Major Missoni Moment + A Gilt City SF Warehouse Sale Giveaway!

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Silk scarf: Missoni via Gilt // Pink tank: Zara // Palazzo pants: Zara // Nude heels: Nine West via Piperlime // Round sunglasses: Target // Teardrop necklace: old present from le hubs

Sunshine is back in San Francisco, and its arrival was just what I needed after a bit of a bummer day. I just put on this light, upbeat ensemble and kept pushing through. That morning’s arrival of this Missoni scarf couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. I opened up my purchase from Gilt (their order fulfillment department is ba-na-nas; I didn’t think this could possibly arrive in time for this post), tossed it around my neck with what I hoped was reminiscent of a Parisian je ne sais quoi and skipped out the door. The power of a comfortable, confident outfit is really quite something.

As if a gorgeous piece of an iconic fashion house wasn’t enough to brighten my mood, I have some great news: we’re going shopping and getting some deals.

Gilt City logo

I have partnered with Gilt City SF to give one of my lovely readers 2 tickets to the Gilt City Warehouse Sale in San Francisco on Saturday, May 18th. They’re clearing out their warehouse, which means crazily good prices and some unbeatable finds.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter box below. There are 4 ways you can earn entries before 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, 5/14/13:

  • Mandatory: Leave a comment and tell me your favorite designer you hope to score at the sale
  • You can repeat this every day for additional entries: Tweet about the giveaway – see sample tweet in Rafflecopter
  • Extra entry: Follow @GiltCitySF for daily deals
  • Extra Entry: Like Gilt City on Facebook for fashionable fun

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! I will be shopping the sale, too, and can’t wait to share my finds! You can buy tickets online here. Designer shopping at insanely good pricing? Now that is what I want to hear.

***UPDATE: 9 AM, 5.15.13*** Congratulations, Sierra! Her comment entry was randomly selected by Random.org through Rafflecopter to be the winning entry. Look for an email from me!

Don’t fret if you didn’t win – you can still score tickets here, and they are still only $10! This is a warehouse sale that is not to be missed! Share your fashionable finds on Twitter and Instagram and tag me @sarahsambitions and hashtag #raidthewarehouse so I can see what you scored. I’ll be sharing my finds, too!

Xo, Sarah

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Black and Navy Outfit

Sarah's Ambitions | black and navy outfit Sarah's Ambitions | black and navy outfit

Navy military top: Express (old, new version here) // Faux leather shorts: Zara // Ankle-strap sandal heels: Levity via DSW // Black jacket: Springfield (purchased in Spain in college) // Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton // Ring necklace: H&M // Round sunglasses: Target (similar)

Sometimes, you just need to throw on what you find and run out the door. I was really busy rolling out some client projects last week, so I grabbed an easy combo before trucking to my favorite coffee shop for crunch time.

Despite getting dressed in a minute flat, I felt confident in this ensemble. The right outfit, one that is comfortable but classic, is like armor; makeup is the war paint. And there is nothing more comfortable than these elastic-waist shorts – I’ll let the faux leather chic-ness fool you into thinking they are more classic than comfort.

What’s your go-to power outfit? My style lately has evolved to be a bit more casual since that is the norm with my clients, but when I need to rock the situation, a smart dress, a blazer and walkable-but-powerful heels make me feel like a million dollars.

On that note: how adorable is this case? “I’ve never been a millionaire but I just know I’d be darling at it.”

Here’s to working towards your dreams – and may most not be related to the financial.

Xo, Sarah

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The World Is My Oyster

Sarah's Ambitions | The World is My Oyster Sarah's Ambitions | The World is My Oyster Sarah's Ambitions | The World is My Oyster

Dress: Zara // White blazer: H&M (similar here from Zara) // Pavé triangles necklace: H&M // Love in a bottle necklace: Forever21 // Triangle ring: H&M // Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton // Ballet flats: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom // Sunglasses: Target // Eyeglasses (that you are in fact peeping through my sunglasses): c/o Warby Parker contest

Lately my life has been all work, work, work. I am learning how to strike a balance that works for me and I am so excited for some big changes that le hubs and I have planned for the next few months. (Stay tuned!)

