Seventeenth & Irving

Happy Long Weekend

2013-05-24T09:19:00.001-07:00

Hi lovelies!

Are you as excited about the three day weekend as I am? What are you up to - anything fun?

I think we might head down the coast a bit and just enjoy a scenic drive. May squeeze a picnic in to knock #17 off this list.

And with 3/4 of my shopping budget left for this month, it will be hard to resist the Memorial Day sales! They're epic!

ASOS 20% off with code TAKE20
J.Crew Up to $75 off using code SHOPNOW
J.Crew Factory 40% off everything
Madewell 20% off tees, tanks, and shorts with code SUMMERNOW (grab my favorite linen tees!)
Stella & Dot big savings on some of my favorite pieces like the serpent bangle & Leona pendant

25 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to San Francisco

How Jenna Lyons Transformed J.Crew - such an amazing read

Talked inspiration, how I started blogging, and more with Mere

Working on your blog over the long weekend? Do you keep an editorial calendar? Could your about page use some brushing up?

A gorgeous Stockholm apartment.

IMAGE VIA | ATHENA CALDERONE IN REFINERY 29 - PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICE GAO

NOT MERELY LIVING

2013-05-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite things about blogging is all of the wonderful people I get to meet. Mere from Not Merely Living is no exception. I first met her through a feature on Joy's blog, when I discovered through her interview that we had an uncanny number of similarities. Fast forward to today and she's one of my greatest friends.

Today she did a feature on how I got started blogging, and some tidbits about my life you might not get to read here. Hop over and check it out!

Style to Steal - Lovely Pepa

2013-05-22T08:56:00.004-07:00

Don't you just love when you find a gem after going down the rabbit hole of Pinterest inspiration?

This happens often to me, because I insist on all of my pins leading back to their proper source, or at least a source that properly credits them.

I stumbled across the pin above, which led me to a Tumblr, but through the magic of this nifty tool I discovered one of my favorite new style blogs, Lovely Pepa. I mean, just check out this girl's closet.

Of course, after digging around, I realize this new-to-me blog is quite big and popular. But isn't that what's amazing about blogs? There are so many out there that you can never quite read them all, and there's always a new source of inspiration to be discovered.

Tell me - what are some of your "hidden gems" that you love to read?

PS - Thank you for all your sweet notes and feedback on my promotion and Joy's Bright Lights feature. You guys are the best. Your patience and understanding while I adjust to this new pace of life mean the world to me.

ALL IMAGES VIA | LOVELY PEPA - ALEXANDRA PEREIRA

BRIGHT LIGHTS

2013-05-06T05:24:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends!

As many of you know from following me on Twitter, life has been a bit hectic as of late. Long story short, I got promoted (yay!), took on quite a bit more work responsibility, and then had a big yearly event that I help plan each year come up right at the same time. Coupled with a focus on just trying to take whatever down time I had available to relax a bit and well, here I am.

I apologize for the lack of explanation officially here, but I wanted to pop in today to both explain myself and tell you about a very exciting feature today!

Are you familiar with Frock Files? Joy's blog is one of my very favorites to read each day - or catch up on when I have free time! It's a mix of drool-worthy recipes & food photos, travel, and thoughts on life. I especially enjoy her "Bright Lights" series that highlights bloggers and their favorite things. I always am introduced to someone new, find a few new things to try, and even make good friends like Mere via the series.

You can imagine how honored I was when Joy asked me to participate! Please head over and check out some of my favorite things, tell Joy hi, and know that after May 9th, I'll be back up and running over here.

XO,

Lauren

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CLOSET

2013-04-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

In the last year, I focused on buying nothing but pieces that will be "workhorses" in my wardrobe. When I find myself in a store, staring down a need it right now item, I've done a pretty good job of forcing myself to stand there and actually think about what I'm doing.

It didn't always used to be this way. I used to just buy whatever I liked. Then I woke up and found myself with a closet full of pieces I only sort of liked. And none of it looked good together, which lead to many "I have nothing to wear!" mornings.

First thing's first, you must conquer that closet. Figure out what you actually need to fill holes. Make a list. Keep it on your phone. Shopping and spot a good deal you just can't pass up? I try and ask myself this:

Is it on the list?

