Stacker Style: Black and White, or Bust

I heard it was a whopping 90 degrees last week for my SoCal pals, so this one's for you. In all fairness, the weather up north has been fickle as f, so this look wouldn't be too uncalled for. I received this cami from Two Feathers and was super excited to wear it out. I love the asymmetrical detail - it really gives it a little something extra, doesn't it? I kept it simple in black and white, but I'm already thinking up ways to spice up this cami to be a bit more fall-appropriate. Stay tuned to see what I cook up next.

Breakfast Club

When's the last time you got up early and made your way to enjoy a seated breakfast before starting work, or your day? For me, it was a few weeks ago, when Breakfast Club invited me to slow down and have a seat at Lord Stanley's table. I had work that day, but opted to get in a little later, so I could meet and eat with some of SF's local creatives. When I first started blogging seven (!!) years ago, I made a very conscious effort to attend events and meet new people in the community. 25% of the time I would go with a friend, but 75% of the time, I went alone. I forced myself (an quiet introvert) to put my phone away and introduce myself to as many people as possible. Fast forward to 2017 (and even a few years back, if we're being totally honest!), and I almost never go to events alone anymore. I bring a pal, or my boyfriend, or if I can't bring someone, sometimes I just end up passing. As of late, I wanted to change that. So, I did - starting with this particular event. I missed making myself uncomfortable and getting to know new people. So, I decided to forgo asking for a +1, and instead, took the morning for myself. It was sorta scary to head into an event alone and ask strangers if I could join their table, but I did it. And, I met some really cool people. Aside from that, I got to enjoy an epic breakfast by the Lord Stanley crew. I sipped my tea, laughed with locals, and left filled with good vibes. Moral of the story? Get outside of your comfort zone. Put your phone down. Talk to people. Talk to people. Talk to people. It's good for the soul.

Stacker Style: Pinstripe Pancake

I am having a hard time coping with the fact that fall is here. On the one hand, I'm excited for nights in, Netflix binges, and fuzzy sweaters and socks. But I truly am a sunshine girl at heart. I love the warmth, I love the sun, and I love basking in it. Plus, isn't Vitamin D a natural mood booster? Of course, fall and winter aren't all that bad. Cozy layers, anyone? I've already pulled out all of my turtleneck sweaters, wool coats, and am looking for new ways to layer up some of my summer items, including this pinstripe piece that I received from Two Feathers. Because fall crept up on me, I wasn't ready to give up my dresses just yet. I decided to layer my wrap dress with a light turtleneck to keep me warm in SF's brisk, but warm, but brisk weather. Next up, once the weather gets even colder, I'll probably add in some tights and some knee-high boots.

Food Friday: Maker's Common

Maker's Common 1954 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

East Bay friends, this one's for you. Maker's Common is the new kid on the Berkeley block. It's an eatery and marketplace by the owners of San Francisco's beloved, Mission Cheese. The eatery is a casual neighborhood gathering place, where folks grab a quick bite, park it outside on the patio, or make themselves comfortable for family-style meals. The marketplace is stocked with goods from local makers and is meant to inspire patrons for their next picnic or gathering. I recently had the pleasure of touring the beautiful open space and delighting in some cheese, meats, and treats for dinner. After the jump, view more of the space, designed by Studio KDA, and see what you can nosh on when you visit.

Black Friday Shopping Steals and Deals

Black Friday happens to be one of my favorite times of the year. My very first Black Friday, I made my poor mom wake up at 3 or 4am to stand in line with me at Best Buy, so I could buy The Sims Expansion pack (aka The Sims + every single expansion pack created) for $7.99. $7.99!! It was absurd, because clearly no one was waking up to line up that early for THE SIMS. We stood in line to pay for maybe over an hour, but at the end of that morning, I was one happy camper. And hooked... on Black Friday. These days, I'm a little less crazy, and while I do still enjoy the in-store experience, I can appreciate the online steals much, much more. So, for anyone like me, I put together a few of the best steals around!

Stacker Style: DVF Kissed My Cheek

An alternate name for this blog post was "Where's Waldo," which is coincidentally what I was for Halloween, thanks to this stunner of a sweater. But, I thought "DVF Kissed My Cheek" was more appropriate, because, well, it happened. You've already heard me preach on how much I was feeling myself after the whirlwind of a night that was the #DVFStudioxLevi event, but like I said, I have a vault of photos and it's time to share them all.

