Help Me Pick a New Work Bag

I started a new full-time gig on Monday that I am very excited about. To celebrate, I am treating myself to a new work bag from my favorite handbag maker, Kate Spade. While all of my everyday bags accommodate my personal, sleek, 13-inch laptop, I'll now have to tote around my ugly work ThinkPad with the huge battery attachment that just barely doesn't fit in anything.

Which bag should I get?

| 1. Vanston Maryclare | 2. Cooper Square Katarina in black/creme | 3. Cooper Square Katarina in doe | 4. Vanston Stripe Maryclare |

I was originally planning to get a bag before my first day but I walked into my local Kate Spade store and figured it didn't hurt to ask if any sales or promotions were coming up soon. It turns out that from August 12th through September 4th, they're offering 20% off any single, full-priced handbag. Enter the promo code FALLBAG11 if you're ordering online, or ask for a coupon in the store.

| Photo Credit: 1–4. See links provided. |

Blueberry Season

Now that it is blueberry season, I love getting little packs of blueberries and sprinkling them on top of salads. All you need to do is get a lettuce mix and whisk together a simple vinaigrette and once you top it with a small handful of blueberries, the salad instantly turns into a pretty culinary masterpiece.

Blueberries are also brilliant because they are the only blue food I can think of that occurs in nature. (I try to steer clear of foods that are colored in ways that do NOT occur in nature.) And while these pretty, blueberry-colored things aren't too edible, they will certainly have a longer shelf-life.

| 1. J.Crew, Secret Wash Van Buren Gingham Shirt | 2. CARLOS by Carlos Santana, Prestige Pumps | 3. Kate Spade, The Royal Bazaar Lapis Studs | 4. Rachel Roellke, Zinnia Lino Print |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Pandamonium

Here are some photos of what happened when I tried to get Lillabelle to wear my panda hat. You can read more about the company that makes these hats and why they are so popular in San Francisco right here.

I think that one of the reasons I find pandas so appealing is because of the way they sport that classic combo of black and white. I'm a little confused by why they have not expanded their dietary horizons to something a little more nutrient-rich than bamboo by now considering their carnivorous digestive systems, but at least they look good while being inefficient. And while wearing a big, goofy panda face on your head might not be a look that works for you, anyone can sport this classic black-and-white spotted look with these finds.

| 1. Coach, Alex Sneakers | 2. Mini Figure USB Flash Drive | 3. Mossimo Mix & Match, Polka-Dot Twist Bandeau Swim Top & Polka-Dot Mock Side Tie Swim Bottom | 4. Tanya's Scrappin' & Stitchin', Panda Cupcake Toppers | 5. Iwako, Black Panda Eraser | 6. Jessie Steele, The Lady's Apron | 7. Mini Panda Skillet |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–7. See links provided. |

Little Gingko Leaves

I took this photo of a gingko tree in Golden Gate Park. I think it is neat to find old trees with new baby shoots growing out of them. I really like the shape of the gingko leaf; it's less woody and more delicate looking than most other iconic leaf shapes. It kind of looks like a paper fan but less perfect.

Here are some cute gingko-inspired everyday objects. My favorite are the gingko-leaf-shaped post-it notes, which are almost too cute to write on.

| 1. Tasha McKelvey, Little White Bird with Ginkgo Leaves on a White Bowl | 2. APPREE, Gingko Leaf-It | 3. Sumiko Braithwaite, Stoneware Chopstick Rests | 4. Red Bird Ink, Ginkgo Coasters |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Copper Rust and the Color of the Sea

I took this photo while I was walking along the waterfront behind the Ferry Building—something that never gets old. These copper plaques are on pillars that help make up the guardrails that overlook the water. I like the way the coppery color of the rust has bled into the turquoise paint of the pillar and the rusted parts of the copper plaque have turned a sort of turquoisey color. It's like time and weather have unified the two.

I've been seeing a lot of turquoise around lately and I like the idea of pairing it with copper and other metallics. I think this color combination makes people think of the sea even though it might not really be these colors. Here are some ways to bring thoughts of the sea to your life.

| 1. 2 Dogs Wood Working, Barn Wood Chunky Wide Picture Frame | 2. RJ Graziano, Bead and Crystal Stretch Bracelets | 3. Flora Forever Doorknob | 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Natasha Cross-Body Bag |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Fish Are Friends

My sweet friend Taleen got me these fish earrings for my birthday last year and they are amazing. They were handcrafted from washi paper and then lacquered to be more durable. Most people know of washi paper from the super-popular washi tape that can be used for all sorts of great crafting projects, but the Japanese word "washi" actually applies to many paper products made from plant fibers. I love how, because the fish were cut randomly from a patterned paper, I know my pair is slightly different from any other pair out there.