If it's not, why do you need it?

Can you think of at least three different and unique ways you can work it in?

One item on my list was a black leather tote. Living in a city, I had three requirements of this tote. First, it had to have a zipper top for security. Second, I wanted short handles that allowed me to carry it in the crook of my arm, but not so long that the tote would touch the ground if I held it by my side (short people problems). Third, I knew an optional crossbody strap would allow me to use it hands free if needed. Beyond those basic requirements, I knew I wanted high quality materials and construction and free of trendy hardware so I could keep it for years.

But before it was ever on the list, I forced myself to think of three different ways to use it.

I'm imagining it in the spring with a pair of white jeans, a chambray shirt, and sandals for the farmers' market. Laugh if you must, but this is spring & summer wear here in chilly San Francisco.

I could also picture carrying it for a work function, adding interest to a basic black dress with statement shoes.

And since going out at night in San Francisco requires having a place to stash an extra scarf or jacket for the walk home, I knew it would be perfect for meeting up with girlfriends for drinks. San Francisco is pretty casual, so I tend to wear a pair of dark or black skinny jeans with a fun top and boots made for walking when I go out.

Do you keep a running wishlist of items for your closet? I'm curious to hear if any of you have this same strategy? I think it's saved me a ton of money on purchase mistakes.

The Tote | Michael Kors Gilmore Tote
Outfit 1 | Merona Chambray Shirt | Old Navy White Denim | Splendid Sandals
Outfit 2 | Zara Dress | Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant | Zara Heels
Outfit 3 | Madewell Linen Tee | Topshop Black Denim | DV Dolce Vita Booties

March

2013-04-07T15:58:00.002-07:00

This month, I was a pretty good at maintaining my budget. One thing I really like about linking up with Budgeting Bloggers each month is the accountability. How could I call myself on a budget if each month I blow through my budget and then some? And slowly but surely, I am learning to stick with it each month. Last month I even had a surplus!

This month was a bit different. I normally sell quite a bit of my old items that don't fit, are outdated, or just don't work with my current lifestyle. When I do that, I add that in to my budget as money I'm allowed to spend for the month. Generally, this provides at least $100 extra or so. This month I didn't sell anything. Did I want to? Sure, of course. But it just didn't happen.

I also returned the black Edie bag featured in last month's post. It sat in the wrapping for about 3 weeks after purchasing it, and if there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that if it's not worn or used within a few days of purchasing, I'm not excited about it, and it needs to go back. I exchanged it for this blouse and this cozy shirt that were in the 30% off sale instead, which I've already worn. If I'm being honest, they're more useful day to day. We're all still learning as we go, right?

I also took advantage of a 30% off Madewell sale and picked up another pair of flats. After doing an inventory of my closet at the beginning of the year, I put a pair of tan, go with everything flats on my list, and felt lucky to find the perfect pair on sale.

I ended up about $50 over my budget, and would have been quite a bit under, if it weren't for my handbag purchase, via Poshmark. A tan satchel is another item I've had on my wishlist, and at over 60% off the retail price, this Rebecca Minkoff was hard to turn down. So while last month I had a surplus, I'm going to be starting April with $50 less to my budget.

Do you have a clothing budget? I am encouraged to maintain mine by linking up with these ladies every month.

Merona Heather Sweatshirt | Merona Chambray Shirt | Madewell Elephant Earrings | Rebecca Minkoff Desire Satchel via Poshmark | J.Crew Copley Bag via eBay | J.Crew Jacquard Stripe Sweatshirt | Madewell Holepunch Sidewalk Skimmers | Madewell Elephant Ring | J.Crew Medallion Blouse

MOVE RIGHT IN | BROADVIEW LOFT

2013-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Can we all just stop and gaze at this sculpture above the dining table for a moment?

Go ahead, I'll wait.

I'm feeling particularly lusty over this Broadview Lofts residence, designed by Croma Design. If you've been around here long enough, you know I go a little nuts for clean spaces that have touches of warmth via wood or cozy fabrics.

