Interweb Goodies

Happy Hump Day!





Did you get a chance to look through all of the Met Gala fashion yet??

Have you tried dry brushing? Ashley has just started an loves it!

Loving Resse Witherspoon's new brand, Daper James

Kira's birthday is at the end of the month, here are all of the great freebies she can get on her birthday!

This rolling pin would be such a great Mother's Day gift!

Any other great links that you have found this week? Let us know in the comments!

-A&K

BOWDOWN

Beyonce at the Met Gala  tonight was everything! There is really not anything else to say...

Love Bey's look but it's more than worth mentioning that Left Eye 

sported a very similar look almost 20 years ago! Left Eye you're amazing! RIP 

-K

Fashion Friday: Kira's Spring Wishlist

Spring Wishllist by akablog 

Spring is here!  Let there be shorts and dresses! This Spring I'm ready to be all about simplicity, light layers, and being comfy but put together! I'm on the look out for a great striped shirt dress and easy comfy pieces that are as effortless as the Spring breeze. I'm very excited to do some Spring cleaning especially of my closet and to make room for new pieces. Wednesday we did a great Interweb Goodies on Spring cleaning that has got me super motivated. I have also been doing well selling my unwanted items on Poshmark! AKA I'm making room in your closet and making money! What could be better? 

Happy Spring!

-K

Fashion Fridays: Ashley's Spring Fashion Buys

Happy First Day of Spring!! Something about Spring makes me want to go through my closet and really decide want I want my look to be for these upcoming warm months. I recently took a look at my closet and decided what I want to completely update my wardrobe! 

- Floral printed pants - perfect for work or the weekends, paired with a basic white button up or t-shirt

- Statement earrings - I think they would be great to pair with a more basic outfit to glam up my look

- Black maxi dress - I have a black maxi dress that I love, but I think it's time to update it

- Floral romper - I'm loving the idea of a light weight floral print romper for parties and brunches

- Simple grey dress - Perfect for running errands on the weekends with a pair of sandals

- Nude envelope clutch - Great for have for going out with friends

- Simple rings - I don't want my jewelry to be too fussy in Spring and Summer, simplicity is key

- Light sunglasses - These would add a touch of glam whenever I put them on

- Striped Espadrilles with laces - Super specific but I think they would be great for day trips!

What's on your Spring Fashion list? 

-A

Fashion Fridays: Grammy's Fashion

Happy Friday folks! We are so looking forward to a relaxing and friend-filled three day weekend! Galentines Day is here, we are gonna catch 50 Shades of Grey, and heading up to Napa on Sunday for some wine tasting!

We were really inspired by some of the looks at last weekend's Grammy's, see below for our list of favorites! Also, make sure to keep up on Instrgrams this weekend for inspiration from NYFW!

Our Faves of the night

Gwen Stefani

Anyone who can rock a jumpsuit (especially on the Red Carpet) is a winner in our eyes. We can't wait to replicate this look on a night out soon!

Taylor Swift

"You know it's real because I don't even like her" - Kira. While Ashley is more of a Taylor Swift fan than Kira, we can both agree that this interesting cut and great color combo is a winner! Ashley is now on the hunt for shoes that color and a bold dress!

Jennifer Hudson

We love the sleek and simple look of this dress! Jennifer Hudson always is a stunner on the Red Carpet and this white number didn't disappoint. We are feeling inspired by crispy whites for Spring!

Anna Kendrick

We are all about the sexy tomboy vibe. She is one of the most covered up stars on the carpet but still manages to look sexy and appropriate. Love this look!

What were some of your favorite Red Carpet looks? Let us know below!

-A&K 

All photos from TV Guide.com

Fashion Friday: Black Friday

The holidays are officially here! To kick off the season we have put together some fllyyyyy fits to wear while doing all of your early morning shopping today and during the rest of the season.... yea fanny packs are a must.

Cabin Essentials

This weekend I am heading up to my family's cabin with my college BBF/ "my person" Amy. I am so excited to get away for a weekend and simply do nothing. Plans for the weekend include movie watching, nail polish-ing, reading, sleeping, wine drinking, and every other relaxing things that you can end in -ing. I have put together a little "Cabin Essentials" list, however this can be used for any time you wanna have a relaxing weekend with your girls!

