Xtina Sri

fashion, travel, culinary arts, asmr, star wars

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3 Shoe Trends That Have Me Walkin’ Hard

If I have one weakness (other than my insatiable desire to watch British murder mystery series... Don’t ask...) that weakness is shoes. Pure and simple. This year there are so many amazing trends popping up, from perforated fabrics and lace-up flats to fringe everything. But my favorites are the ones that celebrate modern takes on classic shoes. Read on for the top three trends I’m watching this spring. 

Peep Toe Bootie

Who doesn’t like to flaunt a little toenail now and again? With sturdy block heels and ankle straps in the fashion spotlight, it means I can sport a classic peep-toed shoe with a little added security. 

1. Jeffrey Campbell "Cors Lace-Up Heels” - $168 from Anthropologie

2. “The Pera” - $298 from M Gemi

3. “Peep Toe Bootie” - from Rank & Style

Western Style

Now I can spice up an otherwise plain-jane outfit with a little Western flare. True story: My great grandmother came out west with her family’s oxen in tow. Slip on mules or ankle boots are my favorite ways to sport this trend. 

1. “ASOS Mexico Flat Shoes” - $51 from ASOS

2. “Shiloh Heel” - $130 from Dolce Vita

3. Steve Madden “Wild West” - $169.95 from Zappos

Edgy Embellishments

The punk rocker in me rejoices as these embellished booties enter the fashion sphere. This trend has been a-brewing for a while, but lately I’ve been seeing buckles and studs galore and I couldn’t be happier. 

1. “ASOS Rebel Leather Ankle Boot” - $111 from ASOS

2. “Star Jodhpur Ankle Boot” - $595 from Freda Salvador

3. Jeffrey Campbell “Calhoun Suede Ankle Boot” - $225 from Nasty Gal

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This Micro ASMR Video is a Game Changer

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Karaoke Tips for Beginners

Karaoke is one of my favorite pastimes. Above all, it’s an excuse to sing “Dancing Queen” outside of my shower. You may think that belting out tunes isn’t for you, but you’re wrong! Whether you love it or hate it, grab some liquid courage, take my advice and you’re sure to have a good time.

Get over yourself

I know it seems like everyone is looking and judging, but they’re not. They’re just drunk and want to hear a good song. 

Select a crowd pleaser

I know, I know. You really want to sing that one obscure song. Trust me, although another “Bohemian Rhapsody” singalong may make you cringe, it’s better than an unengaged crowd.

Newsflash: you can’t rap

I know you think you can keep up with Kanye, but you'll realize 20 seconds in that you just can’t. 

Know your song

Don’t pick a song just because you want to hear it. Ask yourself, “Do I really remember the lyrics?” Track down the right tune. Nothing’s worse than getting up there and discovering you’re fuzzy on how the song goes.

For the love of God, don’t select “American Pie”

The Don McLean classic is catchy, sure, but it’s also eight and a half minutes long—an eternity on a karaoke stage. And if losing the crowd’s interest isn’t bad enough, you're guaranteed to only remember the lyrics to the first verse. 

Grab your posse

You don’t have to stand alone in the spotlight. Duets and backup dancers are totally acceptable.

Remember: “Strong and wrong”

Moment of truth—but don’t be discouraged if you have no stage presence. You will have more fun and get karaoke clout if you go full Carmen Diaz from My Best Friend’s Wedding. 

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Moto-Head: A Visual Tribute to My Favorite Jacket

Those who know me recognize my signature outerwear: a faux-leather motorcycle jacket. I wear that baby constantly, even when it’s raining. Although my closet needs a new all-weather addition, I can’t help by gravitate to the racks stacked with moto-coats. Instead of spending dough on a dupe item, here’s a quick roundup of some of my favorite ones from the Pinterest-verse. Let’s hope this gets them out of my system.

Let’s give it up for these suede beauties.

Lookin’ cool in that fur collar! 

Why can’t I find these badass coats in the store? They will certainly help me get rain-ready.  

Getting into the swing of this shearling. 

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These Recipes Are Gone From My Life Now That I’m 30

It’s been almost a year since I first started obsessively logging my meals into MyFitnessPal on the quest for portion control. I’m happy to say I’m 12 pounds lighter, but I’m also 10 times more paranoid about every thing I put into my body. Now that I am officially a 30-something it’s time to let childish things go and say “bon voyage” to some of the recipes I mastered in my 20s. 

Orechiette with Sausage, Beans, and Mascarpone 

Discovered in my mid-20s, this creamy beauty came from Giada De Laurentiis’s Everyday Italian on the Food Network. This once-favorite recipe feeds four and comes in at a whopping 794 calories per serving. Goodnight, sweet prince.