Exhibit A, B, C:

ALL IMAGES | INTERIOR DESIGN BY CROMA DESIGN VIA HOUZZ

Luxe or Less - Back To Basics

2013-03-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

I subscribe wholeheartedly to the "buy great shoes & bags and everything else will fall together" philosophy. After all, no one looks pulled together hobbling around in shoes that give them blisters. If your shoes are right, you can get away with spending less on the rest of your closet.

At $90, these shoes aren't exactly budget busters. For me, they fall somewhere in the middle of what I usually spend, but they easily pull together both a "luxe" and a "less" outfit. I'm obsessed with finding the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans right now, because I love how they elevate basics and neutrals to an intentional look. These from Joe's have the look and fit I'm after, but these from ASOS have the look at $100 less.

I'm envisioning them paired with a simple cotton tank. I love the softness and drape of T by Alexander Wang, but it's easy to get a similar look for the price of lunch with this version.

Are you into boyfriend jeans? I am saying a silent prayer of thanks as I'm part of the "athletic thigh" club, and happy to have this trend around.

THREE THINGS

2013-03-11T10:54:00.003-07:00

ONE | Don't you love running into a piece that becomes an instant favorite by chance? That's what happened when I was cruising Target the other day, purchasing exciting daily life necessities like Method counter spray. Another shopper happened to abandon this chambray shirt in the cleaning aisle and it caught my eye. Fast forward to me racing through the clothing section, searching for the shirt in my size, in the dressing room, and this baby was in my cart in rapid time. I've had it one week and I won't admit how many times I've worn it since purchasing. The fit reminds me of the lighter version of this closet favorite mentioned here.

TWO | Did you guys know I'm a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist? I love their jewelry and being able to share it with other people is so easy that becoming one was a no brainer. I picked up this Rebel Pendant and I'm wearing it with everything. The long length makes it perfect to layer with shorter necklaces, it dresses up a casual v-neck tee + jeans, and I receive lots of compliments whenever I wear it. PS - shop the trunk show for a chance to win a free piece from me!

THREE | Whether you call them investment pieces or just smart purchases, a good leather bag is a closet staple that gets better with age. When completing an inventory of my closet, I noticed I have a dark brown, a black, my beloved burgundy bag, but not a nice medium tan. I think this one would be a great fit.

Seen anything lately you just adore?

MOVE RIGHT IN | MOD REDUX

2013-03-06T09:59:00.005-08:00

I am loving, no - obsessed, with the combination of warm wood and modern elements for interiors lately. Nailing down "your style" is always tricky for me. With an interior design education, I can "appreciate" many different looks and styles. But what is "me" or rather, what is "us" and what do we want for our home?

This. This is it.

Comfy seating for curling up and reading a book or watching a movie? Check.

Plush floors to keep my perpetually cold toes cozy? Check.

One open space to allow for entertaining or cooking while the other is in the living room? Check.

I'm dubbing this "modern warmth."

And these stairs are B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

ALL IMAGES | CAPOFERRO DESIGN BUILD GROUP VIA HOUZZ

THREE THINGS

2013-03-04T07:17:00.002-08:00

ONE | This batik pattern on this pillow reminds me of summer. I love the ombre effect and the dark inky blue on luxe silk. I might have to pick up a pair for our living room since summer weather's not coming to San Francisco any time soon.

TWO | Speaking of sunny weather, I love a good pair of sunglasses. I've been rocking the same pair of Cole Haan aviators for approximately four years now ( invest once, wear forever ) but I think I'm ready to add a retro oversized pair like these to the rotation. These come in lots of colors, but I like the leopard most.

THREE | I picked up this NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder on a total whim, but it's turned out to be one of the best beauty buys I've made! I dubbed it "Photoshop Powder" because it has a "blurriness" to it when you brush it over your skin. It hides redness, pores, and the reflective quality gives your skin a nice "lit from within" glow, sort of like your favorite Instagram filter or Photoshop action. I can't say enough good things about this powder, which I hope is a strong endorsement since I've always been firmly anti-powder.

FEBRUARY

2013-03-01T11:30:00.001-08:00

I, Lauren of Seventeenth & Irving, have been a bad Budgeting Blogger. Fran might have scolded me for this once or twice.

