american apparel

Styling the Beastie: Layers and Boots

Disney Style, Musings, Style

dsc06104The countdown has begun!  Disney’s live action Beauty and the Beast will be in theaters in next month and I’m excited to finally see Emma Watson don those iconic Belle outfits.

To celebrate the film’s release, a lot of brands have been producing tons of Beauty and the Beast merch, including Danielle Nicole Handbags.  Early last year, I picked up their Beast clutch, BUT when a friend told me about the Beast backpack they released a couple months ago, all reasoning went out the window.  So yes, now I have 2 Beast bags in my closet.😅

And I’m not gonna lie, a good number of times, I buy these quirky, yet amazing bags and then just set it on a shelf to admire it for days without ever really using it. So this is going to be just like trying to get back to the gym post holiday season😪…I’m going to document different outfits in order to keep myself accountable.😌  Sounds like a solid plan, right?👍🏼  On to the outfit!

dsc06077Beastie: Danielle Nicole, Dress: Free People, Denim jacket: Gap, Top: American Apparel, Boots: souvenir from Stockholm, Sunglasses: Quay, Watch: Michael Kors

The Beastie (oh, that’s my nickname for him btw) is surprisingly roomie. I could fit my camera, fat wallet, 2 phones, and car keys in there and still have room to spare. So when my sister asked me to help her take some photos around Japantown a couple weeks ago, it was the perfect carry-all bag. I wore it with an olive green dress that’s complimentary to Beastie’s tan colors and layered on a denim jacket, which if you look, closely picks up on his blue eyes.👀 It was also a little sprinkly in the city that day, so I wore some tan knee high boots that matched Beastie’s fringe.dsc06088

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Even if I didn’t need to bring my camera with me, this is still a perfect outfit for exploring Japantown. There are SO many places to eat or grab your favorite Asian snacks. One of my childhood favorites are Taiyaki red bean fishes! And there are a couple Asian beauty shops that I love perusing whenever I’m in the area. But most importantly, DAISO!! And look at that, you have a roomy backpack to bring back all those small trinkets and sundries that you didn’t really need, but kinda do at the same time.

Anyways, Japantown will always have a special place in my heart.  The community has pretty much been a part of my life in one way or another growing up. As toddlers, my siblings and I went to preschool there.  When we were tweeners, summer camp. And from the age of 5 to 18, I played in an Asian basketball league that was based out of Japantown’s Buddhist church.  It really felt like we grew up with the community.  I think I will always value and feel connected to the Japantown community.  And, to reiterate, they also have delicious snacks.

ABW

 

 

Pastel Pink Outfits for Valentine’s Day

Style
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Will you be my Valentine, Kalbi?

Valentine’s Day isn’t usually my thing, but it’s kind of amazing how much pastel pink stuff I’ve bought recently.  Maybe I’m subconsciously prepping for the occasion?🤔  But since I’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost 10 years now, I try not to put too much pressure on myself to celebrate the holiday since more often then not, I’m in a different city than the SO.  But I can’t have all these pink clothes go to waste now can I?😏

 

dsc06174Sweater: Sears, Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Leggings: Forever 21, Socks: Cotton On, Mug: VooDoo Doughnut

With the inception of Netflix and chill (like actual chill, not “chill”), it’s sociably acceptable now more than ever to spend a cozy night in.  Crowds and expensive fancy food is overrated anyways.  Well, crowds are at least.  And I usually prefer to be surrounded by huge piles of blankets instead of a tall wall of people. Please don’t elbow me in the face accidentally…🤕

Anyways, cozy and cute are not mutually exclusive.  Picked up this light pink knit sweater and it’s the perfect long cardigan to snuggle up in. Pair with stretchy leggings and fuzzy socks and you’re ready to binge watch Friends for the millionth time.  Bonus: You get 2 pigs as friends.🐷🐷

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And let’s say by some miracle, I actually end up going out for Valentine’s Day. Maybe during Valentine’s Day weekend I’ll go to an art gallery or do dinner and a movie with some friends.  Either way, might as well dress it up a smidge to show how special it is to actually have me out and about.😬

While in Hawaii, I picked up this faux leather shift dress from the Zara sale.  I love that even though it’s pink, it still reads a little tough because of the texture. And to not make everything too sweet, decided to pair it with a bomber and booties.  Substituted my warm blanket for a turtle neck and added matching pastel accessories to complete the look.

dsc06239Dress: Zara, Jacket: Members Only via Wasteland, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Short Sleeve Turtleneck: American Apparel, Clutch: Marshalls, Sunglasses:Quay, Bracelet: Kate Spade, Earrings: Old Navy

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I’ll be honest, I felt a little bit like a Pink Lady that day.💁🏻😎

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Go out and fill the world with pastel pink-ness!💕

ABW

Rock the Dots

Disney Style, Food, Style

dsc05877Since January is usually a birthday month in my books😉, I always tend to forget that it’s also a very special month for one of the top fashion icons – Minnie Mouse!  Throughout the month of January, Disney fans everywhere are encouraged to #RockTheDots to show off their own #MinnieStyle and Disney Style.

Rock the dots also purposely coincides with National Polka Dot day.  So a couple weeks ago, I brought out my dots!  I’ve had this American Apparel dot blouse for a few years now and I love it to death.  It always adds the perfect amount of whimsy to any outfit.  But with my round Asian face and short stature, going full on whimsy can tend to make me look a little tooo doll-ish.  And if you haven’t guessed already, I ain’t always a doll.😏

So I paired my shirt with sleeker items like a polished faux suede moto jacket and slick skinny jeans with a distressed knee, which helps give the whole look a little extra edge.  And to really #RockTheDots, I paired my dotted shirt with studded dot ballet flats.  Another great example of something sweet, yet polished with some edge.  And of course, I had to top it all off with my favorite Mickey bag.🐭

dsc05888Shirt: American Apparel, Jacket: Kohl’s LC Lauren Conrad, Jeans: Carmar, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Bag: Disney x Coach, Watch: Micheal Kors, Sunglasses: Quay

And since National Polka Dot day was on a Sunday, we of course had to go out for brunch.  So we stopped by The Palm House.  Got myself the spam and eggs benedict, which was much more filling than I was expecting it to be.  But the brown hash brown looking thing on the bottom…it’s actually a rice “hash brown” if you will.  Genius.  And the eggs… perfectly…poached.  Yolk splits that were food porn worthy.  And the spam wasn’t actual spam. Instead☝️, gourmet braised pork shoulder.  Yes, I may have had to wipe some drool off my face as I write this post.😛

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And aside from the food, the restaurant itself is adorable.  Is city beach house chic a decor term?  Lots of blue with palm green accents.  And if you’re sad about having to eat brunch instead of watching your favorite team play, fret not!  But come on, who actually says no to brunch?!  But if you insist on watching the game, there is a bar area with TVs and you can happily scarf down your jerk chicken tacos or huevos rancheros while watching people professionally tackle each other.  I, personally, prefer to enjoy a hot cup of tea.☕️

ABW

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