how to celebrate galentine's day!

what is galentine's day?

a day dedicated to quality time with your favorite girlfriends!

grab your girl tribe, wear all pink, and enjoy chocolate, ice cream and

other delicious treats. it's the perfect excuse to indulge a bit

and celebrate your friendship. 

not sure how to celebrate? 

i rounded up a list of my top (local) galentine's activities and destinations -

simply grab your gal pal(s), party shoes and keep reading!

for brunch:

jenn from hello rigby, julia from style and cheek and i 

met for brunch at pomegranate bistro, located in redmond.

their coffee and eggs benedict are delicious! i also love

the wood fire breakfast pizza.

and don't forget to grab a macaroon on your way out the door!

other brunching favorites? tillikum place cafe in seattle 

and red twig bakery and cafe in edmonds are equally tasty!

looking for smoothies and green juice:

looking something on the healthier-side?

freshly squeezed juices are the perfect accompaniment

 to a neighborhood walk while catching up with your 

girlfriends! i frequent assembly hall and jujubeet.

the 'crouching spinach hidden parsley'

from assembly hall has quickly become a juice i crave

(made with strawberries, spinach, pineapple, beets and parsley).

for dessert:

jenn and i may or may not be be biased, but molly moon's ice cream

is always at the top of our list! the stupmtown coffee, 

salted caramel and cookie dough flavors

are sure to put a smile on your face.

the handmade waffle cones come highly recommended by us, too!

not in the mood for ice cream?

fran's chocolates or general porpoise doughnuts in seattle,

and cupcake royale in queen anne or ballard are

other favorite dessert destinations!

for shopping:

if you're looking for an adorable boutique experience, 

lika love, located in west seattle and madison park,

is sure to be enjoyable! shop owner, malika, carries

gorgeous accessories, fun prints,  and of course, all the jewelry

a girl could want (and more!).

if you're a thriftaholic like me,

the new goodwill in redmond is a must-visit.

i went a week after the store opened, and i may or may not

have spent two hours inside (i had to look at and try on everything!).

i brought home like-new dolce vita wedges and the animal 

print flats i'm wearing here.

additionally, the winter clearance is still on 

at zara (my skirt was $15!), and many of the dresses,

sweaters, and handbags are priced at less than $20!

photos by jenn from hello rigby

sweater: nordstrom rack, turtle neck: j.crew (exact here),

sneakers: new balance (similar here), metallic skirt: zara (similar here),

purse: tj maxx, ring: forever 21

and of course, every galentine's celebration requires a festive outfit. 

this romantic, lace blouse or this moto-style pink skirt 

are perfect for any occasion!

jenn and i arrived at brunch in metallic skirts

 and matching hues of pink. be sure to see her full post and 

outfit details here.

happy galentine's day!

xoxo.

animal print meets date night glam

ready or not, valentine's day is just around the corner.

i'm already dreaming about all the delicious dark chocolate, 

dachshund cards, and of course, 

the perfect holiday-outfit! 

i wanted to put together something festive, yet versatile to share on my

 blog. and because february 14th conveniently falls 

on a tuesday this year, many of us will need something that can 

effortlessly transition from the office to an evening out.

so how can you look daytime professional, yet date-night romantic?

it's all in the details!

my office requires 'business casual' attire during the work

week, so i opted for a skirt. this faux-leather skirt is both 

sophisticated and feminine, but can look edgy depending on 

how it's styled. i thought it would be fun to pair with my lipstick 

and eyelashes blouse, which i purchased at nordstrom a few seasons ago.

unfortunately, it's now sold out (though i have seen it floating around

on poshmark), but don't worry - i found similar pieces for you 

here and here.

from the office to dinner out on the town, or a movie night and 

homemade meal, simply trade out your accessories!

you can easily swap animal print flats for heels or booties, 

and instead of a backpack or tote, grab your favorite clutch.

gold jewelry (such as statement rings and a bracelet)

and a bit of red lipstick can go a long way - they instantly add 

glam to any outfit.