Why yes, I did skip all of November, December, and January. I wasn't even that terrible with my budget those months...okay okay, maybe in January. I took advantage of super clearance sales and got a several "investment/long term" things to fill holes in my closet. I did the same this month. In fact, many of the items were so marked down that I couldn't even find them online to link to.

[ By the way, if you're new here and curious about these columns, check out my explanation in the archives. "Haul" posts these are not. ]

And this month I did well. Though I purchased a good amount, I sold a good amount [ $250 ] of gently worn items. I am still a Poshmark fangirl. I forced myself to adhere to the one in, minimum one out rule. I donated an epic amount of clothing to the women's shelter as well. We're talking 50+ items. I'm simplifying in many areas and as I'm figure out what's working for my current life, I'm focusing on filling those holes appropriately with thought and care. It's all a bit more mindful, which was my true goal.

Additionally, since I wrote this post, I've been able to keep a very narrow focus on the "uniform" I've outlined. I know the colors, fits, and styles that work best for me. I lust over stilettos, but I know I wear them less than once a month to special events. That's why you'll see nothing but boots, flats, and practical city shoes in these round ups.

I also explored the world of shopping for new with tags clothing on eBay. I don't know why I always forget about that option, but I got a Vince sweater and linen henley for less than what just the henley originally cost. I'll certainly be browsing for my favorite brands there on a more regular basis.

For the first month since starting this, I am under budget. And I intend to keep it that way!

Vince Sweater via eBay | J.Crew Wild Side Skinny Bangle | J.Crew Edie Bag [ bought it when it was in the sale section, on sale + 30% off ] | C.Wonder Skinny Calf Hair Belt | Ecco Wedges [ bought on super clearance at Macy's ] | Donald J. Pliner Black Flats [ bought on super clearance at Macy's ] | C.Wonder Elephant Buckle [ for the belts I bought here ] | DV by Dolce Vita Java Boots | Vince Henley via eBay | Fossil Gold Slippers

AN ALL NEW SEVENTEENTH & IRVING

2013-03-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

If you're reading this via a reader or Bloglovin', might I suggest you pop over for a bit?

Welcome to the new and improved Seventeenth & Irving!

Today is an exciting day for me. About a year and a half ago, I never imagined where this blog would go. I just knew I wanted a place that I could share what inspires me with others, and a place where I could practice Adobe Creative Suite skills as I taught myself. I even learned quite a bit of HTML & CSS in the process.

And while I think that there is nothing better than learning through jumping in, rolling your sleeves up, and just trying things, I also hoped that one day I would be able to hand this over to the pros, and get the look I was really after.

So quietly, behind the scenes, I started gathering inspiration for the new look.

I knew that I wanted crisp, clean, and neutral.

Sort of like my clothing.

I wanted it to feel current, but I also wanted it to feel timeless. I didn't want a design I would be sick of in a year. [ Lisa and I have a running joke about how often I redesigned this site in 2012. ]

Of greatest importance to me was figuring out the branding, and the first impression. I was lucky enough to be able to call on Allyssa Barn to help with the logo. Since Allyssa is a reader and friend, I knew she was familiar with the type of content that appears here daily. What I didn't expect was how (seemingly) effortlessly she would turn my jumbled mess of ideas on a secret Pinterest board into a logo that makes me squeal whenever I look at it.

Some of you are aware, some of you aren't, that Seventeenth & Irving are actually streets in my beloved San Francisco [ though since starting this blog, I've become aware that they also appear in New York and Washington DC]. I love how Allyssa took that reference and worked it into the logo.

As for everything else, I'm amazed at what Ana from BlogMilk is able to do with the Blogger platform. This site looks great on a laptop, on a giant 27" iMac, and on an iPad.

The sidebar is static, so you'll always be able to access the content sections you're interested in, or the social links, as you browse through the latest posts.

Hover over any image and you'll be able to "Pin It" right away. Even from the homepage, doing so links to the correct post.

Each post now has a "Share" button at the bottom, so you can Tweet, Like, or Stumble anything you find interesting.

