Advice you can taste. Adventure you can feel.

Get Your Fab Summer Style On

Summer fashion in San Francisco may seem like a lost cause. After all, there’s a reason “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is uttered endlessly by city dwellers throughout July and August.

However, I’m writing this piece in rebellion against the notion that summer fashion in our beloved city by the bay simply means dusting off your winter wardrobe! Why shouldn’t we experience the joy of shopping for a new season along with women in warmer climates?

I’m here to tell you that we can because of one spectacular word – cardigan. It actually may be the most essential piece of San Francisco summer style and should probably have an article unto itself. But, in this piece the cardigan is going to play a supporting role (and I promise to toast it the next time I find myself with a glass of wine in hand!) So, here are my picks for the six items that San Francisco women should be wearing underneath or along with their precious cardigans this summer:

The Maxi Dress: Three words: easy, comfortable, stylish. The breezy maxi dress is this summer’s essential “throw-it-on-and-go while looking fabulous” piece. An effortlessly packable garment (all hail the invention of matte jersey!), this envy-inspiring silhouette is perfect for a weekend get-away. And for those of us who’ve survived a summer in San Francisco, you probably already have a plethora of trips on the calendar – bon voyage!

A Printed Top: The epitome of glam boho. The airy printed top is the intersection where earthy vintage meets carefree chic. Pick your poison – whether you choose an ultra-feminine lush floral print or a flirty one-shoulder style, you’re guaranteed to be sporting a perfect summer day look.

Ladies, is there a better way to show off your legs?

Denim Shorts: Who wears short shorts? That’s right, they’re back! Actually, denim shorts in general are scorching hot this summer. So, if you’re faint at the thought of “Daisy Dukes” don’t fret – anything goes as long as your fabric of choice is denim. You can sport recession friendly “make-your-own” cut-offs, or for a more polished alternative, go Bermuda. My personal favorite is the Boyfriend, which is carrying over from spring and making the transition from jeans into shorts. Style-wise, also look for faded and distressed denim to add vintage appeal and a worn-in look if you really want to be effortlessly cool on a hot summer day.

Gladiator Sandals: Elegant yet functional, the gladiator sandal is a shoe fit for any of us modern-day heroines. Paired with the above-mentioned must-haves, you’ve got a refined take on bohemian chic that is a surefire way to rev up your summer style!

Bright Swimwear & Cover-ups: This summer, bring provocative poolside with bold silhouettes (think plunging V-necklines, halters, strings and bandeaus) and bright colors like watermelon pink, kiwi green and tangerine orange. Pair with an airy tunic and you’re as stylish at the beach as you are in the city!

Aviator Shades: Timeless yet contemporary. Sleek yet retro. Make a sophisticated statement by framing your face in a fabulous set of aviator shades. Need I say more?

The best part of summer in San Francisco? Come September, our “real summer” arrives. We can throw the cardigans aside and finally show-off our summer style in all its glory!

Springtime is Margarita Time

The much anticipated San Francisco springtime weather is upon us – let’s celebrate… ¡vamos a celebrarlo!

What better way to bask in the warmth of the sun than with an icy cold pitcher of margaritas and mouthwatering fresh ceviche! From the Mission to the Marina and the Financial District to SOMA, San Francisco is home to some of the best Mexican food north of the border.

The City’s Mexican food capital is the Mission district, so cha cha cha your way down to Valencia and 16th where you’ll find the always packed Puerto Alegre. Their carne asada nachos and steak quesadilla suiza don’t disappoint, especially if you were over-served when bar hopping across town the night before. You’ll never leave this mega-dive hungry, and after a pitcher of their ultra potent margaritas, you’ll be feeling no pain!

For those of you that like your Mexican food with a side of trendy, strut your stuff to the Marina for “the eat and be seen scene” at Mamacita’s on Chestnut Street. Dazzle your taste buds with the delectable ahi tacos or stick-to-your-ribs chicken enchiladas.

For a drinks only night, mingle at the eternally buzzing bar while sipping on fresh-squeezed pomegranate margaritas. After a long week, head out early for the 4pm Friday Happy Hour at Mexico DF Cocina and Cantina in the Financial District where you can drown your sorrows as you raise your margarita to yet another weak week on Wall Street.

