Friday Buy Day

It's that day of the week again.  You know the day when your attitude is a little bit more positive, and your co-workers seem a little bit more friendly, and your husband seems a little bit more sexy, and your worries seem a little bit more distant.  Whether it's true or not doesn't really matter.  It's Friday. And Friday encourages us to believe in all of the above delusions. Friday is also the day we bring you awesome stuff to buy, all on sale.

First Up: Alice and Olivia Swiss Dot tie cover-up.  Gorgeous, right?  Spring is here... and Summer is around the corner and this is the perfect addition to any packing list, and the perfect accessory to any backyard party.  It is luxurious and sexy with a bohemian feel and a palatable price.  At right around $200 (from over $350) it is a chic piece that will last you years.  There is nothing trendy or fast-fashion about this elegant wrap.  Right now, all sizes available but I'm sure not for long!

It is painful to spend $500 on a pair of sexy high-heels, but more painful is buying a cheap pair that are horribly uncomfortable.  Honestly, what is less "sexy" than a girl hobbling down the street in obvious pain in her "sexy" heels?  Ugh, makes me uncomfortable just thinking about it.

These shoes by Schutz are beautiful and super inexpensive ($110..yes you read that correctly... and all sizes left except size 10). If I didn't own multiple pairs of Schutz heels, I would never be able to promote such an inexpensive pair of high heels...and not because I am a snob, because I don't want anyone to suffer the tragedy of poorly made, uncomfortable high-heels. These gorgeous heels are made in Spain with genuine leather and fine craftsmanship. The slight platform helps with the 4" heel height and the patterned trim adds edge.  The blood-orange color and the double ankle straps are an intoxicating combo.  Pair them with a pair of distressed denim and a simple tank, or add them to a black dress for a friend's Birthday dinner.  There is nothing sexier than a "sexy" heel that a woman can actually walk in.

About that black dress we were just talking about.  This is it.  It is the one that needs to be in every woman's closet.  Veronica Beard is a brand I became obsessed with when I owned a clothing store.  The tailoring is absolute perfection and the materials are superb.  Veronica Beard is classic with modern sensibilities and a penchant for accents of neon or florals.  Their blazers, in particular, are exceptional.  But I digress, back to the dress. It hugs your curves without being revealing and has contoured seaming for an extra flattering fit.  Whether adding a statement necklace and a sexy heel for a cocktail party, or pairing it with booties and a leather jacket for an event at your child's school, this is a must-have for every woman and is now only $178 (from over $500).

I like these.  A lot.  Lately, I've been much more into statement earrings, while keeping everything else pretty minimal.  If I am honest with myself, I have a few uniforms and tend to stick to variations of them.  Tees, leather jackets, skinny jeans, occasionally some fun jewelry in addition to the fine jewelry....and then sometimes, just to be different and daring, I add some more tees and some more leather jackets(:  

These earrings by Elizabeth Cole have a deco vibe that's really cool, and while they certainly make a statement they are not overwhelming in size.  I would pair them with a floaty maxi dress for a day wedding or baby shower, the same way I would wear them with a leather biker jacket and ripped jeans.  At $75 (from $160) they will make a minimal statement on your wallet while adding maximum edge to your wardrobe.

Lastly, for this week's Friday Buy Day, we bring you my FAVORITE pair of sneakers.  I'm sure many of you have seen these on me in pics (or real like) and considering my addiction to high-tops it means a lot for me to claim these as my #1.  They are Jimmy Choo and they are not cheap (but now on sale) BUT they are uber-comfortable and I get a gazillion complements on them.  It occurred to me awhile ago when I was purchasing my (insert ridiculous number) pair of sneakers that I actually have the whole shoe game figured out.  

Most women (including myself... until recently) spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on fancy high-heels that we wear a handful of times (nights-out, weddings, parties) while we try to save money on the shoes we wear everyday.  This makes no sense!  Of course, there are the handful of inspirational women who wear high-heels, everyday, all-day...and to all of you...I tip my hat.  But for the rest of us, buying super expensive high heels we rarely wear, while buying cheap shoes we were often simply isn't the best practice.  After buying these sneakers (which were not on sale when I bought them), I can honestly say I have never gotten more value out of a pair of shoes.  So, to those of you who are inclined to wear high-tops as often as I am...I say don't feel bad about splurging on a pair of shoes you will wear almost everyday.  There is no shame in stepping up your casual game.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Reach out or forward along to anyone else who you think may need a little inspiration to start off their weekend right!