In general, I love fish-themed things. My very first pets were fish, so maybe that's a part of it. Here are some other adorable fish-themed things.

| 1. Yamazaki, Gone Fishin' Flatware | 2. Kate Spade, Enchantment Under the Sea Coin Purse | 3. Jean-Michel Cazabat, Romy Fish Skin Pumps | 4. Monet, Fish Stud Earrings | 5. Ototo, Sardine Paper Clips | 6. David Mayhew, Magnetic Wooden Tongs | 7. Cara Accessories, Blowfish Crystal Stretch Ring |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–7. See links provided. |

Weekender Bags That Don't Look Like Granny Bags

After my post on swanky weekender bags for men, I got a couple requests to do a roundup of my picks for weekender bags that are a little more feminine. I personally favor luggage that is unisex or a little more on the "masculine" side, but I'm also a bit too monochrome-obsessed sometimes, so I thought this was a good suggestion for ladies who know how to work color into their lives. Here are my favs from around the web.

| 1. Dooney & Bourke, Ostrich Medium Duffle | 2. Dooney & Bourke, Calf Medium Duffle | 3. Floto, Lugano Sport Duffle | 4. ASOS, Ticking Stripe Holdall | 5. DwellStudio, Dots Chocolate Weekender | 6. Orla Kiely, Large Car Large Tote |

Despite the reader-requests, I didn't truly realize the extent to which finding ladies' overnight bags that looked hip rather than hid was a chronic problem until I started looking at what is out there. I think with men's accessories, it is fairly safe to stick with solids, but once patterns get put into the equation, the possibilities are endless in both directions. Here are some of the outtakes for this post—that is, bags that, well, didn't quite make the cut. You can see some examples here and here and here.

I also got a request for tips on reasonably-priced rolling luggage that doesn't look dated. I am a fan of the rolling duffel concept because it lends to a more interesting shape than the usual boxy suitcase on wheels. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to have the options of both the wheels and the duffel handles when you are trying to navigate in places like London tube stations where ramps are unfortunately sparse. The luggage I brought on my last handful of international trips is the same model as this, but I prefer mine because it's a classic solid taupe rather than a flashy monogram pattern. Some other cute options can be seen here and here and here.

Thanks for the post suggestions! If you have a suggestion for a post on The Yuppie Lifestyle, leave it in the comments or send me a note.

| Photo Credit: 1–6. See links provided. |

Weekender Bags That Don't Look Like Gym Bags

Nick was out of town on a business trip for a couple of days but before he left, he tasked me to look for a new weekender bag for him. His one stipulation was that "it not look like a gym bag" because our current bag for overnight trips is an embarrassing blue vinyl duffel bag. I know I never do enough manly posts here, so instead of bookmarking a bunch of bags I decided to put my favorite finds in a composite that I could show to Nick later (some within budget and some not so much). In the cases of large bags and totes, I often prefer the look of masculine bags myself; I'm especially drawn to soft-looking warm brown leathers, contrasting handles, bold white + color stripes, and brass hardware.

| 1. Bally, Terret Bag | 2. Ossington, Houston Duffel Bag | 3. Cole Haan, Handpainted Aviator Duffel | 4. Mulholland Brothers, Hippo Duffel Medium Weekend Bag | 5. Coach, Op Art Coated Canvas Boston Bag | 6. OBEY, Uptown Duffle |

What are other features that savvy guys look for in weekender bags?

| Photo Credit: 1–6. See links provided. |

The Modern Kraft

I took this photo of jars of peanut brittle at my awesome neighborhood ice cream shop, Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous. I love the hot pink roses in the background. But I am also drawn to the handwritten, kraft paper labels on the jars of peanut brittle. Kraft paper is paper that is made from pulp, giving it a subtle texture, and nowadays it is made from recycled materials. It's the kind of paper used to make brown paper grocery bags. In the crafting world, I think it's been used in the past for a faux-vintage look, since the paper looks aged, but I've noticed a trend lately towards using kraft paper in more modern presentations like business cards, invitations with sans-serif typefaces, and as eco-friendly gift-wrap. The use of kraft paper in these cases comes off as fresh rather than contrived.

