All Black Everything

Yesterday my friend and I hit up Union Square for some serious shopping. I don’t usually brave the SF weekend crowds but every now and then it’s fun to play tourist in your own city! The atmosphere is unlike anything else and the people always inspire me. I love it and have decided I’m going to do it more often :)

I like to be comfortable when I shop! It allows for the most shopping success!

I decided to wear a super fun fringe kimono I got from Forever 21 just last week. It’s sweater-like and over sized, my absolute faves. I’ve been eyeing a black kimono from Urban Outfitters for some time but can’t seem to justify spending over $70 on a trend-peice. But… maybe one day :)

I paired it with my all time favorite leggings from American Apparel and a simple black tank.  I love wearing all black, it’s my weakness. On my feet I wore my comfy wedged sneakers since I knew there would be lots of walking!

My bun: I love second day hair because I get the chance to wear it up and try something new. The day before I had curled my hair so it was textured from sleeping on it all night. I brushed all my hair into a tight pony-tail on top of my head and secured it with an elastic. I then wrapped my hair around and secured it into a bun. I pulled it apart to make it a little bigger to my liking. Then I sprayed some hairspray in the bun to tie down any fly-aways as well as all over my hair for the extra sleek look. It was super easy, I promise! Try it :)

My beautiful friend and I

Braving the crowds

Outfit Details: Tank: Forever 21 // Kimono: Forever 21 // Leggings: American Apparel // Sneakers: Target // Purse: Nordstrom // Shades: Le Specs

 

Casual Glam

I love finding pieces that can be worn dressed up or down for different occasions. That’s why I was stoked to come across this little number at Marshall’s the other day! By the way, If you haven’t checked out their dress selection, you’re doing it wrong. So many on trend pieces and for great prices!

This dress immediately struck me with it’s shape and detail. I love shirt style (shift) dresses that are loose and flowing. Anything boho-esque is also a plus! The high-low style and back cut outs absolutely did it for me! I was in love!

It reminds me of something Nicole Richie or Rachel Zoe would wear, two of my most idolized style icons! It’s chic but also simple.

I wanted to keep the boho feel of the dress alive so neglected to accessorize too much, but adding some gold bling or a purse in a fun color would totally work with this all black number for a fun night out! I can’t wait to try :)

Hope you like as much as I do!

Outfit Details: Dress: Marshalls // Shoes: Pelle Moda // Purse: H&M // Shades: Le Specs // Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Denim Vest

Along with almost every other girl in the world, I fell victim to the chambray trend this year. Not victim in a bad way, but victim in a I-can-and-should-pair-everything-with-my-chambray sort of way. I love them! They’re so effortless and easy.

Since it’s summer and the sun is shining here in good ‘ole Sunny California, a chambray is a bit heavy as a day time layer, which brings me to my latest obsession: The Denim Vest!

Just think of all the greatness of a chambray, minimized and fit for summer! Adding a denim vest to an otherwise casual outfit immediately adds some pizazz and allows for “heels*, yes… heels. It says “I tried” a little bit more and in the easiest way possible. My denim vest has been my go-to look all summer, I can’t get enough.

Pair it over a graphic tank or a summery sun-dress, in a light-wash or dark-wash… anything goes!

Outfit Details: Denim Vest: BP Nordstrom // Tank: Forever 21 // Shorts: Urban Outfitter // Shoes: Forever 21 // Purse: Deux Lux // Sunnies: LC // Necklace: Brandy Melville

Summer Must-Haves

Happy first day of June!

The Summer months are officially here! :)  Whether you plan on laying by the pool, running off to the beach, or even embarking on a tropical vacation, I’ve put together some of my favorite summer must-haves to ensure a fab time!

1. New Bikinis

My most favorite part of summer is shopping around for a new bikini to wear by the pool and at the beaches. I love bandeau style bikinis because they deliver the smallest tan-lines (a must) and are very flattering on me! I love styling a bright, fun bandeau top with a dark solid bottom. Don’t forget your shades or sun hat :)

Details: Pink Bandeau: Target // Orange Bandeau: H&M // Black Bottoms: Victoria’s Secret // Sun Hat: Target

2. Sunscreen

The most important topic! Sunscreen. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know how damaging the sun’s UV rays can be to your skin. Always, and I mean always apply sunscreen to your face and body while in the sun this summer. When I’m going for that tan skin, I apply a lighter SPF to my body (not lower than 30) and a tanning oil over it for a sun-kissed glow. For my lips, I apply a tinted balm for a hint of color and moisture.

Details:  Face: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100 // Body: Target Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 // Lip: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch // Oil: Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil SPF 4

3. Summer Reads

I love starting new books in the summer. Laying out on a lounge chair is the perfect time to get lost in a story. My favorite book has always been The Great Gatsby (go see the movie, you’ll like it, promise!) so I decided to re-read it after all the recent hype. Also, I came across the Bling Ring while browsing Target and am excited to read about the gang of Hollywood kids who robbed celebrities. I’ll let you know how it is :)

What are your favorite Summer reads!? Please share!

Floral leggings & Ombre Sweater

The ombre trend is one I’ve always been a big fan of. It’s so pretty and colorful… on clothes, accessories, and even hair!

