Friday, May 4, 2012

Savory "Sundaes": Italian food, family, and a concert- oh my!

I have decided recently that Sundays are my favorite days. I like them more and more because it is usually a day that I have off and so do my friends and family. This past Sunday I went to Ballard with my parents for the Sunday farmers market.  There is a new gelato shop in Ballard that is really authentic so of course I coerced my parents into taking me there! ;) I got two of my favorite flavors I discovered while living in Italy, Melone which of course is melon and Riso Naturale which is a natural rice that is somewhat sweet and savory at the same time. It was delicious! We didnt stop there... We rounded out our Sunday with dinner at Piccolino's (my favorite Italian restaurant in Seattle)! My parents and I split homemade lobster ravioli and margharita pizza (both just to die for) all while sipping a reserve bottle of Italian wine. Buon Appetito! ;)













Dress: H&M. Pink Blazer: Thrifted. Sandals: Handmade in Capri, Italy. 
Necklaces: Chunky chains- Nordstrom Rack. "ooh la la"- Kate Spade. Watch: Michael Kors. 
Bangles: Various brands. Sunnies: Ray Ban "Wayfarer"

After dinner, I made my way over to my friend Dana's house in Queen Anne. From there her and I went to see James Morrison live in concert (and no, I'm not confused with Jim Morrison).  We both love his music and had been so excited to see him perform.  I had a feeling that he would be good in concert but he totally knocked my socks off! He was AMAZING! I think it was one of the best concerts that I had seen in a while.  In addition to having an outstanding voice, he is from Australia so he had a really cute accent and had larger than life stage presence. He didnt stop joking around all night and had the crowd singing, laughing and dancing until the bitter end.  I would definitely see him again the next time he comes into town!

Sorry I've been lazy about my blogging lately. I think I might just blame it on this totally un-motivating rain that we've had in Seattle... Bring on the sun!

Xoxox Ashiee B

Listening: James Morrison "You give me something"
Loving: My week filled with time with my friends :)
Anticipating: My friend Schoon's going away party and the bridal accessory photo shoot I'm in on Sunday :)


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Savory Sundays: Sunny Spring Staple- White Denim

I worked this past Sunday for the first time in a while.  Although we had some beautiful weather that I would have loved to go spend some time in, I really didn't mind going in to the store.  I love working Sundays at Nordstrom because they are relatively busy and the shifts tend to be a little shorter since the store isn't open as long.

I wore this fun floral top with my white Paige denim.  I would say that white denim is a must-have for any girl in the spring and summer months.  The benefits of white is that it matches with virtually everything. I wear mine nearly every week. I know you're probably thinking "Doesn't white get dirty really easily?" (what could you be doing to get them so dirty?) or "I don't want my legs to look like little sausages!" (my personal favorites of the silly things my customers say) but as long as you're not wearing them to the airport (I made this mistake- it's a dirty place) and purchase a pair that fit you well- they are so flattering! Here are some links to my favorites available right now...

J Brand- Great Skinny. Made from Tencel and are super soft and comfortable.  Given 5 stars on the Nordstrom website. Read the reviews if you're not convinced.

Paige Premium Denim- Great ankle peg. Fit true to Paige sizing (size down from typical denim size e.g. if you're a 27, I'd recommend a 26. They stretch!) This is the pair that I'm wearing below.

Citizen of Humanity- White Crop.  These fit like a dream and are very comfortable. The perfect white crop! 5 stars on the Nordstrom website.

Hudson- Baby boot cut. This pair of white is considered to be a "baby" boot.  Its something between a straight leg and a boot cut. Very flattering and has a great fit. ( Remember that Hudson stretches the most of premium denim, so sizing down is wise as well) 5 stars on the Nordstrom website.

The white denim listed above are just some of my favorites and are the brands and styles that I would consider myself to be an expert on. Although these tend to be a typical price for premium denim, you can find white at every price point.  I own three pairs of white denim. One from JC Penny because it was written in Glamour Magazine last year as the best white denim for the price ($14!!), one from Forever 21 because they have a nice stretch and were also very well priced and then my Paige pair, because I am addicted to Paige and received it as a gratis at Nordstrom.