Here are some neat ways to incorporate the kraft paper look into your life. My favorite, though, is the leather bag that is designed to look like a brown paper bag—such a cool take on a classic.

| 1. Ink Whimsy, Hello Flat Notecard | 2. Knot & Bow, Kraft Wafer Seal Stickers | 3. Anve, Saco de Papel | 4. Moleskine, Cahier Notebooks |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Tut-Tut, It Looks Like Summer Rain

We had some random rainy weather here in San Francisco, just when I thought summer was on its way. I think this is pretty lame because I love sunny skies. Some people argue that summer is actually the coldest part of the year here in San Francisco because of the heavy fog that we get in the mornings and evenings, but I happen to live in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, where it is always sunnier than the rest of the city. Lifestyle Tip: If you're thinking of moving to San Francisco but are concerned about the cold and fog, move to the Potrero/Dogpatch area where it always feels about 10 degrees warmer than Golden Gate Park on the other side of town.

While lamenting about how gloomy it was outside, I came across this print by photographer Sarah Illenberger. It's called "Meloncholie" and I think it is the best way to picture summer rain.
If you, too, are feeling meloncholy about the summer rain, here are some cute and summery rain-themed things to help charm the clouds away.

| 1. Kate Spade, Kate Spade Umbrella | 2. Blanca Gómez, Monsieur I Print | 3. Zakka Nouveau, London Fog Tea Towel | 4. Joules, Millie Wellies |

| Photo Credit: See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Think of an Elephant

I get lazy about wearing bracelets when it's chilly out because they tend to get at odds with the ends of my sleeves, but now that it feels like summer is on its way, I have been busting them out again. My aunt got me this bracelet ages ago in Thailand and I love that it has hand-carved elephants on it. There is something about wearing a dainty piece of jewelry with an elephant on it that feels fun and silly because elephants are not dainty creatures at all.

When I visited Thailand, I looked all over for this kind of bracelet and couldn't find anything close. So here are some other fun ways to incorporate the whimsy of tiny little elephants in your life.


| 1. Salvatore Ferragamo, Marine Monkey and Elephant Print Silk Tie | 2. Decoylab, Modern Baby Elephant Clock | 3. Forever 21, Metallic Elephant Wooden Bangle | 4. Target, Zoology Elephant Teapot | 5. Jonathan Adler, Utopia Elephant Lamp | 6. Svenskt Tenn, Elefant Handbag |

Bonus photo: Here I am (circa 2008) on a beach, riding bareback on an elephant. Because I am hardcore like that.

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–5. See links provided; bottom. Photo taken by the elephant keeper. |

California Poppies

I took this photo a couple weeks ago at the edge of Mission Dolores Park while we were waiting for the J train line. As a little kid growing up in the dessert, I always wondered why the poppy was the California state flower because the only ones I ever saw had been planted in people's flower beds. Now I see how they make our state pretty by growing wild in unexpected places. I love being constantly reminded of how magical this city is—there are poppies blooming all over even these ruddy old train tracks.

Here are some other ways to bring the brightness of poppy orange to your life.

| 1. Penguin Group, Postcards from Penguin | 2. RJ Graziano, Chain Hoop Earrings | 3. Jack Spade, Leather Flask | 4. J.Crew, Retro Dot Underwire Tank |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

A Host of Golden Daffodils

What I love about daffodil season is that it means they are being sold everywhere for pretty cheap. For a few bucks or so you can pop over to your local grocery store and get a few bunches of bright yellow blooms, stick them around your house, and make your home feel like it is ready for spring. Daffodils are also cool because they are actually Narcissus flowers, and because of this rap.

I took this photo in Regent's Park when I told Nick to go pose in a big patch of daffodils. Here are some other ways to incorporate these bright spring hues into your life.

| 1. Something Bleu, Bow-Topped Slingbacks | 2. Kate Spade, Chrystie Street Large Anisha | 3. Latte Bowls | 4. Kate Spade, Sunny Kolette Skirt |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Vanilla Ice Cream Cone

The night I bought this dress, there was a special spring event at the French Connection store on Regent Street, complete with cocktails and swag bags. Not only was the store packed, but everyone was scrounging to find this dress in their size. The fitting room girl congratulated me when I told her I was getting the dress because at least twenty girls had asked her about it already that evening. It might very well be the most popular dress in London.

Soft neutral shades like cream, nude, and taupe are going to be big this spring. I love the way a man looks in a light-colored suit on a warm day, and I also love the way my cream dress looks with taupe nail polish. Here are some ways to work these easy-to-wear shades into your life this season.

| 1. Zara, Oxford Blazer and Trousers | 2. Badgley Mischka, Dasher Flats | 3. French Connection, Penny's Party Silk Dress | 4. Essie, Mink Muffs Polish | 5. Hobo International, Lauren Clutch |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–5. See links provided. |

All the Girls in Potrero Have Shoes Like These

I bought these shoes from Urban Outfitters hoping they would be good walking shoes that aren't sneakers. I never feel like I am myself when wearing sneakers (I don't really do casual), so it's hard for me to find shoes I can actually travel in. Alas, the tongue on these tan oxfords rubbed my feet in a funny spot. I was strongly considering returning them.

