Rules of Thumb

“My rules of thumb are lightness, transparency, and less is more.”

-Francois Nars

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I used to wear SO much make-up in middle school. I had grown up watching my mom apply her make-up every morning, and one day she introduced me to the intriguing routine! I had finally been invited into this new world of women and beauty products.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I found make-up so much fun. It became the event of each slumber party! Unfortunately, I was starting to grow a little too dependent on my addictive new toys.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

At first, it was all about experimenting. I needed to learn how to wear every product! And let’s face it, I liked the result. I had never seen myself under the flawless light. Just as puberty began to hit, I started wearing make-up to school to cover up my acne.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

After a while, I started to feel insecure without any make-up on. Pool parties were my worst enemy.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

By the time high school hit I was in full make-up mode. I’m talking eyeliner and bronzer mode.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

Sophomore year I transferred schools, and it was the best decision I had ever made! I decided it was time for a fresh start–new friends, new place, new me. I rediscovered my love for myself and my make-up.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I realized that make-up shouldn’t be about covering myself up, but instead accentuating who I was.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I started wearing LESS. I started switching up what I experimented with depending on my outfit and occasion. It was fun again–no longer a chore.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

Today, sometimes I just wear lipstick. I like the visibility. I’m not hiding. I’m not trying to impress anybody else. I’m just being me.

“Confidence is the most glamorous thing to me.”

-Francois Nars

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

On Me: Dress

Belt

Sunnies

Wedges

Alternatives

I have always been self-conscious about my legs. It’s been hard for me to find a good pair of shorts that I feel confident in. Most denim shorts are too tight, too short, and fall too low on my waist. Luckily, I have found a few pairs of high-waisted cloth shorts to wear instead.

Abercrombie crop top, Abercrombie high-waisted striped shorts, Gap Strappy Sandals

They are looser, more comfortable, and more flattering.

Abercrombie crop top, Abercrombie high-waisted striped shorts, Gap Strappy Sandals

These alternatives are a lot easier to dress up too! Pair them with the right accessories, and before you know it they are ready for a night out on the town.

Abercrombie crop top, Abercrombie high-waisted striped shorts, Gap Strappy Sandals

The right pattern makes them the best accent piece to bring out on a hot day.

Abercrombie crop top, Abercrombie high-waisted striped shorts, Gap Strappy Sandals

 A crop top and a denim jacket add a classic and simple vibe to the look.

Abercrombie crop top, Abercrombie high-waisted striped shorts, Gap Strappy Sandals

On Me: Abercrombie Shorts & Top

Gap Sandals

Newport Beach

Express crop top, Nordstrom Sunnies, Gap Skirt, Chelsea Crew Sandals, Merona Bag

Our first day in Newport was so wonderful. What I love about SoCal the most is probably the weather. When it is a little overcast and a little foggy the overall temperature is still warm!

Express crop top, Nordstrom Sunnies, Gap Skirt, Chelsea Crew Sandals, Merona Bag

Being down there felt like a dream! The water was clear, the people were easy going, and time didn’t seem to matter as much.

Express crop top, Nordstrom Sunnies, Gap Skirt, Chelsea Crew Sandals, Merona Bag

Though we didn’t venture outside of our lovely state, every day still felt like an exploration. There’s something so exciting about crossing unfamiliar territory.

Express crop top, Nordstrom Sunnies, Gap Skirt, Chelsea Crew Sandals, Merona Bag

 “Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.” – Donatella Versace 

Express crop top, Nordstrom Sunnies, Gap Skirt, Chelsea Crew Sandals, Merona Bag

On Me: Express crop top

Nordstrom Sunnies

Gap Skirt

Chelsea Crew Sandals

Merona Bag

Finally Summer

Today was my first day of Summer! It feels so good to be done with finals and onto a new chapter.

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

This outfit was very much impromptu! I love how easy it can be to dress up a comfortable outfit with a few accessories and a jean jacket!

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

Summertime means binge watching on Netflix and Hulu without feeling guilty, working on my “tan” up at the lake, reading for PLEASURE, and lots and lots of ice cream!

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

In addition, I plan on spending a lot of quality time working on my blog! I can’t wait to have time to experiment with my style again.

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

I recently came across this quote that I found rather thought provoking…

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

Coco Chanel never ceases to amaze me. Just a little fashion for thought, right?!

