April Outfit and Face of the Day

Today, I'm bringing you a quick outfit-of-the-day. I don't do these very often, partly because it's a tiny bit out of my comfort zone, but also because my wardrobe is relatively minimal at the moment, since I moved to France with only 1.5 suitcases in tow. I was looking back on my outfit posts within the last few months, and I realised they all look the same: Black, gray, and my one colour of choice, burgundy. Although I completely believe in the idea of a "capsule" wardrobe, where the mixing-and-matching possibilities are endless, it doesn't make for the most varied outfit posts.

With warmer weather around the corner, and skinny jeans becoming less of a prevalent trend, I decided to add some lighter pieces into my wardrobe, and this lace dress is one of them. I also got some loose-fitting trousers that are basically constructed like pajama pants, a peach coloured blouse, and a floral kimono. I really feel like just these few pieces transform my wardrobe!

Originally, this white dress was going to be the dress I wore for our elopement to NYC, but I just couldn't bring myself to get married in a dress that cost 12 euro from Forever21, which is why I eventually found a better quality dress for the special day!

I paired this dress with my burgundy (once again) moto jacket from Target. I think dresses that are fitted at the waist look best with a shorter-length top layer. It was a sunny, yet crisp spring day, so I kept my legs bare but bundled up my neck with a super fuzzy scarf from Zara. It really felt strange to have my legs free, as I've been wearing black pants as a staple for months upon months upon months!

Outfit Details
Dress: Forever21
Jacket: Target
Shoes: Forever 21
Scarf: Zara

I'm adding another element to the typical OOTD, and showing you my FACE of the day, inspired by those beauty bloggers out there! I was feeling very peachy today, so I used some warm, luminescent blush, a rose-gold eyeshadow, coral lip butter, and natural-looking foundation, so that my nose freckles showed through.

Foundation: Dior Forever
Blush: Benefit blush in Sugarbomb
Eyeshadow: Rimmell Glam'eyes in 019 Sun Safari
Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti

I often find myself thinking about what focus I want this blog to take and even the level of dedication I'm willing to make. I really don't foresee me creating many outfit or beauty posts, but I think they provide a bit of a personal touch to my blog, so I think I'll continue to do them... once a month perhaps? I much more enjoy writing about my experiences, travels, thoughts, and artists I find across the internet. Who knows, that may change in the future, but I like that I have the freedom to make this internet space whatever fits me best. :) I would absolutely love to start a YouTube channel as well! I see these YouTubers and Bloggers out there who are super successful, and make a career out of this, and I would absolutely love to do what they do. I just don't see how it could happen. I suppose it comes in small steps... but that's probably better saved for a separate post!

Until next time.


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Menswear-Inspired: Vintage Blazer & Bowler Hat

This maroon blazer is one of the many souvenirs I picked up while studying abroad in Paris last year. It fit me perfectly with zero alterations, and was in perfect condition - bargain! It's too small to button, but who needs buttons anyway? I love the subtle pinstripes, it adds just a touch of visual interest

After falling into an all-black rut, I've been attempting to add color back into my life, as well as texture and new shapes. I love this little round bowler hat, it's very on trend, being a hat, but it's different enough from the wide-brimmed hats I've been seeing around lately. It also reminds me of Magritte paintings.


It's so easy to layer more interesting pieces (such as a slim-cut blazer) over an all-black base - Add a square polkda dot and some baroque loafers, and the right balance is achieved. Not too boring, not too busy. I think this is my perfect outfit.


Gray Bowler Hat: Forever21
Maroon Wool Pinstripe Blazer: Vintage Désir, Montmartre, Paris
Baroque Loafers: Nordstrom Rack
Black Ankle Skinny Jeans: BDG at Urban Outfitters
Polka Dot Blouse: Promod, Paris

P.S.: 16 Days until I depart for France! Still have some shopping to do!


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Monochrome + Aluminum Clubmasters

My new favorite color is black. Prior to August 2012, I probably didn't own a single article of clothing in black. I found it boring, mean, depressing, and stark. Instead, my wardrobe consisted of coral, purple, turquoise, lace, blue jeans, tights, and dresses. I was a girl's girl, always attracted to the cute-factor of a garment.

Nowadays, however, it's BLACK all the way, every day, all the time, in every outfit. I love black. It feels as if last year, I dressed as a girl, and now, I identify more as a grown woman. You can go back in time on this blog and see some of my colorful outfit posts! The contrast is quite startling actually.

There is no other color that is as flattering or as easy to build an outfit around. I throw on my black skinny jeans, and the world is my oyster. I can wear them with a graphic muscle tee and moto boots and look bad-ass, or pair them with a white blouse, gray blazer, and heels, and look super sophisticated. Black jeans to me are like water: beneficial to my well-being and necessary on a daily basis.

Can we talk about my new sunnies? Ever since starting work at a Sunglass Hut, I've suddenly felt the need to have expensive sunglasses in my life and adorning my face, and you can never go wrong with a good ol' pair of Ray Bans (my dream collection also includes a pair of mui mui and prada sunglasses...but that will never happen with this part-time income).

