DENIM ON DENIM

Good morning!

I'm especially excited to share this look with you because I never imagined that two denim pieces could work so well together! Up until just recently I loathed the idea of a denim on denim ensemble, and always thought of the look as very 1980's white trash (no offense)...I SO proved myself wrong one morning, when for some reason I tried on the two pieces together. I realized it's really all about the types of denim paired that makes this look a do or a don't.

Sorry the photos are rather blurry, for some reason either my laptop or camera is semi-malfunctioning :( Sad day.

So...It this look a Do or a Don't?

DETAILS:

LIGHT DISTRESSED DENIM OXFORD: THE GAP

DARK SKINNY JEANS: FOREVER 21

BROWN SUADE WEDGE BOOTS: BOUGHT IN SHANGHAI

SOFT PINK EYELET BRALETTE: HANES FROM TARGET

HANDBAG: CLASSIC LV SPEEDY

JEWELRY: FOREVER 21

PINKY WHITE NAIL POLISH: OLRY, IN SOFTEST WHITE

MY FALL AND WINTER MUST-HAVES

Here are a few of my must-haves for fall and winter...

Though some are only things I can play with in my dreams, others are staples for a fashionable season. If I could only choose one from my list that I would most like to have this season it would be over the knee boots. They're totally versatile and can be worn with dresses, leggings, skirts and pants...and you have the ability to dress them up or down.

What are your must haves for the season?

1. OVERSIZED KNITTED COATS:

2. MATTE RED LIPS:

I THINK THIS YEAR'S FALL AND WINTER WILL EVEN PERMIT RED LIPS FOR DAY, AS LONG AS THE EYE AND CHEEK MAKEUP ARE LEFYT SOFT.

3. ALEXANDER WANG STUDDED BOTTOM COCO DUFFLE:

4. OVER THE KNEE BOOTS:

HEELED AND PREFERABLY IN A DURABLE BLACK LEATHER OR SUADE.

5. HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS:

6. BLACK LEATHER JACKETS:

EITHER BOMMER STLYED OR JACKET CUT WITH GOLD OR SILVER ACCENTS...BUT NOT ONE WITH A COMBINATION OF BOTH.

7. STUD EMBELLISHED LEATHER GLOVES:

EVEN THOUGH I DON'T LIVE IN A PART OF THE WORLD THAT GETS QUITE COLD ENOUGH FOR GLOVES, I THINK LEATHER GLOVES WITH STUD DETAIL ARE FABULOUS. (PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING WITH STUDDED DETAILS IS A MUST THIS SEASON...APPLY THE "K.I.S.S" THEORY THOUGH ;)

WHEN BARBIE THREW UP ALL OVER THE RUNWAY

My eyes light up when I recently came across Michael Kors' newest advertisement of a fluffy, hot pink fox fur coat. Though it's not a wearable piece, I still think it's fabulous and wish I lived in a world that wouldn't laugh me out of town for wearing a massive hot pink fur. Apparently the hot pink wasn't the only color he designed the coat in... There's neon green and tangerine orange as well.

What are your thoughts?

TAKE ME TO OKTOBERFEST!

But seriously!

I haven't been to an Oktoberfest beer garden party that I was truly able to experience. When I was younger my family took a trip to Germany during Oktoberfest but I wasn't able to fully enjoy it considering my age at the time. In retrospect, having taken me along kind of seems like a waste now (I really don't remember much from that trip...)

Looking at photos on the net makes me feel like i'm totally missing out! I would love to dress up in a pretty dirndl, eat and drink some delicious German food and beer, sing and dance to folk music all with a group of good friends!

OH, and look at these adorrrrrable

gingerbread heart shaped cookies!

IS IT GOODBYE TO 2 OF MY FAVORITE FOODS?

I always thought Shabu Shabu and Yogurtland were healthy alternatives to restaurants and ice cream shops!?

Yesterday a friend and I decided to return to one of out favorite restaurants we hadn't been to in a year or so, a couple cities away for some delicious and what we thought was healthy Shabu Shabu. We calculated and figured-how bad could boiling paper thin meat and vegetables in water be?? I will admit we were served a bowl of rice with our meals and 5-7 thick udon noodles; but nevertheless I thought I would leave with a belly full of healthy, low calorie foods.

Literally next door to Shabu Shabu is Yogurtland. If you're unfamiliar, it's only the BEST yogurt shop I have ever come across. It has oodles of flavors, toppings like mocci, and mango and is self serve :) *happy* My favorite combination (which I also was under the impression was healthy) is plain tart yogurt, fresh cut strawberries, raspberries and a spoon full of coconut flakes.

