All I Want For Christmas...

It's always fun to put together a little Holiday Shopping Gift Guide. This year, my unplanned theme seems to be black & gold {with a touch of pink}. I'm in the process of refining my wardrobe, focusing on chic, simple pieces instead of all the thrills and frills I typically gravitate towards. My new office is in the heart of the best shopping San Francisco has to offer, making this new wardrobe re-vamp pretty easy & dangerous. Wishing you a fantastic holiday season filled with all the love and happiness in the world! XO Gigi

1. Zara Quilted Leather Jacket, 2. Kate Spade iPad Case, 3. Ms. Selfridges Felt Floppy Hat, 4. Altuzarra Shaker, 5. Gypset Travel, 6. Olympia 3 Piece Luggage Set, 7. JustFab Wedge Sneakers, 8. Stella and Dot Cluster Ring

T A R T C O L L E C T I O N S

Tart Collections, a San Francisco Bay Area based clothing company gave full creative license of their brand to my Fashion Show and Special Event Production class at the Academy of Art University, School of Fashion. This comes in the form of creating a full-scale holiday fashion show modeled after Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York that will be the beginning of a national expansion of the Tart Collections brand. Myself and 10 crazy talented girls were continually challenged to replicate a show up to the standards the Academy of Art University that has been instilled since the school was established in San Francisco in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens. As fashion is historically a collaborative industry, we tapped into  our own artistic community by teaming up with students in the Photography, Motion Picture Television, Audio Visual, Architecture and Landscape Design Schools. Under the direction of Academy professors who have worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Viviene Westwood and KCD, {leading fashion public relations and production agency} myself and 10 upper division students participated in producing this premier fashion show that is a nod to the 60’s and heavily influenced by taste makers of that time including Hedi Slimane, Madeleine Vionnet, Jean Shrimpton and Penelope Tree. The experience was life-changing in the sense that all of my insecurities and second guesses about entering the insane world of Fashion disintegrated instantly the moment the first look came down the runway. A rush I could get addicted to. Here are some of my favorite shots from arguably, the most challenging and rewarding day of my life. 

{images courtesy of Aldo Carrera}

Diamonds & Rosé

 

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the beautiful Four Seasons, San Francisco for an exclusive opportunity to see Wellendorff's Angel Wings Collection. I couldn't pass up an evening of hors d'oeuvres & wine, with an opportunity to view the collection sparkle in the most glamorous way. The goldsmithing art made in Germany is perfected with every little detail, and is inspired by a touching and unique love story by Heidi Thomas as she described to Eva Wellendorff. This fabulous collection is available to view and purchase  here in San Francisco at Shreve & Co. As the ever so bougy Lisa Vanderpump would say, life is not all about diamonds and rosé, but it should be!

 

If you take a moment to share a time when you felt like an angel was watching over you, and send to angelstory@wellendorff.com by December 1st. you may be the lucky winner of a Wellendorff truffle ring in 18k gold!

Rollin' With The Homies

In keeping with my over-the-top, month-long birthday celebration tradition alive, I planned myself yet another party this year for my 26th. I decided to throw a 90's themed throwback feté and my guests and their outfits did not disappoint. My best friend and I went with a Lisa Frank inspired look, complete with butterfly clips, Best Friends Forever necklaces and bedazzled crop jean jackets. We started the party with a gorge yourself junk food pre-party {think gushers, lunchables, handysnacks, capri sun's, carmel apple pop's & cheeto puffs} and then boarded a party bus for a quick ride over to the local roller rink. It wasn't until some of my friends showed up with their own pair of roller blades that I realized how dedicated to the 90's they really are. Luckily there were no major injuries at Golden Skate to remember this event  by, just a few ridiculous pictures I couldn't help but to share.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it unforgettable! Peace!

It's Getting Nasty...

This is a public announcement for all my lady friends...

Trust me when I say, you MUST check out Nasty Gal's new collection. You can find it all here, to step up your wardrobe game, like woah. A few of my favorites are the hacker dress, backslash cardi, wired skater dress, corrupted sweater, and the cryptic mesh moto.  

Happy shopping... xo g. 

