bando-licious!

we've just found out that one of our dearest friends, who just happens to be terribly stylish (and makes quite the stunner bridesmaid), has been nominated by dailycandy (http://www.dailycandy.com/) as a 2008 "sweetest things" nominee.

she and her partner co-created ban.do, a new accessory house of awesomeness. play anything from a romantic botticelli chick (cue clueless here) to zelda fitzgerald in her 20s heyday with these one-of-a-kind creations.

vote now at http://www.shopbando.com/home.html. oh, and don't forget the haikus.

(images courtesy of shopbando.com)

northern lights

yes, we know this is a san diego site...but as we do have roots in the central valley, we thought we'd show off some very chic finds from our holiday visit north. (and there is a san diego link, we promise!)

bright boutiques in bakersfield? not our first thought either, but we were so totally impressed. here are the goods:

first up, fashionista. housed at the base of the famous fox theatre (http://www.foxtheateronline.com/), this delightful find is fabulously run by twin sisters amy and kelli davis (who we found out have this shop thing down pat -- they owned a shabby chic store around the corner for nine years before opening fashionista). our favorite standout: the variety of fedoras, newsboy and fidel caps by the

san diego hat company

(www.sandiegohat.com).

see, we told you there was a link!

also downtown you'll find tangerine (http://www.tangerineclothing.com/). besides carrying the most wonderful vêtements, the cheerful decor made us want to sing! we have to credit our new friend kathy for introducing us to the world of orla kiely (http://www.orlakiely.com/), where all things graphic come together in the way of knockout bags and luggage, clothing and (would you believe it) wallpaper!

** according to the site, it looks like we can find orla originals locally at kingdom in hillcrest (www.kingdom.com), seaside papery in coronado (www.seasidepapery.com), and dreamy on the 101 in encinitas (www.shopdreamy.com). **

make sure to also check out addictive by lc (http://www.addictivebylc.com/). we've been meaning to get back and fully check it out -- let us know what you think!

quite the tasty faceoff

well, friends -- we're a little behind on these discoveries, but we do have some updates that might tickle your (bacon) fancy.

confused? read on.

down a little avenue called 30th street lie two very yummy establishments: the linkery and urban solace. as they literally face each order from their respective corners, we find ourselves in somewhat of a conundrum when it comes to dinner decisions. therefore, we'll give you the scrumptious details on both -- and you decide!

the linkery (www.thelinkery.com) brings san diego the best and brightest of locally-produced fare and drink, and we can always count on them for something unusual (i.e. delicious pickled farm eggs). we made a beeline in when both the super mexi-dogs and 30th street ale made it to the menu, and really enjoy the cool "no tipping" policy. tip is included in the meal/drink pricing, and anything you do give over and above goes to the charity of the month.

some news: they have just opened north park meat company (http://northparkmeatco.com), an artisal curing shop that only features meats from pasture-raised animals. first on our list: the sliced pork belly bacon to sizzle up for a big breakfast with friends. not sure yet of your new year's menu? try the blackstrap molasses country ham and house-baked honey wheat hearth bread!

keep up with goings-on at jay's blog, cleverly titled "casing the joint," at www.thelinkery.com/blog

moving across the street, urban solace (www.urbansolace.net) first drew us in with its new orleans-style facade and romantic outdoor patio. dedicated to everything comfort, our new friends did not disappoint. tucked back in the corner, we started with a nosh plate and the unforgettable warm cheese biscuits, then paired the flatiron steak with a glass of leal "threesome" (a syrah/grenache/mouvedre blend). too stuffed for dessert, next time we'll be starting with the peanut butter and chocolate crume brulee!

urban solace also offers a bluegrass brunch each sunday, as well as new year's day -- make your reservation now! be sure to check out their site for featured recipes (currently it's a butter pecan sauce) at:
http://www.urbansolace.net/events.php

and most importantly, while the food is to die for, both win for absolutely the nicest people in town. we'll drink to that!

frost yourself

ok, yes...we're borrowing from "how to lose a guy in 10 days" here.

this weekend we found ourselves in a near paradise at the scottish rite center...otherwise known as the gem faire (http://www.gemfaire.com/). a very jewel-friendly friend gives us quite the bling education as we walk through the rows and rows of fabulous beads, baubles and stones, and we always come away feeling just a bit more glam.

who made our list?

renee jewelry (reneejewelry@gmail.com) -- talk about frosting! a beautiful assortment of smoky quartz, aquamarine (see pictures below)...we just loved it all!

tashci eclectic jewelry (http://www.taschci.com/) -- immediately these unique offerings caught our eye. next step: in-store visit! make a tashci piece your own today with a trip to grand and roosevelt streets in carlsbad village.

gemvendor (http://www.gemvendor.com/)
we loved the pieces at the show, but had no idea what an incredible surprise the website would be! need some affordable, recessionista-style gifts for the gals? find a virtual boutique at your fingertips!

goddess (http://www.realmofthegoddess.com/)
definitely our first stop at the january show in del mar. know those gorgeous leaves painted in silver, gold and copper you always see on celebrity necks? find them here in a variety of shapes and sizes. the site is wholesale only, but gives a good idea of what you'll find in the booth.

can't stop drooling? visit the january gem faire in del mar -- find details and a 2-for-1 coupon at:
http://www.gemfaire.com/locations/delmar_jan.html

our morning treat

so, each morning when we've poured ourselves a big cup of industrial coffee and settled in at our icky corporate job -- our friends at whowhatwear preserve our sanity with a daily dose of new style revelations.

bringing us fresh looks from best-friends-we've-haven't-met-yet like mary kate, to classic looks from faves like gwyneth, they remind us that -- in our world of endless paperwork and meetings -- we've already been promoted to CEO of our own personal fashion!

they're also quite educational, too. who else is going to teach us new vocabulary like recessionista -- brilliant!

subscribe today at:
http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/subscribe.php

share your goodness today

thanks to our two favorite "men in the morning" -- tommy and hansen on fm 94.9 -- we learned about this important giving opportunity and wanted to pass it on.

due to heavy rains last week, flooding in the salvation army's downtown warehouse ruined close to 1,000 toys. given current economic times, even more families are facing hard times and in need of the army's services -- and giving is already down this year.

want to play santa? find toy dropoff locations around the county at:
http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_sdm.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/CD4CBA54CDCA28808825750E000D0E13?openDocument

while ssd usually gives tips on fun new things for ourselves, let us take time to recognize the needs of our communities. if you have a job today, give thanks -- and share a part of the security that job provides with others struggling this holiday season.

designer chocolate? our favorite!

'tis the season to sparkle, friends -- a very important tip we were reminded of while browsing through the piles (and piles) of holiday newspaper ads this weekend.

a certain bauble caught our eye, enough so to warrant a trip into our neighborhood kohl's to check it out in person. and believe us, we were not disappointed!

while we can't get enough of aquamarine, our new crush is on the chocolate diamonds that seem to be popping up everywhere. the duo make a beautiful "pear" in this piece, which -- thanks to kohl's renowned sales -- makes an affordable investment piece for even us budget fashionistas!

check it out at:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/jewelry/brandsforjewelry/princessalexandra/rings/PRD~286895/14k+White+Gold+Aquamarine+Teardrop+Ring.jsp

(image courtesy of kohls.com)