May 30, 2014

Fashion Fridays: Online Shopping

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! This week just flew by, which is fantastic. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend, and Kira is heading to Bottlerock, a music festival in Napa. We are ready to take this summer by storm.

Earlier this week I was out with a friend and we decided to stop in a mall real quick to grab a bite to eat and it was swamped - with teenagers! I completely forgot about the teenage infestation that happens at all shopping centers during summer time. I love shopping, but sometimes I don't like a ton of crowds when looking for a new dress or fun pair of wedges. I do however like a good online shop at any time of the day! Sometimes just to look to see what they have and dream up a new wardrobe.



Gilt.com is a great place for all of those to-die-for designer items! Yesterday they had a sale on Christian Louboutins ... yes Christian Louboutins 



Jane.com is fabulous for flash sales, I have gotten some great jewelry from the site!



Asos.com is a good place for fashion inspiration and designer looks 




Groopdealz.com is another great site for flash sales; dresses, jewelry, home goods. 



I'm a huge fan of Piperlime.com. I love all of the stylists picks - it makes you sure that you aren't making a bad decision. 


I would love to hear about some of your favorite online shops! I am always looking for some new places, make sure to comment below! 

Also, if you haven't follow on Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, and directly on the blog! 

-A


May 28, 2014

Bring Your Pins To Life

How many of us are guilty to pinning projects, recipes, and fashion inspirations on Pinterest and then never actually trying them? We definitely are! There are just so many fun finds that it can be hard to complete all of the Pins that you like!

This summer our plan is to try to complete some of these real life Pins! Our series "Bring Your Pins To Life" will get started soon and we will attempt to recreate some of our favorite Pins from Pinterest! Below are some Pins that I am excited to try!


I'm loving this DIY folding chair - who knew they could look so chic? 



These glitter vases are so fun for tall flowers 



Rainbow veggie pizza, fresh and colorful!


This up -do looks effortless for summer


Zucchini pasta is a great way to watch carbs  while enjoying some great flavors!



These meringue cookies look almost too pretty to eat!



Check out our individual Pinterest's for some fun pin projects coming up! 

Also, make sure to follow along on Instagram and Twitter

-A



May 27, 2014

Office Chic

I have been on the hunt for a new job for a little while, and have been doing odd-jobs in the mean time. I'm very excited to get a consistent schedule back in my life. I find starting a new job, is similar to those first day of school jitters. You don't know how everything is going to work out, but you are excited to try.

Similarly with the beginning of school, I think it is important (if you can) to make your office space your own. Adding in a few personal touches will make work fun! Here are some chic office supplies that are currently on my list for when I get that new job! 

Office Chic


These Kate Spade idiom pencils will give you motivation throughout the day

A simple black and white vase will look great with bright flowers 

Loving this "big ideas" notebook

White and geometric stapler and tape dispenser gives off a cool vibe on your desk 

This aqua and white patterned bowl is great for odds and ends on your desk 

Push pins in the shape of bows? Sign me up! 

Pink paper clips add a little bit of style to any document 

Eiffel tower scissors will help you dream of your next vacation while at the office 

This pink pencil holder is just so perfect!

This black and white printed document holder can help organize your desk and add some pattern 

A great day-to-day organizer is needed at any office 

-A

May 23, 2014

Fashion Fridays: Blog Favorites

This week for Fashion Fridays we wanted to take a look at our favorite fashions from the week on some of the blogs that we follow. Reading other blogs has given us inspiration in many aspects on our blog; fashion, food, crafts, even layout. Never decline the opportunity to be inspired by someone else!



I'm loving this simple look from Mara over at M Loves M! The classic white dress is great for any summer occasion.



I love all black with a pop of color, especially when being in SF. I love how Whit did it on Britt + Whit 




This outfit from Amanda at Little Miss Fearless screams "Take me on vacation!!" 




Can we please talk about this dress that Jen is rocking on Skirt The Rules... um amazing!




Emily's style on The Sweetest Thing Blog is always so much fun, I'm loving her printed shorts!



Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more fashion inspirations! Especially fun - this weekend Kira is in Nashville, so follow along with her on her trip!

Also, if you are a fun fashion blogger, clothes lover, or designer send us an email so we can feature you on an upcoming Fashion Fridays!

-A&K


May 22, 2014

Spring Time Cocktail

My Mom and I made up some delicious cocktails for our guests for brunch. It was oh-so-yummy! Perfect blend of fruity and fresh! I'm looking forward to making this again for a party with friends!


