RELAX: With Burke Williams – San Francisco Centre

Burke Williams - Ayurveda TreatmentsThe last place you would think to go to relax would be the mall…

Right?

But, one of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco is that one of our best day spas lives in the Westfield San Francisco Centre.

The San Francisco Burke Williams pays homage to Paris with its striking black and white décor and “Parisienne Fantasy” theme (as seen on my Instagram). It is one of their largest and most luxurious facilities (trust me). I would splurge for a treatment just to spend an afternoon in this facility (think hot tub, steam room and sauna).

Burke Williams - Ayurveda Treatments

I was treated to a very special afternoon at Burke Williams this month as they introduced Ayurvedic body treatments to their list of services. Walking into the spa I had ZERO idea what Ayurvedic medicine was…but lucky for me the team at Burke Williams walked me through the treatment and ensured that I left probably the most relaxed I have ever been in my ENTIRE life.

The Ayurvedic body treatments use traditional herbal blends and warm aromatherapeutic essential oils. These time-honored Ayurvedic body treatments will calm the mind, balance the three doshas and create a profound sense of bliss and contentment. This practice of Ayurvedic medicine has been in existence for over 5,000 years and judging from my treatment it will be around for another 5,000.

Check out the three Ayurvedic treatments offered at Burke Williams:

SHIRODHARA “Head-flow” – Profound – Flowing – Clarity

This deeply soothing traditional Ayurvedic treatment calms the central nervous system and integrates the mind and body to achieve a heightened state of awareness, relaxation, and contentment. The treatment begins with selecting the herbal massage oil specific to the mind-body constitution, or dosha. Guests will be expertly massaged with the warm herbal oil ending with the Shirodhara, a constant and gentle stream of oil poured over the third eye to create a profound state of happiness and mental clarity. 

ANANDA “Bliss” – Rhythmic – Hydrating – Vitality

Traditional Ayurvedic practice focuses on the 5 energy channels of the head, feet and hands. Ayurvedic herbs are applied to the five points followed by a nourishing, rhythmic flowing massage with heated therapeutic oils. Special emphasis is placed on the Marma points, the vital energy points that move electromagnetic energy through the body. Finally, the traditional Ayurvedic Balancing Bowl is used on the feet to balance the doshas and remove excess heat or energy from the body.

BALANCING BOWL ENHANCEMENT “Balance” – Realign – Uplifting – Peace

Made from three of earth’s metals, the Balancing Bowl contains specific properties to balance vital subtle energies within the body. Addressing the needs of the three doshas, silver balances Pitta, copper balances Kapha and brass balances Vata.  Performed with any of our massage treatments, this Ayurvedic enhancement will leave the guest relaxed with a profound sense of contentment.

Burke Williams - Ayurveda Treatments

The Burke Williams spa is an absolute treat in the heart of one of my favorite places to shop in San Francisco. Check it out for a relaxing afternoon alone or a day with the girls at the spa.

It is a San Francisco spa day must!

Friday Forecast: Real-Life Cinderella Shoes

Public Desire - Clear Booties

Clear plastic and lucite shoes are popping up on the feet of every fashionista.

This shoe trend is a little odd and probably VERY uncomfortable – but I’m into it.

Maybe I didn’t play enough dress-up enough as a kid (Thanks, Mom), maybe I just want to take all the shoe inspiration this season from Kim and Kanye – I don’t know.

I just snagged these booties from clear shoe master, Public Desire. These bad boys have a glimmering heel and serious attitude with a completely see through upper and a peep-toe that will hopefully keep my toes free to wiggle.

Will you be wearing clear heels this season?

Check out some of my favorite styles below:

Santana Row – Street Style

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa WebbMy San Francisco street style hit the streets of San Jose this weekend…

But the weather in San Jose does not call for layers, like San Francisco.

The streets of San Jose’s Santana Row are well manicured and much warmer than San Francisco. So the Marissa Webb jacket that I insisted on wearing was a little much for the weather but -it satisfied my itch to get fall fashion going in my wardrobe.

This weekend trip down to San Jose also helped with my serious case of FOMO when it comes to New York Fashion Week.

Am I the only blogger who didn’t attend this year?

And with Marissa Webb and fashion week on my mind, can we take a minute to talk about the Marissa Webb show? Homegirl can do no wrong.

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

What I Wore:

Jacket: Marissa Webb, Erna Hooded Utility Jacket (sold out). Love these two new options from Marissa Webb here + here.

Jeans: Current/Elliott, The Cropped Straight Leg Jean

Shoes: Donald J. Pliner (c/o), Kasper – woven and metallic kid leather bootie

Sunglasses: Banana Republic, Caitlin Sunglasses

Bag: Alexander Wang, Rocco

Friday Forecast: The Lace-Up Ballet Flat

Lace-up - Ribbon - Ballet FlatsAccording to social media, this is the most popular shoe trend of the season…

And if I see one more fashionista on Instagram rocking the Miu Miu, Strapped Printed Lace-Up Ballet Flats I could scream (of jealousy).

Now, if you’re searching for the perfect upgrade to the classic skimmer, look no further: The lace-up ballet flat is the one for you. I am over the days of the Aquazzura leather cord wrap and am now a major fan of the feminine grosgrain ribbon trend for Fall. The ribbon laces are one of those simple details that pack a strong punch when it comes to taking any look to the next level.

I’ve searched the internet for all the dance-inspired flats with different styles and budgets (below). I suggest going for a pair in jet-black leather for an office-appropriate flat, or choose a color that pops against your cropped kick flare denim on the weekends. Either way, I am stocking up on this trend this season.

Lace-up - Ribbon - Ballet Flats

Lace-up - Ribbon - Ballet Flats

Shop Some of My Favorite Styles Below:

Friday Forecast: The Best Labor Day Sales

The Best Labor Day Sales (1)

Proper online shopping is a labor of love. You’ve gotta search for the best discount codes, find free shipping, locate your size and deal with the buyer’s remorse…the list goes on and on.

So, lucky for you I’ve spent the last couple hours online shopping + navigating the best sales this Labor Day weekend. So grab a mimosa, charge your laptop and break out the credit cards.

Ann Taylor: Extra 50% off ALL sale styles.

Anthropologie: Extra 40% off sale item. Dying for this skirt. I can see it twirling into fall.

ASOS: 15% off everything with the code: LASTHURRAH

Banana Republic: 40% off (almost) everything. Snag these sunnies. I am having a serious love affair with them.

Barneys Warehouse: My absolute favorite website for designer deals. Take an extra 30% off select styles. These major Aquazzura lace-up sandals are a VERY good idea.

Bloomingdales: Extra 20% off a great selection of sale and clearance items. I just snagged this fringe jacket from McGuire but want this dress from N Nicholas too.

Club Monaco: Take an extra 40% off sale items with code FAREWELLSUMMER, through September 5th.

Gap: 40% off your purchase with the code: SHINEON. Adore this wool bomber and you can snag this one for your man too.

Intermix: Take an extra 40% off sale. Do I need this dress or what?

J.Crew: 30% off orders of $200+ or 25% off orders of $125+ with code SHOPMORE, through September 5th.

Nasty Gal: Take an extra 25% off sale

Reformation: Their bi-annual summer sale is in full swing. Snag what’s left at up to 90% off.

Shopbop: Select items up to 70% off. I live in this Style Mafia sweater (seen here) and have been stalking this Marissa Webb dress FOREVER.

The Outnet: Extra 30% off the designer edit. This designer edit includes Balmain + Mui Mui.