bayareablogger – Shoes & Sashimi

The Suite Life in Wine Country

Published on July 14, 2017July 14, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa41 Comments

Happy Friday everyone, any plans this weekend?

Let me tell ya, the suite life is the best life. @Twelfthknight and I love our staycations, and it was only right that I treat him to an early birthday getaway in wine country this past week. It was our first time to Healdsburg, and to be quite honest…we like this quaint beautiful town much more than Napa or Sonoma itself.

235 Luxury Suites is nestled in the heart of downtown Healdsburg and it’s an incredible 3 bedroom stay for couples, families, or small parties. It’s incredibly charming, cozy yet spacious, and still feels familiar like home. We stayed in the Fitch Mountain Suite, decked out with a huge spa tub that I used nightly, dual walk in showers, and giant CA Kings in each room. 235 pays attention to the tiniest details which is what we loved. They even offer light, medium, or hard pillows so that you can sleep optimally :D I’m a firm by the way.

This hotel is located a few steps away from the square of downtown Healdsburg, so you really don’t need to drive anywhere in town. You’re within a few steps to wine lounges, Safeway, Farmer’s Market, bakeries, and coffee shops. In fact, we never drove the entire time we were there, unless you count an Uber briefly. So convenient right?

We would absolutely stay here at 235 again, it felt like a true getaway but so comfortable like being at home. If you’re ever looking to get away and relax in wine country’s hidden gem, I highly urge you to visit Healdsburg. After exploring this little town, we didn’t want to leave, but we look forward to our next trip!

Below, you’ll find our favorite spots and recommendations if you fancy a trip out here yourself. Cheers and thank you for reading!

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Where to Eat:

Valette: Dinner

Dinner service was spectacular. Chef Dustin is a rockstar and provided a 5 course tasting menu that blew us away. Valette is the newest kid on the block in downtown Healdsburg and it’s one of those fine dining experiences you’ll have engrained in your memory for a long long time. Below are some of our favorite highlights.

Cocktail: Watermelon Fresca

Favorite app: Dry Boat Scallop en Croute- Squid Ink Puff Pastry with Scallop & champagne inside. Blew my mind!

Entree: Lamb Shoulder and NY Strip Steak.

Dessert: A salty/sweet Deconstructed Snickers Bar (which we still rave about)

Cafe Lucia: Lunch

Downstairs in the 235 hotel courtyard lives Cafe Lucia where Portuguese food meets Wine Country. @Twelfthknight has been to Spain and he talks about the tapas and paella there all the time. Naturally, we came down for lunch and we still talk about their food, overwhelmingly gracious hospitality, and service.

Tasting Plates: House wine, house pickles, blood sausage, sturgeon & capers

Tip: Order the Portuguese Mac n Cheese, we still talk about it today.

Favorite Entree: Seafood Stew with mussels and jumbo shrimp

Where to Drink:

Reeve Wines:

We visited Kelly and Noah of Reeve Wines our second day in Healdsburg and we loved tasting all of their small batch wines. Their estate is picturesque and currently undergoing some exciting renovations which we look forward to seeing on our next trip up. Our favorite wine of theirs were their chilled rose which we had to take home with us. *P.S. Noah is the co-founder and Head wine maker at Banshee Wines in downtown Healdsburg and Reeve is a labor of love by night. Visiting Reeve Wines honestly felt like going to see your friends (who happened to have a winery) and it’s just fun, relaxing, and comfortable. Cheers!

Siduri Wine Lounge:

Siduri is located literally a few steps from 235 Hotel. There’s something to be said for the decor and open window/day bed seating that attracts so many people aside from their delicious wine and pairings. I especially liked their cheese board with their pinot and would recommend sitting by the window while you sip and people watch.

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Cheers!

Two Thirty Five Luxury Suites

Ruffle Season // Three Dots

Published on April 20, 2017April 20, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa7 Comments

They say truffle season is the best season. I don’t disagree. However, ruffles are a very close second best.

I wouldn’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers, unless it’s in the form of ruffle tops like the one I’m wearing from Three Dots. This is a brand that I’ve fallen for, and I have already worn this lil guy on three separate occasions. The Three Dot’s collection pieces this Spring are incredibly easy to wear, I love their soft jersey tees and tanks. This asymmetrical top has been my favorite though and the movement you get with the ruffles are just plain fun.

You know me by now, I always dress down. But anytime I want a bit of oomph into what would be a simple outfit, you best believe I count on Three Dots to elevate all the basics. Always.

