pancakeSTACKER - A blog about food and fashion - San Francisco

Pop of White

2013-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Skater Dress c/o Charlotte Russe, Denim Moto Vest & Whip-Stich Crossbody Bag c/o Aeropostale, Steve Madden Leopard Flats

Photos by: Kelly Ly

I have yet to find a skater dress that I don't like and this blue and white number from Charlotte Russe is no exception. Two things I love about skater dresses? They're flattering and feminine. When you have a smaller waist/torso and a larger bottom half (hey, I have hips, okay?), skater dresses complement your figure like no other dress can (which is why I own so many of them, ha!). I've been playing around with the different ways to wear vests and lately I've been stuck on the vest/dress combo. This denim moto vest from Aeropostale helps give my otherwise girly ensemble, just a the right bit of edge - but don't be surprised if you see me wearing it again in a completely different way. I can already see myself pairing it with some printed shorts or skinny jeans for my next look. And the crossbody? I'd call it the perfect summer companion. I hate carrying larger bags because it turns me into the ultimate bag lady - if I can stuff my bag to no end, then I will. A little crossbody helps me minimize and take only what I need. All together, I'd say I'm ready for summer. (Hey, San Francisco, you hear that? Gimme some sun!)

Nothing Gold Can Stay

2013-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Dress: In Love With Fashion; Heels: FRH via Lulus.com; Necklace: H&M

Photos by: Melissa de Mata

Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.

pancakeLEFTOVERS: May

2013-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind, but better late than never, no? May was another whirlwind month -- it flew by just as fast as it arrived. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen a fair portion of my day to day (all the good stuff I fail to share on my blog!). But of course, there are more photos taken than can be shared in a month's time, so that's where the leftovers come in. So what were some of the highlights from the last month? Heading to Napa for BottleRock, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, Giants games, being Lucca Couture's Blogger of the Month, and some pretty cool press (Lucky Magazine, anyone?). June's already pretty amazing thus far, and I doubt that the good stuff is going to slow anytime soon. So before we speed off into the halfway point of the year, let's take a look back at some goofy shots and outtakes from the month before.

It's All In The Details

2013-05-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

L.C.t Shredded Cross Tank in Red c/o Lucca Couture; Boyfriend Jeans c/o Macy's; Espadrilles c/o Soludos; Forever 21 Black Bralette; Custom "STACKER" Affirmation bracelet c/o BCBGeneration

It's the last day in May - can you believe that? I had every intention of saving this post for Monday, until I realized that it would be June! In any case, this is my last look as Lucca Couture's Blogger of Month! (Quite different from my last look, no?) More and more these days, you can find me in a comfy pair of flats (Soludos are my latest obsession), a baggy tee, and a good pair of jeans. While that all may sound simple, I find that the details more than make an outfit. I love the shredded cross design on this tank - perfect for a concert or a warm sunny day. What I love even more is how easy it is to just put it on and go! I paired it with my distressed boyfriend jeans - aka one of my comfiest pairs of pants ever. I know the guys don't too much fancy gals in boyfriend jeans, but luckily for me, I dress for myself.

So now that you've seen all my Lucca looks, which one is your favorite? Comment below and let me know! And don't forget, you can still grab 10% off your order when you enter "PANCAKESTACKER" at checkout!

Special thanks to Lucca Couture for giving me the opportunity to style and share my looks - I had such a blast and hope that you all enjoyed the series!

Alphabet Soup

2013-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

High Waist Circle Skirt c/o Lucca Couture; Jasper Alphabet Cropped Jacket c/o BCBGeneration; Top: Nordstrom; Shoes: Zara

Photos by: Ryan Chua

Nothing makes me channel my inner girly-girl more than a perfect skirt (or dress). I miss the days when I lived in SoCal and could almost always step out in one of the two. In fact, once I moved back to San Francisco (like three years ago, ha), I had a major problem, because I owned almost no pairs of pants. I'm pretty sure if you click through my archives I've said this exact thing 100 times before. If we're going to get really honest here, it took me basically until last year to embrace pants.

Though, embrace is probably too strong of a word because sometimes, the sun will come out and all feelings of acceptance for pants goes away. For days like those, I wear skirts like this. Can we talk about how absolutely perfect this High Waist Circle Skirt by Lucca Couture is? I mean on ever single level. From the cut to the color to the shape and the detail - we're talking love, people. L-O-V-E, love. But of course, sometimes the city sun likes to fool you, so smart San Franciscans know to never leave home without a jacket. No matter how sunny it is, you don't let that magical weather cloud your judgement. And what better than a perfect light jacket to pair with the perfect skirt. This BCBGeneration cropped jacket went unexpectedly well with my skirt and once the two came together I knew they were meant to be. Finished off the look with my stylish but comfy Zara heels (which I also have in black, because why not?) and I was ready to conquer the day.

