Published in The Like Magazine

Photography by Dan Rappa
Modeling by Leslie Gray
Styling by Lexie Tiongson
Hair & Make-up by Jennifer Toy 

One of the many things I love about being back in Sacramento is exploring the places I loved in high school. Midtown was one of my favorite hang out spots, especially during Second Saturday. 

So while we were back at home, Fino and I did a little exploring in Midtown Sac and found these new places as a little surprise:

1. Lowbrau Bierhall: Lounge on 20 used to be here but this little beer joint might be a lot better. It’s a nice little hangout spot with great sausages and tons of beer options.

2. Identity Boutique: Cute clothes, fun accessories and and lots of classic trendy pieces that can make it into your wardrobe. 

3. Lululemon Athletica Showroom: Unlike your typical Lululemon store, this showroom is a mini-version with a cute selection of run & yoga tops and accessories.

4. Asha Yoga: A great little studio hidden on the 20th and J Street block. Lots of opportunity to open your heart and bend your back.

There are many many more new finds to mention. But check this out, for a little guide if you’re ever in Midtown Sacramento.

So if I knew that Sacramento was going to evolve as much as it has over the past 5 years, I don’t think I would have wanted to leave. Sacramento used to be very family oriented, things would close early and life was a little slow. Now that I go back every once in a while, I feel like I’m experiencing a “different Sacramento” each time.

The only thing that hasn’t changed is the 106 degree weather. 

And I never get to wear an outfit like this in SF. So it was really exciting to finally put something together for the hot weather.

necklace // vest & shorts // tank top

photos taken by Fino Balanza

Happy Father’s Day to the best man I know and many of the other father’s out there! Especially my “Papa”, “Tatay,”, “Ninong”, Kuya Carlo, Kuya Tom & sooo many more! ( I literally couldn’t mention everyone).

My dad has taught me so much and works hard everyday to give me the life I want and need. I don’t know what I’d do without him. 

Have a great day, dads!

It’s the end of the week and there are a couple of things out there meant to be fancied.

 Especially this photo taken in Paris by Adam Katz Sinding.

Loving these J. Crew flats. So shiny! And this mason jar candle holder form Free People? Yes, please.

This bag from Anthropologie is a great little weekender for those summer road trips. I’m also loving these nesting rings from Madewell. Stack ‘em up!

What are your weekend plans? I’ll probably be spending time in the Mission probably visiting Coffee Bar, reading some books at home and getting my bangs at The Pretty Pretty Collective.

So, I’m in love with the whole “looking cute” before, after and even during yoga type of thing. And when I found out that Free People had this…

I think I freaked out a little bit more inside.

It’s a Vintage Tribe Yoga Bag. Designed by Ofantique the embroideries on the bag were done by Hill-tribe women from Southern China. Kinda cool, right?

Gotta love a vintage find! Thanks, Free People! 

Finding a swimsuit is probably one of the hardest things ever. What color? What type? What’s best? Well… here’s what’s up.

I think a neutral colored swimsuit is best at times. Especially one like this with all that feminine frill. Something with a cream or beige tone. That way, you can accessorize with colored and/or patterned bags like this one. And adding basics like these sunglasses and sandals just complete the look.

So there you go… a fun, simple & feminine look for one summer day ready to be worn. Have fun in the water!

Would ya look at that cute maxi dress? Gotta love a good Anthropologie mix.

When can I go to Dolores Park in this elegant ensemble?

Shop this dress here.

There are a couple of things I love: working, reading, running, practicing yoga and coffee dates. And these past couple of days… I’ve learned to love everything about the past. Especially the life I had in Sacramento.

& I think I have my parents to thank for that. After spending a whole weekend back at home. I really miss living there. Visiting my parents is always a treat and seeing how much my hometown has changed makes me sad.

I’m really happy that I moved away and discovered my own life in the city but there are times when you kind of just want to let go of it all, right? Especially when you read articles like this.

But… just kidding I love San Francisco.

I guess sitting on my parent’s couch, not wanting to go out (due to the 106 degree weather) and just watching the Food Network (my dad’s favorite channel) really made me think of those times in high school where I always wanted to go out and hang out with my friends.

Why didn’t I just stay at home and love spending some quiet, relaxing time with my mom and dad?

You can’t always get what you want. And as time goes by fast, especially these years, I guess all I can do is reminisce.