The day that I was going to put together my returns for shipping, I popped over to Whole Foods for my daily grocery run. I could not help but notice that at least three other girls shopping at the Potrero Hill Whole Foods were wearing shoes just like these—menswear-inspired tan or brown oxford flats with cutouts and/or cute detailing. I decided to keep the shoes because they suddenly had a cool factor (which meant they didn't need to be comfortable!). Here are some other options for if you are looking to blend in here in Potrero.
|1. Lucky Brand, Christa | 2. Dorothy Perkins, Tan Soft Brogues | 3. Jeffrey Campbell, Miller Oxford | 4. Aldo, Zulaiga |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–4. See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Pops of Pink

I got this scarf from Anthropologie recently and have been planning my outfits around maximizing the opportunities to wear it. I love how much the pink florals stand out against the black and the softer greens and neutrals. I usually wear it with a black top and a simple gray skirt, and adding this scarf to the mix adds instant excitement.

I even took the concept of bright pink accents on a dark background and applied it to the valentines I made this year. I'll post photos soon. In the meantime, here are some other ways to add a pop of pink to your life, without overdoing it.

|1. Pietre Flower Knob | 2. Paul Smith London, Polka Dot Tie | 3. Power of Pink Dress | 4. Kate Spade, Kamille Pumps | 5. Kate Spade, Great Expectations Book Clutch |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–5. See links provided. |

Today's Flavor: Wood Grain

After spending a good amount of time putting together my gift guide, I got pretty addicted to making those little product collages/composites. After the holiday came and went, I started to feel a void. So, I am introducing a new feature where I take an item I own and use it to set the theme for a collage of similar items I've found online. This will help readers find a piece of the yuppie lifestyle for themselves that is inspired by something I am loving at the moment.

I got this lamp shortly after we moved to San Francisco. I found it at the very bottom of a pile of sale stuff at the Burlingame Anthropologie and bought it for a super discounted price. I did a little research on the product later and learned that it is made out of an actual hollowed out tree stump. I didn't put a shade on it because I like seeing the contrasts among the natural wood, the antique-y brass harp, and the modern bulb.

Ever since I bought this lamp, I have been obsessing over real and faux wood grain things. Here are a few that have caught my eye.

|1. Terrain, Small Ash Wood Cutting Board | 2. Terrain, Wood Grain Pitcher |
3. Decoylab, Teapot Clock | 4. Lattice Wooden Mat | 5. Sherry Olsen, Wild Woodland Vase |

| Photo Credit: top. Me; 1–5. See links provided. |

The Yuppie Gift Guide, Day 11: For the Little Ones

There should be some sort of official rule that once someone has a baby or dog, you need only get gifts for the little ones and not have to worry about the adults. I'm trying to get my parents to understand this rule, since they love getting treats for my dog anyway. I think that children (when they are very small) and especially dogs are much easier, and more fun, to shop for.

| 1. Wee Gallery Art Cards for Baby ($13) | These bold animal prints on durable flashcards are intended to appeal to and stimulate babies' visual development. I was drawn to the simplicity of using just black and white in art for babies. I used the Jungle collection to decorate my bathrooms.

| 2. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kids Owl Backpack ($20) | Possibly the cutest backpack I have ever seen in my life. Also available in dog, monkey, pig, penguin, zebra, bee, and frog varieties.

| 3. Uglydoll Ox Plush ($20) | For the trendy kids who may not care for bright-eyed and bushy-tailed animals, there is the Uglydoll collection— flat plush monster dolls that won Specialty Toy of the Year in 2006. The characters started out as little doodles on love letters between the creators and now I see them everywhere from Paper Source to FAO Schwartz. And of course, I have one of my own.

| 4. Melissa & Doug Stir Fry Slicing Set ($14) | The little wooden meats and veggies in this set are held together by velcro so they make a satisfying crunchy sound when you slice through them with the wooden knife.

| 5. Chilewich Pet Mat ($35) | I am loving the very abstract bone shape and the little doggie cutout in the middle. This mat is made out of Chilewich's super easy-to-clean basketweave and will hold your pet's bowls in place.

| 6. Nylabone Dura Chew Plus Bone ($6) | My parents bought Lillabelle one of these for Christmas last year and to our surprise, it is still going strong to this day, despite her destructive tendencies. Lillabelle likes to bring this up onto the couch while we are watching TV and she chews away to keep herself occupied.

| 7. Sushi Pups Bone Maki Plush ($7) | I am such a sucker for dog toys that are made to look like human food. Sushi Pups makes dog toys that look like sushi! Who doesn't love sushi around here? I can't get these for Lillabelle because I would not be able to bear watching her shred them to bits but for a dog that takes better care of plush toys, this is just too cute.

| 8. Jonathan Adler British Flag Dog Bed ($245) | A luxury dog bed like this is pretty ridiculous but I had to include this one because I am such an Anglophile. Not only does it look like a big comfy cushion for a doggie to lie on but it would be a pretty cool decorative item for the home, as well.

