Outfit Details:

Iro Jacket, Cos Top, Old Navy Jeans (old, similar here), Acne Boots (last seen here), Celine Bag, Hermes Watch

I’m a dress girl through and through, as I’m sure many of you long-time GMG readers already know. But the next best thing to a dress, in my opinion, is an amazing coat or jacket. The best part is that if you find the right one that fits your lifestyle and needs, it’ll become your best friend. You won’t want to go anywhere without it. I have a few coats like that. Season after season, they never let me down. But I’ve never really found a shorter style jacket that I feel the same way about.

My thoughts changed when I saw this fluffy Iro jacket. I’d been on the hunt for it in my size for a while, and finally tracked one down on Farfetch. It’s even more cozy and perfect in person, and also comes in a black version. Luckily, the weather has been cooling down and finally feeling like fall, so I immediately pulled it out this past weekend.

These black Acne boots (last seen in this post) have quickly become one of my most worn pairs of shoes ever (up there with my ballet flats which I live in). If you’re looking for a similar pair, I found these, these and these that all come in a comparable style, but with their own unique elements.

If you’re currently in search of a few fall investment pieces, I would suggest looking at this striped sweater, this black skirt, this coat and this grey and leather jacket. Iro also has a few other jackets that I love, including this one, this one, this one and this one!

Thank you to Farfetch for sponsoring this post.

The post Fluffy appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Chicwish Dress, Michael Kors Coat (similar here), Chanel Flats (similar here), Bobbi Brown “Pink Beige” Lipgloss, Chanel Bag, BaubleBar Pearl Studs

Any party dress that can be transitioned to daytime appropriate is my kind of dress. I often do this with dressier pieces (see here and here) to put them to good use. My trick? Wear flats and add a jacket or coat in denim or leather, to make the dress appear more casual. You’ll want to go back in your closet and create all sorts of new looks with pieces you would usually save for events or special occasions!

This navy and white embroidered Chicwish dress is a steal at under $65! I love the dainty scalloped detailing and delicate layers. Some of my favorite budget friendly dresses have been from Chicwish, including this one and this one (and this one that I don’t have but still love!)

You can see previous ways I’ve styled this Michael Kors cream coat here, here and here. It’s a piece from a few seasons back, but I found a similar one from Ann Taylor for under $200 here.

Thankfully we keep having these warm, sunny days in SF that allow for bare legs and short sleeves, so I haven’t had to pull out my stockings or thick layers yet. I’m craving some cooler weather though, so we might be heading to somewhere with colder temps for my birthday next week!

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post.

The post Embroidered Layers appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Burberry Coat, Vince Sweater, Frame Jeans, BaubleBar x GMG Necklace, Louboutin Pumps, Lanvin Bag c/o, Hermes Watch

This past Wednesday morning, we woke up to rain and gloomy skies. We turned on our heater and remained working in our office until late afternoon, when our stomachs started to grumble. I don’t know if it was the weather, or the fact that we were wrapped up in cozy blankets in our cold office, but we were both craving hot chocolate. Our favorite spot in the city for amazing hot cocoa is Dandelion in the Mission, but not wanting to go too far, we found a wonderful alternative in Stella Pastry Cafe in North Beach.

We ordered two hot chocolates and a plate of cookies…which disappeared quickly between the two of us. North Beach, by the way, is always the best spot for finding cafes with outside seating.

I couldn’t resist breaking in these suede pumps for the day (luckily the rain stopped). They were an early birthday present to myself :) They also come in classic black or nude. I don’t wear heels very often these days, so it was fun to just switch it up for no other reason than to wear a killer pair of heels!

Two items that everyone woman should have in her wardrobe are a great pair of black jeans and a cozy black sweater. My Burberry coat gave-off a punch of color, so I kept the rest of my look simple with a sleek black on black combination. This Vince cashmere sweater is a little oversized and incredibly soft. I also have these black Frame jeans in the flared version (last seen here and here), and recently got the skinny version. They’re the best fitting jeans ever!

Also, right now you can get up to $700 on a gift card at Saks with your purchase using code: OCT2015 until October 31st. It’s a great excuse to start doing a little holiday shopping, or to pick up a treat for yourself! And a perfect time to get a great pair of booties (like these Acne ones I have and love!), a beautiful coat or a dreamy cashmere sweater.

Thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post.

The post Hot Chocolate In The City appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

On Julia- Old Navy Shirt (old, similar here and here), Topshop Skirt, Sam Edelman Booties, Hermes Watch

On Lauren– Madewell Shirt, AG x Alexa Chung Skirt, Free People Boots

I’ve been going to Apple Hill with my family since I was a little girl. I remember making the drive around fall time, filling up on apple cider donuts, picking pumpkins and sipping cider as the leaves changed and the air became crisp. We would make the drive up again closer to the holidays to pick our Christmas tree, bundled up in layers, stopping this time for hot chocolate and sweets. It’s become a tradition that we’ve made sure to keep doing every fall as it brings back so many wonderful memories!

