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

Thanksgiving Rompers & Jumpsuits

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

With Thanksgiving only a couple days away, there’s so much to do–grocery shopping, meal prepping, decorating, and most importantly…outfit planning.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

It can be difficult to know what to wear as a guest. You don’t want to be over the top, uncomfortable, or too casual.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Wearing a romper or jumpsuit is the perfect answer. Rompers effortlessly evoke the appropriate combination of looking like you tried while still being able to move.

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

On me: Forever Jumpsuit // Alfani Heels // Adrienne Vittadini Sweater // Fossil Purse

Before you go, take a look at a few other rompers & jumpsuits I love:

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Topshop

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom Rack

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom

Thanksgiving, rompers, jumpsuits, fall

Nordstrom

Piling On The Bling

Layering jewelry has been a fashion practice since ancient times, but the trend has really been taking off recently. I personally love the style. I have always gravitated towards more feminine, delicate looks as opposed to big, bulky pieces. Layers help make what was once reserved and shy into a subtle statement. Why wear one necklace when you can wear three? The secret is making sure that each individual item isn’t over the top on its own, so when they come together they mesh perfectly. Keep scrolling to see what I mean.

Necklaces

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Bracelets

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Rings

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

jewelry, layered jewelry

Check out my three favorite places to shop for jewelry right now:

Mejuri // BaubleBar // Sundance

“Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.” —Iris Apfel

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

Swimsuit Cover Ups

With warm weather, the beach, and bathing suits on the brain, I can’t forget about an often overlooked yet equally (if not more) important summer staple…cover ups. There’s nothing worse than shopping for months and finally finding the bathing suit of your dreams only to realize that you have nothing to wear over it on your way out the door to a last minute pool side BBQ. We have all been there—your favorite low rise jean shorts look weird with a high waisted swimsuit bottom underneath; or maybe your bikini top isn’t sitting well beneath your tank. Or worse, your swimsuit ties are rubbing uncomfortably against your hips because your shorts are too tight with your bathing suit bottoms on, but you hate the tacky look of ties hanging out the waist of your jeans so you just can’t win. No matter what the issue might be, there usually is one (if not a couple) of set backs that make getting dressed for a swim day a drag.

Instead of going through this fashion fumble another year in a row, I’m planning ahead and shopping for cover ups early. To me, the best type of cover up is one that can be worn all year long, like an oversized t-shirt dress or a lightweight cardigan. Take a look at my cover up shopping list and save yourself from the stress of picking out an outfit that doesn’t make you feel confident. It’s not worth it.

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Vineyard Vines

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Anthropologie

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Zappos

swimsuit cover ups, summer, bathing suit

Nordstrom

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” –Charles Bowden

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

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

Interview Style

As a recent graduate, I’ve had a lot of practice going on interviews. As usual, one of the most difficult aspects of preparation for me is picking out my outfit. Though this will never be an easy task, I have come up with a few solid guidelines that help make the process a little bit easier. Check them out:

  1. Always dress to project professionalism. Even if the company you are interviewing with prefers a more laid back look, they don’t want you to adapt your style until you’ve gotten the job. For an interview, you actually want to look even a little bit better than you would normally dress for the actual job you are trying to get.
  2. No matter the weather, keep your jacket on. The jacket is a symbol of respect and professionalism. If you are extremely hot, you may ask if they mind if you take it off once you have been seated and introduced.
  3. Wear something you feel great in too. Confidence is key. If your family and friends swear you should wear one thing, but you feel more like yourself in the other, choose the other.
  4. Break in your heels. Especially if you live in a big city. There have been a few times that I bought new shoes for an interview and have ended up in pain because I didn’t realize how far I would have to walk from the parking garage to the building, etc.
  5. Accessories matter. For an interview, jewelry takes a back seat to your outfit. This time, under-do it. Wear studs instead of dangles, limit yourself to two rings, and choose between a modest necklace or bracelet. You don’t want your jewelry to distract from who you are and what you’re saying.

Here are some pieces of interview attire that I love!

blouse, interview, ootd, outfit, professional, express

Express

topshop, blouse, interview, professional,

Topshop

Alice and Olivia, blouse, interview, professional

Alice & Olivia

vince camuto, interview, skirt, professional

Vince Camuto

Slacks, Trousers, interview, professional

W Concept

slacks, trousers, interview, professional

W Concept

Blazer, topshop, professional, interview

Topshop

express, blazer, interview, professional

Express

blazer, everlane, professional, interview

Everlane

Cole Haan, heels, professional, interview

Cole Haan

heels, target, professional, interview

A New Day

 

clarks, interview, loafers, professional

Clarks

Talbots, heels, professional, interview

Talbots

etsy, jewelry, necklace, professional, interview

Etsy

Jewelry, necklace, 7 for all mankind, interview, professional

7 For All Mankind

jewelry, bracelete, interview, professional

Need Supply Co.

Urban, jewelry, bracelet, interview, professional

Urban

ring, professional, interview, jewelry

W Concept

jewelry, ring, professional, interview

Jennifer Meyer

Loft, earrings, studs, jewelry, interview, professional

Loft

Holiday Gift Guide: Part One

With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to start shopping! No matter which holidays you celebrate, gifts are usually a big part of the ritual. The Holiday Season is the perfect excuse to spoil the ones you love. Part One of my Gift Guide is for the men in your life—in my case, the most difficult to shop for. Hopefully this can provide some help. Cheers!

Jeans

Selvedge Denim

beanie, xmas shopping

Carhartt Beanie

Vests, winter, Christmas

Patagonia Reversible Down Vest

Cast Iron Skillet, Winter, Christmas shopping

Cast Iron Skillet

cooler, camping, Christmas shopping

Yeti Cooler

Fishing Round Float Tube

Fishing Float Tube

Shell cordovan Watch strap

Shell Cordovan Watch Strap

Boat Shoes, Summer, Shopping

Sperry Boat Shoes

Climbing Shoes, Hiking, Outdoors

Evolv Climbing Shoes

Mad Men sunglasses, aviators

“Mad Men” Aviators

“Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas.” -Johnny Carson

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The Floral Dress

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

A simple floral dress is one of my go-to looks for the summertime. It’s effortless, season appropriate, and just plain pretty.

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

Finding a pattern that doesn’t cross the line into grandma territory can be tricky, but here are a few suggestions that can help:

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

Choose a flattering silhouette. I have been reaching for off the shoulder dresses recently. As long as the dress itself looks good on you, the pattern will take a back seat.

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

Stick to a pattern that only focuses on two complementary color categories. In the dress I’m wearing, black and gold stand out. This way, it isn’t too overwhelming.

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

Unless your flowers are smaller (like in the dress I’m wearing), make sure the print is a bit scattered and spread out. It’s easier on the eyes.

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

“After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.” -Christian Dior

Summer, Dresses, Floral Dress, flowers, san francisco, golden date park, sunglasses, hair, fashion, style, blogger, fashion blogger, ootd

On Me: Similar Urban Dress/Clarks Heels/Nine West Purse

Here are a few floral dresses I love:

ASOS floral dress

ASOS $35

Calvin Klein Floral Dress

Calvin Klein $74.66

Forever 21 Foral Dress

Forever 21 $35