Valentine's Day Weekend Part 2: Casual Sunny Picnic.

Light pink Urban Outfitters floral headband, Light pink H&M bow cropped top, Blue Urban Outfitters high-waisted shorts, Light pink Forever 21 lace undershirt, Brown Blowfish Java boots.

This Urban Outfitters floral headband has been used so many times by me, I apologize for its recurring appearance on here, but I just can't help how much I love wearing it :p. This is part two of our Valentine's Day weekend (my part to give my Valentine's Day present to him).  I kept it a surprise until we got to the Berkeley Marina (a place you should definitely visit if you haven't! -- it's beyond beautiful).  I put together an entire "picnic basket," (well I only had available my Trader Joe's bag haha), with all his favorite foods:  I cooked him hot dog spaghetti, baked potatoes, made nutella sandwiches, and included his favorite candy (Crunch) & drink (Raspberry Iced Tea).  We enjoyed our picnic under the warm sun at the beautiful Berkeley Marina.

And decided to wear a more romantic Valentine's outfit today (I guess more appropriate than my last outfit haha). This was another find from H&M, the pretty cropped bow ruffle lace top -- paired here with my fave UO shorts & my first Chictopia Chic Reward from Blowfish Shoes! -- The brown Java Boots!  They definitely are my most comfortable pair of boots.  Thank you Blowfish Shoes! :)

And will now announce the two winners of Hardcouture's Valentine's Day Giveaway!!  Big congrats to Chandamheer of PancakeSTACKER, who will receive the Leopard chiffon bandeau and Cherry Blossom floral crown, and Kat of Kats Love Fashion, who will receive the 50% discount off any item at the boutique!

Hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day gifts girls!!

Also, look out for a Valentine's Day vlog post on my Youtube Channel with both of my outfits from the weekend!  Whether your Valentine's Day is spent with your best girlfriends or your special someone, I hope you all have an aamazing and memorable time.  Until then, keep inspiring beautifuls!

PS. Be sure to visit Trendy Rose for some Valentine's Day Outfit Inspirations :).

<3, Kathleen.

Valentine's Day Weekend Part 1: Fancy Sushi Date

Black thrifted straw boater hat, White polka dot thrifted Jones New York scarf, Dark green H&M dress, Navy thrifted belt, Gray F21 cardigan, Black H&M Shearling wedge boots, White thrifted bag.

We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day early, because sadly this year it falls on a Monday -- where we have school until 5pm and won't enjoy most of the day..so why not go out on a Friday of Valentine's day weekend?  I decided to wear something very untraditional for our fancy V-day dinner.  I definitely did not want to wear any pinks or reds, but instead challenge myself to make dark colors very girly and romantic.

About a week ago, me and my shop-aholic-self, visited H&M, and came upon this aamazing military dark green ruffle dress.  Instantly, I fell in love & decided it was perfect for a fancy evening out with the boyfriend for Valentine's Day.  So here it is, paired it with a cardigan (for a little casual-ness), my new all-time faaavorite hat (another boater hat haha), and my faave comfy H&M shearling wedge boots.

I actually never got to talk about my boyfriend on here, well what better time than Valentine's Day I guess haha.  We're high school sweethearts, have been together for almost 4 years now, & surprisingly ended up going to the same college (but he transferred from a community college to Berkeley).  And ultimately, in all simplicity & corniness aside, I can't wait to grow old & wrinkly with him (lol).

Anyways, there will be a Part 2 of this Valentine's Day Weekend post coming tomorrow, we decided to do separate occasions for V-Day this year: one-day dedicated for his present to me, and vice versa.

Btw, be prepared, if you are very hungry right now, I suggest you do not scroll down lol.  We ate at Alameda Sushi House, was THE.BEST.SUSHI.EVAA.

Lion King roll, Shrimp Tempura roll, Island Roll:  we devoured all of it.

I didn't want to embarass him even more, so here's just a little pic of both of us with what I took with his Valentine's Day Present to me!! -- a polaroid camera!! Ah, I've been wanting one SO badly..it was just the best & most perfect V-day present.

In addition, tomorrow I will announce the TWO winners for the Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway!!  Be sure to enter still!! You have until 11:59pm tonight! :) 

So excited to draw the two winners tonight with the lovely founder/designer of Hardcouture, Kristine.  

And lastly, WOWWW.  You all truly amaze me...the last post, had soo much feedback and support with all your comments, new & returning visitors & followers..I am definitely making this a personal HW assignment to return all of your comments (trust me, it will take me quite a while so I apologize in advance).  But just know, I read EVERY one with all smiles & happiness, as you all have given me.  Now onto relaxing & visiting/browsing your beautiful fashion blogs.  Thank you again lovelies so much and Happy Valentine's Day Weekend! :)

<3, Kathleen.

    

Long-awaited spring sun.

Light pink Urban Outfitters (thrifted at Buffalo Exchange) dress, Tan thrifted boater hat, Dark brown thrifted belt, Tawny thrifted bag, Light gray Forever 21 oxfords.

The majority of this outfit is basically thrifted except for the F21 oxfords.  If anyone were to ask me what's my most favorite pastime?  I would instantly say, "thrifting."  It's not only shopping, but an actual hobby for me.  I get more excited for going to a thrift store than any regular clothing store.  It's just the act of trying to find things in such a messy pile (odd I know)..can be seemingly fun!  I don't know why but I just find thrifted clothing to have a bit more character with its past history of belonging to another owner & not only that, the price it has for beautiful and unique pieces.

Few Tips for Thrifting.

I'm no expert at thrifting, but here are a few of my personal tips for those who are unsure of what to do when you arrive at a thrift store.