Shot by Julia O Test

Special thanks to Three Dots

Ruffle Top: found here on Shopbop

Location: Potrero Hill, SF

Dock of the Bay

Published on March 20, 2017March 17, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa7 Comments

Walking through SF’s Ferry Plaza one morning, I overheard one of the restaurant workers outside belting out Otis Redding’s classic and that song stuck with me all week. Spring feels like it’s arrived in the Bay Area and I’m fully welcoming it, so I grabbed a pastry and coffee at Blue Bottle and met Julia for a morning stroll along the water.

We have plans, let me tell ya. I think we’re still jazzed from our NY trip. She’s insanely motivated as a shooter and we both want to help see each other’s goals through. Grateful for our working relationship that’s turning into friendship.

SF Spring weather usually requires a jacket, so this thrifted denim piece I got for $6 in Denver last year is something you’ll be seeing more of. By the way….I’ll be in Denver with @twelfthknight last week of this month, so come with me as I eat my way through and thrift some more :D

Spring is my favorite time of year in the Bay Area. You’ll be seeing a lot of new looks, bigger campaigns, new hair, and more travel. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

All photos shot by Julia O Test Photo

Hair by Jenifer Akagi at 77 Salon

Bag: Lo and Sons

Shoes: Ecco Shoes

Time Out

Published on March 7, 2017March 20, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa2 Comments

I have been going and going until I’ve run myself sick, so I’ve been trying to slow down a little bit and can now recap my second half of Nevada. Per my last post, @twelfthknight and I ventured off the beaten path while in Vegas and happily took day trips outside of The Strip. Time is what you make of it, and I’m always looking for a little adventure or new perspective. We were able to see the local art installations and museums which was fun. I also made time for family and visited Uncle Mikey and the kiddos that Sunday evening before going back. This trip specifically has changed my perspective on Las Vegas and it’s not all that bad.

Life only seems to be moving faster, so thank you to Nicole Vienna for a new timepiece and for reminding me to slow down, take time for yourself, and spend it with the one’s who matter most.

Shot by Vegas Photographer, Bethany Paige Photo

Adventure time with Nicole Vienna. Red Rocks National Park

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BethanyPaigephoto-02332 — The Waverly bag from Lo and Sons (Wear it 4 Ways) here

BethanyPaigephoto-5498 — Booties from Mari A here

BethanyPaigephoto-5541 — Silver Mesh Strap

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BethanyPaigephoto-5744 — Changed into this jacket at night (Misguided)

BethanyPaigephoto-5708 — Downtown Las Vegas

Photography by Bethany Paige Photo

Nicole Vienna Watch: Soir N*47 Mesh

Travel Style with Lo & Sons

Published on February 22, 2017February 21, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa9 Comments

I’m not entirely sure what I would’ve done without my travel bag from Lo & Sons on this trip to New York. Would you believe that this light weight carry on fit my 13.5″macbook, 2 chargers, wallet, phone, snacks, and a moto jacket effortlessly through TSA and fit under my seat with no struggle? Here’s the kicker, I didn’t need to carry it through the airport. I just fed it over my suitcase handle and it sat on top of my Samsonite as I rolled up :D

If you’re reading this post currently, I am enroute to Nevada and yes, I did bring this bag with me. It’s a lifesaver and makes everything about packing and traveling so much easier.

My travel style is quite casual and made for efficiency. I was tired way before I ever got on my flight, so this look is a no fuss no muss type of deal. Slip on loafy sneakers from Carrano (available here) to make the checkpoint faster, a sweatshirt from Majestik Supply (available here) and a long line coat from State of Being the Label (found here on Revolve for $63)

Shot inside NYC’s World Trade Center Station, by photographer Lauren Listor (@laurelcreative)

Above on street level at The Hudson River Greenway.

All photos by Lauren Listor

The O.M.G Bag via Lo and Son’s here

What I Wore:

Coat: State of Being the Label (now $63 here)

Crisp Sweatshirt: Majestik Supply

Denim: Level 99 ($117 here)

Shoes via Sole of Brazil

NYFW Day 3

Published on February 20, 2017February 20, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa10 Comments

What a whirlwind Day 3 was. 2 shows, a presentation, shooting last looks, and the flight home. I woke up early to check out of The Hudson only to move down the street to The Giraffe Hotel to meet Julia. By 10am we were in our Uber, headed to Industria Studios to see the Christopher Esber presentation. I loved this collection, it was sort of an avant garde take on the parallels of machines and the strength of a woman. I thought it was beautiful in a very tough way.

By noon, Julia and I were headed to Pier 59 Studios for the Katty Xiaomara show. I changed into another look right before hand. This was taken right outside, and I really do think that Pier 59 is my favorite venue.