Thomas and I met up with my sister Lauren and mom a few weeks back for a weekend filled with all fall things. My sister has been living in South America since the beginning of the year, so having her home for a bit is an extra special treat. There is no shortage of laughter and love when we’re together!

Apple Hill is filled with over 50 farms and ranches, so finding which apple orchard to stop at or what bakery for the best pie is the tough part! We always end up sampling a few different apple pies and either starting or ending (or both!) the day with apple cider and hot apple cider donuts. They are amazing!

I’m in love with this checked skirt from Topshop– it’s the ultimate piece to really get you in the fall mood. I paired it with an Old Navy shirt from a few years ago (last seen here) but found a few similar styles here and here. If you’re looking for more plaid skirt options, take a look at this one, this one or this one.

My sister is an incredibly talented artist and one of the most creative and adventurous people I know! You can check out her artwork on her website here or read about some of her travels here. We had fun doing a little impromptu photo shoot together in the apple orchards! I’m definitely printing a few of these out for our home :)

Now that Halloween is over and November is here, Thanksgiving is at the forefront of my mind! It’s the first year that Thomas and I will be hosting it at our place and I’m so excited! I recently discovered Terrain (have any of you ever purchased anything from their site?) and found a few pieces I’m thinking of getting for our table decor like these placeholders and this metallic leaf garland. I love this time of year!

The post Apple Hill appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Chicwish Coat, Maje Sweater, Frame Jeans, BaubleBar x GMG Earrings, Stuart Weitzman Boots, Chanel Bag, Thierry Lasry Sunglasses

I was catching up with a girlfriend over lunch last week and she told me about a new little cafe in Potrero Hill called Provender. As a cafe lover and connoisseur, I of course had to try it out! It’s always nice, when we have the time, to get out and try a new spot in a neighborhood we don’t get to very often.

With the change of the month came a change of the seasons (finally!). A light trench is always a great piece to have for those days when you definitely need another layer but it’s not cool enough for a coat. I got this Chicwish one in light pink but it also comes in turquoise blue.

We headed on over to Potrero Hill and found ourselves walking up to the quaint little blue cafe sitting in between a flower shop and a wine bar. Walking around the neighborhood after, we realized we needed to come back for date night after spotting a handful of yummy looking places. If you’re heading to Provender, try their Avocado Toast! It’s not your typical avocado on bread with salt & pepper- it has a few defining ingredients like garlic aioli, cilantro and crispy garlic on top that make it quite unique.

If you find yourself in Potrero Hill, make sure to take in the amazing city views of San Francisco, make a reservation in advance to visit Anchor Brewing Company for a tour and tasting, eat at Plow and check out the shops on 18th street.

The post Potrero Hill appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Tory Burch Top & Skirt c/o, Chanel Bag, Louboutin Pumps

I’m so excited to let you guys know that I will be hosting a holiday shopping event at the Tory Burch store on Maiden Lane in San Francisco next Thursday, November 12th from 7-9pm! There are details at the end of the post, so keep reading for more information and to RSVP. The holidays are quickly approaching (21 days until Thanksgiving, 50 days until Christmas), so I’ve already been making lists of ideas for the season of giving!

Tory Burch recently put together Tory’s Gift Guide, which is perfect to either find a gift for someone else or to share with a significant other as a *hint* for yourself!  There are gifts for the beauty lover, creative gifts for the hostess, a variety of goodies for the bag lover, ideas for the classic woman, little gifts for stocking stuffers or something a little more luxurious.

I pulled this gorgeous embellished Tory Burch skirt since it’s perfect for the holiday season. While I might pair it with a silky tank and leather jacket for a party this season, it wears just as nicely with a polished button-up. This pinstriped shirt isn’t all that basic either with its feathered collar!

As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, I’ll be hosting a pre-holiday event at the Tory Burch Maiden Lane location in San Francisco on November 12th from 7-9pm. I hope you can stop by to mix and mingle and shop the Tory Burch Holiday Collection! Make sure to RSVP to rpowell@toryburch.com

Thank you to Tory Burch for sponsoring this post.