Orange- Lime Mojito

Serves 4

1 cup of Orange Juice (bonus if it is freshly squeezed)
Juice of 2 limes
10 basil leaves
2 table spoons of Triple Sec
1 cup light rum
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup of simple syrup


Frist make the simple syrup. Start by combining 1/2 cup or water and 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar in a pot. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Lower heat and stir until sugar has dissolved. Once dissolved, remove syrup from heat and let cool. I recommend doing this about 2 hours before serving so the syrup is at room temp.

Mix all other ingredients into a large glass pitcher and serve over ice.

Follow along on Instagram and Twitter for more updates!

-A

May 21, 2014

Interweb Goodies

Lots of great finds from this week! Check them out below!



This list of Best American Beaches makes me want to plan a trip!

Titanic + Frozen. Love it.

Visiting the outlets for some sales, read this first.

How good does this dish sound from Iowa Girl Eats?

I'm loving these Happy Hour marquee letters

-A&K

May 15, 2014

Let's Sail Away

Something about summer approaching makes me want to be outside on the water. I am also loving stripes and all things nautical right now and it is really putting me in the summer mood! Below are some of my favorite items that I have found!


Let's Sail Away


Loving white dresses for summer, a crisp fresh look 

These sailboat printed shorts are to die for! 

Loving these stripped espadrilles - you can dress them up or down

This fedora is not only stripped it also has a fun nautical knot on the brim 

Seahorse earrings are a must for a day at the beach 

A knotted necklace is a great nod to sailing without being over the top 

A tray with this old-school whale print is great for carrying your drinks outside to friends 

This anchor print scarf will look great with a bright colored dress and wedges! 

I love a bright red lip in summer, this Mary Kay color does not fail

These tumblers and napkins are great for an outdoor BBQ 

Trying to brighten up your outdoor space? This candle holder is perfect  

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram for more nautical ideas! 

-A&K

May 14, 2014

Interweb Goodies




Refinery 29's tips on why we all need to stop complaining

An artist from Oakland is helping the homeless in a creative way.

Painting with your fingers? Bet it won't look this good! 

Tips on how to host a wine tasting party for friends

#SarcasticPeopleProblems presented by Buzzfeed

Follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and make sure to follow us directly on the blog!

-A&K

May 13, 2014

Easy Panzanella Salad

Spring time makes me crave fresh flavorful ingredients. Recently I wanted to make a quick and simple flavorful dinner. I complied what ingredients I had and decided that a panzanella salad would be the way to go. A panzanella salad uses thick pieces of bread that has been quickly soaked in different liquids such as juice from a tomato, olive oil, or balsamic vinegar. For my salad I soaked it in tomato juice, which brought out the flavor of the meal.

I saw the image above on myrecepies.com and it inspired the dish below! 

Easy Panzanella Salad 
Serves 1 

2 thick slices of bread (ideally stale or day old bread) cut or ripped into bite sized pieces 
10 cherry tomatoes
4 basil leaves cut up
1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion 
1/4 cup of garbanzo beans 
1/3 cup of cucumber sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste 
1 tablespoon of olive oil + 2 tablespoons 
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar 

Start by preheating the over to 425 degrees. Place the bread in a bowl. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and squeeze the juice into the bread with the bowl. Mix, cover, and let sit for about 10 minutes. After it has soaked, place the bread on a backing sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake in oven for about 10 minutes. The bread should come out crispy and golden brown.  While the bread is in the oven, cut up the basil, red onion, and cucumber and place in a medium sized bowl along with the garbanzo beans. When the bread is done mix with the other ingredients and drizzle on the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. 

Have fun with the ingredients! There are tons of different ways to enjoy panzanella salad!

Follow along on Twitter and Insta here! 

-A

May 12, 2014

Monday Blues


I woke up this morning and realized I had come down with a sever case of... The Mondays.

I was tired, unexcited and simply uninterested in Monday and anything having to do with it.

While it may be nice to stay in bed all day and continue to hate the Mondays, it is socially unacceptable and I guess personally unacceptable if I just succumb to the Mondays. I mean I should put up a little fight.

Check out some of Ashley and I's Monday Blues Remedies and please feel free to share some of your own!

  • Reach out to a friend! Maybe your not the only one on the struggle bus this morning. 
  • Workout, go to the gym or try to fit in a walk. Basically just get moving. 
  • Wear your favorite outfit. Sometimes looking good translates to feeling good. 
  • Make plans after work, have something to look forward to.
  • Revisit an old favorite, maybe you have a favorite episode or chapter in a book. Something to escape for a bit and put a smile on your face. 
  • Make yourself a really yummy breakfast, get some good food and energy into your body. 
  • Smile, because it scientifically makes you feel better. 

