From weekdays to weekends with Karen Kane - Part I

{Showing: Left | Middle | Right}

This week, I am teaming up with Karen Karen to show you 3 looks that will take you effortless from weekdays to weekends. Karen Kane is a relatively new brand to me. If you are a longtime follower of this blog, you know I am always on the lookout to try new brands. Can't really remember the last time I actually bought something from typical mall stores. 

What I am wearing:

Dress: Karen Kane faux wrap dress c/o - size XS

Shoes: Charles by Charles David
Sunglasses: Toms Sandela sunglasses
Earrings: Chanel (similar, similar)
Bag: J.Crew (similar, similar)

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From weekdays to weekends with Karen Kane - Part I

Striped shorts

I love shorts and live in them all summer long. Hence, I am always on the lookout for cute shorts that fit me in the waist and are also long enough to remain sophisticated. These striped shorts meet all my criteria. They're such a fun change from the typical denim shorts. I took the safe route and paired them with a plain white top. If you're interested, click here to try these shorts from the comfort of your home for $1 =). I am so glad the weekend is finally here. Easing back into work after a vacation is tough! These photos were taken at the Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, CA. We absolutely loved this place and everything it has to offer. I will share more details in my next vacation recap post. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

What I am wearing:

Shorts: Henry & Belle striped shorts - size 25

Shirt: GAP eyelet roll-sleeve shirt - size XSP

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

Sandals: LOFT 

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Striped shorts

Vacation recap: 1st stop - San Francisco

We went to FL for our annual summer vacation 2 years in a row and thought it would be fun to do something a little different this year. We decided that exploring California would be a great option. Every time we plan a vacation, my husband and I always try to accommodate everyone's individual interests. This trip was no exception. We spent the first 2 days in San Francisco (which has great natural attractions per the husband's request). We then spent the next 2 days in LA which is one of the best cities for shopping per my request =) The last part of the trip was spent in San Diego at Lego Land per the little one's request. That way everyone has something to look forward to. First stop on our California adventure was San Francisco!

 
{Wearing: Shorts: AE striped midi short, Tee: AE eyelet tee, Denim jacket: H&M, similar bag}

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Vacation recap: 1st stop - San Francisco

Le Tote Review: Chambray shirtdress

{Wearing: Dress | Bag | Sunglasses | Shoes}

Le Tote has recently reached out and offered a 3-month subscription for me to try. For those who aren't familiar with Le Tote, the concept is similar to Rent The Runway except you'll have the option to buy the items at lower price points. Below is how it works:

• Sign up for the $49 month-to-month subscription
• Add favorite items to your closet 
• You’ll receive a tote within a few days (3 items + 2 accessories per tote) 
• Wear your items as many times as you want 
• Drop the tote in the mail using the pre-paid label 
• Receive a new tote within a week.

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Le Tote Review: Chambray shirtdress

Little Black Moto Jacket

My family and I are heading home after a week long vacationing in the beautiful state of California. The weather was just simply perfect. Even though it's warm during the day, the weather drops significantly when the sun goes down. Hence, layering is a must. Thanks to the Blues Jean Bar for sending over this little jacket. It was the perfect piece to take with me on vacation. I simply adore the gold toned hardware. The jacket fits me like a dream right out of the package. Click here to try on this jacket in the comfort of your home. These photos were taken at the Venice beach boardwalk. I will do a vacation recap post sometime this week. Linking up with Manic Monday today!

 

What I am wearing:
Jacket: AS by DF Fabiana moto jacket - size XS
Tee: Forever 21 - size up for a slouchy look
Shorts: AE midi shorts - size 00
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One
Cuff: Express open bar cuff
Earrings: *old* (buy similar, similar)
Bag: Zara *old* (buy similar, similar)

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Little Black Moto Jacket

Cooking with Blue Apron part II

This is the continuation of my experience with Blue Apron (read my initial post here). I hope you had a chance to try 2 free meals from Blue Apron. If not, click here to claim your free meals. Last week, I cooked their maple & ginger glazed salmon and lemon-parley chicken thighs. Both dishes came out great but the salmon recipe was definitely my favorite. Realistically, I will not order Blue Apron every week but if I see recipes I want to try, I will activate my subscription for that week. Overall, I had a positive experience with Blue Apron and would highly recommend the service if this is something that suits your lifestyle. Have you tried Blue Apron? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Cooking with Blue Apron part II

Midi skirt & crop top

Crop tops are back in style again this season and I am finally starting to warm up to the trend. I had a hard time finding the right crop top. Everything I tried on was either too short or too long until I stumbled upon this little number from Express. The length is just right especially when pairing with a high-waisted bottom. This top is no longer available online but I found a few similar ones here, here and here. I hope your Monday is off to a great start and thanks for stopping by!

 

What I am wearing:

Skirt: Full A-line midi skirt - size S
Top: Express (similar here, here and here)

Sunglasses: Burberry round frame
Cuff: Express (obsessed!)
Sandals: Express *old* (similar here or here)

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Midi skirt & crop top

Saks Designer Sale: Loeffler Randall, Valentino and Burberry

Saks Designer Sale is finally here and it’s really awesome. You now can score all blogger’s favorites below for up to 60% off (sale prices are valid online starting today and in-stores tomorrow). Shop the entire sale here. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

A colorful array of Loeffler Randall Rider and mini Rider bags are now 60% off:

Left | Middle | Right

Left | Middle | Right

 

Left | Middle | Right

Left | Middle | Right

Left | Middle | Right

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Saks Designer Sale: Loeffler Randall, Valentino and Burberry

Cooking with Blue Apron: Seared Pork Medallions

My husband and I both work full-time. Hence, finding the perfect work-life balance is not exactly easy. We’re always looking for ways to spend less time running around and more time with the kids. I recently got introduced to Blue Apron and wanted to share my opinions. Blue Apron is a food delivery service based out of New York. They delivery all the fresh ingredients you need to cook 3, 4 or 5 meals per week (depending on your weekly subscription) straight to your home.

