In the Mood for a Fancy Night Out

Valentine's day or not, spread your love! Hope all of you guys had a good time. I certainly did :)
My date and I dolled up and went to a nice dinner at Gary Danko. It was my first time there and the food was delicious.

My outfit falls into the "fancy dinner" category from our previous post. I picked my rarely-worn one shoulder ruffle dress (not too many occasions require me to dress up :p).

I love how I can tie a big bow on my shoulder and the ruffles just add cuteness! 

I definitely need my dear leather jacket to keep me warm in the cold SF weather.

Lastly, the subtlety of the lace on my shoes and leggings adds a bit of texture and pattern, but not complexity from the overall dark colors. The bright colors come from the accessories and make up: red heart necklace, red lips and red nails :) 

What I'm Wearing

Dress: French Connection One Shoulder Dress (similar in blue from TIBI)
Jacket: Leather Jacket with detachable Fur from mom (similar from FreePeople)
Heels: Nine West (similar from Dolce&Gabbana)
Leggings: Banana Republic (similar from Patrizia Pepe)
Earrings: Swarovski (similar)
Necklace: from mom (similar)
Ring: Tous
Clutch: BCBG (similar from BCBG)


Note: this post's background credit to KateSpade

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)

Gearing Up for Valentine's Day: Gentlemen's Edition

Our very first guest post ever is by two of our good friends, Sabrina and Xiaohan (learn more about them at the end of the post), who both have wicked style when it comes to men's cloths. We thought we'd put them to the test and have them compliment our Valentine's Day post. Let's see how they did!

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Cute Brunch Date

Xiaohan

"You're going out to brunch on Valentine's Day. Don't front; clearly you care enough about whomever you're brunching with to be taking an early lunch from work. Your go-to pair of jeans, favorite button-down, and a cozy jacket are the perfect combination for this occasion. A blue pair of oxfords exemplify the fact that you know how to make an otherwise cozy outfit stand out. Finally, the Timex piece is a great watch for when you need to look well-kept but don't have a few hundred to throw down."

Xiaohan's Brunch Set by jenau on polyvore.com

Blazer: J. Crew Linen herringbone sportcoat in Ludlow fit
Jeans: Levis 513™ Slim Jeans
Shirt: J. Crew Secret Wash button-down shirt in small gingham
Shoes: Common Projects Navy Officer's Derby Shoes
Watch: Timex Men's T2N647KW Weekender Black Slip Through Strap Watch

Sabrina
"Keep it casual but cool with linen shirts, light pants, and a pop of Valentine's Day red."

Sabrina's Brunch Set by jenau featuring cardigans



Sweater: Ted Baker Shawl neck cardigan - RALEIGH
Jeans: Levis 511™ Skinny Trousers
Shirt: Isaia Frank Dress Shirt at Park & Bond (Cheaper Alternative : Zara Gingham Check Shirt)
Shoes: PF Flyers Center Hi
Glasses: Warby Parker Beckett Revolver Black Matte



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Hot Date

Xiaohan

"No need to go for the red-on-red tie and shirt combo here. OK, it's Valentine's Day, but neither you nor your date want you to be downed in the red sea of society that becomes blemished every February 14. I like this outfit because the button-down, sweater, and slacks combo looks like you're there to impress your date, but doesn't go overboard at the same time. My favorite part of this outfit is that the understated red button-down and red plaid scarf will stand out when your date notices. Finally, a great pair of oxfords can go oh so far."

Xiaohan's Hot Date Set by jenau featuring a wool blend coat


Coat: Burberry Prorsum Linen and Wool-Blend Peacoat
Pants: Michael Kors 'Stretch' Flat Front Twill Pants
Sweater: Burberry Brit Cashmere & Cotton Sweater
Shirt: Classic All-Cotton Slim Fit Button-Down Stripe Dress Shirt
Tie: Solid Repp Tie
Scarf: Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Plaid Scarf
Shoes: H By Hudson Habana Shoes
Watch: Citizen Men's BL5250-02L Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch

Sabrina
"Keep it simple and sophisticated with black and white slim-cut staples. Keep it interesting with high-end detailed accessories."

Sabrina's Hot Date Set by jenau featuring a trench coat

Coat: Burberry London Britton Twill Trench Coat
Jacket: J.Crew Ludlow Suit Jacket
Pants: J. Crew Ludlow slim suit pant in Italian wool
Shirt: Michael Kors Trim Fit Dress Shirt
Tie: Dolce & Gabbana Silk Tie
Shoes: Versace V900020-VAS068
Belt: Lanvin Leather and Grosgrain Belt



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Singles Mixer
Xiaohan
"If you're still reading, I'm assuming that you at least semi-care about how well-kept you are. For a singles mixer, wearing what's comfortable yet stylish is the key. A v-neck and cardigan combo is very flattering, and a dark pair of jeans completes the outfit nicely. As always, wear your favorite watch, and strut your single pride all night long in a pair of Clarks desert boots."

