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Black and White

Ruche Blouse, H&M pants, Kate Spade Purse (similar here and here) and earrings (loving these), Tory Burch Flats

When I don't know what to wear (which is really more often than not), I gravitate toward the basics: black and white. The combination is just so simple, easy, and effortlessly chic. There really is no way to mess it up! You guys know I love pairing new pieces with old favorites, and that's exactly what I've done with this outfit. The cropped black pants and black flats have been a staple in my closet for a few years now. The white blouse with crochet detail is a new favorite, and I've worn it so many times this summer. It works with so many bottoms, and is such an easy throw-on item that still looks put together. Adding a pop of color to my black and white ensembles is an easy way to change up the two-tone look! I love adding a bright lip or bright bag-- or in this case, both!

 

Don't forget, you can still get 20% off on Shopruche.com with my coupon code: IMAN20 until July 31st!  

All White

J.Crew Je T'aime tee, Old Navy Rockstar Jeans, Converse

I've been spotting the "all white" trend everywhere lately, and have been wanting to try it for a while. Of course, I can barely handle wearing white pants without spilling something before lunch time. So pairing them with an (almost) all white top and white shoes and managing to get some decent pictures on a railroad track after trekking through some dirt and trees was quite a feat (So was reading that sentence in one breath).

I'm not sure if you have noticed, but I rarely wear sneakers. But white converse, I can definitely do. I borrowed this pair from my sister (we are conveniently the same size!) and after wearing them for a day, I'm ready to get my own pair!

Hope you all enjoyed the long (and very hot) long weekend!

The Fourth + 20% off

Ruche Skirt and Sandals, H&M top and sunglasses, Target tote, Kate Spade Live Colofully perfume

Independence Day usually means patriotic colors, a long-awaited 3-day weekend, and, of course, BBQ. This year, we had our share of BBQs a weekend early with our closest friends and family. I don't know what it is about burgers and corn on the cob that brings about such a fun and summery atmosphere, but hey, I'm not complaining. Honestly, I could eat burgers (and pizza) for the rest of my life. My favorite? Anything spicy with lots of avocado and olives. How about you? 

PS. It's barely 9:30am, but can you tell I'm already hungry? 

Midi skirts are huge right now, and I'm in love with this one from Shopruche.com! It was the perfect base for a July 4th inspired look. Paired with a basic striped tee and my new favorite wedges (also from Shopruche.com), it's easy to take from work to the weekend. 

Love this look? Get the skirt, sandals, and lots of other great pieces for 20% off sitewide on Shopruche.com with my code: IMAN20. Valid until 7/31! 

Enjoy shopping and the short work week! 

Polka Dots and Pleats

Forever 21 skirt and sweater, Target tote, Ruche shoes, Francesca's necklace

Writer's Block? Yes, it exists. For example, right now when I literally can't think of anything to write. Maybe it's because it's Monday, maybe it's because I haven't had breakfast yet. But today, I'll just leave you wishing you a positive start into the second quarter of the year. Yes, you heard that right. We are already a quarter of the way done with 2014. Blew your mind? Mine too.

I had been searching for a pleated maxi skirt everywhere, and when I found this one at Forever 21, I knew I couldn't leave without it. It's feminine, pretty, and easily paired with so many things. I wore it for the first time in Las Vegas a few weeks ago with a basic t-shirt and a leather bomber jacket=my favorite combo. This time, I paired it with a chunky sweater and necklace to match. How would you style a pleated maxi? Share in the comments below!

Also, special shout out to my co-worker Leeda of At This Volume for taking these shots!

Spring Transitional

Old Navy T-shirt, H&M jeans and blazer, Target shoes and tote

It's been a while since I've shared a new outfit post! I finally had a chance to get a quick photoshoot in a couple weeks ago! This has been my transitional Spring outfit. Since the weather has been pretty unpredictable, the blazer and graphic t-shirt combo is so easy for the 90 degree days in March or the chillier evenings. Plus, I love t-shirts with positive messages that keep me going all day!

Also, these nude open toe booties are my absolute favorite purchase of the season. They basically make any outfit look put-together, and several random people on the street have stopped me to tell me they love my shoes. The best part: they are from Target!! I'm pretty sure I raved about them in my Travel Must Haves post, but they are worth talking about again!

A little catch up on my life: 

• February and March were extremely busy months in planning our engagement party! I can't believe it's almost April. Check out some sneak peeks of photos on my Instagram from the party!
• Wedding season has officially begun! And even though it's not our wedding that is being planned (yet), it's still fun to start gathering inspiration and ideas!
• I wore white pants last week, and I'm so glad that it's finally that time of year again to start pulling out my spring and summer clothes!

ModCloth Polyvore Challenge

Hi everyone! I know, I know, I didn't post on Monday this week like I usually do, but hey, we all need a break sometimes, right? Right. I know what you're thinking: "excuses, excuses, Iman." But don't think I forgot about you all! I'm back today with something super exciting!

Last week, ModCloth reached out to me to participate in their Uniquely You Polyvore Campaign/Contest, and I am so excited! They asked me to create an ensemble around the the Shoreline Memories Dress, and I had so much fun browsing their site to design an outfit. I also may or may not have added several items to my wish list during this process!

ModCloth Shoreline Memories Dress by imans22

The first thing I thought of when looking at this dress was nautical.  The sailor-esque collar, classic print, and the yellow details...I mean, it must be called the Shoreline Memories Dress for a reason, right? But, I never like the idea of taking themes literally. So, instead of gravitating toward bright red and navy blue, I went with a softer and more nautical-inspired and Spring appropriate look. 

