a room with a view.

March 25, 2014 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE

Something I've always wondered about style bloggers: Who takes the photos? Are you setting up a tripod everyday? Do you just live with a tripod setup? Do you simply have a person that takes pictures of you on hand? No one has ever given me a good answer. Just something I thought about today. Then I took some photos. I love my room--it's small but has nice windows and light. Best for watching the snow outside, reading, sketching and thinking about how long my flowers will live. Here are some photos featuring my favorite things: my pearl ring I found at my favorite vintage store in San Pedro, Casio watch I got at Tortoise General Store in Venice, brass bracelet made in Cape Cod, which I never take off, warby parker glasses that I sometimes love and sometimes hate, the windows, muji notebooks that just make everything better, my lipgloss, picture of California that I acquired from my one-month stay in Columbia Heights, heels I can actually walk in for long periods of time, a necklace my best friend gave me at her wedding, tote and Canon.

Listen: Shelter by the Temples

LOVE / LUST: Spring dreaming edition

March 11, 2014 in INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO

Can we talk about spring yet? The weather likes to play games with us here in DC. We'll have an absolutely AMAZING weekend, sunny & warm enough to make you think that spring has sprung. Then we'll have a snowday, and it's bitter cold all over again. It's quite frustrating, but hopefully this vicious cycle is almost over! It's practically the middle of March already, Spring can't be thaattt far away. Right?

We've turned our clocks an hour ahead, and i'm trying by best to positively think our way to sundresses and rooftop bars. So, I give you my Love / Lust list: Spring dreaming edition

On the left, are a few things I've acquired over winter that I LOVE / On the right are their spring accompaniments that I LUST.

1. Capitol Bikeshare: Thanks Santa! Now I can bike everywhere & never worry about my bike being stolen. Also, beach cruiser. / 2. Heritage backpack: Purses and messenger bags are too dangerous when biking. I need a new backpack for commuting to work and carrying picnic essentials.

3. Relay Foods: Our new favorite way to buy local, organic groceries. It's online shopping for things you actually need (food). / 4. Lunchbox: Isn't this the perfect lunchbox? I'm dreaming of days when my quinoa, hummus, apples and granola bars all have their own special space. Oh, and all make it to work for lunch without spilling in my bag.

5. AIAIAI earphones: These make everything sound a million times better while still being small enough to use on a run. / 6. Gym Bag: Now that I actually want to run so I can listen to music on these headphones, I need a new bright, cheerful gym bag. Morning gym time is the best gym time thanks to Vida Fitness!

7. Planner: A gift from my best friend. The ultimate grown-up planner to plan for things like trips to Disney World and best friends' weddings. / 8. Clogs: Confession: I've dreamt about these for so long I already purchased them. Yes, they do look great with every sundress I own. and yes, I wear them around my room already in anticipation of long walks around the city.

What's on your spring wish list??

The best tote you've never heard of...

March 11, 2014 in INSPIRATION, STYLE

Every year i have this existential criss about the thing I carry around everywhere. In pursuit of the perfect handbag, I find myself pondering the makings and functions of the purse. Why do I carry a purse? What do I have to carry? Can't I just minimize the things I lug around? Why are purses so ugly? When will purses be less shiny and more matte? Why isn't this bag stronger, prettier, less gimmicky? When will I find something sturdy and luxurious, functional and elegant?

I've dreamt of a basic, tote like bag that has minimal, or better yet--no hardware and enough space without being chunky. I've imagined sturdy thick leather straps and a simple interior pocket. I've gone so far as to thinking about how to make it, how to price it, how much the labor would cost and who would do it best...but right when I started getting serious about making my dream tote, I found one. I've been following the brand Cuyana for a while and I'm entirely glad they beat me to making my dream tote, because now I own a piece I love without having to have developed it myself. Best part--it goes perfectly with the Etxe wallet, which I did design, to solve the problem of digging in my purse for my metro card. Now I have two leather pieces I used to dream about as my daily companions.

watch #NYFW from the comfort of your home (or the W)

February 06, 2014 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO

Not in NY? Don't want to wait for Style.com to post the shows? Follow these steps for instant access to #NYFW:

1. Follow Leandra Medine. AKA the Man Repeller. She'll show you what she'd wear (which is kind of everything, but in the best way). Not only is she witty and smart, she has a sharp eye and does not hold back. @manrepeller

2. Follow your favorite designers that actually post things (other than glossy magazine ad shots) on Instagram, like Creatures of the Wind @creaturesofthewind or Maison Martin Margiela @maisonmargiela or BCBG MAXAZRIA @bcbgmaxazria or Mara Hoffman @marahoffman. Don't waste time searching for them on Instagram--just go here, click on the designer for profiles and official social links.

3. Follow Mercedes Benz Fashion Week @mbfashionweek because, well, they have a vested interested to show you everything.

4. Follow Solange Knowles @saintrecords Just because.

5. Watch live streaming of four shows at the the W Washington D.C. Living Room starting tonight with Diane von Furstenberg! RSVP to wfashion@brandlinkdcrsvp.com and find show listings here.

Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino at Alley Cat Books -- San Francisco

February 05, 2014 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO

I always loved running into Primo--and dancing to his record spinning--and seeing his posters all over town. I first met him at a NYE do-over party at 3435 Cesar Chavez and have been following his work ever since. I wanted to do a Betabrand piece of clothing inspired by his artwork, but it never got through development. Who wants to wear these CATS?! I do!

If you are in San Francisco, go check it out before it is too late--Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino. If you aren't in SF, check out this 360 degree view by Han Lee (made with app bubbli). Alley Cat books has this sweet gallery space where they feature local artists such as DJ/Artist Primo Pitino. And when they don't have art shows, they have a ping pong table up. So no excuses to not check out my favorite book store on my favorite block on my old favorite place to live. Ah, I miss 24th Street. But, not as much as I love where I am now. And since I've discovered Harrar Coffee, I've solved the Philz problem. Now I need to find an 'Oldies Night' and '2 Men Will Move You'...oh Primo nothing can replace you! Thanks for making SF so fun and don't ever change. If you move, move to DC.

Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino Alley Cat Books 3036 24th Street San Francisco 94110

The best parties in the city (if you actually like dancing):

Oldies Night at the Knockout -- First Friday of the month 2 Men Will Move You at Amnesia -- Second Saturday of the month

the year of the horse.

January 10, 2014 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE

On January 31 the (Chinese new) year of the horse begins, so dig up your cowboy boots and let's get riding. I have spotted a person riding a horse on the sidewalk here in Gilbert, Arizona. My sister spotted another, but neither of us have a photo. Thanks snapchat. Here's a pony from next door, which is much cuter than the horse in the background.

My style picks to celebrate horses, ponies, and trying something new this 2014: