blue — Blogs — Patricia Chang

Oh man, how do you put into words the work of Gaudi. It's no secret that he is a huge part of what makes Barcelona a special place. Sagrada Familia (angels chiming *ahhhhhh*) is TRULY a gem. My jaw dropped to see the stained glass in this enormous space is ombre! The sun light piercing through was just magical and breath taking to say the least. I was lucky to have come back 16 years later and it caught me off guard to see new parts of the building I did not remember from 2000 (a 10th grade Spanish class trip). Turns out it was only half built back then. I remember climbing the spiral stairs up a tower, terrified that there's no guard rail, holding onto the wall as I courageously made it to the top. Now they have an elevator! It's pretty cool to see people still working on it both from the outside and inside (by the museum) on a structure started over a hundred years ago. Can't wait to come back with Chase when he's old enough to appreciate it and perhaps it will finally be complete by then! Each of Gaudi's creations are pretty spectacular, Park Guell is a sunny day in tangible form and FYI Palau Guell is free on the first Sunday of each month. If you like visiting historic and architectural spaces, the MUHBA was more interesting than I honestly expected it to be - you can walk around Roman ruins discovered under street level with all sorts of shops and homes in a rather small vicinity.

Tamara from Theglamandglitter was in Barcelona just before me and recommended Chok, a chocolate and donut specialty shop. Don't expect a sit down cafe, just a couple seats for a quick bite and the most fabulous concoctions! I am so glad she recommended this spot because we went back anytime we were near one. The cronuts are beautifully garnished, we got a white chocolate one with edible flowers and a an amazing tarty crunchy topping. Contrary to how they look, they're not too sweet so you can manage to eat an entire donut. It's really hard to choose a flavor - their combos are really sophisticated and interesting! I also got a package of dark chocolate covered potato chips for the road which is perfect for a salty tooth like me.

I absolutely have loved this Self Portrait dress for ages! The powder blue was perfect for Park Guell but a lot of shoes were dressing the dress too up. I wanted to wear it casually and the weather was non committal, so I paired it with boots. Try wearing your favorite dresses this spring whenever or wherever you want by accessorizing appropriately!

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In this post, we’ll show you how we styled the classic denim shirt. Maybe you’ve been playing it safe with white shirts, or you just don’t own one …yet! Here are four examples from a combination of endless styles.

1. Easy Layers

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos sweater casual

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos valentino bag

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos shoes

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos flatlay casual

First, let's start with a casual look for one your comfortable days. You can throw on a textured sweater over your denim shirt, and wear it with a pair of boyfriend jeans. For the bag, go with a big slouchy one because it’ll give it that easy-going feel. A neutral tone will keep the look simple and clean. There's a fine line between "casual" and "lazy", so refine the look with a polished shoe and top it off with a neat hairstyle.

Where to wear: Shopping, Class, Lunch, Stroll, Airport

2. Denim on Denim

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos pink

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos chanel pink

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos glitter shoes

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos flatlay fun

For the next look, don't be afraid to pair denim with denim. The denim will recede and act like a canvas for any bold accessories. This way, your favorite accessories will stand out. Not only is this look effortless, but it also feels put together and chic.

Where to wear: Lunch, Vacation, Date, Dinner, Park (swap out for comfy shoes)

3. Serious Meeting

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos work

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos marc jacobs

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos givenchy

If you have a casual business dress code, try this look. Swap out your predictable shirts with a denim one. Give life to your outfit by adding brooches to the lapels or pairing it with a unique bag, or printed shoes. With this look, you won't blend in or feel dull!

Where to wear: Meeting, Office

4. Tropical Blues

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos tropical

cocotrish style denim patricia chang sokophotos painted skirt

cocotrish style deniml patricia chang sokophotos aquazzura

cocotrish style deniml patricia chang sokophotos flatlay blues

Last, the relaxed fit of the denim shirt compliments a form-fitting pencil skirt nicely. For this look we played with the blue hues of the shirt. Pencil skirts can be a bit serious, so this hand painted print gives it just the right balance of softness. For an airy feel, tie the ends of the shirt and pair it with open shoes. The Guinea pig bag also has the right balance of polished and playful to finish the outfit.

Where to wear: Lunch, Date, Vacation