Wednesday, September 30, 2015

September Instagram Roundup

 Wearing: 
Top: Paper Crane | Jeans: Cello | Heels: Banana Republic |
 Clutch: Forever 21 | Jewelry: Rocksbox: Perry Street earrings | Ecru Metal ring
 | USE CODE MAPLEANDMINTXOXO for your first month of Rocksbox free! 
| NARS in Red Lizard Lipstick

Wearing: 
Jeans: Lucky Brand Jeans | Top: Forever 21 | 
Booties: Franco Sarto 

 Wearing: 
Watch: Kate Spade
Bracelets: Kate Spade, Pura Vida, J.Crew

Wearing:
Crop Top: Target | Jeans: Eunina |
Shoes: Via Spiga


Wearing: 
Button Down: Vintage | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | 
Boots: Miz Mooz | Belt: J.Crew | Watch: Kate Spade 
| Necklace: H&M

Wearing: 
Flats: Steve Madden | Pants: Target 

Wearing: 
Dress: Nordstrom | Clutch: Craft Fair Find | Heels: Nordstrom

 Wearing:
Dress: Forever 21 | Boots: H&M | Hat: J.Crew |
Bag: Balenciaga


Wearing: 
Dress: J.Crew | Necklace: Rocksbox | 
Sunnies: Vintage Shop Find | Watch: Citizen

Let me know if you have questions about anything! I have gotten a lot of question about these round sunnies. I got them in a vintage shop in Scotland when I was there with my family and SH this summer. They aren't vintage themselves, so I only paid like $14 for them. If I were you, I would go for these which are $24 and similar to the ones I'm wearing, or these which are only $12. If you have more money to spend and want polarized sunnies, these are my pick. Some more amazing but pricier options herehere and here.  

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

What to Read Wednesday

Hi folks! In the spirit of my quest to become a well-rounded and well-educated person, I'm starting a new series called "What to Read Wednesday." This may include links to news articles, videos, or books that I'm currently reading or have read and want to share with all of you. If you only stop by my blog for fashion, food, or travel, the topics I usually cover, you may want to skip over these pieces; however, I strongly encourage you to stop, take a moment, and choose one article you might normally avoid, and read it. Look it up on Twitter. Talk to your friends about it. Send it to people you know. Engage in the conversation.

1. I'm embarrassed for USC that this happened, but I am so proud of our student body president Rini Sampath for standing up for herself, and for other victims of racism, and bringing to not only to the USC administration, but to the world for a larger conversation. Check out the Washington Post article here. (Articles also on the LA Times, Daily Trojan, NBC LA and others.)

2. This is "old" news from September 16th but it's been staying with me --  the story of Ahmed and his clock. 

3. I just finished the book "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng. 
"Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet . . . 
So begins the story of this exquisite debut novel, about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio." quote from the author's websiteA thought-provoking read, this book will encourage you to look at your own identity, family relationships, pre-judgments (and misjudgments) you make about others, and race both in the 1970s and today. 
4. I'm now reading "The Wednesday Sisters" by Meg Waite Clatyon. "When five young mothers—Frankie, Linda, Kath, Ally, and Brett—first meet in a neighborhood park in the late 1960s, their conversations center on marriage, raising children, and a shared love of books." quote from the author's website. Stay tuned for more. 

5. Another old news article from June 9th but I can't let this one go -- the story of Albert Woodfox who was in solitary confinement for 43 years. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

5 Lovely links


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1. Looks from the Emmys!! Favorites Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kiernan Shipk, Sarah Hyland, all time fave: Teyonah Parri.


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2. Life-changing beauty hacks here.

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3. How to contour like a pro - read it here


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4. Fall Lip Colors

5. This video about a male model who is an amputee is super inspirational and worth watching!

Monday, September 21, 2015

Ann Taylor Sale happening now!

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! I hope you're all having a great start to your week. I had one of the most fun weekends I've had in a long time despite having a light cold. There is something going around my office -- every single person has come down with it -- stay healthy out there!

I got an email today from Ann Taylor telling me about their fabulous sale that's happening right now so I thought I'd share my favorite picks with you guys. TODAY ONLY get 40% off your entire purchase with the code YESPLEASE (exclusions apply.) Here are the top Ann Taylor items I'm swooning over for fall (make sure to click the arrow to the right to see all three pages of my picks!) They have lots of great cashmere and sweaters right now -- seriously considering one of those ponchos although it was 83 degrees in my car this morning in LA so... not sure how practical that would be? But I sure do love fall clothes!! I love Ann Taylor because everything is so perfect for work. Because I work with students I am particularly conscious of dressing appropriately and everything at Ann Taylor is work appropriate and stylish to boot.

High-Slit Longline Tee Dress





Wearing:
Dress: Forever 21
Boots: H&M
Hat: J.Crew
Bag: Balenciaga

I linked the exact dress below and similar panama hat and boots:

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Fashion and Self-Esteem

In today's world, girls are often taught to be people-pleasing, selfless, accommodating, soft-spoken, polite, submissive, aesthetically appealing objects. We are taught to apologize for our success, to pick up the downtrodden, and put ourselves last in our own quest for success and professional development. We are taught to quiet our voices, restrain any internal aggression, look good, feel good, and for who? For what?

