Architecture of an Outfit: Lazy Day Essentials: How to Get Away With Not Shaving Your Legs

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat,

Let’s face it, women are under pressure to always look good, either by society, media or even ourselves. And, in all honesty, it’s a lot of effing work, ain’t it? Who always has the energy to constantly have the perfectly coiffed and turned out hairstyle, flawless skin, glowing makeup and well-chosen clothes? And that’s just the surface stuff! What about the energy and time invested into the maintenance of it all? We have to treat our skin and aging concerns, tweeze those eyebrows, file and manicure those nails and shave those legs. Seriously, it’s a ton of work and, while it often has a great effect on our psyches, it can take a toll on us from the sheer amount of effort required.

Sometimes you just want to cut corners!

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: Lazy Day Essentials – How to get away with not shaving your legs! }

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{The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Getting Ready: Skip the shaved legs with a maxi skirt!}

{OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE/DETAILS}

Vintage cropped acid wash denim jacket. Target Inc basic white tank. Forever21 nautical chevron print maxi skirt. Rebecca Minkoff MAC Mini bag (exact). JewelMint rings and birdcage bracelet. Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch.

{Lazy Day Essentials: Printed maxi skirt, basic white tank, acid wash denim jacket, punchy hand bag, gold accent jewelry.}

[ALTERNATIVES]

JACKET: Distressed cropped denim jacket.
SKIRT: Chevron print maxi skirt, belted chevron maxi dress (LOVE THIS ONE), striped maxi tank dress.
RING: XO stack ring, stackable initial ring.
CUFF: silver cage cuff, gold cage bracelet.
WATCH: rosegold heart watch.

{Gold accents keep the look fresh and stylish.}

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I hate shaving my gams. I have a depilator, whose effects of hair removal can last for a good week to two weeks before hair regrowth, but the time to depilate is exponentially more consuming than a quick shave. But even shaving? I hate it. That extra 5-6 minutes in the shower is a lot of wasted water (even though I usually turn off the shower), time and energy trying to maintain my balance.

This is why you will catch me in a maxi dress, maxi skirt or leggings more often than shorts and shorter skirts. This is my secret to cutting my beauty corners and shortening time spent in the bathroom. I don’t shave my legs unless I have a pair of shorts or skirt I’m dying to wear or my family and I are going to the beach. The rest of the time, you’ll find me in leggings, jeans, or a maxi dress or skirt!

WHEW! That’s a huge load off my chest.

So, next time, when you’re pressed for time and energy, and you just want to forgo one of those stupid steps to getting your perfection on, just get back to the basics and put on some jeans or a maxi with a fantastic print. You’ll be glad you just shaved by! HAH!

Rock on, Lover!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Cut Up, Patriotic and Late

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Mae

Aloha Kakahiaka, Lovecat. (Good morning.)

There’s nothing wrong with wearing red, white and blue. You won’t look like an American flag or look like a Union Jack if you don’t want to. So, what’s red, white (cream) and blue, striped, cut up to there and super, duper late?

My…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

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Always, always, always late. How to wear red, white and blue and not look like an American Flag.

Our winters here involve wearing light jackets, but even that sometimes feels super cold for us.

I love the look of red, white and blue, especially with nautical stripes. It reminds me of something Parisian, with the combination of the red and the stripes… but it’s hard to wear the colors without feeling a little patriotic or feel like you’re wearing an American flag on your body, and that is the binary opposite of chic, yeah?

I think the first thing to do when you wear red, white (or cream) and blue is to be confident that you aren’t a walking tribute to your country. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you think you’re dressed for Independence Day, you will not have the fierceness and bravado required to pull it off. The next thing is to have a grounding color… I prefer to go with neutrals. They’re less distracting than another bold color and will help, well, neutralize the erm, flag-i-ness of the ensemble.

I went with nude. You can never go wrong with nude. And denim, to keep me warm during our “cold” winter season. Hey, it’s all relative. But yes, I know we in Hawaii are terribly spoiled.

And yes, I know I’m horrendously late. I shot this during the holidays and just never got around to posting the pictures… Husby’s computer died and he’s been using my laptop (on which these photos were loaded) all this time (still is). I’m still catching my breath and looking at the calendar thinking, How is it almost spring already? I don’t know where the time goes. Does that happen to you?

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We decorated a wreath in lieu of a tree due to lack of space in our house.

Back cleavage. I love the low back of this silk tank, but I don’t have the right bras for it.

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One of a kind crochet lace earrings I snagged at a now defunct boutique in Decatur, Georgia.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAIL
Silver gate slit nautical maxi skirt, Olivaceous silk low-back tank, via Mikinola boutique. Moda (defunct) denim jacket. Bamboo Sky metal buckle waist belt. Dolce Vita nude platform wedge heels. Lace crochet earrings, Rockit Boutique (now closed).JewelMint Birdcage Bangle.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: ASOS low back tank. Scoop back tunic.
SKIRT: Stripe slit maxi skirt. Barney’s nautical stripe maxi skirt (similar // high end). Sheer stripe maxi skirt. Nautical stripe knit maxi.
BELT: Gold buckle nude leather waist belt.
SHOES: Dolce Vita nude wedge platform sandal (almost exact). Sam Edelman nude low wedge sandal. DKNY ankle strap nude wedge sandal.
JACKET: Distressed cropped denim jacket.
BRACELET: Low Luv silver cage bangle. Kendra Scott gold filigree bangle (high end-ish). Gold filigree cuff.

