DIY: How to Distress Jeans

This is a lot more simple than I thought it would be.  Searching for the best tutorial in the interwebs probably took longer than the DIY itself. I found this to be the best and simplest, not to mention her voice is so sweet and soothing!         A few things to add: 

• My old Lucky Brand jeans already came slightly distressed and all I wanted was to rip a few small bits here and there.
• I had this for inspiration but I wanted mine to be a tad bit tamed.
• The tutorial is NOT kidding about the first few strands being the hardest to pull.   Be patient as it does get easier after a few pulls.  
• I decided to leave a few blue strands in each hole. 
• Total time:  30 minutes all while watching NCIS! 

  And here's how I wore it.   Outfit details here.

 

Ironic, after this DIY, I found a perfectly-distressed jeans that I absolutely love!  

Oh well, who says you can only have one distressed jeans in your closet?!

A (Wang) Change of Heart

When I first bought this T Alexander Wang drapey tank, my gripe was well documented here. 

I was so convinced the style is not for me.

Glad I held on to it though because now I'm having a change of heart.

The fabric is so soft and drapes so nicely like no other cotton tee ever could.

'Amazing' is probably too strong of a word to describe a mere tee.  

But one thing's for sure: this T priced 5x more than a regular tee is 50x more 

wearable, versatile and comfy for me. 

In other words, amazing! 

                                                                     TOP: T by Alexander Wang.  Banana Republic striped yellow long sweater recently worn here.

                                                                     JEANS:  Lucky Brand (distressed jeans DIY tutorial coming soon)                                                  

                                                                     ACCESSORIES:  Target necklace for $4!   Linea Pelle jewelled belt.

                                                                     PURSE:  Chloe Marcie in brown suede

                                                                     SHOES:  YSL Tribtoo in patent brown

 

Travelogue: European Roadtrip Part 5 (Salzburg, Austria)

Part 1 - Hamburg, Germany Part 2 - Berlin, Germany Part 3 - Dresden, Germany  Part 4 - Prague, Czech Republic
Because we could not take our rental car to Prague,  we lost a day traveling by train between Prague and Dresden.  And so we had to choose between Vienna and Salzburg to keep in our itinerary.  
It pained me to give up Vienna but I knew I would have regretted it even more had I given up Salzburg.  As a child growing up watching The Sound of Music almost every weekend,  the gardens and songs and castles and lakes and gazebos from the movie were forever etched  in my memory.   
We arrived in the city about noontime and had the rest of the day to explore.  It was a perfect prelude to the tour we did the following day! 

Mirabelle Gardens   Where the Do-Re-Mi scene from the Sound of Music was shot. 


Mozart's House  We all know that Mozart is a musical genius but after touring this place,  you'll have a newfound appreciation of just exactly how much of a genius is he.  Visit tip:  Bring your own high-quality headset for a better appreciation of the audio tour and be sure to listen to Mozart's music at the end of each commentary! 


Getreidegasse  Wrought iron street dotted with luxury shops, souvenirs, snack places and restaurants! 


River Salzach


A view of the Fortress Hohensalzburg


Up next: we'll be singing raindrops and roses and blue satin sashes!!  

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls (Part 17): Menswear Inspired

I'm girly as a girl can be.   I have come to embrace all my curvy parts including my wide hips and   disproportiately-bigger-than-my-frame chest.      I never attempted  to blend in in the male-dominated field I work in --   I dress in the frilliest ruffles and always favoring  a cutesy pink. 

Recently, I've been under some kind of a spell of the XY chromosome. I'm finding myself  gravitating towards boxy tees, distressed boyfriend jeans -- and for this post, tuxedo pants and tuxedo blazers
 Not to have my XX chromosome scream in jealousy though, I balanced out this outfit with a  bow crossbody bag  (in hot pink!!) and bow pumps. 
Don't be surprised if I rock a mustache for next time.  I promise I'll have it dyed in hot pink too -- because I'm all for incorporating the best of best worlds!
 