Or, just say hit me with your best shot at Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge in SOMA where the seasoned aficionado can sip on some of the finest tequilas available. The uninitiated can get in on the fun too with a tequila cocktail or a perfect margarita poured with 100% agave tequila. Follow by devouring their delicious guacamole before heading over to watch the Giants game.

Weotta  have a Margarita or three… ! Arriba!

You’re So Polished!

Have your feet spent the winter hibernating in trendy ankle booties and elegant stilettos? With spring around the corner, it’s almost time to set them free! Is your mouth watering at the thought of a new season of shoe shopping? Will it be gladiator sandals, huaraches, espadrilles or all of the above? Not so fast. Before running off to Saks and Neiman’s, take a good look at your feet. Are your heels dried and cracked? Do your cuticles look jagged? Or are your feet just plain overworked from trekking up and down hills around The City? If you can answer yes to any of the above, your feet are long overdue for some serious TLC.

As luck would have it, San Francisco is brimming with every kind of pedicure imaginable from Lavande’s indulgent “Chocolate Pedicure” to the “Extremely Buff Pedicure” at Burke Williams for all you weekend warriors out there. The best part is, not only will your feet look and feel great, but you’ll get some well-deserved luxury without becoming a recessionista! Get Zen with it at Bamboo on Union Street. Their green tea footbath and white tea hydromask will stimulate your feet and get them ready for a night on the dance floor! For avid runners, hikers and bikers, a sports pedicure at Spa Radiance on Fillmore Street is the perfect treat after pounding the pavement. Give your overworked feet the gift of a warm soak with camphor, lavender, and rosemary. Girls just want to have…Lush Life Nail Bar. Grab your friends, your favorite bottle of bubbly, a few gossip mags, and play catch up while getting your toes painted in one of OPI’s newest spring shades. Soothe all that aches after a weekend of shredding the slalom in Tahoe at Silk Nail Salon on Franklin Street. Round up the ski bunnies and reward your calves with a hot, steamy towel massage after your pedicure. And if you really need to escape the urban hustle bustle, book an appointment at Recharge Day and Medical Spa on California Street. Sip lavender tea while soaking your feet in a warm, aromatic footbath, and let your stress melt away. Now you’re ready to say “kiss my feet” with confidence!

Weotta have great feet!

Sexy in The City

Is it what’s inside, or underneath, that really counts?

What can make you feel sweet, sexy, empowered and seductive all at the same time? Scrumptious chocolates? Not quite. Flickering candlelight? Getting warmer. A luxurious bubble bath? Almost there. Fabulous lingerie? Now you’re hot!

Don’t you feel secretly sexy when you’re wearing an amazing lacey bra and tulle thong with an unassuming pair of jeans and a t-shirt? How about the amped-up seduction a pair of thigh-highs creates under that stunning dress? Ladies, fine lingerie is just as important as those coveted Manolos, Jimmy Choos and Louboutins you’re so in love with. It’s time to embrace your femininity and treat “the girls”, as well as your derrière, to the luxurious treats that are plentiful in San Francisco’s superb high-end lingerie boutiques.

The Chantelle t-shirt bra... a must have, ladies... Weotta have at least one!

The next time you find yourself strolling along Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, latte in hand, stop by My Boudoir where you can find lingerie for every mood from sweet Cosabella and playful Princesse Tam Tam to sexy Millesia and seductive Marlies Dekkers.

Looking for the perfect t-shirt bra but with a little added flair and a matching panty? Search no further than Les Cents Culottes on Polk Street in Russian Hill where you can bask in brands like Aubade, Chantelle and Simone Perele. Even men are on their radar with underwear for him from Eminence, Coup de Coeur and Gregg Homme.

Want more? Visit Alla Prima Fine Lingerie in Hayes Valley or North Beach and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find gorgeous Italian, embroidered bras and panties from La Perla that may make you want to prance around your flat wearing nothing but lingerie even on a rainy, winter San Francisco day!

And last, but not least. No lingerie list would be complete without the grand dame of them all. If you really want to be irresistible, a naughty little number from Agent Provocateur located on Geary Street in Union Square should do the trick!

Say goodbye to Victoria’s Secret and hello to “I’m all grown up now” sexy.