chanel nouvelle vague nail polish, fjallraven kanken backpack, saint james striped shirt, genetic jeans
My current go-to bag (in my favorite color) and botched nail(s). I like to steal Lulu's nail polish when I see her lol. I'm currently trying to kill time before my aunt, her boyfriend, a cousin, and my younger brother get here from LA. BF is currently in Alaska and I won't see him for another week. This weekend I have to show my family around doing touristy things I never do and missing Wolf Parade. Speaking of bands I liked in high school, anyone listened to the new Arcade Fire? Still not sure what I think about it but I'll get back to you.
In other news, I had a dress named after me, so thanks Modcloth! I'd be wearing that dress right now if the weather weren't so bad in the Bay Area right now. I'm saving it for LA next week. I also answered a couple questions for their blog here and after rereading it I just realized that I'll never be as suave or cool as I'd like to be. Maybe I should have fudged the answers to seem more interesting lol. //sarcasm
A few of you may have already seen a couple pictures on my Twitter from our trip to Ippuku, a Japanese izakaya that just opened in Berkeley this month right off BART downtown. Shochu is their specialty, accompanied by typical Japanese bar grub such as yakitori and other grilled delights. I actually had no idea that an izakaya was opening in the East Bay until Brent told me that one of his favorite customers at his wine store was one of the owners! I have to admit, we haven't been eating out at nicer restaurants lately since we've both been a bit busy.
The space itself is something you have to see for yourself (although this blog has some fantastic behind-the-scenes photos from before the place opened), but the first thing you see is this right above the bar. Pretty impressive, right? It wasn't until after we talked to the bartender that we found out about the different variations of shochu that existed made from sweet potatoes (imo), barley (mugi), etc. and that Ippuku actually carried a couple bottles which are rare even in Japan! If you're adventurous and willing to try a different type of drink, come here. The staff is super helpful about explaining the types of shochu and specific bottles and we actually ended up trying (and getting drunk off) quite a few: one made from sweet potatoes called Ayamurasaki, two from barley, Sasayaki and Gokoo (the latter is actually aged in barrels for three years and has an oaky taste, if you're into that), an Awamori (long rice) one which I can't remember for the life of me, and finally, my personal favorite of the night, a drink made from black sugar (Kokuto) called Amami which was preeeeeeeeetty effing good. Before you think of us as total boozers, I must add that these drinks were spread out throughout the three hours that we were there. But anyway, now that that's out of the way, let's move on to the food.
Starters: chicken gyoza (Jidori Gyoza) and a Chinese-style chicken salad (Ban-Ban-Ji)
Next: pork belly skewers (Kurobuta Bara), chicken breast (Mune).
Then: chicken thigh with leek (Negima), minced chicken with egg yolk (Tsukutama).
See those last skewers with the egg yolks? Those are actually the second and third ones we ordered of that plate since we liked the original one so much when it was brought out to us. When it arrived at our table, it was the only plate we had not ordered ourselves and contemplated saying something to the waitress; however, once we finally decided to keep it and took our respective first bites, we looked at each other at the same time and realized it was probably sneaked into our meal on purpose (touché!) and were thankful when we ended up ordering two more as our last bites of the night.
In addition to the shochu, I convinced Brent to order these chu-hai cocktails which came with their own citrus reamers and meyer lemon halves! At the time, I thought it deserved its own cheesy video (since I love anything that involves being hands-on with food) and ended up with this completely necessary bit. Hmph, it seemed like a good idea at the time...
Finally, a maccha sundae of green tea soft serve topped with mochi, anko, and ten-kasu. I'd call it a perfect way to end the night but we were actually there much longer (with more drinks) talking to the chef's wife, Erin, who was a complete delight and amazing hostess. If you're reading this, thank you so much for your hospitality and wonderful service!
A.P.C. shirt, GAP legging jeans, parka from a Korean boutique, Miu Miu clogs
I totally forgot to blog these photos, man I've been so out of it lately. Life's been a bit hectic but I'm dealing with it. I'm kind of tired of these kitchen photos but it's the best I can do when I don't have someone to take my photos during the day. Not much to say other than HOLY FUCK HOW GOOD WAS INCEPTION?! I'm so tempted to watch it a third time. JGL! AHH!