Shoes: What screams spring better than the color mint? No matter how many times we see it every single spring, it really never goes out of style. Mint with mustard? An unexpected combination, but one that reminds me of collecting seashells along the sunny beach.

Jewelry: Ok, so the knot bracelet may be a little bit more literal than I had hoped. But, it's subtle enough so that it doesn't make you look like you're wearing a sailor costume! Plus a little knot detail and some gold sparkle never hurt anyone. The earrings tie in with the mint in the wedges, and don't they remind you of the helm (steering wheel) of a ship?!

Purse: I love the color blocking in this bag. The black complements the black print of the dress, while the light brown helps soften the look to work with the mint details. And how cute is the floral detailing that picks up on the mint shoes and jewelry? And of course, the little gold bow is simply perfect for a bit of sparkle to match the jewelry. 

Hope you all enjoy my outfit!

Sparkly Simple Nothings

My day planner for 2014

On my drive back to my apartment last night, I was lucky enough to see the Disney Land fireworks show. It was brief, since I was driving past them (and had to keep my eyes on the road), but there's something about these loud, colorful bursts of light that never fails to make me smile. It's almost as if those 10 minutes of the fireworks show drown out everything else, and remind you that there are still bright and happy things in life. 

So, inspired by the glittering lights in the sky (and the Oscars last night of course), I decided to share some of my current favorite sparkly things, since there is never a such thing as too much sparkle!

And since it's Monday, and we all need a little extra inspiration, my (and the rest of the internet's) current fav quote: 

"No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid" ~Lupita Nyong'o, Oscars 2014

Clutches and weddings: 2 sparkly things I can't get enough of

Gold glitter die-cut letters showing my sentiments for these bright lipsticks- Can you tell I'm ready for Spring?!

This necklace that I somehow manage to match with everything!

Currently Craving: Perfect Pleats

I have been in love with pleated anything lately! I love how feminine and flowy these maxi skirts and dresses are, but also how versatile they are. I love pairing these girly pieces with slightly tougher, leather jackets or more casual t-shirts. Recently, I purchased a pleated peach maxi skirt from Forever 21, and I can't wait to share how I styled it with you! 

This weekend, I caught up on sleep, tv shows, and laundry. After a crazy busy week in Las Vegas last week, a relaxing weekend was exactly what I needed to come back fresh and ready to work. This week, I'm looking forward to the return of Grey's Anatomy! Seriously though, who else has been waiting for the 27th?! I feel like February goes by so quickly, even though it's only a couple days shorter! This year, I'm kind of excited because I've been looking forward to March :)

Happy Monday, friends!

*all images found on Pinterest

14 Travel Must Haves

Hi Everyone! Today, I'm on my way to Las Vegas to attend Magic, one of the biggest apparel tradeshows. This is my first time going, and I have been looking forward to it for weeks now! Last week was a really busy week in preparation for this trip in the office, with the most important question (naturally) being "What are you going to wear?!" After finally deciding on my wardrobe for the week, I realized there were other things that are just as important--like how much stuff would overflow into my carry on bag. So of course, my real carry-on items needed to be absolutely essential in order for my extra pairs of shoes and purses to come with me!

Here's a list of my travel must haves:

1. Lip Balm--This rose salve is my new favorite! It's hydrating, moisturizing, and has a subtle pink tint.

2. Painkillers--or any other necessary medicine you might need. Headaches always come at a bad time, so be prepared with a travel sized bottle. I usually put all the various pills I might need into one bottle to save space.

3. Hair Spray--Is it just me, or does airplane air make your hair a completely static-y mess? I swear by the Loreal Paris Elnett hairspray, and I love that comes in this super cute travel sized bottle!

4. Make up wipes--These are perfect for cleaning up make up and refreshing yourself after a long flight!

5. Tissues--You do not want to be the passenger with the runny nose during the entire flight. 

6. Lip gloss--A pretty pink is perfect to add some color to your face after getting off that long flight, especially if you have somewhere to go straight from the airport.

7. Hand cream--No one likes dry hands!

8. Hand sanitizer--Who knows who has sat in that seat or touched that tray table?!

9. Magazines--Definitely help pass the time!

10. Sunnies--Hide those tired eyes, and look good while doing it!

11. Comfortable, yet Chic shoes--Can I just say I am absolutely obsessed with these nude open toe booties? And the fact that they match with literally everything and are super comfortable makes them a total win in my book. Oh, and did I mention I got them at Target? I hope you're on your way there now. 

12. Scarf--Or a cardigan. or both. Planes are always cold. Enough said. 

13. Graphic tee--Cozy and a conversation starter, especially if you're traveling alone.

14. Tote--Something durable and stylish to carry everything in! 

Fig & Olive

Ruche coated jeans and fedora, Francesca's blouse, Urban Outfitters bag, Cathy Jean suede pumps

The seasons are definitely starting to change, and I have the tickle in my throat and uncontrollable sneezes to prove it. So, today's post will be short and sweet so I can recover from this cold as soon as possible! 

I recently wore this ensemble to dinner at Fig & Olive--which was absolutely delicious, yet I still don't know how I managed to leave without eating a single olive?! Most of the pieces in this outfit have been in my closet for a long time, but I love how I could add a few updates like the hat and red lipstick to make them feel new!

As Valentine's Day approaches, please don't feel like you have to go all out this Friday for all the special people in your lives. As cliche as it sounds, love is something you share and show every day of the year, not a random day in the middle of February! With that said, you know I'll still be festive with lots of reds and pinks on Friday!

So to all my family, friends, and fiancé: I love you all and wouldn't be who I am without you! <3