New and Improved

Hello! Just wanted to invite everyone over to my new blog To Market

If you love fashion, food, DIY, beauty, and home decor then you need to stop by.

Til next time!

Something New

Afternoon all! I've been trying to think of a blog post for the past week, and nothing fashion, makeup, diet, style, etc. has really inspired me. Yesterday was Dan (b/f) and my's first day back from a week in the beautiful Tahoe. With no jobs to speak of yet, and school still a few weeks a way, we decided to do something we had yet to try in our new city- thrifting!

I had never thrifted back home, the only places to thrift at were Salvation Army stores, and I had heard bad reports about the ones we had near us. But in San Francisco, there is one hugely popular thrift/vintage store after the next.

Dan ended up with an original 1940's vintage Pendleton wool plaid shirt ($35). He got it at La Rosa Vintage on Haight St. He looks darn cute in it!

La Rosa's is a very cool store. The girl at the shop told me that everything in the store is a true vintage piece, with the exception of a huge selection of Hawaiian shirts they have made in Japan.

I fell head over heels in love with a gauzy 70's embroidered top, but it was $79 and a bit snug, so I left La Rosa's empty handed.

I ended up at Buffalo Exchange, which is a chain thrift/second hand store. I was amazed at how busy they were and the incredible amount of stock.

Because SF is so cold (even during the Summer), I wanted a nice coat or jacket.

I bought this fitted velvet Hudson brand blazer. It is a size small, but with the stretch of the fabric and the cut of the blazer, it fits my medium sized frame. At $27, I felt it was a good buy.

Thrifting seems to be a culture in San Francisco (primarily on Haight st.) Dan and I visited other shops, and I was able to find desirable and cheap items in every shop. I think I may just convert to this shopping way of life.

Hope everyone is having a decent Monday- I would say a 'good' Monday, but I am pretty sure that's not possible for most. (Kiiiiding :)

If you have a favorite San Fran thrift store, or tips and tricks to successful thrifting, lemme know! I think I have a new hobby.

~Holly

Tell Me All Your Secrets

I am constantly in a bulge battle. A year ago, I lost 65lbs on the zone diet and have been in maintenance mode ever since. I have seen myself slip in my vigorous workouts, and my love of dining out has crept back into my weekly routine.

I am a believer in hard work yielding fabulous results, however when life is so busy that you cannot make it to the gym for a 2 hour sweat session, or you just don't have it in you to make a 4 oz piece of salmon with brown rice and broccoli, you have to make smaller and easier changes.

I have just discovered my new life saver! (sorry for the loooow quality photo)

I was recently scouring the fridge for a simple healthy meal- knowing darn well that no such meal existed, when I spotted a Kirkland brand (costco) "Weight Loss Shake." At first I questioned such an easy meal. Would it fill me up? Would it taste good? I decided to give it a whirl!

I am delighted to report that I know find these to be a staple item, and rejoice when it is time to drink it at lunch. My plan for the past week has been as follows:

Breakfast: Activia yogurt and a piece of whole wheat toast with minimal butter (the real thing!)

Lunch: A weight loss shake and a piece of fruit (as you can see, today's fruit was a potassium filled banana)

Dinner: Almost anything I want...just a smaller portion.

Snack (2 a day): Either 1/2 a shake, or cottage cheese.

So far the results have been impressive. I lost 3 lbs so far, and have have only done it for 5 days (6 including today.) I don't feel hungry, I have immense energy- so rare for me, and I am losing weight.

Now before someone tells me this is not a healthy way to lose weight, I have done some research. The nutrients in these shakes far surpass what most people consume in an average meal; I think this may be why I have so much energy. Calorie wise, they are a little less than what most nutritionists believe a person should have at any given meal, and that is why I am supplementing the shakes with fruit or a vegi (if I have it on hand.) With a banana, my total calorie intake for lunch is about 330.

I love this new, extremely easy plan. I have been out to eat several times since I started this, and I have still lost. Not many plans really allow for eating in restaurants, so this is very exciting to me!

Now you tell me, what are your easy maintain/lose weight secrets? I would prefer they do not involve fasting or drinking strange master cleanse concoctions...I don't really believe that is a healthy, safe, or effective way to maintain or lose weight. Buuut any other secrets or tricks are welcomed!

Hope everyone is have a good Thursday!

~Holly~

Shoe Storage: A Dilemma

Moving from my parents home, with it's many large closets, has been an adjustment. Though I technically have more of my own space at my apartment, my dear shoes have shown signs of worry as to where their new home will be.

In my old home, I had a shoe rack on the back of my bedroom door, the upper shelf of my closet offered refuge to boots, the floor of my closet was the sanctuary to all flip flops, thongs, and flats, and still I was forced to occupy space in my parents walk-in.

