Flashback to the 90s

Tank: Forever21; Flannel: Banana Republic; Denim: 7 For All Mankind;

Aviators: Ray-Ban; Bangles: Nordstrom, F21; Polish: Taylor by Julep;

Longboard: Gold Coast

The 90s called . . . they want their flannel back! As evidenced in the photos above, I had a total 90s grunge moment on Saturday (I even embraced my dirty hair!). The sun was semi-shining and N, R, and I were going longboarding on Alki. At the last minute, I threw on this flannel instead of a jacket and the result was a flashback to the nineties with shredded denim, open flannels, and pops of neon. I got to break in my new board which was a blast. We enjoyed 25 oz. beers, nachos, and ice cream . . . of course, N ordered bubble gum ;) I instagramed this photo of our boards:

Representing Gold Coast

We had a great time on Alki with very few stumbles ;) N and I spent Saturday evening with three other couples, trying out a new restaurant, new bar, and naming our very own cocktail for the bar menu! But I'll save that story for tomorrow ;) Cheers!

Navy + Nude

Tank: Soprano (via Nordstrom Rack); Denim: 7 For All Mankind;

Sweater: Remain; Flats: Me Too; Bangles: Alexis Bittar, Juicy Couture,

F21; Bag: LV

Earrings: J. Crew; Aviators: Ray-Ban

 OMG. Please ignore my fat arms and "the claw" hand! ICK

  

Happy Friday! The sun is shining here and I get to have happy hour with 2 of my favorite gal pals after work so this chica is a happy one! Anyway, a few things 1) N calls the sweater above my "grandma sweater." Which I guess I partially agree with, except for the fact that it is so ruffly and sparkly that I consider it way cooler than a grandma sweater (except that my grandma would probably totally rock this sweater anyway), 2) I am obsessed with Instagram. It takes photos to a whole new level and I am so happy they finally got the app for the Android because I was seriously considering just buying an iphone so I could use Instagram. (that's how bad I wanted it), 3) Is my right-hand in the photo above not totally reminiscent of "the claw" from Jim Carrey in 'Liar, Liar'?! I mean, ew, gross. But I was in a total rush to take these pictures this morning because boyfriend spent the night and slept in until like 7:40 this morning.

Have a fab weekend!

XO

Pastels in the Rain

Blouse: Express; Skinny Denim: J. Crew; Shoes: Zara; Belt: Lacoste;

Necklace: J. Crew

Bundled

Sunglasses: Versace; Scarf: Gifted; Trench: Gap; 

Rainboots: J. Crew; Tote: Longchamp

I love the little bows on these rainboots! I bought these forever and a day ago, back when I was still living in California. In the summertime. I bought them on sale for $10 at J. Crew. They definitely approached the yard sale bin every now and then due to minimal wear, but I could never part with them. I mean, hello- they're pink. rainboots. with bows! I think I will be forever sold on them.

Apologies in advance for the excessive amount that you will be seeing these Zara heels and J. Crew bib necklace. They've easily become two of my favorite items so hopefully you enjoy seeing them as much as I love wearing them!

Also, I've joined Instagram! I'm still trying to figure out how the damn thing works (I am so techie-impaired its ridiculous) but if you're interested in seeing my journey, you can find me here and follow along. Do you have Instagram? If so, let me know and I'll follow you!

XO

Five Favorites

J. Crew Mini-Gingham Blouse At $75

- I especially love this kiwi color and believe

it is the epitome of spring! Plan to pair it

with a crisp white skirt and nude bow flats - 

Kate Spade Ticker Tape Mug At $50

- There is a matching plate too. Is it ridiculous to spend $100

on a plate-mug set just to make yourself feel fancy? - 

Zara Pencil Skirt with Frill At $79.90

- With peplum being all the rage right now, this skirt is the perfect
way to embody the trend. This skirt can go from day to night and
season to season. Whether with polka-dot tights or sun-kissed
legs, this skirt is guaranteed to make people swoon-  

 J. Crew Featherweight Colorblock Cardigan At $72.50
- Comes in multiple colors and is light enough for a cool summer morning
or evening. Must purchase immediately! -

  Gold Coast 'The Standard Orange' Longboard At $160
- Looking for a new summer hobby? Wanna rock your beachy look while
making the boys stare? Longboarding is the way to go! So fun, so easy,
and a great way to get a tan :) Buy yours here, you won't regret it! -  

