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December 2, 2013 — 18 Comments

australia travel diary {sydney & bondi beach}

6 minute read
Obligatory Opera House shot -- ain't she a beaut?!
This is quite bittersweet -- the last of my travel diary posts from our adventure down under. As mentioned in my previous recaps for New Zealand (here and here, if you're just joining us now), we headed over to Australia for the last leg of our trip hoping to unwind and decompress a bit after non-stop travel and high-adrenaline adventure. And Sydney did just the trick for us! While our stay was on the short side, we couldn't have asked for a better city to relax, drink, eat and generally enjoy each other in -- and definitely plan on visiting again very, very soon! Sydney, you haven't seen the last of us, yet!
We rushed to the Opera House on our first night in town -- how unreal is the inside architecture?
The Queen Victoria Building -- by far the best looking shopping mall I've ever seen.
A meat sampler for two at Otto in Woolloomooloo // Our cozy living room nook at the Establishment hotel
Soaking in every last bit of Bondi Beach.
Hazelnut gelato from Messina -- seriously craving this right about now! // While bouncing around on this trip, I acquired a healthy (or unhealthy, depending on how you look at it) amount of New Zealand and Aussie glossies. In total, I probably came home with around 15. Sorry, not sorry! 🙂
Loved the atmosphere and decor at Iceberg's in Bondi.
Take me back! Take me back!
Enjoyed a little retail therapy during an afternoon rainstorm. I had to pry myself away from the Josh Goot boutique. // Stopped by the Zambesi showroom (more to come on that later this week!).
While staying out at Bondi Beach, we fell in love with all the local coffee shops. There's something to be said about NOT seeing a Starbucks for two weeks. Sensory Lab was one of our favorites and I may have tried to steal these copper chairs of theirs. // A Dion Lee dress that found its way home with me. I was also tempted to purchase a gorgeous pair of pink shorts. However, did you know that according to an old Victorian law, it is against the law to wear pink shorts after 12pm on a Sunday in Australia? Who would have thought that a pair of shorts could be illegal? There are so many peculiar laws that seem to have stood the test of time here in Australia. Check out this guide to some of the most unusual Australian laws on the Ly Lawyers website for more. I can almost guarantee you will be surprised!
Just experiencing a #pinchme moment. Don't mind me.
What to do:
Since we only had about four full days in Sydney, we wanted to knock out as many of the must-sees as possible. Right after touching down in town, we headed straight to our hotel to freshen up (and so Dan could iron his suit) and walked over to the Sydney Opera House. We saw the symphony perform and I still can't get over how magical the whole evening felt! From watching the sunset over the water to grabbing drinks later that night at the opera house bar, I have to say it was one of my favorite evenings of the whole trip. Hands down. Of course, I've arguably said that about a lot of our experiences, but I really mean it for this one. 🙂
For our next full day, and I hesitate before admitting this, we signed up for the "Hop on, hop off" sightseeing bus tours. Now before you judge, I just want to say that I'm actually a big fan of these IF I know I have a very limited amount of time in a city I'm traveling around in. It's convenient, relatively cheap and you can pack a lot of sights in before deciding which one you want to spend more time at. We fit in time at Hyde Park and Centennial Park and even got to duck into a few residential neighborhoods (loved the old Victorians! Reminded me so much of SF!).
At this point of our trip, I was craving some retail therapy and after a little hunting around and great tips from our hotel, we (I mean, I) headed over to Oxford street. Hello Zimmerman, Willow, Josh Goot! I managed to escape before too much damage was done to my wallet.
And for our last days in Oz? We were in desperate need of beaches and Bondi was the perfect spot. Think Santa Barbara meets Santa Cruz meets a little bit of LA. Beautiful beaches (even despite the spurts of rain toward the end) and countless restaurants to keep us content and full.
Where to stay:
In Sydney: We stayed at the Establishment Hotel, located in the Financial district, and at the heart of a string of boutique restaurants and tucked away speakeasy alley bars (popular with the nearby work crowds for happy hour cocktails). Of course, I fell in love with our room decor (cowhide rugs, gold accents and succulents) and was a sucker for the tea and cookies they leave in your room at night.
In Bondi: Originally, we attempted to book a flat through AirBnB -- only to have it fall through at the last minute. Luckily, Bondi has plenty of beach condo/apartment hotels and we eventually went with the Adina. Minutes from the beach, on the main drag next to coffee shops and dangerously close to Messina Gellateria.
Eat + Drink:
I'll be honest, I've not had one bad meal whilst being in Australia! It's amazing! A few friends of mine have been to Australia too and have said the exact same thing, how bizarre! So, from having lunch north melbourne way, to a coffee shop in Brisbane, you're sure to have a great meal.

