Haunting

JACKET Jack by BB Dakota, SWEATER Foreign Exchange, JEANS Levi's, BELT Madewell, SCARF Gap, BOOTS Zara

This is me gearing up for the California chill with open back sweaters, ripped jeans (deliberately, mind you), and exposed ankles, like a true SoCalian. Fairly safe to assume that I won't be surviving the winters up in San Fran. On the bright side, I scored that wafer thin, trench-like jacket for $20 at Nordstrom Rack.

I didn't spend a single dime on Black Friday. Shocking, I know. I suppose such anomalies are necessary to compensate for my more spontaneous and expensive purchases, like my trip this weekend to New York! Totally putting my scholarly responsibilities on hold for this, but you know what, in the words of Drake... Actually, I'll quit while I'm ahead. 

Photos by Karen

Louis Verdad Denim SS13

So dreadfully backlogged on my LAFW snapshots that they've lost all relevance. But up they go anyway. Here are some select favorites from the Louis Verdad Denim SS13 Collection: strong and structural, mixing biz casual and stewardess attire with hints of tribal, particularly in the choice of footwear. To accompany my unfocused runway shots are shots of the open bar / lounge area in DTLA, of one questionably fashion forward bearded gentleman, and of my snakeskin and studs in full detail. Complete album of the Louis Verdad Denim SS13 collection is viewable here.

Pink Palms

SWEATER H&M, DENIM SHIRT F21, PINK SKINNIES Gap, BOOTS Zara

Pink pants can be tricky to work with, but here's my first stab at it. I particularly like this pair for its zipper detailing at the ankles, bright salmon hue, and pretty price of $25 from the clearance section at Gap. However, I stupidly chose the size 4 over the 2 and am now bitter that I need a belt to keep them up. Or perhaps these pants will become my salvation with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Thanks again to Karen of Champagne Soleil for snapping the photos!

P.S. I'm working on my Photoshop skillz.

P.P.S. Not sure if anyone's noticed, but I haven't been updating my Instagram (online profile viewable here) since my Android's been out of commission. Thinking of getting the Nexus 4. Thoughts? 

P.P.P.S. Why is no one else feeling this song but me? 

Falling Fast

F21 denim vest, sweater and flannel, H&M pants, random oxfords, Gap sunnies

I'm so good at failing to update this blog that it's actually quite excruciating. Thank you to those who have remained faithful readers and have peeked in from time to time. And many thanks to my photographer friend Karen for helping me snap photos where the piles of leaves surrounding us could not be more perfect. Though, in playing around with flares, we captured a few blunders, including a portion of my head getting sliced off and that alien-like green streak. Oh well. 

Meanwhile, I've been trying to find new ways to reinvent this denim vest (been pretty obsessed with it) as well as mix in old closet pieces I've long forgotten - like these thoroughly abused oxfords. As well as resist recent shopping urges. It's tough, I tell ya. 

Birthday Suit

I turned 22 yesterday and spent the weekend celebrating. So rather than do my much needed LAFW runway show recaps, I thought I'd share a few of my birthday outfits with you guys first!

Outfit 1: BCBG Max Azria maxi dress, Kimchi Blue kimono jacket, Kate Spade Flicker Melinda satchel, H&M necklace, BDG Dalmatian pointed toe flats (on sale for $19 here)

Outfit 2: Givenchy necklace, H&M sheer top, F21 striped high waisted skirt, Banana Republic snakeskin purple clutch (visible here), Dolce Vita Lissie glitter platform heels 

Outfit 3: Geometric necklace (borrowed), Foreign Exchange peplum dress, BCBG snakeskin crossbody, Zara black heels

Thank you to everyone for all the warm wishes, texts and phonecalls. This has been the best birthday yet ♡

Chia Seed Pudding with Strawberries

NAMI SS13

The NAMI SS13 show was the first of all the shows I'll be attending this week for LAFW (if my schedule permits), and I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting a few local LA bloggers also in attendance: (from left to right) Sarah of Lame Chic, Jennifer of Channel Jen, Kayla of Blush and Bangs, May of Summer in May, and Joanne of Valentine Chic. Feel free to check out their blogs! 

The collection was a mixture of simplistic and contemporary cuts with leather, neutrals and splashes of spring colors. Some of my favorites included the midriff-baring drapey tops and their dress-version counterparts. I also loved the juxtaposition of the exposing sweater dresses with the bold, spring shift dresses. I'm typically not a fan of turtlenecks in any way, shape or form, but the recurring spring-ready renditions in this line won me over. 

I struggled to get better body shots of the models from where I was and basically only managed to get them from the knees up, so sorry 'bout it. Didn't manage to get a full body shot of my lemony ensemble either. In case you're wondering what I'm wearing: lemon Zara blazer and trendy necklace (both borrowed from roommate), black Zara lace shorts (as seen here), Banana Republic purple snakeskin clutch, and Aldo x JW Anderson heels (as seen here).

Now, let's play a game of spot the Kanye West and Kim Kardashian couple look-alike. High-five if you do.

Architecture in Helsinki

H&M sweater, Superdry jeans, Aldo x JW Anderson collaborative pumps, Kate Spade Flicker Melinda purse (here in gold)

Sorry guys. I've recently been sorely sleep-deprived for reasons that elude me, and consequently, have not been posting as consistently as I had hoped (yet again). However, I am attending some shows for LA Fashion Week, starting tomorrow through the next week, to view the SS13 collections of some local LA designers, so I will definitely be sharing photos! (Though, let's be real. It ain't no NYFW). 

One of the good things about growing up is that you no longer have to feel guilty about spending your parents' money to experiment with clothes and go through trial and error to figure out what actually suits your style and body type. These jeans fit like a dream, and the acid-wash detailing along the sides grant the otherwise obnoxious color some slimming power. I'm a sucker for unique shoes, so I bought this pair from the Aldo x JW Anderson collaboration without much hesitation, even though they hurt both my feet and my wallet. Smart move, amirite?

As I write this, I am simultaneously toggling between open tabs of shoes on various sites. Ugh, I have a serious addiction to heels and boots and all things in between, but the thing is, I consider myself preeeetty frugal when it comes to shopping. Financially responsible. At least, that's what I tell myself. 

Photo cred to Karen Chu. By the way, this song. I love it.

Architecture In Helsinki - Contact High (Clock Opera Remix) by clockopera