Wearing Now: Weekend Gingham

Sweater - courtesy of Alainn Bella

Dress - Club Monaco

Belt - J.Crew

Booties - Givenchy

Rings - H&M

Sunglasses - Prada

In today's sunshine, this outfit was perfect, if not too warm.  In the shade and between tall buildings where the wind rushes through...it was frigid.  Good thing most of the time was spent sitting in the sun at the square with the dogs for people watching and art browsing.

Also accomplished today?  Our third grocery store run of the weekend (Safeway, Costco and Whole Foods), a sub-par pathetic excuse for a meal prepared by yours truly (good thing my hubby still loves me), and tax worksheets.  That time of year again, my friends!  =)

Wearing Now: Pleated Skirt

Skirt - Zac Posen for Target

Shirt - H&M

Boots - Prada

Trench - Burberry

Ring - H&M

Tights - doubled up, Hue and DKNY

Sunglasses - Burberry, courtesy of Sunglass Hut

My typical Saturday involves a hearty breakfast (usually by Chef Hubby), coffee and window shopping (occasionally substituted by the real thing), a long walk with the dogs to different city destinations (Fillmore, Russian Hill, North Beach...), an errand or two (today's was Safeway) and then a delicious dinner date with the hubby or dinner with friends.  Somewhere in there I have undoubtedly sneaked in a glass of wine or two.  ;)

*And please excuse my terrible manners - I've greatly appreciated ALL of your book recommendations.  I'll be posting a summary of your top picks soon! And just to demonstrate how seriously our household takes books:  the hubby left Borders today with a shopping cart of books (for the third time in a week, no joke).  Thank you!!!  <3 

Benefit Beauty Skincare Event

(1) Our goodie bag box - so cute!

(2) Benefit office decor

(3) New Benefit radiant skincare line

(4) Annie & Maggie Ford Danielson, the gorgeous Benefit Global Beauty Experts

(5) More Benefit-esque decor - love it!

(6) With blogger friends Anna, Alicia and Nicole

(7) The product I'm most excited to try!

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Benefit Cosmetics event for their new b. Right! Radiant Skincare line.  It was great to see the Benefit team again (lovely, lovely team they've got there! <3 thanks ladies!!), and this time in their gorgeous new office (think: fun, flirty Benefit boutique multiplied by a factor of 987391487).

The last Benefit event introduced me to what is now my holy grail liquid eyeliner (Magic Ink), so I was excited to see what they had in store for us.  They're introducing 8 new skincare products ranging from cleanser to eye cream to moisturizer and hydrating mist.  And the keyword is radiance.  Who doesn't want radiant skin?

The timing of this event couldn't be better - you might remember the posts here and here where eye cream was the subject du jour at 9to5Chic!  And now that I've been gifted 5 of the products, you bet I'll be slathering myself with cucumber-smelling goodness!!!

I'll be sure to report back to you when I have a better idea of the results, which also might be perfect timing, given that the launch of the skincare line is April 2011!  ;)

Thank you Benefit!

Psssssst: Excellent news, friends! The line is now available!

Wearing Now: Vintage Leopard Coat

Leopard coat - Vintage

Trousers - Zara

Boots - Givenchy
Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Purse - Chanel

Four things:

1. I love the blogging community.  Every time I head out for an event, I get to meet amazing ladies and I get to reconnect with amazing ladies.  <3 you guys!
2. Benefit Cosmetics is launching a skincare line - and guess who just scored eye cream (among other fabulous items!)?!  Can't wait to share with you.  Next post, promise.
3. Work is keeping me on my tippy toes.  Never a dull moment and things don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon! 
4. Two pairs of Alaia shoes from TheOutnet.com are currently sitting on the table next to me.  Can't keep 'em both, so I've got a decision to make!

Hope you're having a great week!

Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Tony's Pizza Napoletana

We were hoping that by arriving around 6pm we would be seated right away at this no-reservations establishment in North Beach... nope, still an hour wait!  But let the long wait and crowd of people outside be an indication of the quality of food that's being prepared here.  Three words and I'm done:

Best. Pizza. Ever.

(PS: there are a number of wine bars within a block or two that make the hour wait seem like nothing.) 

Wearing Now: Knitted Sweater

Knitted sweater - BCBG (old)

Blouse - ADAM by Adam Lippes

Jeans - Levi's CurveID jeans, courtesy of Levi's

Heels - Proenza Schouler
Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Purse - Chanel

My weekend outfit!  The almost thigh-high zipper detailing on the jeans are just a little work inappropriate...but undoubtedly cool and perfect for weekends. ;)

I received news (over Twitter, of course) that Borders announced they were closing about a third of their bookstores across the nation last week...sad news for Union Square as we're losing both the Powell Street and the Westfield Shopping Centre locations (no more bookstores in Union Square)!  Bookstores have always meant a lot to me - my parents raised my sister and I on the notion that we may not always get the toys and clothes we wanted, but there was never a book they wouldn't buy for us.  Call me old-school, but nothing can replace that peaceful feeling you get when you browse through the aisles of a bookstore and flip the pages of a crisp new book before deciding whether to buy it.

