Friday, September 30, 2016

Flutter Sleeves

san francisco fashion blogger wearing banana republic fall outfit san francisco style blogger wearing banana republic fall outfit san francisco fashion blogger wearing soko jewelry and banana republic top san francisco blogger outfit details with stripes and bell sleeves comfortable cute espadrille flats
On Whit: c/o Banana Republic Flutter Sleeve Top, Soko Paddle Earrings and Dash Cuff (get 25% off with code: readytwowear), Soludos Sand Wink Smoking Slippers, Madewell belt (old), McQ crossbody, Levi's cutoffs

There has been a heat wave in San Francisco and I'm not complaining (Mal is!).  This is one of the few times out of the year that I don't need to carry around an extra layer.  Lucky for me I don't need to cover up these voluminous sleeves. I initially overlooked this top on the BR website when I saw the product photo, but I absolutely adore the silhouette and fit in person.  It's a less girly version of Mal's lace top here.  

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Nike Shopping Tips + Great Mall Shoe Sale

Nike Flyknit Free Run, c/o the Great Mall

As mentioned here, we both love Nikes.  If you love Nikes too, here are our tips for getting the best deal:

1. Shop in store.  It may seem like a hassle, but the employees are super helpful.  Plus, there are often sales in-store that do not exist online! If they don't have your size, they will ship it to you free of charge.  Shipping is also super fast...I had to have a size delivered, and they came in two days.

2.  Shop at Nike Factory.  Unlike some outlet or factory stores, there are current styles available at the factory.  For example, they had the Roshe available in cobalt (was tempted) as well as the Flyknits shown here.

3. Shop Kids.  OK..this obviously doesn't apply to everyone, but if you have size 7 1/2 (estimating) or smaller, you can totally shop the big kids section.  The Frees shown above are actually from the kids section, and were $84 (hooray for the For the Love of Shoes Sale!) in-store vs. the $130 they are online.

If you live in the South Bay, be sure to check out the Sale before it ends on the 30th.  There are some great deals going on (at stores beyond Nike as well!).  If you recall, the sales are so amazing at the Great Mall that we got major hauls for $100 (see here).

Monday, September 26, 2016

INSPO // Fashion Week Street Style: Creature Feature


Click the image to go to source.

We love that the animal trend keeps coming back season after season.  People who have been following us for a long time might remember how much we love animal-themed apparel (see here, herehere and here). After seeing animals making appearances during FW, both on the street and on the runway, we are looking forward to a new influx of fun animal pieces.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Lou & Grey

lou-and-grey-san-francisco-fashion-blogger



lou and grey cardigan loeffler randall felix booties sf style
On Whit: c/o Lou & Grey cardigan and blouse, Loeffler Randall Felix Booties,  McQ crossbody, c/o Juliet and Co Sand & Snow Bracelet (on sale!)

Seriously in love with how easy it is to throw on anything Lou&Grey.  This cardigan is my go-to blanket.  

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Shopping Guide: The Hunt for the Best Dry Shampoo

Having a good hair day can make your whole day better.  So with that in mind, I (this is Mal, btw) have tried a bunch of dry shampoos, and have found that there is a huge range in what you get.  What I want from my dry shampoo is 1. Oil absorption (obviously) and 2. volume.  Whenever I sleep on my hair, it's bound to get flat, so something that can boost up the volume is a definite plus.

Here are my favorites:

1. Batiste: My favorite all-around.  I honestly did not immediately believe people when they raved about this one.  Because it is so cheap, I figured it was a good value, not necessarily the best.  However, after trying several dry shampoos, this is my favorite.  It doesn't give a huge amount of volume like some of the others, but it does a great job of making your hair feel clean without being powdery or sticky, and you cannot beat the price point.

2. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-a-Powder: I am currently using this one.  I give this second place to Batiste because as a powder, I find it a bit harder to use.  It's kind of like a scalp seasoning. There is a tiny hole in the top of the bottle, and you shake the powder onto your roots and then distribute with your fingers.   This gives good volume without the stickiness, and I like the smell. It is on the pricier side, but I have heard that it lasts a long time (I have just started my first bottle, so cannot personally attest to that).

3. DryBar Detox Shampoo: This one wins for volume.  I used to use this one exclusively before I tried Batiste.  This one doesn't leave your hair as clean-feeling as Batiste or Perfect Hair Day (see below), and I think that is because the product is 'stiffer' to hold up your roots.  Even though I have brown hair, I would use the original formula, because I found that the brown color option would get on my clothes...which was gross. I still like to have this around when I need a root boost. I just wish they would get a better scent.

4.  Living Proof Perfect Hair Day: This one was considered really innovative when it came out.  Basically you spray it on, let it sit, and then brush it out once the oils have been soaked up. This one is a decent option, as long as you don't have curls or waves that brush out.  The formula does a good job of getting on every hair, which also means I couldn't just use my fingers to brush out/distribute.  I would have to use a brush to make sure I didn't end up with some coated white hairs.  If you have straight hair, I think this is great.  But if you have wavy hair, or curl your hair, this option is not as practical.

5. Dove Dry Shampoo: I really like the scent of this one.  I feel like this one is not as good at soaking up oil, so I end up using more, but I also have a LOT of hair.  It does make your hair feel fresh and clean, but doesn't give you volume.  From a pure dry shampoo standpoint, this one is a good option.

My least favorites:

Psssssst! The Original Dry Shampoo: This one is absolutely useless. I honestly cannot tell a difference of before and after I spray it on.  I might be more inclined to like it more if it at least smelled really good...

Dry Bar Triple Sec: I was eager to try this one because I loved the Detox Dry Shampoo's volume.  I thought this one would be even better....but no. This one is SO sticky.  I think if you hold it really far away from your head (like...have someone spray it on for you), then it could be okay, but for me it just made my hair clump together.

