Leap Day

I didn't really think anything of today's leap day, until I realized my rent check was due. Instead, I can't stop thinking about the leap of faith I'm taking in a few short months that'll completely change everything. I can't sleep at night with the anxious feeling that there is still something to check off my to-do list, and have had trouble concentrating on anything in front of me (except for my favorite shows). When will this end?

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An Afternoon With

 

I am not sure whether I am the last one to discover the wispy site An Afternoon With, but I couldn't be more happy that I finally found it. Inside, intimate interior portraits of creative ones from around the nation are captured in their most private spaces - I fell in love with Sabine's space, a prop stylist who also has an equally as inventive blog of her own {find it here}. Very inspiring for a creative hopeful - I love the mix of colors, patterns and portions (plus, lucky me, I already have that splash of wall color in my home!) I think I can emulate some bits of this space in any new place.

The Oscars

I can hardly believe it has already been a year since I was able to step on the Oscars red carpet myself. The opportunity was unlike anything I could have ever imagined, despite nearly getting arrested and just merely missing an interview with Tim Gunn. 

This year's festivities are expected to be a little more low-key; rather than dining at the Roosevelt, sipping on cocktails by the pool in the middle of the afternoon {like I did on Sunset Blvd recently} and catching celebrities bounce between the streets, I'll be spending the evening at home. I'm guaranteed to have a better seat than last year, but it just won't be the same. 

What are you looking forward to for the 84th annual Academy Awards?

Style by Karla

I bet if I ever saw Karla in the street, I might confuse her with an actress or supermodel. All of her photos show off an impeccable pout that she has no doubt perfected both in reality and in the blogosphere world. When I spotted this little number on the sensible fashion blogger, who manages to turn simple white J.Crew tanks into Prada gold, I couldn't help but me reminded of an Old Navy dress I own. The simple garment has been turned into a beach dress since it's length isn't very forgiving; but nonetheless, the baby doll shape and simple pattern has me thinking it might just be time to turn that dress back into a party ensemble (I'll wait until summer, of course).

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Tourist

This weekend I got to play tourist in my own city with both parents and friends. I've continued to add more and more to my San Diego bucket list before I leave this sunny city, making me feel like I haven't accomplished anything since I moved here eight years ago. No doubt this city is pretty expansive and restaurants I was once obsessed with aren't in my daily routine (plus, my first three years in college don't really count - I hardly left the campus!) so that might put things into perspective. Looking forward to 10 more weekends full of roller coasters, dinners, hikes and beautiful views!

J. Crew 2012

I have always been a huge fan of J.Crew, and now that I see what's ahead of the brand I couldn't be more excited. I love how they mix and match patterns and colors, but still make it look chic enough that every brave woman can wear. I found all the image from Glitter Guide's infamous instagram, a team that has kept me up to date on all things NYFW.  

Layers

Banana Republic top, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, Franco Sarto heels, necklaces (long to short) F21, F21, Double Happiness, Double Happiness rings, Anthropologie sunnies

While it's not New York Fashion Week, these were taken by a good friend at La Jolla's Estancia La Jolla {see my snapshots of the event from phone here}

Love Brand & Co

I get the opportunity to write about tons of unique things with my full-time job, but usually they're all about men (my magazine is tailored to the executive male, after all). As I'm starting to work on my summer issue, it was quite a treat to see these adorable little specimen for the unique swimsuit brand Love Brand & Co. The line has partnered with Elephant Family to raise awareness and funds to save the Asian elephant and other endangered species from extinction. Along with these adorable photos, how couldn't your (little) man enjoy these?

Estancia La Jolla

 

I was lucky enough to be one of the several invited to attend Estancia La Jolla's grand re-opening where executive chef Kimberly Kramer served an endless amount of greasy yet delicious bites, the open bar poured wines from Trinitas Cellars and guests floated around grassy patios while listening to local tunes from Israel Maldonado. I was surprised by the sheer volume of participants, gourmet entrees and decor (it was like a perfectly planned wedding, with floral arrangements in pink and waiters offering bubbly and bite-size apps) but it was great to see the hotel & spa shining again.