The End of Summer

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top

I am dreading the end of this season with the beginning of school around the corner.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

I decided to wear something that embraced Summertime to its fullest last night–a 1970s babydoll, flower patterned, peasant top.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

When I think of Summer, I imagine shorts and wedges, loose fitting blouses, natural hair, and sunglasses.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

Trying to grow out my hair has not been easy. I’ve been making an effort to wash it less, try new products, and apply less heat. Fortunately, the dry weather in Grass Valley has been decreasing my hair’s natural tendency to create frizz, allowing me to let it air dry.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

I have also been trying to wear shorts as much as possible, because Foggy San Francisco almost never allows it. It has been so much fun to dress up my shorts with heels. I used to fear the fashion-no-no, but now I have embraced it–making my own rules.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

On Me: Urban Top

Levi’s Shorts

Montego Bay Club Wedges

Nordstrom Sunnies

Lucky Brand Earrings

Summer Style

My Summer Style inspiration has been none other than the great Katharine Hepburn.

katharine hepburn

She screams effortless confidence, and I love trying to find ways to emulate that.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps

There’s something about a wide leg pant that makes me feel together.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps

They speak for themselves. They are comfortable, casual yet classic, and a wardrobe staple (especially this season).

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps

I have been going mostly make-up free this summer–relying heavily on a bold lip to dress up my outfits.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps , target denim jacket

I recently tried out Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in Heathers, and I can’t seem to wear anything else!

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps , target denim jacket

I wear it over a liquid concealer and it stays on all day! I am dying to try out the Pure Hollywood shade for days when I want a less dramatic look.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps

Growing up, I always gravitated towards tight fitting clothes. Now, I am constantly finding myself drifting away from my comfort zone–playing with style and fit.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps , target denim jacket

Sometimes Summertime is the best time to rediscover your style, and to just PLAY.

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps , target denim jacket

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun. – Katharine Hepburn

Urban Outfitters loose fitting tank top and pants, cross body purse, nordstrom sunnies, wedge pumps, target denim jacket

On Me: Urban Pants and Top

Merona Jacket and Bag

Report Shoes

Nordstrom Sunnies

Grad Guest

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

If you are invited to a graduation, but don’t want to outshine the graduate or wear something uncomfortable, then I recommend finding an accent piece to pair with classic basics.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

My accent piece was this eye catching top from Urban.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

This top can stand alone! The color and style is appropriate for an outdoor ceremony, and I felt like myself in it–the most important aspect of an accent piece.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

A dark wash pair of jeans are perfect for this occasion as well. Just the right amount of casual and classy for a graduation.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

If you live in the fog like I do, I highly recommend bringing something to keep you warm.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

As long as it is nicer than a hoodie, you are safe.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

Onto the shoes…make sure they have a thick enough heel to wear on grass or turf! I prefer something with an open toe for this season.

Urban Top, Gap Jacket, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

Lastly, remember your shades. Perfect for family photos, and they keep you from squinting at the sun while trying to spot your grad.

On Me: Urban Top

Gap Jacket

Levi’s Jeans

Very Volatile Los Angeles Shoes

Nordstrom Sunnies

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

Graduation

Unfortunately, I have another couple years before I get to put on another cap and gown…but many of you may be getting ready for the big day! So here are a few of my tips and tricks I picked up from my high school graduation:

1. Blow your hair out like Emma Watson. Believe me, all the fuss of curling your hair isn’t worth it when you have to put your cap on.

Emma Watson, Graduation

2. Wear Sunscreen! Nuff Said.

Sun Protection

3. Bring a bag! It can be discreet, so make sure it is small and has crossbody straps. I cannot tell you how much this came in handy when I got thirsty or needed to freshen up my make-up during the long ceremony.

cross body bag

4. Sunglasses!!! You never know which direction you will be facing when the sun goes down.

sunglassesGraduation

Graduation Outfit

Graduation Tips

Urban and Steve Madden are great brands when shopping for an easy dress and wedges to match.

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.

(Dis)obey

H&M Sweater, Obey T-shirt, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Golden Gate Bridge

“Remember, in the vast infinity of life, all is perfect, whole, and complete…and so are you.” -Lousie L. Hay

H&M Sweater, Obey T-shirt, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Golden Gate Bridge

Recently, I have been trying to stop obeying the voice inside my head that feeds my imaginary worries. Instead, I have started to only abide by what is TRUE. Despite how hard life can seem at times, what remains true is the good intentions this world holds.

H&M Sweater, Obey T-shirt, Levi's Jeans, Nordstrom Sunnies, Golden Gate Bridge

Remembering to have faith in life’s natural course has always helped me when I can’t seem to find my way.

On Me: H&M Cardigan

OBEY T-Shirt

Levi’s Jeans

Nordstrom Sunnies

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

Shades of Grey

Grey cardigan, great t-shirt, gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

My favorite type of outfit consists of something I can dress up or down.

Great t-shirt, gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

With my Zara heels, this outfit is dinner ready!

Great t-shirt, gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

These high waisted pants pair well with a structured top.

Great t-shirt, gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

Adding my winter appropriate hat makes the outfit feel more like a daytime look.

Great t-shirt, gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

Though I love taking fashion risks, I always feel more confident when I’m wearing my signature silhouette: high waisted pants, heels, a loose fitted top, and fun accessories. To find your signature look, take a peak at your go-to outfits. Is there any common element among them? If so, run with it.

Gray high wasted pants, black hat, black purse, black heels

“Wear clothes you can be yourself in.”

Audrey Hepburn