{Everything was nicely packaged in a refrigerated box}


{Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions}

What I like: 

- You get to try new recipes every week. I am a creature of habit when it comes to food. Having different menus every week help us experience with a variety of food. Truth be told, I have never tried freekah in my life. We did end up liking it (probably way better than white rice). 

- While you get to try new things every week, you can totally adjust recipes to your own taste. For this particular recipe, we decided to skip the sauce because neither one of us is a fan of rhubard. I also grilled the pork instead of pan-fried as per instructions. Again, no oil = less calories = healthier choice.

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Cooking with Blue Apron: Seared Pork Medallions

Neutral Territory

A girl can never have enough lace skirts in her wardrobe. For those who are interested, this skirt has a comfortable fit with an elastic waistband to accommodate a wide range of waist sizes. Measurements of a size S (un-stretched) are: 11.5" (very small) across the waist and 28" length. I kept the rest of the look neutral to let the skirt shine on its own. Wish you all a happy Sunday and a great week ahead!  Linking up with Manic Monday today!

 

What I am wearing:
Skirt: Chicwish crochet pencil skirt c/o - size S
Top: Ann Taylor *old* (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Burberry trench collection round frame
Wallet: Kate Spade

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Neutral Territory

Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 5

It's been a super long week. I didn't get to see much of my family due to long hours at the office this week. Therefore, I am thrilled that the weekend is almost here. Ending the work week with another "Splurge vs. Steal" post. Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

Splurge vs. Steal

Splurge vs. Steal 

Splurge vs. Steal (under $20)

Splurge vs. Steal (under $30)

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Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 5

Chambray rompers

I feel like we're going from winter straight to summer. Temperatures were consistently in the 80s for the past few weeks. No complaints here! Going to the pool is one of our favorite things to do in the summer. The kids always have a blast. I wore this adorable rompers last weekend to a local splash pad. Rompers are my summer must have (don't judge!). They're comfortable, easy to wear and can also be worn as a cover up over a swimsuit. What's not to love, right? Here's to the sunshine and many more trips to the pool ahead!

What I am wearing:

Rompers: Chicwish c/o - size S (similar, similar)

Hat: Forever 21

Sunglasses: *old* (similar, similar)

Sandals: LOFT *old* (similar, similar)

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Chambray rompers

May purchases: Vacation haul

I've been keeping up with the “one item per month” challenge for the past 4 months. However, it was a fail for the month of May =) I do have a good reason though. I seriously need a few new summer pieces for our upcoming summer vacation. Wanted to quickly share what I bought last month just in case you’re interested. Everything mentioned below was on sale. I will post pictures of me wearing them in the near future. If you're curious about my previous purchases, click on the links below:

• January purchase
• February purchase
• March purchase
• April purchase

Distressed shorts | Striped shorts | Eyelet tee | Eyelet shirt

Cropped top | Swimsuit | Bracelet | Straw hat

Cost breakdown: 
2 pairs of shorts (buy one get one for $10) = $50 - see the white pair on me
Cropped tee (w/ extra 50% off) = $10 - runs small
Eyelet shirt (w/ extra 40% off) = $25 - wearing an XXSP in this video
Cropped top = $10 (more on this top in a later post) - *no longer available online* (similar, similar)
Bracelet (w/ 40% off) = $15
Swimsuit = $8 (more on this suit in a later post)
Hat = $12.80

Total cost: $130 (not too shabby for 8 pieces)

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May purchases: Vacation haul

The Blues Jean Bar: 5 outfit ideas

As a mother of two and a full-time job, I don't have too much free time on my hands. I do 90% of my shopping online. That's why I love the concept behind The Blues Jean Bar. Trying/buying outfits is as easy as 1, 2, 3... Sign up for a free consultation with one of the BJB stylists. After your consultation, 4 hand-picked outfits will be delivered straight to your door step to try. Try them on and send back what you don't want within 10 days using a prepaid shipping label. No fees, no commitment, no hassle. How simple is that? Today, I am teaming up with TheBluesJeanBar to show you 5 different outfits. I decided to do something a little different this time and film a video instead. This is my first "lookbook" video ever! I realize there is a lot of awkwardness but my husband and I did enjoy the shoot. Hey, it's all about having fun, right? Hope you enjoy the video regardless. If you're someone who have a busy lifestyle, I highly recommend you check out this service. Linking up with Manic Monday today!

Look # 1: Double-denim
Top: C&C California chambray shirt
Jeans: Henry & Belle micro-flare jeans: They fit great throughout expect the length is a tad long on me (I am 5'2").
Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Look # 2: Comfy weekend
Dress: GAP cami maxi dress
Jacket: Joe's Jeans cropped jacket - I am wearing a size XS and it runs really small (even smaller than my trusty H&M denim jacket)
Crossbody: Kate Spade (this year's version)

Look # 3: Monochromatic
Jeans: Joe's Jeans rolled ankle skinny
Top: Lady Jeans (yes,that's the brand)

Look # 4: Summer bright
Jeans: Henry & Belle super skinny
Top: Joe's Jeans embroidered tunic
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline

Look # 5: Casual chic
Jeans: Joe's Jeans straight ankle
Top: GAP eyelet shirt
Hat: Forever 21 straw hat

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

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The Blues Jean Bar: 5 outfit ideas