Vintage Style

Most trends are cyclical, moving in and out of vogue over time. What was fashionable for an older generation, i.e. bellbottoms, may be a dreaded faux pas later; yet some pieces are so iconic that they have made repeated encores. Here are a few examples of style fads that have made impressive comebacks:

Oversized Sunglasses

oversized sunglasses, vintage style

oversized sunglasses

High Waisted Bathing Suit

high waisted bathing suit

high waisted bathing suit

Square Scarf

square scarf

square scarf, vintage style

Beret

beret, vintage style

beret, vintage style

Pea Coat

Pea Coat

pea coat

Wide Leg Pant

wide leg pant

wide leg pant

Oversized Sun Hat

oversized sun hat

oversized sun hat

Off The Shoulder

off the shoulder dress

off the shoulder dress

Crop top

crop top

crop top

LBD

Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress

High Waisted Jeans

high waisted jeans

high waisted jeans

Asymmetrical Shoulders

asymmetrical dress

asymmetrical dress

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” —Coco Chanel

Put Together

jeans, crop top, heels, cardigan, forever 21, urban outfitters, nordstrom, clarks, california, santa cruz, sc, ca, feminine, curly hair, jewelry, photography, nikon, d5300, 35mm, portrait, fashion

I have always been told that I look “put together”, and it’s something I strive for when I am getting dressed each day. It doesn’t mean that everything matches perfectly, or that I have a million accessories on, but instead that everything together creates one, unified look.

jeans, crop top, heels, cardigan, forever 21, urban outfitters, nordstrom, clarks, california, santa cruz, sc, ca, feminine, curly hair, jewelry, photography, nikon, d5300, 35mm, portrait, fashion

I have a few tricks that can make this process a little bit easier. 1) Always start planning your outfit at the basics—the shirt and jeans, the skirt and top, etc. For instance, if you’re wearing a pair of high waisted jeans, choose a crop top. If the baseline of your outfit looks off, then your whole ensemble will suffer.

jeans, crop top, heels, cardigan, forever 21, urban outfitters, nordstrom, clarks, california, santa cruz, sc, ca, feminine, curly hair, jewelry, photography, nikon, d5300, 35mm, portrait, fashion

2) Match your shoes to your blouse. This doesn’t have to be a perfect color match—it could mean that stylistically they go really well together. For example, a lot of jobs allow you to wear jeans to the office, but you still need to look professional. To do this, wear a button down top and a pair of pointy toe pumps. The top and shoes always signify the mood of your look.

jeans, crop top, heels, cardigan, forever 21, urban outfitters, nordstrom, clarks, california, santa cruz, sc, ca, feminine, curly hair, jewelry, photography, nikon, d5300, 35mm, portrait, fashion

3) Pick one statement piece. In the look I’m wearing, I chose the bell sleeve cardigan. You want something that stands out from the rest—something that draws the eye in, but still subtle enough that onlookers won’t be able to pinpoint it. This goes for jewelry too. Have you ever heard the famous Coco Chanel saying, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”? Overdoing it is an easy mistake to make. Wearing just one statement piece of jewelry is a good way to play it safe, be it a dramatic earring or a beautiful necklace—you can’t go wrong.

jeans, crop top, heels, cardigan, forever 21, urban outfitters, nordstrom, clarks, california, santa cruz, sc, ca, feminine, curly hair, jewelry, photography, nikon, d5300, 35mm, portrait, fashion

On Me: Similar Nordstrom Cardigan

Similar Clarks Shoes

Forever Top

Urban Jeans

The Utility Jacket

gap utility jacket, bdg jeans, lucky brand shoes, nine west cross body

I’ve been trying to find a cute, everyday utility jacket for a long time. I wanted something that was light enough to be worn year round, but also heavy enough to keep me warm on a chilly day. This Gap jacket fit my requirements perfectly.

gap utility jacket, bdg jeans, lucky brand shoes, nine west cross body

Utility jackets can often be a little too masculine for my liking, but this one was cut in a more feminine way. It’s both cropped and loosely fitted, which adds a little extra style than a typical cut.

gap utility jacket, bdg jeans, lucky brand shoes, nine west cross body

I love the versatile collar too. I’ve been wearing it untucked recently, but folded down is great for a warmer day. All in all, I highly recommend investing in this closet staple–especially if you’re living in a city like San Fransisco that’s freezing one minute and hot the next.

gap utility jacket, bdg jeans, lucky brand shoes, nine west cross body

On Me: Gap Jacket

BDG Jeans

Lucky Brand Shoes

Nine West Crossbody 

Wine Tasting

Jean Jacket, Black Jeans, Booties, Crop Top

This weekend Joel and I went wine tasting at the Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room in Davenport.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

We had a great time. With each sip, we tried to guess the notes for each wine–a perfect date night activity.

