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 

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 ;)

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"

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

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

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.

Right place at the right time

Everyone at one point or another has heard the expression, "Timing is everything." Timing affects when we meet people and where, when we can go on a trip and often many of our purchases. But so much of the time we are unaware of the opportunity because we're busy, lazy, thinking about other things, the list can go on and on.  I feel like recently I have been more open and aware of opportunities and the people around me.  

A couple of weeks ago when I was at one of my favorite coffee shops on Capital Hill, I noticed two ladies studying some fashion photos so I decided to be somewhat nosey and asked "Do you write a fashion blog?!"  Thats when the blonde, Melissa, turned to me and told me that her and the other gal, Heather, were the creative directors and editor in chief of the very first Indie Fashion magazine for the iPad called JeNeSeQua.  We started talking about fashion, blogging and JeNeSeQua.  I told them that I was a newbie to fashion blogging but am trying to meet more people in the Seattle area who are passionate about it.  Melissa then told me about the launch party for the mag taking place in a few weeks and that I should come and network. I was ecstatic! I just received my personal invite last night and cant wait for the event! Below is a photo of the flyer for the launch party. The theme is White and Black cocktail attire so now I just have to figure out what I'm going to wear! I cant wait!!

The other timing anecdote I have is in regards to my outfit.  If you're a fashionista, fashion blog reader or just a lover of the fine things then you probably know what an Equipment blouse is (read the history of the blouse here). But if you don't, its not the end of the world but you'll probably want one at some point.  They are notorious at Nordstrom as being something you want to sell everyone and something you want to own. Probably in every color. Its the most comfortable silk blouse ever but it comes at a price of $208+. 

The other night after work, I decided to stop by the Nordstrom Rack and thats when I found the blouse that I'm wearing in this post. A beautiful vibrant coral Equipment blouse for only $79.97.  Talk about the right place at the right time! I found another in a beautiful blue and snagged that one as well. In terms of fashion, you don't always have to fork over the big bucks to wear something fabulous. You just have to know what you're looking for and be somewhat savvy about how you shop. If you know anything about my style, its that I'm always aiming to look good at a good price and its always, always possible!

Blouse: Equipment. Pants: Random boutique in Vancouver, Canada. Shoes: Bata- Florence, Italy. Necklace: Borrowed from my mom :). Watch: Michael Kors. Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs. 

Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Nicki.

Feeling: A little sleepy. Time for a strong coffee after my lunch break.

Anticipating: JeNeSeQua Launch Party! 

Loving: The fact that one of my best friends, Whitney, is in town this weekend! :)

Brighter days to come

Weather-wise in Seattle, you just never know what you're going to get. Some days it rains for hours on end and others its just a drizzle here and a drizzle there. But for those of you who don't live in this marvelous city, I PROMISE that it doesn't rain all the time.  The other day it was 68 degrees and sunny so just about everyone in the city was out and about enjoying it. I certainly was.  I went for a nice long run around Greenlake and the crazy thing was that I got warm enough to take off my jacket and run in my tank top! Shocking! I tried taking a pre-workout for the first time and I ran 5.6 miles in total (twice around the lake) and when I was done my feet wouldn't stop tingling from pounding the pavement. It was bizarre. All in all feeling good about the recent changes in weather around Seattle.  It's so much more motivating! 

It was sunny and sprinkling when these photos were taken hence the umbrella and sunnies. Seattle is so oxymoronic. 

Blouse: Forever 21. Sweater: Nordstrom. White Denim: Forever 21. Shoes: Urban Outfitters. Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jewelry: Pearls- gifted, "ooh la la" Kate Spade, Watch- Michael Kors, Ring- gifted. Lipstick: MAC "Snob"

Loving: My new Marc by Marc Jacob cat eye sunglasses

Feeling: Accomplished after my BodyRock workout this morning

Anticipating: James Morrison's Seattle Concert!