photos by jenn from hello rigby

jacket: nordstrom rack, blouse: nordstrom (old), bracelet: j.crew

skirt: stitch fix (similar here - available in red, too!), backpack: stitch fix

ring: forever 21, leopard flats: thrifted (via seattle goodwill)

leopard and many other animal prints, though seemingly bold, 

can be treated as more of a 'neutral' pattern. 

i often pair my leopard flats and other accessories with 

stripes and polka dots. i couldn't wait to style these 

thrifted flats for this date night look! the kitten heel is comfortable

when walking around the office and more chic than your 

traditional ballet flat.

in need of a few animal print accessories in your closet?

i've added some items currently on my wish list

below (they're especially great for budget-friendly shoppers):

clutch // sandals // belt

how do you wear animal print?

and do you know what you're going to wear

for valentine's day?

xoxo.

happy valentine's day, with cupcakes!

^^^ cheers! with cupcakes, of course! ^^^

happy valentine's day, everyone! 

today i'm collaborating with my favorite, asa of 

lace & pearls. we shared a casual holiday-inspired look earlier this week,

and today we are back with cupcakes, tutus, and all things girly!

while i love any excuse to purchase and eat cupcakes (ours are

from here), this year, i'm looking forward to a more laid back, relaxing day.

i like the idea of celebrating 'love' and plan to remind those most important 

to me that i love and appreciate them!

and now, for our outfits -

when planning this shoot, asa and i opted for a more dressy, feminine theme.

then came the idea to wear tutus; i love how well our looks came together,

and both would be perfect for a dinner date, night out 

with girlfriends, or a visit to your favorite, local cupcake shop!

what we're wearing

on megan

sweater: forever 21

tutu (dress worn as a skirt): target (old)

necklace: francesca's (similar here)

flats & purse: thrifted (via goodwill)

rings: endless knot

on asa

sweater: ann taylor (similar here)

tutu: club monaco (similar here)

broach: vintage

rings: gorjana & nadri

bracelet: j.crew (old)

purse: old navy (similar here)

shoes: dr. scholl's (exact here)

^^^ prior to this shoot, i wanted to purchase a red handbag and

some other fun, valentine's-inspired accessories. i visited my local

seattle goodwill, and they didn't disappoint! i absolutely love this purse

and patent, pointed toe ballet flats. when the total cost for both was less than $20, 

my bank account was thrilled, too (!!!)! ^^^

photos by michelle dorman photography

this was probably one of my favorite outfit shoots

to date! snacking on desserts while taking photos may have helped, too :) 

be sure to visit asa's blog to see additional photos.

and happy valentine's day everyone; i love you!

xoxo.

pink & polka dots

^^^ nothing says 'spring, are you here yet?' quite like 

a pink blouse and polka dots! sunny seattle weather, please stick around ^^^

today, i'm collaborating with my dear blogging friend, asa, 

of lace & pearls for a casual valentine's day-inspired look.

whether you're celebrating with your honey, brunching with girlfriends, 

or simply relaxing (while eating copious amounts of chocolate, 

like i plan to do), ballet flats, denim, and a pop of pink is the perfect

look for valentine's day. 

^^^ i love how well our looks compliment one another! 

asa's peplum sweater is fun and perfect with the distressed denim, 

and her accessories make me want to purchase a vintage broach ^^^

what we're wearing:

on megan

jacket: endless knot (similar here)

blouse: endless knot

jeans: gap (similar here)

flats: thrifted (via value village)

clutch: c/o bellevue collection

necklace: loft

ring: c/o lika love

on asa

sweater: ann taylor (exact here)

jeans: zara (similar here)

bracelet: thrifted

rings: gorjana (old) & nadri (similar here)

earrings: nordstrom rack

broach: j.crew (similar here)

flats: sam edelman (gold version here)

photos by michelle dorman photography

be sure to check back later this week for our second valentine's-inspired outfit. 

you can see more photos from our shoot by visiting asa's blog!

i'm off to enjoy a few more delicious chocolate treats, courtesy of my roommate!

xoxo.

put a ring on it

^^^ with robbins brothers! ^^^

last week, i had the pleasure of attending the perfect valentine's day (month?)

'kick off party' hosted by my local robbins brothers. 

i ate cupcakes for dinner and tried on more gorgeous diamond rings

than i thought one could ever try (and susequently fell in love with several 

different cuts and styles. can i have them all?)