The Yuppie Gift Guide, Day 10: Evening Beverages

So, you've been invited to a holiday party and at the last second, you feel guilty about going empty-handed. And all you have time to do is stop at your local grocery store or BevMo to grab a bottle of something. Here are my picks for evening beverages that party guests are sure to like. In no way is this a comprehensive list of my favorites, per se, but these are selections that are accessible and safe.

| 1. Golden Star Tea Co. White Jasmine Sparkling Tea ($12) | This is a non-alcoholic bubbly that's much more interesting and sophisticated than Martinelli's. I tend to serve this when I have people over for lunch, but bring this to a party and the designated drivers will thank you for being awesome. It has a delicate floral aroma and finish and the fizz level is lovely rather than overwhelming.
Updated on 12|16|10: On sale at Whole Foods for $10 until January 4th!

| 2. Banfi 2008 Rosa Regale ($6) | A dessert wine like this is a safe choice because even people who aren't wine fanatics or generally don't like the taste of red wine can still appreciate it. It's sweet enough to stand up to holiday desserts and the cheery color makes it a festive choice.

| 3. Pomelo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($12) | I see this wine all over the place but that doesn't mean it's blasé. Red wines are difficult gifts because you never know if they'll pair well with what your hosts are serving or cater to their preferences. A simple, crisp Sauvignon Blanc such as this is easy to drink with any hors d'œuvre. And it also has a screw top, in case you're bringing it to someone who doesn't own a corkscrew.

| 4. Hendrick's Gin ($31) | I happen to really like gin. Gin is nice for parties because it doesn't take a whole lot of other mixers or syrups to make a quality drink— just a good gin like this, some fresh limes, and some good tonic water (yes, there is bad tonic water, too). Hendrick's is an oldie but goodie known for its cucumber infusion.

| 5. Right Gin ($33) | If you like gin, but you're looking to impress someone with your extensive knowledge of what is up and coming in the world of mixology, then bring a bottle of Right Gin. Right Gin is quite new as gins go (their first run was in 2007) and is being marketed as the peppery gin for non-gin-drinkers.

The Yuppie Gift Guide, Day 8: Sweets

A sweet treat doesn't have to be a cliché, so long as you skip the pre-boxed Nuts and Chews from See's and give the gift of something artisanal, local, or homemade. Back in early November, Nick and I went to the Fall Luxury Chocolate Salon at Fort Mason, where we tasted tons of different chocolates from Bay Area chocolatiers (picks 2 and 4 below are standout finds from the event); after speaking with vendors and hearing about the care that is put into crafting the right blend of flavors in each bar or truffle, it's clear that an extra unique chocolate makes a great gift. But if you are looking to go the homemade route, you can always try my recipe for Ginger Spice Cookies.

| 1. Petite Bouchée Salted Butter Caramels ($6 for 3 oz.)| These are the best caramels I have had in the States. The term caramels au beurre salé, or salted butter caramels, is exactly the way to describe what these are; you can just taste how these are made from not much more than caramelized sugar and butter as they dissolve away in your mouth.

| 2. Snake & Butterfly Maple Syrup & Bacon Brittle Bar ($5) | Bacon-flavored everything seems all the rage these days but of the bacon-themed chocolates I sampled at the Chocolate Salon, this was definitely the best. It was bacon-y enough to taste it and the maple syrup flavor acted as a nice bridge between it and the chocolate.

| 3. Kara's Cupcakes ($3.25 each) | Kara's Cupcakes is my favorite of the cupcake bakeries. The cakes are always perfectly moist no matter what time of day I buy or eat my cupcake and the buttercreams are the right texture and sweetness. Nick and I recommend: Fleur de Sel, Meyer Lemony Lemon, and Sweet S'mores.

| 4. The Tea Room Jasmine Milk Truffle ($4.50 for 2) | I never thought that jasmine tea and chocolate were flavors that I would find mixed together but The Tea Room, which specializes in tea-infused chocolates, does it just right. Rather than clashing, the floral jasmine acts as an added layer of flavor on top of the creamy milk chocolate.