Classic

I am kinda mad-in-love with this photo shoot styled by Erika Bearman {aka Oscarprgirl} featuring styles from Oscar de la Renta's Fall collection. Is it just me or do these look like updated versions of outfits that came straight out of Cher Horowitz's virtual closet in Clueless? So 90's. Unfortunately I am not in any position to be purchasing $900.00 bolero's, so I will be ruthlessly trying to re-create these looks in a more pocketbook friendly manor come Fall. Thanks Oscar + Erika for the inspiration, who wouldn't want to look like a 'Total Betty'! 

A Guide to Sexy Summer Legs!

6 Easy Steps! Exfoliate, Creme, Shave, Soothe, Faux Tan, Shine.

For me, Summertime doesn't just mean that the heat is rising. Hemlines go up, easy flirty dresses fill my closet and cut-off shorts are my go-to when running out the door for a quick errand. That being said, I try to keep my stems well kept so I can enjoy showing them off during these warmer months. Lately I have been rotating the above products which include trusty drug store finds, earth friendly oil's and cremes, as well as a department store splurge. There is nothing sexier than a tan, glowing leg {am I right?}, and these products will help get you well on your way, with seducing scents to boot! Enjoy :)

{1.Dove 2.Exfoliating Mitt 3.Earthly Body 4.Venus Embrace 5.Earthly Body 6.St.Tropez 7.Earthly Body}

To Create

Amidst the craziness that is finals at Academy of Art University, I wanted to take a little moment and share a project I have been working on. I styled this set of images in collaboration with the extremely talented, Martine Pinnel {an AAU photography student} and model, Alyssa from City Model agency. These are the final images I am submitting for my presentation in a few hours and while I may be a bit bias, I think they turned out pretty spectacular. I love the juxtaposition of movement and stillness in each photo, mixed with the funked out Little House On The Prairie look we went with. It's so fulfilling being able to work and create art with savvy people, all the while exploring your talents. I dig it. 

A Little Extra Boost...

 I don't know about you, but these days a good ol' fashion Cup Of Joe just doesn't do it for me anymore. Between pursuing a degree in Fashion Journalism at Academy of Art University, interning at Ruby Press PR and juggling a personal styling business & blog on the side, my energy level doesn't match my go-go-go lifestyle. Sure, I have tried vitamins & herbs and don't get me wrong, those options are all groovy, but sometimes you just need a little extra boost. Enter, Hi*Ball Sparkling Energy Water. This SF based company has been around since 2004 although just recently they have re-designed their packaging {as mentioned here} and I have to say...it really is tres chic. I know, you don't usually describe cans of caffeine as 'chic' but look at this retro inspired packaging! Added bonus? You will always know when your beverage is ready for sippin' because the little “bubbles” on the cans turn blue when the beverage gets to a temperature of 45F. Take that, Coors Light! I was a fan of Hi*Ball Sparkling Water from my first sip, but now I think I may be bordering on an addiction to this seriously fashionable drink.

But hey, as they say..."It's good energy"!

*click here to find out where you can buy some good energy for yourself.

In a dream world...

This would be my house, always draped in balloons...

This would be my boudoir. Stark white, petal pink & shiny gold...

 

This would be the view from my balcony, sun shining everyday...

And this would be my positive thinking mantra, including cake everyday...

{images via, 1,2,3 & 4 }

Hog Island Oyster Co. Farm

Long weekends are the perfect excuse to pack up the car and explore local treasures. This past weekend, that is exactly what we did. After hearing about Hog Island Oyster Co. Farm on the Eastern shores of Tomalas Bay for many years, I was excited to finally make the drive from the East Bay to check out what it was all about. After a not-so-simple drive over {bay bridge closure traffic was insane} we finally made it to Marshall, CA. We immediately began indulging in raw and cooked oysters, local cheeses and of course, washed it all down with delicious wine + champagne. This little day trip was a sweet reminder why I truly love Northern California and how lucky I am to live in such a magnificent place. 

** 3 Tips On Visiting Hog Island Oyster Co. Farm.

1. Make Reservations

2. BYOB

3. Layers, Layers, Layers