Snooze.

January 28, 2014

Beverly Hills, CA

We’ve already established that I’m not much of a morning person at some point here on the blog by now… right?  Well, that being said, while most mornings take me a few extra taps of the snooze button than your average lady, today was just one of those days where one quickly turned into five taps.  Perhaps it was all the birthday partying I did over the weekend or the fact that my old age is finally catching up to me (ha!)- who knows? All I know, is I could’ve kept hitting snooze for days!

Even knowing how much I had on my plate for the day, I simply wanted to roll back over, curl up underneath my five pillows (yes I sleep with a ton of pillows-it’s an art form, making a comfortable bed) and call it a day. 

But alas- after about 20 minutes of snoozing and what felt like four long dreams later, I finally got myself together and started the day.  However, I still couldn’t seem to wake myself from my morning dreamy fog and so that inspired today’s casual look.  My goal was to look presentably cozy and I think this outfit achieves just that.  Anything that I can wear after literally rolling out of bed, yet still passes me off as a decently fashionable human, is fantastic in my book and that’s what this outfit does.  Plaids are everywhere right now- which I LOVE and this oversized plaid shirt from H&M is just about the coziest thing I own right now.  I paired it with some thick tights, (and you can see it passes off as a dress) and a longer grey sweater for some layering but you could also put some leggings with it or even some jeans too.  

Some days, there's no use fighting how you feel- you just have to use the energy you have and make it work!

Knit Top: H&M

Necklace: Ruche

Booties: H&M 

Tights & Purse: Forever21

Sweater: Ross

Earrings: Kate Spade (bday gift!)

Photos by: Jennifer Biswas

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