True Romance

I've been living in this floral & lace blouse from my newest sponsor, Koshka, for the past few weeks; the mixture of delicate lace, greens, yellows and browns are just perfect for spring! I've always loved asymmetrical shirts and skirts, so when I saw this on the Koshka site I fell in love immediately. As to not overwhelm the awesomeness of this purdy blouse, I decided to leave my outfit fairly simple. I wore my favorite velvet leggings to contrast the leaf detailing and added on gold cuffs to maintain the ethereal feeling. Since it was supposed to rain that day (boo) I wore my tried and true Madewell boots, though I'm sure there were other shoes that would have worked better with my ensemble. Bah, oh well.

I love that the blouse peeked out just a bit from below my cardigan; it balanced everything so well!

mink pink "true romance" blouse, c.o. koshka / cardigan: h&m / velvet leggings: american apparel / boots: madewell / sunglasses: ray ban / gold cuffs: asos / rock ring: h&m

Today's just another day of school from 9am to 9pm. Sorry if this post is a bit dry in words, I barely got any sleep last night. To the mockingbird that was chirping outside my window from 1am till the time I got up for school: I don't hate many things, but I definitely hate you.

Floral Coral

I've been spending so much time in San Francisco lately; even though the semester has been exceptionally grueling this past month, I can't stop myself from going back. These photos were taken last week in the Mission by my friend Ahmed. I spent most of that day in the city wandering around the Fillmore district with a few friends; whether we were skimming the racks of boutiques, chowing down on veggie burgers or chatting over cups of coffee, every moment was sublime. Later in the evening I went to see The Horrors play at Bimbo's, which was absolutely stellar. 

I decided to wear bright, flowy garments that day because I knew it was supposed to be warm and sunny; my thin layers ended up working perfectly, though I did have a few sweaters to protect myself from San Francisco's famed nightly fog. With all of the rain California has been getting lately, I'm taking every chance I can to dress my spring best.

I'm head over heels for this blouse I got from Romwe the other day. It's the perfect combination of sheer, pastel and floral. I also love that the collar is navy; it makes the top so versatile.

I can't remember who it was, but one of my friends shouted a few shameless expletives which resulted in the facial expression you see above. Of course, I rebelled with a sassy comeback of my own. Pretty sure I won. Preeeeetty sure.

Touting around my beloved Dooney & Bourke satchel...definitely the best item I've ever splurged on. 

floral blouse: c/o romwe / chiffon skirt: american apparel / wedges: dolce vita / satchel: dooney & bourke / sunglasses: ray ban / 

belt: vintage / rings: h&m, jewelmint / rose gold watch: marc by marc jacobs / bracelets: asos, j. crew, h&m / nail polish: essie, turquoise & caicos 

Happy One Year!

So, today marks the one year anniversary of my blog! I'm still in shock that I've managed to keep up with posting for this long, and even more shocked that people are actually interested in my sense of style and the things I have to say. I want to thank all of you for skimming my posts, taking an interest in my style, reading my thoughts, commenting on posts and following. Every little thing means so much; thank you!

For those of you that would like to read a bit more on the backstory of my blog, here's a bit o' rambling for you.
When I originally became interested in starting a "style" blog, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I ended up creating an inspiration tumblr in which I would occasionally write tidbits about myself and add in self portraits, but most posts were photographs of other bloggers or shots from high fashion editorials. When I did add in posts about myself, there was never much personality in them...I really had no connection in the "tumblrverse". After skimming quite a few blogs that I discovered via tumblr, I became really inspired and thought about creating my own blog. At the time, my sense of style wasn't that great and my self esteem was at an all time low (I kid you not). My life had become so passionless, and I knew I needed to make a change for the better. I felt starting a personal blog would really push me in the right direction emotionally and career-wise, especially since I wanted to (and still do) work in the fashion industry. I had read about many of the great opportunities certain bloggers acquired through their personal sites, so I thought, "why not?!" and went for it. At first, I created a secondary tumblr account to use as my style blog. Soon after, I realized tumblr just wasn't for me; I really wanted the full "blogging experience". It sounds silly, but I have a feeling you gals and guys know what I'm talking about. Anyways, I deleted my personal tumblr and started this lil' old blog!
My very first post (which basically goes over everything I stated here) is so amusing to read...the writing style I had was so different and it's so odd to look at the overall formatting/setup of my posts. I've actually skimmed over all my old posts and to say the least, my style has changed a lot; I think it's far more refined than before, which I'm actually really proud of. :)
I can honestly say I'm so glad I started a personal blog. Although I'm still not fully comfortable with myself, I feel far more inspired in my day to day life. I've really pushed myself to create an eclectic style all my own and I now indulge in art regularly, whether it be personal style, photography or drawing.
I know that most of you haven't followed my blog from the very beginning (thank you to those that have!), so I definitely suggest taking a look at my very first dozen or so posts...you can really see my progression. I'm not kidding when I say my current style is nearly the polar opposite of a year ago. Also, if you have a personal blog that you're working to morph (or you're even contemplating starting one up), maybe my personal growth will inspire you just as some other bloggers inspired me! I don't want to sound cocky at all (because I'm really not), it's just interesting to see how much can really change in a year. Everything about this blog is so different! I'm honestly stunned.
I would have posted earlier today, but school has been so overwhelming lately. These past two weeks I've turned in a 10 page paper and taken three tests, and I have even more papers to write and tests to study for next week. Since it's my one year anniversary today, I had to put up a post...even if it is at 11pm.