Jean jacket, long tee, leggings, sandals, hat, brown cross body purse

 On Me: Jacket and Purse

Hat

Leggings

Shirt

Sandals

Dreaming of…

crop top, printed shorts

I am dreaming of Summer.

peach crop top, floral cloth shorts, black flats

I am eager to go up to the lake, lay out on the dock, and feel the sun on my skin.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

The lake reminds me to SLOW DOWN. That’s what inspired this timeless ensemble.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

Sometimes the trick is letting your hair down, wearing something that makes you feel confident, and looking through rose-colored glasses at the ever-evolving world.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

“I enjoy life when things are happening. I don’t care if it’s good things or bad things. That means you’re alive.” – Joan Rivers

On my Sis: Urban Crop Top & Print Shorts

Cathy Jean Flats

Nordstrom Sunnies

Into The Woods

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

These cold Winter days give me a great excuse to experiment with my Summer style.

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

I’m actually wearing a maxi dress! Underneath this cozy sweater, it pairs like a skirt.

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

It’s a lot easier for me to leave my hair natural in the opposing months. You know, you get out of the water all day and putting the extra effort in just seems silly. This time of year, however, the extra effort becomes routine.

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

I decided to break the mold, and it didn’t turn out as awful as I anticipated. Giving my hair a break felt natural, and nature was the perfect setting.

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

Booties are all I seem to want to put on right now. With the warmer play on my outfit, it seemed all the more appropriate…so I just couldn’t resist.

natural hair, black sweater, green maxi dress, tan booties

On Me: Abercrombie Sweater

Urban Dress

Lucky Brand Booties

Foggy Fall

Black Hat and Black Sweater

It’s time to pull back out my hat! The foggy city can do wonders to my hair…

Black Sweater, Black Hat, short hair

This hat brings out the preppy side in me, and that’s NOT a bad thing. It’s fun to step out of my comfort zone.

Black hat, black sweater with blue collar, eggplant pants, black booties, long bob, cross body purse

Adding a pop of color to a simple look makes all the difference, and it really helps me feel confident when I’m experimenting with different outfits.

Black hat, black sweater with blue collar, eggplant pants, black booties, long bob, cross body purse

I’m in a Coco Chanel phase right now, so bare with me.

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” —Coco Chanel

Black hat, black sweater with blue collar, purple pants, black booties, cross body purse

For me, that means bringing out the different sides of myself that I often try to hide…Like bringing back out my favorite hat for the new season. I will not hide beneath the fog.

On me: Brandy Melville Hat

Cotton On Sweater

Urban Outfitters Collared Shirt & Pants

Cathy Jean Booties

The Sak Purse

Burgundy Beneath The Fog

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

A foggy day like this calls for a pop of color to brighten things up.

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

With tight pants, I love a looser top. It’s always fun to find a patterned shirt to match with solid, colored bottoms.

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

Cozy and confident….My whole outfit can be found at Urban Outfitters.

Brown Wedges

Earth-tone wedges are a MUST HAVE in your wardrobe. They are easy to walk in, and add a little something extra to a casual ensemble.

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

Tucking in your top is one of the simplest tricks in the book. It helps make your look a little more edgy, and redefines your curves.

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

Every now and then you land an outfit that makes you feel like yourself. It can be effortless or extravagant, but you’ll know when you find it because you won’t be able to stop smiling when you’re in it.

Burgundy skinny jeans, patterned tank top, wedges, gray sweater

Fit for a sunny day, and an easy match to your favorite gray sweater for when the day turns to night. Burgundy and gray have always gone well together.

All American Girl

Peach button down, boyfriend jeans, American girl

Driving by was not enough. I decided this beautiful apple orchard was the perfect place to pose for a few photos in today’s outfit.

Boyfriend jeans, cotton bottom down, comfy heels

I always try to wear something comfortable when I know I’ll be spending most of the day in the car. Comfortable still means cute, and American Apparel has the best comfy, cotton, collared shirts around.

Collared shirt, Lucky Jeans, apple orchard

Pair the peach button down with your favorite boyfriend style Lucky Brand Jeans and you’re set!

Peach Collared Shirt, Light Washed Jeans

The best types of outfits are the ones that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood or the occasion. To make the outfit even more casual I would have traded my heels in for these flats.

Cotton Collared Button Down, Lucky Brand Boyfriend Jeans

Switching up your hairstyle can also help upgrade or downgrade any look! With dangle earrings, a low bun off to the side adds a touch of maturity. Pull down a few strands around your face to keep the style soft and sensual.

Summer Collared Shirt, Light Washed Jeans

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy is my new obsession! I used the shade called High Roller, and for those of you who don’t like to paint your finger nails because it chips off the next day– SAY NO MORE. This polish lasts AT LEAST a week without a topcoat, something that is unheard of in the world of nail polish.

Light Washed Jeans, Peach Collared Shirt

A great look for a great day.