hey pretty thing

Hey Pretty Thing turns 3!

2013-05-13T22:01:00.002-07:00

J.Crew denim jacket

ASOS stripe dress as top

Carven skirt

Céline sunglasses

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (similar)

Zara flats

Photography by Miguel Marino

We returned from our month-long European honeymoon last night so I am finally getting around to posting. These were taken when we were in Venice, Italy, which we loved because every street was so charming and picturesque. I'm still uploading our travel photos on Instagram, so follow me there!

Today, my blog turns 3! Thank you so much for reading. :)

Honeymooning

2013-04-30T12:31:00.003-07:00

Hello everyone! Thank you for all your Europe recommendations and tips. We are halfway through our honeymoon and having the best time! In this photo, we are grabbing a quick lunch while adventuring around Venice. Lots more posts coming soon. For now, you can follow our trip on my Instagram: @carolyn_ym.

Our Wedding: European honeymoon - recommendations?

2013-04-10T00:40:00.001-07:00

We finally leave for our European honeymoon next week! We would love your recommendations for what to do/see/eat/drink in Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Milan, Athens, Santorini, Cinque Terre, Amsterdam, and London. Thank you all so much in advance for taking your time to help us plan a fun trip. :)

Our Wedding: My outfit details

2013-04-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Dress: Lazaro LZ3207

I had visited 10+ bridal boutiques and tried on over 30 gowns before I found my wedding dress. Nothing I tried on felt like "the one" until I walked into Marcella's La Boutique and saw this Lazaro gown on display. I so confidently knew this dress was the one I had been searching high and low for before I even tried it on, and once I did, the deal was sealed! I love the delicate eyelash lace sweetheart neckline on the sheer Alencon lace bodice. The platinum sash bejeweled with opals and Swavorski crystals added sparkle, and the fit of the dress was impeccable. I am selling my dress here, and I know it'll make the next bride feel so perfectly beautiful on her wedding day.

The Shoes: Jimmy Choo 'Isabel' champagne glitter pump

When I was looking for wedding shoes, I wanted luxurious yet comfortable shoes, which is sometimes an oxymoron. But that is what I found in these Jimmy Choo pumps. The champagne glitter fabric is shimmery for a subtle glamour and the low heel made me feel like I wasn't wearing heels at all. I am also selling my shoes here.

The Accessories: diamond earrings and handmade veil

My parents gifted me these stunningly intricate diamond earrings on my wedding day. Since my dress had a bejeweled sash, I wanted to keep the rest of the accessories minimal, and these earrings complemented the look without overdoing it. I wear these earrings on special occasions and whenever I see them, I always think of my parents' generous love throughout my whole life. I will cherish them forever.

I took a veil-making class and actually made my own veil! I just wanted a simple, classic chapel veil and it turned out exactly how I imagined and was so much more economical as well as sentimental.

Photography by Benj Haisch

Black and blue

2013-04-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

J.Crew silk blouse

Rag & Bone jeans (similar)

Céline sunglasses

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (similar)

Zara flats

Photography by Miguel Marino

Standing around Instagram-ing this photo while photobombing husband's test shots of the skyline during magic hour. It feels like spring, which means I'm bringing out my slew of colored denim with a vengeance, starting with this newly acquired pair by Rag & Bone. Just a casual outfit for date night to grab fancy pizza. Happy Friday!

Bar Sajor - Seattle

2013-04-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was excited to hear that Bar Sajor, owned by Matt Dillon of Sitka & Spruce and the Corson Building, was opening in Pioneer Square. We were married in this historical district of Seattle and I've always hoped that bars and restaurants would move into the old, brick buildings.

We came here the same night we shot this outfit post.

As the weather has gotten warmer, I've moved to lighter wines like rosé.

Loving the space and how they used a vintage sink as a wine cooler.

Tuna crudo with avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Shared half a chicken roasted in buttermilk with harissa, yogurt, and squash marmalade dipping sauces.

Side of kale with red chili.

Caramels as a sweet departing treat.

Gorgeous gold framed mirror I'd love to have in my home...

Photography by Miguel Marino

10,000 hours

2013-04-01T22:54:00.002-07:00

Equipment silk blouse

Acne coated jeans (similar)

Rebecca Minkoff leopard loafers

Balenciaga clutch

MAC Russian Red lipstick

Photography by Miguel Marino

I'm alive! This past week, I completed my master's degree!!! Even though the 16+ hour workdays were brutal, being able to learn and do what I'm passionate about are rewarding. Up next, husband and I will finally be going on our honeymoon to Europe! We will be traveling to Paris, Athens, Santorini, Milan, Venice, Cinque Terre, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and London -- please comment with recommendations. Thank you!