Consider It A Win

Chambray: J. Crew; Tank: Nordstrom Rack; Skirt: Kische;

Shoes: Zara; Necklace: J. Crew; Bangles: Forever21; Bag: Prada 

I consider it a win when you get three compliments on your outfit while out and about in downtown Seattle before 10 a.m. I consider it a win when you receive a mini shout-out on one of your own favorite daily reads, such as here (you can find me at the bottom!). And lastly, I consider it a win when you receive your first official invite as a V.I.P. guest to a swanky little get together, such as the one I received below:

I'm only uber sad that I can't go because of my lame evening class :( Either way, it warmed my heart to receive the invite- I don't even know how I was put on the list! I also have to say that it warmed my heart to see that 2 new followers have joined the site! Special thanks to you for makin' a gal feel like she's doing something constructive that others appreciate ;) Cheers to a happy Tuesday!

An Outfit So Nice, I Wore It Twice

Blouse: J. Crew; Skirt: Anthropologie; Sandals: Dolce Vita;

Bangles: Juicy Couture, Alexis Bittar; Earrings: J. Crew;

Nails: Lightening by Sally Hansen

I typically refrain from sporting the exact same outfit within such a close proximity as I did today. However, I totally fell in love when I wore it yesterday and today's weather was just begging me to commit a repeat offense. Yesterday N and I went on the Savor Seattle Food Tour in Pike Place Market with K and J. It was a sunny little double date on which we were able to try many of the local food vendors (some which I had had before and others which I hadn't!) and learn some fun and fancy tidbits I never knew before (for example, the Starbucks located within the Market is NOT (to my disbelief) the first Starbucks! It is the fourth location . . . which somewhat broke my heart a bit). Regardless, the food was phenomenal and the sunshine was intoxicating. Here are some snapshots from the day:

::Pike Place::

Steals my heart every time I visit

 ::Etta's::

Enjoying Tom Douglas Crab Cakes with K

 ::Pops of Color at The Market::

 ::N sporting the fancy headset we had to wear,

and I, the repeat outfit offender!::

Cover the Night

Do Your Part

Nautical

Chambray: J. Crew; Sweater: Banana Republic; Denim: 7 For All Mankind;

Shoes: Dolce Vita; Necklace: J. Crew; Watch: Michele; 

Bangles: Juicy Couture, Alexis Bittar, Gifted; Nails: Lightening by Sally Hansen

I still feel a little weird wearing white pants before Memorial Day, despite the fact that the once fashion faux pas was dismissed a while back with the introduction of winter white. Either way, the nautical look is one of my faves and it isn't complete without white bottoms. 

In other news, I bought a longboard yesterday! My friend R (whose board I used last weekend) has been on the lookout for one for me and found one on a swift sale for $60. It should ship out today- wouldn't it be wonderful if it arrived by Saturday morning so I could take it out to enjoy the hotly anticipated 70 degree weather we're supposed to get?! You can anticipate more of this (plus or minus LV):

Top: J. Crew; Chino Shorts: J. Crew; Boat Shoes: Sperry;

Bag: LV; Longboard: Gold Coast c/o Ryan

Location: Alki Beach 4/14/12

. . . Bring May Flowers

 

Blouse: Bitten by SJP; Pants: Anthropologie; Sweater: Halogen;

Shoes: Michael Kors; Bangles: Juicy Couture, Forever21
Earrings: Gifted

Close up

Never in a million years did I think that I would wear something like this. Floral on floral? Puh-leeease! But thanks to the blogging fashionistas of the world, my mind naturally took the plunge into the deep bright ocean this morning and came up with the outfit above. Gotta say, I kinda dig it. I'm also equally obsessed with these shoes which I bought almost 3 years ago. Back then, it was somewhat of a plunge for me to not only drop a few hundy on shoes, but also purchase caged, snakeskin peep-toes. Well look at me now! I'm blooming just like the flowers from April showers! (that was so corny. sorry.) 

Happy Hump Day PGG Readers! 