Xiaohan's Singles Mixer Set by jenau featuring cardigans


Sweater: Kitsuné Merino Wool Cardigan
Jeans: J Brand Denim Kane Worn-In Straight-Leg Jeans
Shirt: Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck
Shoes: Clarks Originals Men's Desert Boot
Watch: Uniform Wares 250 Series Steel Wristwatch

Sabrina
"Stand out in a crowd in a juicy orange sweater and festive polka dot tie, but stay rugged with classic navy pants and a masculine brown leather jacket."

Sabrina's Singles Mixer Set by jenau featuring sweaters

Jacket: Zara Synthetic Leather Jacket With Shirt Collar
Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren Linen, Cotton and Silk-Blend Knitted Sweater
Pants: Oliver Spencer Cotton Twill Straight-Leg Suit Trousers
Shirt: TOPMAN Off White Silk Contrast Shirt
Tie: Depp Grid Skinny Tie by Thomas Pink
Shoes: Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Dress Oxford


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Club Night

Xiaohan
"OK, while I don't really care for going out with "the guys" for the sake of celebrating Valentine's Day, if you must, you should probably look nice doing so. A striped shirt is a great way to look slim and is a killer combination under a well-fitted jacket. You're not going to work nor are you on a fancy date, so a nice dark pair of jeans will do just fine. Finally, a pocket square is the cherry on top for this outfit since it gives the impression that you're just a rung higher than any other guys out there on the metaphorical single ladder."

Xiaohan's Club Night Set by jenau featuring a linen blazer


Blazer: PS by Paul Smith Lightweight Linen Blazer
Jeans: Jean Shop Rocker Straight Leg Jeans
Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren Classic-Fit Striped Oxford
Pocket Square: Brooks Brothers Silk Pocket Square
Shoes: Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Cap Toe Oxford
Watch: OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds

Sabrina
"A slim-cut denim jacket adds a bit of rocker edge to an otherwise clean-cut look suited for a range of activities from hitting up a concert to a club. The deep red pants keep things bold and festive without being overbearingly cutesy. "

Sabrina's Club Night Set by jenau on polyvore.com

Jacket: All Saints Gowd Jacket
Jeans: Levis 511 Skinny Sta-Prest Pants
Shirt: Nordstrom Smartcare Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt
Shoes: John Varvatos Dress Leather High-Top
Flask: Cavalier — Engraved Stainless Flask

So what do you think? Leave your comments here and let us know!

Love,
X&J



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A little about our friends:

Sabrina:
I am designer living and working in the San Francisco start-up scene. I am also one half of the social media explosion known as Social Proof and has a not-so-secret love for tailored yet rugged menswear. I've even been known to enjoy shopping for guy friends more than for myself!

I did this collection for CMU's Luna Gala Fashion Show. Check it out here.

Xiaohan:
I love simple clothing. When it come's to looking good for men, it's not about how many tribal bracelets you have or how big your Afghan scarf is. A man only needs the essentials to look good: a warm jacket, well-fitting shirt, soft sweater, sleek pants, and a prominent watch. Shoes say a lot about a man, so that may be the only area where I'd be a bit more picky with clothing. I think matching clothes is overrated; maybe it's just from living in Seattle, but white on gray on black just doesn't appeal to me (ok black is slimming blah blah blah).


Find me on Twitter

Gearing Up for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Jen and I picked 4 outfits each for 4 scenarios we think you may encounter once the time comes.

• Cute Brunch Date
• Evening Outing
• Single Mixer
• Girls Night Out

We also have a special guest picked 4 outfits for guys. We will post them on our next blog. So stayed tuned!

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Cute Brunch Date

For some mysterious reason going to a brunch is always cuter than going  to any other meal, doesn't matter it is a mini date or a happy friends get-together.

Xiang

"Hope the deep sea blue and valentine red brightens your mood to start the day. Some cute accessories like the red flower hair piece adds some extra spice for the special day!"

Dress: tea and tulips boutique - one of a kind vintage. — a new year in love...
Coat: Unisex Wool Peacoat
Tights: American Apparel Crescent Pattern Fishnet
Shoes: Betsy Johnson Serenn Suede Booties With Scallop Ankle
Clutch: Hobo
Hairpin: Etsy 

Jen
"I enjoyed picking this set the most and loved the modern victorian look. My favorite thing about having a neutral outfit is adding color pop pieces such as the bright orange bag. The dress is pretty irresistible however, a chiffon skirt and blouse would also work with these accessories."

Smile, My Lovely by jenau featuring leather handbags


Dress: Emme Crochet Dress - Cream
Coat: RED VALENTINO Wool Mohair Bow Detail Coat
Tights: Falke Seidenglatt Lace Stay Ups
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Carmilla Boot
Necklace: 1928 Jewelry Vintage Collection Gold Tone Rose Motif Locket Necklace
Earrings: Kate Spade Be Mine Mini Heart Studs
Bag: Cleobella Cantina Medium Crossbody in Neon Orange

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Hot Date

You've got a hot date taking you out for on a lovely evening. It is time to play dress up!

