Four Hours

H&M Sweater, Jessica Simpson skinnies, Charlotte Russe leopard flats, Urban Outfitters purse, Ruche fedora

Weekends dedicated to exploring old favorites call for slouchy sweaters, comfy shoes, and a great hat. These leopard flats literally match with everything, and I have to try really hard not to wear them everyday! I feel like so many people are afraid to wear leopard print, but I've come to discover that it's one of my most basic wardrobe essentials. And now, this hat. I can't say enough about it. But it's amazing how easily a hat can take a basic outfit to the next level.

 It is so crazy how quickly this month is going by! But 2014 is off to a good start--the best part being that I found an apartment! I didn't realize how crucial time is until I started spending almost 4 hours every day in the car on my way to and from work. Yes, you read that right--FOUR. The extra time I have now, since my "commute" is only 20 minutes, is so precious. It's that extra hour of sleep, the moments I get to spend with friends, or the hour every night I can put toward turning my dreams into reality that really matters. Who knew I could get so much done in a few short hours! It's important to take advantage of the time we have right now because once a second passes, it's not coming back. So make sure you make some time for yourself and the people and things that are most important to you this year and for years to come!

Back to School: Transitions

Berry Blazer and stripe blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, H&M white jeans, Ruche green handbag, Rock & Republic white pumps, Target sandals, Tory Burch cuff, Kate Spade watch 

I'm totally obsessed with this berry colored blazer. I know, I say that about a lot of things, but this time I'm serious. It's the perfect transition piece between summer to fall. And it matched with this velvet couch. I mean, what more could you ask for? Here I've worn it with bright white pants, but I can't wait to style it with darker denim and boots as it starts to cool down.

Speaking of transitions, this outfit is great from class to the office. Wear it with cute flats or sandals for a morning of trekking across campus, and swap for a pair of heels when you're headed to your internship or job! Plus, this green structured tote (my new favorite impulse buy!) is the most ideal size for a laptop, a planner and--you know me--a snack!

Speaking of more transitions, I'm moving out of my apartment of 2 1/2 years tomorrow. And I haven't packed up a single thing. Not even a blazer. Which is a problem considering half of my closet is blazers... Oh the predicaments of a style blogger--that should be a blog in itself. Wish me luck guys, and have a good weekend!

Back to School: Dress for Chess

Love Culture blouse, backpack and skirt c/o Charlotte Russe, Jessica Simpson booties, Tory Burch lucite cuff, Kate Spade watch, Dogeared infinity necklace, Target tights and earrings 

Going back to school every year always meant one thing: school supply shopping. The bright colors, blank notebooks, and the distinct school supply smell signified the start of a new year, a new time to learn. Although I'm almost done with school, the idea of a new notebook and pen still gets me so excited to fill the pages with new stories, ideas, and dreams.

I loved the idea of pairing this black and white skirt with a bright blouse, especially emerald green. With the tights and booties, this look is perfect for fall and maybe even a first day of school outfit. This olive green backpack with crochet detailing is practical yet super cute to tote around all your new supplies! I can even fit my laptop inside so it's ideal for a day of a classes or studying at the library. 

Taking photos after such a long time was such a great break from the busy schedule I have as I'm finishing up school. I had so much fun getting these shots on this giant chess board, and the backdrop of this game of strategy and concentration seemed fitting for the first of my Back to School posts in collaboration with Charlotte Russe!

Changes

H&M cropped pants and blazer, blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, Target tote, Cathy Jean wedges, Michael Kors watch

It's already August, and I don't know where the year has gone! 2013 is flying by, and life is moving on so quickly. There are lots of big changes coming my way in the next few months, and I'm hoping that I can face them with a strong mind and heart.  

I love this wrap blouse from Charlotte Russe--and not just because of the polka dots! It's comfortable and flowy, and I can dress it up with a fitted blazer or wear it casual with a colorful and loose cardigan! I'm excited to wear it with boots and scarf in the fall too. There's only about a month of summer left, so I'm savoring the last few days of warm weather before scarves and sweaters start replacing my sandals and t-shirts!

Airport Style

H&M striped top, blazer, and sunglasses, Foreign Exchange jeans, Charlotte Russe necklace, Tory Burch flats, Kate Spade bag and gold watch

I call this my travel outfit. Skinny jeans, a boyfriend blazer, and polished flats. I wore it to the airport a few weekends ago to see off two of my good friends who were moving overseas for a few years. I guess the ride to the airport and back counts as traveling, right? I love looking at "airport style." I mean, who doesn't want to travel comfortably while looking chic? Now, I just need a place to go! 