Recently I needed to repurchase my Laura Mercier foundation at Sephora. The only local one I could find at the time was inside of a JC Penney. I’ve never been to a JC Penney before so I obviously had to shop around!

I ended up finding a few cute things, one being an amazing ombre sweater. I styled it with my favorite floral leggings…  I love this look for a casual day and will definitely be wearing it soon :)

Outfit details: Sweater: JC Penney // Leggings: Therapy // Sandals: Report // Purse: Forever 21

Wearing Winter Trends in Spring/Summer

You know those pieces we HAD to have for Winter that all of a sudden became irrelevant come Spring/Summer? Well, I’m going to show you how you can incorporate one very important Winter trend into the warmer months.

The Neff Beanie.

We all went out and bought it… some in neutral colors, some in bright colors, and some with just enough color to accent an outfit.

But what you didn’t know is that you can still wear that beanie now! Pairing it with a tee and leggings for a casual look or a tank and shorts during the day is okay, even if it’s hot.

Here’s how I styled my Neff beanie for warm weather:

I downplayed my clothes to emphasize my beanie accessory. Wearing a muscle tank and high waisted shorts keeps it simple, and I of course had to complete my look with high top Chuck Taylors!

Pairing a Winter trend with Spring/Summer ensembles is a great way to get extra use of items you spent so long shopping for. Think twice about putting away your favorite Winter trend… maybe you can wear it too :)

Outfit details: Tank: Macys // Shorts: Urban Outfitters BDG Cheeky High Rise (see previous post) // Shoes: Chuck Taylor High Top Converse // Beanie: Neff // Sunnies: Old Navy // Purse: Deux Lux // Bracelets: BP Nordstrom, Jest Jewels, BCBG, & a local boutique

Casual Camouflage

Most days, my style tends to lean toward casual and comfortable. My favorite things to wear are oversized t-shirts or sweaters paired with leggings or soft flowy shorts… comfort, comfort, comfort!

This is why I love when I find pieces that totally make an outfit without being too high maintenance or trying too hard…. cue the Camouflage Tee.

This Camouflage tee I found in the TopShop department at Nordstrom. I’ve been on the hunt for an oversized, vintage looking camo t-shirt that paired well with leggings, jeans, or anything casual. The bonus with this one is it’s versatility! A tight black skirt and heels topped off with a leather jacket would dress it up and complete it for a nighttime look. I’ll definitely be wearing this soon!

I found this T-shirt in the “Only one’s left” rack in my local TopShop department at Nordstrom. Hurry in to get yours for $44 or buy it here online!

Outfit Details: Top: TopShop // Shorts: H&M // Wedged Sneakers: Kohls // Tote: Louis Vuitton // Sunnies: Old Navy // Necklace: Brandy Melville // Bracelets: BP Nordstrom, Jest Jewels, BCBG, & a local boutique

Tropical Print Trend

I love anything with a fun, bold print and this new tropical craze is no exception. At first I was a little shy to rock the darker colored ones (like the Prabal Gurung for Target line) because they seemed too loud and out there for my personal taste. But then I came across Finders Keepers (thanks Tay). Finders Keepers is a contemporary Australian label that works with soft pale colors and tropical prints. If you don’t know, go check them out here.

See??? Amazing!

So you can imagine my excitement when I walked into Forever 21 and saw these cute tropical palm tree shorts that resembled Finders Keepers… for only $13!

Forever 21 does it again :)

Outfit details: Top: Vince // Shorts: Forever 21 // Purse: Target // Shoes: Forever 21

Current Favorite Accessories

It has recently been called to my attention that I’ve been obsessing over accessories. Last weekend my boyfriend and I went shopping and as we were popping in and out of stores, I found myself at the accessories table. I showed him earrings I liked, asked his opinion, and he responded “You’re really an accessories kind of girl huh?”

Um…. the answer would usually be NO!

In the past, my jewelry, hat, and scarf wearing has always been simple and minimal. I let my outfits be bold and speak for themselves. But lately, he’s right. I am digging accessories and how perfectly they complete a look. Somedays all I want to do is wear my favorite American Apparel leggings with a soft white T and call it a day…. but I always end up throwing on a fun scarf or statement necklace to spice it up! Accessories make picking out an outfit even more fun and I am so excited for all the fun colors to rock this spring and summer.

I purchased this Skull Scarf Headband at LF this past weekend during their 60% off entire store Winter sale. If you haven’t been yet… you’re missing out. Such cute clothes and all on sale for such great prices!! It was hard to resist, but I allowed myself this headband for only $10!

My next accessory obsession is something I am very proud of. I usually make very ambitious, lavish Christmas Lists and this year was no exception. Obviously, I don’t get everything I ask for which is perfectly expected. I had put the Illesteva Leonard 2 sunglasses in black on my list. I adore these for many reasons: they’re round, have tiny embellishments, and are large enough to cover my eyebrows (a must with sunnies) but I was not about to drop $260 on another pair of black shades. Months went by and these babies were still on my radar. Imagine my surprise when I walked into Old Navy and found their long lost, fraternal twin brother. No joke I thought they were identical until I noticed slight differences when comparing. Not to mention Old Navy’s were only $12.94!

See for yourself! The top are the Illesteva and the bottom are Old Navy

I guess it really does *pay* to be patient :)

Ps- Old Navy’s online store does not feature any sunglasses but they are currently in store!