Go with nude to ground the outfit.

What’s red, white and blue and debuting super late? My Outfit of the… Holiday.

It’s not Aloha Style to wear shoes indoors, so I carry my shoes to wherever I shoot, put them on on the spot and tread carefully with the timer. Not very Aloha…

It’s customary in Hawaii homes (and most Asian homes) to remove your shoes outside the house or in the foyer. So it is considered so not Aloha style to be wearing shoes in da hale (the home). Doing so is a sign of disrespect to that person’s residence. But because I usually shoot my outfits mostly indoors because of the light conditions or because it’s afterwork and there’s no light outside, I usually tip-toe from my shoe rack barefoot, put on my shoes only when the camera’s focused and almost ready to shoot (or I’ll do the same if Husby is shooting me). Then when I’m done shooting, I immediately remove my shoes on the spot and put them back in my shoe rack. It’s not so very Aloha of me, but you do what you gotta do for fashion, I guess. I’ll always be a Mainlander like that, maybe. LOL.

{ Would you wear red, cream/white and blue? Is it something you would pull off? Do tell, please COMMENT below! }

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Preview: Patriotic and Always, Always Late

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Mae

My latest OOTD was actually shot during the holidays, hence the title, “Always, Always Late.” Because, well, I AM always, always late.

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD Preview: How to Wear Red, White and Blue and Not Look Like a Flag }

Always, always, always late. How to wear red, white and blue and not look like an American Flag.

And, because I’m always late, it is by far much too late tonight for me to do a full-blown post, so I’ll leave you waiting for the rest of the pics and the details of the outfit for tomorrow. [I always try to write/schedule posts ahead of time. As we speak, it is almost 2AM HST/4AM PST. I.e., LATE.]

I hope your Tuesday is as fabulous as my Monday was. It’s always great to start your week off right, yeah?

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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#InstaStyle/OOTD: What I Wore Today

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat. I’m too tired to write a real post, so this is one of my “Preview” type OOTD… except I won’t post the full outfit post for a couple of weeks, since I need to shoot the outfit still.

If you want to stay up to date on my goings on and what outfits of the day I’m rocking more frequently than I show here, add me on Instagram (username: @maluu)!

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Grecian style dress from Eden In Love Boutique at The Wedding Café, Ward Warehouse, Honolulu.

Snagged this Grecian style dress with split front slit at Eden in Love Boutique at The Wedding Cafe at Ward Warehouse Mall in Honolulu. So cute and comfy. Went barefoot in the office… kicked off the gladiator sandals and went Aloha Style. But I have my yellow Zara heels in the car which I forwent for the day since the Hawaii News Now weather report app was horrendously off on their prediction of “scattered clouds, low chance of rain.” Um, it was raining torrentially for hours on and off and the sun was nowhere to be found. #MeteorologyFAIL, guys.

Well, that’s it. That’s what I wore today. Do you like? What sort of jewelry or shoes should I wear with this?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood and A Million Lights

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mae

Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, floppy hat by ETSIS, and A Million Lights. It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

Aloha, Lovecat. Howzit? OMG, this is my 500th post on thereafterish.! WHOA.

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Oxblood pleated skirt, ETSIS Custom Hat, Stripes and obsession with Christmas Lights

Another canned traditional blogger pose.

Close up of the tie neck blouse.

I love Christmas lights. I wish Christmas wasn’t over so I could still drive around Hawaii Kai and stare at the million twinkling lights.

Arm candy detail

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Striped tie neck blouse, Vince (similar here, here). Pleated oxblood skirt, Mikinola Boutique (similar here, here). Nude belt, J. Crew (similar here). Nude pumps, Steve Madden (similar here, here — most similar, here). Floppy hat by ETSIS Hats (similar here, here).

OOTD: Nude to balance the oxblood and stripes.

Are you as obsessed with lights as I am? How will you rock your oxblood this year?

Me ke aloha ~ love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Whip It

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Mae

Getting wind-whipped by a draped wrap cardigan next to a crazy Christmas House on a mountainside Hawaii neighborhood, while walking a stubborn Wheaten Terrier that looks a lot like a teddy bear… It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

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Hawaii Life: Epic Light on Koko Head at Golden Hour

Aloha Kakahiaka ~ Good morning, Lovecat! How’re you today?

I’m fabulous. Yesterday’s sunset was absolutely gorgeous. As I was coming home, Golden Hour was in full swing and hit Koko Head just so. The evening felt magical and full of promise, which I of course squandered by taking a long nap once we were done with our family walk.

