Musings
Mind Your Methods
When I spent more time working on my creative writing hobby and dreaming up characters, I would paste a collection of photographs torn out of magazines into my notebook as a method of creating and developing the character. If the protagonist was a chic city Mother/renowned architect for example, I'd imagine what kind of perfume she would wear, how she met her husband, her favorite experience abroad, or perhaps think about her most remarkable achievements, and sketch them out on paper. The visuals helped me to connect the dots and bring the character to life.
It seems every time I turn around someone is moving, redecorating, or renovating. I find the same method as described above particularly helpful in creating a new space. (Clearly, a little thing called Pinterest figured this out, too). The above images are from Ashley Whittaker's portfolio, one of my favorite interior designers. I find her projects to successfully blend light, texture and tradition into a harmonious balance of sophisticated ease. I have always kept the above photographs in my arsenal for when I needed inspiration to bring interior spaces to life.
And The Award Goes To...
Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta. Always classic and always extraordinary. The dress looked even more remarkable in motion.
Charlize Theron looking sensational in Christian Dior Couture. She apparently helped a security guard who was suffering a seizure while in her gown. Lady luck!
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o, in Prada. What a year she has had...
Matthew and Camilla looked ravishingly regal. Their fashion choices this award season have been superb. 
Amy Adams in Gucci. I adore the color and silhouette of the dress but was disappointed by the hair and jewels.
Julia Roberts in Givenchy Haute Couture. Dare I say, one of my favorite looks on Julia.
Jared Leto in Saint Laurent. I love that he chose to channel his own personal style on the red carpet - many were curious what he would choose. The red bow tie and white jacket were old school and drew me in.
Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen, a look that was true Hollywood however it didn't "wow" me.
My girl crush status just sky-rocketed. Kate Hudson looking DIVINE in Atelier Versace. By far, my favorite look of the evening. Need to know what's in the water she's drinking...
Kevin Spacey in Burberry. I love the navy and black combination and thought he looked clean and sharp. I still need to see House of Cards....
Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani. There was a lot of chatter about what she would wear and she certainly delivered. Her look was just as exquisite as her acceptance speech.
Pharrell Williams (left) wore Lanvin. I love the personal style he has curated and thought the shorts were daring, but fun.
The very pregnant Olivia Wilde & beau Jason Sudeikis in Valentino and Prada, respectively.
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:
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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).
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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.
- 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!
- Order dessert. Just do it. Their Chocolate Oblivion Cake is fantastic. And why not order another glass of vino...
- 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.
- Soak up the rest of the time with your family/lover and off you go.
- Thank C&C for the recommendation.
Photographs above are courtesy of Tia Harrison, Co-Owner & Executive Chef of Sociale.