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What’s got me thinking this week:
Lately I’ve been reminding myself to just…stay in my own lane.
Comparison truly does nothing except distract you from the life you’re actively building. Someone will always be prettier, richer, further ahead, more successful, more followed, whateverrrr. But constantly looking sideways just takes energy away from your own momentum.
And honestly? I think people underestimate how much confidence comes from consistency. Quietly showing up for yourself. Building your routines. Staying focused on your goals. Not spiraling every time someone else wins.
Also…stress causes wrinkles and I’m trying to age like a wealthy Filipina woman drinking Manhattan’s on a terrace somewhere so we are letting unnecessary comparison GO.
Keep it pushing. Your timeline is your timeline - there’s space for everyone🤎
THIS WEEK’S EDIT:
Your next LA night out (that doesn’t feel painfully overrated)
I feel like LA can either give you the best night everrrr…or make you spend $26 on a cocktail while standing awkwardly in a corner wondering why you left your house.
So here are a few spots that actually hit for dinner, drinks, and a cute night with the girlies.
Pasadena / LA spots worth the trip
The Speakeasy Pasadena
Dark lighting, good music, very “main character after dinner martini” energy. Perfect if you want somewhere that feels fun but still intimate enough to yap for 3 hours. Just make sure you know the passcode!
Barney’s Beanery Pasadena
Pop around the corner for a chaotic classic…but good music and plenty of seating (a must!!!!) Pool tables, drinks, late-night energy, and somehow always entertaining. All the good music (throwbacks - my boiii Don Toliver’s new album).
General Lee’s Chinatown
Red lighting, rooftop vibes, strong drinks, and one of those spots that makes you feel cooler than you actually are. Great for bigger groups. Hip hop is the vibe.
Additional recs because I couldn’t help myself
Blind Barber — Culver City / Highland Park
A barbershop by day, speakeasy energy by night. Dark lighting, good DJs, strong drinks, and one of those places where you accidentally stay way longer than planned. Feels very “cool but unpretentious” which is honestly hard to find in LA sometimes. It does close a liiiittle earlier at midnight so plan accordingly!
Employees Only — West Hollywood
If you love a really good cocktail and slightly elevated nightlife energy without it feeling too clubby.
Capri Club — Eagle Rock
For the girls who want spritzes, olives, cute lighting, and a slightly more low-key European-feeling night.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang — Koreatown
Tiny little hidden cocktail bar with red lighting and very chaotic-fun energy. Great for a smaller group or date night before bouncing somewhere louder.
Dan Sung Sa — Koreatown
Messy in the BEST way. Late-night skewers, beer towers, loud conversations, and the kind of place you accidentally stay at for 4 hours.
WHAT I WORE
NYC MET moments
Still not over this outfit honestly. Something about mixing khakis, deep browns, oversized layers, and tights for winter/spring in NYC just feels rightttt.
The formula:
- tiny fitted top
- oversized jacket
- chunky belt
- mini/skort situation
- slightly unexpected shoe moment thats comfty
Never forget the jort
I fear the jort has officially entered my permanent wardrobe rotation.
Oversized blazer + black jorts + cowboy boots + tiny tank + messy bun = easiest “cool but still comfy” outfit ever.
Also this is your sign to stop saving your oversized blazers for “office” outfits only. Throw them over literally anything.
Cinco de mayo fit
Denim on denim foreverrrrr. Added red boots and a cow print bag so it didn’t feel too serious. I’m realizing more and more that the key to outfits is usually just one thing that makes it a little weird.
Lash Extensions to Die for in the Bay
Link to my set!
Okayyy if you’ve complimented my lashes recently…it’s because of Pampered Nail Salon in Pleasant Hill. And I don’t want to gatekeep…so this is hard! I better still be able to get an appointment.
