Summertime Crop Topping with Tweety Bird

May 10, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK CROP TOP | DL1961 DENIM HEPBURN JEANS | EGO RAINA SANDALS | 
MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL | MONICA VINADER LINEAR BEAD FRIENDSHIP BRACELET | 
ODETTE + ODILE WHITE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND EGO SHOES.

It's almost the weekend and I've been cranking out posts today like a mad woman! Sorry for the delay yet again... I normally keep my blog very consistent but getting busier and busier means more problems and more things to do! Therefore, a little bit of irregularity up in here so I thank you guys for the patience and continued support, it means more to me than you'll ever know! (Yes, I know we bloggers will all say this, but I truly do mean this from the bottom of my heart!!!) This week has been jam-packed with more than the usual meetings and events so I haven't been able to get to my editing until today. Alas, I finally am releasing this outfit shoot and it's all about the crop top with details that are so extra - but oh so good. Continue reading to see more of the accessories from this look like the turquoise deets and this gorgeous personalized rose-gold bracelet that's perfect for Mother's Day!

If you're a new reader, (welcome btw) I style a lot for my wonderful dear friend's, designer label, s a k u New York. s a k u is both feminine and casual, with great attention in creating never-seen-before styles. What makes this off-white crop top unique is the neon peach trim in the front and the ribbon in the back. You can either leave it untied and loosely hanging on its own or bow tie it to make it even more feminine. It's a great versatile piece to wear with several summer staples like maxi skirts, denim shorts, and more. I love the playful tone to it and would totally wear it to a fair/carnival or festival of some kind. There's a zipper in the back center and it is also made out of polyester.

I accessorized with my favorite pair of wide-leg denim jeans from DL1961. The Hepburn style is so flattering and comfortable. I've been wearing them on heavy rotation and am a total jean gal - I styled with turquoise pieces such as this Western belt and Tiffany blue satchel bag. Both are from Most Wanted USA, a handcrafted leather handbag and accessory line based in NYC for everyday wear and I absolutely adore this brand. I styled a different look with these accessories here but it is more of a winter look. I think the color balances well with the peach neon trim, what do you think?

The kinda shoe that bloggers will love, the Raina studded slider is the must-have slider of the season with multi-strap upper, stud detail, and PU finish, it's perfect for those days on the beach. Throw these on with frayed denim and a crop top and you're good to go. They're not exactly a sandal you'll want to run around in, per se in the city, but it's a great relaxing, kicking it back, kind of summer shoe. It's definitely reminiscent of Alexander Wang, but hey, one can only afford so much high-end shoes. They come in at roughly $34 and are faux leather.

Lastly, I wanted to share this Monica Vinader sleek friendship bracelet that features five flat disks that line up perfectly on a double plaited adjustable cord. Each Linear bead is slidable to create your desired look and can be engraved with numbers, letters or symbols on both sides, introducing a playful new way of making your jewelry unique. It's a lovely sentiment for Mother's Day, and you can personalize it is many different ways. I had mine engraved with my blog name a while back at an event but never got a chance to share it on the blog. Link to the bracelet is here.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Monica Vinader Linear Bead friendship bracelet

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Sporty Footwear with SOREL

May 8, 2018

WEARING: GANT RUGGER CRINKLE DREAMY OXFORD KNOT SHIRT | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM SHORTS 
| SOREL ELLA SANDALS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GANT & SOREL.

Hey guys! I don't know about you but I always have the toughest time finding the perfect summer sandal. Since I'm a very active gal and literally run around doing a gazillion things at once, I need footwear that's comfortable enough to wear but also stylish. I need good quality support, something that's enough to take it from day to night, especially during those crazy warmer months where I'm not home as often as other seasons and therefore have no time to change outfits if I'm going out. Which is why these SOREL sandals in today's post are the bee's knees when it comes to summer footwear. Continue reading to see how I styled this casual but chic summery look and also where to shop these items directly.

The quality of the sandal material is very good and the sole has great traction and feels surprisingly thick. I'm wearing the Rose Gold with white straps and they are so cute and will match with so many outfits. This particular sandal also comes in a variety of colors such as black and camel, grey, all black and white. They are all a great sporty but sophisticated look to any summer look. And I find them very easily packable for travel for those jet-setters who are always looking for a little extra room in their luggage, these multi-purpose sandals would look amazing on anyone. The Ella sandal runs at $80.