Must Stop Spot in SF: Upper Fillmore

Often times friends or relatives will call or email asking for great recommendations for a San Francisco visit. This city has so much to offer and so many unique neighborhoods that offering suggestions has never been a challenge.  And, our latest neighborhood obsession is an area called Upper Fillmore.  Since we've been in San Francisco, few neighborhoods have progressed the way Upper Fillmore has.  It has always been the go-to area for the dwellers of tony Pacific Heights, but until more recently many of the restaurants were lacklaster and the shopping was okay, but not great.  All that has changed.  

Every new tenant of this street (food, shop, salon) is a place we want to patronize.  One of the most recent newcomers is the Rag and Bone store.  Prior to Rag and Bone, menswear inspired clothing was always a little tough for us.  It either felt too old, or too masculine. Rag and Bone has changed that in a major way.  In fact, if we had to pick one brand (which would be VERY difficult...but just a hypothetical) it might have to be Rag and Bone.  Classic, yet edgy.  Menswear inspired, yet sexy.  And there stores are no different.  The store on upper Fillmore is clean, modern and full of stylish pieces for men and women.  We are so happy to welcome them to the neighborhood. 

Next Stop: Jane.  A must for breakfast or lunch.  Jane's menu is chalk-full of homemade breads and granolas, gluten-free options and excellent single-source coffee (pour-over of course).  It is "sceney" in a San Francisco sort of way.  Tech millionaires wearing backpacks and hoodies sitting next to perfectly coifed Pacific Heights philanthropists.  Jane was designed by renowned interior designed Ken Fulk and is the perfect place to refuel on a busy shopping day.

Other not to be missed shopping spots include Joie for breezy separates, Elizabeth Charles for an amazing selection of hard to find designers (many Australian), Curve for your Balmain and Erickson Beamon splurges, and Alice & Olivia for a festive party dress.  For dining, we love SPQR (reservations are strongly suggested), Out the Door and Delfina Pizza.

Whether you are visiting the city for the day or planning a trip to San Francisco on your way to Napa, we highly recommend spending a few hours on Upper Fillmore.  Between the shops and the restaurants, your belly will thank you...your bank account will not.

Friday Buy Day

It's funny, like most women I know, every time we go on a trip we are inclined to buy something new...even if the climate where we are headed is the exact same climate as the place we live. This week, Jack Ryan is headed to LA....and even though it is supposed to be 61 and raining (insert tear) which is the EXACT same weather as I am sure it will be in SF, our shopping inspiration is derived from weather that is 78 and sunny.  And so, for this week's Friday Buy Day we thought we'd bring you some cool pieces (on sale of course) that we want to take with us to LaLa Land. The power of positive thinking must not only be practiced in your mind, it must also be practiced in your packing. 

Here Goes:

First things first.  An oversized Panama Hat.  We are in LA afterall.  And whether my positive thinking works or not for the weather, a large hat is mandatory in the land of palm trees and movie stars.  We love the nubby texture and the cream color.  At under $40, it is a great deal and looks just as chic with denim and a button-up as it does with a swimsuit and a cover-up.

Speaking of a swimsuit, we love this one  It is sexy and classic and on sale.  You can never go wrong with a black bikini that has some interesting details.  I guess we'll be wearing this in the hot-tub if the weather decides to be uncooperative.

Almost as mandatory as a hat, is a pair of slightly distressed cut-offs.  One of our favorite looks right now is the Texas Tuxedo (denim on denim).  We love these with a denim button-up (in a lighter shade) a thicker leather belt and a cool pair of booties or sandals.

Oh, and for that night out at Chateau.  What to wear?  A romper of course.  This Zimmerman romper is sophisticated and sexy.  The button front allows you to adjust how much you would like to expose and the length of the shorts is spot on...not too short (trashy) and not too long (boring).  The lace panels on the sleeve are feminine and elegant.  We would pair these with deco drop earrings and a minimal strap heel.  Elegant, sexy, chic (and of course, it's on sale).

