Bittersweet

This last trip to LA, just me and Shane, was a little nostalgic. It was my final trip sans the "new edition," at least for a few months and since my brother moved home we'll have a different home base in the future. LA is like my second home so I'll miss my monthly city fix dearly. Plus, when we start traveling with the lady bug, we won't be doing the same things anymore. Granted, we'll be starting new and beautiful memories, but nonetheless visits to LA will be different. Typically my spare time would have been spent at my favorite shopping spots around town, but this trip was about eating everything my heart desired and visiting old stomping grounds for memory's sake.

I'll miss this neighborhood

We were lucky to have beautiful weather again. Hence the short shorts.

I can get soon-tofu anywhere, but I crave it most in LA

Snack time! Hawaii should have fruit vendors at every street corner, like in LA.

We have the best papaya and mangos, but they have the best strawberries!

A cupcake showdown in Beverly Hills. Crumbs vs. Sprinkles. Yes, I had to try both places!

Crumbs? Colossal and heavily accessorized!

Sprinkles? Humble and to the point.

Verdict? Less is more, Sprinkles wins!

Plus, Sprinkles gets bonus points for these!

I am sort of relieved, however, to not have to travel in the near future because let me tell ya, trying to look cute while packing some extra lbs. is not any easy task. Nor a comfortable one. That's also the reason for the lack of personal fashion posts lately. I've resorted to wearing tunic-like tops with the same rotation of leggings and smocked waist Jolt shorts. Ugh, so boring! But only 6-7 more weeks to go. Then, it's exercise boot camp for me so I can squeeze in the last month of summer fashion! My goal being, to be able to wear my flare jeans and assortment of high waist culottes before they're seasonably out of style.

a girl can never have too many….

...gray sweaters!!!

We did some major cleaning and home improvements this weekend. This includes re-painting, carpeting, deep cleaning and re-organizing of my closet. As I was going through my sweater collection (yes, I own enough to deem them a "collection"), I realized that I have over 10 variations of just gray sweaters. From thin layering ones to chunky ones and cropped ones to tunic ones. Mind you, each in several shades of gray. This is a serious illness because I live in Hawaii!!! I don't need ANYMORE!

Except for maybe this one : ) Today, as I was editing photos for shop.bamboosky.com new arrivals, I was reminded about how much I was in love with this sweater when we shot it this past week! It has a chunky look, but it's thin and perfect for belting over a feminine slip-like dress. I must have this delicious marled knit sweater now!

"Maddy" sweater by Brandy Melville (will be available at shop.bamboosky.com after I enjoy the rest of my Sunday off!)

"I'm Just A Girl Chiffon Tunic Dress" by Line & Dot (available now at shop.bamboosky.com and as seen on Aimee of Song of Style) BTW, I know we're out of smalls in this dress but Kristen is wearing the size medium. It's one of those pieces that you can still rock wearing one size up.

More new arrivals coming soon as well. Stay tuned!!!

Happy Sunday Lovers!!!

Lust-haves as of late..

A few things I wish I could buy, but can't afford (or fit). I hate when I do this to myself : (….

What: Alexander Wang Kirsten Suede Tote $945

Why: I never spend money on designer bags. I favor designer shoes for some reason, but this bag just sings to me. I've had this picture saved in my wish list folder since January. Kind of reminds me of a straight jacket, but I die for the light gray suede. I imagine it's just as versatile as black. Hmmm, I wonder if this would make a practical diaper bag? And, for that matter, I wonder if Alexander Wang has a baby registry? Ha, I kid!

What: Mini Market Space Shoe Wood Wedge Sandal $348

Why: For the modern Wood Stock lover. I've been on the look out for amazing 70's style wedges lately and I love the architectural uniqueness of this one. Plus, it's in white. A must have color for summer. Would look so fresh with the bag above (and the swimsuit below... and even the puppy below)

What: VPL swimsuit $175

Why: Ok maybe this one I could "afford" if I begged and begged and begged Shane for some fun money, BUT I certainly can not fit. With my body from about 7 1/2 months ago, I would have rocked this to all the fun pool parties I've been missing with a black, sheer chiffon, high-waisted, super duper wide leg pant. I think I just want this one because I semi-miss my pre-bun body. Don't get me wrong, I L.O.V.E my pregnant belly, but to be svelte especially with summer coming up, is also nice ; )

What: Alejandro Inglemo x Chris Benz Woven Wedge Pump $795

Why: So this one, I just happened upon as I was perusing shopbop. It made my heart stop for a quick second. It's a wedge + a clog + a mule, all of which I love separately so together, it's pretty much heaven. These bad boys are meant to be worn with the mini-est of shorts and I have lots of those. It's a good thing, though, that I already found my neutral summer wedge from Aldo at 1/8 the price (from my last post). They're totally not the same, but it sort of makes this one easier to live without. I said, sort of.

What: French Bulldog Puppy $800- $1400

Why: No, I'm not over Vinny by any means. I just think he needs a furry friend sometimes. We work so much and although he gets to come with us everyday, I seldom have time to walk him as much as prescribed by Caesar Milan. I swear the poor guy sleeps about 20 hours a day. I do take him on long walks about 2 times a week, but I know that a fur fellowed friend would keep him entertained at ALL times. And, if you know how much I love Vinny, you'll know that I want his life to be perfect in every way possible.

Keeping it simple

Normally, I would have tricked out this girly button up blouse by tucking into a high waisted polka dot skort of some kind, swept my hair up into a side bun, worn pearl (or skull) earrings and done my kick ass aldo booties from this post, but I wanted to be comfortable and toned down today. Opting instead, for my smocked waist (non-pregnancy!) shorts by Jolt and these super awesome wedges from aldo. Simple colors, non-fuss hair and a single accessory.

Speaking of accessories, does anyone else collect these baubles like I do? I have more than I know what to wear with, and yet I can't stop buying this things. I think I'm addicted to making them into art for my wall!

Lady like

I wore this dress to a wedding yesterday. I love it because (a) it reminds me of the 50's (b) it makes me feel like a lady (even though I'm the furtherest thing from a "lady", quite rough and clumsy actually and (c) it works with my bun, allowing me to stuff my face without feeling the slightest bit uncomfortable or self conscious. See, totally not lady-like.

But don't let the bun scare you, this is NOT a maternity dress. This dress looks even more fab sans bun as seen here on our model Kristen. Doesn't her NATURAL strawberry blonde hair look so amazing against the deep navy?

me: dress (shop.bamboosky.com) necklace (vintage) clutch (nine west) shoes (louboutin)

sara: dress (marc jacobs) shoes (jeffrey campbell) bag (fendi)

linh: dress (???) necklace (bamboo sky) shoes (louboutin)