Visit the Style Directory to see the shopping rounds I make on the web.

Check out my virtual wishlist on the Shop tab.

Explore around a bit! Please be aware that some older posts might render a little funny until they're all resized - a very tedious process. Let me know what you think! I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

More importantly, thank you for being a reader of Seventeenth & Irving. You have no idea how much I appreciate your support, your thoughtful comments, and your encouraging emails. This redesign was done with no other goal in mind but to make this a better place for you to visit each day. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity.

XO - Lauren

THREE THINGS

2013-02-25T09:33:00.003-08:00

ONE | This leather jacket is lust worthy from first glance. While it being part of The Man Repeller x PJK Patterson J. Kincaid collaboration might be reason enough alone to purchase, it's also a highly versatile piece for the investment. You can wear it with the leather peplum attached over a fitted dress, or zip off the peplum for a casual moto jacket. Two looks in one = piece you'll keep for life.

TWO | While I love NARS makeup, I've never tried any of their skincare until last week. I've been using the Lightening Cream to combat some sun damage from my careless teenage years that's recently appeared on my face, and after one week I'm already impressed with the results. The cream also makes my skin feel super soft. The Total Replenishing Eye Cream is another favorite, thick enough to moisturize and tighten, but light enough to keep your concealer in place.

THREE | I bought these DV Dolce Vita Java boots after seeing them on another blogger, and I am in love. Around San Francisco, you can never have too many pairs of walkable, closed toe shoes. These are not only comfy, but the styling reminds me of this more expensive pair, for a quarter of the price. (PS - More sizes here.)

MOVE RIGHT IN | MONTREAL LOFT

2013-02-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

It's impossible for me to grasp the idea that this beautifully thought out loft is only a temporary home to designer Julie Charbonneau, but that's exactly what it is. After her house suffered a fire, Julie renovated this industrial loft in Montreal to live in with her daughter while her home was being rebuilt.

While most of Charbonneau's work I've seen tends to be more ornate and layered, I love the "less is more" approach of the loft, with its muted color palette, simple window coverings, and well placed accessories.

And to prove the fact that kids can, in fact, live in beautifully designed spaces, I present to you exhibit A:

ALL IMAGES | INTERIOR DESIGN BY JULIE CHARBONNEAU VIA HOUZZ

If You're Going To New York City

2013-02-13T08:11:00.002-08:00

Hi everyone! Want to take a little trip? This month, we're visiting New York City, which happens to be one of my very favorite cities to visit. A few summers ago, I interned in the city, and came to absolutely adore it! Visiting in the winter definitely requires some tricky wardrobe planning, since it's cold, and you'll want to spend a lot of time walking around outside!

If there's rain, sleet, or snow on the forecast while you'll be there, I highly recommend packing rain boots with heavy socks to go under them, like these made-for-rain boot liners from Hunter. Snow turns to slush pretty quickly in the city, hence the need for some waterproof shoes. Hunter recently released the "Tour" version of their boots, which fold up, making packing a breeze!

Since you'll be outside a lot, make sure you have a fun coat, since it'll be what everyone (and you!) sees. Doubling up on tights is a great idea if you're planning on wearing a dress, or slip these leggings, that are designed especially to keep you warm, under your pants or tights. I'm a bit of a cold sissy, since I'm originally from Arizona, and these save my life. If you're planning on Instagramming up and storm, and relying on phone maps to navigate through the city, bringing a backup phone battery is always a smart decision, and I love this leopard version that J.Crew has for the iPhone.

// FOR DAY //

J.Crew Two-Tone Knit Sweater | Hunter Original Tour Packable Boots in Black | Hunter Welly Socks | Coach Legacy Duffle | J. Brand Black Skinnies

// FOR NIGHT //

J.Crew Wool-Crepe Dress | J.Crew Leather Belt | Gap Leather Envelope Clutch (super steal!) | DV by Dolce Vita Ankle Boots

// FOR BOTH //

J.Crew Blazer | J.Crew Lady Day Coat (on sale!) | iPhone backup battery | Scarf | Tech-Friendly Gloves (to make Instagramming and using phone maps a breeze)

// EXTRAS //

Band-Aid Blister Block (this stuff will save your feet and your life in NYC!)