The post Embellished For The Holidays appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Club Monaco Coat (also here), J. McLaughlin Sweater, 7FAM Jeans, Stuart Weitzman Highland Boots c/o, Fendi Bag & Scarf, Illesteva Sunglasses

What is it about fall that makes everyone so happy? For me, it’s the nostalgia of being little, surrounded by family, the smell of cookies in the oven, and spending days running around my grandparents’ ranch with my siblings and cousins. We used to throw a killer Halloween party in the barn, including a hayride out to the 100 year old cemetery on the property (pretty spooky, especially as a kid). Now every year when T and I go pick pumpkins or start planning our Thanksgiving, I think of the massive pumpkins near the corn stalks at the ranch, or the amazing dishes my grandma prepared (and still makes) every year. It all goes back to family and the memories this season brings!

November is always a busy season. It seems to sneak up on us right after Halloween and before we know it, we’re all sitting down to a turkey dinner. I’m trying my best this month to treasure the time we’ve had at home by spending it with friends and family. We’ll be bundling up in the next few weeks and heading to Tahoe with my family now that it’s finally snowing!

I do have to confess that I also love this time of year for the fashion! Coats and boots and scarves and hats – I’m all about the layers and moody tones of the season. My all-time favorite boots are the Stuart Weitzman Highland. I first bought them in black a few years back, then taupe last year, and recently this bordeaux color that’s as luxe and rich in person as it looks in the pictures!

If I were to pick one color to define fall, it would be camel. I could wear it head to toe every day. If you’re going to have only one camel piece, let it be a coat. This Club Monaco one checks all the boxes, but this one and this one are also good contenders. If you’re looking for a few other items to fill your camel needs, I would suggest this cashmere sweater, this scarf, this suede skirt, this hat or these.

Thank you to Stuart Weitzman for sponsoring this post.

The post Highland appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Ganni Dress (also similar here & here, last seen here), Elizabeth & James Blazer, Loeffler Randall Flats, Sophie Hulme Bag (last seen here), Hermes Watch, Illesteva Sunglasses, Lip Bar Lipstick in “Crimson Wonderland”

I wanted to start this post by thanking all of you who have supported me and Gal Meets Glam. Here’s a link to the big announcement yesterday, in case you missed it. I was completely overwhelmed by the support I received from followers, family and friends. It actually became pretty emotional in the late morning, tearing up a bit (in a good way!) from all the kind words I was receiving! It also got me thinking that if I could some how share this elation with you, we could spread joy and the feeling of “accomplishment” across the entire GMG community.

This may be a little unrelated to this post, but I wanted to communicate this message that kept popping up in my head yesterday!

So much of our work lives are dedicated to the mundane, while major accomplishments only happen every once in a great while. It doesn’t help that sometimes it feels like the world is against us and our lofty goals. It’s easy to think that we aren’t good enough for whatever reason. I’m beginning to believe that it is important to enjoy the journey we are on, instead of waiting until the destination, to start being happy. Most of our time in life is spent working towards a goal. So, here’s my solution – I encourage everyone to go out of their way to help others along their journey so that they can accomplish their goals as well. Give them a hand when they need it. Give them constructive advice to help them make improvements. Or give them a kick in the butt when they need a little more motivation. It’s not difficult to do and it will make a world of difference in the other person’s life! No one gets where they are completely alone, and it’s important to surround ourselves with positive people who push us to do better and be the best we can be. The same goes the other way around! To each and every person that gave me an encouraging and supportive note yesterday, whether that be a text, an email, a comment, a tweet or a snap, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I had a little bit of trouble concentrating on my work yesterday, as I wanted to keep responding and connecting with everyone! T and I looked up at the clock at 2:30pm and had hardly moved from our desks all day, so we headed to grab a quick bite and snap some pics.

If you live in SF and haven’t been to Nourish, you must go! T and I discovered this healthy spot right when they opened back in the beginning of the year. The menu is plant-based, all organic and absolutely delicious. We usually grab a quick smoothie to-go with the “power balls” (these are amazing & a great boost of energy midday) or we stop and enjoy some of their yummy toast. This time we got the seasonal pumpkin butter spread and the ab&j (almond instead of peanut).

I’ve worn this dress three times since ordering it from the Shopbop sale last week. It’s now sold out, but I found a similar, less expensive version here! Every woman should have two types of the LBD – one dressy and one casual.

Blazers have been the one item I always rely on to “pull together” a more professional look. I’d been searching for the perfect cream colored one and finally found it in this Elizabeth & James piece. A few others on my radar include this oversized Ganni one, this structured one, this ivory one and this Rag & Bone one.

Thank you to Shopbop for sponsoring this post.

The post Blazer appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Penfield Jacket, Patagonia Fleece, J.Crew Turtleneck, BP Beanie, AG Jeans, Sorel Boots (also here in more colors)

Last Wednesday, Thomas took me to Colorado for my birthday. We stayed at Dunton Hot Springs, a resort that I’ve had saved on my computer for the past two years. We knew it would be cold, but we weren’t expecting the winter wonderland that we arrived to! It had snowed the night before we arrived, continuing for the next few days, creating a white blanket of perfectly fresh snow.