Hearty Beef Stew

In the winter this is a truly classy number. It that incorporates beef and some delicious pancetta, but is off limits now that I’ve clocked the calories. A big bowl of this stew will run you 880 of them. 

Salmon-Kale Risotto

What I used to consider a healthy meal is now a no-no. 550 calories per serving is one thing, but with added cheese (I can’t help myself) it becomes a new ballgame. 

Three-Herb Chicken & Mushrooms

Fancy and creamy, this was once a great date-night dish. But although it screams, “hey boy, I’m hella gourmet,” 757 calories is a lot to pack in for a chicken thigh. Bonus points: I’m married now. 

Chicken-Fried Steak

OK, so I never actually “cooked” this one, but it’s getting memorialized in this post since it’s a beloved brunch staple of mine. 661 calories just for the meat on this one... I guess it’s just poached eggs and wheat toast from now on, but it has been a good run. 

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5 Reasons JJ Abrams Should Have Cast Me as R2D2 in “The Force Awakens”

Those who know me know that I’m pretty into Star Wars, and Artoo is somewhat of a mascot of mine. Hell, I even have “R2D2″ tattooed on my arm. But more than just a super-fan, I believe I could have been a valuable addition to the new film, and here are my reasons to prove it.

I’m small enough to fit into Kenny Baker’s old costume.

I know how to handle to C3PO’s bullshit.

I’ve memorized all the lines.

My acting skills would really give depth to the character.

I own this bathing suit (er... but that’s not me)

CASE CLOSED.

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Number One Stunna: Tips for Styling Statement Pieces

When it comes to choosing a statement piece there’s one basic rule: you do you. Big, bold, bright—shout your message through your own style. More than a fashion trend, it’s an art. 

If you’re a newbie to this concept, here are some basics to get you started.

Toe the line & don’t bury the lead. 

Pick a focal point and let your garments flow with it. Embrace experimentation, but be careful not to drown yourself out. Exercise cautious optimism—accessories are a great jumping off point.

Think bigger picture. 

Despite the fact that one item may steal the show, don’t phone in the rest of your look. If you’re going with, say, a statement jacket, keep the rest of your getup sleek, but pack a punch with some choice kicks.

I can’t stress this enough: Invest in unique items, and get a freaking tailor. Rule of thumb: If something doesn’t fit you in the shoulders, walk away. But sleeve length is a cinch to alter. 

Dreaming big? Go whole hog. 

This is not for beginners—I recommend working your way up to this. But those who are thoughtful and committed can really ascend to the next level of bold threads. 

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Gray’s Anatomy: Putting Together a Perfect Outfit with Winter’s Hottest Shade

This year, fashion trends are going back to basics, bringing neutral tones are in the spotlight. I never thought I’d see the day when gray was the statement shade of the season, but now that it’s here, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve been utterly obsessed with this (lack of) color craze, and am here to share a few tips and trick to getting that cool, gray look. Here are a few ground rules to get you started.

Not All Grays Are Created Equal. 

From heather to charcoal, the key here is to avoid monotones. Never drape yourself in all the same shade. 

Embrace the Cozy Sweater.

Turtlenecks, cashmere, sweater dresses—you name it! A classic cozy is a closet staple. Here we have three amazing examples of gorgeous graywear to keep you toasty and warm.

Invest in a Good Coat.

This year, oversized outerwear is in. I’m in love with the long jacket trend, but if you’re a short lady like me, keep in mind this may not work in practice. Be sure to try on any long lengths in the store. Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your outfit slim fitting, and boost your height with a heel or you’ll look like you’re swimming in fabric.

Get a Pop of Color Through Accessories.

A bright beanie, scarf or bag can give your outfit oomph. Heck, lipstick or nail polish can even do the trick. However, the beauty of this trend is you can keep it 100% neutral if you so please.

Don’t Forget an Oversized Scarf.

Gigantic accessories are so clutch, and a good knit oversized scarf will keep you warm and stylish. It was in last year and I’m so glad it’s back. Bonus: YouTube will show you a number of ways to tie scarves to your preference.

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Top 5 Meatless Indian Recipes to Make at Home

Having married into a north Indian family, I’m learning a thing or two about cooking. My perspective on Indian food has changed a lot in recent years; in the Bay Area, most of the “Indian” places you see are actually Pakistani, which are prepared with more ghee and cream. As such I’ve always associated Indian food with gut-busting, heavy fare, but now I’m learning just how healthy homemade dishes can be. 

Here are the top vegetarian recipes that are now staples in our household—some of which I’ve prepared with the guidance of my mother-in-law, and some that I’ve figured out on my own. The key to making the best Indian food is definitely using fresh spices, knowing how much oil to add into a masala to get the right consistency, and owning a food processor. 

1. Saag Paneer

This spinach and farm cheese dish is one you may see on menus, but it’s 100-million times better when it’s homemade, trust me. Be sure to blanch the spinach before you add it to the sauce—that will ensure it stays bright green. 

