It's So Simple

Dress - F21 (gifted), Ring - Bloomingdale's (gifted), Watch, Bracelet - Vintage

It's usually during September and the beginning of October that I am so thankful to be living in California, where the warm temperatures and sunshine can make me almost pretend it's still summer. (Can you tell that I am super in denial about the approach of fall? I promise I'll stop whining about it soon!) I am continuing my love affair with orange with this gorgeous dress that my sister bought me. She is my bestest friend and biggest fashion inspiration, and she knows how much I can't resist pairing orange with teal like I last did here. This dress makes it easy on me by putting the turquoise in the orange dress. It's like they're in the computer. It's so simple. Hopefully you get that movie reference because it's one of my all-time faves. If you didn't, sorry for the random non sequitur.

I can not wait for this weekend to get started. I'm making my way down to LA for a short trip to attend a swanky little rooftop party thrown by my ever fashionable friend L, a mini-college reunion since an old girlfriend is coming into town, and my dad's birthday party. You know what that means. Good food and friends? Yes. But more importantly, fun outfits! I'm especially excited to rock a "new" vintage dress that I recently had altered. It's been sitting in my closet, saying "wear me! wear me!" for months. Yes, my clothes talk to me. And no, I don't talk back. Unless I'm really lonely.

Have a lovely weekend, loves!

Blazer of Glory

Jacket - Ann Taylor, Dress - F21, Shoes - Lucky c/o ModCloth

 So this post is dedicated to Kristen Wiig and Kendi of Kendi Everyday, two other girls who are fans of the blazer-dress combo. Kendi mentioned in this post last week that she loved how Kristen was constantly sporting a blazer with a dress in the movie "Bridesmaids" (a look I also loved!) but that some girl in the movie theater complained that she didn't like that style. Como say what? What's not to like? I'm a huge fan of the look. I like how a little blazer can tone down the femininity of a girly dress but still make the outfit look polished and structured. I guess this is just further proof that fashion is subjective and individualized. Or that that girl in the movie theater with Kendi was dumb. Just kidding.

 

Am I wearing these shoes too much? I just can't seem to get my feet out of them. I cook in them, I sleep in them. OK, not really. But I would if I could. Honestly, I adore them, and I can't stop wearing them because they really seem to go with everything. They're cute and comfortable, which is perfect for a girl like me who wears heels incessantly. Let me know if you're getting sick of seeing them, but hopefully you like them as much as I do!

The weather has turned odd and scary in my neck of the woods recently. It's suddenly chilly with thunderstorms, rain and tornado warnings (What?!). So I'm planning on spending the weekend cuddled up at home, watching movies, eating takeout, and planning out my outfits for a trip to Hawaii next week! I LOVE Hawaii, so I can not wait to leave behind this dreary weather for the sunny skies and beaches of Oahu. It will be so nice to actually NOT have to pack a jacket. Yes, it's the little things that please me. Have a great weekend!

Love Her Just the Same

Jacket - GraceElement (Macy's), Dress - Rodarte for Target, Shoes - MakeMeChic.com

 There is an episode of Sex and the City during which Carrie discovers a pair of Manolo Blahnik patent leather stiletto Mary Janes in the "closet" at Vogue Magazine. Once I saw that episode, I became obsessed with finding a pair of my own. But for under $50. Eek! It took a couple of years, but find them I did. And even though they aren't actual Blahniks, I do love my Mary Janes. Like the song says, I love her just the same. Don't worry, I don't sing the song every time I wear my shoes. Anymore. But I do bust them out just about whenever I can, and this Rodarte for Target GO International dress gave me the perfect opportunity to add a little sexy class to my feet.

 How cute is this Rodarte dress? It's so simple and yet elegant. I love the lace pattern, the sophisticated taupe color, the black mesh piping around the neckline, and the flattering A-line cut of the skirt. To dress it down a little for today, I opted for an oversized blazer and a casual updo, but I think the dress would also look great for a more fancy event with a fitted, shrunken blazer and a large vintage brooch. And a BONUS is that this dress could totally work as a "work-appropriate" dress too, even at my conservative job. Sigh. I'm so proud when my clothes multi-task. I, like my mother, appreciate it when my babies are overachievers.

