HINTS OF PROVOCATEUR

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Hope everyone is having a great start to their week! Today's blog post is completely inspired by one of my besties :-) She has a special photo shoot coming up next month, a Boudoir photo shoot! And just in time for Valentine's Day. I think a boudoir photo shoot is a must do for every woman...whether it's for a special someone or just for yourself! It's very liberating and there's nothing else that can make you feel sexier ;-) Most shoots allow for outfit and set changes. Mixing up looks is best. Bra and panty, fitted teddy, corset or whatever style fits you best. Above are a few pieces I think will take someone's breath away!

We've been on the search for pretty yet daring pieces. When I think boudoir, femme fatale resonates in my mind...black, lace, satin, blush all make for a boldly romantic look. To add a more classic feel to the look, pearls are my go-to. The splurges are is the lace La Perla garter and the Gianvito Rossi ankle strap sandals. They were just too beautiful for me not to share! Which is your favorite??

IN THE STREETS

Images by Scott Kong

Top: J.Crew Henley Tunic / Bottoms: AG / Coat: Banana Republic / Shoes: Kate Spade Licorice

Bag: H&M

It's casual Friday today at work. Today I wore what I would normally wear during the week but switched my bottoms with a distressed jean. When choosing a distressed jean, I like jeans that shows very minimal skin...especially when wearing to work! I like the Adriano Goldschmied distressed jeans because the leg style is a cross between skinny and boyfriend. If I want to dress it up slightly I can add a pump or sandal. If I want to wear the boyfriend style I would simply roll up the legs a bit for a small cuff. The AG's I'm wearing are sold out but I'm really digging the more skinny leg here. A few others on my radar are here and a budget friendly pair here.

WHILE IN NAPA

Top: Banana Republic (old, similar here) / Skirt: Anthropologie Capelli Tulle (on sale and avail in store!) / 
Necklace: BR Tutti Frutti / Bag: J.Crew Tillary Purse (Similar here) / Shoes: Nine West / Sunglasses: Isaac Mizrahi

This weekend was simply wonderful. One of my besties, who I've known since tweens, planned a day trip to Napa for my birthday!! Wine country is about 30 miles away from home and usually has warmer temperature. I was surprised and super happy to find mid 70 degree weather! We couldn't have picked a better day for a wine country outing ;-)

We visited three different wineries, the first having champagne tastings; Domain Carneros!! This winery was very welcoming. As soon as you enter the black iron gates, there is an open courtyard with cute little bistro tables and outdoor lounge dining tables in the garden for large parties. They also have seating indoors... but why would anyone do that??! Of all the sparkling wines, my favorite was the Vermeil Demi-Sec. It was very crisp and I'm drawn to floral notes (even in perfumes, candles and clothes) so this champagne was a perfect match!

Second stop, Clos Du Val. Now this winery was a real treat. As you turn into the driveway of Clos Du Val, you're guided by the plush and perfectly sculpted columnar evergreens. From there, a row of outside cabanas nested in front of the actual vineyard leads you right into the tasting room. This would be my favorite place of all to return to with a larger group. Think the green outdoors and a vineyard surrounding you, sun keeping you cozy in a plush cabana all the while having bottle service! Next time I hope to do that plus the tour. Inside the tasting room there are two double doors with an open view of the wine room. I highly recommend this winery...and it was the only place where I purchased wine.

Next, Inglenook! By the time we got to Inglenook it was about 4pm and the sun was beginning to set. This set the tone, my gf said it best, "I feel like we're walking on the set of a scary movie!". It could have been the dozens of trees once luxurious now barren surrounding the winery and still water fountain. Or all of the unoccupied outside tables lingering while the front door waiting for us girls to enter. It was dark, windy yet quiet and a bit eerie...and I liked it!! ;-) The estate even houses the first home built in Napa. We had a reservation to the last tasting so we had the place practically all to ourselves! If you're into history, you'd really enjoy this location. There's a story behind the family, Coppola more widely known and the Inglenook name. I'll spare you the details but you can get a little history lesson here! It's very compelling! The Chateau  has a grande stairway upon entry and an upstairs museum. I only wish we had more time in the day to explore. Even more reason to return :-)

Here are a few pics from our expedition:

PETER PILOTTO COMING SOON...