-A&K

May 9, 2014

Fashion Fridays: Karen

We have both known Karen since she was little maybe 7 or 8. She is the younger sister of one of our best friends, Nicole, and basically our adopted little sis. She is fun and full of life and also incredibly knowledgeable about fashion; she currently attends FIDM's Los Angeles  campus and works at Louis Vuitton. Karen is one of those girls that is always fashionable and always knows how to put together a perfect look.

When we began to plan out this series we both knew Karen would be a great person to feature. We also wanted to take advantage of her fashion expertise and ask her a few questions. Check out our interview with her below along with one of her favorite outfits.


Where do you find your fashion inspirations?

Well I feel like a lot of my inspirations comes from the Bay. My style ties back to home - especially street wear in the Bay Area - just the whole Bay Area culture. Now I'll mix and match - my new found LA style while sticking to my Bay Area roots


Favorite fashion icons?

Ahh... there are so many!! But I'm always really into what Rihanna is wearing - always always! She is always ahead of the game and she never gives a f*%#

Where do you shop?

I don't usually get much time to shop but when I can I love Zara, Top shop, I recently feel in love with some things at Kitson - they have some cool brands and graphic tees.. Nordstrom, Urban, H&M, Buffalo Exchange, Brandy.. literally almost everywhere! I also love to shop online when I'm bored and feeling the urge, Karmaloop is a favorite of mine! And I can never say no to a good Thrift store.. 


How do you go about planning an outfit?

Okay - I first start off with my shoes - I find that to be the hardest part. So I look at my shoes first. If I want to be comfy I'll throw on my Converse or even my Nike Frees. Although I can say that I'm finding myself more in heels since I've moved to LA. So I start from the bottom and work my way to the top. Bottoms, top, and then everything else! 

Any advice for taking fabulous outfit pics?

Don't be afraid to take too many pictures. Whenever I find myself taking my #OOTD -  I have to take a lot. You got to have options! And also good lighting. Have fun first, edit later! 


What are some trends you are looking forward to trying this summer?

I feel like we're still in this "90's Grunge" phase, so I'm looking forward to seeing brighter and more vibrant colors this summer

Any tips for someone wanting to pursue a career in fashion?

Have thick skin. Know that this is something that you really really really want to do. Educate yourself and do your research - you have to go into it full force 

Best piece of advice someone gave you?

Keep going.

Karen's Outfit; Top- Men's tee DVMN Pigeon NY, Pants- H&M, Heels - her roomate's, Bracelet - H&M

If you want to see more of Karen's fashion check out her Instagram! Make sure to follow along with AKA Blog on Twitter and Instagram for more Fashion Fridays! 

-A&K

May 7, 2014

AKA Bookshelf: How Should a Person Be?



This book is strange, unique, a little confusing and great all at the same time. 
It sounds like a self help book, reads like a twisted memoir but is defined as a novel.

 I finished the book about 2 weeks ago and it is still lingering in my mind - in a good way. Partly because it is so strange but mostly because it made me think. Think about myself and relationships and ultimately how I think a person should be. 

The book begins in a bad marriage and ends in self discovery. It is smart and witty and often very real. It discusses the not so pretty side of relationships and the tough choices we are often faced with while trying to better ourselves and figure out the kind of person we wish to be. 

The book drops you into Sheila's life while she is in a tough transition. You follow her around in her everyday interactions and slowly realize you are moving along with her. You are leaning while she is learning and reflecting while she is reflecting. The book is not flashy or overdone. The simplicity is what makes the book so great. It is relatable even if your life is not like Sheila's. You may have a friend like her or been through a transition like her. She asks her self tough questions through out the story and they are ones to pay attention to and think about for yourself. 



This is the first novel I've read by author Sheila Heti but it will not be my last. She writes in a style unlike any other and it felt refreshing to read work from an interesting intelligent woman. 

Happy reading!

-K



Interweb Goodies

Happy Hump Day! Here's some of our fave links of the week, enjoy!



Heading out in an adventure? Don't forget to do these things

Some tips on finding comfy high heals, yes comfy high heals!! 

Spice up your life, with this article from Lauren Conrad.com

Emily, from Cupcakes and Cashmere gives you her tips for the best Instagram pictures

The New York City Ballet has a new star

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more finds throughout the week!

-A&K

May 6, 2014

Mother's Day

It's almost Mother's Day! We love our Mom's so much, they have done so much for us over the years, and have truly supported us in the beginning of this blog adventure!