What are your plans for the three-day weekend? I am looking forward to a baby shower, some cocktail time with good friends, and hopefully working on some preparations for my trip to Hawaii in two weeks! And by preparations, I mean laying out by the pool and working on my tan. Yes, yes, I tan before Hawaii. I know, I'm such a cliche. But please, don't judge me. I have to get in a bathing suit in two weeks and they say a nice tan can make your figure look ten pounds smaller. OK, they probably say more like five, but a girl can live in a fantasy world dream. Have a great holiday!

Take Me Back

Dress - Vintage, Necklace- Homemade, Bracelets, Vintage, Shoes - Lucky c/o ModCloth

Over the weekend, the boyfriend and I took advantage of the sunshine to spend some time outdoors. We already had plans to see some friends in San Francisco for dinner, so we decided to head out a few hours early to take the puppy to the park and do some shopping. Then the weather turned chilly and we were both craving some clam chowder, so it was off to Fisherman's Wharf. I was so excited for the excuse to finally break out this vintage dress that's been hanging in my closet for months. I picked up it up for such a deal at the Melrose Flea Market in LA one weekend last fall and have been dying to wear it ever since. I love the full skirt and ruffled neckline. I couldn't resist snapping a lot of photos of this one, so bear with me!

I have to admit, it took me a little while to get used to the idea of vintage clothing. My mom was the kind of mom who would never let me borrow anyone's clothes when I was growing up (she was/is a bit of a germaphobe), so when my friends were swapping perfectly torn Levis and Doc Martens, I was politely declining. I never wore second-hand clothing, we never regifted bad gifts, we never even bought used cars. But I just love vintage pieces so much that I decided to get over my hangups...and I'm so glad I did. There's just something about wearing something from another era that affects the whole way I carry myself when I wear it. I swear I was twirling and prancing all up that Wharf, and I am not a twirler. Or a prancer. Well, not in public anyhow.

Do you vintage? Do your vintage pieces affect that way you feel when you wear them? I'd love to hear that I'm not alone. And not weird. And not the only prancer.

Plum's the Word

Dress - Old Navy, Cardigan - Target, Wedges - mall store, Bracelet - ModCloth + F21, Purse - Street Vendor SoHo

Do you have certain basic go-to outfits that you turn to when inspiration is running a bit low? I mentioned here that my go-to outfit for the fall is a jeans-boots-scarf combination. I realized this week that my go-to outfit for spring is a simple dress and a cardigan. I realized this as I frantically got dressed to take my little puppy to her first dog park. I say frantically because the boyfriend was impatiently standing at the door as I rushed to get dressed. Apparently deciding to stand in front of the TV watching True Hollywood Story: Holly Madison (don't judge) instead of getting ready was not a smart move.

I love how pairing the right colors can eliminate the need for other bells and whistles in an outfit, and shades of pink and blue are one of my favorite color combinations (see here). By the way, I am LOVING this bag. Not only is it fashionable and classy, it is the perfect accessory for storing all the dog treats and dog toys my pup could have possibly needed. I know a plastic bag would probably have been more appropriate for storing dog stuff, but I'm a girl whose mother used an extra large Louis Vuitton Speedy as a diaper bag when I was a baby, so hey, who am I to fight genetics.

Heading to LA this weekend to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my favorite blogger Angry Asian Man, who also happens to be one of my favorite buds from college. Have a great weekend!

Pearly Whites

Dress - H&M, Necklace - Nordstrom, Ring - H&M, Booties - F21

We ended up seeing a Broadway show in NYC (an item on my bucket list) one of the nights we were there. I hadn't heard much about "Memphis," except that it won the Tony Award in 2010 but was blown away by how fantastic it was. As I've mentioned before HERE, going to the theater always gives me the uncontrollable urge to dress up a bit. Since it was Broadway after all, I decided to go very old New York with a simple black dress and pearls. Pearls always make me feel so glamorous for some reason, and this multi-strand of pearls instantly makes me feel a little like Holly Go-Lightly. I need a giant black hat and a cigarette holder, of course, to complete the look. And about eight inches of height. And the ability to lose about 100 pounds. But you get the idea.

Sorry these photos are so blurry. I rarely take night photos exactly for that reason, but I tried to find a well-lit spot to capture the outfit. The well-lit spot I ended up finding was the hallway outside of the business center, barber shop, and beauty salon of my hotel, so I got a lot of funny looks and stares from the people inside. I told myself that they were admiring my outfit. Yes, I lie to myself sometimes, and that's OK.