Otto: It's rated as Sydney's best Italian food -- and they're definitely not lying about this. It's on the pricier side, but well worth it. Plus, it's set out on a harbor so there isn't a bad seat in the house.
Iceberg's: If you're out in Bondi, you simply cannot miss Iceberg's! We had meant to try dinner here but didn't make reservations in time so we snuck in for a late lunch after catching some sun earlier that day on the beach. The restaurant itself is nestled on a cliffside toward the end of Bondi Beach, meaning the view is phenomenal. We sipped on summery cocktails (it is summer over there right now after all!) and leisurely ate our way through oysters, burrata and risotto.
Neighbourhood: Also in Bondi, this came highly recommended via Instagram and we could instantly tell why. Intimate bar setting without feeling too cramped, inventive cocktail assortments and an overall fun weekend scene.
Messina: We decided to visit Messina on our last full day in town -- which was probably for the best because I could have easily gone there multiple times each day. The lines can get a bit crazy but the wait is worth it (especially if you're getting hazelnut).
Well there you have it! I hope you enjoyed traveling along with me during these trip recaps -- and if you have any questions about where we stayed or what we did, happy to chat! Just leave your questions in the comments below!
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November 20, 2013 — 26 Comments

new zealand travel diary {south island}

6 minute read
Another fair warning: This post is very photo-heavy. Probably more so than Monday's post. 

Apologies for being a day late with this recap. I underestimated the amount of photos I was hoping to edit for this post and 10pm quickly turned into 1:30am. Yikes! Either way, we're in business now, which means on to the south island of New Zealand! We spent a majority of our trip down in Queenstown as it was central to a lot of the hikes and day road trips we had lined up for ourselves. Flipping back through these photos reminds me just how unbelievable the scenery really was -- ranging from the most epic snowcapped mountain peaks, dropping almost immediately off to a valley bed of flowers and a winding lake. Keep reading for more details as to what we did, where we ate and what I happened to jump out of during this part of our trip...
An after dinner stroll along Lake Wakatipu. Full outfit post (and my love confession for these sneakers) can be found here.
Everywhere we turned, a new waterfall seemed to spring up. 
This (not so little) guy tried breaking into our car, I kid you not, looking for food. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), he struck out with us so he made his way to the car behind us.
See what I mean? Unreal.
An afternoon cruise out exploring Milford Sound.
Don't be fooled. I wasn't really all too happy at this point...
After the first 3-4 seconds of initial free fall though, it really did feel like floating.(If floating entailed the wind making it impossible to smile normally.) 
A lazy kayak day down the Dart River, near Lake Wakatipu.
South Island: What to do // Where to stay // Eat + Drink
What to do:
Since we wanted to spend most of our time in this area, we pretty much set up camp in Queenstown and rented a car to head to nearby excursions when necessary. Our first day was pretty low key -- we wandered around the city center and along Lake Wakatipu after dinner. Queenstown is a cozy mountain retreat, which was a welcomed change to just unplug a bit and enjoy the views around us. 