For this shoot, we met up for lunch and found this little stretch of oyster shell beach on the Bay right across from the restaurant. I learned that much of this particular city was formerly oyster beds, and the “soil” is full of their pearly shells – resulting in a beautiful beach.

It’s fun to think of what the future can hold and where we will go. The world is my oyster, and I am very proud of what I have already accomplished. I recently had a great conversation with another #getitgirl I admire. It reaffirmed my faith in the power of hard work and perseverance. Each of the two of us is a self-made self-starter, and sharing the motivation is empowering and inspiring. I’m willing to bet many of you are the same way.

Later that day, another #getitgirl friend and I were talking about people who let you down. If you think about it, maybe that’s why so many people I admire have unique, self-made beginnings to their stories: like an oyster, it takes an irritant to start the creation of the pearl. While in application to life I doubt the necessity of major obstacles early on, perhaps that just makes the end result that much better for those of us who don’t just rise to the occasion, but spread our wings and soar.

Have a pearlescent Friday. You have earned it.

Xo, Sarah

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Pastel Pink

Sarah's Ambitions - Pale Pink - shorts chic outfit Sarah's Ambitions - Pale Pink - shorts chic outfit Sarah's Ambitions - Pale Pink - shorts chic outfit

Pink tank: Zara // White blazer: H&M // Black faux leather shorts: Zara (I seriously own two identical pairs; total must-have staple piece!) // Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton // Bow flats: Ivanka Trump via Nordstrom // Ring necklace: H&M // Pyramid ring: Forever21 // Mirrored rose sunglasses: H&M // Pink lipgloss: “Smooth Talker” c/o BareMinerals

I wore this outfit for a day of working at a local café, where I got some real sunshine for the first time in a long time. It was deliciously warm and entirely addictive. The weather in San Francisco (and the neighboring city where I live, one step farther down the coast) is often a bit too chilly and a bit too cloudy for this sunbaby’s liking, so the fact that one can drive 25 minutes and be tomando las rayas del sol is perfection. I took in those rays like there was no tomorrow . . . but then I came back again the next day and fully plan to again and again. Claaaaro que sí. Of course.

Last week, I attended a BareMinerals event all about moxie – a concept I love. They sent me home with some beautiful lip glosses, and this “Smooth Talker” is the perfectly pastel pink for a punchy, confident little beauty boost. Its slightly minty-fresh tingle and sheer, no-nonsense hue had my moxie at full force all day long. Perfect for the #getitgirl!

Xo, Sarah

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Midriff and a Maxi

Sarah's Ambitions  | Midriff and a Maxi | Coachella-inspired outfitSarah's Ambitions  | Midriff and a Maxi | Coachella-inspired outfitSarah's Ambitions  | Midriff and a Maxi | Coachella-inspired outfit

 T-shirt: Target // Pleated maxi skirt: Laundry by Shelli Segal (similar here) // Ballet flats: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom // Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton tote // Faux leather moto: Target // Pavé necklace: Target // Gem bracelet: Forever21 // Black pavé bracelet: Target

After seeing one of my favorite bloggers, Late Afternoon, rocking an all-white maxi and crop-top outfit on her Instagram at Coachella, I knew I had to make it happen. This music-festival-inspired ensemble has just been waiting to happen. I was too young for the midriff trend last time around and probably won’t want to the next time it strikes, so, boom.

This weekend was completely restorative to everything except my wallet. I enjoyed lazy mornings, some excellent meals with great people, some shopping and plenty of family time. This particular day, I brunched at Twenty-Five Lusk with Adiel of It’s Because I Think Too Much, after which we traipsed around Union Square. Then Dave and I ran more errands and had dinner at our favorite burger place.

