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[Good American ’90s Suit] – $95
By the looks of this post, you would’ve thought that we would have returned almost back to normal again. I can hardly believe that I have flights booked and weddings already to attend in 2021. Here are just a few pieces I’ve highlighted that are getting me excited to vacation once again.
[Sandy Liang Goose Dress] – $695
Read more “The Closet: April 2021”
[& Other Stories Ribbed Sweetheart Neck Bustier Midi Dress] – $129
You may feel uncomfortable dressing up for New Year’s Eve this year without any plans. Power through. I’m a huge believer that you get what you put out into this world. If dressing up and making yourself look and feel good for one evening makes the difference, then you should do it. Every year, I kind of dread New Year’s Eve personally all while still writing this post annually. Just because I don’t have big plans doesn’t mean I don’t want you all to look great. And because this year has just been A LOT, I’m planning on treating myself in the best way possible.
[Mango Asymmetric Velvet Dress] – $79.99 – $49.99
[Almina Concept Draped Slip Dress] – $108
I know this isn’t the post you thought you’d be seeing. Quite frankly, it would be irresponsible to host a holiday party in 2020. Like many of you, I too, am disappointed. Our company holiday parties have typically been the event that we looked forward to the most. It was also the best opportunity to get dressed up and celebrate a hard working year. Now with the pandemic year, it’s hard to know if we’ll ever have another holiday party again. Though you may not have one to attend this year (I sincerely hope you don’t) that doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate in your own way. Get dressed up. Buy that new dress if you want. Use it this year to make yourself feel good or save it for your next party when the world is safer. Despite the circumstances, retailers are still putting out pieces and we’re still going to share our favorites.
[Ganni Organza Midi Dress] – $375
Read more “No Holiday Parties for 2020”
[Ohom Kopi Mug and Warmer Set] – $75
When it comes to Christmas shopping, Kevin and I are no strangers to waiting until the last minute to shop for my parents. Instead of shipping things directly to our parents’ home (to avoid spoilers obviously) we wait until we’re back in Seattle to do all of our shopping. Most times, it can be what you expect it to be: hectic and chaotic. Other times, it gives us an excuse to leave the house and visit some of our favorite local spots while we’re out.
This year, we won’t be returning home for Christmas. Instead my parents will receive their presents unwrapped, but boxed from USPS. It’s not the holiday we hoped for, but we’ll make this sacrifice for the safety of those we love. In previous years, you’d be getting this holiday guide from me the week before Christmas. Since I had some time off this week from Thanksgiving, I decided to get a head start. You all may need it since you might also be doing some shipping of your own!
I didn’t intend for the theme to be so focused on home life, but after the year we’ve had and what 2021 may look like, this seems fitting. Moreover, festivals and celebrations are all about cheerfulness and colorfulness, one way of achieving it could be through decorating the home with some beautiful lights and lamps like the ones available at thelamplife. When the home looks bright, our mood brightens up instantly. This is the reason this time, I have focused on the gifts that can make your home a little more “home-y” and you more comfortable. In addition to getting this guide earlier than usual, you’re also getting MORE because nothing is sold out yet.
[Ortofon Orbit Special Walnut Turntable with Built-In Pre Amp] – $549
Read more “Holiday Gift Guide 2020”
[Daisy Saucer] – $80
Every year, my friends fall into a number of categories when it comes to Valentine’s Day. There are those that are single and hate it, those who are single and revel in it, those that are coupled up and dread it, and those that are coupled up and love it. The latter is typically the smallest pool as you might imagine. Say what you will about Valentine’s Day being a corporate money-making holiday, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s not just a day for couples to celebrate love; it can be a celebration of yourself too. So, if you find that your newly engaged friend is celebrating the day with her partner, perhaps by going out for dinner or by gifting him chocolates wrapped in personalized candy wrappers, do not feel low (or do not hate your single life).
Instead, look for ways to celebrate this day in solitude. Who’s to say you need to be coupled up to be happy anyway? There’s nothing that can stop you from treating yourself to a special gift, perhaps a valentines day bracelet (you can try here to purchase some), a special meal, or a spa experience to show yourself some love. Why not go with your other single mates and enjoy the day together? Or, you could all go for a massive meal and really annoy those couple’s trying to have a romantic dinner. It’s better than wallowing in self-pity whilst you eat a tub of ice cream watching Netflix by yourself!
If you’re one of those that are single and revels in it, good for you! You’ve obviously found happiness in and of yourself, and you don’t need anyone to regulate your emotions! Whether you enjoy going out on the pull for a casual hookup, or you just enjoy watching videos of Angela White or some other porn star in the comfort of your own home, this day is just as much for you as it is for anyone!
