New Year’s Resolutions for 2019

New Year's Resolutions, Santa Cruz Mountains,

Though Santa Cruz was spared during the recent fires that engulfed most of California, I couldn’t help but feel affected by what was happening to my neighbors. When you see friends, family, and strangers lose everything, you can’t help but be reminded of what’s truly important in life.

New Year's Resolutions, Santa Cruz Mountains,

We live in such a fast paced time where we are constantly in a high speed race to get the best job, nicest digs, and start our lives that we forget that our lives have already begun.

New Year's Resolutions, Santa Cruz Mountains,

As one of the girls who is guilty of  spending most of her time obsessing over the finish line rather than the race itself, I have decided that I am going to try to focus on what really matters to me in the present moment over the coming year. Everything else is just icing. Without further ado, here is my mindful New Year’s Resolutions list:

New Year's Resolutions, Santa Cruz Mountains,

Make more time for friends and family

Do something nice for somebody every day

Give back

Travel

Face my fears every chance I get

Work hard

Take care of myself

Be kind

Learn something new every day

Be happy

New Year's Resolutions, Santa Cruz Mountains,

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller

Fall Scarves

Summer is turning to fall quickly this year, and I’m more than ready for the shift of seasons. One of my favorite fall fashion pieces is scarves. They can dress up and add style to an average look, and their cozy feel is comforting on a brisk, chilly morning. Living under the redwoods, I find myself wearing a big, warm scarf at home in my loungewear on most fall evenings. One of my favorite fall looks is a messy bun or ponytail and a scarf, perfect for days when I am not up for doing my hair. If you’re not on the scarf bandwagon yet, keep scrolling for major scarf inspiration.

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fall, scarves

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

fall, scarves

“Put on a sweater and really great sneakers with a big scarf, and you’ll look so stylish. For me, they are an everyday essential.” —Meghan Markle

Fall Fashion Inspo

Now that we are heading into late August, I’ve got Autumn on the brain. Usually Santa Cruz has an Indian Summer, but I find myself longing for cooler evenings, oversized sweaters, and hot apple cider. To feed my craving, I’ve rounded up some of the most fitting Fall inspiration finds from Pinterest. If these looks don’t get you in the mood to go pumpkin picking and sit by the fire with your favorite mystery book, I don’t know what will. 

fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall
fall fashion, fall

“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” 

― J.K. RowlingHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Royal Replica

Meghan Markle, Royal Wedding, Wedding Dress

I’ve been intrigued by Harry and Meghan since news first broke that they were seeing each other, and the footage of the royal wedding was so fun to watch. It’s like a modern day twist on a childhood fairytale, because this charming prince met a mature, self-made woman with a story and style of her own. 

She’s gone from girl next-door to Hollywood glam to Kensington Palace, and her Givenchy wedding dress by Clare Waight Keller really spoke to who she was. It was classic and contemporary at the same time, with an elegance and simplicity that reflected her persona perfectly–no frills or embellishments, yet beautiful. What was even more lovely to me was her sophisticated reception dress by Stella McCartney. The halter cut was so sexy and chic. I immediately started looking for something similar to enjoy this summer. Here’s a few options I’ve found that might work for us commoners:

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Nordstrom

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Nordstrom

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Neiman Marcus

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Zulily

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Bergdorf Goodman

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Nordstrom

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Nordstrom

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Lilly Pulitzer

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

Gilt

royal wedding, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Wedding Dress

New York & Co.

“You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women.” –Meghan Markle (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

How To Style Boyfriend Jeans

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Create a one to one and a half inch cuff a couple inches above your ankle to achieve the trendy cropped look (if jeans are longer then fold over twice).

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Pair with structured or fitted top (in my case structured) to compliment the loose and unshapely bottoms.

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Add a heel to make your legs appear longer.

boyfriend jeans, topshop button down, heeled sandals, nature, spring

Accessorize for elevation.

