Hear! Hear!

The Man Repeller beat me to it on Wednesday but I loved seeing her reaffirm my sentiment about double-breasted blazers. (See my prior post on the topic, here). Above, a snippet from the January edition of British VOGUE. Case in point.

The S's of Sacramento Street

I absolutely love Sacramento Street by day and by night. The two experiences are uniquely contrasting and the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco is one of my favorites in the city.

Many of you have written (citrusandcedars@gmail.com) to ask for recommendations as it relates to restaurants, weekend getaways and even as specific as whether you should pair rananculus or anenome with white roses for a Valentine's bouquet. (I love it!) The two most popular requests seem to be for fabulous date night recommendations and the best place to take the parents when they roll into town. This recommendation below seems to work for both occasions and is one night I could live over and over.

The plan:

1. Secure an 8:00 PM or later ressie at Sociale as soon as you can. (I like Thursdays and Saturdays for dining out. If you're taking a girl out for dinner the first time on a Saturday night, Godspeed to you. Big points).

2. On the eve of your dinner, head to Spruce an hour before your dinner reservation for cocktails. Try their "Bitter Truth" or "Arnaud's Special". Sit at the bar, or, if you're lucky, opt for the sleek couches adjacent to the bar.

3. Stroll across the street and down the brick pathway to Sociale for dinner. Both indoor and outdoor dining are just as lovely, but if you're feeling brave and the weather is cooperating, try sitting outdoors. Bon Appétit!
4. Order dessert. Just do it. Their Chocolate Oblivion Cake is fantastic. And why not order another glass of vino...
5. Stroll down Sacramento after dinner before heading to the car/taxi. It will be quiet by that time, but pleasant. Check out the window display at Sue Fisher King and Kendall Wilkinson.
6. Soak up the rest of the time with your family/lover and off you go.
7. Thank C&C for the recommendation.

Photographs above are courtesy of Tia Harrison, Co-Owner & Executive Chef of Sociale.  

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

This past weekend felt like a true spring weekend. Although I inherently know it was just a tease, the weather was divine, which made for fun adventures hiking and exploring in the Marin headlands and a relaxing day in Lafayette Park. Fresh flowers never fail to being me immediate joy. After the busy weekend it was the best feeling getting into bed with rosy cheeks from the sunshine and the smell of hyacinth, a true token of springtime. Simple pleasures indeed. And now, it's raining...

LKRE

Meet Libby Kirwin. Libby, is my former boss, mentor and friend who played a large role in the beginning of my career. She is, more importantly, the founder of Libby Kirwin Real Estate ("LKRE") a boutique real estate and property management firm headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island. From the moment Libby and I met, we clicked and I couldn't wait to work for her - I never felt so confident trusting someone so quickly. She has the most discerning eye, infectious work ethic and unrelenting passion for her work. She is akin to that senior girl in high school that was untouchably cool. I couldn't wait to learn more from her every day and every moment with her was a learning experience.

As Director of Marketing for LKRE, I was responsible for developing and executing all marketing and PR strategies as well as leveraging our brand strategy. In time, LKRE really took off and exemplified the modern leader in what was traditionally, a rather stuffy, stale industry.

Above: My first marketing campaign at LKRE, our "Inspiration Campaign" in 2011.

Given Libby's keen eye and exquisite taste, I believe one of her strengths is her design and renovation consulting business. Below are an assortment of transformations she is behind. Be sure to visit her website for the full LKRE experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Libby!

17 Oliver Street: Before17 Oliver Street: After22 Thurston: Before

22 Thurston: After

18 Burdick: Before

18 Burdick: After

Photo credit: The talented Melissa Quintal Photography