Xiang

"The strapless skater dress will make you look sexy and sweet. It shows off your sexy collar bones with a sweetheart neckline. Match that with some sparkles from Swarovski. The tulip coat keeps you warm and follows the dress shape. The perfect length of the coat lets you show off your long legs too! Oh and to jazz things up a bit, a fun sparkle manicure always helps!"

Xiang's Hot Date Set by jenau featuring heart shaped jewelry

Dress: Asos Strapless Skater Dress With Sweetheart Neckline
Coat: Miu Miu Coat
Bag: BCBG Jenna Ruffled Minaudiere
Bangle: Swarovski Edith Bangle
Necklace: Swarovski Alana Clear Crystal Pendant
Earrings: Swarovski Alana Light Rose Pierced Earrings
Shoe Options: Nine West Dressy High Heels or Dolce & Gabbana Sequin Ballerina Pumps


Here is a nice tutorial on how to do a sparkle manicure.

Jen
"Let's face it, if you're going on a date with a guy, most likely all he will care about is how hot you look in a dress. I tried to pick a dress that would be flattering to all shapes and sizes but this dress carries the bonus of walking and flowing romantically as well. It also features a sexy back for a lovely surprise. A cropped jacket with this dress will make sure that the skirt gets the freedom it needs to move beautifully."

All That Glitter and Gold by jenau featuring a cropped leather jacket

Dress: Say You Will Dress
Coat: ALICE BY TEMPERLEY Libre Cropped Leather Jacket
Shoes: Gold Tara High Heel Shoes
Bag: Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch
Necklace: BCBG Stone Floral Necklace
Earrings: Kate Spade Petit Rouge Clip Earrings
Lips: Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss


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Singles Mixer
No need to stay in on the special occasion even if you have not found your perfect one yet. Go to a fun single mixer, meet new people, enjoy the night, and maybe someone will get lucky!

Xiang
"A casual pink/peachy dress is not too dressy but still cute and flirty. Pairing it with other bright color accessories makes you impossible to miss. Layer with wither a white coat or a white sweater to keep you warm on a cold February night and stick with a light color pallet."

Xiang's Single Mixer Set by jenau featuring a short coat
Dress: Flirty Pink Cocktail Dresses by Phoebe Couture
Sweater: Liza Sweater
Coat: MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Trench Coat
Shoes: kate spade new york 'simon' pump
Ring: Sequin Peach Cluster Ring
Bag: Maje Kumy nappa leather clutch

Jen
"This sexy red dress will surely turn heads and the gold decal makes it extravagant enough to act in place of jewelry. Two of my favorite trends right now is the quilted hand bag and the trench coat so it made me happy that both happened to go very well with this outfit!"

Hearts on Fire by jenau featuring leather shoulder handbags

Dress: Gold Bar Dress
Coat: YVES SAINT LAURENT Short Trench Coat 
Shoes: Ted Baker Black & Gold Rhaxma Ankle Boot 
Tights: Tights for Every Occasion in Olive 
Bag: CHANEL VINTAGE QUILTED FLAP SHOULDER BAG
Earrings: Kate Spade Double Bow Studs

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Girl's Night Out
Spread your love with your girls friends? Here are our picks for you!

Xiang
"Asymmetrical silver sequin one-piece with the laic-back yet glamourous chain-and-feather headband definitely makes you stand out in a club! Show off your legs with back seam tights and patterned leather wedge booties. Add a bit color with a red clutch and gold manicure to become that cool and hot chick everyone is jealous of!"

Xiang's Girl's Night Out Set by jenau featuring feather hair accessories

One-piece: Miss Selfridge Silver Sequin Top Body
Jacket: JEAN PAUL GAULTIER VINTAGE cropped leather jacket
Tights: Kate Spade Scallop Back Seam Tights
Shoes: Rupert Sanderson Black Leather Wedge Bootie
Bag: BCBG Evelyn Printed Mesh Clutch
Headband: BCBG CHAIN-AND-FEATHER HEADBAND
Bracelet: Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet


And this outfit would be really complete with gold metallic manicure!

Jen
"What I love about this outfit is that nothing is hotter and more girly than hot pink however, the leather and the skulls give this outfit a bit of edge and let's everyone know that you're no ordinary sweet girl. You can also class up this look for a hot date with a blazer and a pair of nice pumps."

Warm My Chilly Heart by jenau featuring michael kors handbags

Dress: Hot Pink Right Angles Dress
Jacket: Moschino Cheap and Chic Leather biker jacket
Shoes: Alexander McQueen Classic skull ankle booties
Clutch: Michael Kors Gia Ostrich-Embossed Leather Clutch, Neon Pink
Ring: Alexander McQueen Shell Skull Ring
Necklace: J.Crew Bubble 18-karat gold-plated acetate necklace
Earrings: Alvina Abramova Skull-Drop Frida Earrings


This project was a lot of fun for us and I'm definitely tempted to buy every dress on our list. Don't be surprised if you see some of these items in future posts!
Hope you enjoy our picks! And be sure to check out our next post on guy's outfit :)


love,
X&J