The Crinkle Dreamy Oxford Knot Shirt takes its cue from classic American sportswear styling with its knot detail at the front. Made from crinkled Oxford cotton, (which is one of my favs) this shirt has an exaggerated shirt shape, with extra-long cuffs, point collar, and button down placket. I think the features really ties well in together with the American Eagle denim cutoff shorts and the SOREL sandals that are both also sporty - the ripped hem thanks to myself makes it a little country which I don't mind... I guess you can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! :)

Again I can't stress enough how great these sandals are. If I can leap up in the air with them and have no trouble whatsoever, I either was born with cat feet-like tendencies or the SOREL sandals are legit amazing and everyone should own a pair. I'm already considering a different color to add to my collection but I must resist the temptation! I have too many shoes as is! More content coming your way soon, I'm sorry for the delay this week in posts! Too much going on - and in a fabulous way! Catch ya back on M + S very soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

May 4, 2018

This post is sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hey guys! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Raise your hand if you're up for some margaritas for the occasion, 'cuz I know I am! I love frozen ones for those hot, summer days but sometimes it's better to just slowly unwind after a long day and sip a margarita on the rocks - which is probably my favorite way to drink tequila. And with Maestro Dobel Diamante, a tequila with a heritage that sets it apart from every other tequila brand, its distillery process makes it the smoothest tequila available and of ultra-premium quality. Continue reading to learn how to make one of my favorite classic margaritas with Maestro Dobel Diamante along with where to shop this summery, resort-y look.

Maestro Dobel Diamante is the world’s first clear multi-aged tequila. It’s rule-defying elixir that consists of a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado Tequila, aged in the finest European white oak barrels! It is the perfect luxe tequila to relax, vibe on a good time and share these intimate moments- whether it’s with your better half, or at a dinner party with your closest friends, or just one on your own sitting on the porch, kicking back and chilling away. And I've got a great easy recipe that anyone can make! All you need are limes, a shaker, agave syrup and well... the best part... the tequila.

Now that we've got a relaxing margarita in our hand, let's talk about getting this easy, breezy summer look in there as well! I love this classic striped wrapped top from VIPSHOP, it goes well with the amazing packaging of the Maestro Dobel Diamante bottle, don't you think? I love to mix prints so I went with these super-comfy Leota pants that are just perfect for about any occasion. But they're so cozy, it's kind of hard to leave the house once you put them on! Just like having these margaritas at home. Too good and relaxing than to go anywhere else! :)

WHITE DIAMOND MARGARITA

2 OZ. DOBEL DIAMANTE TEQUILA
.5 OZ. AGAVE SYRUP
.5 OZ. FRESH LIME

Method: Shaken
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
Garnish: Rim with Salt

SHOP THE TEQUILA

My sandals are from the Patricia Green SS collection. A braided jute platform elevates a trend-right sandal featuring mixed media styling highlighted with contrast topstitching and set on a lightly cushioned footbed. It's my favorite sandals ever! My tote bag is great for quick trips to the market or liquor store to grab this beautiful Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. I think it also goes well with the metallic in the sandals too. What do you guys think of this outfit? I think it's great for both the city and also being away on vacation - with summery tropical vibes of course, and this sleek, smooth tequila from Maestro Dobel Diamante that I just can't stop raving about! Seriously, guys it's the best tequila I've tried in the longest time, be sure to follow the links or shop down below to find where to get your bottle! Got a question about the recipe, outfit or anything else? Drop a line! I always love hearing from my readers. Cheers!

LOVE & XX'S,

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When Menswear Meets Boho Gypsy

May 2, 2018

WEARING: TOPMAN PINSTRIPE MEN'S JACKET | THACKER NYC WHITE BLOUSE | 
SAKU NEW YORK BLUE LACE PANTS | PATRICIA GREEN ESPADRILLES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND PATRICIA GREEN.