Bonny Doon Vineyard

We even ended up walking away with two bottles: the 2014 Old Telegram (Joel’s pick) and the 2013 Vinferno (my pick, obviously a dessert wine).

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

I always envisioned my first wine tasting expedition up in the Napa heat, with a floral print dress blowing in the wind. Since this was a spur of the moment idea, we decided to stay local. Therefore, I modified my idyllic outfit vision for the Santa Cruz wine tasting experience.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

This weekend really cooled off, so I opted for a pair of booties, jeans, and a denim jacket.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

I fit right in with the laid back and casual look of Santa Cruz.

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

If you’re ever in town, I highly recommend trying this place. They were informative, fun, and friendly. What more could you ask for?

BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap high waisted black jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” -Benjamin Franklin

On Me: BDG Denim Jacket, Urban Crop Top, Gap Jeans, Lucky Brand Booties

Suede

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

Suede is the perfect material for a Summer jacket.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

It’s lighter than a leather, but still edgy.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

During the colder months, I love to add my leather jacket to any outfit. It’s a statement piece that takes jeans and a t-shirt to the next level.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

The Summer months are way too hot for leather, unfortunately. Luckily for me, I discovered this replacement suede jacket from Bar III.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

I love the simplicity in it. Without too much going on, the cut and shape of the jacket complements any figure.

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

Not only is this jacket flattering, but it’s also versatile. You can pair it with jeans or a dress–day or night. Definitely an essential for your closet!

Suede Jacket, High waisted jeans, Wedge,  Crop Top

On Me: Bar III Suede Jacket

Urban Jeans

Lucky Brand Sandals

Reflection

Since it is now 2016, I think it is appropriate to reflect on some of my favorite blog posts–going all the way back to the beginning! I love looking back and seeing how my style has evolved. I’m proud of these looks. This blog has been a wonderful outlet, and I’m so excited for what’s to come!

Happy New Year!!!

Urban Dress

Urban Outfitters Dress

Express Top

Express Top

Zara Heels

Zara Heels

Levi's Jeans

Levi’s Jeans

Urban Outfitters Pants

Urban Outfitters Pants

H&M Jacket

H&M Jacket

Target Purse

Target Purse

Nordstrom Crop Top

Nordstrom Crop Top

Cathy Jean Booties

Cathy Jean Booties

Lucky Brand Boyfriend Jeans

Lucky Brand Boyfriend Jeans

Cotton On Scarf

Cotton On Scarf

Target Dress

Target Dress

Sundance Earrings

Sundance Earrings

Urban Outfitters Pants

Urban Outfitters Pants

Brandy Melville Dress

Brandy Melville Dress

American Apparel Top

American Apparel Top

The Sak Purse

The Sak Purse

Brandy Melville Hat

Brandy Melville Hat

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” -Rachel Zoe

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

Confidence

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

“Everything you can imagine is real.”
― Pablo Picasso

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

What does a day off from work call for? A photoshoot…duh!

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

Believe it or not, but this look didn’t have much prep work put into it!

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

I woke up with BED HEAD (didn’t brush my hair after the shower), and decided to curl my hair…it worked out better than expected! Then I put on my “dress up” crop top, some high waisted jeans, Freshman Year Formal heels from Bunny’s Shoes (my favorite hometown shoe shop), and called it a day!

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

It’s amazing what dressing up and getting out of the house can do for the soul! Photoshoots have surprisingly been one of my most favorite aspects of blogging.

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

I used to hate having my picture taken, but after a while I learned to experiment and found an assurance in myself that I had always lacked.

Plum Nordstrom Crop Top, High Waisted Black Abercrombie Jeans, Peep Toe Heels

We live in such a divine place, and I have gained confidence just from realizing that I am a small part of this world.

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