Huit jusqu'à Minuit

As my time working at A Tropical Affair concludes, I am becoming nostalgic, excited... and greedy for more lingerie! For the past two and a half years I have spent endless hours with great co-workers, trying on and spending far too much money on lacy luxuries that a college budget can afford, and learning about designers that were once foreign and now a staple.  This past weekend my co-worker and friend, Cindy, helped me solidify exactly what I needed to take home with me before my last day. On a whim I tried on a stunning Huit bra and, of course, fell in love.

It is absolutely true that the French create the most detailed, figure flattering under garments. Why I did not figure this out sooner I will never know. But I am absolutely sure that the Huit China Girl set is coming home with me next week. Please let the following photos inspire you to make you way over to A Tropical Affair and explore the best lingerie selection in Santa Barbara (But don't buy any 34cs!). 

Thank goodness I am off to the homeland of this splendid designer. Paris I will see you soon. 

Contagious Laughter

This picture brings me endless joy so I just had to share it. 

I'm related to this crazy bunch: Dad, Kate and Brooke 

 Sure seems like something was hilarious. I love this kind of uncontrollable, contagious laughter that seems to appear when I am around these silly people. Gotta love 'em. 

(Mom, I'll do a solo post just for you next time. Don't feel left out. You know I love you the most ;) )

Weekend Packing List

This summer and, of course, this fall my weekends are going to be full of short trips to visit friends, family and foreign places. Thus, I compiled a list of essentials for a weekend away, whether it is as close as the next town over or far across the globe.

A small suitcase that ensures I don't overpack

(via etsy)

Black sunnies for beautiful days

(via Etsy)

A far from boring water bottle to keep hydrated

(via Dutchbydesign.com)

A small, leather pouch for coins and cards

(via Etsy)

A light weight scarf for cool planes, trains and automobiles

(via Etsy)

Gloss, fragrance, and salve all in one darling tin

(via Sephora)

Weekly Cup of Tea

photo credit: aurevoirlecielbleu.tumblr.com

Shoe Envy

After breaking my trusty black sandals in Newport a couple of weekends ago, my shoe selection suddenly seems much more sparse (don't feel too sorry for me, they were over two years old). It is difficult to dress for summer weather when my go-to sandals are gone. Therefore, I am on the hunt for a pair of new, neutral, flat sandals as a replacement. So far, these Sam Edelman sandals are the front runner. I love the low gladiator style. On trend in an understated manner. I can dig it. I hope they are as comfortable as they are cute!

Quote: Paris

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

Ernest Hemingway

Loafers, Leather and Lots of Luck

Really great things are happening to me as I continue to prepare for my trip to Paris. Last week I traveled home to bay area (with my teensy, tiny Honda civic packed to the brim) to get my French Visa, bring some un-needed items to my parents' houses and visit with my family before I began summer school. My appointment with the French consulate was on Tuesday morning and by Thursday evening my visa had been expedited and delivered to my house in Santa Barbara. Lady luck? It's high season for visa applications so the sight of my visa on my living room coffee table was a huge shock! I'm taking it as a good omen for my travels.

And even better, the luck didn't stop there. After my appointment with the French consulate on Tuesday I romped around San Francisco, visiting various vintage fabric stores and the most amazing Goodwill I have ever come across. I know many people have a stigma against the Goodwill, as it has a connotation with dirty, overused clothes. Not the case here. The goodwill at Mission St. was perfectly organized (with appropriate labels of each rack, ranging from vintage women's blouse to blazers and long length dresses) and clean. A dream come true for an avid thrift shopper like me! While I was tempted to buy many, many things I limited myself the perfect pair of menswear inspired loafers. I had been on the hunt, looking at loafers at Nordstrom, Piperlime, et cetera and never took the plunge. Thank goodness because these kicks are in pristine condition and cost me a mere $10. I know, outrageous.

And the last bit of fun news: I made an awesome canvas and leather clutch for summer time use (with minimal help from my mama!). To be completely honest, it was rather simple. Even attaching the zipper. 

As I am showered with this luck and good fortune the butterflies in my stomach are increasing. The countdown to Paris as well as my summer of intense summer courses, farmers market frequenting and lots of time in the sun continues.  Now I'm off to see Midnight in Paris with some of my best girlfriends and eat too much buttery popcorn. No complaints.

XOXO