For our first full day, we headed out to the Dart River, which feeds into Lake Wakatipu, for a jetboat ride and a leisurely kayak back to town. The weather turned a bit on us at this point and rained, but we didn't seem to mind as the scenery was just so breathtaking. A lot of the neighboring mountains here may look familiar as they've made their claim to fame in Lord of the Rings (hello Isengard -- yes, I'm nerding out again). I especially loved our kayak ride back, where we took a quick detour to explore some tucked away channels and chasms. Plus, it was pretty adorable how Dan insisted on paddling for the two of us (which I let him do a few times). 
Next up? We went wine tasting, but not on purpose actually. Originally, we had intended to go skydiving our second day in Queenstown, but the winds weren't cooperating so all jumps had been canceled. Luckily, Queenstown is certainly not lacking in their nearby vineyards (New Zealand Pinot Noirs are hard to beat!) so we jumped in the car and headed to the hills. A few favorites of mine included Gibbston Valley, Amisfield and Waitiri Creek.
After wine tasting, we headed west for Milford Sound (about a three hour drive from Queenstown). This part of our trip was definitely a highlight for us. While you could certainly sign up for a tour bus to take you out there, I highly recommend you drive out there yourself so you can sight see along the way. We headed out for a lake cruise on the Sound (which was incredible given than it had just rained and had created a ton of temporary waterfalls, when it comes to waterfalls new zealand is hard to beat) but it was actually the drive back that stole our hearts. So many little different day hikes to explore with forgotten coves, cascading rivers and glacier runoffs. It was fun to just disappear for the afternoon, with no wifi or cell reception and feel lost.  
Our final day, was the BIG day. The day I voluntarily jumped out of a plane. Despite letting my nerves get the best of me the night before (I hardly slept!), I'm really glad I did this. And you know what guys, I HATE heights. HATE THEM. The funny thing about being up at 12,000 feet is that it doesn't quite feel like a real, tangible distance to fall. Of course, the initial jump out of the plane made me think otherwise for a split second (not to mention my stomach dropped a million times over) but eventually, your body adjusts to the point that it just feels weightless. And before you know it, BOOM, the parachute opens and you can just enjoy the view floating back down! I absolutely loved the crew over at Paradise Skydive -- all extremely professional, patient and my tandem partner didn't give me a hard time for all my screaming. 🙂 Plus, that view over Lake Wakatipu is hard to beat. 
Where to stay:
We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is located right on the lakefront. Our balcony alone offered the best little spot to enjoy a bottle of wine and a quiet view over the water. 
Eat + Drink:
Too many to keep track of! 
Fergburger: This came highly recommended by pretty much everyone in town. And man, that line wasn't for nothing! Lots of niche meats to choose from, including lamb, venison and an array of fish burgers.
The Skyline Restaurant: We treated ourselves to this one for dinner after skydiving. It's a bit of a touristy trap, as you do ride a gondola basically up the side of the mountain to get to the restaurant, but so worth it. The view up there is amazing (overlooks all of Queenstown and the nearby mountains) and they served up a pretty mean Manhattan. 🙂
Captains:
Their salmon -- hands down. So good.
Vudu Cafe:
It's easy to skip and ignore the diet while on vacation (after all, that's part of the point, right?) and we certainly were guilty of this. What I loved about Vudu Cafe though was their assortment of fresh juices, especially their Green Goddess. I had this the morning of our skydive and felt refreshed, despite the awful nerves! 
Stay tuned for our Australia recap...

