Dark Arts

I've been going through a huge black on black phase, which is uncharacteristic because I have always loved wearing bright colors (and still do). There's just something enticing about donning all black that is sophisticated and chic, and no other color can deliver the same je ne sais quois. 

Lisa and I decided to visit the infamous Clarion Alley in the Mission district for this shoot. As I consider fashion art, we thought it fitting to juxtapose these two forms of street art. The street art in Clarion Alley is always changing and never dull, so if you haven't been, I'd recommend you stop by before your next visit to Delfina Pizzeria down the street. 

This H&M trench has become a staple in my Winter wardrobe, and I've linked similar, and equally amazing, coats below. These Rag & Bone Newburry booties were one of my best wardrobe investments, and this H&M sweater is so cute and cozy that I couldn't resist it.

Happy almost New Year, everyone! See you all next year.

XOXO
Nahal

Holiday Blues

WARNING: Wallowing ahead!!

It's possibly the worst time of year: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas are behind us, and we're too worn out to even stay up till midnight on New Year's Eve (I know I may be alone in this...but it's the honest truth!). We can't zip our jeans and our heads ache from too much spiked eggnog. We got Pampered Chef when we wanted Prada. How will we survive the holiday-wasteland that is January to April? 

I'm exaggerating a bit here in the interest of trying to sound compelling, but it's true that I can't help but feel a bit weepy and self-pitying. I am a junkie for the buildup of the holiday season, the way it starts out slow, with a scattering of Christmas songs and pumpkin pie and buying presents. But then every year, right around the 2nd week of December, it's like someone hits the fast-forward button and the holidays have zoomed right past us. And we're left with bleak weather and returning to work and another 10-month lapse before we gear up again. 

So I've decided I'm going to try to keep the momentum going, some how, some way. I mean, the absolute best part of the holidays is spending time with family and focusing on others instead of ourselves, right? So why not carry that throughout the year? Why not get all kinds of crazy and invite family over for latkes and matzoh ball soup in February? Or donate new toys and/or meals to those in need throughout the year? I know I'm getting all sappy but I just cannot help myself. It's Christmas after all. And if any of you have ever seen Love Actually, you know that at Christmas we are given carte blanche to be excessively cheesey and to act in any manner we feel. Bless you Hugh Grant and Colin Firth and Keira Knightly, and your ridiculously absurd/wonderful movie that removes all shame from our holiday-season behavior. 

So now that I'm done with my boohooing, please enjoy these quite cheery photos of one of my favorite outfits of late. 

Best of luck in your post-holiday recovery, dearies. 

xoxo, Lisa

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Happy holidays, everyone! I hope you're enjoying some quality family time, stuffing your faces, imbibing too many cocktails, or doing whatever it is that floats your boat during the season! I'm still continuing my Christmas music marathon and am looking forward to a weekend with friends and family, although I'll be greatly missing my kinfolk in Colorado.

Hanukkah is already behind us, and I'm happy to report that I consumed far too many latkes, bought and got far too many presents, and that my dreidel Gingerbread cookies were once again a success. What more could I ask for?

It's been a particularly busy and wonderful holiday season for us, given that we've got double the number of kids we had last year. It's been great to watch Sylvie soak in all the cheer with a much better grasp than in previous years, and it was precious watching Parker tear open his first wrapping paper and then immediately shove it into his mouth. When I'm in the throes of parenting and feel like I don't have a spare minute, ever, I just think of these beautiful moments and of snuggles with the littles, and all is right in the world. 

I'm terribly backlogged on blog posts, but I thought I'd use a few free moments to put this post together. These photos were actually taken the day before Thanksgiving, when Aaron and I booked a sitter and spent the day together. We missed the kids, but it was nice to have uninterrupted conversations and to focus on each other for a while. We trekked around the Mission and Hayes Valley, and as usual, I felt completely overdressed. But I had recently bought this faux fur gem of a vest and couldn't resist taking it out for a spin. 

I'm pretty into burgundy and blush right now; I think it's such a stunning combo. And if I could wear these shoes 24-7 I probably would. They're sexy and comfortable and just overall awesome. AND they are $50 right now. 

I hope that Santa spoils you rotten and that you have a wonderful rest of the year. 

Lisa

Animal Kingdom

On this particular evening, Lisa and I were headed to the super-chic Azalea boutique in the Mission district. Never the ones to miss out on a photo opp, we stopped outside Dog Eared Books (also one of my favorite SF spots) for a photoshoot. 

My notoriety as a texturtarian when it comes to food (oysters yum, steak yuck) extends to my choice in clothing. Clothes should not only look good but FEEL good too. This decadent look is all about texture (fur, leather, silk, lace) and very Fall appropriate with the darker tones.

I've had this Elizabeth and James black fur vest for about 6 years, and it's become my fall go-to when I need to add a layer on a breezy SF Fall day. These Helmut Lang leather leggings are a more recent addition to my wardrobe, but they've quickly become a seasonal staple as well. Although I love to find trendy looks at bargain prices, I can't pass up a classic and timeless piece that I know I'll wear for years. My vest and leggings are an investment in textured style and seasonal comfort with an excellent ROI! 

I've linked to similar items below at great prices. Enjoy and have fun playing with textures!

xoxo
Nahal