Love this skirt as much as I do? Then you're in luck! You can get 10% off you're Lucca Couture order from now until June when you enter in the code: PANCAKESTACKER at checkout! Stay tuned for my last Lucca Couture outfit!

BottleRock Napa Valley | Day Two

2013-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tank c/o BCBGeneration; L.C.t Lace Bralette in Neon Yellow c/o Lucca Couture; Forever 21 Denim Shorts & Headwrap; Espadrilles c/o Soludos; Sunnies c/o SEE; Levi's Vest via Crossroads

90 degree weather, adult Capri Sun, and soothing songs under a beautiful setting sun - this was day two at BottleRock. From the indie beats of SoCal duo Best Coast to the hippie, good vibes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, nothing could beat the relaxing atmosphere of Napa Valley. I spent most of the day sprawled out on the grass, sipping wine and eating fruit, with my eyes closed as I listened to amazing talent performing only a few feet away. If you asked me today to pick a favorite act from the weekend, I wouldn't be able to answer. It's hard to pick just one, since everyone I saw on both day one and two came out on stage with such pure, raw talent and enthusiasm. However, what I can say is that I've never seen a crowd come together quite as much as the one for Edward Sharpe. It was such a treat to see them perform live! After going to Coachella and then BottleRock, it feels a little strange to wait so long for my next concert. Alas, August can't come soon enough - Outsidelands, I'm ready for ya.

Blue Times Two

2013-05-20T07:21:00.001-07:00

Printed Chambray Dolphin Shorts in Navy Dots c/o Lucca Couture; Gap button up; H&M necklace; Ring c/o Charlotte Russe; Espadrilles c/o Soludos; Watch c/o Sperry Top-Sider

Photos by: Ryan Chua

Didn't I tell you I had a thing for blue? You might remember this shirt from way back when (when I FIRST starting blogging) I call it my lucky button up, because it's brought me great things. I had to dig it out of my closet right when these shorts arrived because I knew nothing would complement them better. These chambray dolphin shorts from Lucca Couture make the perfect warm weather companion - they're light and airy, but still stylish and comfortable. What could be better? Paired the look with my new blue seersucker Sperry watch and my Soludos for the quintessential summertime look.

BottleRock Napa Valley | Day One

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Target Tank; Forever 21 Black Lace Bralette; Boyfriend Jeans c/o Macy's; Sunnies c/o SEE; H&M Sneakers

Some might say that I have an addiction to music festivals and concerts. Some might be right. There's something so great about dancing under the sun with tens of thousands of people and just coming together for the love of music. Not sure if that classifies me as a little bit hippie, but if that means feeling free and relaxed, then I'll take it. I went to the first ever BottleRock music festival at Napa last weekend with Kathleen and boy was it enjoyable. Definitely doesn't compare to Coachella, but it was nice only being a few hours away from home. Here's a little snippet of photos from the first day of the music festival. Day two's outfit and snaps will be up shortly, so come back soon! xx

EVENT: Timex | 7x7 Magazine | Macy's

2013-05-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Bay Area, where will you be this Thursday? I'll be at Macy's for a fun Timex event! Stop by from 6-8 PM and enter for a chance to win a $200 Timex Style Shopping Spree at Macy's!

And if you can't attend, don't worry, I gotchu. Perhaps a little giveaway is in the works? Keep your eyes peeled for something coming soon!

Lemon Lime

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

L.C.t Punk Cross Back Tank & Lace Bralette in Neon Yellow c/o Lucca Couture; Striped Jackson Short & FREE Affirmation Bracelet c/o BCBGeneration; Nine West Flats

Photos by: Kelly

I typically gravitate towards neutrals (ok..really just black and white and blue, ha!), but sometimes, the perfect pop of color is the most unexpected one. So, when this neon yellow lace bralette came in the mail, I was basically through the roof. Not only was it something I didn't already have (and truly needed), but it was a piece that helped me to get out of my comfort zone. I paired it under a white racerback tank (also from Lucca Couture's new summer line, L.C.t) and a pair of striped shorts from BCBGeneration. I looked around and realized that I had this neon yellow "FREE" affirmation bracelet and thought, "Man, it's almost unbelievable how easily this outfit came together!" But sometimes, that's how it is. The perfect little piece inspires a whole outfit in the matter of minutes.