Anyways, I though you'd be interested to know that I'm going skydiving tomorrow! I've been planning on going for quite some time but I don't think the reality of it hit me until today. There's such a mix of excitement and sheer terror for what I'm going to do tomorrow...jumping out of a plane is quite a big deal, especially since I've only been up in the air twice in my entire life. This shit's gonna be craaaaaaay. I'll make sure to keep all of you updated via twitter and instagram and I'll try to write a bit about the entire experience in my next blog post!

Again, thank you so, so much for reading! I truly appreciate all of your involvement in this blog; I don't know what I would be doing without all of your support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Photograph taken by my awesome friend Ahmed.

Dipped

Just a super quick outfit post, as I have to leave for work in less than an hour. Of course, I'm still in my pajamas laying in bed, so I can only predict the madness that will be me running around throwing on work clothes...annnny minute now. If you didn't already know, I'm a huge procrastinator. I should win an award or something!

Love this dip dyed shirt sent to me from Crash & Burn. The material is sheer and super lightweight, which will be perfect for this summer! I've been obsessing over everything dip dyed and ombre as of late (who hasn't?), so I think I'm going to do quite a few DIY's once school gets out this semester. I already bought some orange and yellow dye, so there are quite a few ideas in the works. I'll definitely keep all of you updated on it! 

There were ladybugs everywhere when my friend Ahmed and I were taking photos, so I decided to get a shot of the little guys and gals! I was in bliss; bugs and animals big or small are seriously the best.

dip-dye blouse: c/o crash & burn / cardigan: gap / cut-off shorts: DIY, Levi's / belt: vintage / jewelry: assorted vintage and h&m / socks: target / boots: madewell

I have an exciting post coming tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Teen Angst

Wearing an outfit that's a bit darker than I'm used to, though I think the whole look worked really well once thrown together. I actually haven't sported a beanie since my high school days, so there was quite a bit of nostalgia every time I looked in the mirror that day. This rad dress was sent to me via Crash & Burn, a killer company based out of Los Angeles, California. There are so many awesome aspects to this dress: lightweight, breezy (for spring/summer, of course), super comfy and tie dyed. What's not to like about it? Also, a lot of Crash & Burn's clothing is actually made in the USA, which is great as I think it's really important to support fair labor practices.  If you get the chance, definitely check out the Crash & Burn stock! You can get 20% off when using the code "VISIONARY" at checkout! (valid till 5/31/12)

I should probably start using chapstick more, but I doubt that will happen. Oh well, guess I'll just revel in my dry lipped glory.

rosemont dress: c/o crash & burn / socks: target / boots: madewell / beanie: my boyfriends / sunglasses: ray ban / necklace: jewelmint / rings: h&m / red friendship bracelet: asos

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter my Romwe giveaway!

Folds & Faults

Here are some extremely overdue photos of the outfit I wore to SF on Easter Sunday. I'm far from religious in every way, so my day off of work was filled with food, coffee, long conversations, watching a "Hunky Jesus" contest in Dolores Park, and much more in-between. I chose my outfit with the intention of ultimate comfort, and I received just that. The dress I'm wearing from oasap was unfortunately way too short for me to wear on its own, but I really love the way it looks as a shirt! Also, I'm wearing the necklace from Jewelmint I talked about in my last post! It worked so well with the color scheme and feel of my outfit; I seriously cannot get enough of it. Overall I had a wonderful day in San Francisco, and now I'm craving a place of my own in the city even more.

As for this past week, I have been stressed and exhausted to the max (thus the lack of posts, sorry!). Exams, papers and homework in general have been taking over my life. I have another exam this evening for geology class, which I'm definitely not prepared for. Needless to say, I'll be spending the rest of my day cramming my brain with notes about folds, faults, rocks and all the in-betweens of geology (which I'm sure you don't care about).

hat: forever 21 / dress (worn as shirt): c/o oasap / cardigan: h&m / riding pants: american apparel / boots: madewell / satchel: dooney & bourke / sunglasses: ray ban clubmaster / necklace: jewelmint / bracelet: asos / rose gold watch: marc by marc jacobs

I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

ps: make sure to enter my Romwe giveaway if you haven't yet! Contest ends April 20th.

