Top 5 Places to Shop!

Not much of a shopper, but I do believe in style.

Not so much about fashion or trends, but what suits my needs and mood on a given day.

Love yourself!

With that, here are just five suggestions on places to shop in the US. On a budget.

 1. Primark

Alright, so Primark is a European chain store, and I've only just discovered it-BUT it is set to open its doors in America SOON. Until then, I think we will just have to content ourselves with their online store.

2. H&M

Another cliche, and another European company-but we all want that certain effortless, streamlined style that people in Europe seem to have without trying for it.

3. Buffalo Exchange

I've seen a couple in Manhattan, and sometimes the prices for the clothing annoy me because it is oftentimes more expensive than department store brands-but I mostly go for the jewelry in thrift shops. Unique and simple.

4. Housing Works

I usually hit the one on 9th Avenue in NY for jewelry, books, other knick knacks. They usually have brand name items in good condition for a reasonable price. If you can't already tell, I like thrift stores! Especially one that has a cause and donates most of its earnings towards it.

5. Gap

I know, it's so commercial. But most of their pieces are so comfortable and simple. I'm a sucker for cotton. Their wireless bras are great, and so is their workout gear. And when they have sales, they bring the prices down REAL low.

What are your favorite places to shop-and how would you describe your personal style? Share with me and comment below!

cheers,
M.A.

5 Books that Every Twenty Something Should Read

I admit, there are some books that I picked up from high school honors english...but in any case, I like to think of myself as a bibliophile. So, these are just a few of the books that every twenty something (or just any person of any age) should read.

1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

-introduced me to subtlety in language. Reminded me that, at its height, literature can also be architecture.

2. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

-A narrative on race that is not about race.

3. This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz

-Caffeinated writing. A collection of short stories.

4. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

-two words: generation gap. Searching for one's identity.

5. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

-One of those books you keep coming back to-funny, tragic, delicious.

What are your top 5 books? Tell me below in the comments-I'm always looking for new reading material! :)

cheers, all,
M.A.

Top 5 Date Ideas!

In honor of Single Awareness...I mean, Valentine's day, here are some ideas for really cool/fun dates. In my opinion at least. This post is for fun date ideas in the Bay Area, California-because I felt the need to set the ideas in a concrete place. Also, I have tried to cultivate ideas based on my age group. Namely, millennials like myself who do not have an income yet but still want to enjoy life. Hooray! -_- 

anyway, here it goes: 

that mozzarella though...

open seating area-so you can dine al fresco

1. Drive to the Napa Valley and have a wine and cheese day

I highly recommend: 

V. Sattui Winery 

1111 White Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, United States. 

Not only are the grounds gloriously beautiful, but they also have a cookout with fresh food, pulled pork sandwiches, mozzarella with basil and tomatoes on bread drizzled with olive oil, stuffed peppers-all finely crafted but unpretentious fare. Their on-site cheese and wine store also has really good selections. Get the brie, some crackers, and the merlot jam. Or the artichoke cream cheese. Or just sample the entire store (because you can!) To satisfy the sweet tooth-take your lovely to the Dean & Deluca across the street for some light gelato (green tea and honey are my favorites) which you can eat while admiring the valley behind the store. 

views from the little beach!

2. The Embarcadero/Pier 39 in San Francisco

Take in a matinee at the Embarcadero cinemas, then enjoy a leisurely stroll past the Ferry building-all the way through the piers on the shore, until you reach Pier 39 (about a 25 minute walk.) Tap into your inner child and explore the Pier's colorful attractions, the carousel, the salt water taffy store, and the general carnival-esque vibe (if you don't mind the presence of tourists.) If you keep walking down past the Pier, you will reach a little beach in front of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory, perfect for watching the sunset. (And the In-n-Out is only a short walk away-score!) 

City Lights books!

Chinatown, SF

Piano man murals and flying books in North Beach!

3. Little Italy/Chinatown/in SF's North Beach Neighborhood

Chinatown is always a great place for cheap eats and fun market shopping (general tip-try to avoid anything on Grant street as that is the most tourist-y part of the neighborhood.) Hang out at the local park while sipping boba (taiwanese milk tea with tapioca pearls) and, as it starts to grow darker, head over to Little Italy-with certain charming corners such as the one pictured above with the flying books. I strongly suggest a visit to the famous City Lights bookstore (261 Columbus Avenue at Broadway) for all your poetry needs. Or the equally notorious Cafe Trieste (where Coppola wrote some of the script for "The Godfather") for some coffee. Lastly, if you are feeling a little daring, around the corner from City Lights is a long street with cabarets and strip clubs. 

Clarion Alley in the Mission

4. A Day in La Mission 

The Mission district in San Francisco is almost always the sunniest part of the city, so take some time to explore the flavor of the area. My go-to burrito spot is Pancho Villa, (3071 16th street) for a steak burrito and horchata. The place is also in walking distance from Dolores Park, where you can relax and chat/observe San Franciscans in their natural habitat. Also, take a walk down Clarion Alley, where local artists use the walls to showcase their art/talk about social and political issues. 

