Cozy for the Holidays

One thing that I am a huge sucker for is the cold weather--or what we consider as cold here on the west coast--and being able to really bundle up. As much as I complain about not getting extreme weather on this side of the country {refer to many of my older posts}, just having the temps drop to sweater weather is good enough for me. By no means is it Carrie-Bradshaw-fur-coats cold, but it is nice to just slip on an extra layer, get cozy by the heater, and sip some tea.

This chunky knitted sweater from StyleWe was jumping out of the screen and reeling me in almost instantly. I love love love sweaters and especially chunky ones that I can just drown in during sweater weather. This sweater came just in time for the fall and I couldn't have been more happier with it. It is perfect for lounging around or outside in the cold. Wear it by itself or under a coat, dress it up or down--the color is versatile and extremely holiday friendly. I'm ready for Thanksgiving with this piece in hand.

SIKYA coffee raglan chunky turtleneck {sold at StyleWe}

MADEWELL 'artist' boyfriend jeans

AMERICAN EAGLE sandals {similar here}

CELINE sunglasses

ZARA bucket bag {similar here}

Thanks StyleWe for partnering on this post.

Falling Leaves

If you live in Los Angeles, then you probably know that winter doesn't really come around... or ever. And to top it off, we really don't get fall either. What we have {at least this year} is an extended summer with random excruciatingly hot days followed by cold, cold nights. Obviously this matters because coordinating clothing with weather is crucial. But complaining about weather is only one of the many things that Californians are known for and I am no exception. 

When I saw this blouse online at StyleWe, I knew I had had had to have it. White blouses are perfect for all types of occasions {and weather} because you can always dress it up or down. I mean, this would be perfect with a plaid skirt for your upcoming holiday parties. It is also perfect for layering under coats for when winter finally hits or just alone. It is also simple enough, so feel free to layer with fun and playful patterns. I know I will definitely be wearing this piece many more times before this year comes to an end. 

AMII white tie blouse {sold at StyleWe}
PILCRO mid-flare corduroy pants {similar here and wide-leg here}
NINE WEST 'tatiana' pointed toe pumps

Thanks StyleWe for partnering on this post.

Favorite Slip-On Mules

Unless you've been hiding in a closet {which wouldn't necessarily be bad if it was Kardashian sized and loaded}, I am sure you have seen and heard all the rage over "slip-on mules". Especially because every fashion blogger we know is sporting the Gucci 'princetown' mule or the other just-as-expensive Prada ones bringing out the green jealousy monster in me. I am secretly screaming inside because I want a pair of those now. Maybe I can persuade my sister to buy me a pair.. that's right sister, I'm talking to you..

You know what the thing is about slip-on mules to me? Call me lazy or because I am from Southern California, but I hate hate hate putting on socks and shoes. What can I say? My toes like to breathe. So most of the time, I slip on my flip-flops or something easy and just run for the door. It doesn't matter if I am wearing the most expensive outfit and they don't match my outfit, my flip-flops are my best friends. So that's where these slip-on mules do the trick for me. They're stylish and easy to wear--just the type of thing I like. Unlike flip-flops, these totally upscale your outfit and are totally SFW {safe-for-work}. I have yet to buy a pair because I am so so picky about the shoes I wear, but you know the holidays are a-comin' and I'm gonna be a-buyin'. Slip-on mules, here I come {insert devious facial expression}!

GUCCI 'princetown' shearling-lined mules {same version without fur here}

DORATEYMUR 'filiskiye' patent-leather slippers

PRADA suede bow mules

MADEWELL 'barlow' mules

STEVEN BY STEVE MADDEN 'razzi' suede mules

SOL SANA 'kim' leather mules

SAM EDELMAN 'paris' slip-on loafer

KRISTIN CAVALLARI 'capri' slip-on flat

MICHAEL KORS 'natasha' croc-embossed leather mule

OFFICE dance bow front leather mules {under $50!}

photos via fashion me now blog

Bucket List: No. 3

Here we are. Back to drooling over Pinterest destination pins and wishing we were traveling in cool, exotic locations rather than sitting at home and writing ten-page papers about stuff we don't even care about. Or at least I don't. It is actually called trying-to-get-an-expensive-piece-of-paper-and-hopefully-someone-hires-you. I mean, why can't we all just drop everything and travel to our heart's content. Unfortunately, life is unfair like that and we simply can't. So on that note, here are a couple places I am currently dreaming of:

