The Perfect Plaid

Finally! I've searched high and low for the perfect plaid top and the search has come to an end. I was inspired to get this purple plaid top after seeing it on Amy Ann of Straight A Style, which is one of my favorite bloggers by the way! (love her!!) She got hers from Oasap (also a favorite shop of mine) and I got this one from Shein. 

Top: Shein 

Jeans: Bench

Watch: RumbaTime via Shopbop 

Shoes: Shein

The use of purple on a plaid top is slightly unexpected but it totally works. I love the effortless chic and modern lumberjack vibe that this top exhibits. I decided not to go too crazy with styling this one - skinny jeans and pointed pumps did the work for me! As of now, I can tell that I'd be getting a lot of wear for this top. 

When was the last time you were inspired to buy something after seeing them on your favorite blogger?

6 Swimwear Sets To Die For

Since tying the knot, the husband and I haven't had the time to go on a honeymoon trip... mainly because we've been busy getting our house ready for moving in. We both did not anticipate it would be a lot of work. But much like the stress of wedding planning, we've been relishing this time of our lives. And going back to the topic of honeymoon, I wanted for us to go somewhere tropical. The last time I went to the beach was way back in May. It breaks my heart a little to say that. 

With the thought of a tropical vacation, I've been looking around for the perfect new bikini to wear for the trip. I stumbled upon To Die For Swimwear on Instagram and their swimwear options are literally to die for! Below are some of the adorable swimwear I've had my eye on:

KENZI - Naomi

Naomi - A black bikini is a classic, like an LBD (little black dress). It is quite a surprise to me how I haven't had a pair of black bikini yet. But this one comes with feminine and dainty lace details and a light push-up effect that I am seriously considering this one.

CARA - Carter Rose White

Cara Rose White - Aside from a classic black bikini, one of my all time favorite is a floral swimwear. I have a couple of floral bikinis but this one from To Die For comes with a pretty lace detail that is just too hard to resist!

Monday Lily / Gypsy - White

Monday Lily / Gypsy (White) - A triangle bikini top is my next favorite type of bikini top, next to bandeau. It provides optimal protection and quite sexy too. A white lace bikini is even better!

KENZI - Summer Breeze

KENZI - Summer Breeze - Blue is my all time favorite color and to see this bikini with lace is just irresistible. This one gets the husband's approval!

ZOE - Alexa

ZOE - Alexa - A pink bikini is not really something that would capture my fancy; however, this one comes with beautiful and delicate crochet details. Two words: too pretty.

Material Girl Braided / Viviene Braided

Material Girl / Viviene - Neoprene bikinis are the fad these days - and I love them! This one comes in a beautifully mixed and matched combination that easily stands out!

Good news! If you shop any of my picks, or your choice of swimwear from To Die For, you can use the code FASH_CHRONICLES upon checkout to get FREE shipping on your order! 

Which of these swimwear sets should I pick?

Wedding Series: Bridal Party

When we started the initial planning, one of the first few things we got into (aside from choosing our wedding coordinator) is our bridal party. Luckily, we both agreed to have a small bridal party just as we both wanted to have an intimate wedding. We therefore each chose very close friends and relatives to become part of the entourage. Mine consisted of my sister-in-law, my cousin, one of my closest friends from high school, and my former co-worker and best friend. For my husband, he chose his college friends and my brother to become part of his entourage.

We could not have asked for a better set of people to work with. They were all very game about the photo and video shoot; it actually turned out to be a fun and relaxing prelude for the wedding. I am speaking on behalf of my husband and I in saying thank you to our bridal party for making this event memorable. 

Browse along to see a glimpse of our bridal party in action:

And may I just take this moment to highlight my maid of honor. She is one of my bestest friends (despite only knowing each other for about two years) and I feel like she is the little sister I never had. She is also a rare gem - beautiful from the inside and outside! Love this girl to death!

That's it for now! I hope you stay tuned next time for a few more photos from our wedding day!

Credits to Homebrew for the photos!

Retro + Kate Spade

Even though I was born in the 80's, I have always been intrigued by retro style. The flashing and vibrant colors, the obnoxious patterns, and all that jazz screams fun in all the right ways! Hence, I was inspired to opt for a retro look with a modern spin in today's look! 

Dress: old / Sandals: AMI Clubwear (c/o) / Tote: Kate Spade / Cardigan: Lixmee (c/o) / Sunglasses: For Me

If you can remember this neon dress, I've already styled it here. Today, I added a fun mix of accessories to transform a simple neon dress into a retro chic outfit. This grey cardigan from Lixmee is a new addition in my closet. I got it specifically for the fact that I needed a new cardigan that can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces in my closet. Meanwhile, the Mini Harmony Tote from Kate Spade has been on my wishlist for such a long time. It took me a while to contemplate whether it was worth splurging on. But I bought it around Christmas time so I considered this purchase a gift for myself. 

For some more retro touch, I added the pink sunglasses and gladiator sandals from AMI Clubwear into the  mix!

What do you think of retro style: yay or nay?

 

Wishlist: Blogger Essentials

As much as I hate to use the words 'resolution' and 'new year' in one sentence, I would like to break that personal rule today. I have decided to put more work into blogging for 2016. It does not necessarily mean that I will be posting more often. I would like to retain the life-work-blogging balance that I've established in 2015, but I hope to take blogging more seriously in 2016. Over the past few years, I've looked at blogging as a hobby. I would like to explore the business side of blogging this year. It is a huge challenge and one that would require my persistent attention and hard work. But I could not be more excited! It is one of the things that lights my fire and I am embracing the challenge with much enthusiasm.

And to help make this goal come into fruition, I've listed a few things that I would like to add to my collection to make blogging more productive:

Sticky Note Set / Garance Dore 2016 Les Femmes Desk Calendar / Kate Spade Deco Dot 12 Month Agenda / Kate Spade Pencil Me In Pouch / Soiree Noire Mug (because I need coffee, duh!)

What is one blogging essential you can't live without?