And on a side note, hope to see some you San Francisco folks at my event tonight at Elizabeth Charles on Fillmore street! Party starts at 6 -- discounts are up to 40% off nearly everything in store! Full details can be found here.
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November 18, 2013 — 24 Comments

new zealand travel diary {north island}

5 minute read
Fair warning: This post is very photo heavy. I blame jet lag for my inability to narrow down my selections. 

Well we're finally back from our adventure on the other side of the world and while I'm a bit sad (OK a lot sad) to say goodbye to our many quaint hotel rooms and awkward attempts to drive on the opposite side of the road, there is something nice about heading home. After many hikes, spontaneous road trips and the occasional dare devil excursion, we're exhausted, but in the best way possible! As promised, I have several recaps ready to roll for you guys, each focusing on different legs of our trip. The first portion was spent on the Northern Island of New Zealand, in and around the Auckland area. Keep reading for more details...
When we first started planning this trip, I made it pretty clear we HAD to visit The Shire. It certainly didn't disappoint.
It had actually just poured rain right before our tour group started -- so glad the sun came out though! How surreal does this look?
Knock, knock...guess who lives here...
Yep, did I mention I was geeking out the ENTIRE time? Because I was. Majorly.
A road trip beverage must try: L&P, made famous in New Zealand. Think lemonade meets root beer. Kinda addicting. // Celebrating the Melbourne Cup in Auckland at Britomart Country Club Bar.
Catch of the day // New Zealand lamb (both from Botswana Butchery)
The view from our bed and breakfast in Rotorua. // One of the many meat samplers that we couldn't say no to (this one's from Depot Eatery in Auckland).
Kissing and repelling 300 feet into a cave. Talk about multitasking.
I couldn't help it. We just looked so cheesily happy in these photos.
Just thinking of this height still makes my stomach flip flop a bit.
Northern Island: What to do // Where to stay // Eat + Drink
What to do: 
Since we had given ourselves only a few days to really explore the Northern Island, we wanted to pack as much as we could in, without killing ourselves with the inevitable jet lag. We started off nice and easy, spending most of our first day (we touched down in Auckland around 6 am local time) just walking around and enjoying the city sights. In a lot of ways, Auckland reminds me of San Francisco -- a very harbor-focused, water front town with some killer restaurants and niche boutiques. Make sure you stop off at the Britomart shopping precinct -- hello Karen Walker, Sass & Bide and a new Kiwi favorite, Zambesi.
Our next day, we rented a car, which I highly recommend you do. It was the perfect way to really see the countryside and make your own course through some of the winding backroads. As mentioned above, we made a beeline for Hobbiton, which was about a 2 hour drive south of Auckland. The tour itself only lasts 90 minutes or so but it's worth a day trip out there so you can stop off at different vista points along the way. (It's just so unbelievably green there!)
That same evening, we headed to a neighboring town, Rotorua so we could unwind a bit and stop off at one of their hot spring pools. Our bed and breakfast recommended the Polynesian Spa, which worked out perfectly since they offer private, lake front pool spots. 
For our last day, we headed over to the Waitomo district (about another 2 hour drive from Rotorua), known for their intricate cave systems. There's plenty of adventure packages and companies to choose from here (the black water rafting sounded awfully tempting) but we ultimately decided to go with the one that boasted a 300 foot repel. For reference sake, that's roughly the height of the road portion of the Golden Gate Bridge down to the water (!!). I'd have to say this was one of our favorite highlights of our whole trip -- we had such a small, intimate group so it was nice to go at our own pace. Plus, there's something so eerie about caves -- they really are like forgotten worlds.
 Where to stay: 
Auckland: We stayed at the Heritage Hotel, which was central to a lot of great restaurants and easy access to the highway (which meant less of a chance of us getting lost!). Plus, their rooftop pool was pretty killer.
Rotorua: The Hamurana Lodge, how I wish we could have stayed longer here! Such a picturesque bed and breakfast nestled in the hills. A shame we only had one night here.
Eat +Drink: 
Auckland: Our two favorites included Botswana Butchery, which is located in the Ferry Building with water front seating, and Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar, which is in the heart of central Auckland, near our hotel. Both have completely different vibes from each other, but equally good selection of New Zealand meats. We also stopped off at the Britomart Country Club Bar for a celebratory pitcher of Pimm's Cup for the Melbourne races. Too bad I forgot my spectator hat!
Rotorua: We only had time for dinner right after our dip in the hot springs, but Triple 1 Five didn't disappoint. I ordered the lamb, which is served uncooked, on a heated stone grill that you cook each piece individually on yourself. I also may have sampled more than my fair share of Pinot Noirs here (when in Rome, right?). 
Up tomorrow? We have our South Island lineup! Stay tuned...
Also, feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments below. I just wanted to share our itinerary with you guys in case you had New Zealand bookmarked as a future trip -- so if there's anything you'd like to know more about, I'm happy to help as much as I can!
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November 15, 2013 — 22 Comments

tgif from bondi beach

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Dress: Alexander Wang (via The Real Real); Sandals: Witchery; Sunglasses: Celine
Happy Friday from Bondi Beach (technically Saturday here at the moment). We're actually winding down our little journey here on the other side of the world, which means it's back to reality in just a few short days. I wanted to thank all of you guys again for your sweet comments, tips and recommendations along the way! You've really helped make our trip so special (and never short on great places to eat!). 
As promised, I'll be recapping our travel highlights next week. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 14, 2013 — 19 Comments

night at the opera

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Dress: Proenza Schouler via The Real Real; Shoes: Schutz; Clutch: Vintage; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Stila "Scarlet Vinyl"
Our first night in Sydney? Magical! We more or less rushed from the airport to our hotel and then straight to the opera house for a symphony performance. And yes, I had to pinch myself the whole time. Such a dream come true!
A lot of you had questions about our vacation plans thus far -- fear not! Stay tuned for next week when I'll be recapping our highlights from both New Zealand and Australia.
Also, as a quick reminder to my San Francisco-based readers, I hope to see you next Wednesday at Elizabeth Charles on Fillmore! All details can be found here.
Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 12, 2013 — 34 Comments

