In the six years since Alicia Lund started her fashion blog, Cheetah is the New Black, she has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, worked as an editor at Elle.com, collaborated with dozens of brands, and opened her own clothing boutique in her hometown, Chico. She's also lived on both coasts, and she recently settled in Sacramento with her husband. We caught up with Alicia to learn more about her life, style, and favorite San Francisco dish.

What inspired you to start your blog?

I was uninspired by my day job and in need of a creative outlet. I really didn't know about blogs at the time and my boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to start one. It's taken me down a whole new career path and for that, I'm so thankful!

Where do you see your blog and business in a year?

This past fall I partnered on and opened a women's boutique in my hometown. Being the buyer for the store and creative director has been one huge learning curve, but I hope Syllabus is successful and going strong next year. I would love to be overseeing the buying still and online side of the business. I hope to continue with Cheetah is the New Black and that the blog continues to bring me styling projects that push me creatively. 

You’re a Northern California native, but you spent some time living in NYC. What did you miss most about the Bay Area when you were living there?

I'm actually originally from Chico, but lived in the Bay during and after college. When I moved to New York from San Francisco I missed the food (Mexican burritos from the Mission, specifically), I missed being in the know of everything new in tech, long walks along the water, views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the ability to escape the city and quickly be in nature, and the laid back vibe / quality of life that San Franciscans understand is so important.

How has SF influenced you?

San Francisco is a vibrant city full of smart, inspiring, and genuine people. I think it's the people that really make the city and the friendships I've made in the city that continue to mean so much to me. 

What’s your perfect lazy SF Sunday like?

Brunch or a workout class with girlfriends followed by a shopping date on Fillmore. 

What’s your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?

Either pizza or burritos!

Where would you go for a night out on the town?

I like to go for dinner / drinks in the Mission. 

What’s your favorite Bay Area day trip?

A tie between Napa and Carmel. 

Quick-fire round:

Presidio or Golden Gate Park? Presidio

Bike or MUNI? Bike

Happy hour or brunch? Happy Hour

Fillmore Street or Polk Street? Fillmore 

Burrito or burger? Burrito

Three words that describe SF to you:  Dynamic. Cultural. Casual.