Tuxedo

Top: Forever 21/ Jeans: Levi's/ Shoes: Nordstrom/ Watch: Michael Kors

I wanted to get back to basics and felt like dressing in black and white. I love the hi-low hem of my flowy top and the pleats down the front. It kind of reminds me of a tuxedo. I topped it off with my black shiny shoes because everyone needs some sparkle, even in the day time!

Charmed, I'm Sure

Top: Ambiance/ Jeans: Zara/ Shoes: DV Dolce Vita/ Necklace: Charming Charlie

I've always loved this top--not only because of the hearts, but also its ikat-like pattern. I just have a soft spot for printed patterns! Thank you to all my followers (both new and old!) for taking the time to read this blog. It's almost been 4 years and there were many times where I just wanted to give up and throw in the towel. Your comments have definitely motivated me to keep this thing going!

Gingham Style

 Dress: Levi's/ Shoes: Halogen (Nordstrom) 

When I saw the Levi's Fall ad campaigns feature this gingham dress, I knew I had to go downstairs (yes, we have a Levi's store in our downstairs lobby--dangerous!) and pick this bright orange and blue check piece. It's feminine and fun--all the elements I love in a dress!

Blue Moon

 Dress: Levi's/ Shoes: Nordstrom (Halogen brand)

Working at Levi's and constantly being surrounded by product has its drawbacks--I always have to have everything! I saw this cute little blue number while browsing the racks and quickly purchased it before heading back into the office. I love the rope cord that cinches in the waist and the soft texture of the dress. It's definitely a good dress for the office, and a great transitional piece for drinks after work.

The Red Lip

The Inspiration

I have always wanted to try a red lip for the longest time, but was intimidated on how to pull this look off. I went to Sephora and got a quick makeup lesson and decided to take the plunge.



Because I have a darker skin tone, they suggested that I use a more matte red, that's not super bright. We tried different shades of red, and finally settled on Kat Von D's "Hellbent." Since a red lip is super precise, you have to apply it using a lip brush. Applying it directly will be a bit messy and not have that effect that you want (you don't want to look clown-ish!). I personally don't like to use lip liner just because it's hard to perfectly match your lipstick shade, and it's just too much work. I'm all about being easy, and not spending too much time on my makeup.

The Steps

Since I'm not a makeup expert by any means, I decided to use Keiko Lynn's makeup tutorial. She uses lip liner in her post, and I opted to go without; but, it's all up to you! Here are her steps:

1. Moisturize your lips. You don't want chapped lips because you want the application to be as smooth as possible!

2. Use a lip brush to apply your red hue of coice

3. Clean up the edges of your lips with a concealer and brush. This will hide your mistakes and prevent your lipstick from bleeding. 

4. Blot and you're done!

Finished Product

*Note: image is blurry on purpose! I instagramed this and made sure to highlight the red lip!*

Love Child

 

Top: Millau from LF Boutique/ Necklace: Francesca's/ Jeans: Levi's/ Shoes: Nordstrom

I had heard about the huge LF sale on Union Street and never made my way to check it out until this past weekend. By then, the store literally looked like it was ransacked. Clothes were strewn on the floor and were stacked haphazardly on the shelves. I was doubtful that I would find anything, but when I found this tie-dyed number, I knew it was worth a shot. It looked like a huge sack, but when I tried it on, it actually transformed into something wearable and cute. The best part is the discount: originally $168 down to a mere $24. Score!

Pretty Little Things

1. Chrysoprase Bracelet from Marida Jewelry 2. Ring from Catbird. 3. Ball necklace from Francesca's 4.Letter necklace from Maya Brenner 5. Ampersand Earrings from Catbird 6. Bracelet from Maya Brenner 7. Alphabet Ring from Catbird 8. Ring/Bracelet Combo from Marida Jewelry 9. Necklace from Marida Jewelry 10. Earrings from Nordstrom

We all go through fashion phases. Currently, I am trading in my chunky bracelets and over-sized rings for small, little, delicate pieces. It all started with my gifted "V" ring (see #7) from Catbird and I've been hooked since. This past weekend, I bought this amazing bracelet (see #1) from my local boutique, Fawn, and discovered Marida Jewelry. She has some pretty affordable pieces, and I can't wait to go back to see what else will be in store. They're all just pretty little things!

What are your favorites?

Circus

Tank: Diane Von Furstenburg/ Skirt: J.Crew/ Shoes: Sam Edelman/ Necklace: J.Crew

I rarely wear skirts. I decided to reach out of my comfort zone and purchased this little number for less than $25 at J.Crew. It's the perfect length and is great for Summer (yes, Summer comes late here in San Francisco). Hope you all had a great weekend! 

Foodie Friday

1. Truffled Fries from Bottega 2. Iced Latte and Brownie Bite from Bouchon 3. Pork Chops from Mustard's Grill 4. Scallops from Redd 5. Pasta from Mustard's Grill 6. Duck Three Ways from Bottega 7. S'Mores from Redd 8. Champagne from Domaine Chandon 9. Grapes in a Vineyard 10. Bacon and Eggs from Bottega

To wrap up this long week, I wanted to take a little break from the outfits and wanted to do a post based on my second favorite thing to fashion: food. I am a foodie at heart and take my eating establishments seriously. I had planned this little overnight trip to Napa in advanced and did some extensive research on places to eat. After reading reviews, I settled on three places: Mustard's Grill, Bottega, and Redd. Although all three were delicious, my favorite was (by far), Bottega. The food was simply fantastic. Overall, I had a great trip to Napa and I definitely can't wait to return and try out more places to eat!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Paper Hearts

Sweater: J.Crew/Jeans: Levi's/Shoes: Nordstrom

On our way home from Napa, we stopped by the outlets (naturally), and went into the J.Crew store. I saw this asymmetrical heart sweater and knew I couldn't leave the store without it. I was planning on wearing it over a chambray shirt, but the weather was too warm for my liking, so perhaps in the winter months. I love the comfortable fabric and the navy body color with the pop of green brightens up even the simplest of outfits.

Through the Grapevine

 Top and Shorts: J.Crew/ Sandals: Liv

We were walking around Yountville before our brunch at Redd and found a nearby vineyard. I have been obsessing over lace lately, and found this perfect alternative tomato red top at J.Crew. It's a great way to interpret a basic knit top. The only thing I regret is not buying it in all colors.

Peaches

 Top: Forever 21/ Necklace: J.Crew/ Shorts: Levi's Outlet/ Shoes: Sam Edelman

We stopped in at Mustard's Grill for lunch and took some pictures in their adjacent garden afterwards. I highly recommend this joint if you're ever in the Napa Valley area. We couldn't get over how fresh everything tasted!

Glowing Pink

Top: J.Crew/ Shorts: Express/ Shoes: Zara/ Necklace: H&M/ Ring: BCBG/ Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Happy Monday! I ventured off to Napa this past weekend where I took a few blog posts (long overdue, I know), and fell in love with the little town of Yountville. We ate at several delicious establishments, and had a few tastings at some wineries. Overall, it was a much needed weekend away and it was good to remember that there is a life outside of work!