Anything I'm missing that you would bring? Let me know in the comments!

-A

Fashion Fridays: My Favorite Men's Fashion Blogs

I like keeping up with men's fashion for many reasons. I mean just look at this first picture, it should really speak for itself. But besides beautiful men, I also like to see what the men are up to and seek inspiration from them. Now more than ever I see men and women's fashion becoming less separate and the gender lines becoming more blurred. I love it. I love a menswear inspired look with touches of femininity. Here are some of my fave male fashion bloggers, Enjoy!

I AM GALLA: Beautiful man, Beautiful photos, Beautiful outfits. For a daily dose of this dapper dude, his Instagram is beautiful too! 

Cup of Couple: I came across this amazing couple a little while ago. They are aesthetically perfect. They do great lay outs of clothes and objects that often include their adorable dog! They live in Madrid and sometimes they post pictures of places I was able to visit last year so its a nice little reminder of my trip.

DapperLou:  Another great, visually and stylistically stunning blog is Dapper Lou. He has a great style and a great Instagram account, which is where I first discovered him. You may recognize him from his recent work with Banana Republic!

Closet Freaks: This is one of my newest finds in the mens department. I would probably dress most like Anthony out of the men featured today. If I was given the chance to steal his closet I probably would. He is very clean cut and modern but never boring, he makes great color and pattern choices. 

Who are some of your fave male bloggers?

-K

Kira's Obsessed: Backpacks

Obsessed: Backpacks by akablog featuring a black backpack

I'm not sure what it is about backpacks but they have always had a special place in my heart. Sure purses and clutches and satchels are great but a backpack I will always find cuter, more interesting and far more useful. 

To express both my love and obsession for these fine carryalls I have written this post, found the most beautiful assortment of packs and am so excited to shop for the next one to add to my collection. While I will happily take any of the bags above, I'm looking for something a little sleeker, something more grown up and perhaps work appropriate. For now this lovely polyvore will serve as both dream and inspiration. 

Happy Monday!

-K

Fashion Fridays: Fall Accessories

Fall is officially here! Time for scarves, pumpkins, Halloween, boots, sweaters, falling leaves, and everything in between! There is something about the fall air that brings a new life into things.
Ashley's favorite author F. Scott Fitzgerald once said "Life starts over when it gets crisp in the fall" and we are truly feeling that way right now.

This weekend Ashley is headed to a family wedding, Kira is spending time with her Mama and on Sunday we are super blogging, look for some fabulous new posts coming up soon!

Following Ashley's cold weather wants from last week, we put together a list of our favorite fall accessories.

1. A good cream knit scarf can keep you warm and can go with everything

2. Plaid can add a fun print to any black outfit

3. Any sort of animal print is great for fall, Ashley is loving this leopard print scarf

4. This gold leaf necklace brings a little fall with you wherever you go

5. Loving this wide-brimmed hat for any cold day!

6. Beanies are perfect for a bad hair day or too add a little something extra to any fit

7. Black boots are a must for any fall outfit, we are loving the quilted detail on these

8. These taupe booties look super comfy and stylish 

9. You can never have enough black flats, these would look great with skinny jeans and a sweater or a dress and tights.

-A&K

Fashion Fridays: Tracy

Happy Friday!

This week we are talking to one of Ashley's most fashionable friends from college, Tracy! Ashley and Tracy met in Ashley's Freshmen year of college (Tracy was a Sophomore) and they instantly clicked. Throughout their time in college, they spent endless nights talking about clothes, fashion, and blogging (yes they even had a blog together at one point... please don't look it up as it's kind of embarrassing). They also completed in a Nation-wide Macy's fashion marketing challenge in 2011 in which they came up with a new way to market Macy's clothes to a college generation.Tracy has always had a style of her own - purple hair before it was "cool", menswear tops over strapless dresses to a party, and comfy clothes that look effortlessly chic.

Heading to an "Ugly Sweater Party" (ignore my messy house) via 2010

We had Tracy show us some of her favorite items in her closet and talk to us a little about fashion below!

Franco Sarto ankle boots, Last Chance Phoenix

Men's purple flannel shirt, Uniqlo

Clover Canyon dress (gift from my mother/sister)

Alexander Wang dress, Last Chance Phoenix

Sandals from Zara ($15 on clearance!!)

