All posts in: Oak + Fort

14 May 2021

This Weekend:

I always pull up the last time I wrote this post so as to not have any duplicates, but was surprised that the last time I told you about my weekend was February! Admittedly, we’ve been pretty absent with Yow Yow! in recent months. Between getting vaccinated, socializing more, working later and returning to some normal parts of life, it gets hard to juggle. That being said, Yow Yow! has always been my first love. And for pieces that I’m more passionate about, it doesn’t make sense for them to live on Instagram or TikTok.

The good news is that we’re getting our second dose this weekend so I’m anticipating that I’ll be out of commission for most of it. I’ll either be well enough to be productive in writing or too sick and only consumed by my television, we’ll see! Since we haven’t gotten the dose yet, I’m getting a head start by writing this post:

What We’re Watching: Navillera

I started this show around the same time I was finishing Vincenzo and had heard great things about it. It’s the first K-drama that I’m watching that has less than 16 episodes in the series. It’s a slower pace of a series than I’m used to, but lovely at the same time. I’m into the budding friendship that blossoms between a young troubled dancer and the man who lived a life never getting to pursue his dream of being a dancer. Since I’ll be resting all weekend, it’s the perfect time to binge watch the rest of the series.

What We’re Listening To: ENHYPEN – BORDER : CARNIVAL

For our second dose, Kevin and I are taking a road trip to Sacramento and while he can expect a BTS playlist of some sort, I like to mix it up by bringing in the rest of the family. ENHYPEN is a group under Big Hit that I’m new to, but enjoying all the same! Their latest drop – BORDER : CARNIVAL has a somewhat punky edge to it that intrigues me.

What We’re Wearing: [Oak + Fort T-Shirt Dress] – $38

An impromptu shopping trip led me to Oak + Fort’s Hayes Valley Boutique last weekend where I spotted this dress and a few others. I’ve always been on the fence with t-shirt dresses or rather pieces that are shapeless. While they may not do much for my figure, they are the comfiest and easiest pieces to style. As good as form fitting looks, it doesn’t always feel great when you’re wearing it. This t-shirt dress came at such an affordable price and felt like a blank canvas that I could do a lot with. Even though you can’t see it, it comes with pockets and a slit on one side.

What We’re Eating: Revolution Winery & Kitchen

Since we don’t spend much time in Sacramento, it’s a good opportunity for us to explore a few spots particularly in the food and coffee realm. We’ll be with a local tomorrow so I’m excited for their recommendations!

14 Feb 2021

This Weekend:

What We’re Watching: To All the Boys: Always and Forever

There couldn’t have been a more perfect film for Valentine’s Day weekend than the final installment of To All the Boys. Even though it has only been three years, we all feel like we grew up with Lara Jean. And the growth within her high school years has been astonishing. I watch back the films and wonder why I couldn’t have had the confidence and conviction she displayed throughout. Despite being way past my high school years, she did feel like a heroine to my friends and I. We’ve already watched the film twice now because we enjoyed it that much and two, because we’re not ready to say goodbye.

What We’re Listening To: To All the Boys: Always and Forever Soundtrack

It is a themed weekend for us and honestly, the last two soundtracks have introduced me to some of my favorite songs.

What We’re Wearing: [Mockneck Long Sleeve Top] – $28

We probably don’t need any more turtlenecks, but these were so buttery soft that I went home with not one, but two! These are perfect for cozy days at home, but suitable for my meetings with co-workers throughout the work week. For this price, it’s hard to turn something like this down.

What We’re Eating: Cream Cheese Jalapeno Bread

Tried a new item (for me at least!) at 85C Bakery this morning! I generally stay away from spicy items, but was feeling a little adventurous on Valentine’s Day and all. The jalapeno has a kick, but it’s really actually quite mild.

03 Nov 2020

The Closet: October 2020

[TheAnnieFoxShop Vegan Faux Leather Mask] – $16.90

And just like that, our transition into fall things is here! It’s chilly these days. My space heater has become my best friend and no matter how many layers I wear, it never quite feels enough. More than ever, since we’re spending more time at home, I’m watching my wardrobe become increasingly cozy. The number of lounge pieces I’ve purchased in this span of time may even be surpassing the rest of my work wardrobe.