White Denim: Paige Premium Denim "Optic White". Floral Blouse: BP, Nordstrom. Sandals: Forever 21. Necklace: J Crew. Watch: Michael Kors. Bangles: Various brands. Sunnies: Ray Ban "Wayfarer". Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Lips: Butter London Lippy "Trout Pout"

Hope you all can use this tip on white denim and are inspired to go get a pair yourself!  I promise you wont regret it.  One of my favorite things in my closet for Spring! :)

Xoxox Ashiee B

Feeling: Motivated after my product knowledge meeting at Nordstrom this morning with Personal Stylists in the Seattle area 
Listening: "In your Atmosphere (Acoustic) (live)" John Mayer 


Monday, April 23, 2012

San Fran thru a filtered lens


I know I keep promising a post about my trip to San Francisco and I promise it's on its way. Until I can cut out the time to go in detail, here's a diary of my trip thru instagram photos. Instagram just released the android ap before I went and it made me such a happy girl! :)

Xoxo Ashiee B



My first day in town with bows on my toes :)


Union Square


Friday Night: Librarian vs. Barbarian Party- SO fun!!


Driving to Napa



Just a pretty necklace that I loved in a shop




Driving over the Golden Gate- Destination, Napa!



I LOVE the Italian influence in SF. This is one of my 
favorite cheeses from Italy :)

The "TBD" (besides the department I work in at Nordstrom) the name
 of the drink that I had at lunch in Napa. One of the best meals I've ever had. 


View from the clouds over SF during my flight back home... until next time!! 


I've decided that San Francisco is one of my all time favorite cities. It only took 4 times of visiting ;)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Lime on a dime

I had been wanting something in this lime color ever since it first started cropping up this season.  I found this cute little silk blouse at Ann Taylor LOFT and it was marked down to only $14.88! I'm the kind of fashionista that doesn't like to repeat clothing very often (not very lucrative for any budget) so spending so little on something that is trendy like this only makes sense. A perfect bright, sunny top for a perfect bright, sunny day in Seattle!

Xoxox Ashiee B









Lime Polka Dot Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT. Black Pencil skirt: H&M. Black Wedges: Guess, Nordstrom. Necklaces: Forever 21 & Kate Spade "ooh la la". Watch: Michael Kors. 
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Nicki. Sunglasses: Ray Ban "Wayfarer"

Friday, April 20, 2012

Royally Yours

Before I really dive into my trip to San Francisco this past weekend, I thought I would post an outfit.  Here's what I wore today and the reason why I titled this one "Royally Yours" is because my friend at work said that I looked like an Arabian Princess :). I have been wanting something with this vintage scarf print ever since I saw Blaire's post on Atlantic-Pacific. I saw plenty of things in this print at Zara in San Fran but then found this scarf that was the perfect subtle amount. Hope you're all having a great week and enjoying this intermittent sunshine we've been having!

Xoxox Ashiee B













Lace Maxi Skirt: Forever 21. Beaded Shoulder Top: Nordstrom (old). Scarf: Forever 21. Shoes: Italy. Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Watch: Michael Kors. Bangles: Various brands. Necklace: Kate Spade "ooh la la". Lips: Butter London Lippy "Trout Pout"

Feeling: At ease about a relaxing weekend ahead
Anticipating: The new John Mayer CD debuting in just 32 days! But who's counting ;)
Listening: "Two"- Ryan Adams

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Launching Into Seattle Fashion

I have been a little "radio-silent" (as my sister would say) with my blogging over the past week... and its not because of a lack of content. Actually, its quite the opposite.  Im not trying to say that my life is so exciting but as a matter of fact, over the last week, it has been very eventful and very exciting.

