High Beams

I can't let the summer go by without doing at least one post on beachwear, however small. Who knows when the sun will shine so bright again in the northwest so we should go out and chase it before it ends.

I had a fun impromptu beach shoot with my friend Trung. It was nothing serious and there was no pressure which is is exactly how the beach always makes me feel. I love this outfit because it makes me feel like a pin-up or a bathing beauty in these shots. With a crop-top, you get a tiny bit of midriff for sexiness or ventilation depending on how you like to see it. However, after the sun sets on the beach, I can still pair this outfit with a sharp blazer and some heels or nice flats and meet friends at a bar.

I'm Wearing:
Top: Kimchi Blue
Earrings: H&M (similar in emerald)
Shorts: American Apparel
Sandals: ASOS (seen here)
Sunglasses: Vintage

In the Mood for a Little Ooh La La

I've always been fond of hats, but this is my first time wearing a beret. Don't get me wrong. I think berets are super cute, but just have had trouble to pull it off myself. Thanks Zoe for helping me styling it this time! The simple tips would be make sure you wear a beret slightly (or dramatically) sideways and don't cover too much of your forehead. Also use some bobbi pins to make sure your hair stays in place.

These high-waisted shorts are 100% cotton so unlike jean shorts, it is really easy to move around in them. You can see how short they are from American Apparel's pictures here (Ooh la la!). If that is too much skin for you, try to pair them on top of some great leggings or tights and then you should be good to go :D.

Thanks Zooey for the photos and letting me borrow that cute beret!

What I'm Wearing

Hat: Similar

Scarf: Similar

Sweater: Alternative

Shorts: American Apparel

Tights: Anthropologie (American Apparel two-tone leggings)

Shoes: Dolce Vita (similar)

Coat: Nasty Gal (on sale now!)

In the Mood for Hazy Dreams of Golden Light

Photography by the Incredible Kevin Wong

This weekend we experienced the hottest days in Seattle thus far this summer and dressing for unpleasant weather can be tricky. I never want to look too minimal but on hot days it's much harder to layer up since everything ends up feeling hot and sticky against your skin. I think a good circular skirt is the best thing for a warm day and even better is a circular skirt with pockets! I got this one a few years ago at Forever 21 and it has always been my go-to summer skirt. Carrying a bag or purse on a hot day can weigh you down as much as the heat so the pockets do come in handy for small things. 

If you love the photos as much as I do, they were shot by my talented friend Kevin who is very accommodating. 

What I'm Wearing

Tank: Gilly Hicks
Skirt: Forever 21 (similar)
Sandals: Asos Colorblock Sandals

Hat: Vintage (similar)

Happy Half Birthday to In the Mood for ♥

Photos by our favorite grandma, Michael Shriver

Technically we launched this blog in February but we hatched the idea in January and it became our New Year's resolution. We figured that New Year's resolutions and blogs were two of the top things that people never keep up so if it turned out totally wrong then it was no big deal. However, six months in and we're still going strong! Thanks for all your support and for coming to our six month party!

What We're Wearing

Xiang:

Dress: Vintage backless dress (similar)
Bikini: American Apparel Criss Cross Bikini
Classy Red Sunglasses: Super

Jen:

Swim: Miu Miu Bow-embellished halterneck swimsuit
Bangle: Zipper Cuff
Sandals: Asos Colorblock Sandals

In the Mood for Some Serious Business

Blazers always have the magical ability of adding formality to any outfit. I can wear just the skirt and the top to brunch or the park but throw on a blazer and now it's an outfit that I can wear to an interview or formal business events. There's a rumor that the number of blazers you own really represent your importance in your field. Hillary Clinton is proof.


What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Lux Cropped Blazer (similar)
Top: Gilly Hicks Bow Tank (strikingly similar)
Skirt: Gilly Hicks Tiered Skirt (similar)
Tights: H&M Grey Tights (seen here)
Necklace: Forever 21 Color Block Necklace (similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Situation (seen here)

In the Mood for a Stroll in the Park

I'm not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day and even though the whole holiday is all about flowers, chocolate, and desserts, it could never hold a candle to the likes of Christmas and Chinese New Year. Although I love dining out, there's nothing remotely romantic about a crowded restaurant. So instead of deciding to sit by candlelight, we sat by the first light of the morning for an early breakfast.

We met bright and early at an empty french cafe for a delightful meal before we headed to our respective offices. So I picked an outfit that could work for a breakfast/brunch date that you can also wear to work right after. The red trench coat might be a little cheesy for Valentine's Day but it stands out every other day of the year in the gloomy Seattle weather and the skirt is cut in quite a lovely shape. You may realize down the line that I have a love obsession with Jeffrey Campbell shoes. These are especially worth obsessing over and although there are a ton of bow pumps out there, there aren't quite any in the same color nor quite any for the amazing price of $50.

What I'm Wearing

Coat: H&M Red Trench Coat 
Blouse: American Apparel Chiffon Secretary Blouse
Skirt: H&M Color Block Skirt (similar) (in dress form)
Tights: Club Monaco Polka Dot Tights (Still in stock in stores but not online - similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Situation (You may still be able to find these at Nordstrom's Rack however, here are a couple of similar styles - J. Crew, Kate Spade)