Portland Travel Diary.

Last week I go share an amazing visit to Portland with Andrew, my brother Tom and my sister Elise. It was all of our first time there so it was a lot of fun getting to experience the city together. Such an abundance of delicious food and the scenery outside the city is so beautiful. It was a little chilly for our Southern California blood, but we had a great time!

Day 1 Highlights: Voodoo Doughnut, a true Portland Landmark for delicious and over the top donut treats.  Strolling Mississippi Avenue and lunch at Miss Delta, a delicious Southern restaurant with just the right soul food to keep you warm and cozy. Then a visit to the Grand Marketplace a large antique mall in the Southeast quadrant. And we topped off our night with the most delicious miniature pie treats at the Pie Spot. (We've even doubled back on our last night to pick some up to take home!)

 Day 2: First stop Stumptown Coffee for some true Portland coffee, then to breakfast at the most fun breakfast place I've ever been, Slappy Cakes - where there are griddles built into the middle of your table and you cook your own flapjacks! Then we hit the wilderness for a little hiking and exploring Multnomah Falls the largest waterfall I've ever seen, prepare to get wet as you get to cross bridges in the midst of the falls to continue your hike. Our second night we had an amazing family style dinner at Tasty & Alder, delicious gourmet foods served with all locally sourced ingredients. And to top of the night we played a round of indoor glow in the dark putt-putt at Glowing Greens and enjoyed fresh made ice cream at Salt and Straw.

Day 3: Our final day we indulged in a hearty breakfast at Pine State Biscuits before heading back into the wilderness a second time. This time discovering what I think is my favorite waterfall, the super dreamy, Elowah Falls. We circled back to Multnomah once more and scooped up some more pies on our way out of town! 

Of all the things we saw in Portland, we didn't see anything too weird, except the signs everywhere saying, Keep Portland Weird..

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NorCal Travel Diaries.

Another trip up North meant visiting some of my favorite San Francisco spots as well as exploring many new regions of Northern California. Our little family vacation led us through the Redwood Forest, getting to drive our car through a tree, exploring the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley, tasting some of the best coffee in San Francisco, in wonderment at the cell blocks of Alcatraz and in awe of the coast of Big Sur. Here's a mere glimpse at our adventure - click the photos for travel trips and information!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parisian Chic.

The combination of gloomy weather today and a feeling of being worn out led me to channel my inner Parisian in a minimalistic off-duty look. Nothing quite says French like all black, and I kept things easy and comfortable to better enjoy my day off.

 

 Bailey 44 Top here, Sneak Peek High Waisted Jeans similar, Irene's Story Cardigan similar, JcPenney Slippers similar, Banana Republic Bag similar, BCBGeneration Sunnies similar

Jet Set Style.

Today's look was inspired by an article Refinery 29 did this morning on traveling in style (see it here). Most of us think that in order to be comfortable when traveling that we need to be in sweats and tennis shoes, but there are so many comfortable and versatile, yet still stylish pieces you can be wearing! 

Right now for Spring/Summer palazzo pants are a huge trend, which is great for all of you headed on vacation! They are roomy, lightweight, AND have an elastic waistband, which is awesome when you're going to be sitting for multiple hours. They're also great if you're headed to a warmer destination because you can use them again with your bikini top, or a crop top for island wear. I paired mine with a basic Michael Stars tank that is a great layering starting point, so it too can be used again later in the trip. I'm always cold on airplanes so a top layer is a must. A denim jacket is great because it'll keep you warm but it's not stuffy, and it is more polished than a hooded sweatshirt. And lastly, a great crossbody tote is good for jet setting; choose one that is roomy enough for some carry-on entertainment, but not too big it'll get heavy running to your gate. And I try to steer towards a bag that zips closed, just to be safe you don't lose your passport! Happy travels everyone..I'm off to plan my next trip!

Levi's Jacket here, Michael Stars Top here, Charlotte Russe Pants here, Aldo Tote similar, Report Sandals here, Wrap Bracelet similar, Alex and Ani Bracelets, Natalie B Ring here, Gifts of Grace Designs Necklace

San Francisco Travel Diaries.

Feeling refreshed after my first trip to San Francisco, and wow, what a great city. It was quite the experience traveling with a puppy but we stayed at a great dog friendly hotel a block from Union Square, Hotel Metropolis. We were only there a short amount of time but I fell in love with the culture on Haight street, so many fun vintage shops and cafes, if you're ever there on a Tuesday grab a burger at Rosamunde's Grill, but for the full experience take it next door to Toronado's for refreshments. I think I could live happily in Golden Gate Park for the rest of time, and I think next time I visit I will make sure to walk through the Botanical Gardens. If you can plan it right the best place to see the Golden Gate Bridge is from the Hawk Hill look-out, but timing is everything! Go in the evening closer to sunset, the bridge will be lit beautifully we made the mistake of going in the morning so the sun wasn't on our side but still a great view! If you've never been I would definitely recommend a trip to the bay area, I had a blast, and here's a glimpse..