What I’m leaning a lot from this experience too is that cozy doesn’t mean lazy. It doesn’t mean you’re not trying. In fact, you can still dress up these pieces and they can be equally chic.

[Almina Concept Polo Wool Sweater] – $128

Read more “The Closet: October 2020”
30 Jul 2020

The Closet: July 2020

[Free People Lou Jean Babydoll Dress] – $128

With just a few more weeks of summer left (can you believe it?!) it’s tough to know what to shop for. Do we continue to buy summer wear and hope for clearance or do we begin prepping for fall? San Francisco summers make it hard to decipher. In this week alone, I found myself purchasing a swimsuit that I may not use this season and a half-zip long sleeved sweater. It’s clear that we are also still trying to figure this out. This month’s post teeters on both seasons if you’re like us and can’t make up your mind. For once, it also has a hearty mix of accessories along with it!

[Mango Polka-Dot Bikini Top and Bottom] – $40/$30

Read more “The Closet: July 2020”
17 May 2020

This Weekend:

Doesn’t it seem like the weekends are just flying by once again? I guess in a way this means that we’ve adapted. I remember how early on in shelter-in-place where the days felt like they were stretching beyond just 24 hours. Now when someone asks me about my weekend, I can look back on it and actually feel productive. In California, companies are trying to figure out when it will be appropriate to return back to our offices. For now, it looks like I can expect a potential September return. If that’s the case, we’ll likely take a look at our current routine and modify it so that it’s sustainable for the next few months.

Here’s a little bit of what we’re up to this weekend!

What We’re Watching: The Last Dance (ESPN)

We’ve been watching this since the first night it premiered and I’m sad to finish the last two episodes tonight. It really has been an extraordinary documentary, if not, my favorite one of the year. I grew up knowing about how talented the Chicago Bulls were, but was obviously to young to comprehend the drama. For those of you who aren’t able to watch it on ESPN, the series will be on Netflix sometime next month for you to enjoy!

What We’re Listening To: Local Natives – Hummingbird (Deluxe Version)

Weekends are always reserved for some of my favorite albums. Whether I’m spending the day cleaning or writing content, I want to be able to have the soundtrack be something I’m familiar and comfortable with. I don’t think we’ll ever get sick of listening to Local Natives and even though this album is from 2013, it’s timeless in my eyes.

What We’re Wearing: Heels!

This isn’t the exact pair of Oak + Fort heels that I do own, but if you like these, you can save this [link] for when they are back in stock. Since we’ve been in quarantine, I haven’t worn any other pair of shoes except for sneakers. After all, we didn’t have a reason too! However, for a special outing yesterday, I wanted to feel a little bit more like my normal self. Contrary to what some may believe, it isn’t that difficult to put them back on again.

What We’re Eating: In N’ Out

It was my first burger of quarantine and boy, were we craving it! Since it had been so long, I wasn’t going to miss a chance to get my usual order – a cheeseburger animal style with well-done fries and a strawberry milkshake. To top it all off, we stopped next door at the Krispy Kreme to get a dozen donuts only to receive an extra free dozen on top of that! It was our lucky day!

03 May 2020

Stopping By Re:store

Dress – Lou & Grey / Bag – Oak + Fort / Boots – Aquatalia

It’s hard to find good lighting between two buildings isn’t it? I often times have a vision for a shot, but it doesn’t always land the way I think it will. Near my office, I’m tempted by endless stores and a shopping mall. It makes even taking a quick break for fresh air sometimes difficult. Not too long ago, a new shop opened up called [Re: store.] The concept was that it would house many brands so that you could shop from all of these products at once. My guess is that some of these brands aren’t quite large enough to open up their own stores yet. If that’s the case, why not find a space that has three floors and serves as a pop-up.

During my stop in, I was greeted with brands I was familiar with and even some newer ones I hadn’t heard of. There isn’t a chance that you won’t find one thing you’d like from being there. While I may have walked out this time with nothing in hand, I’m sure I’ll visit again in the future.