Two pairs of Opaque Black tights (to double up under your dress!)

If you're really worried about being cold, I sometimes wear these Under Armour ColdGear leggings under my jeans and/or tights. They add a ton of warmth, but not much bulk!

Treats: NYC has some pretty phenomenal desserts available. A few of my gluten-free favorites include cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes and Sprinkles. If you're gluten free, and are vegan or have a soy allergy, Babycakes NYC is where you can find cupcakes, cookies, donuts, and plenty of other goodies! I also love macarons from Bouchon, and I can't wait to make a stop at Ladurée the next time I'm in town.

If you're not gluten free, get cupcakes at Crumbs (they have all sorts of crazy flavors!) or pull a Sex and the City and head to Magnolia Bakery. Of course, you have to pick up a bagel from a corner coffee shop, since you're in NYC. And a final favorite: a pretzel croissant from City Bakery - it may sound strange, but it's absolutely delicious. Try it, and you'll thank me.

Highline Park: If it's not totally freezing, head on down to the High Line Park and take a little walk. This park is a truly unique experience, since it's built on the old elevated train tracks, and offers unparalleled views of the Hudson and New Jersey's skyline. Grab a pre-dinner drink at the nearby Standard Hotel.

The Mercer Kitchen: The Mercer Kitchen is one of my very favorite restaurants in the city. It's in SoHo, and I adore the decor and vibe of the place. They have great food, and killer cocktails, too. After dinner, I recommend grabbing a drink at nearby Balthazar.

Shake Shack: Shake Shack is home to the best burger, fries, and milkshake I've ever eaten. If you're visiting in the summertime, there's a location in Madison Square Park, but in the winter, I'd recommend heading to their Theater District or Upper West Side location for lunch.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Some of the most precious and beautiful art in the world lives here, and it's a must-see for any visitor to the city. I also highly recommend the MoMa, if you like more modern art, and their gift shop is a must-see.

Top of the Rock: I know this is a super-touristy thing to do, but it's a can't-miss if you've never experienced it before. I personally prefer Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building, because you can actually SEE the ESB, and Central Park, as well. NBC did a great job producing video content to watch while you wait, too. There's something magical about seeing the entire city from this vantage point.

Other things to do: Honestly, one of my very favorite things to do in NYC is just to walk around. If you're looking to shop, walk down 5th Avenue, and be sure to check out Bergdorf's - their windows are always insane.

Shopping: Some of my favorite shopping is along (or just off of) Broadway down in SoHo. A few personal favorite stores include C.Wonder (just off Broadway), Uniqlo, Muji, Kate's Paperie, Shareen's Vintage (only open Wednesday-Sunday), APC, AllSaints, and Aritzia, to name just a few.

Have you ever been to NYC? What are your favorite things to do there? Thanks for having me, Lauren!

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

2013-02-11T13:59:00.001-08:00

Though I'm a city girl through and through, I spent my childhood in a little area of Northeast Georgia where the lake was the only thing to do in the summer, there were still big plots of undeveloped land, and the limited light pollution allows you to see billions of stars.

It's still one of my favorite parts of visiting where I grew up.

Maybe that's the reason I fell hopelessly in love with these images by French photographer Thierry Cohen. City scenes are darkened and imposed upon night skies from less inhabited locations on the same latitudes. The resulting images are what we in San Francisco, Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, and Paris might see if light pollution - responsible for the same vibrancy that makes our cities so wonderful a place to call home - didn't dampen our starry views.

Cohen believes that city dwellers lose a sense of connection with nature and "to show him stars is to help him dream again." You've certainly made a dreamer out of me, Mr. Cohen.

ALL IMAGES | THIERRY COHEN VIA NEW YORK TIMES

TO CUPID OR NOT TO CUPID?

2013-01-31T13:06:00.001-08:00

How do you guys feel about Valentine's Day?

I'm pretty ambivalent. We don't go all out for it around here. I much prefer just-because flowers. We usually cook a nice dinner at home...something a little more luxe than our everyday meals, like lobster and eat our weight in dessert.

