The Liebster Blog Award and A Purple Summery Dress

I have recently been nominated for the Liebster blog award by With Each Passing Day. Thank you so much for this recognition...it totally made my day when I found out! I really appreciate all the love and support from everyone. 

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. Remember, no tag backs!

11 Things About Myself

1. My friends call me a social butterfly and I love meeting new people. 

2. I've definitely caught the travel bug and have been to over 10 different countries.

3. I lived in Sydney, Australia for a year with my boyfriend just to work and travel. 

4. My favorite band has been and always will be, Hanson (since '97)!

5. I love to eat and enjoy trying new restaurants/cuisines whenever possible.

6. I have an allergy to mosquito and other bug bites.

7. I only recently succumbed to getting a smart phone in March.

8. I have a major sweet tooth and can never turn down dessert. 

9. I tend to be a perfectionist and strive to do my best in everything.

10. I have 2 younger sisters who I adore and love shopping with.

11. I had straight cut bangs as a 10 year old and here I am today with a similar hair style.

With Each Passing Day's Questions

1. If you were given the chance to meet your favorite blogger, who would it be and why? Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook because I feel like we would hit it off and she's just so incredibly stylish.

2. What is your favorite movie? Hard to pick one but I loved the Harry Potter series. 

3. What is the one thing you cannot live without? My boyfriend (and sleep)! 

4. Do you speak another language? I speak Cantonese and a little bit of French.

5. What country have you visited or would like to visit? Just to name a few: UK, France, Indonesia, Japan but would also love to visit a country in South America or Africa someday.

6. If you could have any person's wardrobe collection, who would it be? Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo both have pretty amazing clothes.

7. Have you ever done anything spontaneous? Hm, does quitting my job and moving to Australia count?

8. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? To be a better cook because I love to eat! =P

9. What is one word that would describe your personality? Outgoing

10.What was the best advice your mom ever gave you? Never give up and be yourself.

11. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose to be? Katniss from the Hunger Games 

My Questions

1. Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it?

2. What is your biggest fear?

3. Who is your favorite music artist/band?

4. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

5. Do you have a special talent and if so, what is it?

6. What is your favorite dessert? 

7. Do you have any siblings? How many?

8. What is one thing you want to accomplish or try before you die?

9. Night owl or morning person?

10. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

11. What is your current favorite piece of clothing?

My Nominations

I'm passing this onto the following bloggers to spread the love, give support to new and upcoming blogs, or just showcase a couple of blogs that I love! (all have less than 200 followers).
2 Petite
A Petite Treat
For the love of fashion
Chartreuse Amour
Pocket Sized
Bliss.Beauty.Love
City Girl
Fashion Girl Eats
Gracefuls
Soulstitches
S(e)oul and P(f)assion

Summer brings my dresses out of hiding! They are just so easy to throw on and look great with heels or flats.  I have been reaching for them when I don't want to think about what to wear. Wearing a chambray knotted at the front instead of a cardigan makes the look more casual and effortless. 

Old Navy western chambray (similar) -- purple dress from Ross (similar and love this one) -- Banana Republic strappy wedges (similar) -- H&M cross body messenger bag (similar)

I adore matching these wedges with my dresses!

Accessories: H&M braided bracelet (similar in a different color) -- thrifted 'knot' bangle (similar) -- faux pearl bracelet made by my sister (similar and on sale here) -- F21 woven ring (similar in silver)

Close-up of my wedges

Feel free to answer my questions above even if I didn't tag you. Even though I don't have many, I appreciate each and every one of my readers! 

Borrowed Camera and UO Linen Dress

The weather here has been such a teaser lately...it was so warm over the weekend and cooled down significantly by yesterday. Why can't it just be in the 80s the entire summer?? Anyway, I was in my friend Ping's neighborhood on Sunday and she was kind enough to let me borrow her fancy camera and photographer bf to get some blog photos. We also did some shopping afterwards at Urban and J.Crew of course...the beautiful weather gave us an excuse to go to an outdoor mall. haha

It was such a gorgeous day that I wanted to take this linen dress out for a spin that I got from Urban Outfitters. It's actually quite loose on  me around the torso area but nothing a waist-cinching belt can't fix!

Cooperative linen dress from UO (similar) -- thrifted tan belt (similar) -- Banana Republic strappy wedges (similar)

Accessories: tortoise shell sunnies (similar) -- H&M mini spike necklace (similar) -- no name watch (similar) -- H&M braided bracelet (similar) -- thrifted knot bangle (similar) -- oval button earrings (similar)

I think it's time to start looking into getting a new camera because the photo quality on Ping's DSLR is vastly better! The skin glows and the colors are vibrant...makes taking pictures more fun too.

Canon T2i or T3i or a different brand...any opinions?

Gap Chiffon-Trim T in Pale Plum and Silver Accents

I'm back after the long weekend! It went by way too quickly so here's an overdue post of a work outfit from last week. Of course recent holiday shopping for others also meant unintentional shopping for myself. *sigh* I picked up several long-sleeve tees from Gap (on sale of course!) that are perfect for layering especially since it's been getting chillier in SF. Luckily for me, the Gap I went to in Downtown SF had a plethora of colors to choose from. I love basic long-sleeves, but this time in addition to 2 others, I purchased one in a mauve (aka pale plum) color that I don't have anywhere else in my wardrobe at the moment. I think long-sleeve tees can really be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. 

 

Gap chiffon-trim long-sleeve T in pale plum (buy) -- white crewneck cardigan from HK (similar) -- Banana Republic stretch trousers in sharp gray (current version) -- Gap silver flats (similar) 

Close-up of the shoes...they are a bit loose but I have wide feet =/

Accessories: F21 faux pearl earrings (similar) -- Lovisa beaded bib necklace (similar) -- F21 bangles (similar) -- silver mesh ring from HK (similar)

Close-up of the bib necklace (I love the bead details!)

I wanted to showcase the Gap chiffon-trim T without the cardigan (I am wearing a cami underneath though) so you guys can see how it really fits. It's definitely a pretty long shirt with some room in the back but it fits my arms well. I also adore the softness of the cotton fabric and color! I probably would have preferred a Petite size but couldn't find any at the store.    

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas weekend and had a lot to eat...I know I did! Did you get some amazing presents?