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!

Plaid Layering

Kohl's flannel, clutch, and necklace, Forever 21 sweater and jeans, Rock and Republic pumps

Oh, a Monday morning after a crazy weekend is exactly that: a Monday morning. And by that I mean, no groceries in the house, barely any clean laundry, and blaming the alarm clock for being late--even though we all know you hit the snooze one too many times. But, it's these kinds of mornings that keep me going--When I know I can handle the crazy when it gets to be too much. It's having something to hold on too--a perfect memory, an extraordinary day in the middle of all the ordinary, or a special someone's smile--that keeps us moving forward on these frantic mornings. 

Happy February, friends! Here's wishing you a month filled with love, lots of reds and pinks, and obnoxiously socially acceptable amounts of chocolate!

Purple Pumps

Ruche blouse, H&M pants and pumps, Forever 21 bag, Kate Spade watch and bangle, Target earrings

Yup, I have purple pumps on. Who buys purple shoes? Well, apparently, this girl. I saw these pointed toe heels at H&M last year, and I didn't buy them until three visits later. I debated between these ones and the black ones, and usually I would have gone with the more practical choice of black. But clearly, practicality lost this battle. I guess I was on the whole Radiant Orchid trend way before Pantone ;)

The weekend always goes by too fast. This weekend I watched lots of movies and TV and caught up on several things that had been forgotten for too long. It was a couple days full of lots of ideas, creativity, and plans that I can't wait to share with you all! This week is going to be a busy one, but I'm looking forward to it. Well, more like to the end of it, as usual. Is it Friday, yet? 

Happy Monday, friends!

Life Lessons

Ruche blouse and jacket, Forever 21 sweater and scarf, Jessica Simpson skinnies, Ralph Lauren boots, Steve Madden tote, Target sunglasses and quilted gloves

A few weeks ago, my family and I took a day trip up to Big Bear Lake. Even though it wasn't cold enough for snow, I was still able to layer up and accessorize/stay warm with gloves and boots. I've been loving the combination of olive and blush pink, and I like how the softness of this knit infinity scarf pairs with the tougher feel of this faux leather and suede moto jacket and aviators. The brown-toned boots, bag, and scarf further helped to soften this look, and were ideal for this mini road trip. 

We spent the day taking lots of pictures, eating, and complaining about how cold it was. There was some manmade snow, so some of us went sledding, but most of our group went on a fun hike. 

Life lesson of the day: Don't wear shoes with heels through the woods. In my defense, I did wear leggings under my jeans, so I was somewhat prepared!  

Holiday Party

Forever 21 dress (old) and purse, Zara Coat, Francesca's necklace, H&M belt, Cathy Jean pumps

On Saturday, I went to my work holiday party. It was the first holiday party I've ever attended, so of course, picking what to wear was a nightmare, and my room was left looking like a tornado attacked. I ended up going with a pretty literal interpretation of "holiday" and picked a basic red dress and accessorized with ivory and gold. A pop of green with my envelope crossbody was perfect to carry my ID, keys and lipstick.

After 2 hours of traffic, we spent the evening eating, chatting, and playing games at Dave & Busters--it was a great night and I'm so glad I decided to go! Plus, I came home with a snazzy stainless steel travel mug (worth 750 tickets), so I'd say it was a pretty good night.

I get 3 days off of work, so I'm spending the first half of this week with friends and family (and lots of food, naturally). 

Happy holidays everyone! 

Minty Fresh

Forever 21 mint maxi dress, H&M hot pink blazer and gold braided belt, Target wedges, Kate Spade Gold watch

I wore this colorful ensemble a few weeks ago, the day before graduation. All of my friends and I wanted to take a few final group photos before we all graduated and went our own ways. Of course, the one day we actually all dressed up to get in front of the camera, the photos just didn't seem to come out the way we wanted. Yet, it's funny how even though the photos we hoped to capture some fun moments in didn't work out, we still managed to create so many memories that didn't need photographs to be remembered. 

I had also planned to wear this cropped pink blazer the next day at graduation, but I guess I couldn't wait another day. I mean, new clothes sitting unworn in shopping bags for more than a few days? Blasphemy. It worked out to my advantage though, because it was so hot at graduation anyway that more than one layer of clothing was simply too much under that bulky gown. I love how life has its own ways of working itself out whether its for lifelong memories or my life-altering blazer issues. 

Weekend Wear

Kohl's polka dot chambray, H&M white jeans and sunglasses, Old Navy flats, Forever 21 earrings, Michael Kors white watch

I wore this outfit last week for a day of full of shopping, eating, and movies. I'm pretty sure it was a Tuesday, but I woke up thinking it was a weekend. I even had brunch on said Tuesday afternoon. The days all seem to blend together in the summer, and every day feels like Saturday, so why not dress (and eat) like it? White pants, breezy button downs, and colorful flats have been my go-to weekend wear this summer. Or everyday wear, I guess, since I apparently can't tell the difference between Tuesdays and Saturdays anymore. 

On a side note, this chambray is my new favorite top and it matches with just about everything! I have been looking for the perfect chambray for as long as I can remember. When I found this one with tiny white dots--well, you know me and polka dots-- it had to come home with me. 

Happy Monday everyone! Is it the weekend yet??

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. 

Gray Pants

Forever 21 Lace Peplum Top and necklace, H&M gray skinnies, Steve Madden clutch, Rock and Republic pumps, Kate Spade gold watch

With Graduation right around the corner, I have been completely swamped with final papers and assignments for this final quarter at UCI. So basically, blue jeans and cotton t-shirts have been my wardrobe staple lately. I wore this blue and gray ensemble the night of my birthday for a dinner at Sol, a fancy Mexican restaurant. Since then, these pants have become a new favorite. I never thought gray jeans could be so versatile, but I've worn them to meetings, concerts, and out to dinner multiple times, and I just can't get enough of them. Worn with darker colors they are perfect for the evening, and with a white button down and a colorful heel, they are completely appropriate for a day of meetings and errands. 

I still can't believe I'm graduating next week. I'm looking forward to going dress shopping. Yes, I still don't have a dress. or shoes. Impulse buys will be my favorite this week. Or anytime, really.  

twenty-one

Nordstrom dress, Forever 21 denim jacket, H&M necklace, Kate Spade handbag

Every year, I pick out a "birthday outfit" with accessories and shoes to match weeks before May 22nd comes around. This year was the first time I had absolutely no time to pick an outfit! But by a surprising coincidence, the gifts that I was so lucky to receive from my friends and family all came together to create this casual and colorful outfit. My favorite color combination--coral and mint--was perfect for a a warm spring birthday and a morning of browsing Fashion Island and eating my favorite waffles at La Pain Quotidien.  

I spent the day eating, shopping, and eating some more (of course). I am so blessed to have to have so many loving people in my life who made me feel like a princess last week. From surprise dinners to unexpected gifts, I cannot show how thankful and fortunate I am to have you all in my life.