Don't forget! You can get 10% off you're Lucca Couture order from now until June when you enter in the code: PANCAKESTACKER at checkout! Happy Shopping, loves! And, of course, stay tuned for my next Lucca Couture outfit!

Lacoste L!ve Desert Pool Party

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Romper c/o Macy's; Espadrilles c/o Soludos; Sunnies c/o SEE Eyewear; Denim Vest: Levi's via Crossroads Trading Co.

Before I completely jump into May, let me take a moment to relive one of the best parts of April - the Lacoste L!ve Desert Pool Party. I realized that I let this post sit in my queue and forgot to press publish (oopsies, y'all - my b!). I spent 3 of my three days of my Indio trip lounging by the pool, sprawling out in a cabana, and filling up on popsicles, tacos, ice cream sandwiches, (and honestly, whatever else was being served because it was all so damn good). Relaxing? Hell yes. So I have to say it - take me back to the desert sun, please?

Blue Jean Baby

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Vest c/o Lucca Couture, Shorts c/o Aeropostale, Tank: Nordstrom; Watch c/o Sperry, Shoes: H&M

Photos by: Kelly

Summer isn't here yet, but for the last week, here in San Francisco, the weather has been nothing short of magical. 80 degrees in May with no wind? I'll take it. So, shouldn't be any surprise that as soon as the sun came out, all my summer clothing came out. (I mean, a girl's got to take advantage!) Luckily for me, I've been well-prepared for this moment thanks to the sweeties over at Lucca Couture. I received a care package full of summer goodies and throughout the month, I'll be sharing my top looks as Lucca Couture's May Blogger of the Month! For my first look, I styled this blue dot vest with a pair of lace shorts from Aeropostale and a simple white tank from Nordstrom. I loved the pattern play with the dots and lace! The sneaks I picked up at H&M a month ago and couldn't decide if I'd ever wear them. In my closet they stayed until I finally put them on with this outfit and was sold. A pair of white sneaks is essential in any closet, so I can't say it was a bad decision to keep 'em.

Want in on the Lucca Couture love? Enter PANCAKESTACKER (case sensitive) and you'll get 10% off their entire order! *Not applicable towards taxes and shipping.* Valid from 5/12/2013-6/12/2013.

Stay tuned..my next outfit with Lucca Couture is coming soon!

Coachella 2013 | Day Three

2013-04-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Floral Tee c/o Addison NY; Denim Shorts: Forever 21; Sandals c/o Charlotte Russe; FREE Affirmation Bracelet c/o BCBGeneration; DIY Flower Crown c/o Cult Gaia

Day Three (also known as the saddest day of Coachella because you have to slowly snap back to reality). On the last day of Coachella, I was running short on time, so I spent what few hours I had left relaxing poolside at the Lacoste L!ve Desert Pool Party (more on this in my next post!). I stuffed myself silly with popsicles, chili fries, street tacos, and ice cream sandwiches, enjoyed a fresh DJ set by Elijah Wood, got my nails done thanks to a fun mani/pedi bar, and sprawled out soaking up the sun.

I made sure to bring my A game to the pool with my Addison NY floral tee and a freshly made DIY flower crown (yes, real flowers!) by Cult Gaia. There's nothing I want more right now than to be back in that desert sun. Talk about withdrawals...

Coachella 2013 | Day Two

2013-04-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Open Knit Top c/o Addison NY; Shorts: Brandy Melville; Bag: H&M; Espadrilles c/o Soludos; DIY Floral Crown (thanks, Kathleen!)

Just when I thought Coachella couldn't possibly get any better, day two came and proved me wrong. It was a glorious day filled with warmth, laughter, and sweet, sweet music. On day two, I saw 2 Chainz, Major Lazer, Grizzly Bear, Benny Benassi (with special guest John Legend), The XX, Phoenix, Janelle Monae, and my favorite act of Saturday's lineup, Moby's DJ Set. PURE GOLD. Nothing can explain the feeling of dancing to good vibes in the Sahara tent, under the desert night sky, with your best friends. Nope - nothing!

On day two, I wore the cutest open knit sweater (thanks to Addison NY!), printed shorts, comfy espadrilles (thanks to Soludos!), and finished off my look with the quintessential Coachella statement piece - the flower crown. You know you've made it at Coachella, when you're stopped for street style pics (hahaha!). Now...if I could just find out where those pictures ended up!

Stay tuned, y'all! Day three coming at ya shortly!

Thank you to Ryan Chua & Kathleen for snapping some of these shots of me!