Wrap It Up

Dress - Banana Republic, Boots - Nine West, Necklace - handmade, Bracelet, Ring - Vintage

I attended a fundraising dinner this week for a non-profit organization I volunteer with and struggled with what I should wear. I knew most people would be wearing suits, but I only wear a suit if my job ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, ABSOTIVELY requires it (upon punishment of death or extreme pain or chocolate deprivation). In case I'm being too subtle, I haaaate wearing suits. Which is funny, since my job actually requires me to wear one fairly often. Good career choice, KK. Anyway, since the dinner wasn't one of those wear-a-suit-or-be-fired situations, I opted instead for a monochrome wrap dress I picked up recently. With a fitted black knee-length coat (not pictured), it proved to be the perfect alternative to a boring old suit.

I had never tried on a wrap dress until a few weeks ago because I always thought I would look goofy in them, but then I saw Kendi try one and tell me they were universally flattering. And since Kendi is always right (and always adorably dressed), I tried one myself. And I'm in love! Wrap dresses hug in all the right places and are so comfortable that you can eat a seven-course fundraising dinner without having to pop a button. My kind of dress! Since I can never resist adding a pop of color, I added a bright orange necklace I made last year. I kind of wished I could have worn a multi-strand green or turquoise necklace with the dress but didn't have one. Time to go shopping . . . :)

I have had a really rough week, so I am looking forward to some retail therapy and good eats this weekend to put it all behind me. Plus, I'm getting ready for a mini-vacay to NYC next week! Can't wait to put my cold weather fashion creativity to the test. Hope you guys all have a great three-day weekend!

Love Day!

Cardigan - Target, Dress - F21, Shoes - Santee Alley, Jewelry - Vintage, Belt - Vintage, Clutch - HOBO, gifted

Happy, happy love day, everyone! Hope whether you have someone or not, today is full of love and candy and sweet fun!

The boyfriend and I kicked off Vday yesterday with a lovely and delicious brunch. Brunch is one of my absolute favorite inventions in the history of all inventions. It's my favorite meal (lunch and dinner who?) and I look forward to it all week long. Yesterday's brunch was a double date, and I celebrated Vday properly with my favorites:  a bloody mary (made with hand-crushed tomato juice and blue cheese-stuffed olives, YUM!) and a never-empty cup of Equator coffee.

Looking at these pictures already makes me long for the good weather we had here over the weekend. I wanted to wear something Valentine-y to brunch, so I opted for the deep red cardigan, and couldn't resist wearing a comfortable, printed tube dress. I love the print on this dress. It's definitely got a subtle Asian flavor, but not that garish, over-the-top wannabe Asian print that tends to make me cringe.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a LOVELY Valentine's Day. I have no idea what I'm going to wear to Vday dinner tonight since the weather has turned frigid, windy, and wet again. Suggestions are welcome!

Rodeo Rose

 

Dress, Belt - F21, Jewelry - Vintage, Tights - We Love Colors, Boots - Steve Madden

Didn't I tell you that the long-sleeved mini dress with tights and boots was one of my fave go-to outfits for cold weather? I love how this one has a bit of a Western feel to it...AND it's floral, which is always a bonus for me, since I love floral dresses! I worried that the dress was too short when I bought it, but with tights, it didn't seem too bad. And remember, wearing short skirts elongates my legs a whole half-inch. Cha-ching.

The mans and I had some errands to run in the East Bay, so we decided to grab a delicious brunch at Bette's Diner in Berkeley (check out the delicious rum banana souffle pancake I inhaled ate daintily!) and walked around the cute little shops on 4th Street.

I love the Bay Area because of all the places there are to walk around outdoors. It's one of the things I miss most about LA. There's nothing I enjoy more than strolling down a street with my pup in one hand, warm and steamy coffee in the other, window shopping and people watching. Especially when I'm wearing comfy flat boots.

And yes, I am wearing colored tights again! Yay, me! Brown this time. I'm getting braver and braver. I'll work my way up to an actual bright color any day now.

My little pup Shumai was such a good sport while I took my outfit photos, so I decided she deserved a shot of her own. She's a little fashionista herself in her little red quilted cape!

Oh, excuse me. Shumai just informed me it's a capelet.