After the jump, read up on my evening out with DVF, catch photos from the event, plus more shots of my full look!

Friendsgiving with DoorDash

Thanksgiving is in two days, you guys. Two days! Is it just me, or did this year totally zoom by? I honestly can't believe it's nearly December. Every year, around this time, my friends and I host a Friendsgiving potluck, where we gather 'round and stuff ourselves silly with amazingly delicious food and drinks. (Think lumpia, ribs, pies galore, cider, sweet potato mash and more... mmmmm.) Because we lost track of time and forgot to plan, this will be our first year out of the last several that we won't be having one. (Insert sad face, here.) Luckily, we also host an annual Friendsmas gathering, so not all is lost. Even better, Bay Area-based restaurant delivery service, DoorDash recently saved a seat at the table for me at their's, so I didn't have to totally miss out on the Friendsgiving tradition. Aside from chowing down alongside some of my blogging pals,  I also walked away with some fresh ideas for how to "wow" guests at my next gathering. Anyone out there hosting people this year and could use some extra tips, too? Well, my friends, you're going to want to read more after the jump.

Stacker Style: Red-y to Ruffle

I've come to acknowledge that my favorite color might just be red. I love a red lip, a red statement bag, and now, this red dress. I'm often found wearing the basics - black, white, navy - but the more I put this color on, the more I feel good and alive, confident, and happy. Can you tell? How's that for feeling like a million bucks? 

Food Friday: Bluestem Brasserie's New Brunch Menu

Bluestem Brasserie 1 Yerba Buena Lane

Bluestem Brasserie recently welcomed Trevor Ogden into their kitchen as their new Executive Chef. Chef Trevor hails from Park Tavern and brings with him over 15 years of experience, as well as a new weekend brunch menu, which I got to experience for the first time just this past Saturday. It should be no surprise that I couldn't pass up a brunch tasting at Bluestem. I frequent the restaurant often for happy hour and anytime I have a hankering for my favorite cake in the city.  I was really excited to try Chef's take on brunch, because it's truly my favorite meal. So what was on the menu? See more after the jump.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day Three

What I didn't tell you about my Austin City Limits adventure is that the day before my trip, I got attacked by a crazy mosquito. It bit my forehead six times and my arms about another six to eight more times. Yes, it did look like I got hit in the face. And then, just as my face and arm swelling started to go down... I got bit by MORE mosquitoes on my legs when I got to Austin. It was sad and funny all at the same time. I was swollen, it was humid and hot, and I got no relief. Why am I telling you this? Because on day three of ACL, the sun came out in full force and it was almost miserable. My bites were more swollen than ever thanks to the heat, and if you look really, really closely... you can see a few in these photos. Luckily, Juice Land saved my soul, and the Gorillaz and Zhu met my musical expectations. Now, time to start saving and planning for Austin, year four.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day Two

I found these pants at a random shop in the mall and they cost me less than $20. Aside from being insanely affordable, they also happened to be the most comfortable pants I own. Hyperbole? Nope - they're really that comfortable. Maybe it's because they were loose and free flowing and allowed me to eat queso and bbq to my heart (and stomach's) content. Whatever the case, day two's festival fit was my favorite of the whole weekend. It also helped that I had a matching bag and some dope platform sandals to give me an inch or two above the concert crowd. Aside from that, I was having a really good hair day, so there's that.

Stacker Style: Austin City Limits 2017, Day One

I'm finally getting around to this ole thing and let me tell you - the photo vault is fully and plenty. So, it's time to start churning these babies out. Starting with this one. A little over a month ago, your girl took a trip to her favorite city in the country, Austin, Texas. It was my third visit to the city and my third Austin City Limits in the books. This year's lineup was pretty rad - Zhu, Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Portugal. The Man, and more! Truth be told, I'd seen most of the performer's on this year's bill. But, I was really excited to finally see the Gorillaz and the xx, and I was even more excited to catch Zhu and the Peppers again. The xx closed day one and they were my favorite set of the whole weekend - so magical to see them perform live!