nz day 3 {currently wearing}

2 minute read
Dress: Preen (love this similar style); Sandals: Isabel Marant thanks to Elizabeth Charles (sold out but similar style here); Necklace: Dannijo (similar style here); Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Stila "Scarlet Vinyl"
While we're still in the thick of our vacation on the other side of the world (currently heading to Australia today!) it's hard not to think about the to-do lists I have waiting for me when I get back home. Don't worry, I'm not peeking at them or giving them much thought (yet!) but we do happen to be returning right before Thanksgiving hits, and hence the official start of the holiday season. This year, I'm excited to host a few little dinner parties and get togethers with close friends, so I'm more than ready to kick off the holiday planning with a bang.
This time around, I'm working with the folks over at Topshop to make sure I get each detail right -- from entertaining necessities to the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for-person (which tends to describe more than half my list). They've asked me to start compiling my season's must-haves here (work in progress -- more to come soon!) and now Topshop would like to spread the spirit of giving on to you guys! Create your own Pinterest board centered around your picture-perfect holiday season for a chance to win some amazing prizes including VIP concert tickets, a new Topshop wardrobe for an entire year and even designing your own pair of shoes with their in-house design team. Just make sure to hashtag and title your board #DearTopshop and enter it here when you're done.
Psstt...Need a little inspiration? My advice is to start here with their gift guide. It's where I discovered this gem of a coat.
Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 11, 2013 — 20 Comments

nz day 2 {currently wearing}

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Jacket: Zara; Dress: Robert Rodriguez (similar style here); Shoes: Nike Free; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Stila "Scarlet Vinyl"; Bag: Proenza Schouler
You're looking at my new favorite pair of sneakers. Admittedly, I'm not much of a sneaker gal outside of exercise activities and especially swore off the sneaker wedge trend when I realized it just didn't work for my body type, i.e. not super leggy. Although I was recommended Vessi vegan shoes, these Nike Frees have been lifesavers during this vacation. I'm kind of digging this whole "I can totally walk along the lake after dinner without needing to change shoes first." And I can tell Dan likes it too. 🙂

Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 8, 2013 — 30 Comments

traveling style {what to wear on flights}

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Jacket: Zara (obsessed with this one); Shirt: Zoe Karrsen (similar style here); Jeans: c/o MiH; Shoes: Christian Louboutin; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
I often get asked what I wear for flights and I figured this 12-hour trek of ours would be the best time to answer it. Basically it boils down to a few essentials: a wrap around coat (a great blanket for when it gets chilly mid-flight), a pair of skinny jeans, a broken in tee and two pairs of shoes: flats and heels. The flats are the more practical choice for most of the flight but I like keeping the heels as a back up pair for when we land, in the event we can't check into our hotel room yet and I still want to look polished and put together.
I'm curious -- what do you normally wear for flights?

Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 6, 2013 — 16 Comments

nz day 1 {currently wearing}

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Jacket: Zara; Dress: Proenza Schouler via The Real Real; Boots: Asos (similar style here); Bag: Proenza Schouler; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face since yesterday. Why? We just happened to visit The Shire and I completely and utterly geeked out to the point I'm sure I made my middle-school self proud. No shame here.
Going to have to keep it short today as we're running off to go caving! More photos to come so stay tuned! Or follow along right here on Instagram.

Photos by Dan Johnson
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November 5, 2013 — 12 Comments

in my suitcase…

2 minute read
Norma Kamali swimsuit // Rimowa suitcase // Byredo perfume // Ray-Ban sunglasses // Simon Doonan's Asylum // Nike Free sneakers // Frends headphones // Isabel Marant Carol sandals // Smythson passport cover
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I’m currently overseas, visiting New Zealand and 
Australia(!!). It’s my first time visiting this little corner of the world and I couldn’t be more excited to have Dan by my side for the trip. 
Of course, aside from the inevitable, “What do we do first?” I’ve been scheming for quite some time about exactly what I would be packing for this little adventure of ours. Since it’s the middle of spring over there and most of our itinerary involves lots of walking, hiking, and even the occasional jumping out of a plane (more on that later), I wanted to make sure each piece I packed was functional but still chic. 
Here’s a little peek at what I’ve brought along for the ride … including the most amazing piece of luggage ever by Rimowa. This guy is holding my life for the next two weeks — and will be by my side during the holidays, too, when I will be visiting loved ones. There's something to be said about a sturdy suitcase (especially one this well designed) -- I tend to be an over packer for most trips, so it's nice to know my things are in good hands.
Click here to see more from Vanity Fair Agenda’s Get Gifted 2013 guide, featuring Rimowa.
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November 4, 2013 — 8 Comments

sfo > akl

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Well it's happening! We're currently en route to Auckland, New Zealand for the next two weeks or so for what we've affectionately (or perhaps more appropriately) started calling our "journey." Since I'm absolutely awful at falling asleep on planes, I've prepared for the 16 hour flight with plenty of reading material, a healthy stash of Zzquil and, of course, a playlist or two. Here's a bit of what I'll have on repeat (hopefully as I catch some ZZZs over the Pacific Ocean).

As always, you can follow along right here on Instagram. 