“Winter” is weird here in Oahu. It can be completely hot and dry on one side of the island, and on the other, it’s 10 degrees colder, windy, blustery and raining off and on like crazy. Living on the side of the mountain makes the weather difference more punctuated as well. It can be about 5 degrees cooler and much wetter and windier in our neighborhood than in the neighborhoods out near the water. Hence, I hardly ever take outfit shots outside near my home.

I tried a few shoots on a couple of Family Walks before Christmas. It was an experience–my clothes whipping violently against my legs and my hair slashing my eyeballs.

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Down the street from The Christmas House – Husby (N) and Max the Bear[Dog] and I on a “Family Walk”.

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Wind Whipped

Stubborn Bear[Dog] pulling me.

Max and I at the Christmas House.

Inspired by Harry Potter. Without the drape cardigan. and I’m pouting because I’m cold.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAILS

Victoria’s Secret drape wrap cardigan. Club Monaco paisley print button down. Tiered body con mini skirt, unknown. Sam Edelman Zoe Bootie. Random locket watch. CC Skye Gold Screw Bracelet. JewelMint Golden Goose Bracelet.

Harry Potter chic?

thereafterish, ootd, armswag, asian street style, hawaii street style, wrap drape cardigan, Sam Edelman Zoe

My Armswag

Random… got it off Amazon. You can probably get a similar one from Clair’s for, like, $8.50.

ALTERNATIVES

CARDI: Wrap drape cardigan, Alice + Olivia. Drape cardigan, 7 For All Mankind (most similar). Knit drape cardigan, Splendid.
TOP: Silk paisley blouse, Elizabeth & James (most similar). Paisley blouse, ALC. Printed paisley blouse, MNG.
SKIRT: Bandage skirt, Wow Couture. Bandage skirt, Herve Leger (most similar).
BOOTS: Sam Edelman Zoe bootie (exact same). Black platform wedge bootie (similar).
ARMSWAG: Gold spike bracelet, CC Skye (exact same). Gold screw bracelet, CC Skye (exact same). Gold spike bracelet, Shopbop (similar to Golden Goose). Spike bracelet, Max & Chloe (similar to Golden Goose).

Windy…

From the back.

How’s your week going?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit Preview

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat! Happy Monday!

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Wrap Cardigans are perfect for letting wind whip you around.

I love wrap cardigans. They’re just perfect for movement and texture when the high trade winds blow around Oahu. Plus they keep me warm without getting all hot and sweaty when Hawaii “winter” is upon us.

Full detail and overly gratuitous outfit shots tomorrow.

How was your weekend?

Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

VISIT My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Tea Time with Leopard and Stripes

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Mae

How to Mix Prints with Stripes and Leopard… a cute vegetarian cafe and tea house… Christmas + French cottage decor? It’s my….

{ Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Leopard and Stripes Go Creigh at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery }

Aloha, Lovecat! I was in Canada for 10 days during the winter break for an unexpected, last minute family holiday of sorts. When I say of sorts… well, it was a mixture of happiness and sadness, but I will expound more on that later when I have the fortitude for it. If you follow me on Instagram (@maeluu – add me!), you know what had happened.

Even though we were in town for an unexpected reason, we still tried to enjoy ourselves and get a decent, vegetarian-friendly bite to eat. Which is why we found ourselves at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery. This delight was a visual and sensual morsel hidden in the midst of Chinese groceries, street stalls hocking random wares, touristy Chinese kitsch novelty stores and hipster boutiques–a kind of oasis in the heart of Victoria’s tiny little Chinatown.

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The cutest cafe I’ve been to in awhile – and all vegetarian! Venus Sophia Vegetarian Café and Tea House, Victoria, BC

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Waisted on Stripes and Floral

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Mae

Aloha kakahiaka, Lovecat! Wow! This is big kine moment for me (sort of). Debuting a new combo in my How to Mix Prints series: Stripes and Floral Print! Sh*t be creigh. Love it.

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Floral Print High Waisted Shorts and Dolman Top }

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How to Wear Mixed Prints: now that I’ve mastered stripes on stripes and the cray stripes on leopard, I’m tackling stripes and floral print. The hat just adds extra pizzazz (and anti-aging sun protection).

Hats are healthy. Especially ETSIS Hats. They help me save on sunscreen. Some mornings, when I’m running late, I just put sunscreen on my hands, arms, feet and décolleté, wrap those UPF50 protection panels around my face like an Asian grandma all wrapped up like a ninja to protect against the sun. This is just an added bonus, though. I’m a hat girl. I just love ‘em. Living in Hawaii just kind of concretizes it all. (i.e., you just HAVE to wear hats here–cold, hot, wind, rain or shine.)

Heh.

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Felt hat customized into ETSIS Sun Protection Hat. I love hats. Great for summer, but perfect for fall and winter.