Who is your favorite fashion icon? 

Huge fan of Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth and the Olsen twins. If they're not considered icons yet, they will be! They always rock the unconventional with a load of class.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

Last Chance in Phoenix all the way! It's where all the Nordstrom returns get sent and discounted, which is great for a stingy lady like me. Also I enjoy Necessary Clothing online for trendy basics.

How would you define your personal style?

Ever-changing. Right now on my off days, I'd call it tailored hipster I guess? I like wearing skinny cargos and half tucked in shirts to keep my waist small. But I'll throw on a crazy pair of heels. But when I was 18, I loved men-inspired wear for women. Untied ties, button ups, billowy jeans, vintage looking t-shirts.

Any bloggers or Instagramers out there with impeccable fashion that you believe everyone should follow?

Style by Nohea is my favorite. She's very much her own brand (and also AZ based!)

What are some of your current favorite trends?

I love the peeping midriff trend. It's the only 90's throwback I can truly get behind, I just need to get to trying it!

What is your favorite item in your closet?

I wear the crap out of Uniqlo leggings. I wear the "insulated" ones year round and they are endlessly durable.

If money was no object, what is the item that you would love to have?

Let's be real... it would actually be a carbon fiber, tennis ball yellow Mercedes. It's completely electric, no fuel. I saw it on Top Gear. Fashion girls can love cars, too, you know. 

***I only say this because I am THIS close to buying myself a pair of Valentino Rock studs in nude (after lots of saving and fitness motivation)!

Make sure to follow Tracy on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for more fashion inspiration!


-A&K

Fashion Fridays : Simple/Feminine/Glam

Fashion Fridays : Simple/Feminie/Glam by akablog featuring ballerina shoes

It's Friday!!! And, also my birthday weekend! I love a good birthday weekend don't you?! Tonight I'm heading to Happy Hour with my roommate and probably going to have a night in - drinking and movie watching. The rest of the weekend will be spent, shopping, drinking, dancing, and spending time with friends and family before the big 2-4 on Monday!

Anyways...

After Kira's inspiring post last Friday, I went into Polyvore, (um obsessed) and created a little set of my own to showcase where I want my fashion and style to go.  I have decided that my look is simple/feminine/glam. I love the idea of mixing and matching basics with feminine pieces. A good sweater, simple shoes, and good accessories are definitely on the list. I'm also looking for good investment pieces, that I can wear with something I found at a vintage store or Marshall's. I have recently started a new job, figured out some more passions in my life, and really started to have a good vision of who I want to be and how I can showcase that through my fashion.

Ladies and gentleman, if you have not created a Polyvore account - do it! I have found that it is really helpful when figuring out what you like and outfits you want to put together.

Have a fabulous weekend!!! And make sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter for all of the AKA Blog fun!

-A

Interweb Goodies

The September Issues are right around the corner. We're excited to check out Audrey Hepburn's granddaughter, who will be featured in Harper's Bazaar

Got a end of Summer camping trip? Check out these great campfire recipes!

Loving the new "Waterway" collection of eyewear from Warby Parker

Did you hear, Kim K is coming out with a book of selfies. We can't decide if she is ridiculously self involved or an amazing entrepreneur. Probably both

Looking for some new local yummyness? Check out this list of great restaurants in Oakland!

Shark Bait Ooohhh Ha Ha

Happy Shark Week!




It's that time of year again, no not Thanksgiving or winter holidays. The ultimate summer holiday, Shark Week on Animal Planet! This whole week the network is dedicated to shows about this mysterious creature. As I'm writing this I'm watching a show about sharks that are in rivers. Um... scary. But sharks actually aren't scary, more just misunderstood!

With all of this shark-ness going on, I've been inspired by some shark fashion. A shark tooth inspired necklace or earrings is currently on my list, as is the fabulous tank above!

Are you watching Shark Week?

-A

Fashion Fridays: Minimalism

Fashion Fridays: Minimalism by akablog featuring a black white poster

How it is Friday already I am unsure, but I will happily accept it and welcome the weekend!