We spent most of our trip in a constant rotation of hiking out in the snow and defrosting inside with hot drinks and lots of blankets. It’s been years since I’ve been to the snow (not counting NYC during fashion week) so I couldn’t have been happier with the surprise! We really had the most magical time. This was my first time to Colorado and I can’t wait to go back- with plans of exploring Telluride next time!

I packed lots of layers since I knew it was going to be in the 30s and below the whole time. This Penfield jacket is always the first thing I pack when we’re going to a more “outdoorsy” destination. I bought it from Madewell last winter but it’s available here this season. You can see how I’ve previously worn it in this post and this post.

Two items that were on heavy rotation during our time in Colorado: this beanie (that’s only $16!) and these Sorel boots.  With a few cold weather trips coming up over the next winter months, I know it’ll come in handy. I also got this Patagonia beanie in both colors because I couldn’t decide!

 

Every view around the property was scenic! We felt like we were living in a real life snow globe. From the frosted trees, to the glittering snow, to the log cabins with smoke simmering from the chimneys. I grabbed Thomas’s hand on our hike and turned to him with the biggest smile on my face and said “This, this makes me so happy”. No city could ever compare to the beauty of mother nature!

If you’re looking for some great layering pieces for this coming winter, this J.Crew turtleneck is thin enough to use as a base layer, but thick enough to be worn by itself. I’ve had this Patagonia fleece for a while now- using it for morning hikes in SF, a light layer for coffee runs, or a warm blanket beneath a puffy jacket.

The post The First Sign of Winter appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Alpaca Cape (from Peru, similar here and here), Rag & Bone Sweater, Acne Studio Scarf, Hudson Jeans, Stuart Weitzman Boots, Dolce & Gabbana Lipstick in “Delicious”

I’ve been telling Thomas that we need to make it out to the snow more often. Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t had to deal with it on a regular basis (I’ve never lived anywhere where it snowed or spent more than a week in the snow) but I absolutely can’t get enough. I did not want to leave Colorado! I love the process of getting extra bundled up before I head outside and how amazing the warm air from a fireplace and a hot drink in my hand feels once I’m inside.

I got this alpaca cape on our last day in Peru and it was a purchase that I’m so glad I made! I often reach for it in the morning to throw over a t-shirt and jeans before I head out to grab a cup of coffee. I brought it with me to Colorado and wore it to cocktails and dinner one evening. Although this particular one isn’t available online, I’ve found a few similar options here, here, here and here– all under $200. This alpaca one from Cuyana is also a beautiful option and comes in camel, grey or black.

 

I stayed cozy inside wearing this Rag & Bone sweater, these coated Hudson jeans and this Acne scarf. The layers are all warm enough to wear on a cold day in San Francisco or to make the short trip from our cabin to the main lodge where dinner was held. I never underestimate the power of layering (especially thin shirts under sweaters, blanket scarves and beanies).

I have a few pair of the Stuart Weitzman Highland boots but I love the Lowland version. This pair comes in the most perfect camel color that goes with so many pieces in my wardrobe that I couldn’t pass them up.

We’re back home now but already planning our next trip to the snow, this time with some of our friends! I can’t wait to get back in the cold and hopefully do a few more winter activities. I’ll be sure to pack more warm sweaters and layers! J.Crew just released more of their new winter items and I have my eye on these fair isle sweaters (and this collection one!) along with this plaid coat and this puffer one. Plus, get 25% off today only with code: NEWNEW 

The post Alpaca Cape appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Patagonia Vest, J.Crew Turtleneck, Hudson Jeans, Sorel Boots, Patagonia Beanie

Thomas and I always pop into the Patagonia store in SF before we leave for a more outdoorsy trip. Earlier in the year, I bought this Nano Puff Hoody for our trip to Alaska, which was such a great investment. It’s the perfect combination of being light enough for mild weather and warm enough for cold weather. I wear it all the time on early morning walks to the gym or weekend hikes. This time around, I bought this Down Vest that comes in a few different colors.

On our first afternoon at Dunton, we walked to the edge of the property where we heard rushing water. We turned to our left and walked up a small hill, and were so pleased to find a waterfall at the end of the snow covered forest. I think that was the moment Thomas said, “Are we in Narnia?” It was absolutely magical!

I couldn’t have survived in the snow without these Sorel boots. They are my first pair of Sorels and I’m hooked. I bought a half size down, which still left room for thick socks. Even on my first wear, they were super comfy and not once did my feet get wet or cold.