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October 28, 2013 — 40 Comments

heading down under

2 minute read
Jacket: Zara; Sweater: c/o Gap Outlet; Jeans: c/o MiH; Hat: J.Crew; Bag: Proenza Schouler; Heels: Christian Louboutin; Lips: Bare Escentuals "Call the Shots"; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
You may have caught me alluding to this news I'm about to share (or perhaps you over heard me yelling it here with excitement on Twitter), but either way, drum roll please...
In just a few short days (eep, T-minus 7 and counting!) I'll be heading to the land Down Under, specifically New Zealand and Australia for a much-needed two week vacay! It's my first time visiting each country but both have been at the top of my bucket list for quite some time now. (If we want to get nitty gritty about it, it all started with my Lord of the Rings obsession in high school, but we'll save that story for another day.)
Of course, as the diligent traveler I am (read: I can barely focus on much else these days), I've been immersing myself in countless travel blogs, adventure tour sites and naturally, a few fave Aussie fashion blogs (hello Gary Pepper!). But I'd love to hear what you guys might have up your sleeves! Any tips/sights/adventures/stores/restaurants/Tolkien must-sees that we simply cannot miss? I'm all ears! 

Photos by Dan Johnson
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September 3, 2013 — 40 Comments

weekend in the hamptons

2 minute read
Dress: Robert Rodriguez c/o Intermix; Hat: J.Crew (loving this felt version for fall!); Sandals: Target; Bag: J.Crew; Sunglasses: Celine; Bike: rented from Khan Sports in East Hampton
It's undeniable. Heather and I love our long weekend trips (especially of the California variety -- remember Santa Barbara?). So when we randomly decided to head out to the Hamptons for Labor Day, we realized we were quite overdue to make this tradition bicoastal. Of course, having never stepped foot in the Hamptons (aside from experiencing it vicariously through Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte), we were excited for all the little things, like:
1. The Jitney. A surprisingly comfortable ride with snacks and Wifi to boot? Yes, please!
2. Riding around on beach cruisers. By the end of our trip, I'm positive we clocked around 24 miles around town. 
3. Fresh fish. AND the lobster rolls.
4. On that note, chow-dah too.
5. Channeling our inner wasps with lots of stripes, crisp whites and pastels.
6. Enjoying this view for a few days with picnic grub on hand.
Next Labor Day? Watch out Montauk, here we come!
On a somewhat related note, I'll be in New York for the next few weeks, follow along here on Instagram!
Photos by Heather Clark
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October 12, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {recap}

3 minute read
A festive carabao at the Yona fiesta. Pretty dapper, huh?
Obsessed with her flower crown -- otherwise known as a pandana.
And here's Do'ak the real carabao! 
Do'ak and I ready for our close up. Don't ask me what face I'm making here. He started to move so I was't sure what to do.
Woven cuties.
Outfit #1: Jacket: Old Navy; Dress: Parker, borrowed from Heather (similar style here); Sandals: J.Crew; Bag: Pour La Victoire c/o; Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Outfit #2: Bathing suit: Elizabeth Kosich New York c/o; Shorts: Levis; Sunglasses: Karen Walker
For one of our final days on the island, we packed as much as we could in -- to savor every last moment! We kicked off the morning at a fiesta in the village of Yona. Predominantly Catholic, Guam's villages (there's 19 total) have a dedicated patron saint that they celebrate once a year. As luck would have it, Yona's is Saint Francisco, fitting for this Bay Area girl. Fiestas are thrown by everyone in the village so it's not uncommon to "fiesta hop" -- think tons of food, dancing and music -- with the occasional carabao ride thrown in.  
Josie and I then headed to Gun Beach where we enjoyed some downtime of, well, doing nothing but listening to the ocean roll in and reflect on how I didn't want to leave. 
Now that I'm back in SF, with my bags (sorta) unpacked, I personally want to thank everyone who made this trip possible. Huge thank you to the Guam Visitors Bureau for inviting me out -- and being so incredibly kind to me during my stay (Mark, Josie and Felix, I'm looking at you!). Here's to the start of many more Guam trips in the future! I didn't get to go scuba diving this time -- so I got my rain check ready. Be sure to check out all my other posts from the island here: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4. Hafa adai! 
But in the meantime, I do have something more for you, dear readers. You can snag an Elizabeth Kosich New York bathing suit (like the one I'm wearing here) for yourself! Simply follow Elizabeth Kosich New York on Twitter and Facebook (here and here respectively) and leave a comment below! The contest ends next Friday, Oct. 19, with the winner being selected by the folks at Elizabeth Kosich New York -- good luck to you all! (If you can't wait though, she's also offering a 20% discount code for all This Time Tomorrow readers -- be sure to enter "TTT20" at checkout.)
On that note, happy almost weekend, everyone!
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October 11, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {day 4}