But if I can use a holiday to treat myself to a new candle or a little Tibi, why not? I love this little arrow bracelet too, for wearing daily well after the holiday.

MaryJohn Garnet Rings | Smock Lucky To Have You Card | NARS Easy Lover Lip Gloss | Madewell Sidewalk Skimmers | Stella & Dot Gilded Arrow Bangle | Tibi Scattered Heart Cami | Very Kiki Girl's Heart Tee | Archipelago Botanicals Red Amaryllis Candle

Not Boring Neutrals - Wardrobe Inspiration

2013-01-23T09:00:00.002-08:00

I've been scouring the web for the last couple of weeks for wardrobe inspiration since stating my intention to stick with "not boring neutral" as my closet theme this year. Lots of pinning involved.

Then I happened upon the Vince spring lookbook. Talk about wanting one of each.

But besides being a beautiful lookbook, what this really comes down to is the idea of a capsule wardrobe. The perfect black strappy heels, slim cut black pants that can go day to night, a great jacket, tailored blouses. Mix, mix, mix to your heart's content.

I decided to combine all the looks into an easy to print image to hang in my closet. These looks are perfect for weather here year round in San Francisco (except sub in ankle boots, brrr!) but could easily be transitioned warmer or cooler depending on weather in your neck of the woods.

I'm curious, do you create a wardrobe "intention" each season, or a moodboard that guides your purchases? Or do you just stick with what you've got and mix in new trends?

Look, It's Me!

2013-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

You know what stinks about getting older? Things like vision changes. I used to pride myself on my 20/15 vision, because hey...I could be a fighter pilot.

Needless to say, I didn't grow up to be a fighter pilot, and instead I'm a regular worker bee that sits at my computer for 10 hours a day between my 9-5 and my work for Seventeenth & Irving. Since I've been doing that for about 8 years now, my vision is slowly fading.

But the bonus? Glasses are cool and trendy again!

I've recently purchased several frames to suit my mood or outfit, so when GlassesUSA.com asked me to pick out a pair that I liked, I couldn't say no. I have to admit, purchasing a pair of glasses online was a scary idea for someone like me who's "blessed" with a wider face, so I really liked the virtual optician feature that lets you buy glasses by frame measurements. Perfect to find a pair with similar dimensions to eyeglasses you may already own.

I decided to pick a pair that had a little bit of textural interest, so I went with this pair that reminded me of woodgrain. If you're looking for a new pair of prescription glasses, GlassesUSA.com is an excellent resource for an affordable new pair. They're always offering a great discount on top of their already affordable prices. My pair totaled less than $100 for stylish frames with anti-glare coating.

WHAT I'M WEARING | Gap Trench Coat (very old...buy it once, have it forever) | ASOS Faux Fur Collar (Similar) | Style & Co Skinny Jeans | Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca Handbag | Kenneth Cole Reaction Boots - On Sale

This is a sponsored post by GlassesUSA.com. Please see the fine print for more information regarding sponsored posts on this blog. Thanks for being supportive of posts like these that keep Seventeenth & Irving running!

30 Before 30 Update #15

2013-01-21T15:13:00.001-08:00

Happy Inauguration Day! We're celebrating with a little bit of leftover cake that I baked while crossing another 30 before 30 item off my list - bake a gluten free layer cake.

While I'm well versed in the art of gluten free baking, I had yet to conquer a layer cake. This post on Oh Happy Day convinced me to try it. And you know what? It turned out pretty well, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

I used this recipe by Barefoot Contessa and tried out my favorite new (to me) product: Cup4Cup gluten free flour. It resulted in a rich, perfectly moist and springy cake that was safe for me to eat while my fellow gluten eaters licked their plates clean. I would highly recommend it, needless to say.

Pro tip: lay four strips of wax or parchment paper underneath the first layer of your cake. This allows you to frost the cake directly on your cake stand while keeping the edges clean, without having to transfer your cake over to the cake stand once it's done. When you're finished frosting, just pull out the strips and you're ready to go.

My layers ended up slightly messier than I hoped, but...it's the deliciousness that counts, right?