View from the back. ETSIS SunEscape Protection Panels (UPF 50) tied back… Dolman shirt has contrasting direction stripes on the back. It actually looks better in a half tuck. This is a full tuck, though. :T

On floral… um. I’ve never been much of floral fan. I may be a little diva-esque, a little over the top, even sometimes a little girly, but not THAT feminine. I’d like to think my style is a cross between slutty librarian, punky office lady, feisty nerd and Korean street style… or at least leaning that way. (Yes, more labels–I love defining things.) So floral is just really, really not my thing. But as a Christmas bonus/present, my boss gave me an insanely generous shopping spree at a local boutique that just opened up in Hawaii Kai, my ‘hood… and it was at MikiNola Boutique that I discovered a hidden love for bold florals. Store owner Dara handed it to me in the fitting room, knowing my love for stripes and mixing prints… and the moment I put it on, my jaw dropped and Dara and the sales associate (whose name I totally blanked on–I’m sorry!) both gasped to me, “omigod, soooo cute!” And I don’t think they were just trying to sell it to me.

Ecstatic,I wore the striped dolman and floral high waisted shorts the next day to show D, my boss, the MikiNola haul she so amazingly gifted me for Christmas.(Mahalo nui loa, D, I don’t deserve being this spoiled, but thank you so-so-so much!)

I think this outfit could work in colder climes if paired with opaque or wool tights and booties and a warm cape for faux fur coat for a fun holiday/Christmas party. But, thankfully I don’t have to worry about that until I go back to my hometown, San Diego, for Christmas.

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The high waist is perfect to the vintage chain waist belt. It’s slightly OTT (my steez), but also draws the two disparate prints together with the black grounding color.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAIL

MikiNola dolman stripe top and floral print high waisted shorts. ETSIS – Escaping The Sun In Style customized floppy felt hat. Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon tote (briefcase). Matisse python platform sandals. HRH Collection Ombre bracelet ARM PARTY! Target watch. Vintage chain waist belt. House of Harlow antique key ring. Bamboo Sky tribal earrings.

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SERIOUS ARM PARTY: Target watch, HRH Collection Ombre bracelet, and Butter London glitter nail polish

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Shoe Porn. These are my third favorite pair of shoes. They’re sexy, but not painfully tall. And totally appro for Hawaii’s almost year-round summer season.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: striped batwing top. | James Perse striped dolman top
SHORTS: high waisted floral shorts. | Rebecca Taylor pleated floral shorts.
BELT: Chain waist belt | Alexander McQueen gold chain leather waist belt (most similar, but super $$).
TOTE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Tote (almost exact). | Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Preppy Tote.
SHOES: Matisse python platform sandals (exact).
ARM PARTY: HRH Collection “Glossed Ombre” bracelet (exact). | Mixed metal chain bracelet, M by MJ.

Sometimes I think I have pretty feet. Only sometimes, though. Other times, dey look buss up.

Husby was in the living room, yelling dorky things at me, making me laugh. Hence the goofy grins.

/end big moment.

Have a fantastic Thursday, Lovecat.

Me ke aloha ~ love + aloha,
Mae Xx

If you dug th
is article, be sure to check out my entire series “How to Mix Prints” for ideas, tips and overall craziness.

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FTC: There were some affiliate linky-links above. I’d appreciate some clicky-clicks, but it’s not a big deal. Shop or don’t shop. I’m not trying to push anything. It’s just a nice bonus. So not a sponsored post.

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: You’re an Animal

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Mae

How to Mix Prints Question: “Can you wear stripes with leopard?” Answer: Yes. You just have to be insane enough to think you can. You’ve gotta be an animal.

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: How to Wear Mixed Prints – Leopard Leggings and a Striped Blazer for a Fall Day }

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Oh hai.

Aloha, Lovecat!

Your mama’s fashion rules said mixing prints was a big no-no. Well, your mama’s fashion rules can eat it. Mixing prints is one of the most daring style moves you can pull, and one of the most visually impactful. Once you figure out what works for you and your comfort level, you can dramatically increase the versatility of your wardrobe, unharnessing dramatic potential and maxing out the number of combos.

Here’s how I wear mixed prints. Worn on Election Day.

Yes, I actually wore this entire outfit to work and then to our polling station. Did voters stare? Yes. Did I care? Nope. Revel in your uniqueness.

How to Wear Mixed Prints: Bold stripes and leopard pants. Over the top and totally crazy. Love the crazy.

My staple is to mix stripes with almost anything else. Pick a bold print, find a stripe with a matching color element (try black, it’s easy to start with) and then go to town. Avoid wearing a third print. If you’re wearing more than two pieces, make sure your pieces are neutrals or solid colors from the palettes of your prints. Does that make sense?

So, I made sure there was a unifying, uniting color within both prints–in this case, black of the spots and black of the stripes–then made sure my third piece was a plain solid black tank. I made the rest of the outfit pop with my accessories: sexy shoes (not office appropriate, but I manage a two-woman creative office, so I have a lot of freedom), gold arm party, fun earrings and a neon bright clutch.

Animal Instinct: loud striped blazer with loud pants and loud pops of color.

I wore this on Election Day. I woke up energized, happy and excited, ready to do my American Duty in my first presidential election. Although I grew up in California, I was a US National (Permanent Resident aka Green Card Holder) until I was 26. I’m a dual citizen of Canada and America. Finally being able to include my voice in the national races (and, local races and ordinances, of course) gave me an intense feeling of pride and a sense of ownership, if that makes any sense…? Like, a feeling of patriotism mixed with responsibility and feeling like a part of something great outside of my little bubble of existence.