Happy Hump Day, guys! Now that the weather is finally glorious, I'm sharing one of my new favorite pair of trousers on the blog. Today's outfit post is all about these cobalt blue lace-trim from Saku New York. I have known the designer, Lissa, for a few years now and I just can't get enough of her work! There are Korean traits within her designs, as this is her background, but she brings a twist in her collections by bringing feminine pieces and combining them with more sporty, athleisure type of styles. It's a beautiful mix, one I'm completely in love with, and these pants are the epitome of cool, boho-gypsy vibes. Continue reading to see how I styled these pants with an oversized men's blazer, a pair of fun, navy blue espadrilles and more.

Side slits accentuate the relaxed fit of these wide-leg pants. The color is electric, and the lace trim on the side slit brings the perfect amount of feminine to the piece. There are also hidden side pockets, my fave with a snap closure and zip fly. I styled them with my trusty Gucci belt to go with the suede navy blue in my shoes. Now as far as comfort goes, these cobalt blue pants are superb. And I love the airy breeze you get as well from the side slits, these are perfect for this time of year but I feel like you could wear these during the fall and winter season too with some tights and extra layering. These pants also come in black and retail at $425.

One of my favorite ways to style an outfit is to bring a piece from my husband's wardrobe into it. I tend to wear men's shirts/jackets in general since I've apparently caught the same Olsen twin syndrome of wanting everything oversized and exaggerated. Some might believe it's not a flattering look for a petite woman, but I think that if it's done in the right way and there's a good amount of balance between the pieces, then it can be done and is quite a complemented look for someone who's as tiny as me. The pinstripe jacket I'm wearing is the same jacket my husband wore when we had gotten married! I picked it specifically for its dark navy blue color, as I like to mix the colors within its same palette to bring a little variation to the outfit. It also works in interior design too!

Now, these navy blue suede espadrilles by Patricia Green are super cute and really easy to walk in. I'm usually a little iffy about wedges as I don't find them the easiest pair of shoes to walk in. But these Rockstar (love the name btw) espadrilles are amazing and I love the cool edge it has with the studs. They'd look great with a floral maxi dress, jeans/capri pants, skirts and more. I think it'd look fabulous with everything! This style is available in whole sizes only and tends to run small. If you normally order a 1/2 size it is recommended that you order the next full size up. For example, if you normally purchase a size 6 1/2 we recommend purchasing a size 7. They also come in black as well. I hope you guys liked this outfit as much as I do! Drop me a line in the comment section down below and as always, feel free to shop the look at the start or end of this post. Have a great sunny Wednesday, everyone! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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April Beauty Favorites

April 29, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOSCIA, AMOREPACIFIC, DIPTYQUE, GIVENCHY BEAUTY & LIPSTICK QUEEN BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hey guys! I'm back this Sunday with the regular monthly blog post of my latest discoveries in the beauty world. Before Monday's I'm all about a little pampering and R&R with attention to skincare. Being partly Korean, my mother showed me the secrets very early on in life and I've been applying the same regiment to my skin for decades. We literally used to put on toner together and she'd literally show me how to 'tap' it in, rather than rubbing into the skin. One of the many different regiments she's shown me through the years. So into today's post, my beauty favorites are more focused on skincare rather than makeup. I tend to balance them within a post, dividing up each category with five products from each, but this month is a little less (2/5 is makeup) because my skin has been adapting to the changes of season and have been wearing much less makeup and not trying new items as much out. Hope you enjoy it! Continue reading to learn more about what my mom and I have used while hearing about bits and pieces of our skincare stories with us and where you can find these amazing beauty products!

APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES

At boscia, plants are the secret to skincare success. They use ingredients rooted in nature: plant-to-bottle formulas that show results and feel even better. Good skin comes naturally because, in their world, beauty really does grow on trees. They are revolutionizing beauty routines around the globe with products that are made for play and meant to be shared—because your skin wants in on the fun! Formats that surprise and textures that move with you, bounce, and stretch… it’s all part of their plan to make skincare meet the modern world, with an attitude of exploration and excitement. Boscia keeps things clear with nothing to hide, because only good-for-you ingredients go into their products, with no harmful irritants or chemicals allowed.

Essential to every product is boscia's signature botanical blend: an effective mix of jojoba leaf and willowherb. Jojoba leaf is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent free radical damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental irritants. Willowherb is a natural skin-calming botanical that helps to alleviate inflammation and redness.