So for my soon-to-be final purchase at Borders in San Francisco, I'd like to ask you for your book recommendations!  What have you read and loved recently?  Please share in the comments!  Thank you!!!

Wearing Now: From Summer to Winter

H&M Jacket

Summer look: Banana Republic dress and necklace, Elie Tahari flats

Winter look: Dolce & Gabbana shirt, Zara pants and boots, old faux fur stole, Chanel purse

This H&M jacket served me well over the summer (evidence here, here and here).  With a few extra layers it's just as good for the milder winter days in San Francisco. 

Work had me running all around San Diego for several days last week but I had the opportunity to recover and relax with family for the first half of the long weekend (so many delicious Vietnamese meals, both home-cooked and out)!  Back to San Francisco and hoping to see some sunshine!

How's your weekend?

Vintage Leopard Coat

Vintage Leopard Coat - my mom's closet

A few years ago my mom showed me this coat and I smiled politely but thought I could never wear it.  Well, I have definitely learned my lesson by now: never say never.  Because now I blog daily, I rock skinny jeans, my cropped boyish trousers put a smile on my face rather than a wrinkle on my nose, I crave leopard everything and I actually own a polka-dotted skirt!  Certainly if I had a crystal ball a few years ago I would not have conceived of all that! ;)

I love that I can have fun with fashion, take risks and let my clothing do the talking for me.  And what, exactly, is this coat trying to convey, you ask?  It's saying: I dare you. =)

Wearing Now: Denim on Denim

Blouse - H&M

Blazer - DKNY

Jeans - Forever21

Heels - YSL
Sunglasses - Stella McCartney
Ring - H&M

Purse - Chanel

I've collected quite a few denim/chambray tops over the last year or so and quite frankly did not need another in my closet.  But this one boasts a faux leather pocket and at H&M pricing, I could not resist!

After my nonchalant claim yesterday that we didn't really celebrate Valentine's Day, it was fitting that I come home to find that my hubby has prepared a lovely meal with wine, a romantic card and a few shopping-related goodies. Aww! ;) 

Thank you for visiting and for all of your comments!!  Hope your Valentine's Day was lovely too! <3

Wearing Now: Alainn Bella Dress

Dress - courtesy of Alainn Bella, get yours here (Use "9to5Chic" for 15% off!)

Blazer - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Tights - DKNY

Necklace - J.Crew

Heels - Chloe

Ring - H&M

Purse - Chanel

Happy Monday all!

I couldn't help but get excited over this subtly metallic, one-shouldered, drapey dress from Alainn Bella.  It made for a perfect little date night dress - the kind where you get spiffy for no reason at all...which is perhaps the best reason!  =)

Following up on last weeks' work trip to Detroit and preparing for this week's work trip to San Diego has me anticipating an incredibly busy Monday.  (Eating lunch at my desk is going to be a given...)  I'm resigned to the fact that I'll be working late this Valentine's Day.  While the hubby and I celebrate lots of holidays and special days, we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day.  How about you?  What are your Valentine's Day plans?  Share in the comments!

Up in the Air

A breathtaking view from the sky as we flew over what is most likely Colorado (good thing I'm not the pilot!). =)  Happy Friday to you and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Wearing Now: Casual Jeans & Leather

Boyfriend sweater - courtesy of Alainn Bella, get yours here!

Leather jacket - ALC

Jeans - Forever21

Necklace - Forever21

Oxford flats - Steven by Steve Madden

Sunglasses - Stella McCartney courtesy of Sunglass Hut, get yours here!

Purse - Chanel

Three things:

1. This sweater is seriously the perfect amount of slouch and knit.  It's the easiest go-to item in my closet right now and I'm contemplating stocking up on another...
2. I had just a final few pairs of sunglasses gifted from Sunglass Hut that I never wore (remember the issue I have with the size of my head? Yeah, it gets me every time!).  I was able to exchange them for these cool Stella McCartneys.  And I love them!
3. Woke up at 4am today to catch a flight to Detroit and after dealing with a few fire alarms related to work, I took a much needed 2 or 3 hour nap (who's counting?!).  It's too bad I can't put naps on my to-do list, every day. ;)  

The real work starts tomorrow; I'm anticipating a 13+ hour work day filled with meetings, training for reps and a lab.  Must. Sleep. Now. =)

(oh - and extra outfit shots up on facebook!)