#15 - Bake a (gluten free) layer cake. Check!

Handwritten

2013-01-16T09:21:00.002-08:00

Have you heard of the iPad app, Paper?

It's one of my favorites. Combined with a stylus, it becomes a sketchbook, with options for watercolor, pencil, marker, and calligraphy brushes. I used it yesterday to create the "Wishlisted" part of the collage in my own handwriting.

They recently teamed up with WWD for their WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit for the project WWD on Paper, a live blog of sorts highlighting standout quotes from some of the biggest names in fashion.

These are some of my favorites. See the rest here.

CLOSET CRAVINGS

2013-01-15T13:30:00.002-08:00

ONE | TWO | THREE

Just three things I can't stop staring at this week.

Since I've limited myself to a mostly neutral color palette, I've paid extra attention to texture, pattern, and special details, especially when it comes to tops.

Throw them on with skinny jeans and heels, a pencil skirt and pumps, or layered with weathered leather and ankle boots to feel instantly pulled together.

What's on your closet wishlist lately? See the rest of what I love this week.

(Also, I got a stylus to try adding some handwritten elements. Pardon me while I learn how to use it.)

BEST THIS WEEK

2013-01-11T11:33:00.001-08:00

Y'all sure know how to warm a girl's heart. I put this post out yesterday with a little bit of trepidation, worried that you all might think I needed to check into the loony farm. But you all had so many nice things to say about sticking to your guns and choosing your own path versus something expected. Every little comment that came in made me squeal with glee.

So here's what I promise to you: everything on this blog will reflect that aesthetic. I've always strived to bring you only content that interests me and that I think you'll really like. In the past, I did feel a push to sort of go along with what's trendy or popular. But your comments, more than ever, confirm that it's okay to be different. I don't know about you, but I look all sorts of places for inspiration, whether it's my exact aesthetic or not. I hope you'll feel that way about this blog.

What I'm saying is, thank you for allowing me to be me.

An easy homemade body scrub recipe to slough away dry winter skin.

Since jade green is a color I do enjoy in my wardrobe, I'm obsessed with Alyssa's coat. And, snow!

More great advice on using Pinterest effectively.

I can't stop staring at this blog. The Swedish do everything better, I'm convinced.

The Belstaff Pre-Fall 2013 collection. Drool.

What are you up to this weekend?

IMAGE VIA | Refinery 29

NOT BORING

2013-01-10T10:47:00.001-08:00

Funny things happen when you write a blog, and read at least a hundred of them.

You start noticing patterns, and trends, and how everyone seems to have the same taste.

I blame Pinterest. (Not too much though, I love you, Pinterest.)

Bright neon satchels are suddenly everywhere.

Mint green is always paired with something sparkly or gold.

Everybody is suddenly wearing polka dots and sequins.

But what if you don't like that? As an artist, people's personal style has always intrigued me. But if it's not really your taste, and you still wear it because you see it everywhere, is that really style? Or are you just wearing what the stores or the top ten fashion bloggers tell you to wear?

In my home, I've always preferred a sort of neutral palette. Call it the curse of working a creative career, but as a designer, I used to be surrounded by so much color and pattern. When I came home from work, I wanted nothing but a peaceful retreat. I decorated my home in blues, greys, lavender, with touches of gold and warm wood. I didn't feel bad when I skipped over bright pink accent pillows or chevron.

After years of purchase mistakes, and clearing those mistakes out of my closet, when I stand back and look at the things I really love, they all follow this same pattern. Yesterday I mentioned that when it comes to 2013, one of my goals is to simplify all areas of life.

I fear you'll think I'm boring, but pardon me if I wear nothing but black, brown, olive, burgundy, navy, ivory and every shade in that palette this year.

I'm using these ladies, proving a limited palette is anything but boring, as my inspiration.

And in case you were wondering - I think yellow looks radiant on you. I admire how you can pair plaid with polka dots and completely work it. I'm celebrating what makes you "you" and me "me." That's really what style is, am I wrong?

IMAGES VIA | 1. Refinery 29, 2. Elle Sweden, 3. Harper's Bazaar, 4. Elle Sweden, 5. Harper's Bazaar