San Francisco

Did you know that it is fully legal to display public nudity in San Francisco? Did you also know that I unintentionally chose to visit the Golden Gate city on Gay Pride weekend? It was such a wonderful mistake, proving to be the cherry on top of an enjoyable weekend. A city of diversified and beautiful love, indeed. 

Jenilee's apartment is on a dramatically steep street in Noe Valley. I was most impressed by her ninja driving skills while navigating through the gorgeous and strange city by the bay. (Parallel parking takes on an entirely different meaning here.) Our first day was spent soaring across the surreal and cloudy Golden Gate bridge toward Napa wine country. After lunching on fabulous Southern cuisine at the Fremont Diner practically surrounded by vineyards, we headed toward Sonoma Valley for a tasting at Scribe Winery. For fifteen dollars, we sat for two hours on a hill overlooking the most gorgeous view I have ever beheld. Brown California mountains framing rows and rows of luscious green vines, and I was unable to look away the entire time. We tried four wines and thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with the connoisseur. Staying after hours due to laughter and great company, w even explored the abandoned Hacienda mansion next door. All in all, I was in awe of mountains, peacocks, horses and fog on a Friday.

 The offices for Taylor Stitch are located in The Mission, which is just west of Noe Valley. We spent all of Saturday exploring this more urban area of San Francisco, admiring how un-cohesive and varied the architecture was while drooling over the plentiful alley-wall art. My heart ached for a bigger city to stretch my arms through. What a satisfying and lovely West Coast escapade!

   

       

JLee

My adventure in San Francisco this past weekend was altogether wonderful and far too brief. Soaking in every minute of our best friend reunion celebration, Jenilee and I practiced what we excel in by enjoying what we jokingly refer to as our 'best lives.' The aforementioned term usually entails food, a glass of wine, and deep political / religious / reality television - themed discourse.

I am so proud of this woman! She is a fearless trailblazer, relocating immediately after undergrad for a city across the country to work for Taylor Stitch, an independent menswear outfitting company. (http://taylorstitch.com/)

Engrossed in the custom menswear world, Jen's personal style reflects her passion. Most of the time she can be found in a button down, perfectly tailored J. Crew slacks, or any other piece that is strikingly feminine with a sultry masculine touch. And, my, does she pull it off!

This post is a preview for the eventual / official San Francisco issue. Stay tuned in the next few days for the gorgeous West Coast as snapped by a self-proclaimed amateur! In the meanwhile, feast upon SF according to J2theLee.

   (Jacket : Levi's / Skirt : Anthropologie / Shoes : Dolce Vita / Bag : Dooney & Bourke)

Bonnaroo '12

Let me begin with a forewarning that any attempts I make to fully explain my experience at Bonnaroo this past weekend will probably fall short of the actual events that transpired. It was undoubtedly the single-most interesting affair I have attended in Tennessee to date for multiple reasons, the main factor being that I was one of 90,000 people in attendance. On a farm. In the middle of Nowheresville Manchester, Tennessee.

I prepared myself mentally for the port-a-potties, dirt under your fingernails, and body odor. I was instructed by my camping group to abstain from entertaining negative thoughts of any kind at the prospect of muggy heat and long days. I was not, however, prepped for the all the decisions I would have to make allocating different amounts of time to certain shows. I loved the line-up so much that I wanted to see nearly every show, which was unfortunately impossible.

Among many amazing artists, I completely adored Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. They were given a crap spot at 2:00 on Friday afternoon, but the band was so true to their reputation as funky and groovy. This woman's energy at fifty six was so sassy and I loved the honesty in her gut-wrenching voice. Another artist that stood out to me was Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires. Also given a garbage spot at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, the sixty-four year old 'Screaming Eagle of Soul' rocked the audience with his signature soul scream that was amazingly powerful and awe-inspiring. He humbly admitted to not having his best performance at the end of the set and then proceeded to graciously hug as many people in the crowd as he was able. Both of these soul artists rejuvenated and inspired me immensely.

Other artists who caught my fancy were Ben Howard, Kathleen Edwards, Feist, Alice Cooper, Ben Folds Five, Battles and so many more. Bon Iver's performance on Sunday was instrumentally brilliant and I danced like a crazy to the Beach Boys, who still have it, just in case you were wondering. I am most proud of surviving my first (and last) Skrillex concert, of which I will not go into fine detail so as to spare those who may be offended. (Let me just say that the performance began with a Chinese lantern burning in a tree overhead while blood curdling screams emitted from a girl whose boyfriend had just passed out on the people behind him.)

I had a lovely time. It was the filthiest I have ever been in my entire life, but entirely worth it for the music.

I Don't Ever Give Up

I'm no kid in a kid's game
I did what I did, I've got no one to blame
But I don't give up, no, I don't ever give up
It's all I've got, it's my claim to fame
I'm no fighter but I'm fighting
This whole world seems uninviting
But I don't give up, no, I don't ever give up
I fall down sometimes, sometimes I come back flying
Liars are lying, airplanes are flying
Love isn't here, love isn't here
But it's somewhere
Time to forget me, but something won't let me
Love isn't here, love isn't here
But it's somewhere
And I cleaned and I washed up
This dream I don't ever give up

I don't ever give up, I don't ever give up

Sarah Mower

When it comes to femininity, nothing rivals a floral print dress. My favorite version of this look was created by London-based designer Sarah Mower who masters the art in Vogue for her 2013 Preen Resort Collection. These prints are innovative floral arrangements on gorgeously tailored pants, dresses, shirts and skirts. I salivated over each them for a good fifteen minutes and would die to play dress up. There is something so rock chic about this collection to me and I might even pair a couple of pieces with a structured black blazer to spice things up a bit. The blue shoes, the slicked back hair; such a refreshing take on fierceness. Feast your eyes!

A Royal Affair

In true American fashion, I crazily obsess over the Royal Family in England. Scheming through multiple scenarios in which I may woo Prince Harry, it is my firm belief that I was born in the wrong country. This infatuation was recently magnified due to the Diamond Jubilee festivities which have been taking place over the past week. The flotilla, the royal waving, the handsome princes, and most importantly, the attire. Kate Middleton wore a gorgeous light pink hat to match her perfectly tailored suit while the Queen donned yet another excellently matched hat and suit combination. Inherited from the genetic line that practically originated class, the Royal family continues to dress to the nines. Congratulations your Highness, sixty years and counting.

June 4, 1983

Honestly, it's difficult to describe just how in love my parents actually are. Twenty-nine years later to date, they are more head over heels that any couple I know. It's kind of disgusting. 

Happy Anniversary, babies!