What You Recommended for Eye Cream!

A huge(!) thank you for all of your comments and recommendations yesterday!  Since many of you also mentioned you were in the market for eye cream, here's a quick summary of the products (and the fabulous ladies who recommended them!):

• Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 (Meg, Anonymous, Anonymous)
• Dior Hydralife Eye Creme (shimmering2light, Amy, RosaLovesDC)
• Origins (highfashion4less, Quynh, Amy)  
• Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment (Beautygirl24,Ella Pretty Blog, Lisa)
• Wexler 3-in-1 Cream from Bed Bath & Beyond (Samantha, Christina)
• Murad (Christina,Kristen)
• Kinerase (Andi, Jillian)
• Hope in a Tube from Philosophy (Samantha)
• Clinique (shoppingtosaving)
• Amore Pacific Contour Lift (FrankieHeartsFashion)
• Caudalie eye cream (shimmering2light)
• Boscia Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment (shimmering2light)
• Chanel's Sublimage (Amy)
• SK-II's Emulsion cream (Amy)
• 100% Pure Eye Cream (J&L)
• Sense Nourishing Eye Cream (April)
• Bare Minerals Eye Cream (Amy)
• Bobbi Brown (Anonymous)
• Roc Retinol (AubreyOhDang)
• Neutrogena (AubreyOhDang)
• Arcona's "The Eyes Have it" (Erin)
• Boots No. 7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream (Mrs. Moore)

Seems like the Olay, Origins, Dior and Kiehl's are top favorites, but one thing is clear - there's great eye cream out there for everyone and at every price point.  I think I'm going to have to take a stab at this one bottle/tub/jar at a time!  ;)

Wearing Now: The Workwear Staple & A Beauty Question

Blouse - Zara

Pencil skirt - Prada

Heels - Yves Saint Laurent

Sunglasses - Prada

Blouse & skirt, the workwear staple.  It's simple, it's easy and between all of the blouses and pencil skirts I've collected over the years, there are about a bajillion combinations to try.  And if you don't believe me, just scroll through a few pages of my Wearing Now tag!  You can tell which days are pretty serious office days too - I tend to keep my jewelry and accessories limited and/or nonexistent when I mean business. =)

I also wanted to ask my lovely readers about some beauty business today, namely, EYE CREAMS!  I'm a total zero when it comes to eye creams and I know that many of you out there are bonafide experts.  Can you share with me your favorite nighttime eye cream??  I'm looking for something that's going to protect me from the daily rubbing/tugging/wiping that goes on (no matter how conscious I am to limit it).  It's dawned on me that I'm turning 28 in a little over a month and *gasp* dare I say I'm starting to feel... hmmmm...

In need of a GOOD EYE CREAM!  ;)

Hope you're having a great week!

Wearing Now: Shorts in February

Blouse & Cropped Trench - H&M

Shorts - Forever21

Necklace - J.Crew

Heels - Miu Miu

Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

I would have never thought I'd be able to pull off short shorts (bare-legged) in San Francisco in early February...We enjoyed sunshine and warmth that rivaled the best summer day I've ever experienced in the city!

Back to work and a lot to accomplish before heading out to Detroit on Wednesday.  Double-tall-nonfat-caramel-macchiato on its way, thanks to my favorite baristas at the Starbucks downstairs. ;)

Hope you have a great Monday!

Wearing Now: Gingham & Oxfords

Gingham shirtdress - Club Monaco

Cropped trench - H&M

Belt - J.Crew

Oxford flats - Steven by Steve Madden

Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Purse - Chanel

A dangerous last minute stop into Saks yesterday after work has me contemplating a serious buy - and now it's all I can think about this weekend!  Which is saying something, given that date night involved dinner at The House (a favorite!), followed by the best mojito (ever) by the most entertaining bartender (ever) at Rosewood, and a final quick stop at Amante before heading home.  And today?  Today my oxfords proved that they can be my walking shoes by surviving 3 miles round trip to the Fillmore and back with the dogs.  ;)

Bella Clothing Giveaway Winner!

Bella Clothing Tissue Jersey Tunic

Thanks to all who entered the Bella Clothing giveaway from Monday's post!  The winner of the Tissue Jersey Tunic is:

Mallory!

Congratulations!  I'll be sending you an email shortly!

Coffee Break Craving: Two-Tone Patent Sandal

 Giuseppe Zanotti from Net-a-Porter

I'm seriously lusting after these Giuseppe Zanotti patent sandals - it perfectly matches everything I envision wearing this Spring and Summer.  How could it not when it's a mix of nude and black?

Happy Friday everyone!!