1) As I wholly agree with Clothes Encounters Blog, go with a friend.  Not only will you have some fun quality time, but you'll also bounce off each others ideas or give opinions of whether or not the clothes you picked out suit you well.

2) Have a lot of patience.  As said previously, the racks can be very daunting and mostly, messy and unorganized.  Take your time going through every rack, usually they are separated either by color or by categories (bottoms, tops, jackets, etc.).

3) Be prepared for clothes not being in their greatest condition, ie. stains, wrinkles, etc.  For this, just know that once you take it home, you can wash, iron, or even sew it to the size you want.  So no worries on their not-so-great condition.

4) Be excited for the lowest prices, everrr! BUT, don't go overboard..just because tops are $5 each, don't end up buying 10 of them, that's already $50! And you came there to save right? I suggest taking your time to look for key distinct and beautiful pieces instead.

5) Lastly, find clothes you feel can be incorporated to your wardrobe.  Think in your head, oh this piece will look great with that skirt I already have, and so forth. And most importantly, HAVE FUN.

Alrighty lovelies, I'm off to get much-needed sleep.  Tuesday is also the BARE Creative Team meeting, very excited to see how things will turn out.  In addition this week, I'm attending on Wednesday the Crossroads Trading Co. Blogger Panel in SF, I'm nervous yet excited :).  

Hope your weeks are starting out well beautifuls!

PS. If I were to make the DIY floral headbands for you (seen in the previous post), would you be interested in buying them?? :)

<3, Kathleen.

  
Also! Don't forget to enter the Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway for a chance to win a Leopard Chiffon Bandeau and a Cherry Blossom Floral Crown! :) Giveaway runs until this coming Friday, 2/11.

Mint, not just a favorite ice cream flavor.

Mint green H&M cropped top, White DIY floral headband, Gold Forever 21 leaf necklace, Light blue Urban Outfitters distressed denim shorts, Black Forever 21 oxford boots, Tan Nine West bag.

Spring has finally arrived for us here in Cali, well at least it really feels like it today!  It was soo warm, ahh, how I've missed you sun.  And sorry lovelies for those in the snow (altho I am jealous you get to make snow-men & snow-angels), I'll send you the warmth through my blog posts.  Went to visit Haight St. in San Francisco yesterday, it really is like a huge version of Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley!  I loooved walking around, we probably visited about 5-6 shops throughout our entire time there.  My most favorite store was Wasteland, they have amazing clothes from lace-up ankle boots to sheer maxis and chic bucket bags..fell in love, can't wait to come back for more!  I'm so excited to share with you what I found too! :) Not to mention, the style atmosphere on Haight is so inspiring, girls walking down the street were sure on my style radar lol.

Also, I wanted to try something new with my photos, am using a new program and am loving how they are turning out with a vintage-y feel to them.  I guess you can say my artistic side is being released through this process.  I'll prob edit my photos like this once in a while :).

And as for this outfit, I decided to show you inspirations I'm pulling together for my stylist role for the future Trendy Rose Spring Lookbook we'll be shooting in March!  I've been so excited that I loved putting together outfit ideas for the shoot -- where this outfit comes in.  I love the mint green color trend for Spring, definitely an amazing color to boost up any outfit.  Along with this added hints of gold with my F21 leaf necklace.  I'm in looove with my UO distressed denim shorts, they're my new go-to jean shorts.  As for the floral headband, I actually made it myself! :) Took a trip to Michaels and hand-crafted my own headband :)..hmm, I may do a DIY vlog post soon on this, in time for Spring! :)

And just wanted to say a big hello and wanted to send a big hug over to all of those who are new followers of my blog and of course, to those who have supported me since the beginning and onward.  You all are truly amazing and everyday I'm always so grateful as to how many beautiful people around the world are so supportive.  Keep inspiring beautifuls!! And have a happy Sunday!

Ooh and here's an outfit photo of when I went shopping in Haight St. from yesterday, w/ my new boater hat! :p.

Also! Don't forget to enter the Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway (in the blog post below) for a chance to win a Leopard Chiffon Bandeau and a Cherry Blossom Floral Crown! :) Giveaway runs until this coming Friday, 2/11.

<3, Kathleen.

Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway!

The beautiful Kristine founder & designer of Hardcouture Boutique, a beyond gorgeous shop with handmade, original designs, is giving my readers the chance to enter an amazing giveaway just in time for Valentine's Day!

From her Valentine's Day Gifts Collection, one lucky reader will win these two gorgeous items above: the Cherry Blossom Floral Crown AND the Leopard Chiffon Bandeau.  Both are perfect either separate or together for your special Valentine's Day! (I'm so in love with both, romantic sweet [floral crown] meets sexy chic [leopard bandeau]).

Hardcouture is also giving a separate reader a chance to win a 50% discount off any item in their store! (Note: Gift certificates are not redeemable for the 50% off discount prize).
Giveaway is also open to International readers!

Shipping details: Shipping is covered up to $5. Free for U.S. Most International participants must pay the difference.

Here are the giveaway guidelines below:

1) Leave a comment with your email to be entered into the Hardcouture email list (also great to get 15% off your first purchase!) and also so that we can contact you :).

2) Follow Hardcouture on Facebook
3) Follow Hardcouture's Blog on Blog Lovin'

4) Browse Shophardcouture.com & in your comment, simply name or copy and paste the link to any one of their pieces that you would love to have.

For an Extra Entry:
Leave a link to the Hardcouture Valentine's Day Giveaway at the end of your next blog post.

And that's it!  The TWO winners will be drawn at random & will be announced on the giveaway deadline.  This giveaway runs until:
Friday, February 11th, at 11:59pm PST.  Good luck girls!! And Happy almost Valentine's Day lovelies, whether it's with your special someone or your best girlfriends, have fun and spread the love! <3.

<3, Kathleen.