10 Apr 2020

Come Around to the Button Down

White Blouse – J. Crew / Jacket – Uniqlo / Pants and Heels – Oak + Fort

For years, I refused to consider button down blouses as part of my wardrobe. I would make every type of excuse for them just to not own one. “They’ll age me.” “I can’t pull one off.” “This doesn’t feel comfortable.” “I work in tech! This isn’t necessary.” On a recent trip home, I found this one hanging in my closet. My mother had spotted it at the store and thought I might like it. To appease her, I did try it on, but the blouse didn’t stand a chance. Before putting it on, I’d already made up my mind about it and used one of the above excuses. I was being a brat.

The day that I left to return to San Francisco, I had just zipped up my luggage. Waiting to leave, I saw it staring back at me from my closet. The guilt of not fully giving it a chance was sitting with me. So I unzipped my luggage one more time and made room for it at the top. Wearing it the next week, I did feel aged. It made me actually “look” my age. Though I tend to have a very youthful personality and face, I recognize that there are things in my closet that I need to retire and leave behind. For work, I paired this with a pair of my black jeggings in heels.

This outfit series though was my take on a weekend look. For a little flair, I paired it with these wide-legged pants and a fun and fuzzy jacket from Uniqlo. It has a bit of spunk, but the same weekend coziness I strive for.

25 Feb 2020

Proud Owner: Bag 1913

By the end of last year, I had grown tired of using my “personal item” for flights as also a work bag. As much I loved my Madewell bag, it wasn’t fitted. I felt like I was getting in everyone’s way during my commute and for after work activities, it was an inconvenience. I set out to Oak + Fort not necessarily looking for a new bag, but just to see what new items were stocked. But when I couldn’t find anything, I juggled between this bag and a potential backpack. What I loved about this bag in particular (1913) was that it was slim, made of leather, and in a neutral color.

Now having owned the bag for a few months though, I wish I had it in more colors! I settled for a tan because it goes with everything, but they’ve since released many more colors and all of them will work with my wardrobe. It definitely doesn’t have as much space as a my travel bag, but at the very least, it’s a bag that is suitable for work. It holds my laptop comfortably in its case and then some! If you’re looking for a new work bag or even something as casual as this for the weekend, I would highly recommend this one.

My only wish for this is that I could have more secure pockets in the front or that could be closed with a button just in case anything slips out.

21 Feb 2020

A Reformation

Dress – Reformation / Sandals – Oak + Fort

Several years ago when Reformation first came onto the scene, I was determined to avoid it for as long as possible. After all, I already had a vast collection of dresses and I wouldn’t necessarily put Reformation into the most affordable category. On the eve of a friend’s wedding, I was still without a dress to wear for it. It was shocking to me because I’ve never felt so unprepared! I stopped into Reformation in Lower Pac Heights and sure enough, as soon as I put it on, it fit perfectly. Not only was it the right size, but it highlighted my best features. I couldn’t leave the store without it!

It was that dress that converted me into a fast fan. This is the 2nd dress that we’ve purchased from the brand and it’s what I consider perfect for any summer season. These dresses are high quality and I’m confident that they can withstand the test of time.

03 Feb 2020

Fall in the City

Dress – Urban Outfitters / Sandals – Oak + Fort / Sunlasses – Marc Jacobs

Nobody loves re-wearing a wedding guest dress for day-to-day more than me. I think it’s because at the end of the day, I love a good challenge. And the thing that most people believe is that you can’t wear a wedding guest outside of a wedding. To that, I think we should respond with changing your mentality. Which one of the dresses that you own can be worn to a wedding? Obviously, there are a few exceptions here – no white, nothing that steals attention from the bride, nothing low cut, etc.

Most of the time, I buy dresses with the intent that they are for someone else’s wedding. The challenge of making it daytime appropriate though never ends up being too difficult. Layers are your friends. But my best kept secret? Wear it with confidence. No one has to know that you wore it to a wedding. Wear it like it’s your day time outfit and you’d be surprised at how many people won’t even notice.