Black Kat

Happy Friday the 13th!! No need to be supersticious today! Just go with it and have fun!

Going out for drinks with friends. Quick outfit. Leather jacket. Done.

Decided to pair up some edgy leather with some pink, fun, floral print. And in case you're wondering what shoes I ended up going with, I wore my red DV by Dolce Vita pumps.

As seen from 'Gondolier' post

 :: Outfit Details ::

 Moto Leather Jacket (old) :: Express, similar here and here

Floral Tank :: H&M, similar here

Skinny Jeans :: Gap

Red Pumps :: DV Dolce Vita

Gold Chain Necklace :: Kohls, similar here

Patent Leather Clutch :: J.Crew, similar (nicer one) here

Tuesday Twist :: Sugarlips & Coffee Chemistry

We had some great weather this past weekend. I can't wait for more like it. The sun was out, it was very toasty out, perfect skirt weather!

P.S. Get ready for a lengthy and picture heavy entry :)

:: Outfit Details :: 

Navy Asymmetrical Shell (old) :: Woo, similar here

Peachy Prim Lace Skirt :: c/o Sugarlips

M.A.C. Clutch in Yellow :: Rebecca Minkoff

Round Tortoise Sunglasses (old) :: D&G, similar here

Yellow Leaf Print Scarf :: H&M, similar here

Cobalt Faux Suede Flats (old) :: H&M, similar here

The thing about this Sugarlips skirt is that it's really lightweight and layered. It makes a great summer skirt because it keeps you cool and cute at the same time! I actually wore it for a second time to have brunch/get coffee (pictured above) but this time, opted not to wear a scarf (too hot!) and went with a short sleeve basic tee and some accessories to spruce it up!

:: Outfit Details ::

Totally Turnlock Helena Tote :: Marc by Marc Jacobs, similar

Basic Black Tee :: Forever21

Bangles :: Forever21 & T+J Designs

Turquoise Bead Necklace :: Francesca's, similar here

Can I also share with you how awesome Portola Coffee Lab is? A friend and I had been looking to go together but either could never go when they were open OR just could never find a time to go with one another. I decided to drag the friendboy, along with his sis (she is quite the coffee fiend herself) to try this.

Kyoto Technique

So many gadgets and Japanese coffee "chemistry" equipment! This was one of a few different brewing/drip coffee techniques.

Baristas actually wear lab coats while creating the perfect coffee.

Siphon Technique

Siphon method. That light lamp underneath gets that water boiling QUITE hot!

Once the water boils, it rise to the top part of the glass (where it is now empty). The barista will then add freshly ground coffee into the top, stir, the remove the entire apparatus from the heat lamp. He'll then cool it down by wrapping an ice cold towel around the base, as the coffee then gets filtered and siphoned back down into the bottom.

Left to Right: Soy latte (yes, with latte art), Kyoto style Black Coffee, Iced Soy Latte

Do you have a favorite coffee spot? What's your favorite thing to wear for weekend brunch/coffe runs?

Friday Flashback :: On Instagram

Just some highlights from over the last couple of weeks on Instagram. For those of you who aren't following me yet, you can find me on Instagram via @AnEyeForFashion and on Webstagram also. I'm fairly new to the game so help me out!

1. Japanese BBQ @ Manpuku for Father's Day

2. Cakebread Merlot - Delicious!

3. Chocolate Lava Cake

4. Fuchsia Chinese Laundry Pumps, here in red

5. Hong Kong Egg Puff

6. JCrew Fuchsia Bracelet, similar here & Hong Kong Charm Bracelet, subtle version

7. Hachi all clean after a bath

8. Tried to fool the friendboy with the Vincent card... didn't work

9. Finally received my JCrew Tillary tote

Happy Friday everyone! Any plans? Please share!

LA Color Rush

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day weekend. We celebrate the way we know best.. with food. But I'll talk about food later.

I've been a native SoCal girl all my life. I've never lived anywhere else. I'm spoiled by the weather (I get cold when its 70 degrees), the food (as you can see from my gluttony posts), and especially the scenery! Perhaps you're from here and you're thinking, "Pssh! What scenery?" Or... you're not from here and you're thinking, "You mean all that 'graffiti' behind you in those photos?"

I think when I was younger, I never paid much attention to the "writings on the walls" (The literal writings. Not the Destiny's Child's album. Just clarifying). I used to never really understand why people HAD to put all their art on the sides of freeways or on random buildings. But over the years, I've come to appreciate it. I like finding it when I do and my favorites will always be the drawings/paintings off of the 101frwy/Spring Street exit (which they've actually photographed, hung as a banner, and painted over the originals... sad).

I'm also not saying that I like ALL the walls of LA to be painted on. I still enjoy green trees and flowers and a "clean" and a polished look. I just think that some areas have so much more character with people's artwork, proudly displayed for all to see, share, and love. It's a nice rush of color in one moment then back to peace in the next.

Until next time my friends... Oh and... Happy Monday!

:: Outfit Details ::

Chambray Button-Up :: Banana Republic

Skinny Jeans  :: Gap

Blush Pink Shift Top :: H&M, similar here, cute one here

Leather Flats :: Target

Brynn Tote :: Rebecca Minkoff

Asian Fit Tortoise Sunnies (old & discontinued) :: Fendi, similar here

Gondolier

 
Let first start off by saying how happy I am to now own a new Rebecca Minkoff Brynn tote! I had heard about the online sale (which ended last Friday) and was hoping to find the Brynn as part of their sale. Of course it wasn't. They had introduced new colors for the season and were full price.  I was quite sad. Then, I read a post  by The Budget Babe that mentioned the sale AND that they had just released quite a few bags at TJ Maxx! I thought well, there's one nearby, I'll stop by and take a gander. To my surprise, and luck, I found the Brynn! And I found it in this gorgeous charcoal color (a good classic color that will go with most outfits).