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Dress: Sass & Bide, borrowed from Heather (similar style here); Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent (similar style here); Purse: Kate Spade; Sunglasses: Prada; Fan: Amazon

Wore this out to dinner at a local favorite, The Beach, on one of our last nights on the island. It was a fitting farewell meal -- our table was literally on the shore, with waves lapping nearby. Oh, and they serve a mean margarita, which you don't need me to tell you is practically mandatory to order according to vacation law. 
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October 10, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {day 3}

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Top: Millau borrowed from Heather (similar style here); Shorts: Levis (similar style here); Bathing Suit: Old Navy; Sandals: J.Crew; Hat: J.Crew; Jewelry: Lauren Elan necklace c/o
What's a girl to do with some free time Saturday morning on vacation? I joined my new friends Niña and Meryll and relaxed on a boat out in the Pacific Ocean. Between snorkeling, riding a banana boat (my first time ever and was every bit ridiculous and fun as I expected!) and generally appreciating the island from a new view -- it was certainly the perfect way to unwind after the week's non-stop schedule.  
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October 9, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {day 2}

3 minute read
Our deck view at the wildlife refuge.
Just one of the many butterflies flitting around.
Left: Obsessed with these quirky coconuts! Right: A mission bell at Two Lovers Point.
Love notes on locks at Two Lovers Point.
Local dance group performing a traditional Chamorro dance at the Guam Micronesia Island Fair.
This coconut stand still makes me smile.
Dress: DVF; Sandals: J.Crew; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Jewelry: Gorjana "Super Star" necklace c/o
Our second day in Guam was dedicated to exploring all over the island and just going back through these photos makes me miss the humidity! We started off the day heading north to a wildlife refuge where we sat in the shade and took in the ocean views below us. (So glad I brought these fans along -- they came in super handy during our downtime.) We then went south to one of my favorite spots of the whole trip -- Two Lovers Point. According to Chamorron legend, the daughter of a wealthy Spanish aristocrat and a local Chamorro boy from a modest family fell madly in love only to realize that both their families forbid their relationship. Out of desperation, the two lovers tied their hair together and jumped off the cliff, to escape both of their angry family's wrath. The locks and tags you see above are left by visitors who write their lover's name on them and throw the key away over into the ocean -- quite romantic sentiments to think about as you stand on the overhang looking out.  
Outfit photos by Meryll Yan
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October 8, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {day 1}

2 minute read
Jumpsuit: BCBG (similar style here); Shoes: Zara; Necklace: Roman Luxe X Karla Deras; Clutch: Vintage; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Ah, back to reality! By the time this post goes up, I'll be waiting for my bags at the SFO baggage claim, fresh from an almost week-long trip to Guam -- a lush, and culture-brimming oasis part of the Micronesian Islands. From the sweeping ocean views at Two Lovers Point to the deeply rooted and well preserved Chamorro culture among the community, I'm so incredibly grateful that I was able to go on this trip and really immerse myself in everything the island has to offer. While I unpack my bags and get settled back into the work routine (boo!) I hope you enjoy this outfit that I wore for one of our first days of shopping around on the island, enjoying some serious retail therapy in the main shopping district, Tumon Bay. I couldn't get myself there fast enough -- duty-free was calling my name!
Stay tuned throughout the week -- more recaps to come...
Photos by Josie Moyer
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October 4, 2012 — No Comments

postcards from guam {packing list}

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view from my hotel room balcony
1.) Edun silk-habotai dress 2.) Topshop bathing suit 3.) Illesteva "Murdoch" sunglasses 4.) Tibi gown 5.) Chloe sandals (similar style here) 6.) Wooden folding fan 7.) Missoni beach towel 8.) The Gentlewoman 
It's been a crazy past couple of days between traveling and running around the island of Guam. So while yours truly attempts to adjust to the new time zone (and humidity!), I hope you enjoy my dream packing list. Pretty smitten with the idea of wearing floor-length dresses/gowns and pairing them with a chic pair of flat sandals. 
And speaking of dream closets, upon arriving back in the States, I'll be hosting a little soirée of sorts at the Union Square Macy's on Oct. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Would love to see your lovely faces there -- I'll be hand-selecting my favorite items from the store to build a mini "This Time Tomorrow" boutique. Light refreshments, music and other stylish gals? Doesn't sound too bad for a Thursday night, right? 😉
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October 2, 2012 — No Comments