Thank you to my mom, dad, aunt and uncle(s) for a good weekend!

See you soon, Sacramento!
-Lexie

Photos from the Tiongson Family Home, Taken by Lexie Tiongson

Just getting simply inspired on this Monday night by Chloe’s Resort 2014 collection. 

Simplicity at it’s best. Refinery at it’s most. Sophistication as always.

There are times when Fino and I actually don’t have time to spend together on the weekends… believe it or not. Sometimes he’s photographing at AsiaSF & I’m too busy working on freelance design projects. So it was nice to finally have a Sunday date together doing the things we both love.

We spent a nice little Sunday going to TRACE in the W Hotel for brunch. I highly recommend going there if you haven’t. They have the best mimosas, best service, amazing food & awesome chefs.

It was no doubt that Fino would get the eggs benedict. I guess no matter where you go.. you always have to try your favorite food, right? Seems like every time we go out to breakfast he has to get the some sort of egg and ham combo. Hah!

And I have to say that the best part about spending time with Fino is the amount of laughs he can get out of me. Believe it or not, we’re a goofy couple. There are times when we act like it’s just the two of us in the room and joke around… which can kind of get embarrassing when we laugh too hard. But, I love him for that.

What did I get for brunch? Well, vegan breakfast pizza! Basically just breakfast pizza with no cheese or other dairy products. Kale, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and a whole lotta other good stuff. The chefs at TRACE sure had me lovin’ every piece!

After getting our food satisfaction at TRACE, we decided to go across the street to the SF MOMA. We’ve been here so many times together but I think what’s makes us go back is being able to get in for free. It’s always good to re-evaluate how you feel about a Damien Hirst or Clyfford Still piece.

We ended our date with a cup of coffee and some treats from Blue Bottle in the rooftop garden of the MOMA. For those of you who know me, coffee dates are kind of my thing. Even if it’s not with Fino. I think sitting somewhere, catching up and sipping on a latte is the most pleasing thing ever.

That time cookie thing? Well, we had the chance to parts of the The Clock art installation by Christian Marclay. I highly suggest to check it out if it comes to a museum near you.

Thanks to Fino for the wonderful date and another amazing memory to remember!

Photography by Fino Balanza

Here’s an amazing outtake from the amazing Dan Rappa from a shoot we did together at Fort Funston with the lovely Megan White from JE Models.

This outfit would totally be something I’d wear during those beach trips we all know and love. Summer summer time! What more is there to say?

Model: Megan White, JE Models
Photography: Dan Rappa
Styling: Lexie Tiongson
Hair & Make-up: Jennifer Toy

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend! I had a couple of days off and finally had a chance to spend some quality time with Fino (more on that later). 

Even thought today was a weird day for SF with some showers & clouds… I have to say that it was a little relaxing and stress-relieving.

Now it’s off to a new week with new goals, new outcomes and new surprises.

Have a great four day week!
Lexie

Yup, I’ve found a new discovery. As a graphic designer I find new things everyday and even though I might be a little late in the creative world on this one… I’ve found some crazy and amazing inspiration.

Who doesn’t love a good pantone? Especially these ones! I can’t imagine being this amazingly creative. Thank you, David Schwen.

As a designer, Schwen really takes art to the next level. You must follow his instagram here.

Now excuse me while I curl up into a little ball of joy. I’ve been inspired and I’m ready to rock and roll. 

Check out these amazing combinations made by (of course) J. Crew. I don’t think I’ll ever let go of my love for preppy casual style.

1 // 2 // 3

The one thing that really made me get up and workout was when I received my first pair of lululemon leggings and tank as a gift for my birthday. I know, sad right? But hey… seeing cute fitness gear STILL gets me excited. I hope that somehow in the future I’ll be able to integrate both fashion and health & wellness into one career. I don’t know how but maybe it’ll happen, right?!

Anyways, as I approach these next couple of months I’ve decided to add this new workout to my schedule. It’s called Burn and it’s a studio right off of Valencia and 22nd (so close to my house). This class is 55 minutes long and a mix of pilates + cardio + weights. I felt like I wanted to cry during it, but felt refreshed after it. 

Here are a couple of cute things I found to keep your fitness gear in style. And have you tried Purity Organic drinks? They are SO good and I love having some coconut water RIGHT AFTER a workout. It’s perfect for feeling rejuvenated.

photo // coconut water // tank & shorts // shoes // water bottle // bobby pins