Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Coachella Style Guide



If you live in Southern California, chances are you've been to Coachella. Maybe you've been going every year since 1999, and love the escapism and freedom that Coachella embodies. Maybe you're a huge music buff and you try to hit as many festivals as you can in a year. Maybe you have serious, chronic FOMO, which caused you to cave and buy a wristband this year. Or maybe you have simply heard of the legend that is Coachella, and want to see what the hype is all about for yourself. Coachella is kind of a right of passage. You aren't truly a wild at heart, festival going, fringe wearing, flower child Californian until you go to Coachella.

I went to Coachella in 2011, my senior year of college. We came. We saw. We camped. We conquered.

Kanye West was the headliner that year, and this was way before any of the Kimye nonsense. He even thought about someone besides himself for once, and dedicated his set to his late mother, and made a rather moving tribute. Some of my favorite acts included Ellie Goulding (before she was famous, if you can imagine that,) Kings of Leon, The Neon Trees, Empire of the Sun, to name a few.

The heat was almost unbearable- I remember having nutrient packed energy bars and electrolyte tablets and being so thankful I did because it was so. damn. hot.

But two things I'll never forget about Coachella besides the incredible music and the nearly unbearable heat, are the breathtaking landscape and the out of this world fashion.

Coachella goers know how to look effortlessly fabulous. The tribal print crop tops, cutoff shorts, crystal necklaces and feather headbands- it's a fashion heaven. Nevermind the dried dust and sweat caked all over your body. Coachella goers are a fabulously fashionable bunch.

Below are some of my picks for cute (and affordable!) Coachella wear this spring. For those of you who are going this year, may your electrolyte levels stay balanced, and may your flash tattoo game be strong.

COACHELLA STYLE GUIDE

Coachella Style Guide



What about you? Are you going to Coachella? Have you been before? Do you already have your outfits picked out?

Monday, March 30, 2015

Book Review of Modern Manners



Modern Manners by Dorothea Johnson and Liv Tyler, is a concise and well-organized book on precisely that - manners in the modern world. Ranging from topics of cell phone and internet etiquette, to which bread plate to claim at the table, the book is beautifully illustrated, informative, and easy to navigate. The chapters are broken up by situation, i.e. "On the Job" or "Out and About." You'll find commentary on manners ranging from whether to stand or remain sitting in a social situation, how to write a cover letter, and how to make a graceful entrance or exit as both hosts and guests.The book also skims the customs and etiquette of various international countries, while focusing primarily on appropriate behavior in the US today. Dorothea and Liv set a kind tone to the book, making you feel like you have two powerful and polite women in your corner who are going to help you succeed in social situations. I found the part about appropriate attire particularly helpful, as I've never known the different between white and black tie. (For those of you who don't know, here's a hint: white tie is the most formal you can get.) I also loved the illustration of how to set a table for a three-course meal.

I found the pages addressing how to properly introduce someone very interesting, primarily because I had never been taught this concept before and therefore found it completely foreign. I'll admit I found some of the concepts rather dated, for example, the fact that you say, "I'd like to introduce to you Mr. XYZ," as opposed to saying, "I'd like to introduce you to Mr. XYZ." I found this bit confusing and I'm still not quite sure how I'm supposed to introduce someone in a formal setting.

All in all, this book is a quick read, has lovely illustrations (which educate the reader not only on dress, but also posture,) and is engaging. It's written with diagrams and do's and don't's lists which make the read fun and easy. Whether you need a brush up on your modern etiquette, or are starting from square one learning manners, you're sure to learn something from this read.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Packing for My Weekend Ski Trip

Hi friends! I am leaving for Utah today to go skiing this weekend. I have never excelled at snow sports. In fact, I've had a series of negative experiences with ski resorts. I got left behind on a skiing group lesson once, another time I sped down a bunny hill because I didn't know the different between "pizza" and "french fries" yet but the instructors asked to just "go down it" so they could see what lesson group I belonged in "uhhh... BEGINNER, I PROMISE YOU SIR!" *sigh* so I crashed into someone (coulda seen that one coming.) I finally stopped because that person leapt in front of me to catch me. I mean, who thought telling me to "just go" was a good idea??

But the one that takes the cake is the time I went to Tahoe once with an ex-boyfriend over Valentine's Day weekend. He tried to teach me how to snowboard - it went badly - and he broke up with me on the trip.

So! Needless to say I haven't had the best snow sport experiences to date! Remembering all those stories makes me feel like I should be nervous for this trip, but hey, worst comes to worst I will take photos all weekend and blog from the nice toasty lodge!

I packed last night and thought it would be good to make a ski weekend packing list. Here's what I packed:

- ski socks (2)
- snow boots
- long underwear (top, bottoms - 2 pairs)
- ski pants
- T shirt to ski in (2)
- ski jacket
- ski hat
- scarf
- ski gloves
- ski goggles
- mittens
- top to change into after a day on the mountain (2)
- long sleeve shirt
- jeans (2)
- converse
- sweater
- sweatshirt
- pjs
- toiletries
- chargers/ electronics (kindle, laptop, phone)
- sketchbook
- pencil
- book
- wallet
- make up essentials
- brush
- undergarments
- hair dryer
- jewelry
- lotion

I think that's about it! Can you think of anything I've forgotten? Wish me luck!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Maxi Dress for the Win

Maxi dress: Q | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop


Maxi dress: Q | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop

 Maxi dress: Q | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop

Maxi dress: Q | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop

Maxi dress: Q | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop

We all have those days when we are feeling kind of lazy, but want to look effortlessly fabulous, right? Those days are what turned me on to the maxi dress. A maxi dress is something to throw on that can still make you feel comfortable and attractive. Now that's the best of both worlds.