Ashley and her mom Halloween ready

Sheryl and Ashley having some Disneyland fun



We thought we would compile a few ideas for things to do with your mom for Mother's Day and a few ideas for some meaningful gifts that won't break the bank!


Sometimes just spending time with your mom  is the perfect gift. Flowers are beautiful but most moms just want their babies back, so be nice and hang out with her!

  • Have Happy Hour with your mom! When was the last time you and your mom went out and got a drink together? Find somewhere that has a pretty view or nice ambiance!
  • Go on a walk/hike, it can be a great way to catch up on your lives and spend some quite time together.
  • Take a zumba, yoga, or dance class! Maybe you will find the next "thing"  you do together! 

Think about what your mom likes to do and plan something around that, does your mom like to garden? Maybe spend the day helping her pick out new flowers to plant. Does she like art? Find a museum to go to. Whatever her interests are, try something out with her or lend a hand on one of her current projects. Make it all about what she likes! 

Remember when you were in 2nd grade and made your mom her 47th macaroni necklace, and she loved it because you made it? You can do something similar now! A little hard work and the help of Pinterest you can DIY something for your mom, minus the macaroni this time around. 

Here are some of our favorite ideas

DIY a fun mug for her morning tea

Make a piece of art with painted doilies 

Give the gift of wine! I feel like most mothers enjoy the grape so why not buy her a bottle she likes and put your own stamp on it. Customize the label by making something on your computer or by hand. It can be a nice personal touch to an everyday gift. 

This says bridesmaid but you get the idea

Lastly, don't forget your many others Moms in your life; your favorite Aunt, or a friend's mom that has always been there for you, or another mother figure - sending them a card is somrthing really sweet an simple that can put a smile on thier face. 

Stroller swag, with Kira's mama and cousin
Kira and her mom at Kira's college grad party

Have a great Mother's day! Don't forget to follow Ashley's Pinterest and Kira's Pinterest for more ideas, and make sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter  too!
-A&K



May 5, 2014

Amazing Apps: Appy Couple


Image via Appy Couple


This coming October I am going to be the Maid of Honor at my cousin Nicole’s wedding. It will be a rustic-chic wedding in Northern California in the Sierras. I will be hosting a bridal shower soon, and we have a fabulous bachelorette party planned, both with posts to come!

Nicole and I via 2008

However, right now this is about her wedding app Appy Couple. It’s an easy-to-use app for any Bride-to-Be. It gives you space to inform guests about every part of your wedding. From attire, to location, to events. It is a great way to provide your guests with information avaliable right to their phones! 

There is a space for the couple to share their story and include pictures, as well as a space to highlight the members of their wedding party! You can link it to your registry or local accommodations and activities. I think one of the coolest aspects of the app is the gallery; a place that guests can post pictures of the wedding! It is a great way for the couple to see all of your pictures without having to search Facebook or Instagram! 

So if you are getting married, or know someone who is getting married try Appy Couple - it's great!! 

Follow along with us on Twitter and Instagram!  

-A

May 2, 2014

Fashion Fridays: Spring Sneakers

Spring Sneakers


I love shoes, especially sneakers, especially hi tops. Unfortunately the selection for ladies is usually smaller and sadder, but I am happy to report that the tide is tuning and that Women's sneakers are finally getting the representation they deserve!

This Spring brings a bounty of women's sneakers in fun and funky prints. I'm so excited to see these styles in stores and even happier to see them on my feet, I just bought the palm tree espadrilles from H&M! Here are some of my favorite sneakers of the season! Enjoy, and let us know which ones your diggin.

P.S. Don't forget to follow us on Insta and Twitter for more AKA goodness


-K


May 1, 2014

Monthly Mood: May

Monthly Mood Board


Yay it's May!

May is always super busy and super fun. There is always a ton of birthdays and weddings and BBQ's. Those of you in school are headed towards the agony of finals and the reward of summer. May is that final push and transition into Summer. Whatever your up to we hope May brings you lots of sunshine and good times. Here is what we are looking forward to this month:


  • Birthdays! Kira turns 24 this month!
  • Memorial Day - day off, nuff said
  • Ashley is very excited to see her boo Zac Efron in the movie Neighbors which comes out this month. 
  • Met Gala - can't wait to check out the infamous fashion always seen here (think Anne Hathaway bleaching her hair just for this event and Kim K's floral couch dress thing from last year!)
  • Mothers Day
  • Kira's heading to Nashville for a family wedding!
  • Fun free May events we wanna check out - free books event, free movies, free museums! Check out what events are free in your area this month! 
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to see what we are up to this month! 

-A&K