When I actually wake up happy, I’ll end up wearing something other than leggings and a tank or button down or a simple dress and do a full face of makeup. It’s superficial, I know, but looking bold and fabulous makes me feel good about myself and then I’m happy with my life and myself. When you feel good, you look good and vice versa; it’s a self-perpetuating cycle. Do what makes you happy if it fulfills you and makes your everyday world a better one.

Wearing mixed prints in this fashion isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you can try something less Out There. Lauren Conrad and Refinery 29 offer good tips for wading the waters of print mixing.

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Watching early evening election returns on CNN and feeling a little nervous, hence the hydrogen psychosis (Crazy Eye).

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Tinley Road striped blazer. ASOS leopard leggings. Target tank. JewelMint New Wave armor ring. HRH Collection Ombre Bracelet. HRH Collection Ultra Luxe bracelet. Jeffrey Campbell platform sandals. Random silver fan earrings. Gorjana colorblock clutch.

ALTERNATIVES

BLAZER: Striped Blazer, Striped structured shoulder blazer, Juicy Couture. Striped blazer, Splendid. striped knit blazer, DJP (cheaper option).
LEGGINGS: Yoox leopard leggings | ASOS Evil Twin leopard leggings.
CLUTCH: (Exact same) Gorjana leather colorblock foldover clutch | Threadsence colorblock envelope clutch.
ARM SWAG: Mixed metal multi chain bracelet | Marc by Marc Jacobs bi-color chain bracelet.
SANDALS: Patent Leather strap sandal, Bebe.

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Red lips, the perfect red lipstick for all skin tones… the perfect red lip for Asians: MAC Ruby Woo.

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My usual crazy arm stack: mixed metal hardware by HRH Collection – the Ultra Luxe Bracelet and the Ombre Bracelet. <3

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Beautiful red and bold lips in honor of election day (the blue is on my nails). Loving the election returns so far.

What makes YOU feel good about life?

DON’T FORGET!!

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Click HERE for the all the rules and how to enter.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

If you dug this article, be sure to check out my entire series “How to Mix Prints” for ideas, tips and overall craziness.

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Architecture of an Outfit: Stripes, Stripes, Stripes!

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Mae

Aloha kakahiaka ~ Good morning, Lovecat!

A striped maxi dress, an adorable Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, a vibrant urban setting, and a casual, awesomely health date night… It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

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Aloha! Nautical stripes, my Wheaten Terrier Bear[Dog], an 80s jean jacket, my MiniCooper Boris and pops of neon.

Are you a big fan of easy dressing? I am. My lazy day style involves putting on leggings and a button down or a maxi dress. So when I found this amazing nautical stripe maxi dress on Piperlime at almost 50% off, I snagged it, even though I was supposed to be on a shopping ban. (Bad Mae!) Like I said in the preview post, I call my lazy style “low effort, high impact” because either the print does all the work or I pile on accessories with a punch, even if the outfit itself is totally lazy or just kind of mundane on its own… like a neon colorblock clutch and a ton of over the top gold accessories (as per usual).

Maxi dresses hide a wealth of flaws (we talked about this before), allow you to walk out the door without shaving your legs, and look pretty sleek. I think maxis elongate the body line, so are usually good for petites.

“Aloha, Max[Bear]!” “Sup, moms!”

Cool backdrop for night pictures with a Bear[Dog] named Max.

Boris, my car, my Bear[Dog] Max, and a really awesome parking garage near our new favorite vegan restaurant.

Husby N is a vegan, and I’m a pesce-vegetarian, so when we found out that one of our favorite raw-food vegan caterers at the Kailua Night Farmer’s Market, Licious Dishes, was opening up a brick and mortar restaurant, it made us extremely excited! Hawaii is a place where it’s pretty tough to eat an almost entirely plant-based diet. Honolulu is well-known for amazing eateries, but most of them capitalize on the abundance of fresh, tasty seafood available in nearby waters. And local fare, being a combination of many Asian cuisines and Hawaiian traditional cuisine, is not exactly vegetarian-friendly, and most definitely not very vegan friendly.

Last Thursday, N asked me out to dinner after a rough week for the both of us, and we jumped at the chance to grab a bite at the newly opened Greens and Vines. Everything was amazing, let me tell you.

Being a former rabid carnivore, I was MAJORLY SKEPTICAL about raw-food veganism. (RAW? Isn’t it already rabit food? C’mon!) It just seems counter-intuitive, you know? Though we know nutritional value of food decreases the more its cooked… Anyway, the flavors of the food were so different and vibrant! Most people are quick to write off vegan food, but I caution you to at least give it a try before you brush it off as crappy rabbit food. I had a lasagna that blew my mind–it actually had this strong cheesy flavor and a dynamic herbal kick! And the cocoa torte for dessert? Decadent.