I mean howww many calories can that be??? Not enough to tip the scale right???

Maybe it was the combination of Shabu Shabu and yogurt that did me in; but when I woke up this morning and feared the scale I was a solid pound heavier :( :( :(

What am I doing wrong? Am I confused or in denial about the calories in these foods? Any knowledge or advice would be lovely! xx

Have a great weekend <3

PEEKABOO BRALETTES

What do you think about this look?

Showing your bra is considered somewhat taboo, but I think these celebs look super cute and still put-together, even with their bras peeking through their tops.

I recently experimented with the look by buying a cheap but flirty pink brallete; I didnt want to invest in something I would only wear once. I let just the top of my pink lace cup peek out of my tank.

I was really happy with the look!

Let me know if you ladies should give this look a whirl and how you liked it:)

HANDFULS OF REASONS WHY I MISS SHANGHAI

Chinese Pop:

In my opinion Chinese pop is the best genre, though people think i'm crazy for being slightly obsessed with it. Unfortunately, I never made it to a concert while in China, but have been looking up my favorite singer's tour dates and found that they might be stopping through my state!

Speaking Chinese:

I so miss conversing with local Chinese and learning new words through conversation!

Braised Chinese Eggplant:

Chinese cuisine and the ingredients used are sometimes strange and can be unappetizing; however braised eggplant in Shanghai was always my go-to dish! There are variations of it, however it never disappointed!

Clubs, Bars, Lounges, KTV:

Shanghai NEVER sleeps and its nightlife is booming until the sun comes up. Whether we went to a modern styled club, casual bar, posh lounge or Chinese karaoke (KTV), Shanghai always promised a night to remember!

Never Being Surprised:

Daily life in Shanghai was an event in itself and I was never really surprised by the all the outrageously strange things I witnessed...

Alex Yao (Left):

Teaching english in China is a popular and lucrative job for foreigners. During my year abroad I taught a group of the most adorable kids, but one in particular stole my heart.

Szechuan Cuisine:

My favorite Chinese food came from a province in China other than Shanghai, where they use unique spices and heat that could knock you to the floor. Im partial to a milder taste, so through trial and error I found my favorite dishes. Braised mini pork ribs, claypot eggplant, Szechuan style broccoli and a whole white flaky fish served with a clear but flavorful sauce and peanuts :)

Xintaindi District:

Xintiandi is located in Shanghai's center, surrounded by hovering skyscrapers. This small posh district is comprised of a collection of protected ancient structures which have been restored and renovated. Xintiandi is similar to a plaza, with beautiful shops, restaurants, bars and an elite-boutique hotel. It was lovely to ride my bike or take the metro here for lunch or a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Shanghai's Metro:

I can't say better things about Shanghai's Metro system. I've used other countries subways but wasn't half as impressed as I was with Shanghai's. For how chaotic and crowded this city is, its metro is extremely efficient and surprisingly clean! I wish there was a need for public transportation like this where I live!

SUMMER ---> FALL

Im just really not ready to put away some of my summer clothes; especially my beloved rompers! Here in California the weather still permits warmer weather clothes as long as paired with a piece that will keep you warm. I love love this romper, but only recently purchased it so wasn't able to get much use out of it during summer. I paired the romper with black leather booties, a long cardigan, a simple bangle and a large brown Gucci day duffle. I will definitely transition the romper into winter by adding black or eggplant color tights!

ROMPER: Purchased at a small independent boutique...No name.

CARDIGAN: French Connection.

SHOES: Nine West zipper booties.

Bangle: Forever 21.

Handbag: Gucci.

HIMEGYARU!

When Himegyaru (or directly translated, Princess Girls) go to the coffee shop, for lunch with friends or out for a day of shopping they dress as if they are going to an Alice in Wonderland style tea party. Petticoats, lacy pink dresses and jeweled fingernails all with a large pink bow atop her bleach blonde head.

I visited Tokyo last year and was surprised to see just how many girls have taken on the trend. Popular central areas like Shibuya and Harajuku are filled with Himegyaru's! It's almost like being in a real-life story book fairytale <3

COOLER WEATHER

I love that it's time to start bringing out fall/winter clothes! I live in California and though we have very mild winters, there are some days I can get away with wearing fabulous coats, over the knee boots and scarves :) Today is quite brisk but the sun is out, so I opted to layer a mini skirt with a long cardigan and leather booties. I'll throw a pashmina in my bag just incase...

Breakdown:

Sweater: H&M

Mini Skirt: H&M

Favorite old white tank

Lacy Pink Bralette: Calvin Klein

Zipper Booties: Nine West