I now have a significantly smaller closet, and only one bedroom to work with. What is everyone's favorite shoe storage technique? With my shoe obsession showing no signs of stopping, I need to come up with an organized system, and possibly one that is appealing to the eye (I have a feeling my shoes may be spilling over into the interior of the bedroom).

Advice solicitation wanted!

Clock is Ticking on Fall

I know, I know...it may seem a bit soon (and scary) to already be making a fall 2010 fashion/accessories/makeup/etc. want list, but I am all over it! I have been consulting my favorite sites and stores, trying to decide on maybe 3 or 4 items I want to outfit myself with for fall.

I recycle many of my previous years items when putting together a seasonal wardrobe. And truth be told, I don't really put anything together, I more or less keep my closet the same, grabbing for the same tried and true pieces that get me through year after year. (ie. Banana Republic knee-high brown boots- staple!)

However, this year requires a new approach. I have just made the move from a small town to San Francisco, where I am continuing school. I live in a hipster neighborhood in which people at the corner fruit stand seem to be making a fashion statement. This year, I need a plan. This year, I need to adhere to a strict set of rules that will lead me to fall fashion nirvana.

Up until now, my shopping m.o. was to sneak into a store, any store, and grab at anything that seemed remotely my style and within my price range. Not this year. This year I am selective and prepared.

First on the list....surprise surprise- Banana Republic Heritage Leather Biker Jacket.

This jacket is gorgeous. I've lusted for a long while after this soft taupe leather number. It's pricey-coming in at almost $300, but I honestly can imagine this with everything I currently own and anything I will ever own.

Pictured here, BR has given it a more spring/summer vibe, pairing it with a white sheer blouse and white jeans. But couldn't you just see this with a pair of very dark wash jeans and a crisp white blouse? Or a LBD? Or a LWD?

Versatility should not be looked past. It is the ultimate goal of every item, and my goal of this coming season.

Next: Gap Skinny Stretch Pants.

These pants looks modern classic to me! The skinny meets

trouser has been a favorite of mine for some time, but these pants seems the fuse the two styles in a more streamlined fashion.

These pants would transition from the office to drinks to dancing, and for $24.99 (on sale!) they are a bargain.

Oh Shoes. My true love.

I own a wide variety of boots both tall and short, black, brown, and grey, leather and suede; but none of my boots are also a wedge.

The 'At Once' boot by Chinese Laundry not only is a handsome, fall appropriate ankle boot, but it's a wedge. This boot/wedge hybrid has been one of my favorite fall trends.

The futuristic vibe that I gather from the majority of these styles is a very different choice for me as I am typically drawn to the more victorian-esque styles. But I couldn't resist these!

Following suit, I think these are: a) versatile, b) most likely

comfortable (is there a more comfortable heel style?), and

c) cost effective at $89.

Fall is a time that I look forward to, even during the long

summer days and nights. I await the days of warm wooly

layers and boots for every occasion.

What are your must haves for fall? I could go on...and just

might in another post, but for now I will stick to these pieces

that I know I would "fall" back on time and time again.

I want to get more into this blog! I am completely enraptured with reading others blogs, but coming up with topics has been difficult for me. I am going to try to recommit!

Lately I have been reading Sea of Shoes- Jane Aldridge's blog. If you do not read it, and you have even a slight interest in fashion or even beautiful photographs, you should read it! Jane seems so sweet through her blog posts, and her incredible collection of clothes, accessories, and of course shoes seems to not make her seem elitist. I love her blog!

So, my inspiration for today's blog is shoes. I adore shoes, I think every red blooded female does, regardless if you are one of the lucky few who can afford all the beautiful designer numbers, or if you just push your nose up against the glass admiring them.

Saw these platform pumps on net-a-porter. They are miu miu, and absolutely gorgeous! The wood is hand carved! I would absolutely die to have these, but they are no longer available. Maybe ebay has them. Not that I can afford them.... But a girl can dream

These bad boys are by none other than Sir Christian Louboutin. I love Christian Louboutin shoes, I think they are so artful and innately beautiful. This is the Ronda Dina platform pump. I also swooped on this image from net-a-porter. And guess what, these are still available! For a meager $1,025! Once again, I feel like a kid outside a candy store. haha

Something more sane! I saw these Seychelles Fiddle booties in Lucky magazine, and loved them! They come in black and brown, I like both. They are $114, so they are a bit more manageable. I loooove the detail on the side, because although it looks studdish, it also looks very old fashioned, similar to how they use to button boots (you know, back in the day :)

Well, that is all that is inspiring me as of now. I have to get ready for a Dr. appointment, I'm gettin mi flu shot. Have a pretty day!