We flew into Colorado on the morning of my birthday. When we arrived at the property, we promptly ordered hot chocolate and had a snowball fight outside. It snowed all afternoon while we cuddled up inside reading books and relaxing. I usually have a hard time “shutting down”, but there was something so calming about Dunton.

Where are some of the best places you’ve ever been to for a winter wonderland? We’re talking about possibly taking a trip to Whistler or Jackson Hole. I would love any recommendations for later in the season!

The post Winter Wonderland appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Old Navy Jacket, Old Navy Shirt, Joe’s Jeans, Hunter Boots, Old Navy Scarf, Ray Ban Sunglasses, APC Beanie (similar here)

I love winter dressing. Being able to add layers allows me to get more creative with colors and patterns rather than just wearing a simple dress in the summer. You don’t have to have a ridiculous amount of items to do it well, either. If you’re smart about the items you buy, making sure they mix and match with pieces you already have, the whole process becomes much easier! I’ve found a few winter things at Old Navy this season that were just right for doing this.

A striped tee is always a great base layer. Mix it with other stripes, leopard, plaid or even florals to make it really pop. I got this red & white striped one from Old Navy but it also comes in navy and white as well. I love the challenge of pairing different prints and plaids in a way that allows the colors and lines to compliment each other. As long as you keep the colors aligned and in the same color family, you’re good to go!

I’ve bought some of my favorite scarves from Old Navy this season like this color plaid one. I also picked up the one I wore in this instagram post that’s just as big and oversized. Blanket scarves are the best thing to add to your cold weather look- they’re the ultimate cozy accessory. Plaid is versatile because it generally has more than one color intertwined in the pattern, allowing for a variety of color-pairings.

 

I switched out my Sorel boots for my Hunters on this afternoon, which work just as well (as long as you have thick socks on, since they’re not as warm). They’re the best boot for year round activities and work in dirt, mud, rain or snow.

After we spent most of the day outside, we happily made our way back to our cabin and warmed up by the hot stove in the corner of our room. I slipped off my coat and scarf but left on my beanie and cozy socks. I love these fair isle socks or this colorful beanie as alternative options.

Thank you to Old Navy for sponsoring this post.

The post Winter Bright appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Brooks Brothers Coat (on sale, love this one too), Sweater & Pants c/o, Louboutin Pumps

Lately I’ve been appreciating the art of doing nothing. As someone who has a hard time sitting still, sometimes that’s exactly what I need to do. One thing that traveling has taught me over the past year is that time home is just as precious as time spent somewhere else. It’s always exciting to be in a new place, but there really is no place like home.

Thomas and I had the laziest weekend at home cooking and working on finishing our place up for Thanksgiving. We only made a few outings including a trip downtown, to the movie theatre and to Golden Gate Park on Sunday afternoon. San Francisco is beautiful this time of year. The air is crisp and cool and the sun creates a golden glow over the city.

A monochromatic combination always looks chic- grey, black, white, cream, red, etc. I’ve been pulling out my winter whites recently and pairing them together like with this Brooks Brothers sweater & pants and this outfit I posted on Instagram. I topped this version off with a plaid coat (that’s currently 40% off) and a red lip but this toggle coat would keep the all-white look consistent.

I’m thinking of wearing a similar combination for Thanksgiving next week, but with a different color scheme (I don’t think an all white look would go over too well in the kitchen). I know I’ll definitely be pulling out some plaid or a cozy sweater but I love the idea of wearing this skirt with this sweater I’m wearing here, this polka dot dress (that I’m a bit obsessed with) or this tartan shirt dress.

Thank you to Brooks Brothers for sponsoring this post.

The post Golden Hour At Home appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Max Mara Coat, Theory Sweater, Club Monaco Skirt, kate spade new york boots c/o, Celine Bag

Where has the time gone? We are inching close to mid-November and I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that the holidays are almost here. As excited as I am for the season of festivities to begin, there is so much to do in preparation. If you’re signed up for my weekly email series (you can sign up here if you’re not), I’ve talked a lot about our plans for Thanksgiving, my decor ideas and recipes we’re hoping to test out. Since I know that day will come and pass in a flash, I’m already preparing for Christmas and all that comes around the holiday.

Some of my favorite kate spade new york pieces ever are from this season. Have you checked out the collection? I’m obsessed with these suede low-heeled boots. I typically either opt for flat or at least 4 inches, but the style of these somehow really work for me. Other pieces from the collection I love include this organza bow top, this polka dot dress and this sequin and tweed coat.

If you’re like me and have holiday gift giving on the brain, Kate Spade has also put together the most amazing Shop of Gift Guide Sets. They’re like a one-stop shop for all of the ladies in your life. They also have a Gift Guide by price point, which is always helpful when narrowing down your search. My favorite are the little goodies in the $50 and under.

