inspiration
happy friday
in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION
Sending luck from U street. Have a great weekend!
Inspirational quotes I found on my thirteen-year-old sister's phone
Full disclosure: I went through my sister's phone photos. It's not that I wanted to snoop, but I really wanted to see what her life was like as I hardly see her and moved away when she was about four. Since she is always on her phone taking photos (though not as many as my other sister, who takes about a selfie a second) I figured her camera roll would give me a glimpse. Between the 'big bows and nike pros', cheer shots and goofy photos, I found a ton of inspirational quotes, which she says she finds on instagram. She was livid when she found out I went through her phone, understandably so, but I am proud to say she has good taste. Wisdom beyond her years, if only she could carve a pumpkin without acting like a teenager. Her favorite color is glitter and she has a bijillion follows on instagram. Check her out @aliciaech. Just know, I am the big sister ;).
words to live by...
in INSPIRATION
"You do this because you like it, you think what you're making is beautiful. And if you think it's beautiful, maybe they think it's beautiful."--LOU REED
Read more: LOU REED, 1942-2013 Outsider Whose Dark, Lyrical Vision Helped Shape Rock ’n’ Roll
DO: The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita & Beyond, 1950–1990 at the De Young
in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO
The Art of Bulgari -- featuring 147 pieces spanning 5 decades -- opens this weekend at the de Young Museum. Born in Greece, Sotirios Voulgaris (1857–1932) came from a line of Greek silversmiths, and in his twenties moved away from his hometown to Italy, changing his name to the more Italian-sounding 'Bulgari' - trademark written for the brand as 'BVLGARI', using the latin alphabet (V=U).
His first store was in his hometown of Paramythia, Greece. In 1884 he founded BVLGARI and opened a store on via Sistina in Rome. In 1905, his two sons Costantino and Giorgio helped him move the store to via Condotti where the current flagship still stands.
Post World War II, during which Costantino Bulgari and his wife hid three Jewish women, Bulgari benefitted from the economic boom and became a leader in Italian jewelry design. They started using cabochon, shaped and polished gemstones, bold colors and heavy gold, releasing unique designs inspired by Greco-Roman classicism, a blend of old world style and new world creativity. By the 1970s, Bulgari pushed innovation even further and continued to create quirky, fun pieces that reflected the current trends and pop-culture.
With the death of Giorgio in 1966, his son Gianni led the company as CEO and grew it to international status by opening shops worldwide, focusing on product design and streamlining the watch business. By 1987 Gianni sold his stake in the company to his brothers Nicola and Paolo. In 2011, LVMH acquired Bulgari for $6.01 billion.
And so goes the story, hometown jeweler to worldwide brand name! I'd love to hear more about the family politics, inside inspiration and growth during the pivotal years. For now, I'll check out the exhibit on display at the de Young, feast with my eyes and dream about the drama behind the magic.
The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita & Beyond, 1950–1990 September 21, 2013 - February 17, 2014 de Young Museum -- Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr 415-750-3600 Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 am–5:15 pm until Admission: $20-$22 adults; $17-$19 seniors; $16-$18 college students with ID; $10-$12 youths 6–17. General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month and the first weekend of every month if you bank at Bank of America.
NYC to the Mission, guest blog post by Lirany -- local jewelry designer
in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO
Lirany of Pretty Little Thing shares where she hangs out around her new studio!
I've recently relocated the studio for my jewelry line, Pretty Little Thing from New York City to San Francisco and it's been really exciting settling into a new city and a vibrant neighborhood like the Mission.
The studio is right in the heart of the Mission on 17th Street, at a space called Studio 17, which is home to other designers, artists, tech start-ups and young entrepreneurs. I love the eclectic and creative energy of the space and of the neighborhood itself. After lots of exploring, here are some of my favorite spots to eat, drink, shop and have a good time in the Mission in San Francisco!!
Food: Delfina Pizzeria for good pizza and a cold beer. I love having lunch at an outside table--perfect people watching spot. ( 3621 18th St.)
Drinks: The Elbo Room is perfect for Happy Hour. They have great live music on the second floor at night and the retro arcade games are a fun bonus. (647 Valencia St.)
Snacks: Bi-Rite Creamery is a go-to for their legendary ice cream and sweets. The only downside is the crazy line outside--velvet rope and all--but worth the wait! (3692 18th St.)
Shopping: I love vintage and one of my favorite vintage shops, Clothes Contact is in the neighborhood. You have to hunt and dig sometimes, but I've found lots of great dresses and accessories here. You can buy clothes by the pound too! (473 Valencia St.)
Dolores Park and the Dolores neighborhood is my favorite spot in all of San Francisco because it's the sunniest spot in a city that feels like its windy and chilly 80% of the year! The park is huge and beautiful, and is the perfect spot to sprawl out on a blanket and hang out with friends or alone with a good book and an iced Coffee from Dolores Park Cafe. The neighborhood that surrounds the park has a little bit of everything: shopping, food, and bars so there is always something to do after a day at the park.
Lirany made this for my birthday, it is the absolute best gift ever! I have literally been wearing it everyday. Get your own or find your own favorite on her online store.
About our guest blogger: I met Lirany Vasquez out and about in the city and we love her bi-coastal style and reading her Monday Muse posts. Lirany is the owner and designer of Pretty Little Thing Jewelry, you can see her designs on her online store and find out when she has pop-up shops by following her on twitter and instagram. She blogs about fashion, style and jewelry here!