^^^ trying on jewelry is the perfect excuse to leave work early for a manicure, right?

and this ring! oh goodness, how it sparkles! ^^^

photos by clare spano

after i consumed far too many chocolate truffles and cupcakes, 

i continued trying on rings and decorated a mini champagne bottle with gold glitter.

everything is better when it sparkles, right? 

i was also introduced to the friendly ladies from skoah and took

a few silly photos in the photo booth robbins brothers set up in the store!

the highlight, however, was at the end of the night - i won a giveaway!

i swear i have the most terrible luck, and i don't think i have ever 

won anything (aside from possibly a christmas-themed coloring contest when i was six).

i won a gorgeous pendant necklace, and i cannot wait

to share photos here soon. thank you, robbins brothers, and 

happy early valentine's day to me (!!!).

and as a very special treat, i am being featured on the robbins brothers blog!

i'm sharing my top five places to kiss in the seattle area -

dinner at matt's in the market, a ferry ride to bainbridge island, 

a walk through sculpture park, and a few other fun and romantic local spots.

you can read the full post here.

xoxo.

personalized lingerie with adore me

the basis of any good outfit? a supportive and well-fitting bra! 

while in college, i spent a summer working for nordstrom

in the lingerie department. i thought it would be your typical, fun summer job -

working in retail while learning about fashion, meeting fellow

fashionistas, and of course, taking advantage of that beloved nordstrom discount. 

what i did not anticipate, however, was how much i would enjoy

helping women find the right bra, and a bra that fit them perfectly!

a recent study by wacaol found that 80% of women in the united states

wear the wrong size bra (!!!). 

source

the staff working in the lingerie department at nordstrom

are extensively trained and fit certified. they spend a great deal 

of time learning about the different brands available and how a certain cut 

or style may be best suited to a particular customer. 

my advice? get fitted! 

it can be intimidating, i know; bra shopping is an intimate experience. 

add to that having someone (a stranger) in the fitting room to help you? 

though uncomfortable at first, i promise it is worth it! 

now that i know my size, bra shopping has been a much more

enjoyable experience! one of my favorite online shops for everyday bras,

panties, lingerie and pajamas is adore me.

sizes available range from 30D-44G, and the colors, cuts

and styles (balconette, strapless, demi) are seemingly endless. 

i am currently lusting after this, this, and this.

with valentine's day just around the corner, i wanted to pick

up a cute new bra and matching panty. i opted for the lulu unlined

and love the vibrant red color, bow detail, and feel of the unlined bra. 

i know some women prefer the coverage of a contour (t-shirt style) bra, and adore me has

many gorgeous styles, with a bit more coverage, available, too!

have you tried adore me? they offer a monthly membership,

easy exchanges, and free returns - all of which makes online bra shopping

simple and convenient!

xoxo.

the perfect pre-valentine's day event!

seattle bloggers and friends,

join me at this fabulous, ladies-only, night out, hosted

by robbins brothers!

try on jewelry, sip champagne, and enjoy delicious treats -

it's the perfect event to kick off valentine's day.

you can celebrate love, friendship, or simply enjoy a fun night out.

those gorgeous rings?! one of each, please! 

hope to see you all there on tuesday, february 2nd! 

xoxo 

valentine's gift guide for her

with valentine's day just around the corner, 

i thought i would share a few of my favorite gift items

(for her, of course!).

the theme: pink.

even if you are not the biggest supporter of valentine's day,

it is always nice to remind the people around us

that we love and care for them.

you can of course buy one of the above treats for yourself, too! 

1. this beaded statement necklace. for $28, it won't break your bank account.

2. my new favorite shade of NARS 'audacious' lipstick (available in numerous other colors, too).

3. these adorable heart-shaped steve madden sunnies - how i long for sunshine and warmer weather so i can wear these! 

4. kate spade stone stud earrings will go perfectly with her valentine's day outfit (and many other outfits, too).

5. a longchamp shoulder bag is the perfect means to carry around her daily essentials. i cannot get enough of the 'bubble' color. 

6. and lastly, a fun, flirty, floral lace dress.

happy valentine's day! 

xoxo.