Every time I put on a combination of black and white stripes and some red accents, I think of a Gondolier. You know, the guys that row the gondolas around the canals of Venice? Yeah, you could say that's where I got my outfit inspiration?

:: Outfit Details ::

Black & White Striped 3/4 Top (old) :: H&M, this one would be cool, but similar here

Black Cotton Pencil Skirt :: Express, similar here

Brynn Tote :: Rebecca Minkoff, also in purple, and in peach!

Red Pumps :: Dolce Vita

Croisette Eyeglasses :: Dior, also seen here, here, here & here 

Red Floral Scarf :: H&M, similar here

Thick Red Leather Belt (old) :: Anne Klein, skinny version here (which is what I originally wanted for this outfit)

Yes, I have these shoes in three colors. I love them! And they were on sale... I'm a sales shopper.

How perfect was it that I also have matching black and white striped glasses?! By the way, speaking of glasses, if you are a glasses wearer, the optician side of me will ALWAYS recommend anti-glare for your lenses. I cannot tell you how much it helps with glare from TVs, computer screens, night time driving, and asphalt glare! People don't always realize that there is still light rays bouncing off all surfaces, causing eye strain! And it also helps cosmetically. You don't see WHITE when you take photos! I also recommend iZon lenses for ALL these things.

Some close ups of the accessories!

And I thought I'd share a close up of the accessories and a random photo bomber! Peepers... what is it about you cats and your curiosity?? You sniff that scarf!

Wishful Wednesday :: Orange You Glad to See Me?

Sometimes even the most basic colors can be dressed up with a pair of pumps, a couple of accessories (necklaces/bangles), and a bright bag! I have yet to venture into the orangey brights. I wish I had this oh-so-cute R&Em bag. P.S. If you're looking for a good Mulberry look-a-like, this is a good brand to go with. R&Em is the line down from Rebecca Minkoff. It's also very affordable.

Distressed Denim
Pumps

I thought pair something bright with some neutrals would be fun. It's nothing new. I just wish I had these things in my closet for easy access. Oh and I like frills. Love the hem of that crocheted top. I saw something similar with tassels at this boutique shop over a month ago but at the time, I had given up on shopping for 1.5 months and wasn't allowed to buy it. I still think about it sometimes...

Wishful Wednesday :: Be Bold

I have always liked purple. But lately, I've been attracted to greens too. I love this scarf! I also love polka dots. Can't go wrong with mixing the two together! I know it's Spring time but I still can't get over booties. I still don't have a good pair that I can wear to work. I do really like these Botkier booties. Of course it's a bit out of my budget. My favorite season to dress for will always be Fall. Doesn't hurt to mix and match things from both seasons, right? In the meantime, I'll keep wishing for my beloved items of choice.

Sleeveless Tops
Boots

More item info:

Rag and Bone Sleeveless Tops

Botkier Boots

Rebecca Minkoff Satchels

Ben-Amun Bracelets  

Marc Jacobs Scarf

Rebecca Minkoff Sunglasses

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

While at work looking for a specific frame for a patient, I ran into Rebecca Minkoff's newest addition to her stylish family: Sunglasses! I am pretty excited about this line. I am thinking about purchasing some for the office and see what the general public response is. I think between myself and other buyers that have come through, I am probably the more "daring" one of the bunch. The area I am in has been known to be more conservative than others. We're located by many corporations and professional buildings/businesses. But, I still like to add color to the mix.

Here's a sneak peek at the new collection:

1.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

 2.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

3.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

 4.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

 5.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

 6.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

 7.

Photo Courtesy of Baumvision

My absolute favorites are 3 & 4. What about you? You might see me rockin' a pair of these in a future shoot (if I can get my hands on a pair).


My sources say that these pretty sunglasses will be available in a couple of weeks, if not sooner! And the price range will be anywhere from about $155 - $225.

What do you think about the new sunglass collection? Which is YOUR favorite?

Wishful Thinking :: If I Could...

 This would be my "lazy day" outfit. If I could have all the various articles of clothing, endless accessories, a bajillion handbags, and about a zillion (zillon > bajillian, right?) different sunglasses and glasses to choose from, AND be able to fit in my mansion of a home (hey, one can dream), I would wear something like this:

Skinny Denim at Loehmann's
Wallets by Rebecca Minkoff

What pieces would you choose?

Just Around the Corner

According to Gaga in her "Marry the Night" video, she says that Mint is going to BIG this Spring at approximately 1:08. Yeah well, she was right. It's all over the place and in time, if not early, for Spring!

I'm not as big on pastels as I used to be in high school. I really haven't touched much of it except for some blush pink hues in my wardrobes. Today, I gave mint a chance.

:: Outfit Details ::

Blush Pink Linen Blazer :: H&M Spring 2011

Soft Oversize Mint Tee :: Forever 21 $11.80

Skinny Jeans :: Gap

Navy & Peach Sunglasses :: Prada VPR06MSA

Black Patent Leather Chunky Heels :: Vince Camuto, similar here

M.A.C. Cluth in Yellow :: Rebecca Minkoff, similar here

Blue Mother-of-Pearl-esque Necklace :: Francesca's $4.99 on sale