Red, White, & Blue

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Every year my family plans a big 4th of July get together, and it’s always a great time, but this year Joel and I couldn’t make it. At first I was bummed but then I realized this was the first time we could start creating our own traditions.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

After brainstorming about how we should spend the day, we decided on a miniature road trip—no surprise there. Joel loves driving, and I love being a passenger on scenic backroads and exploratory adventures.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

As we headed Southbound on HWY 1, we looked out over the coast and also drove through various parades that were taking place in each town. 

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Once we got to Carmel, we parked and went for a nice walk along the cliff. We enjoyed having the time to take our time and spend it a little more quietly than we usually did on Independence Day. That night we listened to fireworks going off in the distance from the comfort of our bed, content with how the day turned out. Even though things were different, they were still good.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

On Me: 

Nars Heat Wave Lipstick

Forever Blouse

Urban Sweater

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Articles of Society Jeans

Elk Wallet

Spring Uniform

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a fashion rut. Picking out my outfit each morning has become increasingly difficult.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I find myself growing tired of the usual spring trends such as crop tops and ripped jeans. When I was younger I was always the first one to hop on the most recent fashion fad and stay on until something cooler was in style. Now that I’m transitioning into my mid twenties, I am less eager to wear the latest and greatest and more inclined to put on something timeless and classic.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

Enter the white button down, a good pair of jeans, and a versatile flat. This outfit has turned into my spring uniform quickly. It’s something I continuously gravitate towards when nothing else seems to fit my day or mood.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

I love this look because it feels like something that Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 50s, yet still has a relevant appeal. It can be worn casually or make a strong statement at work or when out to dinner. It’s effortless and understated while still managing to turn heads.

spring, white button down, jeans, brown flats, marc jacobs sunnies, nine west purse

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo da Vinci

On Me: Express Top

Urban Jeans

White Mt. Flats

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Nine West Purse

Spring Sweaters

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

This time of year is always difficult to dress for—especially in the Bay Area. It starts out chilly and overcast, and by 1pm it’s 73 degrees and sunny.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

That’s why it’s so important to own a lightweight sweater that can help make the cold to warm transition effortless.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

I’m wearing my grandma’s vintage Eddie Bauer sweater. It’s the perfect amount of material to keep me warm in the morning but loose enough that I’m cool in the afternoon. My favorite aspect is the bright, white color that doesn’t attract the sun.

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style, jeans, mules, sunnies, crossbody bag

My sweater is no longer available, but here are similar alternatives ideal for spring:

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Tory Burch

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Free People

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

spring, sweaters, summer, spring style

Revolve

On Me: Articles of Society Jeans

Universal Thread Mules

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.” 

― L.M. Montgomery

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

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

The Sleeveless Turtleneck

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

I love the retro look of sleeveless turtlenecks. I find them incredibly flattering and stylish.

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

When I was in elementary school, and my mom still helped me pick out my outfits for the day, she used to always suggest I wear a turtleneck. At the time, I refused with all my might. Now, I reach for them all the time and laugh at the irony.

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

Sleeveless turtlenecks are perfect for the hotter months of the year, when you still want the same look of a turtleneck without the extra warmth.

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

On a side note, I love the way black and brown complement each other. I know that’s an unpopular opinion—to each their own. To me, there’s something so effortless about the combo.

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

Whenever I wear this top, I pair it with a simple outfit—jeans, low heels, and cat eye sunglasses. Everything fits together seamlessly, putting a vintage spin on the classic jeans and a tank top style.

sleeveless turtleneck, jeans, heeled sandals, cat eye sunglasses, nordstrom, ootd, nine west cross body purse, California, blogger, style, fashion

Shop my look: slide sandals/ jeans/ top/ purse/sunglasses

Summer Slides

red sweatshirt, high waisted jeans, heeled slides, cross body purse

Every summer I find myself slipping into these slides again and again.

red sweatshirt, high waisted jeans, heeled slides, cross body purse

Aside from being incredibly comfortable, they go with everything. I wear them with dresses when I’m going out to dinner, or with jeans on casual day.

red sweatshirt, high waisted jeans, heeled slides, cross body purse

I love the way they elevate a simple outfit like you see here. What would have been the equivalent of a “moving day” outfit is now enhanced to create a cute weekend look.

red sweatshirt, high waisted jeans, heeled slides, cross body purse

Being just under 5 “4”, most of my favorite shoes have a small heel. I have seen a lot of flat slides recently, but this kitten heeled one is perfect for me. It’s high enough to make a difference, but low enough to walk in for long distances.

red sweatshirt, high waisted jeans, heeled slides, cross body purse

Shop my look:

Nine West Jaya Solid Crossbody • Nine West • $44.25
Who What Wear Women’s Carolina Double Band Block Heel Slide Sandals – Who What Wear • Who What Wear • $32.99
Women’s Free People Found My Friend Sweatshirt • Free People • $78
BDG Twig Super High-Rise Skinny Jean – Indigo • BDG • $59

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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 

Jeans and a T-shirt

Target t-shirt, Urban Jeans, Nordstrom Flats

I love being comfortable, but I also love being fashionable. The jeans and a t-shirt look, though very popular, used to bore me. I just thought it wasn’t stylish enough.

Target t-shirt, Urban Jeans, Nordstrom Flats

I started to brainstorm a few ways to elevate the casual look and came up with some ideas. First, opt for high-waisted jeans as opposed to low-rise. Then, try tucking in your t-shirt. You immediately begin to accentuate your figure, adding personality to the outfit.

Target t-shirt, Urban Jeans, Nordstrom Flats

Finally, ditch the sneakers and pick out a pair of feminine flats to balance the look. Before you know it, your outfit will be turning heads.

Target t-shirt, Urban Jeans, Nordstrom Flats

You can find my t-shirt and jeans here and here. My flats are sold out of blush, but here are a few similar options in the color:

nordstrom flats

Marc Fisher

nordstrom flats

Kristin Cavallari

nordstrom flats

Nine West

Sunset

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” —Miuccia Prada