 

What’s on your holiday wish list this year? Have you found any amazing gifting ideas for your loved ones? I’m currently working on putting together my own gift guide for the different people in your life, so stayed tuned in the coming weeks!

Thank you to kate spade new york for sponsoring this post.

The post Suede Low-Heeled Boots appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Bernardo Jacket c/o, Theory Sweater, AG Jeans, Nordstrom BP Scarf (also similar here), Gant Beanie, Isabel Marant Boots (Inside), Sorel Boots (Outside)

One of my favorite features of staying at Dunton was the Library. Thomas and I would head over after breakfast with a book in one hand and hot chocolate in the other and spend the late morning reading next to the cozy fireplace while the snow fell outside. It was exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday trip and I was finally able to finish a book I started weeks ago! (I read The Secret Life of Violet Grant for those of you interested- I loved it!)

Since it was the first snowfall of the year, it wasn’t too cold out just yet. We could get away with just a few layers, thick socks and a beanie. I brought this faux shearling Bernardo jacket with me that was perfect over a soft cashmere sweater which added just enough warmth. The cozy jacket is currently on sale here for under $140!

The Library was complete with a spiral staircase, floor to ceiling shelves of old books, a crackling fire and some scotch waiting to be poured in the corner of the room. We opted for hot chocolate during the day, refilling more times than I would like to admit ;) It was the ultimate cozy destination on a snowy day.

The minute we would get inside, we would pull off our snowy boots and sit our butts down by the fire to warm up. I wish our fireplace at home actually worked (the chimney in our fireplace was destroyed in the 1989 earthquake) so it’s always a treat to have a real wood burning fireplace. The woodsy smell, the warmth and the crackling sounds- nothing compares!

Thank you to Bernardo for sponsoring this post.

The post Faux Shearling Jacket appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Club Monaco Leather Jacket (old, similar here), Self Portrait Azaelea Dress (more sizes available here, also love this one and this one), Lanvin Bag c/o, Chanel Oxfords (similar here), Celine Sunglasses

I’ve had a love affair with Self Portrait dresses for a while now ever since discovering the London based brand last year. I first bought this dress which led to a growing list of “wants”. This past summer, I couldn’t seem to get my hands on this Self Portrait Azaelea Dress in white after it sold out everywhere online, only sparking my desires to want it even more! When I saw it released in black this season, I jumped on it almost immediately while I still could!

Naturally, I couldn’t wait for a special event or occasion to wear this dress, so I slipped it on the other day and threw my leather jacket over the top to make it more appropriate for the weather/work. I was initially hesitant about wearing it out (was it too much during the day?) but it was hit! I had countless people stop me and ask where it was from. I always believe in dressing for your mood and sometimes pieces like this will really brighten your day!

To make it more casual, I added my oxfords that I’ve been pairing with a lot of dresses lately (last seen here, here, here and here). I’ve found a few other pairs of similar oxfords online at a lower price point here and here and two other splurge pairs here and here.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a holiday look or just searching for a pretty dress, you’re bound to find a favorite amongst the collection. A few other pieces I’m loving from Self Portrait include this amazing red dress, this jumpsuit, this off the shoulder top and this white dress. A few of their Resort pieces just launched for pre-order here and I have my eye on this dress and this dress. Too many beautiful pieces to just pick one! Also, check here if you’re wanting an even bigger selection.

The post Self Portrait Azaelea Dress appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Express Coat, Turtleneck and Jeans, Acne Boots, Celine Bag

San Francisco is an incredible city and I feel so lucky to call it home. Whether you live here or are making a trip in, there are a few activities that are perfect around the holidays for locals and tourists alike. There is something so special about being in the city around the holidays. Maybe it’s the buzz of the people around, the festive decor that starts to pop up or the abundance of things to do, but it’s a feeling that I look forward to every year.

If you’re looking for some chocolate in the city, I suggest skipping Ghirardelli and make your way to Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission. It was listed as having some of the best chocolate in the US. Thomas and I like to order the house hot chocolate with almond milk and usually pick a variety of sweet treats (with chocolate, of course!). And don’t forget to add a few of the house made marshmallows to your hot chocolate.

Calories don’t count around the holidays, right? This hot chocolate will warm you up for a long day spent around the city. I also usually buy a few chocolate bars to bring back and save for friends or family from out of town.

One of the more touristy activities in SF is riding a cable car. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve actually ridden one and have friends who’ve lived in the city for years and still have yet to do so. I find it more of a novelty ride than an actual way of transportation. We usually take friends that are visiting, but it’s still a fun experience and worth doing every once in a while.

We grabbed a cable car that took us to Union Square to do a little shopping downtown. It was actually a really fun (and short) ride. I can’t wait until my girlfriends come up closer to the holidays to re-do the trip with them. We did the same one years ago while we were in college and it’s one of my favorite memories!