Goodies

Here are a few snaps of the purchases/gifts I've received recently. A few weeks back I decided to splurge on some accessories via Jewelmint...definitely no regrets on that one. The double stacked rings are super versatile and I'm head over heels in love with the necklace below. It's the perfect combination of eclectic colors/shapes and of course, an innovative take on the detachable collar. I don't think I could ask for more in a necklace. Oh, and I'm fairly certain Jewelmint has sparked a downward spiral of the massive money pit that will be my jewelry collection...oh dear.

DO YOU SEE THIS BEAUTY? Okay okay, I should probably calm down. But really. How perfectly perfect is this necklace?

I also received a lovely personalized package from the sweet people over at Crash & Burn. There is no lack of dip dyeing and amazement over at that site, to say the least. Expect to see these garments styled shortly!

Hope everyone had a great Wednesday! xo

Scarlet and Stripes

I've nearly brought myself to the point of colored denim overdose! My green and red jeans have been on repeat in my wardrobe for the past few months, and now I'm craving some eclectic floral denim to mix up my pants selection. I've been eyeing a particular pair for quite some time, though it's always difficult for me to pull the trigger when purchasing clothing online. My fear of a fit fiasco is constant, though I'm building up the courage to score a sweet pair from Asos...the free returns are very coaxing!

As I'm sure most of you know, the spring semester is finally winding down! I'm relieved to see that the end of classes is near, but these next few weeks are going to be extremely hectic for me. Knowing that summer break is upon us is a bittersweet feeling; on one hand I have the excitement of a sun soaked summer, and on the other I have the stress of exams, term papers and final projects. Here's to hoping that I'll be able to complete this semester as calm and collected as possible!

tee: my boyfriends, american apparel / flannel: vintage / denim button up: gap / jeans: zara / belt: vintage / loafers: vintage / necklace: h&m

As I sit here writing out this post, the rain is dousing the ground as well as my excitement for spring. While I love the benefits of rain and the moments of drinking tea and gazing out the window, I just want a sun soaked afternoon! When will this weather bipolarity end? Bahhh. At any rate, I hope all of you are enjoying your week! 

p.s. If you haven't entered my Romwe giveaway yet, you should! I mean, who doesn't want the chance to win a beautiful gold detachable collar?

Collar Inspiration / Romwe Giveaway

hootmag.org / R.A.D. / man repeller / oh so katieli / a pair & a spare

Lately, detachable collars have been taking over what seems to be every style site I browse on repeat. I've yearned for the perfect collar since Fall '11, though I've yet to pull the trigger. There are just so many options!

If any of you love the collar trend as much as I do, then you're in luck! I've teamed up with Romwe to offer all of you the chance to win a lovely gold-toned collar, along with $40 of freebies! (collar is similar to the last picture via A Pair & A Spare). 

All you have to do is:

1. Follow my blog via Blogger or Bloglovin

2. Sign up for a Romwe account

3. Leave a comment on this post with your name, email and how you would style your gold collar. I'll choose the winner based upon your response, so feel free to get creative with your answers!

The contest ends April 20th, and I'll announce the winner then. Good luck everyone!

Desert Plums

  I probably should have posted this outfit a few weeks ago, as these photos have been sitting in lightroom, unedited and unloved. You can tell these photographs are old(er) because my bangs are long, frumpy and creating the illusion of an awkward unibrow (mmm, my favorite). Anyhow, this outfit is a lot simpler than what I'm used to wearing (only two layers...what?). It was blindly chosen out early in the morning while half asleep, as are most of the outfits I throw together on school days. Thankfully, there are few days where I look like a total train wreck, though I certainly have my bad moments.

merino wool sweater: secondhand / button up shirt: gap / embroidered belt: vintage / second skin acid wash jeans: cheap monday / desert boots: report

These two photos are my attempt at shakin' up my poses for detail shots. It's fairly obvious that I failed, miserably. The top one is...well, I have no idea. The bottom one is a flashback to middle school, the days when pre pubescent children pulled the "double loser" sign all day everyday. Ah, the nostalgia.

wrap bracelets: h&m / thin gold cuff bracelet: j.crew / bow ring: forever / silver band: flea market / gold ring: h&m / rose gold watch: marc by marc jacobs / other bracelets: vintage / nail polish: essie "chinchilly"

Happy Thursday, everyone! I'm off to grab some Indian food/chat the day away with my close friend, Kaddie.