The Katty Xiaomara show was amazing. I sat closest to the front of house while Julia shot in the media pit. Below are some of my favorite looks.

After exiting the Katty show, Julia and I made it over to the Memere Presentation in the same studio across the way. I was so happy we saw this collection, it’s incredibly romantic and inspiring for Spring. The icing were the fresh white roses scattered along the floor, it was the perfect way to end our NYFW experience.

Briefly after the Memere Collection, I swapped my outfit for Lioness pants and coach gloves so we could get a few shots in my favorite venue before I left for the airport. Pier 59 Studios are my favorite, mainly because it is in fact a hub for production. You have all the different stages, all the behind the scenes going on, and I loved being in the throws of it all. Julia, thank you for capturing my final moments here :) Couldn’t have done it without you.

And there you have it. That is a wrap on NYFW Fall 2017. Mark my words, I am planning on going back in September. I haven’t been that excited, inspired, or exhausted like this in what seems like forever and I’m really happy that I made the trip happen. I’ll be doing some more posts on my travel tips and what I brought a long with me in more detail, so look out for those soon.

This week, @twelfthknight and I will be in Vegas for a wedding and I’m lucky enough to shoot while out there. So much is happening this month so I can’t wait to share with you. Thank you so much for reading and keeping up with me.

What I wore:

Grey Coat: The Fifth Label ($106)

Black Culottes: Lioness Official ($52)

Nando Muzi Oxfords: ($450 direct here ) Sentiero Shoes

NYFW Day 2

Published on February 18, 2017February 17, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa8 Comments

I woke up early and ready to brave the cold and the snow for Day 2. I ran downstairs to the cafe at The Hudson for breakfast and coffee, changed into my warmest coat, and bolted out the door. I was immediately hit in the face by 30mph winds. This look was shot by Julia O Test, my shutterbug from S.F. She was staying at Hotel Giraffe not too far away, so we decided to spend the day together show hopping, eating, and shooting.

It may not sound like a hectic day, but if you think about it, you spend half your time in a taxi or Uber stuck in traffic the majority of the day, or just battling the weather. When you do make it to a show, you’re standing in line for at least 30 minutes in a sea of intimidating people, and then 30 minutes later, the show is done. Rinse and repeat. It’s a lot, physically, so the best advice I have is to keep a banana or snacks on you at all times :D

First look: This long coat is by The Fifth Label from Revolve.com. I kept a luna bar in my big ol pocket here. This was by far my longest and warmest coat and I don’t know what I’d do without it. It kept me very comfortable in well below 32 degree weather. I layered my look with warm knits from 525 America, cropped thick denim from Joes’s Jeans, and my new insanely comfy Italian shoes from Sentiero (on Maiden Lane in SF.)

Julia shot this look outside The Hudson in 5minutes before our Uber picked us up to see the Pret a Porter Show.

The Pret a Porter show was really fun, great energy, and a mix of Menswear and Womenswear. Check out my little clip below. (I couldn’t capture many photos from this show unfortunately.)

After the show, I changed into a new outfit and we were off to another.

This look was shot outside The Time Warner Building on our way to the Verdad Show. This faux fur jacket was found at Crossroads Trading Company, turtleneck from 525 America, Denim from Joes’s Jeans, and booties from Steve Madden.

Again, I wish I took photos from this show, but in the moment I was just taking it all in. Did you see my video on Instastories though? :D

Verdad - Runway - February 2017 - New York Fashion Week — (Photo by Noam Galai)

After this show it was time for dinner, so Julia, myself, and Christina (@classtige) decided to get ramen to warm ourselves from being out all day. Ippudo had a 2hr wait time, and we were starving. So we walked around the corner to Ramen Zundo-Ya in the East Village. It was delicious, fast service, and just what we needed.

That was a wrap on Day 2. I went back early to the hotel to prep for the longest and final day of Day 3 which included a hair appointment at Amika Style Blow, 2 shows, a presentation, and then the plane ride home. Between the cold, wind, rain, and noise of the city, I was exhausted and yet on a high from all the inspiration I was taking in. Looking forward to sharing with you my final day on Monday.

Exact Links:

Grey Coat: The Fifth Label ($106)

Camel Turtleneck: 525 America ($62)

Cropped Denim: Joe’s Jeans ($106)

Belt: Rebecca Minkoff ($78)

Nando Muzi Oxfords: Sentiero Shoes

Faux Fur: Crossroads Trading Co

Black Turtleneck: 525 America ($53)

Denim: Joes’s Jeans ($106)

Booties: Steve Madden ($25)

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