Coachella 2013 | Day One

2013-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Weekend One has come and gone (and now, so has weekend two), but the withdrawals are here to stay. I was fortunate enough to make it to Coachella this year (with some super sweet threads, mind you) thanks to Addison NY! I packed my bags, booked my flight, and said "so long!" to San Fran and "hello!" to the warm desert heat. My plans were slightly halted because, well, of all the things in the world, I caught pneumonia the week of my trip. Now, I know that "health is wealth," says my mama bear all the time, but there's also that one saying? YOLO? So off I went! It proved to be one of the best experiences of my life. Sunshine, dancing, music, and the company of some really, really amazing people? WIN. The first day, I saw Of Monsters and Men, Local Natives, Beach House, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Band of Horses, and my favorite act that day...Wolfgang Gartner. So good.

Below are a few snaps of day one, but don't you worry - day two and three are all on the way!

Photos of me thanks to Ryan Chua Photography

Simple As It Should Be

2013-04-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Dress c/o Charlotte Russe

Photos by: Melissa de Mata

Sometimes, you just have to let the dress do the talking.

Lovely Bones

2013-03-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tee: Brandy Melville; Shorts: Forever 21; Tights: Nordstrom; Boots c/o Pink and Pepper

Photos by: Ryan Chua Photography

I've wanted to see Passion Pit perform live for as long as I can remember. So, when I found out they were playing in SF, I purchased tickets with no hesitation, which definitely proved to be one of my better decisions. The music, the atmosphere, the lights, the crowd, the show... it was all perfect.

When I was trying to decide what to wear, I knew that I would only be able to find the right tee at one place - Brandy Melville (my latest addition). So, I went in the store practically every day during the week leading up to the concert until I could find just what I had in mind. A little extreme, yes, but I knew what I wanted. I paired the tee with some destroyed denim shorts and tied the whole look together with my Pink and Pepper boots. Passion Pit marked concert one of 2013 (I'm also going to see a few others including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Jay Z &; Justin Timberlake, Edward Sharpe, The Black Keys, anddd might even be making my way down to Coachella again this year). Looks like I'll be making a lot of pit stops into Brandy... uh oh.

Oh You FANCY Huh?

2013-03-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tee: Brandy Melville; Pants: BDG via Urban Outfitters; Shoes: Zara; Necklace: Random shop in SF

Photos by: Ryan Chua Photography

Sometimes, you can't take too life too seriously. For days like those, I wear shirts like these. Found this little gem at Brandy Melville - a store I've been spending a litttttttle too much time in lately, if you know what I mean. When I saw it, I just had to buy it. I mean...am I fancy? Hell yeah, I am. Paired the tee with these glorious new heels I ordered from Zara (another store I've been spending a tad bit too much time in). I'm a sucker for pointy toes and love that these can go from casual to classy depending on my mood. Did I mention how comfortable they are?

When Ryan and I got together to shoot this look, the weather could not be anymore perfect. 70 and sunny in SF? I'll take it. Give me more days like this and you've got yourself a happy little girl.

Pretty Flirty with Charlotte Russe

2013-03-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dress c/o Charlotte Russe; Vest: Vintage; Shoes: Jessica Simpson; Hat: Nordstrom; Leather Clutch: Kurt Geiger

Photos by: Ryan Chua Photography

The cherry blossoms have started blooming and covering the ground with pretty pink petals, which can only mean one thing -- Spring is well on its way. And is there a better way to welcome in a new season than with some seasonally-approrpriate attire? I think not. Cue Charlotte Russe. I'm so excited to share this fun collab I worked on with talented photog and friend, Ryan Chua. Charlotte Russe asked me to create my best "pretty flirty" outfit and voila - this is what I came up with. The hardest part? Trying to pick out which pieces I wanted to wear! Now I know that black isn't normally a color you would associate with Spring, but with the right accessories and styling, you're set. I picked out this dress because I loved the way it fit and just knew it would be a great staple to my closet. I mean, who doesn't love a LBD? So what do you guys think? Did I nail the "pretty flirty" look? (I hope so!)

Stay tuned, folks! This is my first look with Charlotte Russe -- another one coming your way soon!

