Older And...

January 24, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Well, it’s official, I’m another year older (crossing over into my late twenties) and I feel just that… older. Ha! I am not sure that I feel all that much wiser, taller, or more accomplished.  In fact, I feel quite the opposite if I’m being honest.  At twenty seven, I pretty much figured I would be a mature woman, ruling the world, and some days, I still feel like a high-schooler, who is trying to figure out where I belong in this great big world.  But who says I need to be doing anything other than just that?   While that is certainly a bit scary to feel like you don't quite have it all figured out, it also brings with it a great deal of excitement. 

That being said, I think the best is yet to come for this whimsical-minded dreamer of girl.

My mum always says, "Are you wearing your party dress?" when I talk to her on my birthday, and so this outfit was inspired by her.  Its sparkly, flowy, girly, and in my opinion, the ultimate party dress!  I actually meant to wear it for New Years, but since I chose something else for that night, I figured this would be a perfect little number for today's celebration.  So it's a party dress and party shoes only kind of day for (just for you Mum).  Oh and by the way, I am so very grateful to have such great friends and family, who spoil me on this day and remind me each year how truly lucky I am to have them.

So I guess, overall, while I do feel older, I certainly also feel luckier each year. It's such a privilege to be able to spend my ups and downs surrounded by the fantastic group of people I love and cherish so dearly.  It's an exciting challenge to constantly want more for yourself, to always seek a better opportunity and to strive for a better tomorrow and learn from your yesterday and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.

Dress: Macy's (SIMILAR)

Bracelet: Ruche

Shoes: Aldo

Freedom lies in being bold- Robert Frost.

Photos By: Jennifer Biswas

Mix & Match.

January 23, 2014

La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, CA

Today I’ve decided to mix things up a bit- why not, right?  Instead of showing just one finished outfit like I usually do, I’ve decided to mix and match different accessories with the same long-sleeved grey dress I just got from H&M, which by the way, was only $14.95 (you know I can’t get enough of a great deal!) and you can quickly see that by adding or removing one or two of the garments, it really changes the entire look of the outfit.  You’ll also notice that this dress can quickly be made appropriate for colder or less chilly winter days.  I absolutely love staple pieces like this dress.  It can be transitioned from winter, spring, fall and summer when accessorized appropriately and who doesn’t love being able to make the same affordable dress feel new again and again? 

Look #1: The BASIC DRESS

Dress: H&M

Tights: Forever21

Booties: H&M 

I wanted you guys to be able to see the silloute of the dress before I layered it.  As you can see, it’s still got enough of a shape to it to carry itself as it is, especially if it’s a warmer day.  The shape of the dress is also quite flattering.  The deep V-neck back is an additional little perk they’ve added to this dress.  But because it is so plain, it allows itself to be molded and that is what is so great about a dress like this.

Look #2: Add a Cozy Scarf

Scarf: Anthropologie (SIMILAR)

If it’s a chilly day, add a bit of color and feel cozy all day, by adding an infinity scarf like this one.  I adore infinity scarves because you just throw them on and they always look cute! Check out how this adds to the look!

Look #3: Layer the Outfit & Add Color

Top: H&M

Necklace: Forever21

What I really love about this dress, and it’s surprising because it’s so affordable, but it really holds its shape.  I love how the bottom of the dress is able to keep a healthy dose of flare without falling too flat.  That makes the dress perfect for layering.  In this case, I chose to add a bright yellow short-sleeved cropped sweater.  This winter, adding bright colors to your ensemble is encouraged and so I tested it out here.  Similarly, you could also do this with a sweater and the dress quickly becomes a skirt.  In addition to the top, I also added a pop of color with the blue necklace that pairs perfectly with the yellow. 

Look #4: Putting it all Together

Dress: H&M

Top: H&M

Tights: Forever21

Scarf: Anthropologie

Booties: H&M

This final look takes the scarf, top, and dress and layers them all together, making for a colorful but warmer outfit- meant for those colder winter days. 

I hope this inspires you guys to find new and exciting ways to style your staple pieces and keep an eye out for the ones that may serve you well in the future.

Photos by: Jennifer Biswas

Patriots Aftermath.

January 20, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Ok well first off- I have to address the elephant in the room (would it be “elephant on the screen?”) Anyways, I’m sure the big question on all your minds right now is, of course, what my thoughts are on yesterdays Patriots game.  Am I right?  Well guys, the simple answer is, while it was certainly rough one (I’m talking ROUGH), I’m still proud of them for making it so far this year.  Oh and ya know what I also appreciated?  Even though they lost, Tom Brady still wore quite the eye-catching suit in the post-game interview. I mean, that could’ve been a really somber and depressing press conference, and maybe it was, but I was totally distracted by his fashionable attire the whole time so I couldn’t even tell you if it was or not!  All I know is that I am already looking forward to another season of Tom Brady and his post-game press conference attire.

Although they say it’s winter (and I’ve been trying my best to dress accordingly) it’s just about as wintery as a day at the beach for me today here in Southern California.  I have some family in town from back east and they have assured me that it is freezing back home and so we made sure to enjoy the long weekend over at the beach.  That’s right- I’m talking bathing suit weather.  We went for ice cream, woke up to take early morning strolls on the beach, played a few rounds of ski-ball at the arcade and- I even saw a few seals yesterday!  Having family in town is amazing and somehow, no matter how much time we spend together, it never seems to be enough.

I chose this bright and airy outfit for today’s lunch down at Enterprise Fish Co. before I have to drop my cousin at the airport.  I’ve always been too scared to wear these high-waisted flowy pants because they can be a bit unforgiving, but I figured what the heck- It’s 80 in January, I’m going to take a risk!   They’re really comfortable- it’s like wearing PJ’s- and if you pair them with some heels or booties like I did here, you can dress the outfit up a lot. 

Happy MLK Day! 

Cropped Sweater: Forever21

Pants: Forever21 (SIMILAR)

Booties: ALDO

Necklace: Forever21

Photos by: Jennifer Biswas