I Can Hear the Bells

Wedding season has officially begun and, like me, you might find yourself purchasing a ton of dresses to avoid showing up in the same outfit twice. These photos were actually shot right before attending a friend's wedding and, for an event that will most likely be the most photographed event of someone's life, you want to look your best without overshadowing the couple. So I went with a simple dress with a little sparkle and low heels for the dance floor. I could easily swap out these beautiful Jeffrey Campbell bow heels for a pair of metallic ones to be a little trendier. You can even pair the dress with a jeweled belt to add a bit more shine!

Here Comes the Rain

Photography by Albert Park

I'm ready to just call it. The rainy season has officially begun in Seattle and I cannot get through it without my Loeffler Randall rain boots and yellow umbrella. I actually refused to buy rain boots before I found this pair. I always thought rain boot styles were a bit chunky and rather unflattering. All I wanted were a pair of rain boots that can also pass as normal shoes and these Loeffler Randall boots were my solution. They're incredibly sleek and simple so they're easy to pair with whatever you choose to brave the weather with.

Umbrella: American Apparel
Coat: Old Navy (similar)
Leather Jacket: H&M (seen here)
Dress: byCORPUS 
Shoes: Loeffler Randall

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

A Lack of Color

Photography by the Exquisite Michael Shriver 

We've had our wonderful days of sun here in the Emerald City and now the grey weather has brought us back to the reality that it is indeed still May. Summer couldn't come soon enough although I'm thankful that the season's stark black and whites will work in any weather.

What I'm Wearing
Shirt: ASOS
Skirt: American Apparel
Shoes: J.W. Anderson ALDO Rise (seen here)
Earrings: H&M (similar)
Clutch: Forever 21

Miami Vice

Photography by the Beautiful Brennan Thome

This dress reminds me of Florida in the 80's so I had to pair it with everything neon! Granted the northwest doesn't quite have the scenery of Miami but at least we have the weather this week. 

What I'm Wearing

Dress: Forever 21
Bracelet: Forever 21
Shoes: Carola Remer Collection For H&M

Nail Polish: American Apparel Neon Yellow

♥ [Cruise Around]

Between my last photo post and now, many things have changed. In particular, I'm excited to share my new hairdo and new bike!

Every time I get a haircut, I always walk in to the salon with an open mind, imagining some big changes... but undoubtely, I always walk out with some basic layering and a simple trim. Well, that pattern changed roughly two weeks ago when I walked into Code salon and walked out with a completely new look: I am now a ginger with bangs. Boom!

People ask me what triggered this change. The truth is that I've wanted to dye my hair for a while now. I booked this appointment early this year and I was waiting for my hair to get longer for better layering. One of my biggest concerns about dying hair is how the treatment would affect my hair's health. I did not bleach my hair. Afterwards, I also followed Irene's tips for how to care for dyed hair: intensive conditioning. So far my hair feels natural without any unusual dryness or split ends.

I always thought bangs are super cute, but I had always been hesitant to get it myself for two reasons: 1. my hair is thick and stiff. It is hard to keep it in place. 2. I have a short forehead, so my bangs would be naturally short since it would usually start from the beginning of my forehead. But my stylist at Code salon did her magic to create the illusion of normal length bangs on me.

I feel great sporting this new look. It is fun and surprisingly easy to maintain with the help of Aveda products. It took my boyfriend one week to get used to the new look, but now he loves it. <3

Photo by Christine Chang

Finally, I picked up a new bike (my previous one was stolen near 16th and Valencia in the Mission). I loved my previous bike from Giant, it was light-weight and easy to ride. But now I have a lady's cruiser from Public Bikes. I love how easy it is to get on and off it. It's taking a bit of time (literally) for me to get used to the 7-speed maximum, but I'm willing to spend more time with it (again, literally).

Public Bikes are absolutely beautifully designed. They are having a sale for small framed bikes (under 5'5") until the end of March. If you are looking for a bike, I highly recommend them. But remember to do some test rides in a shop and feel the weight of a bike before you commit to one.


What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Brandy <3 Melville
Shorts: Brandy <3 Melville (seen here)
Tights: AA (seen here)
Ring: The Rogue and The Wolf
Shoes: Cole Haan (similar)
Bike: Public

♥ [Borrowed From Boys]

Photos by Irene Tran

It took me a while to figure out how to wear this vest while still keeping it feminine and clean cut. But I got inspired by many of the drop hems seen on the runway this season and loved the retro androgynous style. However, to add some effeminate details, I used an intimate piece with an interesting pattern to show a bit of softness.

What I'm Wearing

Vest: Similar (in black)
Hat: Similar
Skirt: American Apparel
Lingerie: American Apparel
Stockings: Similar
Shoes: Cole Haan (similar form Rag & Bone)

Dare to Bare: Gentlemen's Choice

Casabella Color Splash Lingerie Line

In the tradition of last year's Valentine's day post, we asked some of our gentleman friends to pick what they would like to see girls wear underneath their clothes, just based on their perspective, as an  accompaniment to our lingerie post. We thought it would be interesting to let the guys do the shopping and find out what they think is sexy. Ladies, we want to hear what you think of these gents' choices! Who did you love the best? Who really missed the mark?


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Dan
"When it comes to lingerie, there is nothing more classically sexier than a garter belt and backseam thigh-highs. With matching bra and panties, these make anyone look like they just retired to their room overlooking the Riviera and slipped out of their pearls. All in black of course."

American Apparel

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Brandon
"In a world filled with hyper-sexualised entertainment and advertisements, it's nice to return to something a bit subdued; something that leaves room for your imagination to wander. What I've chosen is something sensual but does not give away too much. There should be some sort of build-up and anticipation with lingerie. A lot of these one-pieces, especially the lilibons wear, appear classic, accentuate shapes, adds a little bit of playfulness. They are sexy without being totally explicit. In modern times we've traded in tease for sleaze, you can still be sexy whilst wearing a number of the outfits displayed here."

Etsy

Alibaba

Lilibon

So Anxious Clothing

Agent Provocateur

American Apparel

Rakuten

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Johnny
"The thing about lingerie is this: it's not so much the lack of clothing that catches our eye, but it is, rather, the promise and tease of what lies underneath. It's that perfect moment when, too much more or too much less both result in there being nothing left to see.

My taste in lingerie is much like my preference for women: cute and feminine, while striking the right balance between conservative and edgy. And what says this better than black and pink?"

French Lingerie Outlet

French Lingerie Outlet

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Hsiao
"It's simple, seductive, and sophisticated. It leaves something for the imagination and it caters to the classy but naughty gentleman. I love it because if a woman wears that for me, she's trying to make our night special. She's showing me her best. It shows me she understands taste and pleasure. It's like opening a beautifully wrapped present knowing what's inside is going to be amazing."

Victoria's Secret