Okay, the date is quickly approaching...get your lawn chairs ready for the Red Dot Boutique (aka Target)!! The next designer collab at Target has been revealed, London label PETER PILOTTO! The geniuses behind the label are Austrian/Italian Peter Pilotto and Peruvian/Belgium Christian De Vos. Anything they crank out of their laboratory is a geometric print extravaganza! I can't wait to get my hands on their collection; February 9th is THE day! Here are some of my favorite looks, which is your favorite??

There are about two dozen complete looks in the collection with items consisting of tops, pants, sneakers, swimsuits, bags, sunglasses and beach towels. From what I can see, dresses will range between $49 to $79, blouses and cardis $34 to $49 and swimwear $29 to $39, the highest item is priced at $80 bucks. What a steal!

Happy Friday Fashionistas!

WRAPPED IN OXBLOOD

Images by Scott Kong

Jacket: Banana Republic (old) / Top: Rachel Roy / Skirt: Ann Taylor / Shoes: Kate Spade Licorice 

I have to admit, I might just work in one of the best buildings located in FiDi. Not only am I walking distance to SOMA, Union Square, North Beach and the Embarcadero, our building has this gorgeous rooftop garden. Many folks in the area come here to dine or just to enjoy the view. I really enjoy the floral garden getaway!

One of my favorite bold colors, if you consider it bold, is Oxblood (or vamp blood if that's your thing)! I'm drawn to anything darker than my favorite vino ;-) There's something regal, mysterious and alluring about this color! When I saw this wool wrap trench at Banana Republic it was a no brainer. I got it a few seasons ago but there are tons of great options out there, a few here and here. Today I paired my wool coat with a Rachel Roy black lace button up top. What won me over was the extended lace material over the hand and the meticulously placed dark oxblood colored buttons. So many of my favorite little things rolled up into one top!

GEARED UP

Jacket: Nike Tech Cape / Top: Nike Tank (on sale!) / Bottoms: Nike Thermal Tighs / 

Shoes: Nike Lunar Glide (on sale!) / Bag: Lululemon 

I'm trying my best to continue my lunchtime workouts! Today I'm more pumped than usual to workout because I'm trying a new fitness studio! My friend at work told me about Wheelhouse SF. Today they are offering free classes so of course I signed up for two to check them out. And boy am I glad I did! They have two rooms, a designated spin room and a multi-use yoga/TRX room. My favorite was the spin class. The instructors were very energetic, kept great tracks coming and pushed you to the point where you wouldn't dare slack off. The TRX class was also great but it was extremely tough! TRX really tests your physical body strength and stamina. I plan do both go again.

Comfortable workout gear for me consists of a capri or legging, sports bra, jacket and sneaker. I'm wearing the Nike Tech Fleece. I love the clean line detail on the jacket and my favorite part is the 'hi-lo' effect. When wearing tights or leggings, I feel comfortable knowing I have that extra material covering my toosh. If you only knew how much trouble I went through to find my size! I found it at Nordstrom and it was the last one in the company! Fortunately, Nike responded to its demand and restocked their shelves so no labor intensive shopping necessary :-)

A little tip to buying running shoes with a budget...don't restrict yourself to womens shoes! I find a lot of men's running shoes very attractive...and because I can't fit men sizes, I shop the boys section! I'm an 8 in women's so that converts to about a size 6 in boys. Nothing feels better than paying half the price!

WHAT I WANT WEDNESDAY

What I Want Wednesday by embellishedcloset featuring the French Connection Lana Speckled Belted Coat

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Fall is my favorite shopping season! What I love even more about shopping during the fall, the end of season sales!! Currently the Lana Speckled Belted jacket is marked down PLUS French Connection is having a blowout sale...an extra 50% off of sale items!!

Use discount code: W13SALE

This sophisticatedly sheik belted tweed jacket is the perfect length for pairing with skinny jeans, midi length skirts and dresses. I like to mix and match denim with dressy but this look could easily be paired with a dressier bottom like black skinny pant or tuxedo trouser.

Happy Shopping!!

More Red heels but sandals...

More Gianvito Rossi...