Fashion Fridays: Nashville Inspiration

Happy Friday y'all! I am in Nashville this weekend which you can follow on Instagram. For all of my trips I try to stick to a certain "look" to make packing easier. I try to follow these key things:

1. What is the vibe of the city - high fashion like NYC or LA or laid back like Napa or Tahoe?

2. What will I be doing while I'm there - relaxing, site-seeing, shopping, wine drinking?

3. What colors remind me of this place - Nashville feels feminine, and lightly-colorful so I wanted to bring that out in the clothes that I brought.

Below take a look at some of my fashion inspiration for this weekend getaway!

Nashville by akablog featuring a black leather shoulder bag

-A

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: Our Fashion Wish Lists

Happy Friday!! This Fashion Fridays we are divulging into our Fashion Wish-Lists! Whether it's for Hanukah, Christmas, or our own shopping list these items are at the top!

My list is inspired by all things classic. Black and tan gloves to wear while walking to work and a bright dress to throw on with tights. A classic gold ring with an unexpected twist is perfect for day-to-night events! I'm really wanting a goof black cross body bag for going out with friends, I'm seriously loving this Marc Jacobs one! A classic trench is a huge "want" just something that I know I would get a lot of use out of! I'm really wanting some art deco inspired earrings and a new simple silver watch to wear with a simple dress. And lastly black slip on's to wear while running errands around town.

I love that this list has nothing I need, truly only items I want. I have been searching for the perfect black booties and am always in search of the perfect sequin dress for New Years or my birthday. I know they are a little/a lot gaudy and kinda grandma-y but I love sequins and one day the perfect sequin dress will be mine! I'm also falling in love with these tartan Doc Martens, so much so I may actually need them. I'm also falling for wrap coats but fear I might just look like i'm wearing a bathrobe...

Enjoy our lists and share whats on your own wishlists!

-A&K

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: How To Dress Like An Icon

Happy Halloween!!!

On today's very special edition of Fashion Fridays we are showing you how to dress like some of the most fashionable ladies of the past and present.

Pile on the flowers, embroidery and boho jewelry and you can easily become the beautiful and talented Frida. Don't be shy, pencil in that iconic unibrow and throw on a red lip!

Who wouldn't wanna be Queen B for a day! Grab a bodysuit and all black everything and your half way there! I'd say the other half of this costume is having the attitude of Yonce! BOW DOWN!

The beautiful Josephine Baker can be pulled off in many ways. Here we have a more modern look, also one that won't get you arrested! The sheer top and yellow skirt are a great nod to her iconic topless/banana skirt look. Add some great art deco accessories and glam up your makeup!

Madonna's fearless & fun 1980's look can be achieved but items in your closet! A black crop top, full skirt, and combat boots are the base of the fit. Make sure to tease your hair and add a fun bow!! 

Audrey's look is classic and timeless. Achieve her Breakfast at Tiffany's look with a black dress, cat eye sunnies, and add a cat accessory for a nod to her nameless pet. Or for her Funny Face look throw on a black turtleneck and skinny jeans complete the look with a pony and bangs. 

Fashion's sometimes scariest icon can be put together with a black skirt and blazer with a class black pair of pumps. Make sure to carry an issue of Vogue and wear some oversized sunglasses!

Follow along with us on Twitter and Instagram this weekend for a sneak peak into our costumes and fun! 

-A&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 : 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

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

Monthly Mood August

Monthly Mood August by akablog featuring lake signs

Can you believe it's August? Yea, us either!

We have a lot of fun coming up this month! Ashley will be celebrating her 24th birthday! She plans to celebrate with mimosas, friends and family! Ashley is also heading up to Sonoma soon to go wine tasting for her cousin's bachelorette party!! This month Kira's older brother is heading off the NYC for grad school so Kira is working on a fun Batman themed send off. At the end of the month we are going to Ashley's family's cabin for weekend getaway with long time friends, it will be a great way to spend time together and end this beautiful summer season! 

We have some great posts coming up for you this month also! Ashley is going to share some of the fun crafts and recipes from her cousins' bridal shower. We are going to talk about all things jobs - applications, what to wear, how to stay motivated, and even some potential side hustles. And while we're sad summer is ending we're excited to share new outfits and all the great upcoming Fall trends! Have a happy August!

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

Fashion Fridays: All Palm Everything

Florals... for Spring? ...groundbreaking...

If you don't know that quote, Google it and get learnt!

This Spring/Summer I could care less about florals, I'm all about the palms!




Palm print is popping up every where and I'm loving it. I first started to fall for palms when a couple of months ago I bought some palm printed pants and then I was completely smitten when I discovered Cameo The Label and their gorgeous Boogie Nights Collection. Crisp whites punctuated with a bold palm. I'm all about it. Plus the non palm pieces in the collection are killer too. If you don't know this label check them out! Cameo creates beautiful clothes and will hopefully reside in my closet soon!

Here are two of my favorite looks from the Boogie Nights Collection

Images via cameothelabel.com.au

Happy Friday!

-K

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! 

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

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!

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

Fashion Fridays: 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

Monthly Mood: May

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

Spring Decor Inspiration

I'm feeling greatly inspired to add some much needed color to my living room! My living room has a lot of tans, and deep colors such as blue, green, and burgundy. I'm ready for some bright pops of color that can liven up the space a little bit.

I'm thinking of purchasing some fabric and making pillowcases for the already existing pillows, it will save a lot of money and when the darker colors seem more appropriate for fall and winter, I can simply take them off.

My roommate and I were thinking of re-organizing the furniture as well, to make the space more livable. However, these few items below can help switch up a room quickly!

1. I'm loving the idea of wooden words, it will give off a nice casual vibe

2. Some bold printed pillows in primary colors will look nice to my already existing blue chairs 

3. I would love to bring out the colors in the pillows in some nice lanterns, candle holders, or other extras 

4. A nice mail holder will make everything a little more organized, and will look nice with the decor! 

5. This spring and summer I would love to have some fresh flowers in the house 

6. This fabulous candle would look great on my glass topped coffee table

7. White wicker is a great way to store items while still looking chic (I'm thinking extra blankets or even board games 

8. This graphic will look great on a gallery wall mixed with other pictures

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram to follow along with all of our adventures! 

-A

Monthly Mood: April

Welcome to our new series Monthly Mood! Each month we are going to talk about what we are looking forward to, what is inspiring us, and what is to come on the blog!

Monthly Mood: April by akablog featuring Pier 1 Imports

We have a lot of exciting things coming up in April, however it is a quieter month for us to lay low and hang out with friends and family, because it always seems like May is crazy! This month Kira is headed to New Orleans, so look forward to a fun post about that and make sure to follow along with her trip on our Instagram. Ashley is excited for the return of Mad Men and Baseball! We are looking forward to some floral prints making their way into our closets - and hopefully California will get some rain which means we can wear some cute rain worthy accessories! Earth Day is April 22nd, and we are going to be posting about some of our favorite up-cycled items. We are also going to be attending a fun Up-Cycle event at a local Art Center. Easter will bring some fun brunch recipes to the blog - and maybe some DIY crafts! One of our best friends has a birthday in April, and I think we are going to be having some outdoor fun to celebrate. As the weather gets nicer, we hope to go on some more hikes and mini-adventures around the Bay Area! 

-A&K