I had actually left my house without a necklace on. On our way back from the airport, we made a quick stop at the Topanga Mall, and of course, I couldn't come out empty-handed! The necklace matched perfectly with my handbag, so I just couldn't resist!

Cotton Candy

Charlotte Russe mint blouse and white blazer, Forever 21 jeans, bow belt and pink knot earrings, pink Old Navy flats, Kate Spade mint purse and gold watch

This week is barely half over, and I've managed to accomplish so much. I'm pretty impressed considering I just graduated on Saturday, and I'm officially on summer vacation for this week. I slept in this morning, (if 8:30am counts as sleeping in) and it actually felt so good after an extremely busy past few weeks. I'm planning my second graduation party of the summer, so comfort is key for all the running of errands and attending of meetings that is involved. Cropped pants, a comfy blouse, and bright flats are my favorite for days jam-packed with spreadsheets and Pinterest. I wore this outfit a few weeks ago when we were in the middle of putting together the carnival themed graduation party. I think I was inspired by the cotton candy we never actually ended up having at the party, or maybe I just wanted to eat cotton candy. I think we both know it was the second option. 

Back to Basics

Forever 21 blouse, Charlotte Russe blazer, Foreign Exchange skinnies, Target blush pumps, Steve Madden purse

Sometimes the most appealing outfit is the most basic outfit. A breezy printed blouse, dark wash jeans, and a fitted blazer make for the most comfortable yet still put-together ensemble. This outfit took me from class, to a quick lunch, and then to a fun dinner with friends at my favorite restaurant. This top was a gift to me on my 19th birthday, and I am still in love with it. I have worn it in so many different ways! The white blazer was also a gift on my birthday last year--from myself. Who says you can't treat yourself?

I'm looking forward to the light at the end of this I-have-to-write-five-papers-this-week tunnel. I'm having a good Monday so far; hope you all are too!

xoxo, Iman

Citrus

Zara hot pink skinnies, H&M blouse, Charlotte Russe necklace, JustFab bag

I have been searching for this J.Crew-inspired necklace everywhere, so when I finally found it at Charlotte Russe, I was beyond excited. The color, size, and price were all so perfect! This morning, I built my entire outfit around the necklace, and when I put it all together, all I could think of were oranges and grapefruit. All I need now is some yellow sandals for a touch of lemon. The vibrant coral and pink just reminded me of citrus. This calls for a trip to the farmer's market for some fresh fruit. Or a glass of orange juice will have to do for now. 

On another bright note, I posted three times this week! This makes me so happy, because it was my original goal when I started my blog to post at least three times a week. Seems like May has good things in store!

Happy Friday, and have a good weekend!

xoxo, Iman 

Mint

Forever 21 Blouse, Zara mint skinnies, Charlotte Russe bracelet, Fossil watch, Blush boutique bag

I've worn this outfit several times before, so I couldn't believe that I hadn't featured it on the blog earlier! I love peach and mint together, and this is really my go-to outfit when I don't know what to wear. When paired with flats, it's comfortable enough for class, but with some heels and a carry-all bag, it's perfect for a day of meetings. After a weekend full of meetings and events, a little gelato break was well-deserved and much-needed. 

We took a spontaneous trip to Laguna Beach on Sunday and stopped at Gelato Paradiso while we were there. The gelato was delicious and refreshing on such a beautiful day. I usually get cookies and cream or cookie dough, so my friends were surprised when I ordered mint chip. I told them I was being adventurous, but we both knew I just wanted my ice cream to match my pants.  

San Diego: Day 1

Forever 21 striped shirt and trench coat, Target white skinnies, Charlotte Russe fedora, Michael Kors tote and watch

Last weekend, my friends and I made a trip down to San Diego for the weekend. With good friends, delicious food, and barely any sleep, it was such a fun way to start off our long-awaited spring break. Since I knew we would be in the car and walking around a lot, I opted for a comfortable and classic outfit for the day. There is something about stripes and a trench coat that give off an effortlessly chic vibe. Plus this black tote is the perfect size for carrying some snacks and a water bottle for the drive and an extra pair of shoes for exploring the cliffs. 

The first thing we did was eat, of course. We headed down to Old Town San Diego to Cafe Coyote and enjoyed some authentic Mexican food. As you can see below, I clearly was hungry. (But real talk, when am I not hungry?) After that we headed up to the cliffs to enjoy a peaceful moment with the sunset and take fun group pictures. It was a gorgeous view, and I can't wait to come back again soon!

Keep a look out for pictures from day 2!