Room & Board tour

2013-03-04T00:17:00.001-08:00

Room & Board recently opened in University Village and invited me to tour their showroom last week. I've always loved home decor but even more so since husband and I purchased our townhouse half a year ago when we got married. The Room & Board tour was so inspirational, as each room was skillfully styled with a little bit of midcentury mixed with contemporary pieces while maintaining a livable comfort.

One of my favorite rooms. I love the retro midcentury look! Pictured: Anson sofa

Such luxurious details like the horizontal quilting on the leather chair. Pictured: Callan leather chair

Most gorgeous raw edge wood long dining table. Pictured: Chilton cherry dining table

I fell in love with this thick cable-knit rug! It instantly warms up a room and makes it so cozy. And of course, also adore the Noguchi cocktail table -- more Herman Miller goodies to come. Pictured: Cable rug

Room & Board stocks a drool-worthy amount of Herman Miller, like this classic Eames chair in a stunning red. Pictured: Eames molded plywood lounge chair

Clean dining space with natural elements. This dining table is made from reclaimed oak used in railroad cargo from the 1900's -- Seattleites love decor with history. Pictured: Howe table

Maybe because we're in the market for the perfect rug in our living room, but I couldn't help gasping in awe of all the rugs Room & Board has to offer. Patterning the cowhide adds incredible depth and texture in this rug. Pictured: Pure Park cowhide rug

We're also looking to replace the lighting above our dining table and we liked these handblown glass pendant lights. I can imagine lining up a row of them in various sizes. Pictured: Hennepin Made pendant

Room & Board's custom program is insanely amazing. It's so nice to have furniture fit your needs rather than, much too often, adjusting your home to fit the furniture.

Thank you so much to Room & Board for having me!

Photography by Miguel Marino

The Whale Wins - Seattle

2013-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Whenever our out-of-town friends visit, we love to take them to new happening restaurants around Seattle. Last month, we went to The Whale Wins, sister restaurant of wildly successful the Walrus and the Carpenter.

My night look lately: diamond earrings, MAC Russian Red lips, and Madewell lace black dress.

Husband's usual Old Fashioned. Love the big ice cube!

Clams that are no longer on their menu so I can't describe it!

Painted Hills bone marrow, Jacobsen sea salt and golden raisin, caper, and pickled shallot relish. Can never go wrong with thick, buttery bone marrow.

Le Bleu des Basques with honey and crostini. Peanut butter and jelly, popcorn and butter, cheese and honey.

Caviar d'aubergine, roasted cauliflower with pine nuts, thyme and lemon peel.

Painted Hills filet mignon, salt roasted, sliced and served with sauce verte, potatoes and fresh horseradish cream. Not so sure about it being served at room temperature though..

The star of the night: braised Carlton Farms pork shoulder, Winesap apples, served with onions and mustard.

Whole roasted Yakima River farmed trout with roasted lemons and walnut sauce.

Photography by Miguel Marino

I Am Style-ish x Miguel Marino Photography

2013-02-19T18:58:00.001-08:00

Tiffany of I Am Style-ish photographed by my husband Miguel Marino Photography

My husband started his photography side business recently and was contacted by Tiffany, the adorable blogger behind I Am Style-ish, to photograph her and her husband's 5-year anniversary shoot with their dogs, Savvy and Macho (best names). I was so excited for him to take photos of them because Tiffany is always impeccably dressed! See more pictures at Tiffany's blog and please "like" Miguel Marino Photography on Facebook! He is offering starting prices for engagements, portraits, and weddings. If you mention you follow Hey Pretty Thing, we'll take 10% off your order. ;)

Hey Pretty Thing on Instagram

2013-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

I've been more prolific on Instagram lately just because of convenience. Follow Hey Pretty Thing on Instagram! Here are some of my latest photos:

1. Out and about town with the mister in Rebecca Minkoff and John Varvatos.
2. Surprise baked goodies from my husband on Valentine's Day!
3. Celebrated Chinese New Year with curry oysters eggs benedict on scallion pancakes and garlic baby bokchoy.
4. Loose bouncy waves for the weekend.
5. Gorgeous Céline sandals.
6. Every Friday my husband surprises me with a Friday funday treat after work! Here is this past month's treats: deep fried brat, red velvet cake, pumpkin pie with marshmallow fluff, and cupcake.

Have a fun long weekend!

