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. |

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. |

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. |

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. |

Dear Kate Spade, Please Give Me a Job

Remember when I did this post on pops of pink and how they are totally the flavor of the day? Well lo and behold, fast forward to a few weeks later and this is the latest email ad from one of my favorite labels, Kate Spade.See how the headline matches my post practically verbatim? Here at The Yuppie Lifestyle, it is certainly a goal to keep readers prepared for upcoming trends, so it's nice to see proof I am doing my job. Don't forget that you read it here first!

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. |