I have been thinking a lot about life lately and about what I want and all these other great philosophical things. I will not bore you with those details, however, in this search for life's purpose I realize how much unnecessary shit I have acquired over the years. While some items are precious and valuable and meaningful in my life others are simply just there. I want less emphasis on things and more on living. I want my life to be simplified and so I am making a move to MINIMALISM!

I realized over the last year, that when it comes to style I love and appreciate style across the board. I love a crazy print, bold jewelry, bright hair and countless others. However I also noticed myself gravitating to a simpler style. I have such a hard time getting dressed sometimes because I feel like my closet is all over the place rather than a cohesive style.

Through Pinterest, I've really been able to hone in on a look, without even trying. I simply picked outfits I liked, stepped back and realized the clothes I wanted to wear were all minimal looks, very simple, streamlined but fantastic. I wanna build a wardrobe of great basics, but still with signature pieces and personality.

I am excited to edit my current wardrobe. I mean most people have closets that are overflowing with items they never wear. To me that is a waste of time and money. So I shall instead, have less, wear more and enjoy the process of getting dressed.

*Images via Pinterest

Here are a few great sites, bloggers that can teach you a thing or 2 about the minimal life!

13 Bloggers With the Best Minimal Style via WhoWhatWear

a minimalist approach to personal style

My fave minimal style instagram: @b_minimalistic

Happy Friday and have a beautiful weekend!

-K

Fashion Fridays: Finding Your Style

Happy Friday!! Kira is enjoying some time in San Diego this weekend and Ashley is super excited about her cousin's bridal shower on Saturday that she's been planning!

This Fashion Fridays isn't about a particular style - it's about refining your own style. We have been talking a lot recently about how we want simplify our looks and dress a little more "grownup". Our styles have changed a lot over the years (we both went through a super preppy phase!) and I think we are both feeling like we have found our looks.

So it's super exciting when you have found the look and an idea of how you want to dress moving forward but how do you come to this conclusion? And how will you afford a whole new wardrobe? And how do you prioritize your purchases?

We have both found that we have been gaining a lot of inspiration from other bloggers, magazines, and especially Pinterest. We will look at our Pinterest fashion boards (Ashley's and Kira's) and take note of the trends throughout. We are both leaning more towards classics with a twist. Ashley is a little bit more feminine and romantic while Kira has more of a bold/geometric/pattern vibe. Looking at your Pinterest board as a whole will give you a really good idea of what you gravitate towards.

So once you have realized that you want a change and there are certain things that you want to purchase (or many things) how will you change up your look without going totally broke in the process? Shop the sales and shop the basics. Always start with basics, little black dress, new top, basic jacket. Once you have the basics down then it will be easier to add in your new fun elements. That fabulous printed jacket is to-die-for but will you wear it that often? And will you be able to wear it with everything? Mix and matching is key when shopping on a budget for a new wardrobe. Also, shop the sales for those fun unique items. The sales rack can be a great place to find those quirky items in your closet, and since they don't cost too much it won't be that bad if you only wear it a few times.

And lastly, make a list. Like really - sit down and write down all of the items of your dream closet. You can begin to form outfits in your mind and it will keep you focused on the items that you really want vs. the things that are on trend. Ashley did this and it really helped her when out shopping, she could look at a list as a reminder of things that she knew would make an impact on her wardrobe. She kept it on her phone and crossed things off as she purchased them.

What are some of your tips when trying out a new style or shopping?

-A&K

Interweb Goodies

Hump day treats for all!

Check out The Capital's latest fashion trends here! #OnePanem #UNITY

Get great drinks and take a trip back in time with these amazing Speakeasy's across the US!

Ashley loves the Olsen's and weddings, so it is safe to say that she is in love with this wedding dress the two designed.

Nature vs Concrete: check out these beautiful photos of trees fighting back.

When photos of fashion aren't cutting it, look to these amazing fashion quotes for inspiration.

-A&K

Fashion Fridays: Foreign Exchange Show!

Happy Friday! This weekend I am going to see one of my fave groups, Foreign Exchange! I am so excited to get to see them again and to spend some quality time with my brother (he's moving to NYC soon)!

 For concerts I good for a cool and comfy vibe. I wanna look put together but feel like I can stand and dance for hours if need be, here's what I put together to wear to the show.

