Nail Art

- soft pink nails with reversed tip sparkle - 

- muted mint polish with asymmetrical white polkadots -

- ombre nails in every colour, especially loving the tangerine right now - 

- four solid-coloured and one patterned - 

- chic black polish with metallic stripe for an evening out - 

How fun is it to look down at your finger tips while typing away at work to see shiny, artistically painted nails gleaming back at you? It's definitely enough to brighten my Monday morning work day. These are some of the polish trends that are inspiring me lately, one of which will likely be an experiment this weekend. 


Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Fashionista Party

This weekend I attended a "Fashionista Party" of Bay Area bloggers, hosted by the lovely KT of KTR Style. We mingled amongst champagne, sangria, and delicious strawberry and marshmallow fondue. I left with my sweet tooth satisfied and a new group of stylish friends. 

Liking Lately

- oreo peanut butter brownie cakes made from this recipe - 

- pretty daisies - my favourite flower, especially for Spring -

- fuchsia nail polish -

- a Moleskine notebook for jotting down style ideas and inspiration - 

- printed head scarves - 

This week was all about spring cleaning, making plans, and setting goals. We're organizing a road trip up to Vancouver and Whistler in a couple weeks and I couldn't be more excited to meet up with friends and family in my home country. I have also decided to try one new baking recipe a week. The oreo peanut butter brownie cakes were to die for, but at almost 400 calories a pop, I think next time I'll look for something a little less decadent. Yesterday I revisited my nail polish collection and successfully weeded out the dark winter hues in favour of pastel and vibrant colours. This weekend I'm looking forward to revamping my closet for spring, the Mad Men premier, and meeting with some stylish SF bloggers for drinks and sweets in San Mateo. See you Monday! 

Neon Bright

Top: Zara; Pants: H&M; Heels: Nine West; Necklace: H&M; Watch: Michael Kors; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Nail Polish: Sephora by OPI What Aura Gonna Wear?

I don't think these pictures fully capture how bright this top is, but it's a yellowish-green neon colour with an exaggerated longer hemline in the back for added asymmetrical detail. I love when a simple tee is interesting enough to stand alone. It's a great grab-and-go piece for an outfit that doesn't require too much fuss.  

Dressed for Donuts

Sweater: XX1; Scarf: Banana Republic (similar); Ring: XX1; Bracelets: H&M; Flats: Banana Republic; Sunglasses: Tiffany & Co. 

Yesterday we went to Dynamo Donuts, where they serve the most interesting and unordinary combination flavoured donuts I've ever seen. Check out their menu here. We shared the "Glazed Bacon Maple Apple" and enjoyed some quiet time on the cafe's pretty backyard patio. 

Printed Pants

Pants: H&M; Blouse: Gap; Peep-Toe Wedges: Banana Republic; Bracelets: Gap and H&M; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Necklace: H&M; Nail Polish: Essie Peach Daiquiri

And I'm back. Hope you're still here - just in time for the debut of these floral patterned pants. Sometimes you just need a big print to brighten up an otherwise overcast day. Also, I picked up these classic-shaped wedges over the weekend and can't stop imagining them with every outfit I own. Versatility is a wonderful thing. 

Name Change

www.prettyinpolkadot.blogspot.com

So I watched the movie Pretty in Pink over the weekend and was inspired to change my blog name. No, not actually (although I do love that movie). The truth is this little hobby of mine is quickly becoming a passion and since I don't plan on living out of a suitcase forever (fingers crossed) I am doing a little re-designing. Please check back soon :)

Liking Lately

{a new wallet from Banana Republic}

{a present from Canada}

{my favourite tinted lip balm}

{a new toy}

{St. Paddy's Day outfit}

This week was a busy one, filled with unexpected surprises. Steve got a care package in the mail, which naturally I helped myself to. We bought an iPad and are now uncontrollably addicted to the 4 in a Row app (otherwise known as "Connect Four"). Then to top it all off, Banana Republic released their Friends and Family promotion yesterday so we (both ex-employees of the company) made our way down to the giant flagship store to lament the days of unlimited discounts and splurge on a few items. And now it's time to relax and start getting ready for St. Patrick's day. Cheers! 

Caught in the Rain

Cropped Trench: Banana Republic; Boots: Hunter; Purse: Michael Kors; Nail Polish: Sephora by OPI Nonfat Soy Half Caff

Yesterday I brushed the dust off my Hunters and prepared for a full day of rainy weather. After running errands all afternoon (and stomping in a few puddles) we met some friends at Sugar Cafe for some drinks and delicious desserts. On the way home we spontaneously made a stop at Bourbon & Branch, an original San Francisco speakeasy, where you give a woman at the entrance of a very discreet looking door a password and she lets you in to what looks like 1923. I love this city.

San Francisco Layers

Striped Top: Gap; Chambray Shirt: American Eagle; Boat Shoes: Crown Vintage from DSW; Bracelets: Gap; Necklace: H&M

I've learned to embrace SF's unpredictable weather by investing in good layering pieces and always wearing sandals sparingly. This top is pretty enough to stand on its own in the case of warmer weather, while rolling down the pant legs and sleeves of this chambray top and fastening a few buttons can quickly accommodate for a sudden drop in temperature.

Ready to Twirl

Top: XX1; Skirt: XX1; Heels: Nine West (similar)

I find that a full, just past the knee skirt really warrants a great pair of heels - something unexpected or of contrasting colour or pattern. My favourite feature about these leopard-printed pumps is their texture, which is only really noticeable up close or by touch. The not-too-high, thin black heel makes them daytime appropriate and also slightly MadMen-esque. 

Spring Blues

Top: Gap; Pants: American Eagle; Bracelets: Gap and XX1 (or try these); Sunglasses: Tiffany & Co.; Purse: Old Navy; Heels: Zara

And it's Monday. Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was primarily spent making home-made meals, enjoying these delicious drinks, and finally getting around to seeing The Artist (so good). I also did a little bit of shopping in Union Square and picked up this top. I'm really liking the matchy-matchy look right now, especially in bright spring-inspired hues. I'm anxious to try this trend in a more subdued pastel palette as well, hopefully incorporating these lilac skinny jeans. 

Liking Lately

{lattes from Blue Bottle}

{a surprise anniversary gift}

{quiet afternoon reading}

{new shoes}

Even in a busy week I always find it necessary to set aside some time for simple things, like enjoying a warm cup of coffee while people-watching or curling up on the couch with a good magazine. This weekend I'm looking forward to patio drinks in North Beach and movie marathons. We went to Rasputin yesterday and after about an hour and a half of browsing three floors of movie titles we left the store with eleven DVDs in our hands. At $3.95 each and in the company of a cameraman, it was slightly inevitable and almost definitely predictable. Happy Friday!