concert comfy chic with converse.

j.crew gray structured v-neck shell // michael kors anorak cargo jacket (similar) //
faux leather panel leggings (similar) // rebecca minkoff mini mac // converse chuck taylor sneakers

Happy Monday, friends! Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine kicked off with cocktails at the newly opened bar/bistro, Damn the Weather in Pioneer Square. By the way, if you haven't checked it out yet - I highly recommend it. The cocktails are amazing - not a surprise since the owner was the previous bar manager of Rob Roy in Belltown. Also, I had the most tender, delicate and tasty snail and pickled fiddlehead sandwich. YUM. 

After a few drinks and a quick, delicious bite, my main squeeze and friends were off to a concert at Showbox Sodo to see the Fitz and the Tantrums! My latest favorite from them? The Walker... listen and try not to whistle along.

So as with any Friday date night or weekend outing, I had the hardest time figuring out what to wear to this concert. I mean the big dilemma was to find an outfit that was just the right amount of comfy chic for the concert, but also not too laid back for drinks at the bar. 

Since Seattle was being a little indecisive with its weather patterns, I opted for an outfit that was practical and fun. Leather leggings had just the right amount of sass, but also allowed me to jump around and get my groove on. The light anorak jacket was a great choice for keeping me cozy, but adding some pizazz to my simple basics outfit with its gold zippers and accents. Also, I chose to rock a sporty look with my Converse Chuck Taylors, which allowed me to walk comfortably on the uneven sidewalks for Sodo, as well as not worry about getting my feet soaked in surprise puddles outside after the show. Needless to say, this is one of my new favorite, comfy and versatile outfits. 

What's next for this week? Packing and getting ready for my East Coast adventures! Remember when I first shared with you guys about it? It feels like we've been planning this trip for months... and now it's less than three days away. Absolutely can't wait to visit Boston and New York, and I have been looking for must-see, must eats and must-visit places to pin to my A + K: Summer 2014 Pinterest board.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a few of my must-pack items and links to wise words from other bloggers about traveling and packing. Stay tuned! xoxo

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blue crochet shorts for the birthday.

white blouse // zara blue crochet shorts // tiffany infinity ring //

 dolce vita wedges (from last year) // rebecca minkoff mini mac crossbody

As with all big celebrations, my birthday week festivities had to come to a close (insert whiny face) I know, I know... if I could (and I totally would), I would celebrate my birthday all month... but that's a little obnoxious right? Ha. But this week has truly been wonderful and well-spent with family time and fun in the sun. I couldn't have asked for more. 

To wrap the week up, Mama Nguyen and I had another all-day shopping adventure and strolled through one of my favorite Portland neighborhoods (NW 23rd) in the evening. On our way to Bamboo Sushi for dinner, we stumbled upon beautiful blue flowers in that quintessential neighborhood which reminded me of how much I really did adore that pretty color. 

Let me tell you -- I am and will always be a "pink" girl - any shade - bright or pastel - you name it... it's in my closet. However lately, I've been drawn to jewel-tone blues and turquoise. As such, these blue crochet shorts from Zara were one of my favorite recent purchases. Initially, I thought they were too bright, maybe even a little too "festival" and sort of resembled PJ shorts... but after styling them with some wedges and an airy blouse, I could totally see it being a part of my summer ensembles.

Besides being cute, the shorts are pretty comfy, too! (Pssst, it has an elastic waistline...) And of course, no summer outfit would be complete without a fab pair of wedges. I've had these pair (dolce vita) for two years now, and they are by far the most comfy wedges I own. Soft leather, not too high of a heel and the cognac brown goes with just about everything. Recently, I've been digging these Sole Society 'Jenny' Slingback Wedges. The strappy look is so cute, and even better the price is just right! 

And I know... a bag repeat. But hey, I just can't get enough of how convenient, easy and goes-with-everything this Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Crossbody truly is... It's definitely a must-wear and becoming an outift staple in my close.

Thanks to Mama Nguyen for snapping these photos of me!

Cheers to starting twenty-four on the right foot (in a fabulous pair of shoes)! 

And of course... rockin' bright blue shorts like nobody else's business. 

Would you wear colored crochet shorts this summer?

xoxo

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casual chic: cuffed denim

One of my favorite trends is a slightly rolled hem on denim - whether it's skinny jeans, shorts or capris, I love it all. It gives an effortless chic vibe that's cute and trendy. Also, cuffed denim makes your everyday pants more fun. Here are my favorite Pinterest picks:

the wash on these pants are lovely... especially diggin' the tassels on these crisscross high-heeled sandals

cuffed denim with leopard print heels? I think YES. 

love the choice of shoes with these pants

the epitome of effortless, casual chic
simple and classic white button-up, tucked into a pair of gently destroyed lighter wash denim, cuffed
and paired with pointy cap-toed flats for an overall comfy yet trendy look

Images [1] [2] [3] [4]

orange you glad.

