Travel – Page 2 – styleXsydnie

The Keyhole Dress

September 22, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

A couple weekends ago I went to a beautiful wedding up in Sonoma. I had never been to Wine Country before and found myself stressing over what to wear….what else is new? I wanted something that would keep me cool in the heat, but also polished enough for a wedding. Enter The Keyhole Dress.

The day before the wedding I found myself shopping at a nearby mall, just in case I came across a dress better than the one I brought. And I did. At a Tilly’s. I was reluctant to try on the Keyhole style. I usually prefer a silhouette that accents my waist, and a neck line that isn’t too revealing. With pressure from my mom and sister, I tried it on and was pleasantly surprised. The neck line added a hint of elegance, and my waist didn’t completely disappear beneath the loose fabric. On such a hot day, I was thankful for the flowy design. I was reminded of why I love fashion so much–it pushes me to step out of my comfort zone.

Here are my favorite Keyhole Dresses from Tilly’s:

Full Tilt Floral Medallion Dress

Chloe & Katie Border Print Keyhole Dress

Socialite Floral Keyhole Dress

Full Tilt Keyhole Bodycon Midi Dress

Wine Tasting

July 18, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

This weekend Joel and I went wine tasting at the Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room in Davenport.

We had a great time. With each sip, we tried to guess the notes for each wine–a perfect date night activity.

We even ended up walking away with two bottles: the 2014 Old Telegram (Joel’s pick) and the 2013 Vinferno (my pick, obviously a dessert wine).

I always envisioned my first wine tasting expedition up in the Napa heat, with a floral print dress blowing in the wind. Since this was a spur of the moment idea, we decided to stay local. Therefore, I modified my idyllic outfit vision for the Santa Cruz wine tasting experience.

This weekend really cooled off, so I opted for a pair of booties, jeans, and a denim jacket.

I fit right in with the laid back and casual look of Santa Cruz.

If you’re ever in town, I highly recommend trying this place. They were informative, fun, and friendly. What more could you ask for?

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” -Benjamin Franklin

On Me: BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap Jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

Red Lips and Ice Cream

July 10, 2016 Sydnie1 Comment

NARS lipstick in the shade Heat Wave has been my favorite lipstick this Summer! I love the way bright red looks on a hot day–reminding me of something my grandma might have worn in the 50s.

And what goes best with a hot day? Ice cream, duh.

If you’re ever in the Nevada City area, I highly recommend trying Treats downtown. Their ice cream is unique and delicious. Yum!

What’s In My Bag

June 12, 2016June 12, 2016 Sydnie1 Comment

I found this Rebecca Minkoff tote at Nordstrom Rack and just had to have it! It’s big enough to carry all my stuff, but it doesn’t feel like a piece of luggage.

Check out my list of handbag essentials:

A Good Book/Magazine–You never know when you’ll have extra time in a waiting room or get bored on the bus.

A Small Notebook & Pen–It’s so handy to be able to pull out pen and paper when an important thought comes to mind that you don’t want to forget!

Wallet–DUH.

Sunglasses–Good for both outdoors and indoors when trying to see in sunlight or look put together after a rough night’s sleep.

A Piece of Jewelry–Spur of the moment dinner plans might cause for a little something extra.

Small Makeup Bag–Perfect for concealing a hairbrush, pressed powder, hair tie, argan oil, lipstick, tweezers, and perfume (all quite necessary, I swear).

Outerlandssf

March 17, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

Outerlands is one of my favorite spots to brunch in the city. They are located on Judah Street in the Inner Sunset, just a few blocks up from Ocean Beach. Since it is finally starting to feel like Spring in the city, we opted for outside seating.

I ordered the iced ginger lemon apple cider–a perfect way to start the day. You can even add bourbon if you don’t have class to go to after!

Joel began with a cappuccino…

…then upgraded to a gin and juice (ford’s gin, fresh grapefruit, vanilla bean syrup). Their sandwiches really hit the spot. Joel got the cast-iron grilled cheese with avo.

I chose their veggie sandwich (squash, feta, kale, romesco). Superb. Oh, and did I mention how much I loved the side of pickled veggies?! It was a refreshing touch.

Our sweet tooth couldn’t be ignored. We split the glazed donut (matcha, pepita, grapefruit). It was served warm and satisfied our cravings.

We were completely stuffed, so we decided to walk it off at Lands End. As you can tell from the picture, Joel doesn’t like taking selfies as much as me. Fear not…it hasn’t stopped me from documenting our every move yet! (he-he)

This is my go-to laid back look: cotton pants, a loose tee, sandals, and sunnies.

“San Francisco is 49 square miles surrounded by reality.” – Paul Kanter

Valentine’s Day

February 17, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

San Francisco is full of great things to do. With so many options to choose from, we opted for a favorite–Ghirardelli Square. The desserts are decadent, and the scenery is unbeatable.

Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to play tourist!

The Classic Sundae

The View

Selfie, of course

Outfit Details: Forever 21 Top & Bottom/Zara Heels/Nordstrom Sunnies

This polish is STILL on strong. Shade: Lavender Out Loud Rings: Sundance/World Market (both midis)

Whale City Bakery

January 13, 2016January 13, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

Back when I was in high school, all I ever wanted was to leave this small town and move to the big city just 70 miles up the coast. After doing just that, all I ever want now is to come back home.

I never realized just how lucky I was to grow up in such a unique niche called Santa Cruz. I was so eager to explore NEW streets, to meet NEW people, and to see NEW things, that I forgot that nothing can truly compare to this place. Maybe everyone feels this way about their home town, though.

Don’t get me wrong–I love San Francisco. But there is something so special about Santa Cruz. For instance, you could never find a place like Whale City Bakery up in the city.

Whale City Bakery is just 10 miles north of town, sitting on Highway 1 in Davenport. Getting there makes for a scenic adventure. Then, once you arrive, you get to sip your coffee while watching the surfers try to catch a wave.

You can choose to grab a killer muffin and coffee to go from the bakery, or sit and take your time while digesting the best blueberry pancakes you’ve ever had.

They also offer healthy items (for those who like that kind of thing).

If you are ever in the area, make sure to stop by. You won’t regret it.

“I live in Santa Cruz. I moved here in 1974 and couldn’t leave.” -Ellen Bass

On Me: Abercrombie Leather Jacket, Free People Tank, Nordstrom Sunnies

Newport Beach

June 7, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

Our first day in Newport was so wonderful. What I love about SoCal the most is probably the weather. When it is a little overcast and a little foggy the overall temperature is still warm!

Being down there felt like a dream! The water was clear, the people were easy going, and time didn’t seem to matter as much.

Though we didn’t venture outside of our lovely state, every day still felt like an exploration. There’s something so exciting about crossing unfamiliar territory.