I started this blog to have a creative space all of my own. I created it for myself. I created it to share things with others- family, friends, even strangers. I love fashion and travel and want to share some of the outfits I wear, places I go, and any tips and tricks I learn along the way.

At the end of the day, what I care about is so much bigger than fashion and wanderlust. What I care about is cultivating healthy self-esteem in women and the role that fashion plays in self-esteem.

Self-esteem. We all want it and we all need it, yet, not all of us have it. So, what is self-esteem? Merriam-webster online gives this definition:

self–es·teem

noun \-ə-ˈstēm\
: a feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities

Full Definition of SELF-ESTEEM

1
:  a confidence and satisfaction in oneself :  self-respect

What role does fashion play in cultivating healthy self-esteem? 

Fashion and personal style can cultivate healthy self-esteem by helping you feel your best. If you feel good about what you are wearing, it shows. If you feel put together in a way that pleases you, if you're comfortable, if you like the fabric and prints you're wearing, if you like your shoes and bag, accessories and hair style- all of these outward things can help you feel more "you". Fashion is one way to express yourself and it's one way to step toward a more confident you.
Your personal style is a way to express your inner self, outwardly. Having a strong sense of who you are can be reflected in what you wear. Think about it- even when you dress for utility, and not purely for "fashion". Would you feel comfortable, capable and confident on a camping trip dressed in stillettos and a mini dress? Probably not. What about wearing hiking boots and a headlamp to a wedding? Fashion can help you express yourself while also helping you feel confident, satisfied, and collected. It can help you feel your best. It can help you feel excited to get dressed in the morning. 
It can help you tap into your creative self. Fashion, like many things, can also be abused and make you feel bad about yourself. Let fashion help you feel good, not bad.  

What aspects of fashion build up your confidence?


Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Wednesday Wishlist: J. Crew Sale Happening Now!

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday! For today's #wednesdaywishlist I'm sharing my favorite J.Crew picks because they are having a sale and it only lasts five days!! J.Crew is one of my favorite stores, but it's also very expensive. A girl's gotta take a break when she can get one. Right now online purchases are 25% off with the code SHOPNOW :)

I got a little carried away making these boards for you guys... Like I said, favorite store. Want everything they make in my closet. Hopefully you find a thing or two that you like that maybe fits your budget or something to splurge on if you've been saving up :) Make sure to click the right arrow to continue browsing my picks. The red satin pants, iridescent pumps, and calf hair belt are some of my super favorites.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

5 Lovely Links - NYFW


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1. NYFW is so busy for Kendall Jenner she has to shave her legs in the back of a car with a bottle of water! See it here

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2. NYFW street style 


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3. Pyer Moss addresses police brutality during NYFW show - see it here

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4. Test your knowledge of NYFW here

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5. Kanye at being Kanye at Alexander Wang

Monday, September 14, 2015

Crop top + distressed denim


Wearing:
Crop Top: Target
Jeans: Eunina
Shoes: Via Spiga

Shop the look here (I linked similar items/styles)

Friday, September 11, 2015

My Nordstrom Shoe Sale Picks

Hey friends! Happy Friday!!! So glad it's the freakin' weekend and I can't wait to have some fun :)
I just wanted to let you all know that Nordstrom has some AMAZING shoes on sale right now!!! Check out my favorite shoes from the sale, from sexy lace up heels to practical work flats (that look like Chanel) to riding boots, you won't wanna miss checking out these beauties! Click the arrow to the right to see all my picks :) Enjoy! Have a lovely weekend!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Celebrating International Women's Friendship Month + The Inspirational Woman Project Giveaway

Hi friends! I hope you all had a lovely and very relaxing Labor Day weekend. Welcome back to the grind! I’m super excited because today I’m teaming up with Bri Seeley of briseeley.com to bring you an awesome giveaway of her book, The Inspirational Woman Project! Bri Seeley is a multi-talented and passionate entrepreneur. Whether designing, coaching, or writing, Bri is dedicated to inspiring women to BE women. 

Bri and I met at the Simply Stylist Fashion and Beauty Conference at The Grove, LA back in April of this year. I was immediately drawn to the message of her book, that ALL women are inspirational, beautiful, and powerful in their own way. Incidentally, September is International Women’s Friendship Month, so Bri and I thought this would be the perfect month to discuss what friendship means to us, and bring you some little inspirational tidbits along the way! 

But first, enter the giveaway!!

Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win! This giveaway is only open to US residents. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


What does friendship mean to you?


B: The women in my life both support and inspire me. They ground me in the present, while allowing for me to grow into a bigger version of myself. I love them for their ability to celebrate and laugh, imagine and dream, cry and mourn with me. It's a complete breadth of connection that we experience together. I feel safe with them to open my heart and mind, to explore the complexities of life, and to be present as my best self always.
 