Lately, I've been absolutely digging this coral to red-orange hue -- loud, bright and just simply the perfect color for the season. Elle Woods may have been right in  2001 when she said that whoever named orange the new pink was seriously disturbed (loyal wearer of all things pink) but, for summer 2012, it's making a comeback - it's all about the orange, corals and peaches. After all, tangerine tango is the color of the year.

Maxis, flutter tops and and even satchels are making a pop with that color. I loved seeing a little bit of it in Kate Spade's Florence Broadhurst line such as that little Hopper House Shyla clutch (orange and neon pink) and Tory Burch's Mariel dress in marmalade.

Here are some of my pin-spiring picks for this hot color:

love the knit-feel of this poncho-like sweater

gorgeous, pleated chiffon maxi

pleated tulip skirt and fierce with animal print

simple, light-weight jersey racerback tank dress and belted with a woven leather belt
played casual with a top knot

and this one's for the boys....
color on top of a gingham patterned button up

Are you wearing orange this season?

images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

OOTD: Graduation Style #2 - navy, cream and collegiate

Saturday was the big day.. UW Commencement! So of course, I had to wear a different dress... here is graduation outfit #2! 

Just like my first outfit, I wanted to keep this one simple and classy. With a gold-buttoned, navy blazer, nude heels and pearls, this had collegiate all over it. I'm in love with this dress. It's one of my favorites.. why? POCKETS. perfect for storing lip gloss if you want to go hands-free for the afternoon. I brought my little LV clutch for this occasion though, since I had too much to take with me, which included my umbrella. I didn't want to endure another Noah's Ark downpour like Thursday. 

Thanks to my dearest mother for taking these pictures. They were taken by the Olympic Sculpture and Myrtle Edwards Park. Mama and I stopped by for a quick photo shoot before heading to Century Link Field. Hope you enjoy!!

OUTFIT

Dress: Ella dress in 'Rambling Rose' - classic navy, floral vine print; Blazer: Ralph by Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Nordstrom Bracelets: Banana Republic and J.Crew; Rings: Michael Kors, Alpha Delta Pi sorority and vintage crystal; Earrings: Kate Spade "Putting on The Ritz" studs (wore them with outfit #1, too!) Shoes: Patent, criss-cross nude from Austique (boutique in London); Purse: Louis Vuitton

*Also.. as I'm awaiting for photos from Friday's graduation photo session, I will be delaying my graduation recap until I receive them. Thought it would be best to keep it all in one post. :)

Mama told me to look into the distance? haha

Hope you enjoyed the outfit! xoxo

OOTD: Graduation Style #1 - florals, golds and bling, oh my!

Thanks, mom for the beautiful bouquet!
Peonies are my favorite, and these pink ones are gorgeous
especially with the contrasting neon lime green mums. 

Hello there! For graduation, I picked out two outfits - one for the Department ceremony and another for Commencement. You might remember reading my shopping adventures for these perfect dresses a couple weeks ago - thought I'd share with you my first graduation outfit! Second outfit to post on Monday :)

I wanted to keep the outfit simple classy, but with a hint of "fun" - so I chose a few accessories and went for statement shoes? Haha If there ever was a thing... Played up the bling with my earrings (a birthday present from m'friend Lindzee!) and my favorite Michael Kors pave eternity ring, along with two rings that I wore everyday when I was in college - one from my sorority and a vintage crystal cocktail ring from my aunt. The necklace was a gift from my mother in high school - a vintage treasure that is one of my favorites, and my statement shoes were sky-high, hot pink and purple, color-blocked, peep-toed, patent wedges. loves. 

These pictures were taken right outside the Communication Department on my big day - so happy the sun came out just in time for a quick photo shoot. Hope you all are having a beautiful week! Graduation recap will be posted on Monday!! Can't wait to share with y'all my favorite graduation photos <3

OUTFIT

Dress: J.Crew Ella dress in 'Garden Floral' - bold orange brushstroke floral print, silk; Shoes: Vince Camuto peep-toed wedges; Earrings: Kate Spade "Putting on The Ritz" studs; Rings: Alpha Delta Pi sorority and vintage crystal on my left hand, Michael Kors pave eternity on my right; Necklace: vintage hammered gold wreath from the late 70s; Purse: Louis Vuitton (pictured below, last photo Trench: Michael Kors)

awkward fashion blogger pose.. take 1

Love the detailed brushstroke on the dress. It has pockets, too!

Yay, the sun finally came out!! Just in time for pictures.

Mother, I beg of you... no more photos. please.

maybe just one more? :)