Last Thursday night, I went to the launch party for the first Indie Style magazine for the iPad and iPhone called JeNeSeQua.  The party was hosted at Makers, a gutted building located in Belltown. It was a somewhat private event requiring check-in to the guest list upon entrance. I had been previously invited by the Creative Director and Editor in Chief, Melissa Middleton who I had the pleasure of meeting in a coffee shop last month in Seattle. I couldn't wait for the event and invited one of my best friends from college, Jenna, to attend with me.  The first 150 guests received "swag bags" with Butter London Nail Polish and other various goodies so Jenna and I made sure to arrive just in time! :)






Once we were in the party, Jenna and I snagged a cocktail from the bar and began to mingle around meeting people. The theme of the night was Black and White, and because it was a fashion event, the attendees were lavishly dressed and checking everyone else out from head to toe.  We met this amazing, very down-to-earth gentleman from London named Louis-Xavier Le Bron, wearing a fur collar over a suit with a jewel encrusted brooch at the neck.  He was very posh and seemed to be important. He had an astonishingly impressive resume within the fashion industry that fully supported his appearance.  He was the creative director for the Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show, and a Stylist for Thandie Newton, Lana Del Ray, Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger to name a few.  His resume blew me out of the water and was someone that I admired for his work-- a resume I aspire to have someday. :) He recently moved to Seattle so we exchanged phone numbers and made plans to snag coffee together sometime.








After talking to him, we continued to mingle. There were actually more people I knew than I had anticipated, one of which who was my best friend from high school, Lindey. I had no idea that she was going to be there and it was definitely a pleasant surprise! The three of us girls spent most of the night together and met a few guys. They weren't your typical men who attend fashion events. They actually knew nothing about fashion but were guests of a friend who knew Melissa, the host.  We chatted with them for a while and later danced once the social space turned into a dance floor. They had taken swing dancing classes before so they taught us a few moves. It put a fun spin on the evening!




Knowing she was busy but before the night was over, I made sure to say a quick hello to Melissa (the editor in chief and creator of the magazine).  I wanted to thank her for the invite and let her know that I truly had a great time! Hopefully, in the near future I'll be able to grab coffee with her as well to network and gain perspective.

All in all, I had an amazing time with friends and it was great to meet some more people within my industry!

Xoxo Ashiee B



Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Savory Sundays: An Italian Easter

I just discovered this past weekend that aside from Halloween, I think that Easter might be my favorite holiday. The reason why these two are my favorites- Fashion. Every year for Halloween, I have my costume planned out about 6 months in advance and always make it on my own.  And I just discovered that I love Easter because people love to get dressed up and wear something other then just jeans and a t-shirt. I went to church that morning with my parents and met up with one of my best friends Denise. Afterwards, her and I went to Starbucks for a coffee and to catch up. Thats when I could hardly focus on what we were saying because I had to check out everyones looks as they walked through the door and stood in line.  I'm just a little fashion obsessed. We finished the afternoon off with brunch at Brown Bag cafe with a few other friends. At brunch we all talked about traveling to Europe and it made me reflect on my experience... and miss it.

I bet you're wondering what it was that made my Easter well... Italian. Well for starters, almost my entire outfit that I wore was purchased while I was living in Italy. My floral dress was one of my favorite pick ups from Zara which is one of the best stores imaginable. I wish that we had it here in Seattle. Unlike H&M, you can purchase Zara pieces online. My leather sandals are another one of my favorite purchases while I was in Italy. They are so unique and so comfortable.












Dress: Zara. Sandals: Shoe store in Italy. Sunnies: Marc By Marc Jacobs. Handbag: Marciano. 
Watch: Michael Kors. Necklace: Kate Spade. Lipstick: NARS "Heat Wave"


To polish off this Italian Easter, my parents and I had dinner at The Old Spaghetti factory and sipped some Chianti wine. Afterwards, we went to an Italian restaurant in Ballard called Piccolino's to have a night cap. My mom and I sipped lemoncello lemon drops while my dad sipped a vodka martini.  We talked all about my travels to Italy and how I need to go back there. The manager of Piccolino's was an Italian man with a thick accent that I hadn't realized I missed until he opened his mouth.  I told him that I took an Italian language class so he tested my skills.  I could tell him my name, my age and where I lived in Florence and that was about it.  None the less it made my knees weak for Italy and I'm now scheming how I can move back!

Xoxo Ashiee B



Loving: The fact that my friend Ali is back from her trip to Europe and now has the travel bug... we'll be going somewhere!
Feeling:  So well rested! Its amazing how a full 8 hrs can make you feel.
Anticipating: Dinner tonight with Ali, Ngoc and Dana to celebrate Ali's 23 and hear about her travels.
 
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