These are the black Aluminum Clubmasters: slightly larger than the normal Clubmasters, made with metal instead of plastic, and with sharper corners for an edgier look. They also come in bronze, silver, and gunmetal. Seriously, I throw these on and instantly I feel like my coolness factor increases by 100 imaginary cool points. The only downside is that they're quite heavy and leave red marks on my nose where the nose pads rest... but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. They also have a lot of gaps through which the sun peeks, so, their function as sunglasses is slightly negated, but... oh well! Style isn't always synonymous with functionality.





Final thoughts are, I need to work on my posing. Sometimes I can be so awkward!

Do you think expensive sunglasses are worth the cost in terms of quality or are we just paying for the brand name? Also, how do you feel about black?

Pants: BDG cigarette, Urban Outfitters
Tee: Tilly's
Boots: Éram (Paris)
Ray Bans: Sunglass Hut
Nekclace: Forever21/Grand Canyon souvenir shop
lipstick: Revlon Berry Haute





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Details: Tapestry + Thoughts on Confidence

As Fall approaches (I see fall as happening in the future because it is still warm here in SoCal), I have noticed the resurfacing of autumnal textures: cable knit, tweed, wool, plaid, and tapestry. I bought these tapestry shorts last year, but they've been hibernating in the bottom of my pants drawer. They're one of those items that you love, but can't seem to muster the confidence to wear on most days.

You may notice the lack of full-length shots in this post, and let me tell you why that is: I was too critical of myself to put them up. It got me thinking about personal style, how it changes over time, and how what we define as comfortable transforms over the years.

In high school, I stuck mostly to jeans and a tee, and in my first years of college, I really branched out into floral dresses and brighter colors. The past year, however, has been all about a darker, more 90's look. I wear black quite often, and if the weather permitted, I would wear my black skinny jeans all year round. What I may have considered "too much" a few years ago is now normal.

Why did I feel that these tapestry shorts were too much? who knows. It could be that they expose my legs more than I'm used to, or that they draw a tiny bit more attention than black pants would. The ability to walk through the world without caring if people are watching or not takes a lot of practice. I greatly admire Jenn Im of YouTube channel Clothes Encounters for her boldness, she's definitely a style inspiration of mine.


Shorts: Forever 21
Blazer: thrifted
Booties: Ecote, Urban Outfitters
Tee: Urban Outfitters

Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that have never seen the light of day? Let me know in the comments. :)



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Tenue du Jour - Black Maxi

Today I'm bringing you a proper outfit of the day, or tenue du jour in French. I was on a wee job hunt today, so I thought this comfy but elegant maxi would be just the right balance. I love the job I have now, and I'd really like to keep it, but I need some more income to throw in a savings account! If I want to move to France next January (oops! spoiler alert!) then I gotta start saving! Plus, I want to fill up my time, and a second job would be a great way to do that.

In about an hour, I'm gonna venture out to a French-speaking meetup, so hopefully others will be there and I can pratiquer mon Français.

This is me attempting to show you the side slit of the dress... I apologize for the intense whiteness of my thigh.




I've been using a new, more luminous foundation for a while now. I really love how healthy and easy it makes my skin look, although I do have to blot it with some powder periodically, or it can end up looking a little TOO shiny. I love that the freckles on my nose show through.



I ended up getting an interview scheduled for tomorrow! Luckily, I know three people who work at this place, so my BFF Natalie is gonna give me some coaching in order to ace the interview.

Until next time! À bientôt mes amies!

Maxi: F21
Sandals: Steve Madden at TJmaxx
Necklace: F21
Belt: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted
Nail Polish: Covergirl Outlast in Peaches & Cream
Foundation: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow!
Lips: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm
Mascara: Benefit They're Real

Burgundy Blazer at La Maison Rose

Two days ago, my best friend arrived in Paris to spend an entire two weeks with me! It's finally the Christmas vacation, so we've been hitting the metros and streets HARD. But more on that later.

Today I have an outfit of the day for you, set against a delightfully pink wall in Montmartre. I've been wearing black far more than I used to in California, and I am embracing this ever-so-slightly edgier side of me wholeheartedly. And speaking of embracing things, I let my hair go wild today. It's slept-on, tangled, wavy, and a bit frizzy, but that's French! and I love it.

It's been raining on and off for the past week, so I wore my vintage boots to keep water out of my socks and brought my floral umbrella along. To keep my legs warm, I layered two pairs of leggings and tall wool socks. The temperature has been slightly warmer lately, and as long as I kept moving I didn't feel cold.



Dress: F21
Blazer: Vintage
Socks/Leggings: H&M
Umbrella: H&M
Boots: Vintage Dèsir
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Bag: F21
Nails: OPI Got the Blues for Red



And here's a random image I found on Pinterest for your enjoyment:

Source: designcollector.net via Free People on Pinterest

Paris Green Sweater + Neutrals

Rember that thing I used to do... when I would take photos of my clothing, and then post them on this blog, telling you where each piece was from? Something called an outfit post??

