The day has come / what to wear to the airport

The day that I've been anticipating for an entire year is finally here! Moving to France. It's a huge step, and although I feel the butterflies, I also feel a sense of calm. The kind of calm that comes when everything feels right - like it's all going to work out. I had a bad week of worry, fear, and anxiety, but I'm glad to say that at this point, I'm feelin' gooood.

Deciding what to wear on an international flight has always been a slight dilemma for me. I want to be comfortable, but I also want to look like an international woman of mystery. On top of that, I have to wear the heaviest and bulkiest things in my wardrobe, since they take up too much space in my limited suitcase space. With all this in mind, this is what I came up with:

My base is some black leggings, paired with a long, oversized tee that has some gray accents. I threw on my warmest and heaviest coat, slipped on my comfortable moto boots, and topped it all off with a gray bowler. This outfit checks all my boxes, plus, it saves my hat from becoming a squished mess in my suitcase.

Can we stop and take a moment to appreciate my new textured coat? It's the warmest I've ever owned, and I love how it adds a satisfying layer of texture to any outfit. All hail TopShop, provider of all things wonderful! I also love how the gray tones in the shirt tie in the gray of the hat; Had I worn all black I think the outfit would have been quite boring.



Black Furry Coat: TopShop Petite
Oversized Patterned Tee: Daydreamer LA at Urban Outfitters
Pants: BDG at Urban Outfitters
Black Bucket Purse and Gray Bowler Hat: Forever 21
Boots: Éram


Next time I write, It'll be from another continent! À bientôt!


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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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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

Quick Outfit of the Day - New Winter Scarf

First of all, let me apologize for the horrendous quality of these images! Let's just call them "vintage" and "cool" instead of pixelated and grainy. ;)

You know those days where everything you wear turns out FANTASTIC? But you have nowhere to go and nobody to look good for?? Well, I had one of those moments today. I then thought to myself, "Hey wait! I have a blog!" So I quickly snapped some webcam photos, edited them Instagram-style, et voila!

{Loving my new knitted burgundy circle scarf} {Seriously, so warm} {A Blazer makes anything look good} {Been belting and tucking my high-waisted jeans lately} {Soft hair and stained burgundy lips}
Scarf: nafnaf (French brand)
Top: Forever 21
Pants: BDG Cigarette High Rise Jeans from Urban Outfitters
Blazer: Forever 21
Shoes: Born
Belt: Thrifted

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Hannah 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

Airport Outfit & One Top, Two Ways

The best thing to wear on long flights is something comfortable and simple. It's also good to wear a few thin layers, including one quite bulky item such as a trench coat, to save space in your luggage. This is especially helpful for me, as I'll be packing just ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on for a 5 month trip, and I don't want to pay the extra fee for overweight luggage! I've decided to put all my shoes and my laptop into my carry-on bag, since those are items that weigh quite a bit.

I plan on wearing my new flat oxfords and some comfortable, rolled-to-the-ankle pants. This outfit is a contender, but I don't think it'll take the Airport Outfit Gold Medal (Olympic pun?!).


I scored this great backpack at TJ Maxx. I was resisting buying a backpack at first, afraid it would look juvenile in Paris. But the leather paneling brings it up a notch in sophistication, I think. Plus, it'll save my back a lot of aches and pains when I go to class everyday. For the flight, I'll put a few choice beauty products, my camera, important documents, and a scarf inside. Perhaps I'll do a post on packing soon.




Here's this top styled in a different way! Sheer cream tops are the best wardrobe staple I've come across so far, in addition to a neutral trench coat. I may do a post on basic essentials soon, having purchased so many for Paris lately.

Pants: Urban Outfitters BDG cigarette high rise jean // Top: TJ Maxx // Shoes: Born // Backpack: TJ Maxx // Skirt: Forever21 // Belt: Thrifted

Outfit of the Day - Wedding Shower

One of my oldest and best friends is getting married to a fantastic man, and last weekend was her wedding shower! My other best friend organized it, and it turned out so beautiful! This is what I wore. It was a hot, muggy day, so I wore the thinnest, lightest dress I own. By the way, this is my room back home at my parent's house. These curtains from Ikea act as our closet doors.

I paired the turquoise dress with my new coral lip color, which I am now obsessed with for summer. It's one of the new Revlon Lip Butters, and they're amazing. The one I'm wearing is Tutti Frutti. The color looks shockingly orange at first, but it goes on slightly sheer, yet expertly pigmented, and feels like a lip balm.

I went for relaxed waves, although I could have used a bit more volume, or perhaps a braid along the front. I also wanted to paint my nails, but working in a restaurant again, I'm not allowed :(

Dress: Heritage, Forever21
Shoes: Novela
Lip color: Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti

How do you guys feel about coral lips? have you tried any other shades of the Revlon Lip Butter? I'm thinking about trying the Peach Parfait shade next.

Retro Mini Dress

After painting my nails a bright red, I was in the retro mood, so cinched myself into this (really short) dress. On a hot, NOT windy day, this dress is wonderful, and makes me feel so breezy.

I love this bag. Every time I wear it I feel instantly cooler and more interesting, probably because I got it at a thrift store for about $5, and that makes me feel great. Great deals are great!

I curled my hair, parted it to the side, and pinned my bangs into a subtle twist, which is sorta like a very tiny victory roll.

I've realized I need to start buying more accessories. All I own are earrings! I've been wanting to wear bangles or stacked bracelets, but I don't own any! My plan is to find some cool gold-colored ones at thrift or vintage stores. I think I used to feel intimidated by any non-earring jewelry, but I'm ready to be adventurous!

Dress: F21
Flats: F21
Bag: Thrifted
Nail Polish: Sephora

Redo: Red Pants and Vintage Top

Okay guys - I feel like I wear these red pants CONSTANTLY, but the more I wear them, the more they mold to my body, and the more comfortably they fit! Plus, who knows how long (or short) this colored pants trend will last? I want to take full advantage of the trend before it's considered to be old news.

I featured this same outfit a couple months ago, but I feel this time around I've improved. Plus, I've gained many new followers since then, who may not have seen the original post anyway. So, why is this outfit better, you ask? I'll tell ya:

{ONE}
I caved, and bought some heels, despite the fact that for as long as I can remember, I've held an unspoken vow to never wear heels, except at formal events. This is partially because they can be painful, and partially because I feel self-conscious and conspicuous when I wear them. This self-consciousness is merely a result of my overactive imagination convincing me that everyone is staring at my feet thinking how ridiculous they look, when really they don't give a crap. Sometimes I just don't understand my brain.

In fact, I look about 10 pounds lighter when I put on these heels. WHO KNEW?! Combine that with really good posture, and I'll never have to go to the gym again. I take that back... exercising is healthy, and I gotta be healthy!

{TWO}
Better photography. I changed my normal physical location, which changed the direction of the light, which actually makes a world of difference. Light is paramount to photography. Crappy light = crappy photo. If you're a frugal person like me, use cheap white poster boards as light reflectors.


{THREE}
More liberated posing. The more I take pictures of myself, the more comfortable I become, and I'm starting to learn what angles and poses are the most flattering, or at least more fun.


Pants: F21
Top: BearCat Vintage
Shoes: TJ Maxx
Shades: Aldo
Belt: Target