                                                                     TOP: MNG by Mango cream top  

                                                                     BLAZER:  Theory black tuxedo blazer

                                                                     PANTS:  Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls gray tuxedo leggings.  Last worn here.

                                                                     ACCESSORIES:  Gold collar necklace.  Only $2.89 from eBay here. (Spray with clear Krylon to avoid tarnish.)

                                                                     PURSE:  Zac by Zac Posen 'Shirley' bow shoulder bag in patent pink.

                                                                     SHOES:  Prada Sport cement suede bow pumps.  Still available here. 

Celebrating the Ordinary

As a couple, one of our New Year's resolutions this year is to try to celebrate the ordinary.
Over the years, both hubby and I have been programmed to think that if it does not involve weeks  of planning and preparation, then it's not a memory worth remembering.

...Cheap date nights are fun too; simple getaways can be memorable too --  that's what I learned from my boss who celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary this year.
Fun memories should not only be derived from exciting roadtrips and  exotic travels, but also from the mundane and the seemingly insignificant.

And so taking cue, we bought  a lunch Groupon and made our journey of less than 15 miles.  Clad in my most ordinary sweater, sans makeup, we toasted beer and Riesling over oysters,  salmon and mahi-mahi.  No, it's not Paris but we're in our beloved home, Minneapolis! 

Insignificant occasion celebrated with the significant other. Now that's a memory worth remembering and a post worth blogging!

                                                                

                                                                     TOP: Proenza Schouler for Neiman Marcus by Target abstract print sweater

                                                                     Jeans:  JBrand skinnies                                                

                                                                     PURSE:  Prada nylon bag.  Review here.

                                                                     SHOES:  Vivienne Westwood for Mellissa  rubber flats

Travelogue: European Roadtrip Part 4 (Prague, Czech Republic)

Part 1 - Hamburg, Germany Part 2 - Berlin, Germany  Part 3 - Dresden, Germany      Prague is breathtakingly beautiful and exceeded all our expectations.  There was so much to see, so much history to soak in, so many castles, alleys and churches to explore.  If there's one city in the world where I could wander for days and not minding getting lost in, it would be Prague.  We loved everything about this city and truly regretted not staying longer!  Until we could visit again, I have these photos taken by the hubby to help me reminisce this grand, charming and quaint city that took my breath away!   
The Prague Castle reflection from the Vltava river



St. Nicholaus Church  Whether you're a fan of Baroque architecture or not, this is a must-see.   There's something mystique about this church that draws you in and makes you stare with eyes wide open and jaw dropped in awe.    We regret not getting tickets to watch a classical concert here; the church acoustics is said to be legendary with its exceptional clarity.  The musicians also don period costumes which will take you back into that era when Mozart and Vivaldi once graced here!



Astronomical Clock  Ticking since 1410, this is the oldest astronomical clock in the world in working condition.  Don't miss the animated ceremony every hour by the hour and marvel at the genius behind its construction and design.  Also, be sure to read about the figures flanking the clock -- vanity, greed, death and heathen.



Charles Bridge  Be sure to cross the bridge during midday when it's bustling with merchants  and then again at dusk when it's completely empty -- each is a different experience!



View of Prague from Lobkowicz Palace



Lobkowicz Palace  What would you do if someone tells you that your family owns a palace somewhere and you're the last living heir that has a claim to it?  This place is not to be missed and by far the BEST and most memorable experience we had in Prague.    Loved the personal touch of the museum owners, the stories and the anecdotes.  Without the story behind it, it was just another museum.  But this family has a unique story to tell which made the whole experience very interesting, and weird enough, very relatable (not that I stand a chance in inheriting a palace from my long lost great great grandfather anytime soon!)



Random photos around the city.  Every which way you turn, there's always something pretty to see.   So pretty this city is that even the sewer has a character!



Tons of souvenirs so beautiful and begging to be photographed.




We stayed at Eurostar Hotel Thalia which had bigger-sized rooms by European standards.  It was nothing too fancy nor it had any great views but it was very centrally located, a mere 5-10 minute walking distance to all the attractions we wanted to see.

   Up next is Salzburg, Austria for The Sound of Music tour!