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

♥ [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

In the Mood for a Weekend Revolution

 

Photography by the Mah-Jong Master Michael Shriver

I've worn a lot of shoes over the years but I have never stopped wearing converse. I haven't had a black pair in a long time so it was exciting to find one with a unique zipper detail. So unique that I'm having a hard time finding these online! I love this outfit for summer in the city because it's so urban but lightweight as well. Careful when you're hanging out in alleyways in the city though, you're bound to see someone pee!


What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)
Shorts: American Apparel High Waist Side Zipper Shorts
Shoes: Converse (similar)
Bracelet: Zipper Cuff

In the Mood for a Jet Setter Lifestyle

Photography by the mostly harmless Aaron Bell

I love me a pair of paper bag shorts, especially for the right price. Unfortunately, when you buy a cheap pair of shorts, the material starts pilling like crazy. And if you carry a large bag that rubs against your shorts while walking, you're basically ensuring their doom.

I'm not sure these fake suede shorts are made out of but it must be nothing short of magic.  Not only does it look and feel like real suede but it survives the long walks with my camera bag, allowing me to work with no worry.

This outfit is certainly perfect for traveling or even in the office in the summer time.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: H&M (similar)
Shorts: H&M Suede Shorts (similar)
Necklace: Vintage (somewhat similar)
Camera Bag: Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Prospector (seen here)

In the Mood for a Small Burst of Color

Photography by the Industrious Michael Shriver

Horned rimmed glasses are pretty up and coming so I was lucky to find a pair that actually fit my tiny head. I'll have the thank that 4-year-old for tossing them aside. Unfortunately sunny days are uncommon on a June day in Seattle so it's nice to wear a little burst of color to remind myself of brighter days. These shorts are the perfect for when you just want a little pop of neon and they're amazing for the price. If only they had pockets...

What I'm Wearing

Blouse: Broadway & Bloom (seen here)
Shorts: Forever 21 Sueded Laser Cut Shorts
Belt: UO Neon Stretch Belt
Necklace: T+J Designs (seen here)
Shoes: Carola Remer Collection For H&M
Nail Polish: American Apparel Neon Yellow
Sunglasses: Vintage (similar)

In the Mood for a Journey in Technicolor

Photography by the Inculpable Michael Shriver

At first I tried these shoes on as a joke but they looked so good on me that I was convinced I could make them work. I think my goal this week was transform these shoes into something that will work for every day. I had the idea to pair them with my collection of happy socks and I found out that they were the perfect way to make my socks shine. My favorite thing about happy socks are that they often look different from every angle and, depending on the shoes and outfit, you may only see bits and pieces of these socks. However, with clear shoes, the socks really get a chance to be shown off.

What do you think of my shoes and socks? Can I pull these off for every day wear?

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Lux (seen here)
Shirt: H&M (similar)
Shorts: H&M high waisted shorts
Socks: Happy Socks
Jewelry: T+J Designs (seen here)
Shoes: Vintage "Dancing" Shoes (similar)

In the Mood for the Highlights in Life

Photography by the Vigorous Michael Shriver 

First I bought the shoes and then I found myself buying everything in that same color. Maybe I'm optimistically looking forward to a bright summer or I just need a little highlighter in my life. Whatever the reason, you won't miss me walking down Broadway in these hot shorts for sure.

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: Forever 21 Cutout Shirt (similar)
Bra: Free People Scalloped Lace Bandeau
Shorts: Forever 21 High Rise Neon Shorts
Shoes: Carola Remer Collection For H&M
Nail Polish: American Apparel Neon Yellow

In the Mood for a Ship of My Own

Photography by the generous Leonardo Hartomo

The May weather has been spectacular in Seattle so far which means I can finally bust out my favorite summer shorts. High waisted shorts can make your legs look like they go on for miles however, they are hard to come by. Lucky enough, this season, American Apparel has begun selling these shorts in every color imaginable which makes me super happy inside.  As much as I love just throwing on a dress in the summer and calling it good, this outfit is what really screams hot weather to me. It's suitable and enjoyable to wear on a boat, to the beach, eating watermelon, riding bikes, and all those favorite summer activities while still looking well put together.

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Lux Cropped Blazer (seen here)
Shirt: H&M button up (similar)
Shorts: American Apparel High Waist Side Zipper Shorts
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Prospector
Bracelet: Forever 21 Spike Bracelet

In the Mood For A Cloudy Day

American Apparel Chiffon Secretary Blouse

H&M Shorts (similar)

Urban Outfitter Garter Seam Tights (similar) , Forever 21 studded Slouch Booties (similar)

     





We decided to start this blog in the dead of a beautiful San Francisco winter which is the perfect setting for my grey wardrobe. I always blend in perfectly with the cold winter weather which is a habit I'm slowly (and surely) beginning to step away from. This outfit mostly encompasses my style habits of choosing garments that convey a soft elegance as well as a hard edge. I love this chiffon blouse because it goes with everything I own! You'll never regret picking one up and at $60, it's hard to beat.