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}

8 Tips on Conquering Exams {Even If You Procrastinate}

If you're anything like me, then you're a terrible test-taker who spends a large fraction of their semester procrastinating. Oh! I am also terrible at studying. You're probably thinking: what can you do or how do you even pass school? Beats me. But if college has taught me anything {or will teach those of you going into college} is that the art of "bullshitting" is a real thing and will be very valuable in your college career. Warning: Only listen to my advice if your life motto is "C's get degrees". Also, know that undergrad will teach you nothing about your future career {other than binge-drinking and surviving long day festivals}. 

With midterms right around the corner, {using my superb skills in procrastination} I am sharing eight little things that keep me grounded before midterms and finals:

1. Manage your time wisely.
This one may seem a little cliche, but it is of the utmost importance. Even with my procrastination, I know when to start cramming for midterms/finals. My method is reserving certain study days for certain classes and really devoting that time to teach yourself those 8 weeks you didn't care to study for. It seems stressful {and sometimes it is}, but using this method with these other tips can ease the stress.

2. ASK ASK ASK.
Don't be afraid to bombard your professor with questions. That's literally what they are there for. Your classmates on the other hand? Don't annoy them too much. They're not paid {like our professors are} to answer or share notes. One thing that helps me is knowing exactly what to expect on the exam. Whether it's fifty questions or an essay, get your study guide and ask all of your questions. The worse that can happen is they say they can't answer that, then you already know it'll be on the test. SCORE!

3. Actually open your textbook and read your notes.
Unfortunately even for me, to make up for the time lost, I have to read a ton before the exams. Luckily we have study guides and an idea of what will be on the exam, so you know exactly what to study for! So don't skim. Read it once, twice, maybe even three times and engrave that *bleep* in your brain {and on your paper because writing it is supposed to help you remember it}.

4. Take your breaks {and get caffeinated}.
Now and only now should you check your Instagram, but don't get attached! Get some coffee, tea or just go out for a walk. This is your you time, meant to somehow get your sanity back from marathon studying. As hinted above, I like to use my break time to catch up on the little things and really get caffeinated. But do what works for you. No one knows you like you do.

5. Feed your brain with "brain food".
I guess there is such a thing as "brain food". Huffington Post wrote an article {"12 Superfoods To Boost Your Brainpower"} that describes how certain foods can improve brain function. If it were up to me, I would drive across the freeway and get myself an In-N-Out burger, but these choices are just as good. The point of this point {hehe, yes I laughed} is to feed yourself and stay nourished.

6. Stop scrolling those feeds.
And by feeds I mean: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc... This one is super hard for me too since I am so vulnerable to any and all distractions. Stash these away and take them out again when you're celebrating that passing grade. Yes, it's fun to lurk other people and see what they're doing, but that A is looking super fine too. You have to implement some sort of self-discipline, right?

7. Leave your sweatpants at home.
Don't wear your sweatpants to take your exams. I used to do this all the time {and believe me, I love my sweats and leggings}, but those are things that you lounge and relax in. Wearing them might put you in the same atmosphere and alter your mood. Look your best to perform your best! Leave your sweatpants for TV time {and that free anything-feed scrolling time}.

8. Be confident!
Lastly, wake up in the morning feeling good. Fuel your body with good food and think positive thoughts. Leave the stress at home and don't try to cram those last minute chapters. What's done is done and be confident that you will rock the exam. Trust yourself, your gut, and good luck!

*If these photos don't make you want to study, then you're going to have to look at more here -- which is where I got the first photo. {other image borrowed from here}