Here are some more of my favorite maxi dresses: 
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

My Favorite Mini Shift Dress

 Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

  Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

  Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

  Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

 
  Dress: Everly via a small boutique in Tucson, AZ | Sandals: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom | Clutch: J. Crew | Watch: Citizen | Ring: Mom's

There's nothing quite like a mini dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. This chevron mini shift dress is the one that does it for me. The sleeves are longer than short sleeves but not quite 3/4 length and have a cute cuff. I like that the sleeves are on the longer side because I don't feel like I'm showing too much skin. I also like that the material is light and airy and doesn't wrinkle. I'm comfortable with the length (well, for the weekend anyway. I would never wear this to work!) Plus I don't usually gravitate toward orange, but this dress doesn't feel too orange since it's offset with the white chevron. I wore this on Sunday morning to brunch with SH and got two compliments on the walk to the restaurant. (Thanks ladies!) What about you, do you have a favorite outfit that makes you feel confident and pretty? Would you pair this dress with sandals like the ones I picked, or style it with something different? To shop other favorite mini dresses of mine, click here:

| 1 | 2 | 3 |

Also, Happy St. Patty's Day! I never really celebrate much for this holiday but here's a tribute to St. Patrick 

Monday, March 16, 2015

My Favorite Spring Garden Party Dress

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

    Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique

  Dress: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom | Necklace: Gorjana via Shopbop | Watch: Citizen | Bracelet: David Yurman via Bib + Tuck | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Ring: Mom's | Clutch: J. Crew | Shoes: Mystique 

It's official- spring is here in Los Angeles! Can we talk for a minute about how much I love spring "garden party" dresses? (Garden party aka a spring or summer event that is typically held out doors.)  I've had this dress since 2013. I bought it for a class garden party which celebrated graduating from our master's program. It's nice and springy, the material is light and airy and I love the bright pink mixed with some more subdued pastels. Did I mention it has pockets? I wore it to a charity luncheon this past Saturday and I think I'll wear it again for Easter this year. That's the great thing about quality dresses - if you dry clean them and take proper care of them they will last for a while. I just love this dress. I feel comfortable and elegant in it. This particular number by Jessica Simpson runs a tad large- I ordered a size down from my regular size.  I was also very excited to take this clutch out for the day. A friend gave it to me for my birthday last year and I'm excited that it's the right time of year to carry it again! The cork is so fun and reminds me of wine tasting and summer evenings spent on the patio. I hope you all have a great Monday! To shop more of my favorite spring dresses, click here: 
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Bloggiversary: My Year in Trips

Like I mentioned in my post yesterday, my 1 year bloggiversary is coming up this May. It's made me nostalgic for 2014 and all the wonderful things I got to do and see. I'm thankful for the year that I turned 25, the new friends I made, the friendships that were strengthened, and the milestones I hit like beginning my career in Higher Education.

2014 was also a year of travel. In May SH and I went to Santa Barbara to visit my favorite ranch and go horseback riding. Then I went to Sonoma for the first time with girlfriends over Memorial Day Weekend to go wine tasting (yum!) In June I went to NYC to visit my elementary school besties (going on 17 years of friendship!) and saw Orlando Bloom and Sophia Copolla on my flights there and back. In July SH and I visited Seattle for my second annual birthday trip (I turned 25.) Then in August we went on a friend camping trip to Big Sur. In October I went to Illinois for the first time, and saw SH's home and Chicago. Then last but not least, in December SH and I went to Big Basin for the day to admire the redwoods. 

I don't think I'll get to travel nearly that much in 2015, but here's to a year of visiting new places and having fun. 
















What do you hope 2015 has in store? Do you have any fun trips planned this year?

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

My First Year of Fashion Blogging

As my 1 year bloggiversary is fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of the outfits I posted about in 2014. Thank you for sharing this blogging journey with me. I'm excited to see what the road has in store. Sometimes I get discouraged or worn out from the process. But, it's my friends and family who read my blog and some of the blogger acquaintances I've made that keep me going. I can't thank you enough for your kind words and encouragement! I hope to meet some of you in person some day and grow bloggy friendships :)

2014 was a very fun year for me with lots of positive changes. I quit my healthcare job in January of 2014 before I had another job secured. It was a big risk, but completely worth the gamble. I started a job in Higher Education a few short weeks later, in February, which was instrumental in getting me on the Higher Ed path. In June I moved to Hermosa Beach, and lived right on the beach which was the most fantastic thing ever. It's been a life goal of mine to live by the beach so now I can cross that one off the list. I loved falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean and I had a wonderful roommate- my first great roommate experience, actually, proving that I can have a healthy and happy roommate situation. (I think this is an important milestone in anyone's life!) In August I started training in Krav Maga and Kickboxing. I've been going for eight months now, and have gotten my orange belt in both KM and KB. It's changed my approach to discipline and challenged my body in ways I never knew were possible. I've done a four hour workout before without breaking- something I had never done before. I'm thankful that the friends I've made through the studio and my teachers keep pushing me and teaching me I'm stronger than I think. Then in October I started the job I'm currently in, which I love, and also visited SH's family in Illinois. This was an important trip because I got to see the home he grew up in for the first time, and meet some of his family members I hadn't met yet. Then in November SH came to my parents' house for Thanksgiving for the first time. Whew! What a year!

Here's my 2014 journey in outfits:


 















Here's to another great year. Let's make 2015 amazing.
 

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