2/28/15

Bakers and Van Gogh


Top: Free People Boyfriend Button Down / Bottoms: J.Brand 620 Jeans (on sale!)  / Boots: Frye
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Qulted Affair (on sale!) / Sunnies: Ray Ban Aviator (in black)
Lips: Mac Lipstick (Taupe)

Sorry for the delay! Museum hopping in Amsterdam is epic! There are three great and renowned museums all in the Museum Quarter; Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh. One could easily spend all day in one, and that's if you literally stop and read context for every painting in the building. Here's the thing. Most don't actually stop, read and view every painting...but once you get sucked into their storyline you can help but soak in every masterpiece! That's why I ended up in Van Gogh for 4 hours while my friend took a nap in the lobby. lol Also, there are great cafe's and gift shopping that will keep you even more occupied. My STRONG recommendation for admittance into the museum is purchase tickets online or at the gift shop's ticket booth near the IAMsterdam sign. 

Brunch has not disappointed...in fact, it's been delightful! This time, brunch is Kiwi style. Bakers and Roasters. Thinking about each category of food available, cocktail, food, dessert, coffee, it has to be my favorite brunch joint so far! We ordered the Kiwi Brekkie, Banana Nut Bread French Toast and the Pancake Stack. Great, my mouth is watering just thinking about it...amazingly delish! B&R is a must.

Thanks for stopping by!

2/26/15

Day in De Pijp


Sweater: Banana Republic Stitch Open Cardi (on sale!) / Top: J.Crew Verticle Stripe (Inverse color)        Tee: J.Crew Linen Baseball Tee L'Amour Triomphe / Bottoms: AG The Nikki Jeans
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff 'Quilted Affiar' (on sale!!)
Sunnies: Ray Ban 'Original Aviator' / Lips: NARS velvet Matte (walkyrie)

It seems like every neighborhood in Amsterdam is uber hip! Today I walked through a neighborhood south of Amsterdam; De Pijp. I happened to find quite a few things to spend the day! First and foremost, food! I had brunch at an amazing Aussie restaurant, this was actually my first time having Australian cuisine. The streets are sprinkled with cafe's and coffeeshop (no coffee served if you get my drift!). And on the main street there is a huge street market with different vendors, food carts, florists and everything in between! It's the largest outdoor market in the country! With that said, I've got my top list of things to do in De Pijp:

Eat: John Collins, Omleeg and De Waaghals for brunch and lunch. Cafe Restaurant Braque, Le Restaurant and Bazar for dinner. If traveling with a large group, Bazar is perfect!

Shop: Albert Cuypmarkt - there are dozens and dozens of stores, food vendors, produce to choose from.

Drink: Blackboard Canteen, Chocolate Bar for cocktails. Bar with views go to Twenty Third Bar.

Activities: Canal Tour and Bike ride through the neighborhood. Park of choice, Sarphati Park

Are there any great spots I missed?? Please share!

2/24/15

Straat Style


Shoes: Nike Roshe One ID (Cool Grey) / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Next stop Amsterdam! First things first...shopping! Shopping here has been impeccable! Shopping at the 9 Straatjes (9 streets) has to be the best in the city. Like the name, the stores are neatly lined on 9 alleyways, in 3 x 3 sections crossing the canal belts. After finishing each street I found myself uber eager to see what boutiques awaited my arrival :-) The shops I'm the most obsessed with are Scotch & Soda, We Are Labels , Flippa K and COS. I loved sifting through the minimalist yet edgy pieces...it isn't hard to pull off an effortlessly chic look shopping around here! My first day in Holland was off to a great start.

I was completely prepared for a full day of shopping so wearing an oversized tunic sweater was a clear option. Who wants to tussle with buttons, turtlenecks and zippers when you're in and out of dressing rooms?! I picked this stitch ver neck tunic from Banana Republic...and once I was ready to purchase, discovered it was on sale! It's super comfy and I've been able to dress it up or down. I could easily add a pair of pump, add a red lip, high bun and be ready for dinner! Down to the shoenen. Having a pair of sneakers is a must when traveling abroad, especially shopping excursions! You can easily walk 5 to 7 miles a day. Can you imagine walking that distance in a pair of heels?! I don't even want to think about it. What's cool about these Nike's is its all customizable. I chose the Cool Grey pattern...it's easy to match up and adds just the right amount of contrast against the white sole and the color I wear most often. Black!