Products for my survival!

I, like most females, have a long list of products that I feel make me the best me I can possibly be. Whether your list of must haves is short or long, I think most people can think of several products that just make life easier and more fun living!

My first product is Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer. I have read so much about this product, and I am assuming that most of you have as well, that I will not bore you with the product details. However, I will tell you that I am definitely on this products hyped up bandwagon! This is the best tinted moisturizer I have tried to date. It has a fair amount of coverage for a tinted moisturizer and it feels so good on! I prefer the normal formula as oppose to the oil free as I am dry skinned. This is a must have in the Summer and Winter...and what the hell, ALL the time! I adore it, and I can nearly promise that you will too if you give it a try!

I just recently realized my affection for the product. Smith's Rosebud Salve (sold at Sephora...and probably hundreds of other places!) is said to be "multi-purpose" and can be used on any dry spots, burns, and even on diaper rash! Now, I am not sure about you, but I would not slather a product that has a Vaseline like consistency on any old body part. Where I find this product really saves is my lips. I have habitually dry lips, and this stuff knocks it out! I use this before going to bed, and the next morning my lips look smooth and line free, as well as feeling rejuvenated. Another use for this product is as a lip primer. I use this before I ever put on a matte or creme lipstick and it makes it look more flawless. Plus...this stuff last forever! I've had mine for 8 months and I still have a huge amount left. Oh, and did I mention it's cheap. What's not to love? Check it out!

I am a self proclaimed mascara addict. I am also a mascara skeptic. You've heard of it, I've tried it! I usually find most mascaras just satisfactory. This one lengthens, but doesn't thicken; This one thickens, but it clumps; This one smells like toxic chemicals; This one is dry; This one is runny....the list goes on and on. About three months ago a friend talked me into going to a Laura Mercier event. I was talked into a lot that day...but I would have to say this was one of my favorite products I was convinced of. This is Laura Mercier's Thickening and Building Mascara. This mascara is the blackest mascara I have ever owned, it thickens my lashes to my hearts desire, and the best part is I have incredibly define lashes with this mascara. I never have flaking...although this has never really been a problem in general for me. I love this mascara even more than Dior Show (gasp!) and Fresh's Supernova-both of the mascaras I find comparable.

I have never been a huge fan of KMS California, but my mind has been changed just recently. KMS Therapy Plus is a silk enhancing hair serum that I am addicted to. I usually find serums to be oily, greasy, and altogether unpleasant; but Therapy Plus is silky, quick absorbing, and smells amazing! I put this in the ends of my wet hair, blow dry is with a defusing iron, and my hair remains silky and smooth for three days! Past three days, my hair has more problems than silkiness, but until the three day mark my hair looks so healthy. This product is not super cheap (I got mine for $27 at my salon) but it only takes a pea sized amount to do the trick and your hair will look gorgeous.

This next product is very special to me. One day last Spring I was feeling blue. My dear mom felt sad looking at her morose daughter and suggested a spur of the moment shopping spree. Clothes, shoes, and jewelry just did not seem as if they would do it for that day, so instead we headed to Sephora. Not knowing what I was going for, I felt frantic upon arriving in the store. I walked the isles of pretty packaged makeup goodies, my hands looked like a painters over used pallet, but still nothing beckoned me to take it home and love it forever. I walked to the back of the store where skin care, hair care, and tools were located. I walked into the L'Occitane isle, and my eyes became transfixed on a glass bottle filled with a blush pink liquid, embossed with flowers. When I sprayed the perfume, it was the most romantic, light, peaceful scent I had ever experienced. I kept spraying it into the air and dashing through it. It was love, pure and simple (so unlike love! haha) I bought it that day and have been obsessed since. Cherry Blossom by L'Occitane has been a favorite of mine for some time now, and I cannot recommend it enough! It so beautiful and airy, not to mention it is a beautiful bottle to have sitting on your dresser.

I know, this picture is appalling in it's quality, but I thought it might be nice to add something personal to my fave products list. This necklace was given to me by my grandmother. It is a collection of hand carved crosses, all of which were made by an artist in my area. The necklace has fresh water pearls and crystals on it too, both of which I love. Now heeere is the strange part: I am not religious! My father is Jewish, my mother is undecided, and although I have a strong interest in learning about religion, I myself am not a dedicated worshiper. That being said, I have always loved crosses. I think they are beautiful, and obviously they are very symbolic. I love this necklace, and I do not believe you must be religious to wear a cross. I appreciate them as art and symbolism.

This is just something pretty, after all this is Pretty Little Things! Thanks for taking the time to view mi blog. Comment! I would love to hear from you.

~Holly