If you’re one of those that are coupled and dreads it, you’re not alone. Valentine’s Day brings with it a lot of pressure to perform in terms of finding the perfect gift, cooking the perfect food, and even doing well in bed. It can be stressful trying to perform in all areas, and then you have to out-perform yourself compared to last year too. The first part anyway could be sorted out by getting a customized gift designed solely for your partner. You could choose from a variety of custom-made gift options available online. For instance, you could go for a canvas printed with your couple photos, a coffee mug, or even a cute hoodie (here are some premium custom hoodies); go for anything that would charm your partner the most. When it comes to excelling in the other parts, take a step back and remember that this day is simply a day of love. a step back and remember that this day is simply a day of love. It doesn’t need any grand gesture – your partner should already know that you love them. Keep things simple and you’ll both enjoy the day much more.
If you’re one of those that are coupled and loves it, well, this article isn’t for you. Go away and be happy together somewhere away from the rest of us. You’ve obviously found the magic ingredient, so congrats on that.
This year, we’re putting together a gift guide of things that might be nice to have for yourself. No one needs to know where it came from and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Happy Valentine’s Day to YOU and happy gifting!
[Urban Outfitters Hannah Velvet Jewelry Box] – $34
Read more “A Valentine’s Day For Yourself”
[Google Pixelbook Go] – $849
I’m not sure how we were able to start this gift guide before Thanksgiving this year, but it seems as if everyone had the same idea! The guides are out and it’s exciting to see what made the list. This past quarter, I’ve tried my hardest to be a bit more financially focused. In years prior, I’ve never had a budget when considering gifts for my family, but this year it’s at the top of my to do list. Finding the perfect gift for every family member is key, but if I did a bit of research on prices and deals, I’d also be doing myself a favor too. There’s no reason why we can’t have both, right? This year’s guide is covering gifts across all areas and at different price points:
[VSCO Annual Subscription] – $19.99
Read more “Holiday Gift Guide 2019”
Gift of Love Black Backless Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress – $46
I did a first pass at the mall last week for holiday party dresses and while I wasn’t looking too hard, nothing called out to me. That’s never a good sign. I also realized that for the first time this year, I’m not looking forward to holiday party dress shopping. Mainly, that might be because I realized that whenever you’re hunting for something specific or under a timeline, you’ll never find it. Hence the reason why I found a dress a couple years ago over the summer months.
That only works maybe 50% of the time. Retailers prepare for holiday party season and create collections that come out right about now. The positive is that you’ll have a lot to choose from, but run the risk of having wearing the same outfit as another attendee. This year, I decided to try something I’ve never done before. Before writing this post every year, I always look at last year’s. There happened to be a dress from my guide in 2018 that is still available that I decided to purchase. Sure, it’s last season or last year whatever. It is, however, on sale and still something I’m interested in. Here’s to hoping it fits and that it has a generous return policy if needed. If all else fails, at least we have this guide.
Wilfred Ophelia Dress – $178
Read more “Holiday Party Wear 2019”
[Everlane – The Day Boot] – $225
After spending last week in Seattle and being hit hard with a burst of cold, I couldn’t wait to get back to California. Upon arrival, we celebrated a week that was high 70’s and 80’s and I felt blessed. While it feels a little abnormal to still be wearing dresses and walking out the door without a jacket, it is something I’m not going to take for granted. Now that we’ve hit the weekend, the transition from summer to fall is getting real. As I type, I’m perched up right next to my space heater and cozied up in my warmest wool sweater. There are so many pieces that are essential for fall that you just couldn’t get away with in summer. Here are my favorites for the month of October!
Read more “The Closet: October 2019”
Solid & Striped The Violet – Top: $89 $44 Bottom: $89 $44
Summer 2019 was the year that we really leaned into summer. In prior years, I never did much shopping during this time because I was saving everything up for the fall. That was my back to school shopping season and truly a transition period. However, San Francisco graced us with beautiful summer days this year and while I didn’t need another swimsuit or another dress, I doubled down.
This summer, more than ever, we embraced color and prints. I purchased my first leopard print dress in a vibrant orange. For a swimsuit, I ventured out of the one-piece and got the new lingerie bikini style that is a hit or miss with the critics. I regret none of my purchases! In this “Closet” post, I’m sharing more of what I didn’t get a chance to buy, but am hoping one of you will fall in love with!
Read more “The Closet: July 2019”
Wilfred Isabelle Dress – $128 $88
I recently went on a bit of a shopping spree after going months on end without buying anything. It was a huge accomplishment, but there felt like a dramatic shift between spring and summer. I guess I also looked at my closet and decided that I needed a new wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite summer pieces below! This year, we’re loving colors, prints, sandals and bags. In a couple of weeks, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale will be here and I can’t wait to share with you what’s on my list.
Read more “The Closet: June 2019”