Well I'm off now! Thanks for reading!!

2/23/15

Sweater Sweater


Sweater 1: Banana Republic Ribbed (similar, on sale!) / Sweater 2: BR Stitched Vee Tunic (on sale!)
Bottoms: AG The Nikki Jeans / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie Boots / Lips: Stila (beso)

Today is bittersweet. Although I miss home dearly I know I am going to miss the Nordic treasure I grew to love; Stockholm. The alluring cobblestone streets that graciously guided me around town, the ever ending smiling faces that never ceased to welcome conversation, the incredible food that took me on a culinary journey and the simple beauty of the Scandi streets. Today I only intended on having a relaxing day. A day to rest up from the 5-6 mile daily walks. Instead, I had to see the city one last time! I had to soak in as much as possible to strengthen the chemistry of this love affair before returning home. 

I once again visited my new favorite store & Other Stories and returned to COS as well. I had lunch at what was considered a "fast food" restaurant but was more like a chic chef's kitchen themed brasserie. Yes there were food trays and self serve condiments and utensils but there were also custom blown glass chandeliers, a brass sink near the condiment counter and lounge dining on the loft level... there wasn't anything about fast food about this restaurant!! 

Today I'm wearing a number of layers...A number of sweater layers! It's was especially cold today so I was pretty confident I wasn't overdoing it. Here are a few tips I've learned for traveling to cold weather climates:

  • Layer up- whether it be a tank or long sleeve tee under your primary top or sweater. Wear tights or leggings under bottoms. Don't shy away from throwing on an extra cardigan if necessary
  • Gloves/scarf/hat- it's easy to take for granted the precious warmth in your fingertips! Keeping your hands tucked in your pockets just won't cut it. Especially when you're hands are busy taking pictures
  • Hand/toe warmers- this contraption will do wonders to keep those ligaments nice a toasty!  They come is small bags and you can keep them inside your pockets, gloves and shoes. I kid you not, holding the warmers is like placing your hands above a fire!
  • It may not seem necessary being covered up so, but make sure to keep your skin and lips moisturized! The cold crisp air is capable of drying your skin tremendously
  • Wear shoes or boots with thick lining. Because a shoe is fully covered doesn't mean it's thick enough to withstand the freezing climate. Believe me, cold air and snow can seep through leather quickly! Thick boots, socks and tights are a great combination. Your legs and toes will be happy :-)
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo





2/20/15

Vasa and Abba




Sweater: Banana republic / Bottoms: Sloan Front Leather Legging (on sale!) / Scarf: Merona (old, similar here and here) / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Planning a trip to Stockholm was a must needed getaway for some R&R... I wasn't sure what to expect besides a chili museum hopping winter excursion and long reflective café stops but I must say Stockholm has me smitten. Today I did a little window shopping in Ostermalm and visited the Vasa and Abba museum. The Vasa Museum was effective in making me feel like I stepped foot into the 17th Century with the huge 64 gun (cannons!) salvaged warship. Incredible how they were able to fully restore such an old vessel and some contents including the clothing from some nordic trendsetters. Now, the ABBA museum. This has to be one of the most fun and interactive museum i've visited to date...music lovers I'm sure will share the same feelings. After recording a song in a studio, performing live on stage while being recorded, and getting smoothered by all of the Platinum and Gold records, I left leaving feeling like a super star! Not to mention being able to return home and view all the footage directly on my computer. The ABBA is a must see!


After all my performances your girl got hit with an enormous appetite! I wanted something that was traditional to Sweden, something that was hearty and felt like home. I came across traditional Scandinavian restaurant called Pelikan that was approved by a few locals. All I can say is Delicious!! It would be the equivalent to going to grandmothers and sitting at a table full of southern dishes. Cooked with tender love and care. After eating here, Sweden began to feel more like home! 


Thank goodness my choice of attire today was comfy and functional! 


Till next time beauts!