2. Chana Masala

Typically served with a deep-fried bread called batura (and if you see this on the menu at a restaurant, do yourself a favor and order it), this chickpea curry is a spicy treat. You can make it mild, but if you can handle the spice, I recommend not skimping on it.

3. Bandh Gobhi Matar

Most people don’t think of cabbage as a go-to, but this recipe will not disappoint. 

4. Malai Kofta

These veggie dumplings come served in a sinful tomato based coconut cream sauce. Be sure to skip the lights stuff and go with whole coconut milk—you’ll need that fat.

5. Daal

Classic and comforting, these lentils need not be boring. Top this dish off with fried onions and a small pad of butter or ghee. It’s a perfect dinner on a cold evening. 

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Tinglevision: One of the Most Badass ASMR-tists There Is

Okay, okay… It’s time for me to go on what, for this post’s purposes, I’m calling a “tingle tangent.” For those of you who have never heard of ASMR, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and I encourage you to take a moment to read about it on Wikipedia. It’s a relatively new phenomena that has sparked a pretty awesome internet community that I am a part of. Today, I’d like to talk about one of my absolute favorite ASMR content creators out there today: Asmrrequests.

When Ally Maque was encouraged to make an ASMR whispering video in 2012, she was intrigued. The day after the post, she had 100 subscribers and a new appreciation for the ASMR community. One of the most creative “ASMR-tists” on YouTube, Ally has a day job in social media, but it’s hard to believe her video production chops are self taught. Asmrrequest's Departure Series caused a buzz in 2013, now with over two million views. One viewer commented he watched it on the Oculus Rift and Ally became obsessed with the idea. Asmrrequests later released a role play video expressly for VR viewing, in collaboration with fellow prolific producers GentleWhispering and Heather Feather. Tune in to the video that started it all. “Departure” is a soothing sci-fi set in a dystopian future a la Phillip K Dick, where corporations rule and the workforce consists of robots called the Sherri 3000. 

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Berlin Packing List: Punk Rock Jackets & ASL Prints

When planning for the streets of Berlin, I’m no schlub. My signature moto-jacket is most certainly making the journey, despite the fact that it takes up a ton of space when folded and inserted into my suitcase.

Lately, though, I’m also obsessed with unique patterns and prints. I haven’t been able to track these jeans down IRL, but once I do I will die of happiness. 

Acne jacket, striped dip-hem tee from SheIn, pants pinned from margauxxxo.

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I’ve Got Wood for Bryr’s Fall Clog Collection

Friends and colleagues have dubbed me “The Clog Queen,” and I take my title very seriously. Proud owner of several pairs of wood-soled shoes, my closet is dotted with everything from Maguba to Lotta. Since the first time I laid eyes on those classic Swedish Hasbeens, clogs have become an obsession. 

All this is to say, I heart clogs, and my latest favorites are coming out of a San Francisco studio called Bryr (pronounced “bri-er”). The owner of the Dogpatch workshop, Isabel Schofield, is a former design director-turned shoe maker, who learned her cobbler craft abroad before opening a Bay Area studio. Each of her clogs is handmade with care and is fucking awesome. 

Check out her latest collection, which features bold designs, featuring experiments with colors, textures and fabrics you don’t see much elsewhere. It may take a few months for to get them (the wait time for a pair is 30-45 days, according to their website), so order now to prepare for the fall weather. 

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Barcelona Packing List: The Boxy Crop Top

True fact: I’m a petite woman. Like most ladies these days who aren’t built like supermodels, my limbs are tiny (see: average) and I have the torso the length of a 5 year old’s. 

That’s why one of the biggest sources of style frustration for me is a trend that doesn’t seem to want to die: the ultra-long tee. Why every shirt one grabs off a rack has to stretch down past one’s butt is a mystery to me. Thankfully, 2015 has brought back the crop top—or as I like to call it, “the top.”

My Pinterest account lately has been dotted with a boxy version of the crop top that, when I slip on, actually perfectly cover up my entire midriff juuust enough. As my new husband and I are planning for a honeymoon to Berlin, Nice and Barcelona, I couldn’t be more pleased about this trend. Paired with some wide-leg trousers, some suede flats and a killer beach layer, I’ll be ready to hobnob with the Spaniards. 

crop-top and culottes pinned from becomingroux, Bohemian Boxy Crop Top from OASAP, cactus print crop top from Simka Sol.

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Yet Another Chick Who Spends Too Much Time on Pinterest

Hungering for style inspiration photos? Shopping for a new healthy recipe? Well, finally there’s a solution for you on the World Wide Web. 

Xtina Sri is an Oakland-based female with a Pinterest account and a Wi-Fi connection here to satisfy your needs.