Shades of Yellow

Tank: Nordstrom Rack; Sweater: Halogen; Skirt: Francesca's;

Flats: Me Too; Ring: JewelMint; Bangles: Alexis Bittar, F21;

Earrings: Gifted; Nails: Lightening by Sally Hansen

Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT

Not much to report today. Wearing sunshine on my nails and looking forward to making blueberry muffins when I get home this evening. NOT looking forward to school this week, however AM looking forward to the weekend which is promising sun, Mariners baseball, and a few birthday parties thrown in for good measure.

Yesterday I received a mini bouquet from my firm, congratulating me on my 3-year anniversary with them. Crazy how time flies! Happy Tuesday!

Chambray Monday

Chambray: J. Crew; Skinny Minnie Pant: J. Crew; Belt: NastyGal;

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini; Trench: Gap; Sunglasses: Versace;

Bag: LV

Necklace: J. Crew; Bangles: Juicy Couture, Alexis Bittar; Watch: Michele;

Lips: Hot Tahiti by MAC

If you live in Seattle, this message is for you: HOW INCREDIBLE WAS THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND?! Oh man, we certainly got a taste of summer!  

Anyway, I hope you all had a most fantastic weekend. Mine was simply splendid. The bar we went to after the Ms game on Friday had an incredible live cover band called The Herding Cats that played all the classics (Journey anyone?). On Saturday N and I took advantage of the beach weather and headed over to Alki to go longboarding (my first time! now I'm addicted and in the market for a board of my own), lunch in the sun, and eat ice cream with our toes in the sand. Yesterday, we went to the Ms game to watch them cinch the series win against the A's while sitting 1st row on the 3rd baseline. We celebrated by walking from the stadium to Pike Place and hit the rooftop deck of the Hard Rock for some adult beverages and chicken tenders.

Can I play the weekend on repeat please?! Because now it's raining . . . and Monday. Bleh :(

Opening Night

Tee: Victoria's Secret; Skinny Denim: J. Crew; Boat Shoes: Sperry;

Aviators: Ray-Ban; Bangle: Juicy Couture; Bracelets: Personal

 Bag: Kate Spade

Tonight is the home opener for the Mariners! The sun is shining, the office is dead, and I'm craving a hot dog. One thing you should know about me: I love hot dogs. Always have. I used to be embarrassed about it and act all grossed out like other people did when they saw a hot dog, when really I just wanted a bite. But then I met my friend B in college and she was so free about loving hot dogs that I adopted her attitude about it. I'm not even self conscious about eating them in public anymore. 

The best hot dog EVER (in life) is from 'Hot Dog in the Park' which is in the Westlake Center of downtown Seattle. When I first moved here B took me to the tiny stand and told me to order the hot dog with cream cheese, grilled onions, and cabbage. I looked at her like she was crazy and she just said, "It's a Seattle thing. Trust me." So I tried it . . . and obviously it became love at first bite. Some days I just crave that hot dog for lunch.

Okay. I need to stop talking about hot dogs. Sorry if you're grossed out by them. Anyway, here's to the beginning of baseball season at SafeCo! A place where you run into more friends than you do on a regular weekend, spill beer everywhere at the Pyramid beer garden, and sometimes see the M's win!

PLAY BALL!

  Photo taken from 2011 photoshoot,

blogged here

Sophisticated Sparkle

Sweater: J. Crew; Skirt: ASOS; Necklace: J. Crew; Shoes: Vince Camuto;

Studs: Nordstrom, Swarovski

Why not add some sparkle to a random weekday? I've been saving this skirt for today because there is a reason to celebrate! The bf turns 29 today, which means that the birthday festivities officially began this morning at 6 a.m. when I woke up to blow up balloons, pack brownies made the night before, and get N his favorite "weekend" beverage (caramel sauce latte) all before he arrived at work at 8 a.m. One of his coworkers let me in early to decorate his desk :) The surprise was a success! Tonight I'm taking N to the Champagne Champagne concert to celebrate and then we kick off the weekend with the Mariners Home Opener tomorrow night, dinner and (hopefully) dancing on Saturday night, and a delectable brunch on Sunday, during which I will finally get to give N his present- so exciting! The sun is shining and my skirt is sparkling!

Special shout-out to my main ragazzo, Nicky!

Buon Compleanno!

You light up my life in so many ways and I'm forever grateful

that we ended up doing abs together at the gym 2.5 years ago ;)

Thanks for always making me laugh, speaking Italian with me,

and for being so goddamn good-looking!

Ti amo!