Klorane: tbh I tried this a long time ago, and have no specific memories about why I didn't like it...but I never went to buy it again, so even if it wasn't bad, it wasn't any great shakes, either.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Neutral Basics



 On Mal: No21 Tassel Leather bag (sold out, tassel-free version here), Vintage hand-me-down Escada top, H&M Cargo Pants (old, similar here), Karen Walker Harvest Sunglasses, Soko Cuff and Choker (worn backwards here), Zara Lace-Up Flats (old, similar), NYX Lip Lingerie in Exotic.

Said it before, repeating it here: a statement bag can save an otherwise basic outfit.   This No21 bag is nothing if not *statement*.  Well, maybe also a little ridiculous.  Sometimes I wonder what I will think of my outfits in 20 years time...

The bag may not stand the test of time, but this vintage shirt has (it was my boyfriend's mom's from the 80s).  Luckily the shoulder pads were removable, so now it is a clean, knit top that goes with everything.




Saturday, September 17, 2016

INSPO // Neck Scarves



Click image to go to source.

Silk neck scarves are like the big sister to summer's cotton bandanna...same idea but more ~classy~. We especially love the versatility: dress it up with a knot with bunny ears (see image 2), or double wrap it to make it casual.  Our lazy sides can't resist the idea that adding a scarf to a basic tee = stylish ensemble.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Doily


On Mal: Forever 21 Lace Top (sold out, similar below), J. Crew Distressed Lookout Highrise Jeans (bought on super-sale a couple years ago but they keep bringing them back!), Chloé Mini Faye Mini Bracelet Bag, Gap Denim Jacket, Soko Rembo Wishbone Cuff, c/o Public Desire Karis Flats (sold out, similar below)

I tend to gravitate towards white lacy tops (see here and here), so this crochet top is right up my alley.  This is one of my favorite Forever buys to date, so I really wish I could link it here!  I will keep an eye out for it on the site, and if it comes back in stock, I will make sure to update this post.

I nabbed this top back when we were doing our collaboration with the Great Mall, and I still cannot believe my luck.  It reminds me of this Asilio top Walk in Wonderland wore a million years ago.  I saw it randomly on a go-back rack and it had no tag and a bit of make-up on it.  The salesperson was helpful and looked up the style to see if there was another (a clean one, and one for Whit too) but apparently this was the last in store and it was sold out online.  I got a bit of a discount for the smudged make-up, making it final sale (if you ever see a damaged item you really want and are sure to keep, always ask the register if you can get a damage discount...usually 5-15% off).  Luckily the make-up came right off in the wash!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Shopping Guide: Adidas Sneakers

Whit managed to get her hands on the Adidas NMD in talc recently and they are so comfortable.  We both own Nikes, but maybe our loyalties are changing :p

Friday, September 9, 2016

Lilu


Photos by Rene

Tobi is having me push out of my comfort zone, clearly.  I am feeling a bit like (a toned-down) Lilu from the Fifth Element in this top.  I like the fit and the asymmetry, I just wish it didn't get so wrinkled. Just like the cropped v, I paired this top with high waisted bottoms to avoid showing too much belly.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag Review + OOTD



mansur gavriel mini bucket bag ocean beach san francisco fall style




On Whit: The Fifth Label Moon Safari Playsuit (old via BNKR), Zara marled cardigan (old), Loeffler Randall Feliex Booties (thinknig about a second pair..), Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag in Raw Cammello, c/o Soko Duara Cuff, c/o Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant in Hibiscus 

Chances are, you've seen Mansur Gavriel all over Instagram by now.  Mal and I had been wanting to own a piece (or two) from the collection for quite some time now but never did because 1) items were always sold out immediately after being restocked and 2) they were not cheap.  Fast forward a year later, I'm able to add almost any style/color to my cart without frantically waiting for the countdown.

I chose the Mini Bucket Bag in Cammello/Raw for its functionality and style.  The raw option was $50 cheaper than the colored.  To me, the contrast color didn't matter too much.  The size also fits all my basic needs: a long wallet, cellphone, external battery, make-up pouch, sunglasses, and moleskin journal.

Fun fact: I'm terrible at taking care of my belongings.  Ask Mal!  Me owning this purse was just a disaster waiting to happen because the untreated leather material requires some maintenance. This purse has already endured some stains and scratches as photographed above.  As I was washing my hands at a bathroom sink one day, some water sprayed onto the leather.  Little did I know the stains would be permanent.  My heart hurt a little and I slightly regretted not pre-treating the leather when the purse first arrived (I was worried the color would change).  Nevertheless, I've grown to embrace the stains and scratches now as they make the bag 'me'.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

INSPO // Transitional Trench

Click image to go to source.

As much as we are loathe to admit it, Fall is almost here.  Not that we do not love layering up, but its hard not to miss the warm sun and the late sunsets.  Luckily for us, the weather has started warming up again so we aren't pulling out our big coats just yet.  Enter the lightweight trench.  Unfortunately, neither of us currently own one, so we will be on the hunt!

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Deep V




 On Mal: Tobi Deep Emotions Crop Top, Mango Shorts (old), Soko Double Dash Choker and Rembo Cuff, Chloe Mini Faye Bag

If you haven't noticed on Instagram,  I have been wearing this top non-stop.

I am usually not one for deep Vs, but this one is cut perfectly (assuming you are smaller-chested).  I find the flare really flattering as well.  I like to wear it with high-waisted bottoms, like these over-size shorts, to keep it from looking too scandalous. 


Thursday, September 1, 2016

Shopping Guide: Fringed Bags


Nothing can save a 'blah' outfit than a statement bag.  A slouchy tee and jeans seems intentionally disheveled when paired with a bag filled with fringe and/or tassels!