Union Square is always filled with holiday decor around this time of year- a giant Christmas tree, ice skating rink and lights galore. While we usually avoid shopping downtown because of the crowds, I love the hustle and bustle around the holidays. It gets me in the festive spirit!

If we’re downtown, we’ll usually grab lunch at the Rotunda in Neiman Marcus. It’s a glamorous spot for a late afternoon lunch with a great view of Union Square. The popovers with strawberry butter are my favorite!

The last spot I would recommend adding to your list is walking along The Embarcadero to the Ferry Building. One of my favorite views in all of San Francisco is the Bay Bridge lit up at dusk. It’s a magical sight!

The Ferry Building has a long list of shops and restaurants to choose from. When we stop by, we usually pick up a loaf of bread from ACME, some cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, olive oil from Stonehouse, a sweet treat at Miette, coffee at Blue Bottle and grab a bite to eat at Frog Hollow.

This Express faux fur jacket is a fun piece to have for the holidays. I threw it on over an all black ensemble including this black turtleneck and these black coated skinny jeans.

Thank you to Express for sponsoring this post. Shop my City Guide online here.

The post Four Holiday Spots Around SF appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

See By Chloe Blouse (on sale) & Joe’s Jeans

The holidays are just around the corner and our calendar is already getting so full! And though shopping is one of my all time favorite activities (it’s one of my love languages- I LOVE giving gifts), each year I find it harder to come up with the perfect gift (or something extra unique) for those I care about most. This year my gifting list is well underway, thanks to the convenience of Birchbox as the perfect one stop shop for an amazing selection of products for my beauty-loving friends and family! Here’s a sneak peek at the goodies on my list so far and hopefully a bit of inspiration for those of you who are looking for similar ideas…

I’m obsessed with beauty products. Makeup, skincare, treatments- I love it all. I’m always trying out new products, so I’m usually the go-to whenever my girlfriends have beauty related questions. I’ve tested out a lot of products and even though my list is always growing and adjusting slightly, I have a core group of brands and beauty items that are in my everyday routine. This is always a great place to start when gifting. I’m always asking myself, what do I love that I can share with a friend, family member or the like that will enjoy it just as much? That’s what’s so great about Birchbox’s Holiday Gift Shop – it’s filled with many of my favorite items but in mini-versions (perfect for stocking stuffers), starter kits (great for introducing a brand), and limited edition holiday sets. Perfect for gifting!

I’m slipping my favorite Caudalie combo into my Grandmother’s stocking this year. This duo includes an anti-aging hand & nail cream and lip conditioner- a nice little beauty treat. Caudalie makes amazing products, their Beauty Elixir has been a favorite of mine for years. 

Lashes! I know a thing or two about creating long, thick looking lashes. Have you ever tried Benefit’s ‘Are They Real’ Mascara? It’s amazing. I have about five mascaras that I switch between and I love this stuff. This Lashtastic gift set comes with two mascaras that I’ll be sticking in my sister’s stocking this year.

For my girlfriend who is all about looking natural, I’m gifting this Stila make-up set, which I know she’ll love. This ‘Sending My Love Gift Set’ includes an Eye Palette, Face Palette, Lip Glaze in Guava and Smudge Stick in Stingray- subtle colors that will look naturally beautiful. 

Lollia makes the yummiest perfumes so when I saw this relaxation duo, I knew it would be a perfect gift for my mom. It comes with a lavender, bee blossom honey & vanilla shower gel and shea butter and macadamia nut oil hand cream. It’s little luxuries like this that make treating yourself so nice.

My mother-in-law loves skincare as much as I do, so I’m gifting her this Dr. Jart+ kit to use during the cooler weather this season. This set is filled with products for protection, restoration, hydration and nourishment, including SPF!

Kerastase offers the ultimate experience in hair treatment, so I’m giving my hair-loving girlfriend a set to take on the road with her. This stuff is what hair dreams are made of! I’ve been using it since college whenever I need to refresh my mane or add an extra glow. 

I still have a ways to go with all of our gifting this holiday season, but these beauty products are a good jump-start! What are you gifting your beauty loving friends & family this year? For more holiday beauty related gifts, check out all of Birchbox’s Gift Guide. They’ve  curated lists Gifts $50 & Over, Gifts Under $25, Stocking Stuffers & Gift Sets to make it easier for you to shop. Birchbox is also having an amazing Black Friday offer starting tomorrow, November 26th until December 1st. Get 25% off everything, including gift subscriptions on orders $35 & up. Use code BIGDEAL from the 26-29th and then PARTYON from the 30-1st.