Wisdom Wednesday

2013-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

"A pessimist is somebody who complains about the noise when opportunity knocks." - Oscar Wilde

Whenever I can, I try to be as positive as possible. Don't get me wrong, it's sometimes very hard. With the daily stress of work and life (and everything in between), negative thoughts can definitely creep their way in there. But, whenever things get too hard for me to handle, I always try to keep the bigger picture in mind. I think to myself, "What am I working towards and how will I get there?" Before we can achieve "success," we mustn't be afraid to get a little dirty. Sometimes difficult situations are just little tests preparing us for our bigger goal. If it's hard now, remember that it won't be hard forever, because all things have a way of working themselves out. So instead of complaining about all the hard work that comes your way, change your tune and remember that hard work now only leads to a sweeter payoff later.

pancakeLEFTOVERS: February

2013-03-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

Whew - it's been a longggg time since my last leftovers post, hasn't it? Nevertheless, here we are again at the beginning of another new month. February has typically always been my favorite month of the year - it's a short and sweet month filled with lots of good stuff (like my bday & vday). This time around was no exception - I celebrated my quarter century surrounded by loving friends & family, took an impromptu trip to LA for the long weekend with my partner in crime (miss kathleen carla), snuck in a lot of awesome shoots with some very talented friends & photogs (shout out to ryan & melissa!), partnered with some amazing brands, and just enjoyed life. Here's a look back at some of my favorite snaps from the past month (thanks to my handy, dandy iPhone).

Benefit Cosmetics: Fake Up Event & Behind The Scenes

2013-02-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard the news, Benefit has released a new hydrating concealer called "Fake Up." A couple weeks ago, before the new release, I attended their Fake Up sneak peek event. It was such a treat to try out the new concealer, sip on some bubbly, and of course, hack the photo booth for endless snaps with Kathleen. Benefit never ceases to impress me with all of their new products. Before Fake Up, I used their Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow to cover up the dark circles under my eyes. Now, I'm completely addicted to the new hydrating concealer -- it's creamy, smooth, hydrating (duh) and lasts all day! I'm pretty picky when it comes to what I put on my face, so believe me when I say that you need this.

Anddd, if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some fun behind the scenes snaps (as seen above) from a recent project I worked on with Benefit. Completely humbled to have been a part of this one and I can't wait to show you guys what we did! For now, mum's the word, but I'll be able to share some photos in a month or so, so definitely stay tuned!

Wisdom Wednesday

2013-02-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.” - George Santayana

I first saw this truck pass by me back in early August of last year. I still remember the moment. I thought to myself, "What a great photo this would make," but I was too slow to pull out my phone to snap a photo. Fast forward six months and lo and behold what do I see parked on the street as I'm walking home from work? The same truck with the same message: "Never stop learning." I've always been one of those nerdy types - you know, the kind that loves to learn? And as much as I love the message painted on the truck, I think what strikes me more is that I found the truck again. It took a while, but I found it.

I hate to get deep on y'all about a truck (of all things), but I can't help but reflect and relate. Sometimes you go through life and you become disappointed because certain moments pass by and you're unable to hold on to them. Then, later in life, if you're lucky the moment returns to you (though, not always in the same way). So what did I learn when that truck popped back up in my life? It helped me to remember that if something is meant to be, it will be. Don't waste time dwelling on things that didn't happen or things that didn't work out. If it's meant to happen... it will.

Ha, can you believe all of this came from a random pick-up truck? Happy Wednesday, y'all.

You Look Good.

2013-02-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Blouse: Random; Shorts: Forever 21; Heels: Zara

Long overdue photos from Chictopia's Shop It Like It's Hot & Net-A-Porter's NetSet Events. Also, let's just get it out there that I am completely aware that I need to calm down with my signature peace sign pose. Now that that's out of the way... My first stop that night was 111 Minna for Chictopia's event, where I picked up that lime green dream you saw in my past blog posts. Shortly after, hopped on a bus and headed over to AQ to swoon over new Spring trends with Net-A-Porter. Can we talk about those fabulous A Wang sunnies I'm sporting up there? Definitely on my wish list. Always a great night when I get to spend it in the company of some of my favorite blogger babes. 'Tis an even better night when a cheese plate is involved. Thanks Chictopia & Net-A-Porter for such a fabulous night!

Neutrally Speaking

2013-02-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Parka: Macy's: Jeans: Zara: Top: Cotton On; Arm Candy (from top to bottom): Kenneth Cole, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21; Brandy Melville; Sandals c/o Charlotte Russe

Photos by: Ryan Chua Photography

A couple things I've been living in as of late: the warmest parka known to man & the most flattering jeans I currently own. I've been trying to add more staples to my closet and have been mainly focusing on two things you can never have too many of when you live in SF - jeans and jackets. I waited for this particular parka to go on sale a couple months ago and now it never leaves my side. It's the perfect color, weight, and type for what I need on the day to day. I tried on the jeans on a whim (knowing that I was desperately in the market for a pair that fit) and was more than pleasantly surprised when they fit like a glove. Slightly worried that I'm wearing this pair out to the bone, but isn't that what good denim is for?