Yeah, I forgot all about those too.

The reason I haven't been doing outfit posts is simply because I wasn't able to pack my tripod, and it's extremely awkward to attempt outfit photos without one. If you've ever tried, you feel my pain. Trying to prop up my camera on a chair or table (or on a chair on top of a table), also making sure that it's pointed at the right angle, in focus, and lit well is extremely challenging and irritating.

However! I asked my new friend Katie if she'd take a few shots of me as we were enjoying the rare sunshine in the Parc de la Tour Saint-Jacques. There will probably be far less outfit posts than there used to be now that I'm in Paris, but that just means more posts on the city itself!

{I've been embracing the natural texture of my hair. And I loved the loose fit of the sweater. Two very French things. Also, I'm crinkling my nose, and I dont'really know why.} {I ordered these BDG Cigarette High Rise jeans from the Urban Outfitter's website. I was nervous they wouldn't fit correctly, but I've been wearing them nonstop! I also have them in black. The high/mid rise holds it alllll in} {Loved the open knit detail on the shoulder, I also loved the color, which reminds me of the green used in the film Amèlie} {I thought my dark red nails were a good contrast to the green. I paired the sweater with a neutral scarf to bring even more focus to the beautiful color.} {These oxfords I got at Goodwill have yet to be broken in fully, they're a bit tight on my wide feet, and made my Achilles heel sore the next day.}

Sweater: Tiny shop down the road
Pants: Urban Outfiters, BDG Cigarette High Rise Jeans
Shoes: Goodwill
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Nail Polish: OPI: Got the Blues for Red
Bag: Forever 21

Shades of Jade + Playlist

Every few months, new trends pop up. Usually, I shy away from anything too trendy, finding them gimmicky and bound to fall of of style pretty quickly. I tend to embrace trends that can easily be considered "classic."

This fall, I adore dark burgundy lips, oversized sweaters, and the color Jade.

Think of jade as an autumnal version of spring's mint. Like a dusty, moody mint. I love it. If I could find an oversized, thick knit sweater in a muted jade, I would be so so happy.

{Illustration by Coby Whitmore. I love the how the lace is done!}

Source: vggallery.com via Hannah on Pinterest

{The source says Vincent Van Gogh, but it doesn't really look like his work to me. Regardless, it's beautiful!}
{Image by Limonada on Flickr}

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Recently I stumbled upon the music of band Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes. It's like the perfect mix of raunchy jazz/blues, 1950's pop, catchy rhythms, and girl power. Makes me tap my foot every time! I can imagine seeing them perform in a smoky, slightly seedy, red-velvet and leather underground bar/lounge. I would be sipping some classy cocktail, being all mysterious. Tell me what you think!

I also threw in some other similar music. This playlist symbolizes how I want to feel for the rest of my time here in Paris, like every weekend is a party, being young and having fun!

Ile-Saint-Louis & Berthillon Ice Cream

The second part of our day consisted of exploring the smaller of Paris' islands - Île-Saint-Louis. This island's claim to fame is Berthillon, ice creamery. It is the home to many (very) rich people, some charming shops, and a restaurant called, in English, Our Ancestors the Gauls. Now, this restaurant was closed, but when I spied animal furs, helmets, and swords hanging in the windows, I was very intrigued. We later learned that an experience at this restaurant consists of communal seating, hearty caveman-like dishes, and a raucous, loud atmosphere. Sounds like the perfect antidote once I've tired of the classic, refined French cafe scene.

I highly recommend getting some Berthillon ice cream. The main store is often closed (because French), but tons of restaurants in Paris serve their goods. I got a cone with THREE flavors. Vanilla, Coconut, and Melon. I should have just had melon because it was so freaking delicious! ...Have I mentioned that I am now addicted to melon? France has turned me into a melon freak. Their melons are very sweet, and all their produce is so much better than stuff at US grocery stores. You've heard the rumors, and I've come to tell you that they're pretty much true. Most food is indeed better here.

{Mmmm Ice Cream} {The melon flavor matches my blouse} {My new friend!} {Adorable yellow gourmet shop}
I also have an outfit for you bloggers out there!
{Brown pleated midi skirt, peach blouse, new sunnies}


{Just sittin' by the Seine}
It was an extremely stupid idea to wear these shoes for a day full of walking. I regret wearing them so much right now. Don't try to be fancy when you have a lot of walking to do! It's torture!

Stripes, Stripes, and more Stripes.

I have been drawn to stripes lately - they're just so versatile. Stripes can be bold, edgy, and modern, or classy, elegant, and chic, depending on the weight and color of the stripes, and of course, what you pair them with. I plan to buy oodles and oodles of striped tops while in France... okay, okay, I'll restrain myself to two striped garments! Here are a few of my favorites from Pinterest:

Thicker stripes + oxfords = charmingly modern and boyish.



Thinner stripes + belt = classy and elegant.




Wear stripes today!