Thank you to Birchbox for sponsoring this post.

The post Birchbox Beauty Gifting appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Anthropologie Sweater (25% off, code: SHOPTOIT), J.Crew Jeans (Get 30% off your order w/ code: HOLIDAY), Anthropologie Scarf (25% off, code: SHOPTOIT)

Happy Thanksgiving! This is the first Thanksgiving where Thomas and I have taken charge of everything- place, food (Thomas is master chef, I’m sous chef), games and decor and we’re so incredibly excited to have our family and friends over in our place. After years of being treated by our parents, grandparents or aunts & uncles, it’s really special to be able to do the same for them! Even though it’s fun to decorate and eat a delicious meal, this day is about giving thanks and that’s what we plan to do. We’re surrounded by people who we love unconditionally and are so grateful to have in our lives. I’m also so thankful for each and every Gal Meets Glam reader. I love you guys so much and the community and friendships that have developed through GMG. I can only hope that we can continue to build and grow over the next few years!

As promised, I’m sharing a few bits of our holiday decor! I decided to do things a little different this year with our color scheme. Since our home already has so many pastel and pink accents, I thought it would be fun to play off that and create a tablescape of oranges and varying shades of pink mixed with gold details and white. I was able to find peonies (at Whole Foods! and then more at the SF Flower Mart yesterday) to fill the table with a mix of high and low flower arrangements. These (pictured) are not the final results, so check out my snapchat (galmeetsglam) & instagram for more details!

I bought these beautiful orange linen napkins at one of my favorite local SF home decor stores, Hudson Grace. I love that they still work in the room regardless of the holiday, so I plan on keeping them out year round. We kept everything else simple, bringing in a few white pumpkins, neutral votives and clear chargers.

Last minute, I decided to put up some of our holiday decor to make our place feel a little more festive! We added these white stockings to the mantle with these bunny holders– both currently 25% off at Anthropologie right now with code: SHOPTOIT

Instead of getting dressed up this year, we decided to make it more casual and laid back. Since most of the day is spent in between the kitchen (checking up on food) and living room (watching all the great classics- Love Actually, The Holiday, It’s Complicated…), I went with this gorgeous pink sweater with a bold red lipstick. If I were to be dressing up this year, I would love to wear this dress!

How cute are these owl tree toppers? I couldn’t resist them since Thomas has a serious love for owls and I have a serious love for adorable ornaments. (I also bought this one)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their loved ones and is able to find some quiet time to enjoy the holiday! XO

The post Pink & Orange Thanksgiving appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

Outfit Details:

Aerie Flannel Nightie, Aerie Faux Fur Vest, Aerie Slippers, Aerie Striped Scarf, Aerie Eye Mask, Aerie Blanket Scarf all c/o

My ideal weekend during the holidays is spending time somewhere cold, bundled up by a fire and eating lots of sweets. That’s exactly what we did last weekend with my family in Tahoe. It was probably the best situation for me to come down with a cold since I had my mom there to take care of me (aren’t moms just the best- endless back tickles & tea) and a cozy spot on the couch all weekend. I stayed in my pjs 80% of our time there and I’m not complaining about that one bit.

I’m excited to be partnering with Aerie this holiday season to show a few of my favorite cozy holiday looks, plus I’m proud to support #AerieReal, an anti-photoshopping movement Aerie started last year. It’s so important to love our bodies just the way they are. We all have what we consider imperfections, but it’s these areas that make us uniquely special. And trying to cover them up or doctor them into something ideal simply makes them seem unreal and unattainable. Embracing what we naturally have exudes confidence, which is real beauty in and of itself.

In the late afternoon, I slipped into this flannel nightie and added this fun fluffy vest for a relaxing afternoon watching all my favorite chick flicks on Netflix (Bridget Jones, My Best Friends Wedding, It’s Complicated…) and cuddled up on the couch with my sisters. A lovely combination of warm slippers, hot tea and a soft scarf completed the evening until we passed out from eating licorice and chocolate almonds.

While I slept, my sisters and Thomas snuck out to snap some photos of the sunset that evening from Emerald Bay. Even though I missed this particular one, I love that I can always live vicariously through Thomas’s photos. We’re hoping to rent another cabin for a ski trip to Tahoe again, and hopefully with better luck, I won’t be sick next time!

Wearing what feels good on is important to me, especially when it comes to my pajamas. If you know me, then you absolutely know I love my pj sets! As the weather gets colder, I crave warm flannels and comfy socks to lounge around the house in. I added the striped joggers and this plaid sweatshirt from Aerie to my mix along with this sweater pom beanie, these plaid socks and this cable knit sweater to keep cozy. 

Thank you to Aerie for sponsoring this post.

The post Cozy Holiday PJs appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.