I went away with a full stomach without that nasty, greasy, tired feeling afterward. I highly recommend Greens and Vines for dinner if you live here, or ever plan on visiting Honolulu.

We took these photos in the parking garage. Of course I had to beg N to take them, and I greatly appreciated him snapping away without the usual haphazard, grudging disinterest. Thanks, Husby!

Smile, Smile, Smile!

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Ella Moss for Piperlime.com nautical striped maxi dress. Random store distressed denim jacket. Zara suede yellow platform sandals (no longer available). Gorjana leather colorblock clutch (won–Thanks, Jen @ Her Waise Choice! xo). JewelMint gold Birdcage Bangle. HRH Collection “Glossed Ombre bracelet. Target Merona gold “boyfriend” watch. Bamboo Sky gold collar. Bamboo Sky tribal earrings. Bamboo Sky turquoise ring.

What the dress looks like without the unflattering jacket.

ALTERNATIVES

JACKET: Free People acid wash distressed denim jacket | Threadsence cropped denim jacket.
DRESS: Alloy chevron maxi dress | Eight sixty nautical striped maxi dress | (Most similar) Open Sky nautical striped maxi dress.
SHOES: (VERY SIMILAR) yellow neon platform sandals | yellow platform sandals.
CLUTCH: (Exact same) Gorjana leather colorblock foldover clutch | Threadsence colorblock envelope clutch.
ARM SWAG: Mixed metal multi chain bracelet | Marc by Marc Jacobs bi-color chain bracelet.
RING: gold and turquoise ring | Chunky gold turquoise cocktail ring.

hereafterish, ootd, ella moss, striped maxi dress, hawaii street style

Close up details: pop of color and serious hardware arm swag.

thereafterish, green sitting chair, driftwood coffee table

Our humble little living room, a work in progress.

We’ve been here for six months now, but the house is still a work in progress.

So, what’s your go-to for lazy days? Maxis, jeans, leggings, shorts?

DON’T FORGET!!

Enter my $100 ShopBop.com Giveaway! The giveaway ends on November 30. You can enter once per day per social media platform, Twitter, Facebook and your Blog.

Click HERE for the all the rules and how to enter.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Vist My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Affiliate links above. All items worn were purchased on my own, unless otherwise noted.

Architecture of an Outfit Preview: Stripes and Garage

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Mae

A striped maxi dress for low effort, high impact style or just plain lazy days.

{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

thereafterish, ootd, striped maxi dress, ella moss dress, wheaten terrier, hawaii street style

Ella Moss nautical striped maxi dress and Max, the cutest Wheaten Terrier Bear in Hawaii (or all of time and space!) getting our industrial landscape on.

In the garage with my Wheaten Terrier Bear, an 80s outfit with an angle that makes me look WIIIIIIIIIIIDDDE and my car Boris in the background. Jam.

I wore a nice Ella Moss nautical striped maxi dress to work, because a dress, after leggings and a button down, is literally the easiest thing to put on when you’re lazy/in a hurry/looking for low-effort, high impact style. (I usually call my lazy day outfits low effort, high impact style, just because it sounds better than “I’m too tired to dress in anything that takes real effort to put on”.) We went out to dinner and it didn’t make sense to change, since I felt pretty for once. Little did I know the boxy jacket and the angle Husby shot me from made me look pregnant. Whatever, it’s still a cool picture.

Full outfit post tomorrow. And personal vlog to come this week, too.

DON’T FORGET!!

Enter my $100 ShopBop.com Giveaway! The giveaway ends on November 30. You can enter once per day per social media platform, Twitter, Facebook and your Blog.

Click HERE for the all the rules and how to enter.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Vist My Facebook Page now! Join me and be my ohana (family)!

Architecture of an OutVID: Windows to the Shoulder

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Mae

Aloha, Lovecat,

Howzit? Me? Eh.

Architecture of an OutVID: Chiffon back high low shoulder cut outs top, striped belt, sexy gold neck and arm party, suede yellow platform sandals

So, one Friday a few weeks ago, RIGHT before it was time to go home, I decided to shoot pics and film my outfit for five minutes for a change.

thereafterish, ootd, shoulder cut outs top, gold arm party, HRH Collection jewelry

Chiffon backed shoulder cut outs high low top… easy breezy and easy to put on.

thereafterish, ootd, gold chain bracelets, gold arm party, HRH Collection jewelry

I’m so in love with statement jewelry. Just put it on and go. Large gauge hardware by HRH Collection (shopwithhrh.com).

Shoulder cut outs are a sexy detail, but they do require that I wear more sunscreen or a denim jacket to protect my skin from the sun.

thereafterish, ootd, gold neck party, HRH Collection jewelry

The HRH Collection “Cuff” necklace. My neck party go to.

High impact, comfy, edgy… all with low effort. My steez. I’m all about pieces that look great, but don’t take a lot of brain power to choose in the morning, nor feel tedious to wear through out the day. Statement jewelry and sexy shoes that are more comfy than they look go into a large part of that “easy feeling”.

thereafterish, ootd, yellow suede platform sandals, zara yellow platform sandals

Zara yellow suede platform sandals…they’re more comfy than they look.

