Wearing Now: Spots & Dots

Spotted Silk blouse - Zara (recent find)

Dotted skirt - H&M

Good morning and Happy Monday, friends!  You might have to squint in order to see the leopard spots on this blouse (a Saturday find at my Union Square Zara), but it's there, I promise!  I like the simple black piping that adorns an otherwise simpler silk blouse, and better yet, it's leopard without screaming LEOPARD!  (Although I've happily screamed leopard here, here, here, and here and I will happily go on screaming leopard in the future!)  =)

I've been uncharacteristically light in my blogging of late - you can blame it on Thanksgiving and an exciting surprise that came my way a little over a week ago.  That surprise has to remain as such until a few more days (Wednesday!)...!  I can't wait to share the news with you!  

Hope you have a lovely day!

Thanksgiving Feast

Our Thanksgiving Feast was truly that - so many courses and so many delicious flavors, all prepared by our chef of the day, my sister!  I hope you've had as lovely a Thanksgiving holiday as we have! 

Weekend Wear: Shorts & Tights

Tuxedo blazer - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Chambray blouse - Levi's

Shorts - Zara 

Belt - J.Crew

Purse - Chanel

Tights - DKNY

Booties - Giuseppe Zanotti

Scarf - Burberry

Thanksgiving festivities are officially starting tonight!  Let the feasting begin! 

Holiday Gift Guide: My "It" Dress

Barneys New York Tartan Dress, on sale for $539

You'll have to forgive me - this installment of the Holiday Gift Guide is actually an item I'm seriously craving.  Lust is an understatement.  Need is a bit dramatic, but this craving is so intense, I may just go there.  =) 

Can you envision this dress with black tights, black heels and a little sparkle-sparkle along the neckline?  The ultimate statement-maker for this holiday season.

Weekend Wear: Flowery Day

Tunic - Zara

Skirt - BCBG

Belt - J.Crew

Necklace - Madewell

Trench - Burberry

Good morning and happy Monday, friends!  How was your weekend?  Mine was absolutely filled to the brim:  a frigid Cal football game at Memorial Stadium, a down-to-the-last-second-on-the-edge-of-your-seat Univ Colorado Boulder basketball game at USF, a fun girly brunch with a longtime friend, and Sunday happy hour with a fellow board member of our HOA.  It was an eventful week to say the least and I'm excited to head into Thanksgiving!  What are your Thanksgiving plans?

Wearing Now: Brown Tights

Blouse - Anthropologie (very old)

Skirt - Zara (last season)

Wool tights - H&M (recent)

Booties - Zara (recent)

Desperate for brown tights to wear with my new lace-up booties, I picked up this wool pair from H&M - and they're exceedingly warm!  If you're always shivering (even in 68 degree weather) like me, wool tights are a fantastic way to go. 

Happy Friday, friends!  Hope you enjoy your weekend!!

Holiday Gift Guide: Wrapping Them Up

 

CB2 Dove Ornament, $3.95

One of my favorite things about gifting is gift wrapping!  I take over all gift wrapping duties in the house (with pleasure!), and I think these little doves would be lovely to hang from a cheerful red satin bow.

Chocolate Lace-up Booties

Zara Booties

After seeing a glimpse of them here and here, I figured these boots deserved a proper introduction!  They have just the right amount of platform, go high enough up the ankle (but not too high), and boast the deep chocolate color I'd been looking for.  They're not bad for walking, either!

Holiday Gift Guide: Only in Napa (but they deliver!)

Darioush Chardonnay, $43

Those of us in this city by the bay are so lucky - when you need a break from the bustling city life, Napa is just a short drive away.  But for everyone else, they do deliver! 

I'm no Wine Spectator critic (and I'll be the first to admit I love the $13 bottle of Chardonnay at the grocery store too!), but Darioush Chardonnay always makes ordinary days feel extraordinary.

Wearing Now: Seeing Red

Wool and silk pencil skirt - Valentino

Blouse - vintage

Heels - Christian Louboutin

Trench - Burberry

Purse - Chanel

The only problem with such a beautiful skirt is that it's difficult to dress down.  (A problem I will gladly take on!)  It begs to be paired with an elegant creme silk blouse or a festive form-fitting bustier, but a normal office day is not quite the occasion for that.  =)

I recently started a 9to5Chic Facebook page ( it's looking pretty bare right now, but that will change soon!!).  And not more than 4 months ago, I started a Twitter account (who knew it would become my quickest source for all news?)!  It's so much fun connecting with all of you - I'd say it's easily the best part of blogging.  Thank you for your comments, emails and for stopping by!

Holiday Gift Guide: Bobbi Brown Brush Set

 Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Collection, $175

 

And if you really want to go for the gold:

Bobbi Brown Neiman Marcus Exclusive Essentials Brush Set, $250

Definitely worth splurging for if you'd like your make-up loving recipient to think of you every morning!

Wearing Now: A Summery Fall

Heels - Brian Atwood

Blouse - ADAM by Adam Lippes

Skirt - H&M

Pearl & Onyx Necklace - from my Mom

San Franciscans have enjoyed a Fall unlike any other - mid 70s and weather made for outdoor dining!  We obliged in the form of a Spanish patio dinner at B44 along Belden Lane.