The original black mask and reigning fan favorite, Luminzing Black Mask is a peel-off mask powerhouse that unveils a post peel glow worth sharing. Chock-full of powerful antioxidants like activated charcoal and vitamin C, this powerfully detoxifying mask leaves your skin feeling flawlessly fresh and clean while helping to minimize the appearance of pores and enhance radiance. An innovative, powerful, mineral-rich mask infused with activated charcoal that peels off to reveal a brighter, more clarified complexion. I would give this mask a 5/5 rating. It's superb!

SHOP THE BOSCIA MASK

Steeped in centuries of Korean heritage, Amore Pacific has unearthed the extraordinary skin-health benefits of Asian botanicals, channeling these ingredients into luxurious, high-performance anti-aging skincare.

It carefully utilizes green tea cultivated from the Dolsongi Green Tea Garden; the first of the three green tea gardens that Amore Pacific owns and operates on Jeju Island off the South Coast of Korea. The green tea leaves are handpicked and naturally fermented in optimal conditions for 50 days. These fermented leaves are then transferred by tea masters and placed into "onggi's", traditional Korean earthware band buried in the earth, to age naturally for another 50 days. After 100 days of waiting and a 24-hours slow extraction process, Amore Pacific’s Vintage Single Extract Essence is perfected.

This anti-aging essence delivers the antioxidant power of Single Extract Formula™. Created using the patented Full Body Extraction™, it promotes prebiotics to prevent further signs of skin aging. Vintage Tea Leaf™, containing green tea’s precious substance catechin, works to improve the appearance of skin’s clarity, texture, and elasticity. My mother really stressed the importance of an excellent toner. It not only helps hydrate and tone the skin, but balances the skin's pH levels in general, giving it a clean, fresh start for any other regiments such as oils, serums, lotions and more! And this Single Extract Formula™ is the best toner I have tried in ages.

SHOP AMORE PACIFIC

Enriched with real rose petals that provide continuous hydration, this quick-absorbing, non-greasy oil by Diptyque contains high concentrations of active ingredients. White iris oleate infusion smoothens and boosts radiances, sweet almond oil nourishes while rose petal provides the necessary hydration. Perfect for all skin types. In case of oily skin, use two drops of this oil before applying face cream or use a drop of oil blended with face cream in the morning and 3-4 drops for a relaxing face massage in the evening. What it does: It restores the skin's natural radiance, reinvigorates and smooths skin eliminating wrinkles and fine lines. How to use: Apply it to your face in a gentle upward and outward direction. For massage, warm it in the palm of your hand and apply on your face, massaging around eyes, and moving in upward motions around cheekbones, jawlines, and neck. I love face oils at night and I use a jade roller to massage in all the extra nutrients, so it can really absorb into my skin. The perfect kind of hydration for traveling on a plane. That dry air will suck the living life out of your face! And this one takes the cake, the scent alone is intoxiating.

SHOP DIPTYQUE OIL

A loose powder with a fusion of four complimentary, complexion-refining shades that together, create a made-to-measure, color-correcting finish. Get surreal skin perfection in four natural shades. Each color combination evens out the appearance of skin tone while enhancing radiance and keeping shine under the utmost control. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished and skin looks more even and porcelain in nature, with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The formula and the pigments are treated with an exclusive, technological atomization process that creates a perfectly uniform and natural-looking result. I've been using the Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powder lately instead of a ton of foundation, because it's good to have the skin breathe from time to time, especially when you may have been wearing a lot more makeup than usual for photo shoots, events, etc. It naturally takes the redness out and keeps my skin radiant without having it look overdone. I love this mineral powder more than wi-fi honestly. LOL!

SHOP THE GIVENCHY POWDER

Emanating the free-spirited glamour of the '70s, Lipstick Queen's Blue By You Lipstick is a playful tribute to the lavish glitz of the decade, with a modern twist. Evolving the iconic transformer collection, luxe Blue By You is a soulful indigo blue that transforms into a metallic raspberry pink.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Mango Butter and antioxidant Vitamin E, lips are left soft and hydrated, while the sheer, shimmering finish provides easy-to-wear, comfortable, long-lasting color. Reminiscent and iridescent, Blue By You encourages us all to get out in the center of the dance floor and strut our stuff. Starting as a bold, soulful blue, the color transforms into a flattering, metallic raspberry pink that perfectly captures the medley of glistening magic within a disco ball, transforming you into a dancing queen in a swipe.