Our Wedding: Photos (part 1) - Seattle skyline

2013-02-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

photography by Benj Haisch

Happy Valentine's Day! I am finally getting around to posting a few of our wedding photos after over five months of this beautiful day. Here we are on the rooftop of our venue overlooking the Seattle skyline. I loved this private opportunity, to be able to escape above the city and just be alone together...

Waiting for sustenance in Vancouver, BC

2013-02-11T21:27:00.001-08:00

Urban Outfitters snood (similar)

Dunderon field jacket (similar)

J.Crew dress as shirt (similar)

Rag & Bone skirt

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

Oh hello. Thought I would pop out of my work cave for a minute to post... 6am-11pm work days have been brutal so please pardon the lack of updates. 2 more months of student teaching and grad school and one 90-page assessment paper to go, and then I'll have room in my life to blog again. For now, here's a simple layered outfit for a full day of roaming around on a couples weekend trip to Vancouver, BC last month. Specifically, we were about to head to Cafe Medina to get our lives changed for good (post on that to come).

Joule - Seattle

2013-01-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Joule has been one of our newest favorite restaurants (posted about their brunch here)... to the point we took all our out of town guests here during the holidays. I love their custom sign playing off their name and Korean-fusion theme.

Husband's "Jalisco Campfire" made with tequila, agave, thai chili, and lime and my "Sweet Freedom" in the background of blood orange and elderflower liqueurs, lime, and makoli... so delicious!

Beer tartare with Asian pear and spicy code roe aioli.

Toast with oyster butter, smoked marrow, and pickled shallot.

Seaweed risotto, pickled leek, and smoked chili. Awesome twist on comfort food! Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, the husband and wife cooking duo, are seriously geniuses.

Spicy rice cake, chorizo, and pickled mustard green. Best take on dukbokki.

"That" short rib steak and grilled kimchi. Such flavorful kalbi.

Pork chop in date molasses with charred apple slaw.

Side of Chinese broccoli in walnut pesto.

Apple bread pudding, foie gras, and smokey buttermilk ice cream. Foie gras adds a smooth savory hint.

Joule box, pearl tapioca, and ruby grapefruit brulee in coconut.

Taro cheesecake.

Outdoor fire pit that I think they'll add patio seating around come spring. Can't wait until warmer weather!

Our Wedding: Polaroid invitations

2013-01-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Polaroid invitations by Joséphine Jameson
Photography by Benj Haisch

The process of our wedding invitations was quite an adventure... Since husband and I both love photography, we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding, from our DIY photobooth Save the Date to our Polaroid wedding invitations. I first saw this idea from a graphic designer online so I hired the company to create our invitations. Three weeks before the projected deadline of sending out our invites, the company completely ceased contact. I sent reminders and questions, but received no responses. Finally, when I still hadn't heard back on the day we were supposed to have sent the invites out, I contacted my online friend Josie. Josie and I have "known" each other for years, and she had recently started her own graphic design company. I emailed her in a panic hoping she would be able to reproduce the vision of our Polaroid wedding invitations. Josie worked super hard on them, cutting out all the photos and Polaroids by hand, and shipped them to me within a week. She even gifted us a handmade personalized family tree, which was so sweet. Josie, I cannot thank you enough!

Holiday uniform + accessories

2013-01-22T21:11:00.001-08:00

Madewell lace dress

Plush fleece-lined tights

Christian Louboutin glitter pumps

MAC Russian Red lipstick

I'm a few weeks late on posting about holidays... blame crazy 6am-11pm workdays this past month. Anyway, the Christmas tree is no longer in our living room, but I am still wearing this holiday dress around. It's so classic and wearable, yet the lace makes it fancier for occasions. I always like to keep accessories simple but high-impact, like festive, sparkly pumps, a bold red lip, and diamond earrings my parents gifted me on my wedding day.

Sunday brunch: Joule - Seattle

2013-01-20T22:27:00.000-08:00

We love Revel and its sister restaurant, Joule, which recently remodeled and moved to Fremont. I'll post about dinner there soon because it is just so good. Today we checked out their brunch, further proving that these two sibling restaurants can do no wrong.

Brunch buffet included with your entree.

My plate (round 1): seaweed cracker, bacon buttermilk biscuit, citrus and mint marmalade, apple tart, pickled squash, and two cheeses.

Husband's plate (round 1): similar to above with an addiction of bacon walnut kale and homemade buttermilk dressing.

Porchetta, stuffed oatmeal, with a sweet chili rub.

Black sesame waffle, katsu-styled chicken fried steak, with smoky maple syrup.