5. Take the ferry out to Sausalito and back

It's inexpensive, it gets you out of the city and into a slice of life that is a bit more peaceful. Plus, the views on the ferry ride there and back aren't bad. Be warned-there is not much to do besides walk around small boutique shops, eat brunch food, and admire the quaint houses in Sausalito-but there is more breathing room and a nice view of the Bay. 

Well that's it for now, darlings, I hope you all have a great Valentine's day-but do remember to love yourself and others for every other day of the year as well! 

Comment below and tell me your fun date ideas-especially in other cities. Would love to hear :D (and take note!) 

cheers, 

M.Ang 

Top 5 Albums :)

I find it hard to choose just five albums, five destinations. I composed my list on the albums that truly affected me (some even mark certain points in my life.) That being said, here are just some of my favorite albums. I would love to hear yours, comment below if you would like to recommend some music!

1. Kings of Convenience, Declaration of Dependence 

Two lads from Norway and their soothing vocal harmonies and guitar melodies. They are supremely talented, especially with their lyrics, and not to mention-quietly adorable. Standouts: "Mrs. Cold," "Boat Behind," "Renegade."

2. Bon Iver, Bon Iver

Proper music for retreating to your cabin in the woods amidst fog, a fire in the hearth, you know...as one does. Standouts: "Calgary," "Holocene."

3. Green Day, American Idiot 

I remember how obsessed I was throughout the latter half of my elementary school years and all of middle school with this band. I'm a bit better with it now, but I can still sing/scream every lyric to the title track...and nearly all the songs for that matter. Standouts: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Jesus of Suburbia."

4. Digable Planets, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) 

Yes, I watched Freedom Writers, heard "Rebirth of Slick" and then proceeded to devour this album. I love the jazz flourishes they mix with their music, very laid-back sound coupled with engaging lyrics. Good stuff. Standouts: "Rebirth of Slick," "Where I'm From."

5. Frank Ocean, Nostalgia ULTRA 

Channel Orange is great, but let's give some of his earlier work more love. I think this one showcases some of his soulful best. Standouts: "LoveCrimes,"We All Try."

That's it for now, thanks for reading. Let me know your top five!

cheers,
Michele

Trip to Tahoe

Just returned from my family's annual holiday trip to Lake Tahoe, three hours from home. I love the drive to and from the Lake because California nature is lovely (as opposed to New York...which does not have much natural beauty aside from parks.) We spent a while hanging around Zephyr Cove-which is where these pictures were taken-eating cookies we hoarded from the buffet at Harrah's. (If anyone is ever in town, I recommend this buffet-on the 18th floor of the Harrah's-delicious champagne brunch and a sweeping view of the mountains!)

Doing a bit of shooting with my Nikon. I've fallen a bit in love with the device. We intend to release the details of our nuptials shortly.

Happy holidays and New Year, everyone!

wearing H&M sweatpants, sweater, trench coat, Old Navy circle scarf, Columbia snow boots.  

Just Like Annie Hall

In front of Ruth Asawa's mermaid fountain, SF

This is actually an old picture of me, but I think this was the day I realized another facet of my personal style. "Came into a new me" sort of thing. Not a coincidence that this was also the day I first saw Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" and consequently fell in love with Diane Keaton.

Don't get me wrong, I like skirts, pretty blouses, nail polish, the occasional pair of heels-just like any other girl. But I feel sexiest when I dress like this. Lately, I've run out of patience with quintessentially "girly" clothes, and have been stocking up on fancy sweatpants, beanies, and flannel. With this way of dress, I can sit however I like and eat as much as I want without worrying about how my food baby will look.

An important lesson-dress for yourself. And don't be afraid to poke around the men's section every once in a while! Case in point, I was browsing around H&M the other day, bored with all of the female apparel. I wandered over to the men's section and found this baller navy blue jacket with quilted shoulder pads and zipper detailing. If Jesus wore a jacket, it would be this very one. And it was half off! The look is a bit oversized on me, obviously, but it looks great that way. In my opinion, at least.

But anyways, back to the whole "dress for yourself" idea-I texted a picture of me wearing the Jesus Jacket to my mother and she basically accused me of being a lesbian. Despite that, I shall continue scouring the men's rack. Traditional gender values be damned!

I don't have a description of my style. If I like it, I buy it. Wait. Let me rephrase that. If I like it, and I can afford it, I buy it. I love playing with textures and patterns, switching up my color palette depending on the weather or my mood. I am making an effort to buy timeless pieces that will last me a long time, as opposed to the next trendy thing at Forever 21. I am starting to understand the nuances of communicating through fashion, not by sporting the latest trend, or being "this season," but by pairing piece with piece to create a wearable work of art. I will, however, cough up three words that come to mind when I think of the outfits that have stuck with me: understated, minimalistic, casual.

Do I even fashion? Guess you'll have to stick with me and decide for yourself!

More posts coming soon,

-m.a.

(Vince Camuto wedge sneakers, thrifted Mona Lisa socks, Bebe trouser pants, Pacsun denim shirt, thrifted hoodie and beanie.) 

First Post

Yet another blog to add to my list. 

This one will be used for personal updates on fashion, lifestyle, and travel...and perhaps other tidbits of news I find intriguing. 

A little bit about me: I am a student living in New York City, but originally from the Bay Area. I study theatre, visual arts, and sociology. That's pretty much it. 

Welcome to the adventure! 

-M.A.