C: Girlfriends are the people that let you sob hysterically on a park bench in public because your boyfriend broke up with you and they don’t try to shush you. Girlfriends are the people that tell you you look radiant today, that you have a good spirit, a good heart, and that they feel good when they’re around you. Girlfriends are the people who dance crazily around you and make you laugh until you can’t breathe. Girlfriends are the people who open up to you about things that are possibly painful or embarrassing because they know you accept them anyway. Girlfriends are the people who come pick you up at the airport, or drive you to the auto shop when your car is in repair, or bake you a cake on your birthday. Friendships between women are so crucial to survive as a woman in today’s day and age. It’s the women that lift us up, celebrate us, accept us in all our down moments and all our glory, that we are celebrating today, and thankful for always. 


Bri Seeley mentors women to create inspirational lives - from achieving clarity in their visions to making an impact with their gifts, she works with them to live life on their terms. She is the author of The Inspirational Women Project, as well as the leader of the eponymous movement. Bri works with women who have been living their lives according to the status quo, and are utterly bored, frustrated, and unfulfilled by it. They're ready to leave behind the "should's" in life to live the way they want to live - a life filled with joy, passion, and purpose every day.

So are you ready to win her inspirational book or what?! This book is the perfect coffee table accessory for any stylish gal’s apartment. It includes 99 amazing women to look to for advice, strength, inspiration and guidance. Read their stories and you might just find you're inspired to share a story or two of your own. And surprise... you get to! Because the 100th inspirational woman is YOU!!! Turn to the end of the book and you'll find out what we mean :)



In case you are not the winner, or you want to purchase this awesome book for a friend or loved one, here is the link to purchase: www.briseeley.com/shoplifestyle/inspirational-woman-project-bookThis book makes a great gift for your sister, your mother, girlfriend, or anyone in your life you want to inspire! Have a wonderful day!

Monday, September 7, 2015

Labor Day Sales

Hi loves! Happy Labor Day! Cheers to it being Monday and not having to go to work! I'm still working though because I'm helping my parents pack up my childhood home... the house I've spent most of my life in! It's bittersweet. I may process more on here later but for now I would so appreciate good vibes sent our way :)

I wanted to write a quick post about the sales going on today, so here it goes...

Anthropologie: 30% off sale items with code EXTRA 30
Asos: 10% off everything with code TREATYOSELF
Banana Republic: 40% off your purchase with code: BRFALL
Bluefly: up to 90% off
Forever 21: Buy 1 get 1 free sale items with code: BOGOFREE
J.Crew: 30% off your order of $125+ with code: GETSHOPPING
Kate Spade: 25% off all sale items with code: DELIGHT
Madewell: 30% off fall essentials + an extra 30% off all sale styles with code: YESANDYES
Nasty Gal: extra 30% off sale
Nordstrom: end of summer clearance sale through September 13. Save up to 40% off
Victoria's Secret: $15 off $100, $25 off $150, $50 off $250 use code FALL2015

Happy shopping!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Kohl's Labor Day Sale Picks

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Who's excited for Labor Day Weekend?! I always enjoy having a Monday off and going back to work for a shorter week, don't you? Labor Day means barbecues, beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, and waving goodbye to summer while welcoming fall with open arms. There's also lots of sales events to hit up! These are my picks for the Kohl's Labor Day sales event that's happening through September 5th. Stock up on some home/beauty and closet staples like this blending sponge (less than $5!), these beautiful lattice towels or this simple classic cardigan. We all know that fall means the kids are back to school too... so treat yourself to a new Keurig to make getting up in the morning a little easier. Your teen will love this Nerd is the Word notebook because everybody knows... nerd chic is back in style! And you and your daughter might be fighting over who gets to wear these these adorable ankle booties... so you may want to get two pairs-one in each color ;)

 I hope you all have a lovely and safe weekend! 


The sale price isn't always reflected in the picture above, so see below for accurate sale pricing. 

Keurig on sale for $119.99 (regular $149.99)
"Nerd is the Word" makeup case on sale for $9.90 (regular $18)
Nerd is the Word notebook on sale for $5.50 (regular $10)
Mudd Animal Dome Cosmetic Case on sale for $12.50 (original $25)
Sonoma Life + Style Hand towel  $6.99 (regular $13.99)
LC Lauren Conrad solid leggings $9.99 (original $20.00)
AB Studio open front cardigan $19.99 (original $34)
Sonoma Life + Style buckle ankle boots on sale for $34.99 (original $74.99)

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

5 Lovely Links


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1. Missed the VMAs? Have no fear, the fashion info is all right here. Head to the VMAs 2015 Red Carpet for deets. My faves included Cara Delevingne, Vanessa Hudgens, and Lily Aldridge's outfits.


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2. Girl's got some amazing hair. Check out some of Zendaya's amazingly beautiful hair and makeup looks here.


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3. Contouring magic. Check it out here.


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4. What are your thoughts on the Caitlyn Jenner Halloween costume? It feels wrong to me even typing that out... should it be "Halloween costume"? I don't even know. Check out some of the backlash on twitter here.


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5. Need some sweater inspo to mix up your usual go-to fall get up? Look no further.
 

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