1. Anarctica

Why not go and visit Santa Claus? You can go and explain yourselves for all those times you got drunk and did regrettable things so you won't be getting coal in your stocking this year. You're still getting coal. But on a serious note, I didn't even know it was even possible to go this far North! When I stumbled upon this photo on Pinterest, I was truly speechless. So naturally, it made the list for places I want to visit sometime in my life. Santa, here I come!

Reflections

I will always love Los Angeles. It has my heart, my soul, and it is my home no matter where I go. {I even wrote about how much I love home, here.} There is never a shortage of things to do or see and of those, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-see {even if you're just outside}. Aside from the architecture and amazing one-season weather, I am most of all in love with the easy-going vibe which also translates to LA fashion. You can turn take all of your fancy New York City wear and combine it with more casual pieces and that's exactly what LA style is. Turn your classy style into something else with a laid-back ripped denim and some sandals. My favorite kind of outfits.

But First, Coffee

For as long as I can remember, I have been a very avid coffee drinker. I love the culture, the varied tastes and flavors, and the history. Coffee is probably the only reason I am powered and ready to go in the morning, because you really don't want to meet me without my morning coffee. Not only because my body is so dependent on coffee, but the culture around it is truly fun and captivating. Being able to explore coffee shops all over the world and have a universal language or spot out new kinds of latte art. These are one of the biggest reasons coffee is such a big deal now. {Do it for the insta, ya know?} Alfred Coffee in the alley is personally one of my favorites in Los Angeles. I have been to two other locations, but this is still my favorite. I love how it is a little hidden gem and the decor is everything. It is cute and quaint with a really great brew.

Dainty and Gold

It's never wrong to splash a little dainty gold in your daily outfit. It is the perfect mixture when you're looking to keep your outfit casual and dressy. The beauty of the color gold is the instantaneous classy look it provides--even if it's a normal day out. Gold embellishments can update your look easily and quickly. As for the dainty aspect, it's the simplicity of it that really brings out the whole look. The more simple and dainty the piece of jewelry is, the more casual the look. Plus it's something you can wear everyday, rather than a piece you can pair with only one or two outfits in your closet. I literally have an 'C' initial gold necklace that I have been wearing since I was six years old and it has never gone out of style. It also updates my look and I always get compliments on it. 

These pieces in the collage are some that are affordable and some that my wallet can only dream of having. I'm looking at you, Cartier. These real gold pieces can get really expensive, but those affordable favorites from Forever 21 or Mango can also complete the job just the same. So if you're looking to update your casual look, go for the gold and keep it light!

CARTIER love bracelet

VITA FEDE antonia hoop earrings

SEOUL LITTLE tropical duo stud earrings

GORJANA uma pendant necklace

RACHEL BALFOUR solid gold unicorn ring

AEROPOSTALE vintage key necklace {less than $10!}

CHANEL bull coin earrings

CHLOBO cherish gold triangle ring

ALEX AND ANI sea shell charm bangle

ALEX AND ANI nautical charm bangle

ALLUREZ family tree of life signet ring

BALENCIAGA safety pin earrings

BERRICLE star crescent moon spike layered necklace

widget via shopstyle

Blushing About Velvet

Unless you have been hiding in a closet, I am sure you have seen or heard about the velvet trend. Not only has it made an appearance at fashion shows, but fashion influencers are all over this craze. {Refer to Damsel In Dior's Velvet Pajama Set.} Especially with the weather starting to get a little more chilly, we Californians like to get a little dramatic and bundle. Lucky for us, velvet really keeps in the heat and keeps us warm. 

