I definitely spotted a few handbags worth considering. Perhaps a little something to hold my essentials for our up and coming Euro adventure!

Hipsta Hipsta Eyeglasses

Photos by K. Mears

Recently my tried and true eyeglasses broke. And by recently, I mean February.

My glasses just haven't been a high priority to replace since I only really need them for nighttime driving (I haven't driven in the city since 2010, no joke) or seeing something very very far away. I would have put off purchasing glasses even longer, if Jay hadn't introduced me to this awesome online glasses shop, Warby Parker. 

They were recently written about in Business Week (here) for their innovative business model. All glasses (including prescription) at Warby Parker are $95.00 flat! There are a number of stylish frames to choose from and you can order up to 5 at a time to try on. You simply return the ones you do not want (and it's free shipping)! 

The only downside is they only sell hipster glasses, horn-rimmed frames and the like. But I love it! I purchased the Langston in Revolver Black Crystal. Hipsta Hipsta!

Kate Spade Summer Sale!

Images from katespade.com

I thought I would pass along some summer sale cheer!

Kate Spade is having a nice little summer promotion on all sale items. The online (checkout) code is SALE25, for an additional 25% off and free shipping on all sale items through July 14!

I just couldn't resist spreading the word! Hmmm, it may be time to invest in a pair of shoes or two (you can never have too many flats in San Francisco)!

Packing Made Simple

Images from loandsons.com

I love traveling as light as possible, so I am always on the look-out for the perfect weekend travel bag. I just noticed Lo & Sons O.G. bag featured on Cup of Jo this week and am quite tempted to make the purchase. I am even more so tempted because there's a potential 40% discount available (details here)!

I think what I like most about the O.G. bag, is the side pocket for extra shoe storage. That's so handy! There are so many trips in which I have had to leave my running shoes behind because there's no room. Now I'll have no excuse to skip my run when on the go!

Lovely 1920s Dresses

Image source unknown

Jay and I went to a showing of the new Woody Allen movie, "Midnight in Paris" yesterday afternoon. It is a true romantic comedy and if you are even remotely a Francophile, I think you will enjoy it for the sheer setting.

I couldn't stop admiring the 1920s wardrobe. My most favorite was the delicate style of Marion Cotillard's character. I just love her flapper inspired dresses.

Oh so adorable!

Windy Day, No Problem!

Photo by J. Mears

Whoever claimed Chicago is the windy city should visit San Francisco in the spring. Many of our sunny days are accompanied by quite a bit of wind, which means keeping your long locks out of your face can be a problem. 

Luckily a close friend of mine who happens to be a city-living veteran, offered up a perfect solution, a hat from Goorin Bros! This fourth-generation family owned hat shop offers a wide selection of styles hand crafted for women and men. 

I've never thought of myself as much of a hat person but since being gifted a cloche-inspired hat, windy days have become a piece of cake! I love that this version (featured above) is casual but still maintains a feminine style.

Perhaps, I will venture in to try out a fedora next, to jazz up my look for the summer!

New Purse = Simple Joy

Image from katespade.com

Thanks to Sage & Style (one of my favorite style blogs!) for sharing that the Kate Spade sample sale was going on today. I really had no idea, and when I read her post it definitely put a little more excitement in my day! 

I've been wanting to invest in a new work purse for awhile and I was hoping Kate Spade would have just the thing. After much back and forth (classic or trendy, color or neutral), I ended up choosing the Kent Nicole handbag in black (I went classic to guarantee a longer shelf life). It's the perfect addition to my work style!

Anthropologie in India

Images from anthropologie.com

I noticed that Anthropologie's May 2011 catalog was shot in India! Which is exciting since I remember growing up in the Midwest in the 1990s, when being different or South Asian wasn't exactly celebrated. Happily things have changed. I love that India is being recognized for its beauty and up and coming designers like Anupama Dayal.

The catalog photos remind me so much of my family trips of the past and make me want to visit again as soon as possible (which unfortunately won't be for a few years). Until then, I'll have to watch this gorgeous video released of the catalog outtakes, have a look!

Ambiance San Francisco

Image from ambiancesf.com

I would love to say I'm a boutique kind of gal, but the truth is, typically you will find me purchasing much of my wardrobe online. A tempting 20% off  and free shipping coupon from J.Crew or Banana Republic and I'm theirs. But since moving to San Francisco, I've grown a new appreciation for the fine details and even deals found in cute boutiques with enticing store fronts. One of my favorites is Ambiance. There are a few locations throughout the city, and luckily one is on 24th street in the heart of Noe Valley. I visit Ambiance often and have found it's a great place for anything from flats with a bit of sparkle to the perfect little San Francisco winter coat. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, I would encourage you to stop by. If you need more of an incentive, they have a 10% offer going on all of March!

Shop It To Me

My friend forwarded on an invite to Shop It To Me, a personal shopping site, this week. At first I was a little hesitant about another designer deal site. I already spend too much time on ideeli and Gilt Groupe. But Shop It To Me is a little different. You actually create a profile, enter in your size for multiple styles and types of clothing and then pick the brands you are interested in. This way you are only getting deals on items that you can fit into and brands that are your faves. I already received my first set of deals today, and it is pretty tempting!

Nerd Boyfriend

Image Source Unknown

Jay came across nerdboyfriend.com, a clever style blog that helps recreate looks worn by icons such Paul Newman (featured above). It is easy to get lost page after page, so consider yourselves warned. Then again, what's time when you are looking for style inspiration!

Romantic Brides

Image from bhldn.com

A few of my favorite bloggers posted sneak previews last week of Anthropologie connected bridal boutique BHLDN. I searched high and low for a dress when it was my time and wouldn't change a thing, but I am just in love with this Ribbon Silk Gown! Lucky brides this year have another add on their to do list!

Never Too Late for Pajamas

Image from jcrew.com

I was super excited when my brother-in-law Ryan gave me a belated Christmas gift this week, a fun surprise! I had completely forgotten that I had put these JCrew pajamas on my wish list (apparently they were on back order). These classic pajamas are a soothing and perfect little way to end the day, super comfortable - and quite cute I might add (I love the white piping)! Last year I only saw them available in navy, now they come in hydrangea and barely peach. I think the barely peach will be quite lovely for the spring!

Ooh la la!

Image from eberjey.com

I didn't win the Eberjey giveway from A Cup of Jo last week (shucks!), however I did take advantage of the 20% discount which is being offered until February 15. What really got me is the lingerie company's belief that the layer worn closest to heart should express happiness, love and confidence!  I totally agree! So I gave them a try and ordered their signature Delirious French brief - and am not disappointed! I encourage you to treat yourself for Valentine's Day as well!

Oh, Mr. Knightley!

Image from katespade.com

I just can't stop thinking about this Kate Spade Book Clutch, I first saw posted on the Neo-Traditionalist. It's absolutely darling! Emma is one of my all time favorites from Jane Austen - and the quote displayed is absolutely perfect!