Ballgame

2013-01-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

Madewell letterman jacket

Rag & Bone alpaca skirt

Plush fleece-lined tights

Acne suede boots (similar)

Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag

Photography by Miguel Marino

Never knew I would revisit the letterman jacket post high school, but I fell for the sweater sleeves and dusty pink body on this one from Madewell. Anyway, my husband aka blog photographer started his side photography business! He is available for portraits, engagement sessions, and weddings. Please like his page on Facebook! Thank you for your support. :)

Poison ivy pants

2013-01-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Vince chambray shirt (similar)

Zara sweater and lace pants (similar)

Alaïa suede booties

Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet

MAC Russian Red lipstick

First post of the new year! Christmas decor has been shelved away, and we've literally thrown away our tree -- as in, we tossed it over our deck into the yard, which seemed the easier/less pine needles everywhere option. I'm hoping these green lace pants will give me a small reminder of the past wonderful holiday cheer while wearing them as I return to work...

Holiday dinner 2012: Spinasse - Seattle

2012-12-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, husband (my then boyfriend) and I started the tradition of a holiday dinner for just the two of us. I always look forward to these long dinners filled with delicious food and conversation, and they officially kick off our holiday season. So far, we've been to Rover's and Herbfarm, and this year we wanted to try Spinasse.

Spinasse started us off with the chef's creation of the night: rabbit pâté crostini with balsamic.

Parma prosciutto cured in-house for 14 months! Served with apple soaked in vinegar cider.

All washed down with an Italian red.

Crepe filled with roasted parsnips on top of walnut sauce and parsley.

Moving on to primi... Squash ravioli with sage and crumbled amaretti.

The star of the restaurant, proving that good food comes from simple, quality ingredients: hand cut egg pasta with butter and sage.

Secondi: braised, herb-stuffed pork belly with sunchokes and hard cooked egg.

Side of roasted beets with their greens and house cultured butter.

Ended dinner with a coconut panna cotta with huckleberries and toasted brioche and a flute of moscato.

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

Band of Outsiders x Target "Best Friends" beanies

On me: Madewell shirt and Michael Kors vest

On him: Wings + Horns thermal and Shades of Grey vest

This is our first Christmas card as a married couple! Lots of wonderful firsts this year. I hope you all have a warm and loving Christmas! Follow my Instagram for more holiday photos. :)

Teacher uniform

2012-12-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Uniqlo gingham shirt (similar)

J.Crew cardigan

Rag & Bone alpaca skirt

Plush fleece-lined tights

Topshop booties

Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag

Since changing professions to be a teacher, my wardrobe has also evolved into way more cardigans and pencil skirts than I ever thought I'd see in my future. Still, I try to add my style into this uniform. Anyway, tomorrow is the last day before two weeks of glorious winter break. I made it!

Holiday dinner at our home

2012-12-16T23:56:00.001-08:00

Motel velvet dress

Plush fleece-lined tights

MAC Russian Red lipstick

This weekend, we hosted a holiday dinner at our home with close friends. Husband spent all day making an elaborate and delicious menu of brisket, baked mac and cheese in individual ramekins, and maple bacon brussels sprouts. I contributed a festive holiday drink and dessert, as pictured below.

Honey sage gin fizz -- I've always thought gin tasted like Christmas tree (not that I've ever had a mouthful of Douglas Fir) so I wanted it to be the base for our holiday cocktail. I found the recipe here.

Pistachio brittle -- Husband is allergic to peanuts but sometimes he'll buy me peanut brittle anyway because I like it, so I wanted to make an alternative treat he can enjoy too. It's so easy to make and addicting to munch on! Find the recipe here.

Our Wedding: Highlight video!

2012-12-11T21:35:00.001-08:00

By First and Foremost Productions

We got our wedding highlight video back! The soundtrack is the beautiful Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros, which was the song I walked down the aisle to. It's fun to see husband and his best friends tailgate at the first University of Washington football game of the year at the stadium nearby our venue -- a tradition they've had since college. The video captures the details of the getting ready process for both of us, and builds up to the first look, which was my favorite part of the entire day. When my husband-to-be saw me, he said, "You are so beautiful." and we both started crying. After the ceremony, husband and I escaped up to the roof for photos and alone time together throughout the night. We absolutely love the video and how perfectly it tells the story of our wedding day.

The husband-wife duo, Jarrett and Heather, behind First and Foremost Productions were awesome and so sweet to work with. Thank you two so much! :)

Decorating our tree

2012-12-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that we got our first Christmas tree as a married couple! We spent a cozy late afternoon over the weekend decorating our tree with the sparse ornaments we had. The last photo is an engagement ring ornament we received as a present last Christmas when we got engaged.