My dad’s single greatest skill would probably be optimism. More specifically, a unique breed of always knowing things will work out, that you can do anything and that everything is good. It’s a skill that helped him to have all sorts of adventures in Chicago as a boy, to coordinate troop shows for the army,…

My family used to take a beach vacation once a summer down in Montecito. It was lovely! We’d sleep in until the fog burned off, swim in the ocean, read New Yorkers, play shuffleboard and eat ice cream sundaes. Elizabeth also has a some California beach time coming up: I recently got married and next…

Graduation season is here and plenty of people are having a hard time deciding what to wear under their cap and gown. It’s especially tricky in California, where casual is king. Courtney has this question: I read your blog all the time and love your “What to Wear” ideas. I have one for you, if…

We decided on the Tonga Room last night. As you can see from the photo…we had a good time! This restaurant is in the Fairmont Hotel, surrounding a “lagoon” that is actually the old indoor pool. There’s a boat floating in the lagoon with a three piece cover band. Every half hour it rains inside.…

The weather in San Francisco has taken a sudden turn for the gorgeous. It’s 81 degrees out and sunny. Forget bad neighbors and bullying co-workers, I love this city! Everyone is out in their best dresses and there are, quite literally, puppies littering the sidewalks. Plus, I have an appointment for a blow out in…

Rob and I had dinner at Oola last night on Folsom Street. It’s a fun bistro in SOMA with about 15 tables and a small cocktail bar. The food and wine were both good, but the real stand out was the order of truffle french fries with parmesan cheese. Honestly, they were the best french…

Another Emily (from Duluth!) wrote in with a fun international challenge: So this is my dilemma. I am leaving Friday of next week for a quick jaunt in the Cotswolds in England and need a comfortable yet classy outfit for the weekend. I am going to be meeting my great grandmother’s family and friends and…

One of the most exciting parts of our wedding planning is the show! Instead of a DJ and dancing, we’re going to put on a variety show after dinner. Our venue is perfectly suited for this, with a large stage trimmed with yellow velvet curtains. So far, we have a few good acts lined up.…

Last weekend was so perfect and relaxing! Rob and I drove down to San Luis Obispo on Friday night and arrived about 10:30. After a gloriously quiet and dark night of sleep, we joined Margaret for breakfast on Saturday morning. It was sunny and 75 degrees out! Just right for breakfast burritos and lattes at…

Remember Mary? We helped her find something to wear to a wedding in Yosemite a few months ago. She had another question: Okay, I don’t know if we’re allowed to come back for seconds but I was trying to figure out what to wear to my best friend Alice’s birthday celebration in San Francisco next…