STYLE STORY: PATTERNS IN PINK

If you followed my Thailand travels, no doubt you noticed that I visited many cute & unique cafes. It seems the word "cafe" is synonymous with "photo op" in Bangkok.

Issaya is no different and was one of my favorites! It's a converted old style Thai house converted into a restaurant/cafe. But they decorated each room so that it feels like you're just visiting a friend's home.

Basically, the place charmed my socks off. Absolutely adorable! I hope you have the chance to visit!

What else do I find charming? A mixture of patterns and prints, especially with an added mix of pinks. I'm not sure if it's just me, but one of the coolest things I've found about style is that what you wear can affect your mood. And this outfit put a smile on my face because of the patterns in pink. Are there any pieces of clothing that have that affect on you?

But a bigger reason there's a smile on my face is YOU.

This season of my life has had its ups and downs. Lately there have been more downs than ups. But I've still been able to face each day with joy! And a huge reason is because of your sweet words of encouragement. So, THANK YOU! I don't say it enough and I should do it more. Thank you thank you thank you!

SHOP MY LOOK:

Top: Hong Kong {Similar} // Skirt: Forever 21 {Similar} // Purse: Thailand {Similar}

Jewelry: Rocksbox {Get 1 month FREE subscription with code joannaxoxo}

STYLE STORY: THAILAND TEXTILES

Thailand is filled with incredibly captivating culture. They have multiple hill tribes that add to this culture and their influence can be seen when walking through the night markets.

One thing you cannot miss while browsing are the beautiful textiles. The colors and patterns are exquisite, especially when you look at the details and handiwork that goes into the fabric. From afar, you first notice the vibrance of the textiles that easily sets them apart from western influenced clothing in neighboring market stalls.

The textiles look beautiful on the local hill tribe people, but most visitors wouldn't be able to pull it off from head to toe. So I decided to pair a beautiful tribal-influenced skirt with a more classic & simple eyelet top to balance the look that seamlessly transitions this skirt into everyday wear. It was the perfect outfit for brunch at one of the cutest cafes in Bangkok!

While speaking of global textiles & handiwork of artisans around the world, have you entered the Malena Scarf Giveaway? Yesterday, I shared about the amazing work Malena does to end the cycle of poverty around the world. By shopping their incredible collection of handmade goods, you are helping people who have overcome huge odds to become self sustainable. Will you join us? It's simple! Just enter the giveaway and help us spread the word! Thanks friends!

SHOP MY LOOK:

Clothing & clutch: Thailand {Similar options below}
Jewelry: Rocksbox {Use code "joannaxoxo" for 1 month FREE! Offer ends soon!}

STYLE STORY: GRAND PALACE

While it's great to be home after a month-long adventure in Asia, I'm missing traveling already! There is nothing like seeing & experiencing something new. Traveling isn't only about leisure or lying on a beach, but taking advantage of the chance you have to learn and open your eyes to different cultures around the world.

As I shared about my Vietnam Trip, I'm excited to share some stories from my trip to Thailand. I packed a lot in a week, so I'll be sharing bits and pieces throughout the next weeks.

If there is a sight you have to see sometime in your life, it's the Grand Palace in Bangkok. At first I thought it would be like other palaces I've seen in Asia, but wow! The Grand Palace is an exquisite piece of art that Thailand's kings once lived in.

I was mesmerized by every detail put into the architecture and really just the idea that people had to put every little detail in place is incredible to imagine. And let me just say, Thai people love their gold & beetle wings in their buildings. The hot sun reflected so beautifully on the palace.

Speaking of the hot sun, the dress code in any buildings affiliated with the royal family requires women to have their shoulders covered and skirts to the ankles. The weather was in the 90s and above so let's just say that cameras do I very good job of hiding the reality that I was drenched in sweat and uncomfortable. But nevertheless, it was a beautiful experience!

SHOP MY LOOK:

Dress: Hong Kong (Similar) // Cardigan: Mango (Similar) // Purse: Hong Kong (Similar) 

Hat: Thailand (Similar) // Sunnies: Karen Walker (Similar) // Sandals: DSW (Similar)

Jewelry: Rocksbox (Use code "joannaxoxo" for 1 month FREE)