While velvet is cute and trendy, there are definitely limitations on how to wear these pieces. So sign up for Velvet 101 {aka: spend a ton of time searching Pinterest} and start style studying. Here are a couple of things I am currently lusting over:

left to right:

PRADA velvet & bow point-toe mules

NOBODY'S CHILD peplum velvet camisole

L. ERICKSON ribbon edge velvet scrunchie {similar here for $2.90}

VALENTINO rockstud ballet velvet sandals

BOOHOO velda velvet maxi dress {less than $30!}

MANGO velvet blazer

STEVEN razzi velvet mules {less than $100!}

T BY ALEXANDER WANG velvet bra top

TOAST silk velvet shift dress {similar here for $12.90}

TOPSHOP tall velvet pleated midi skirt

OUT THERE INTERIORS large velvet sofa

JEFFREY CAMPBELL cienga bootie 

title photos via pinterest

Longchamp Tank and Vertical Stripes

You only turn 22 once, right? This past weekend, I went home to LA to celebrate my twenty-second birthday. One of the only things I wanted to do this weekend was to have a mini-spa day with my sister and get my nails done. Olive & June was the perfect little spa for this occasion. When I say they're not like your typical nail salon, I mean just that. It was quaint, trendy, clean and just plain insta-perfect. If you get a chance and want to splurge a little, make your visit. It's worth it.

I've never been the type to wear yellow, let alone any color that's not black, white, gray or blue} but this Longchamp tank is the only exception. I was surprised to find that Longchamp carried clothing. I paired this colorful top with a Leith {sold at Nordstrom, here} vertical striped pant. These pants are stylish and the most comfortable. If I had to choose a pair of pants to wear to a buffet? THESE. ARE. IT. So cheers to being 22 and running around singing Taylor Swift. Xo

*I really need one of these Costco bears

{Top: Longchamp / Pants: Leith at Nordstrom / Sandals: Old Navy / Crossbody Bag: Marc Jacobs}

From Como with Love

What is the appeal of Italy, you ask? There are no words to explain this place. No matter how many times you travel here, there will always be something new to see, to eat, to do or explore. The beauty of Italy is impeccable and a whole new world of it's own. As hard as you try, you cannot use enough words to describe this place; rather, it's something you simply need to see with your own eyes.

This past May during my semester abroad, I was lucky enough to travel to Italy with some of my friends. Luckily, we were able to head up to Lake Como {no, we didn't run into George and Amal} with clear skies and perfect weather. The towns surrounding Lake Como are truly a gem of their own. The small cobblestone streets and classic Italian style in every corner, this place oozes blogger-worthy photos. Of the three times I have been to Italy, this visit to Como has been my favorite thus far.

So make your visit to Italy. It's worth a trip once in everybody's life. Xo

Another Year, Another Number

As I ring in 22, I can't help but think: what am I going to do differently this year? Now that I am a year older, is there anything I should be doing? Most importantly, can I still shop at Forever 21? Every website, blog post, or older person I have spoken to thus far has either warned me that "everything goes down hill after 21" or to embrace the exciting rush of being an adult. I don't know exactly which to believe, but for now I will just take the day as it is and hopefully everything will go somewhat smoothly.

Now I am never one to stick to my resolutions {let's not track back to the ones I actually accomplished because I'm sure I can count it on one hand}, but this twenty-second year of my life, I am going to try and view or do things a little differently. Here are a few things to make 22 different:

1. Find a passion and pursue it.

Graduating college can be a tough time for someone who has no idea what they want to do and as for me, I fit exactly in this category. The important thing about your future is finding and pursuing a career in something you love. Do what you love and you will be happier in life.

2. Be yourself and love every minute.

There's no time to waste in your life wishing you were someone else. I am completely guilty of this, but the grass is always greener on the other side. The person you wish you were is probably wishing the same exact thing about someone else, so appreciate what you have. I know I should.

3. Travel often.

Be more adventurous and open your eyes to the world. There is so much out there and so little time to do it. Don't waste it doing something you hate. Explore and immerse yourself into the different cultures. It will pay off. The world is your oyster!

4. Try new things.

I am extremely guilty of this. I hate trying new things and that is something I need to get over. You live only once, so we need to make the most of the things in this world. Don't be afraid of the unknown, because it's probably just as afraid of you as you are of it.

5. Lastly, be positive. That's all.

Happy birthday to me.

{images borrowed from pinterest}