I could get used to all of this . . . oh, hai, Monday. Didn’t see you coming.

Xo, Sarah

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Spring 2013 Trend Report: Pretty Pop of Color

Spring 2013 Trend: Pretty Pop | colorful wardrobe additions

1) Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Collection polish in Selena via Target, $7.04 // 2) Coach Legacy leather large wristlet in lemon, $108.00 // 3) Saint Laurent Arty gold-plated glass ring via Net-a-Porter, $290 // 4) Pim + Larkin pavé bangle via Piperlime, $18.00 // 5) Belle by Sigerson Morrison Augurst sandals via ShopBop, $260.00

Spring is here, I can feel it! The sunshine and warmer temps have me wanting to add a bit more color to my wardrobe. The key for this season is keeping it pretty, polished and professional. I’m not feeling the overly-loud look right now, so these sweet little additions are right up my alley. Paired with a black-and-white ensemble (more on that trend soon) or a floral-pattern frock, playing up a color or two feels just-right for this spring. I won’t be mixing prints or doing any contrasting color-blocking – it feels like too much noise on my personal wavelength.

How will you take on the trend? I already tried this nail polish – color me obsessed! Or tickled pink?

Xo, Sarah

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Take Me to Spain

Sarah's Ambitions - Take Me to Spain - black and white outfitSarah's Ambitions - Take Me to Spain - black and white outfitSarah's Ambitions - Take Me to Spain - black and white outfitSarah's Ambitions - Take Me to Spain - black and white outfit

Sweater: Gap (spring version here) // Shorts: Zara // Microfiber tights: Target // Ballet flats: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom // Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid satchel (similar Selma in a perfect spring color) // Men’s watch: Invicta // Black pavé bracelet: Target // Round sunglasses: Target

Short and sweet: I want to go to Spain. Necesito algo de cambio y me parece que España sería exactamente lo que necesito. I need some change and Spain seems like exactly what I need.

Chao. Kthanksbeepbeepzoomseeyabye.

Xo, Sarah

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Hello, Favorites

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 Faux leather shorts: Zara // Oversize black cardigan: Express (layered, old) // Large scarf: Marc Jacobs for Neiman Marcus + Target // Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton tote // Bow flats: Ivanka Trump via Nordstrom // Cateye sunglasses: Target // Men’s watch: Invicta // Gem bracelet: Forever21 // Black pavé bracelet: Target

In the midst of some big demands on my time (#getitgirlproblems), going with my favorites is the clear choice for outfits. I’d write you a book about how much I love these shorts but I’m too busy, so I’ll catch you later.

Xo, Sarah

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#Getitgirl Dreams and Courage

Sarah's Ambitions - #Getitgirl Dreams and Courage

This quote is a healthy reminder to believe in yourself and go for the gold. That Walt is sure an inspiring soul.

How will you be courageous today? I’m tackling my to-do list and added two networking events to my calendar. Plus, I have been wanting to ask for something to help my career – so I just did it, and it opened a door! Moral of the story: the #getitgirl needs to get after it for herself if others are going to rev up the wild ride.

Get it, girl.

Xo, Sarah

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Gold Ombré Manicure

Sarah's Ambitions - Gold Ombre Manicure Sarah's Ambitions - Gold Ombre Manicure

Hot pink nail polish: Chanel 519 Rose Exuberant // Gold nail polish: Sonia Kashuk 31 Golden Ticket

After trying a black manicure with reverse ombre last week, I wanted to give it a more colorful update to kick off the springtime weather we’re having this week. It feels fun enough for a fashion blogger and professional enough to werk for work. Color me obsessed!

How are you prepping for spring? I have found myself gravitating towards pretty pops of color, and I’m itching to add some pastel to my closet. Pretty faboosh that the black and white “trend” we all know I embrace so lovingly is extra conducive to colorful accessorizing! Loving my staple pieces even more this season.

Xo, Sarah

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