A Week in Manhattan

Patrick and I traveled to New York City earlier this month, it was actually my first return trip since moving to San Francisco nearly 2 years ago. My Mother joined me during the week for a few preliminary bridal appointments, I have been scoping out a few styles online and wanted to see things in person while I was in town. We visited the bridal salons at Monique Lhuillier, Bergdorf Goodman, Spina Bride and Lee Petra Grebenau. The rest of the week was filled with old favorites like: eating at Momofuku ramen and Milk Bar, shopping in Soho, seeing the annual fashion exhibit (Heavenly Bodies) at The Metropolitan, afternoon tea at Bergdorfs, vintage shopping at What Goes Around Comes Around, cheese plates and wine at Murray's Cheese Bar, walking around Washington Square Park and brunch at Balthazar. It felt good to be back, almost like we never left! I believe the moral of the story is 2 years is too long to stay away from Manhattan, hopefully we'll make a return trip this spring.

Cherry Blossom Season

I've been lucky enough to live in cities where cherry blossoms are in full bloom this time of year. When I lived in New York City there were a few blossom trees tucked away on little streets, but each year I would still make a trip out to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to see rows upon rows of cherry blossoms blooming. It was one of my favorite Spring traditions. 

Now living in San Francisco, the city is covered in pastel pink blooms, every walk outside really feels like a dream. My new cherry blossom tradition here is to take a day trip to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park to enjoy the blooms with a cup of tea and a slice of green tea cheese cake. My favorite part is when a little gust of wind comes along blowing pink petals everywhere, just like a cherry blossom snow globe.

Cafe Rรฉveille

San Francisco Pinks

Since I love all things pink, I thought I'd share a few of my local Bay Area favorites that are all about that pastel  hue.

C A F E   R ร‰V E I L L E

A cafe with good coffee, pastries and pretty pink tables, what's not to love? Cafe Rรฉveille is a local favorite, we even took advantage of their decor for our recent Sweet & Spark photoshoot. Also, I am super excited that they just opened a second location closer to home!

B O T A N I C A L   G A R D E N

Signs of spring have been popping up all over the city like cherry blossom and almond blossom trees. Patrick decided it would be perfect timing to visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden to see their collection of Magnolia trees. So many beautiful pink and white blooms to soak in, I took so many snaps!

T H E   M A R I N A

After visiting the clothing trade shows or scouting for photoshoots, Jillian and I always find ourselves grabbing lunch at Blue Barn down in the Marina. I love walking around surrounded by all the pastel pictaresque houses, we even spotted this baby pink vespa scooter last time we were there!

San Francisco Magnolias 2.jpg
San Francisco Magnolias 1.jpg

London Travel Guide

Here are a few photos from my recent trip to London. I made sure to pack two of my favorite brooches, which happen to be crowns. I found the pearl crown years ago, while I was still in high school, at a Dallas antiques mall... and the golden Kenneth Jay Lane crown is a recent eBay find! Luckily, for our UK trip, the sun was out and everything was in full bloom! We started in London and took the train up to Edinburgh and drove back down through the Lake District where we got to explore charming little towns sprinkled in between fields of yellow flowers. My favorite day was spent visiting Beatrix Potter's country home in Hill Top. See a list of my favorite highlights below.

Sketch // 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair

That infamous pink room! Be sure to make your high tea reservation ahead of time.

Farm Girl // 59A Portobello Road

My favorite brunch spot by far, a must try is their rose lattes and berry pancakes.

Harrods // 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge

A historical shopping mall, be sure to get high tea on the top floor!

Selfridges // 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone

Another famous shopping mall, fun for window shopping.

V&A Museum // Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge

A gorgeously curated museum that always features a beautiful fashion exhibit.

Cahoots // 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby

A hidden speak easy style cocktail bar that used to be a train station.