I love my armstacks. Gold and mixed metal silver by HRH Collection, so easy to wear.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAILS

Redopin (www.yesstyle.com) sheer back high-low shoulder cut outs top (no longer available). Target cotton shorts. Forever 21 striped belt. Zara yellow platform sandals. HRH Collection chain necklace. HRH Collection chain bracelet “Ombre”. CC Skye screw and spike bangles. Gorjana gold star earrings.

The chiffon back isn’t totally sheer, so you don’t HAVE to wear a tank under it. It’s nice and breezy.

thereafterish, ootd, gold star stud earrings

I love these studs. I think they might be my forever piece, if they last.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: Cold Shoulder cut outs Tunic, black
SHORTS: linen cuffed shorts
BELT: striped ribbon belt
SHOES: yellow platform sandals
NECKLACE: Gold chain necklace
BRACELETS: Gold multi-chain bracelet
BRACELETS: CC Skye gold screw bangle (exact) || CC Skye gold spike bangle (exact)
EARRINGS: Gorjana gold star stud earrings (exact)

Yellow striped belt and yellow shoes add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.

How’s your week going? I’ve been working from home, out sick all week.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Visit my My Facebook Page, join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Affiliate links above.

Architecture of an Outfit: Leopard and Mellow Yellow

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Mae

Aloha, lovecat.

How do you get more mileage out of a slightly more formal piece in your closet like this maxi dress by Fighting Eel (local Hawaii boutique)? Just put a snazzy, over the top button down over it, like my favorite leopard button down.

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How to Transform a Formal Maxi Dress: Leopard Button Down, Yellow Mab Mini Clutch, Fighting Eel Dress, Alexander Wang Tempest Knock Offs }

I don’t have much to say about this outfit, except that I was in a hurry, and that a maxi is the fastest thing in the world to put on.

But for the office by itself? Um. No. Not without a shoulder covering to protect my skin from the sun, and to protect my body from the chilly AC indoors.

Next easiest thing to wear? Button down. Bam. Insta-outfit. Comfy as shiz, and took about 30 seconds to choose and 1 minute to put on.

Isn’t comfort more important than anything else? It is to me these days. Yeah…style, clothes, fashion blogger, gotta be all fashion-y and whatever… but I still like to be comfortable, especially with all the hospital visits and Dr’s appointments and physical therapy I undergo as of late…

Feeling like a punk rock princess in a way. Repurposing formal wear for work… diggin’ it.

Acrylic “jade” from local boutique. Kinda adds a bit to the outfit, but subtly, maybe. I’m not good at subtle, though, am I?

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

J. Crew leopard button down shirt. Fighting Eel maxi dress (no longer available). Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Mini yellow clutch. Mahina Maui boutique “jade” gem necklace. Shop Ruche wood filigree earrings. Revlon Just Bittin Balm Stain in Adore. HRH Collection silver “Ultra Luxe chain bracelet” and “Glossed Ombre chain bracelet“.

ALTERNATIVES/WHERE

TOP: Guess leopard button down shirt.
DRESS: Wyatt jersey pleated strapless maxi dress. | COLORBLOCK OPTION: Colorblock strapless maxi dress.
NECKLACE: Oval pendant gem gold necklace.
EARRINGS: Carved wood earrings. Guess Wood filigree earrings.
BAG: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. clutch (red). M.A.C. Clutch (purple).
ARM PARTY: (See links above to HRH store)
**FTC: Contains affiliate links. If you’re shopping, I would appreciate some clicky-clicks. Mahalo!**

Repurposed a formal looking maxi dress from Fighting Eel (Honolulu brand) with a button down over it for the most comfy outfit for work.

Wood earrings that have more than a fair share of old makeup caked on it. Revlon Just Bitten balm stain: Adore.

HRH Collection (www.shopwithhrh.com) chain bracelets and Rebecca Minkoff MAC Mini cross body clutch in yellow. LOVE.

What’s the easiest thing for you to put on in the morning? A dress? Leggings? Jeans? Do share.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Comment on this post on My Facebook Page, join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Affiliate Links above.

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Zebra

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Mae

Afraid of clashing prints? Not sure how to wear mixed prints? Not a problem. Start conservatively. Same color family, same palette with one print more dominant than the other. Can’t go wrong.

[These photos make me look like a strangely forlorn girl... all the wistful expressions... it's just a pose. I swear I'm okay. ]

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Striped Zebra Lonely Girl

thereafterish, OOTD, how to wear mixed prints, Zebra pencil skirt

How to Mix Prints: start out with the same color palette. Can’t go wrong with cream and black.

How to wear mixed prints: try stripes with zebra. It’ll keep people on their toes.

If you don’t think you can wear something, you’ll never have the courage or the poise to pull it off, so you have to walk out that door thinking you look fabulous and ignore the stares. And with mixed prints and statement jewelry,

people will stare. Make it worth their while!