So, for any of you who are headed to LA soon, take our cues and get to shopping.  For all of those who are not, channel your positive thinking and plan a trip to a place that is 78, sunny and dappled with palm trees.

What to Wear Now...and Later

Shannon and I are as passionate about fashion as we are about interior design and we both love to shop. But when we shop, we try and exercise some restraint knowing that clothes should typically fall into one of two categories: great staple/basic you will wear all the time OR obsessed and might die if it's not in your closet.  The best (and possibly 3rd) category is:  it's something you will wear all the time and you think you might die if it's not in your closet tomorrow...loosely translated for us: every IRO jacket ever made. 

But seriously....when we think about a great basic or staple, we think about the perfect pair of jeans, cashmere sweaters, and tees.  Lots of tees.  We think about sneakers and boots, and sandals in the Summer.  We think about the Mommy Uniform.  And when we think about an item that MUST be in our closet to elevate the everyday, we think about strappy sexy heels, lace tops, embellished jackets and deco jewelry...and don't forget to throw in a few rompers.

It's a funny time of year for fashion.  People are ready for Spring, but the weather reflects a different state of mind.  Shannon and I have picked a few items that we love, and will transition from today through Spring & Summer.  Most won't break the bank and can be styled a few different ways depending on season, or occasion.   A couple are more of an investment, but an investment that will pay you dividends if you consider how often you will wear it!  

The following are mine:

I love this Theory fringe tank .  I think it is the perfect combination of edgy and elegant.  Pair it with leather leggings and ankle strap heels for an evening out, or wear it with white jeans and studded sandals in the Summer for casual cool.  It is on sale and will be worn all the time.  Sexy enough for an evening out, yet restrained enough for a client meeting under a blazer with distressed jeans and leopard heels.

Searching the sale section on ShopBop I also came across this workhorse of a dress.  It is sexy, stylish and has unlimited options....and did I mention it is under $130?  The rouching is extremely flattering and the heather grey is a perfect base for layering.  Pair this with a moto leather jacket and wedge booties ( I own these Isabel Marant booties and they are majorly on sale now) for an evening out, or slip on some casual sandals and a fun necklace for Sunday brunch.  The dress is comfortable, stylish and begs to be layered. 

The last item that will make it into my rotation is a new pair of Anine Bing sunglasses.  Lately, I've been noticing so many sunglasses with exaggerated logos, colors, shapes or hardware.  I love all different types of shades, but have been on the hunt for a clean, black, modern pair of sunglasses that defy trend.  The "New York" sunglasses are the perfect size, with a solid dark lens, no fussiness or logo on the sides and will be at my doorstep in the next few days (:  

These are Shannon's:

Stella McCartney's Falabella is her new go-to bag.  It is large enough to carry tear sheets, binders and proposals during the day, and folded over is a great shoulder bag for evening.  It is made of eco-friendly and durable faux-leather and the chain detailing is edgy without being loud.

The next mandatory item in her closet is her new pair of Rag and Bone Dre BF Slim jeans.  Boyfriend jeans can look sloppy and unpolished.  These are neither.  The Dre BF Slim jeans are tailored with the perfect amount of distressing and a great wash.  Because they are equal parts "boyfriend" and "slim, you can get away with pairing them with your favorite flats, a tee and a cardigan and not risk looking like a slouch.  Her favorite way to wear the BF Slim is with stilettos, a simple top and a fitted jacket.  Tailored boyfriend jeans paired with sexy heels shows confidence and cool...and there is nothing sexier than that combination.

Shannon's last pick is a pair of Kurt Geiger studded heels.  Who doesn't love the perfect "going out" heel.  You won't have to starve for weeks to purchase these, and they will make everything better.  Everything.  They will make your simple black dress stand out.  They will make your Dre Slim boyfriend jeans acceptable to wear for a night on the town.  The pinhead studs are just the right amount of rocker cool, while not competing with your outfit.  They would look just as sexy on a 60 year old as a 30 year old and the cut-outs are perfection.

Hope you enjoyed our style tips!  Feel free to email us or reach out on Instagram @jackryandesign for any more details or styling advice!