On Me: 

Lucky Brand Jeans/ Topshop Blouse/ Life Stride Sandals/ Nine West PurseMarc Jacobs Sunnies

Check out some more boyfriend jeans outfit inspo:

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

how to style boyfriend jeans

“Jeans represent democracy in fashion.” — Giorgio Armani

Spring Decor

It’s no secret that this year’s shift to spring has really been inspiring my style! Winter felt extra long, so I’m finding this transition easier than in the past. Not only am I incorporating spring looks into my wardrobe, but I feel motivated to dress up the house a bit too. One trend in particular has been bombarding my Instagram feed non-stop—plants. You might be thinking that owning a few plants is in fact not a new notion at all, but rather a very old and common tradition, and yes you’re right, but it seems that my fellow Millennials have taken the effort to a whole new level. Plants are no longer just an accent piece here and there to help brighten the room and clean the air, but instead, are the main attraction. I don’t think I’ll be turning my home into a green house anytime soon but I’m definitely going to add some much needed greenery to my surroundings, and what better time than April to start? Check out some amazing plant decor inspo to help bring out your green thumb too:

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

spring, decor, plants, homes, green, april

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir

Athleisure Sneakers

The athleisure trend has been in full force for a while now, and though controversial to some, I’m 100% supportive of the movement! Especially when traveling and living in San Francisco, I found myself grateful many times that wearing sneakers with a stylish outfit was considered fully acceptable and even in vogue. After contemplating the new fad, I realized that the sneakers are, in fact, the defining piece to achieving the athleisure look! Think about it…no matter what you’re wearing—be it a dress, pea coat, or jeans—adding chic sneakers takes your style from everyday to sporty. And yes, some take the trend a bit more seriously by wearing their full on workout clothing and just adding a cute jacket to the mix, but when looking at the full spectrum of athleisure outfits, all you really need are some stylish sneakers to fulfill the requirements. In my hopes of supporting practical fashions, I thought I would share the perfect athleisure sneakers for a little extra inspiration! Check them out: 

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

B.Ø.C.

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Calvin Klein

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Nike

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Toms

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Dr. Scholl’s

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Aldo

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

FitFlop

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Ecco

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Nike

athleisure, sneakers, comfortable, fashion

Dr. Scholl’s

“Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.”― Coco Chanel

Long Skirts for the Modern Girl

When I was younger, I always kept my distance from long skirts. I felt they were restraining, unshapely, and one of the many fads from the 19th century that I didn’t want to revisit. Fast forward to 2018 when long skirts have completely reinvented themselves, and now they are not only breathable and flattering, but also versatile. They provide options for styling an outfit in a myriad of ways—from sporty to professional and everywhere in between. It’s fun experimenting with them. Check out some of my favorite long skirt trends thus far:
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P.S. Urban Outfitters and ModCloth have a ton of great options right now—just in time for Spring!

Silk Scarves

When I was in Paris this Summer, I was immensely inspired to upgrade my daily look. The Parisians know how to elevate their style effortlessly with a bold lip color or fun accessory. One element I noticed again and again was their creativity when it came to silk scarves. Paris is known for the classic silk scarf tied around the neck, but my visit proved they have broadened their signature look quite a bit. If you’re like me and constantly try to emulate a Parisian, check out a few simple ways adding a silk scarf to your wardrobe can do just that…

Classic

Silk Scarves, Paris

Headband

Silk Scarves, Paris

Hair Tie

Silk Scarves, Paris

Loose Classic

Silk Scarves, Paris

Shrug

Silk Scarves, Paris

Bracelet

Silk Scarves, Paris

Anklet

Silk Scarves, Paris

Vintage

Silk Scarves, Paris

Belt Loop

Silk Scarves, Paris

Purse

Silk Scarves, Paris

“I wanted to be a certain kind of woman. I became that kind of woman.” —Diane Von Furstenberg

Statement Earrings

As Winter starts winding down, I’m beginning to plan for Spring. I have already started coming up with warm weather outfits in my head involving floral prints, cropped jeans, and flowy skirts. Aside from clothing, accessories are also something I enjoy experimenting with each season. There are so many trends to look out for—one of my favorites being statement earrings. I feel like everywhere I turn I notice a different influencer sporting a bold, beautiful piece of jewelry on their ear and I’m eager to join in the fun. Normally, I’m attracted to a simple stud or modest dangle, but in the spirit of Spring, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I love the way a statement earring can make an average outfit pop. If you still don’t believe me, take a look at some inspiring earrings that will make you want to indulge in a new pair or two for yourself.

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Taoleistatement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kendra Scott

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Ettika

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kate Spade

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kenneth Jay Lane

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Shashi

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Carousel Jewels

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Carousel Jewels

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Goodnight Macaroon

statement earrings, jewelry, spring, bold

Kendra Scott

“Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique.” –Jennie Kwon