The secret (for me) to mixing prints: making sure one print is more dominant than the other. The zebra is louder than the smaller stripes of the top, and they’re in a similar color palette, so they work together instead of against each other. If the stripes were too bold, it would fight with the zebra, creating disharmony overall. Same goes with more daring combinations of contrasting color prints, like stripes on stripes, stripes on chevron, polka dots on stripes or leopard on stripes (and yet more stripes on leopard); one print should be more dominant than the other so that one creates more of a textured background to the other.

If you’re crazy enough to do it, mixing prints isn’t hard. Just go effing do it.

Mix in statement jewelry for added visual interest. Like my go-to HRH Collection gold hardware necklace.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Anthropologie asymmetrical striped top. HRH Collection “Cuff” Gold chain necklace. Club Monaco zebra print skirt. Forever 21 belt. Aldo leopard print wedge heel sandals. JewelMint gold Birdcage Bangle. J. Crew resin ring. Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch.

WHERE / ALTERNATIVES

TOP: Breton stripe top, Club Monaco. | Asymmetrical stripe top, Nordstrom.
SKIRT: Zebra print pencil skirt, Karen Millen.
SHOES: Leopard wedge heels, Matiko.
NECKLACE: Gold chain necklace, Fantasy Jewelry Box. | Gold chain link necklace, Max & Chloe.
BRACELET: Gold lattice cuff, Kenneth Jay Lane.
WATCH: Gold hearts watch, Betsey Johnson.
**Affiliate links above. If you shop, I’d appreciate some clicky-clicks. **

Just be crazy enough to mix prints. It’s not hard.

When it comes down to it, my love of mixing prints must stem from my own weirdness. I don’t like blending in, nor do I like the feeling of melting into a blasé norm, losing the unique, weird qualities of personality that distinguish me from your average person. Not that I disdain normal, I just prefer to think of myself as “different” and “strange”, it gives me the confidence to wake up, get through my day and somehow find satisfaction with all of it. If that makes me weird or garners stares, I’m okay with it.

It’s taken me a long time to learn how to like Mae for Mae. Now that I’m getting there, I don’t want to turn this journey on its head and turn back now.

Weirdness it is. Mixed prints, stupid canned blogger poses, over-the-top accessorizing and all that comes with it.

You’ve probably also seen this outfit here.

Me ke aloha ~ With love, Xx
Mae

Comment on this post on My Facebook Page, join me and be my ohana (family)!

FTC: Affiliate Links above.

thereafterish.

Tag Archives: Hawaii Street Style

Architecture of an Outfit: Lazy Day Essentials: How to Get Away With Not Shaving Your Legs

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: Lazy Day Essentials – How to get away with not shaving your legs! }

Architecture of an Outfit: Cut Up, Patriotic and Late

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

Preview: Patriotic and Always, Always Late

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD Preview: How to Wear Red, White and Blue and Not Look Like a Flag }

#InstaStyle/OOTD: What I Wore Today

Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood and A Million Lights

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

Architecture of an Outfit: Whip It

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

Architecture of an Outfit Preview

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Tea Time with Leopard and Stripes

{ Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Leopard and Stripes Go Creigh at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery }

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Waisted on Stripes and Floral

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Floral Print High Waisted Shorts and Dolman Top }

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: You’re an Animal

{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: How to Wear Mixed Prints – Leopard Leggings and a Striped Blazer for a Fall Day }

DON’T FORGET!!

Architecture of an Outfit: Stripes, Stripes, Stripes!

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

DON’T FORGET!!

Architecture of an Outfit Preview: Stripes and Garage

{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

DON’T FORGET!!

Architecture of an OutVID: Windows to the Shoulder

Architecture of an OutVID: Chiffon back high low shoulder cut outs top, striped belt, sexy gold neck and arm party, suede yellow platform sandals

Architecture of an Outfit: Leopard and Mellow Yellow

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How to Transform a Formal Maxi Dress: Leopard Button Down, Yellow Mab Mini Clutch, Fighting Eel Dress, Alexander Wang Tempest Knock Offs }

Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Zebra

Architecture of an Outfit: How to Mix Prints – Striped Zebra Lonely Girl

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{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: Lazy Day Essentials – How to get away with not shaving your legs! }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Drape Wrap Cardigan, Thigh Highs, Body Con Skirt, Paisley Blouse, Sam Edelman Booties, Getting Whipped by Wind, The Christmas House and a Dog That Looks Like a Teddy Bear }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Leopard and Stripes Go Creigh at Venus Sophia Tea Room and Vegetarian Eatery }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Floral Print High Waisted Shorts and Dolman Top }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit / OOTD: How to Wear Mixed Prints – Leopard Leggings and a Striped Blazer for a Fall Day }

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: Comfy striped maxi dress for yuppie vegan date night }

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{ Architecture of an Oufit Preview: Stripes in the Garage

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Architecture of an OutVID: Chiffon back high low shoulder cut outs top, striped belt, sexy gold neck and arm party, suede yellow platform sandals

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{ Architecture of an Outfit: How to Transform a Formal Maxi Dress: Leopard Button Down, Yellow Mab Mini Clutch, Fighting Eel Dress, Alexander Wang Tempest Knock Offs }

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