Venice Saturday

What could be a better morning: brunch at Gjelina followed by wandering up and down Abbott Kinney. Used to be a pretty typical Saturday before little k's arrival, and happy she's old enough now that she can enjoy it with us.

Just In: Isabel Marant Edris Sandals

Isabel Marant Edris Sandals

Just in time for the first days of spring, the studded Isabel Marant Edris sandals in black. Fell in love with them during the runway show, but almost missed out as they were released to many of the retailers while I was in Taiwan. Sold out most places including the Isabel Marant Melrose store, I finally tracked down a pair in my size at the Soho store. It's been awhile since I've bought practical, ie flat sandals, so these will be my new summer "practical" shoes. They are basically glorified Birkenstocks, although I've tried on a few styles of original Birkenstocks recently but they don't fit me properly. While I haven't walked really far in them yet, they are quite comfortable with a little bit of arch support. Love them actually even more without the leather ankle straps which are removable, they are more comfortable, plus no time to bother with wrapping and tying long straps while trying to get a rambunctious toddler out the door.

On another note, it's taking all my willpower to not buy the entire SS 2014 Isabel Marant collection. Love everything (except for the florals), but especially dying for one of the impossibly romantic ruffly tops or shorts. So many things on my wishlist, I don't even know where to start. Trying my very best to be patient, but a lot of my faves seem to be selling out and won't likely make it to sale season...

Spring Forward

Prabal Gurung for Target sleeveless blouse, Zara white mini skort, Swedish Hasbeens for H&M white sandals, Prada sunglasses and J Crew panama hat

Even though there's still a few more days of winter left here, it feels like spring already with the 80 degree weather over the weekend. Time to break out the whites and florals! I have this bucket bag in black (with red lining) already and just got this beautiful camel  (with an orange lining) color as well, perfect for spring! Can't believe I have two of the same bag, but I love it, it's roomy enough to carry all my toddler essentials and fun enough to wear out, I have been alternating between the two colors everyday!

Happy St Patty's Day!

We made our traditional corned beef and cabbage St Patrick's Day meal a little early over the weekend this year as K is traveling for work today. It was tasty as usual; picked up about 5 lbs of flat cut corned beef brisket from Pavilions this year along with a few pounds of organic carrots, cabbage and potatoes and of course Guinness! Followed pretty much the same recipe as previous times, although I cooked the veggies a little longer since we had toddlers dining with us. Little k loved everything (except potatoes which she never likes). A true 1/4 irish baby! It was a little bit saltier than previous times, should have soaked it in cold water like we did the first time.

Uniqlo in Taipei

Etoile Isabel Marant Risha dress and Dicker boots in front of Uniqlo Ximending

Somehow, whenever I am in Asia, I end up spending a ton at Uniqlo. I blame it on the unpredictable Asia weather; usually it's colder and rainier than I expect. It was overcast the entire time we were there and rained for the second half of the week. Good thing we had a Uniqlo a block from the apartment we were staying in which we ended up visiting practically every day. I think it's also because we've been deprived of a Uniqlo out here in LA, happy that one is finally opening in the Beverly Center in the fall. Since it was colder than expected, I ended up buying a couple pairs of jeans and sweatpants along with some basics. K and little k also stocked up on the basics.

Marant in Taipei & Ximending in the Morning

Isabel Marant Risha Dress and Dicker boots

I love Ximending in the morning, it is like a completely different place than later in the day, where it is all packed with people, street vendors and flashing billboards. It's quite deserted in the morning, when most of the people are still asleep and the stores are closed, empty except for the occasional delivery truck or street sweeper. I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked a) because it rained pretty much everyday and b) I had my hands full with a toddler, but I took a couple of pics on our last morning while little k was sleeping (when she finally got over her jetlag). This Etoile Isabel Marant Risha dress was a recent purchase from La Garconne from FW 2013. Versatile for spring and summer, it's a pretty little chiffon bohemian piece, although a little sheer and prone to wrinkles.

Hello from Ximending

Zara jacket and mini skort, Peter Pilotto for Target tee

Just a typical morning in Taipei, strolling the streets of Ximending where we are staying, eating some oyster squid intestine noodles from the famous Ah Chung Mian Xian noodle stall. More love for this Zara skirt, perfect for traveling. I also really like this long sleeve tee from the Peter Pilotto for Target collaboration; the print is bold but not too overwhelming that goes with a lot and it's a soft and comfortable piece for layering.

Peter Pilotto for Target tee, Zara mini skort, Nike Frees