Lauren from Seventeenth & Irving has the best taste, which is just one of the reasons why her blog is so appealing (and popular!). Top that off with the fact that she’s gorgeous and super talented, and you might begin to feel a little bit of envy creeping in — if it weren’t also for the fact that Lauren is one of the most friendly and down-to-earth people you’ll ever encounter. I’m so excited that she’s giving us a glimpse into her beautiful world today by sharing her favorite things.
What do you do for a living? I work in marketing for an e-commerce platform.
Places you’ve lived: I’m a Georgia peach! I grew up in a small town in Northeast Georgia, went to school at the University of Georgia, and moved to Atlanta after college. I met my boyfriend there and we packed everything up and moved to San Francisco two years ago. We love it here – I believe we’ll be on the west coast for a very long time.
Place you’d most like to visit: Since I took a lot of architecture history courses in college as part of my interior design training, I daydream about taking the “Grand European Tour” through Italy, France, and Greece to soak it all in.
Your favorite indulgence: Salted Caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery. I seriously have dreams about it.
The best advice you’ve ever received: My dad always told me to “measure twice, cut once.” Though it could be taken literally when I was in school, building to-scale models of blueprints, I apply it to other areas of my life. Think twice before you say something to someone that might be hurtful, weigh the pros and cons before making a tough decision, or double check everything before wrapping up a huge project.
If someone had just three hours in your city, where would you take them? Easy – if it’s a clear day, grab a bottle of champagne and a picnic and head straight to the top of Marin Headlands. From there, you get a birds-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the bay, and the entire city skyline. I realize I’m 100% biased, but there is nothing more magical than that view.
Chloé Eau de Parfum - My signature scent. It only takes a little, but it smells clean and feminine without being overpowering.
Staedtler Liquid Point 5 Pen - I am borderline neurotic about my pens. It must draw a super thin line, it can’t bleed through paper, it needs to be a certain weight. This is that pen. I buy them in bulk, always in black, and I will call you out if you try to walk away with my pen.
Poco Dolce Burnt Caramel Tiles – Another Bright Light, Mere from Not Merely Living, introduced me to these. They are my favorite salty + sweet treat, and the portioned tiles keep my indulgences under control.
Paddywax Mandarin & Lavender Candle – It not only smells incredibly clean and crisp, it’s poured into the bottom of a recycled wine bottle. I rapidly burn through them, but I keep the containers when I’m done and reuse them to contain makeup brushes, pens on my desk, or as vases.
C.Wonder Interchangeable Belts + Buckles (this buckle) (this belt in black) – I’ve focused on adding items that have maximum versatility to my closet this year, and the C.Wonder belt + buckle system is pure genius. Lots of bang for your buck – you buy the reversible belt straps that you like, you buy the buckles you like, and then you can mix and match them infinitely for new looks. Now my favorite elephant belt buckle can be paired with a black strap, brown strap, or gold. Sort of makes you wonder why more companies don’t do this, huh?
Restoration Hardware Vintage Washed Belgian Linen Bedding - A bit of a splurge for our home, but 100% worth it. I truly believe in purchasing the best you can afford when it comes to items you’ll use the most. I bought the “Fog” color because it feels both modern and warm, and the color name is just very appropriate for San Francisco.
Todoist - The one and only way I’m able to manage work, home, and blog tasks. If it doesn’t go into Todoist the second I think of it, it just doesn’t get done. The recurring task feature is my favorite, as it (gently) reminds me to be a grown up and take my vitamins every day.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore - I try to keep company with people that always have a great book recommendation. Jess at Curating Style is one of those people. She recommended this book to me and I finished it in a day. It’s light and fun, and quite the page turner.
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Thanks for sharing all your fabulous picks, Lauren!
Have you fallen in love with Lauren yet? We haven’t met in real life yet, but I imagine that her world is filled with such thoughtful, practical, and lovely things. For more, head over to her blog, Seventeenth & Irving.
P.S. I love what Lauren says about being a grown-up. It made me think of this article, “How To Be a Grown Up in 10 Steps” — I’m still working on this.