These Brian Atwood heels have come out from the distant reaches of my closet and I'm reminded of the reason I love them so much.  They're velvet, which is why in pictures and in person the color is wonderfully saturated - black as night and full of texture.  

Hope you're having a lovely week!

Holiday Gift Guide: A Gift a Day

Is it truly November 15th already?  I've promised myself that holiday gift shopping will be completed before December 23rd this year (as if I didn't promise myself last year, or the year before, or the year before that...)!

Any reason to be browsing the online shops is a good one, and I'll be sharing with you a daily dose of my holiday gift picks.  

In fact, here's today's pick:

sfballet.org

Support your local Ballet, Symphony or Opera and give the gift of an experience.  Opening night for a full length ballet is always exhilarating and the perfect opportunity to don that special dress and suit. =)

Weekend Wear: Olive & Brown

Olive jacket with belt - H&M (earlier this fall)

Skinny jeans - Forever21

Booties - Zara (recent find)

Purse - Chanel

Hello friends!

My work trip to Louisville was thoroughly productive, although it stretched into my weekend a bit:  I joined in on a lunch meeting for a rep's potential new customer and a spent a full day supporting a conference.  Trips always feel much more productive when I'm in town for more than just one meeting or one surgery - and yes, unfortunately, that's not always the case.

And back to the office I go - with objectives to finalize and seek approval for the 2011 Marketing budget, plan for the 2011 marketing brochures and programs and follow-up on activities from Louisville.  How is your 9to5 going?

Something New: Classic Red Pencil Skirt

Valentino Pencil Skirt

A bit of a splurge (it was on sale!) but it's something I envision wearing even in my 30s and 40s: a classic wool and silk Valentino pencil skirt in Valentino's signature red hue.

Closet space is fairly awfully limited in our SF condo, but there is always room for a classic, right?   =)

Coffee Break Craving: Jewels

 J.Crew Earrings

In need of something sparkly to take you through the holiday parties?  This festive pair of earrings is sure to do it!  I daydream of wearing these with a messy low chignon, sequined skirt, simple tee and sharp tuxedo blazer...but must not forget the sky high heels and holiday-appropriate cocktail in-hand!

Thank goodness it's Friday, this daydreaming is all too dangerous! =)

Afternoon Craving: Nanette Lepore Cape

Nanette Lepore Get a Clue Cape

This lovely cape is 50% off at the Nanette Lepore shopping site - I'm quite positive it's been sitting in my shopping cart for some time now... =)  Anyone?

Wearing Now: Navy Pants

 Leather Jacket - ALC

Trousers - Zara

Tank - Forever21

Purse - Yves Saint Laurent

Heels - Christian Louboutin

I've got a lot to be smiling about:

1. A special someone named Colin was born just two days ago!
2. You guys had some pretty awesome ideas for umbrellas yesterday - you bet I'm checking those options out! (thank you!!!)
3. I'm going to Hawaii again soon...
4. ...but not before traveling to two more cities (one of which is Louisville)
5. ...and I'll still be in town for Lanvin for H&M (the timing!)

What's making you smile today?

Weekend Wear: Rain Boots

Rubber rain boots - Tory Burch

Velvet dress - Zara

Knit jacket - Zara

Tights - DKNY

Purse - Chanel

Sunday's rain gave way to sunshine, but not before I had a chance to run around Union Square in my rain boots.  They make rainy days so much more bearable and they still get compliments everywhere they go.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my favorite umbrella.  After 6 years of service, it finally crapped out on me (and not gracefully, either).

My search for a replacement turned into a major fail - I never thought I could be so picky about an umbrella!  The musts?  A cane handle, extra large coverage, cheerful print to keep away those somber rainy day thoughts, wind-proof and smooth open/close operation!  That's all!

Are you geared up for the rainy days this season?  Any umbrella searching tips you can offer yours truly?

Wearing Now: Alainn Bella Top

Blouse - courtesy of Alainn Bella

Trousers & Belt - Zara

Scarf - H&M

Shoes - Steven by Steve Madden

A new blouse courtesy of Alainn Bella arrived last week and in no time at all I had mentally paired it with half a dozen items from my closet (I've found that cropped blouses like this one work great with high-waisted trousers).  Best of all, it can be worn backwards for a fun, revealing low back. Check out their new items online - and don't forget to take 15% off your order with "9to5chic."

Happy Monday!

Afternoon Craving: Not Just Another Blouse

DKNY

This is exactly what I feel like wearing right now with slouchy cropped trousers (and tomorrow with a weekend skirt, and the day after tomorrow with skinny jeans)... Now, why isn't it in my closet?!  =)

Speaking of the weekend, I'm so excited for an event-less two days since I've got major traveling ahead - first stop being Louisville!  What are your weekend plans?

Wearing Now: Cropped Khakis & November Thoughts

Cropped trousers - Zara (recent find, but also worn here)

Blouse & belt - J.Crew

Blazer - DKNY

Boots - Zara

I've just realized it was November.  November!  Yes, 4 days into the month the month finally registered.  November marks the start of the holiday season: holiday travel, holiday parties, holiday gifting, holiday family time, holiday wishes, holiday feasting and [I mustn't forget] the holiday sales!

And in this tiny little corner of the grand ol' interweb, November also happens to be the birth month of 9to5Chic.  I want to thank every one of you for taking the time to visit this space.  Thank you for your comments and emails.  It has made me smile every day. =)