48 Hours in San Francisco

Franco Sarto Riding Boots, Alice + Olivia Dress, Banana Republic Blazer

I've been living in and out of San Francisco since 2003 and no matter how much places, people and life evolves this city will forever have my heart. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting for a quick weekend trip (mixing tourist traps + local scenes):

Day One: The Icons

1. Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of walking or biking over the bridge head over to Baker Beach in the Presidio district where a gorgeous sandy beach welcomes you with stunning views of the bridge and bay.
Tip: Great for picnicking, sun tanning (when it's hot) and taking your fur babies for a stroll. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of some dolphins!

2. Alamo Square Park. End the day watching the sunset at the iconic postcard-ready Victorians below Alamo Square Park.
Tip: Great for a date night. Be ready with a blanket + a bottle of vino and some GoVino cups.

3. North Beach Dinner Plans. Head over to the lively district of Washington Square Park and cruise up the hill to Don Pistos for some delicious Mexican inspired street food goodness.
Tip: Still thirsty? Night owls should cruise over to Columbus Avenue and enjoy an array of bar hopping hubs to quench your thirst.

Day Two: The Real Deal

1. Sunday Brunch in the Mission District. Head over to Foreign Cinema for a boozy brunch filled with delicious California inspired bites surrounded by a hip outdoor space screening films.
Tip: After brunch cruise over to the newly remodeled Dolores Park and find a spot to people watch and enjoy the views.

2. Golden Gate Park. Check out the newest De Young Museum art exhibit or walk across the park to the California Academy of Sciences for an afternoon of fun adult learning.
Tip: If you're feeling adventurous rent a bike on Fulton Street and cruise through the botanical gardens.

3. Dim Sum Dinner Plans. End the day in Chinatown grubbing on some of the best Dim Sum northern CA has to offer. 
Tip: Favorite Dim Sum spot includes Great Eastern Restaurant. 

What's the best thing about SF? The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Youthful, artful, hip, eclectic, cultured, radical, sexy and green – San Francisco is all that & more!

San Francisco is a city with such character and charm it's impossible not to fall head over heels for it as I did back in 2003. I spent a few glorious years during college exploring, living and falling in love with this city. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting or living in SF {staying away from the tourist traps}:

1. If someone told you they were moving to SF, what advice would you give them? Sell your car and buy a bike and a muni pass {or even a Vespa}. Oh yes, and bring lots of layers to wear.

2. Favorite {casual} places to eat? Burma Superstar{Outer Richmond}, Naan -N- Curry{several locations + BYOB},Pluto’s {Marina/Cow Hollow}, Taqueria Cancun{Mission},Tony’s Pizza Napoletana{North Beach},Nopalito{Lower Haight}.

3. If a tourist had one day to spend in SF, what would you tell them to see? Start off the day by walking around the Castro, Inner Mission, and Dolores Park. In the late afternoon take a cab to Washington Square and walk up Telegraph Hill, {stopping for a gelato and cappuccino}. Then pass through narrow Varennes Street and up to the base of Coit Tower to admire the breezy view of the Bay.

4. Favorite places to shop? Fillmore Street {high end shops with old time beauty}, Haight Street {recycled, vintage clothing stores}, Hayes Valley {chic vintage clothing & local artwork}, Mission St – Valencia & 16th {Funky & eclectic shopping}.

5. What's the best thing about SF? The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

daliacejasanfrancisco

SF Street Style {Marc NY Jacket, Alice + Olivia Shorts, Steve Madden Boots, Banana Republic Hat, Theory Aviators, Melie Bianco Purse}

P.S. There you have it dolls, now go out and explore!

SF Sunset Sailing

I was 8 years old when I had my first sailing experience.  My mom loves to tell the story that I was the only kid on the sailboat lying on my back with my arms crossed behind my head, commenting that…

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]this is the life…[/typography] [/quote]

It’s funny, even as a child I was enthusiastic about taking advantage of life’s exciting and magnificent experiences. Last Friday I had the opportunity to relive these feelings and set out on an adventurous sailing trip around the SF Bay.

Having only sailed twice before, I was excited by the prospect of gliding through the San Francisco Bay with nothing but the wind blowing us along. We set sail in the beautiful Sausalito Harbor on a historical sailboat called the Seaward. It was truly a magical experience sitting out in the open sea, taking in the gorgeous panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Three hours seemed to fly by as we enjoyed the seascape while sipping on wine and snacking on cheese and crackers {compliments of Call of the Sea}. Once the sun began to set, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the most beautiful sky, illuminated with bright orange, pink and blue colors. It was the ideal ending to a memorable afternoon of sailing.

P.s. Make sure to bring warm layers {it gets nippy out there!} Ole!

{Peach scarf courtesy of BLING by Brenda- It's light & airy, perfect for summer!}

[nggallery id=7]