The funniest part is I found my lash tech (her name is Sam!) through my favorite Vietnamese restaurant LMFAO. Her husband complimented my nails one day as I got my weekly fresh spring roll order and he casually mentioned his wife does lashes and nails. Next thing I know she’s doing my lashes for my bachelorette and now I genuinely cannot give them up.
She somehow makes them:
- natural
- fluffy
- lightweight
- fasttttt
And most importantly…she understands my eye shape perfectly so I barely wear eye makeup anymore.
If you’re a “I cannot sit still for 3 hours” girl like me, she is the answer.
🤎Subscribe to the newsletter + DM me on IG/TikTok for a discount code on your next appointment!
WHERE WE ATE
Kei Izakaya & Ramen — NYC
Kei Izakaya & Ramen — NYC
Yes…I know. Getting ramen in NYC feels slightly illegal when Japan exists. But hear me out.
This place was SUCH a vibe. Moody lighting, incredible cocktails, cozy energy, and genuinely some of the best ramen I’ve had in awhile.
Must orders:
- pork belly ramen
- pork katsu sando
- agedashi tofu
- madai ceviche roll
The broth? Rich without feeling too heavy. The pork belly? Insane. And the whole place just feels cool without trying too hard.
Kei Izakaya & Ramen — NYC
More finds to save:
SF
Lulu — Albany
The falafel bowls and chicken bowls are fuegooooo. Healthy enough to feel responsible but still insanely flavorful.
Smack Burgers — San Leandro
People talk about the burgers…but honestly the breakfast burritos might be even better. Perfect hangover food. Perfect regular Tuesday food too.
Deli Board — SF
An oldie but a GOODIE. “The Mick” remains elite. One sandwich basically feeds two people but somehow I still convince myself I can finish it alone every time.
NYC
Papa d’Amour
The salt bread trend continues. Not your typical bagel situation but SO good. Soft, buttery, slightly chewy perfection.
Quality Bistro
The tableside bread and butter service is honestly absurd in the best way. Very “treat yourself” dinner energy.
Fonty’s Deli & Dukaan
One of the more interesting meals I’ve had recently. The Bombay sandwich with mint chutney, crispy potato sticks, and spice situation?? Delishhhh.
But also…you know me. If I see a tuna melt I must order the tuna melt.
LA
NADC Burger
Known for the wagyu smash burger and yes…it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Chamberlain Coffee
Emma Chamberlain’s coffee shop could’ve easily been gimmicky but it’s actually cute and good?? Olive oil coffee, banana cream latte, pastries that don’t taste sad. We love.
CouCou — West Hollywood
Sometimes you just need a damn martini okayyyy. Cute lighting, good energy, feels slightly Parisian in an LA way.
HIS EDIT
Outfit here!
PAAK’S PICKS
A graphic statement jersey, relaxed denim, classic Air Force 1s, and accessories that make the whole thing feel intentional without trying too hard. Very “cool guy on vacation just walking around the city” energy.
Also proof that streetwear doesn’t always have to feel super heavy or layered to still make an impact.
Pieces:
- Prada Symbole sunglasses
- Supreme Maradona soccer jersey
- Abercrombie ultra baggy jeans
- Silver durag
- Nike Air Force 1s
Honestly the oversized jersey with the washed denim combo is elite for travel days, walking around the city, grabbing food, or anything where you want to look put together but still comfortable.
What I’m Loving
This crop top
shop now
This phone case
shop now
This little mini dress
This jewelry organizer
CLOSING VIBES
A few things I’ve been loving lately:
The Silent Patient
Okay I officially finished it and in a week…and WHATTTTT. The twist actually got me. If you need an audiobook for walks, treadmill time, cooking, commuting, or pretending your errands are cinematic…this is the one.
Love Island UK Season 12
I’m late. I know. But I still think UK Love Island clears US Love Island and I’m standing by that statement.
Maybe it’s the accents. Maybe the girls are funnier. Maybe the men are more chaotic. Whatever it is…I’m sat🍿