2/18/15

My Favorite Tee




Top: "My Favorite Tee" BR (on sale!) / Sweater: BR Open Cardigan / Bottoms: AG jeans 
Coat: CK (old, similar here) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair (on sale!) / Sunnies: Super America Sunglasses

It was a delightful day in Stockholm. I spent the entire time roaming the charming streets in Sodermalm. If I had to compare the city to New York, Ostermalm is Manhattan and Sodermalm is Brooklyn. I'm fairly certain Sodermalm is the hippest area with their top-notch vintage boutiques, funky jewelry shops and chic cafes. One can easily spend the day wondering the streets window shopping all day! A friend established a connection with a local so I was fortunate enough to the the insiders scoop of everything Stockholm. This sweet stylish petite fiery haired woman welcomed us into her uber chic home. We chatted over sweets and tea and got the FULL rundown on the culture, family life and what daily life is like in Sweden. It's all very fascinating! I think I've developed a little crush on this city :-)


As soon as we left the home we stepped onto stoned filled streets spilling into staired pathways cradled with colorful homes, shops, art galleries and parks sprinkled here and there. Unfortunately most shops were closed being Sunday but many places were gracious enough to keep their window displays completely open! 


My daytime staples consist of motor boots, some capacity of denim and layers. Lots and lots of layers! Living in California I don't own many true cold weather items...layering on shirts and sweaters was my only salvation!




2/17/15

Haute and Cold

 

Top: BR Haute Sweatshirt / Shirt: J.Crew Chambray / Sweater: BR Open Cardigan (on sale!)
Bottoms: J.Brand 620 Jeans (on sale!)  / Boots: Frye / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Qulted Affair (on sale!)
Sunnies: Super America Sunglasses

Hi dolls! I hope everyone is having a great week so far! My days in Stockholm seem to burn like wildfire. I'm happy I've been making the most out of my days, not too many mornings sleeping in...which is rare for me!

I'm most comfortable when I'm laced head to toe in denim. I think the denim on denim combination is a simple way to pull of an effortless chic look. What was most useful in my case was having an extra layer of armor to shield me from the cold brisk air! Layering my J.Crew Keeper Chambray with a sweatshirt was a no brainer. Believe me, after walking about town for hours especially after sunset at times became almost unbearable! My days are here are limited so there was no way I was calling it quits. Spending the evening on a guided tour through Gamla Stan, learning about Sweden's history AND drinking the best cup of hot chocolate ever created made me quickly forget about the teeth chattering sessions. Stockholm is proving to be one of my favorite cities!

Till next time!

2/13/15

LRD Arrival


Dress: BCBG (old, short/long here) / Tights: Merona Target / Shoes: Nine West (old, similar here)
Coat: Cole Haan (old, similar here) / Handbag: H&M / Lips: Stila Cosmetics (beso)

The wait is over. After a 10 hour flight that was quite pleasant, actually incredibly phenomenal since our plane flew directly through Auroras Borealis playground. If only you could understand the feeling of experiencing this magical event...it was a dream come true! In that moment, I forgot about all the pain and heartbreak that blanketed the ground below. A few hours later it was wonderful to touchdown onto this winter wonderland! Because of Swedens' proximity to the Arctic Circle, they have very little daylight during the winter. Luckily February's moon rise is pretty close to that of back home in the States. But prior to February, the sun can go down as early as 2pm! Riding the Arlanda Express to the City I was mesmorized by the beauty of the city. Think downtown San Francisco with century old architecture and pockets of the sea nested throughout the city. Simply gorgeous!

After relentlessly researching for things to do, we came across an expat group that had a dinner party planned the night I arrived. As soon as I checked into the Hotel I threw on my LRD (little red dress) and was ready to paint the town! There's no way I would be able to leave any establishment without being fully covered. So here here's my take on the must have's for those cold dressy evenings out:

1) Medium to heavy weight shawl- when wearing cocktail attire most venues have coat check. As soon as you reveal your fabulous frock, the AC will most definitely hit you quick! A scarf or shawl is the perfect solution to maintaining comfortable body temp.
2) Opaque tights- dearie, I know your dress will look so much better showing your lovely long legs, believe me, I know! But, pairing with dark opaque tights will not take away from the look. Especially paired with a nice pair of stilettos. 
3) Covered shoes: there are tons of shoe options to keep those pretty toes nice and cozy in evening wear. I went with booties tonight but my other option was a pair of patent leather pumps.

What's your favorite cold evening out look?!