Despite having zero events to wear these dresses, I love their floaty, feminine style:
I can’t decide which color is prettier.
And while – let’s face it – I probably won’t buy one of these maxi dresses, this blouse and this scarf are more realistic contenders for spring wardrobe additions.
Have you shopped at Banana Republic lately?
This is the view from my hotel room this morning.
On the plus side, the weather is actually better than forecasted.
But that’s not saying much.
Yesterday was also “Blue Monday,” which has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year.
All of this gray-ness makes me crave signs of spring.
Since I don’t have any trips involving sunshine scheduled any time soon, these scarves from Banana Republic will have to do.
First up: blue and green.
I like the daisies on the top one, especially the pop of orange in the centers.
This pink floral one is also light and pretty:
Banana Republic just released a new crop of Sloan pants in summer styles.
Here’s my favorite pair:
The slim ankle style is incredibly flattering. These are great pants for summer!
P.S. Many styles are on sale now.
I’m wrapping up a work trip to San Francisco – waiting in the airport as I type – and had to post about the most fabulous breakfast ever.
On my last trip to SF two years ago I stumbled upon a local mini-chain called The Grove (www.thegrovesf.com, adding links is wonky on my mobile device, sorry!).
This place was right around the corner from my hotel and serves EXACTLY what I like to eat, no matter what time of day.
Fast forward to this trip: different hotel but same neighborhood, and being a creature of habit, I went back to The Grove every day I was in town.
Yesterday I had to do a work event (book signing; did I mention my group wrote a book?) and give a lunchtime talk for an hour and a half, which meant my usual morning routine of just coffee wasn’t going to cut it for most of the day.
I headed to The Grove for some breakfast fuel and had goat cheese and basil scrambled eggs with a side of rosemary potatoes, and it totally hit the spot.
Today I squeaked in one more visit before my cross country flight home.
But.
Decisions, decisions!
Should I not mess with success and have the scramble again or branch out to something new?
This menu item caught my eye:
What made me hesitate is that while I am overall a lousy cook, I make a decent avocado toast and didn’t want to be disappointed.
I ordered it anyway.
Within one bite, I knew that this avocado toast forever shamed my version. It was heaven.
The sourdough toast was rubbed with olive oil and lemon, topped with avocado and then finished with two perfect poached eggs and those fabulous Rosemary potatoes on the side.
The whole thing was easily smashed into a delicious mess.
I ate every bite.
P.S. Here’s a picture of the inside of the restaurant, which is funky and charming.
Homeward bound!
My January 1st closet organization project left me feeling embarrassed (there were at least half a dozen things I forgot I bought in there, including new items with tags. Sigh) and overloaded.
But.
This dress from the newest collection at Banana Republic is pretty cute.
![cn9099753[1]](https://fancyladydoctor.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/cn90997531.jpg)
This bracelet would also look good with it:
![cn9004904[1]](https://fancyladydoctor.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/cn90049041.jpg)
Must. Resist.
Did I mention that I needed to start my holiday shopping?
Spouse and I made a list last night of all the people we needed to gift, plus what we’d already accomplished.
Summary: The list spanned more than 50 people and the fait accompli section was a mere 20%.
Yikes!
Yet, despite all of this, the same this happened as does every year: the accounting showed that I had purchased some pretty sweet gifts for myself.
Seriously, the deals this time of year are impossible (for me) to resist.
(I know, I know).
I spent a portion of last night opening the mountain (yes, fair descriptor) of packages piled at the front door of Fancy Pants Ranch and discovered two items that were just for me.
The first was an ice-blue cashmere scarf from Banana Republic that I got for 40% off and the second was a tee shirt from Bombas with a motivational message.
Since my resolution for 2015 is to be authentic, this shirt hit home with me.
Bee better.
So true.
Ironically, it was warmer in Canada this week than at home.
Living in Minnesota, I thought I had some serious street cred when it came to winter dressing.
But I will give it to Canadian retailers, who have elevated the art of merchandising winter accessories to a new level.
First up, the snood:
Banana Republic also has some pretty cashmere scarves. I like this blue one:
These BR gloves have a suede detail and zipper at the wrist:
While not technically a winter accessory, these J. Crew perfumes would also be good to wear now.
The one called No. 57 is spicy and particularly suited to winter.
Let it snow! (I guess).