The best part of this outfit is easily the pants. They are amazing. Love the color, love the zebras, another great Buffalo Exchange find!

The Shirt is long and has pockets! It can really go with anything and be easily dressed up or down. I originally bought it to wear to Kanye's show last year but ended up wearing something else. It's a great basic and was a great price at Marshall's. 

The shoes were another steal at Payless. My other black flats died on my trip to NOLA earlier this year and I was able to quickly replace them with this pair. Not quite as great as the last pair but they will do for now.

And my jacket is from Old Navy

Me pretending to be a model, I'm actually incredibly awkward in front of the camera but Ash and I are working on it! Fake it til you make it right!

Have an amazing Friday and a great weekend!

-K

Monthly Mood: July

July is here and now it really feels like summer. July has already gotten off to a great start. Last week we loved our July 4th/Independence day theme, so much so that we skipped our Monthly Mood board, but have no fear, because to start you off this Monday we have all the things were looking forward to during this great and sunny month!

TO DO:

• 4th of July Party: This past weekend was packed with great BBQs and day parties turned all night ragers with the help of great food, drinks, games and friends. 
• Later this month Ashley is looking forward to hosting her cousins bridal shower, can't reveal any themes or plans yet but knowing Ashley it will be amazing!
• Berkeley Kite Festival: A great place for a sweet, windy date or just a nice place to visit with friends and family. Definitely check it out if your around. July 26&27 
• Kira is looking forward to spending some quality time with her brother and seeing one of her favorite groups, Foreign Exchange, in concert this month. They are amazing, if you don't know there music take a listen here!  
• And at the very end of the month Kira will be spending some time in San Diego! She is very excited to visit one of her very best friends and all of her favorite places from her college days.

TO EAT:

• Italian! Ashley was lucky enough to study abroad in Italy and take a cooking class there. This July she wants to recreate some of her fave Italian dishes for only Kira everyone to eat & enjoy.
• Homemade lemonade sounds like the perfect beverage for that July heat.
• Summer months bring out the beer gardens and the patio happy hours, we are both looking forward to visiting these spots; Westbrae Biergarten, Picante, and Lake Chalet.

TO WEAR:

• Fake pants, pants. Ok Kira coined this term recently while shopping, basically we're both over Jeans and want to explore the world of linen pants, cotton joggers and any other breathable loose fitting pants for the summer heat and beyond. 
• Dresses! Everyone, well a lot of people, love a great sundress. The more the merrier. Kira is all about finding great dresses to sport along with her new short hair & Ashley is just one of those dress girls. Name an occassion and she has a dress for it, summer is no exception.

What are you looking forward to this Month?
And don't forget to follow our blog adventure on Instagram and Twitter! 

-A&K

USA = Ultra Stylish Americans: Our Fave American Designers

In continuation of our celebration of America today, we are talking about our favorite American designers and brands.

Kate Spade: So feminine, vibrant, and just screams "girls weekend"! Polka dots and stripes are so classic.

Kate joined up with Keds for these amazing shoes this summer

Michael Kors is one of our favorite designers - and not only because of our Project Runway obsession. His clothes and accessories are truly classic American style.

I always think of Marc Jacobs as the cool kid on the block. Always a little bit edgier.

Converse: How did basketball players in the 50's wear these we will never know. We love how many colors they come in. And how they can pretty much be worn with anything.

Toms were started by a group of Americans to bring the world together. Each shoe bought gives a pair of shoes to a kid in need. One for One. They have come a long way from their first few styles.

Loved my red TOMS, and so did my friend!

Vans: Another classic American staple shoe. So many great styles and colors. Vans are a type of shoe everybody can rock. From your 5 year old cousin to Rihanna.

Kira in the hi top checks and Ashley with the pink obviously

Old Navy, GAP & Banana Republic: Great family of stores that provides the best in everyday basics.

Mix of some of our fave pieces from the Gap Family

Betsy Johnson: Betsy is like that crazy aunt who gives you all her great kooky clothes and jewelry. We both have Betsy necklaces and they really show both her wild and tame side in design.

Love the crazy and classic of Betsy Johnson

Who are your fave Americans!?

And don't forget to catch the USA World Cup game on this afternoon. GO USA!

-A&K