parasol stroll

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Dress: Tibi; Shoes: Zara; Clutch: Vintage; Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Jewelry: Gorjana "Super Star" necklace c/o; Parasol: c/o Marissa and Charlie 
And without further adieu, here's what I wore to this weekend soirée...
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October 1, 2012 — No Comments

marissa & charlie

2 minute read
As you may have seen on Instagram, I traveled out to Chico, CA this past weekend for my friends Marissa and Charlie's wedding. And was blown away. Think Great Gatsby on the ranch -- hay bales for seating during the ceremony, drinks served in mint julep cups, courtesy parasols to escape the sunset heat and the perfect family-style reception dining. And don't get me started on Marissa's Claire Pettibone dress. Absolutely stunning on her. If you're currently planning your wedding, I highly recommend you check out her inspiration Pinterest boards. I've been following them up until the big day -- and it was so fun seeing it come to life. 
The evening itself was full of dancing under a high-top tent, drinking the most delicious cucumber-infused Tom Collins and finally ending the night singing around a bonfire (under a full moon, no less!).
Congratulations again to the happy couple -- thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!
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July 19, 2012 — 24 Comments

summer style escape

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Perhaps what I love most about summer is how energized it can make you feel to check things off your must-try lists. For me, that means a lot of exploring around San Francisco, in which, I fully embrace playing "tourist." Yes, after living here for over two years now, my first cable car experience was only a mere few weeks ago. (The line always looks too long -- but definitely was well worth the wait!). That said, when Refinery29 and Sunglass Hut asked me to share a bit of my San Francisco summer, I was more than happy to let them (and you!) in on my escapades. Click on over to Refinery29 to see my whirlwind SF tour and, of course, my trusty sunglass rotation that hasn't left my side since!
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January 31, 2012 — 44 Comments

with love, from hawaii

2 minute read

Daydreaming of sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets and probably more than my fair share of sugary Mai Tais -- oh, can I just rewind and relive last week? Pretty please?

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January 25, 2012 — 83 Comments

high tide

2 minute read

Dress: Halston Heritage "Carrie" dress (scored at Crossroads!); Sandals: J. Crew; Hat: H&M (similar style here); Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Bag: Zara; Jewelry: Rachel Reinhardt, assorted gifted bangles

I've been waiting for the perfect occasion to wear this Halston Heritage dress I scored at Crossroads a few months back (ahem, original tags on and all!) and admittedly, have been rather impatient with our finicky San Francisco weather. I did want to go whale watching California style, but that's being left for another day.

Of course, when we decided to head out for a day of whale watching around the island of Molokini and then go out for a molokini snorkeling tour -- I figured this was my chance to stretch my resort-wear legs, figuratively speaking. The dress itself calls to mind some of my favorite glam ladies of yore (Bianca Jagger, Angelica Huston and naturally, Miss Bradshaw herself in the not-so-fortunate SATC sequel) but I think the earthy tone necklace and straw panama hat help ground it, fitting for a day out at sea. And naturally, I could just as easily see myself wearing this number with some strappy heels (heck, maybe even this pair) which is always a win in my book!

Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far!

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July 28, 2009 — No Comments

Barcelona bound

2 minute read

I'd like to think that I could roam around Barcelona in this outfit. Granted, I was in Barcelona once. But after a semester abroad full of traveling every weekend, it's expensive (and exhausting) to keep up with those chic Europeans. I'm thoroughly convinced there's something in their water that allows them to exude more style in their big toe than I have in my whole being. Including my hair. And I have a lot of hair on my head. If you haven't noticed.  

With Barcelona in mind, I kind of ran with some inspiration from Penelope Cruz and her role in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Sure, she played an eccentric, suicidal (not to mention homicidal) artsy bitch, but aren't we all sometimes? 

I mean, nobody's perfect.

For the outfit, I wanted to focus on more of a romantic feel, thus the princess sleeves, the delicate detailing and of course the dangly jewelry, specifically the rosary (hello, Catholicism) and the red woven tear drop charm that just screams, "Take me to Spain!" 

No, wait. Not scream. Perhaps whisper with a rich accent. Yes, that's what Penelope would do.

Blouse: Beige crocheted detailing top, Miss Me
Skirt: Black bandage skirt, Target
Boots: Vintage riding boots
Jewelry: Multiple vintage necklaces

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