This has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but I'm due for a Rapid Rewards free round trip flight from Southwest after my next flight to LA (I'm seeing Real Madrid play LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl!). Where should I go? New York? Chicago? Portland? Help me choose!
Wren, you're making me weak in the knees. That skirt + blazer combo is ace! You guys think there's a chance these pieces will still be available on sale? I've had my eye on that skirt but it sold out. I wish it were easier to find smaller brands like these on sale but all the good stuff seems to disappear before I can finally get my hands on it...
TOP: Acne, Saint James, vintage, Acne, A.P.C., and vintage shirts BOTTOM: Gap 1969 jeggings, Golden Ponies oxfords, Daiso apron
Doing laundry and cooking dinner: an ideal Sunday afternoon. I feel like a fraud wearing an apron since I'm only assigned menial tasks like prepping the rosemary or crumbling cheese. Tonight we Brenty is making pork tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce and rosemary potatoes on the side. I was actually supposed to cook this meal but freaked out last minute because, well, I'm not very confident in my skills. One day, one day.
Also, a couple announcements. First, I updated my blog shop with a couple goodies including brand new April 77 jeans and a Trovata skirt! Second, I just found out that I'm the grand winner of the Chictopia Beso Inspired Contest! Thanks to everyone who voted for me, next month I get to be their August Fashion Correspondent!
This is what a beach in San Francisco looks like, where the closer you get to the coast the more foggy and freezing cold it gets. We thought it would be cute but didn't expect this weather in Juky, Still a nice date nevertheless. Brenty made custom sandwiches (mine had smoked salmon, havarti, avocado, and other goodies) and we tried our best to enjoy the scenery while we froze our asses off. The journey to and from there on public transportation was probably twice as long.
(pssssst, a couple random notes: my nails are Chanel Lilac Sky, boater hat is from Forever 21, and the sunglasses are those same vintage ones that I always wear... cheers!)
I also got new shoes last weekend. Almost bought them on Bluefly the day before for much more but got insanely lucky at the Barneys sale in San Francisco with the LAST ONE in my size. Maybe it was meant to be, as Lulu pointed out. It felt really nice to finally get the shoes that I'd been wanting for so long with money that I made on my own and did a really good job of saving instead of spending it on random clothes. Feels good man.
Also, my team is in the final! That damn octopus, he was actually right. Thanks to everyone who stuck around for my tweets and obsession, hehe. I never lost hope and it feels rewarding to know that they finally made it. Germany played amazingly throughout the tournament and I was sad to see them go. I'm nervous about Sunday, let's hope I don't have a panic attack like I did during the Paraguay game...
This is my younger brother. He is still living at home with our parents so I only see him when I go home. We are currently celebrating Spain's agonizing win over Paraguay by texting and calling each other ecstatically in tears. Certain idiots like to poke at my intense love for the World Cup but I don't care. We were raised in a family that lives and breathes fútbol: our mom played when she was in high school and our dad misses the games because he works hard during the day to support us but watches the day's games as soon as he comes home. I love the sport and the World Cup only comes once every four years and I plan to enjoy the next four games to the fullest until it's over.
kain dolman silk shirt, gap long & lean jeans courtesy of lucky, vintage belt + sunglasses, swedish hasbeens
Take what you will from that headline. The buns above are a little lacking (even if these jeans contribute to the illusion that I actually have something there) compared to the contents of the images below. I wore this out to hang out with friends and walk around Pasadena after Mexico's dismal game against Argentina (I knew it was coming but I was still affected nevertheless).
I've been trying to blog about Papparich for days now but I don't know how to accurately describe what exactly went into my mouth. That "Father of All Buns" tagline is an understatement: upon first bite, the crunchy sugary exterior gives way to an inside which is almost too soft and fluffy to comprehend. I uttered "HOLY SHIT" but hadn't even reached the best part: a glob of melted butter at the center. Butter. B-U-T-T-E-R. THERE'S A FUCKING GLOB OF BUTTER IN THE CENTER, GUYS. I don't know what else I can say, I'm salivating right now thinking about it and am angry that I won't get another until I go back down in August. Really, really angry. If you are ever anywhere in the vicinity of Pasadena, please GO NOW.
