Current Crush

I seriously cannot get enough of Song of Style's outfit. In fact, ever since I developed the crush I've been obsessively thinking of ways to recreate it (ideally with items I already have in my closet) and have come up with these variations:

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It seems as if the skater skirt is here to stay so stock up on your favorite chunky knits, add a pop of color with this or this and you're good to go from a day of lunch and shopping to a night out!

Rock Night Out

Is there any better outfit than a sharp, black blazer (perfect closet staple item to help you buy less), classic band tee, and perfectly worn denim? I think not. Paired with a dark, vampy lip and sexy, strappy heels you are set for a night out to see a local band or grab cocktails at a swanky new lounge. I really need to get my hands on a pair of Rag & Bone/Jeans and several gorgeous pieces from Jennifer Zuener's delicately gold and perfect-for-layering collection (also dying over this).

What's your go-to, always-sexy-and-classy look for a night out?

Choose Well

A new mantra I'm trying to live by. Ever get that panicked, whimpering thought in the morning of I have nothing to wear! as you're staring at a closet completely packed with articles of clothing and shoes of every kind?? Yeah, me too. Well I'm trying a new thing called really spend time thinking about making a clothing/accessory/shoe purchase before you pull the trigger and it sits in your closet for years to come. One rule of thumb I'm implementing: asking myself can I think of 3 different outfits I can incorporate this (bootie, sweater, bracelet, whatever) into? Another great tried and true rule: Only buy something that looks absolutely amazing on! Like, it was completely made for you. What a concept, huh?

What are yours tips on choosing well and buying less? I'd love to hear them!

Tuesday Inspo

images via pinterest.

In case you're in need of a little Tuesday inspo.

Messy Hair & Coffee

Is there anything better? I hope you all had a lovely and relaxing weekend! I for one did not leave the house yesterday and it was aaaaamazing. 

Happy Monday!

Blush & Navy Crush

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If you've perused any recent fashion mag or followed NYFW , you know blush and navy are huge for transition to Spring, and I couldn't agree more. If you consider navy to be a masculine tone and blush to be flawlessly feminine, then this combo is the perfect juxtaposition. Is there anything better than fashion juxtapositions? Leather and lace, boyfriends jeans & cropped top, moto jacket and floral dress. I think not!

Those gorgeous peachy track pants and adorable "Darling!" sweater are currently on the way to my house and I cannot wait to pair them together. I may need to make a run to Forever21 to pick up that super slouchy and super stylish beanie ASAP. How would you style navy and blush? 

Keep It Faux

Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that rocking fur is a pretty huge deal in the fashion world. Personally, I absolutely love this look (and can finally dust off my faux fur vest I bought for a Halloween costume years ago!). HOWEVER, please keep the fur wearing FAUX! Really people, there is no excuse to wear real fur when there are so many amazing faux pieces out there. Don't believe me? Check it out below.

1. Grey Tipped Faux Coat
2. Unreal Fire and Ice Faux Jacket
3. Topshop 'Teddy' Faux Peacoat
4. Soft Faux Cropped Jacket
5. alice and olivia Faux Coat (and my personal, to-die-for, fav!)

intention.

I can't help but get all giddy with the start of the new year. I was so ready for 2013 to be over and am so ready for a completely fresh start in 2014. I'm a sucker for resolutions so I wanted to share with all of you a few of mine:

1. Run a 5k (The Color Run) and a 10k (Race For The Rescues)
Given that I've never run a race in my life (nor can I remember the last time I've ran a mile nonstop, this resolution may be a little overzealous. However, one of this year's life goals is to lead a healthier lifestyle and what better motivation than training and running for a good cause?

2. Always have fresh flowers in the house.

Because...why not?!

3. Find (and wear) my "signature scent"
I know, I know. Some may be appalled to read that at almost 26 years old, I have yet to find my signature scent. Any recommendations I can try out? Do tell!

4. Start investing.
Ideally, set up a matching 401k with an employer, otherwise look into a Roth IRA. Why? Because I want to be that person at 65 years old travelling the world, going to fancy dinners, and just living a super cushy life!

I'm pretty confident with this year's resolutions. I've found that setting specific ones rather than general, typical ones (i.e. get in shape! work out more! eat health!) are much easier to commit to and achieve. For example, last year my resolutions were to get more involved in animal welfare (I'm now volunteering for two amazing animal nonprofits on a weekly basis!), go to more concerts (I went to a total of 7), and start painting (This one is still underway; I got an amazing acrylic paint set for Christmas and can't wait to use it).

Bring it, 2014!

topshop

I may or may not have a slight major obsession with Topshop. Thank you to London for finally sharing this amazing fashion line with us Americans! Below are just a few of the pieces I'm realllly craving currently:

 purple cami / black print dress /  black romper jumpsuit /  boy shorts /  elastic waistband pants

orange county fair.

Nothing says summer better than a county (or state!) fair. It's something about warm nights spent riding an illuminated Ferris wheel, stuffing your face with way too many fried foods, and "aww-ing" over all of the baby farm animals. You should be impressed and disgusted to know that I took down Australian beer-battered potatoes smothered in Ranch and cheese, a third of a Pink's hot dog (Martha Stewart-style, no less!), a chicken gyro, three large beers, and several bites of a - wait for it! - bacon covered glazed doughnut. Oh my. So, you'd be right to guess that now I am spending the next week eating celery sticks and water to de-bloat and cleanse my body after the fair aftermath!

She's a wild one.

How perfectly awesome is this baggy sweater from Wildfox Couture? Comfortable and stylish for a summer road trip if you ask me ;)

I'm also loving this, this, and this. 

Note: these sweaters tend to run super huge (I'm wearing an XS) so be sure to size down!

duh.

but really, go crazy!! And have a fabulous weekend lovies. 

Hello, Gorgeous.

Picked this beauty up at Nordstrom and it really is ideal for the working fashionista as it is large enough to fit my lunch, laptop, and other daily essentials! Shop it here and similar ones I'm loving this, this, and this. I mean really, Kate Spade can do no wrong with her handbags! 

unconventional.

While it's super easy and basically a necessity to pile on classic necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to complete any outfit, there's a trend developing that we cannot deny: unconventional jewelry items to really make a style statement. Whether they are here for a long time or just for the summer, ear cuffs are having a super hot moment. Check out a few of my favorite pieces below and do tell: do you dare to step out of your fashion comfort zone and try these out? How would you style them?

1. Nasty Gal Shark Tooth Ear Cuff

2. Zara Rhinestone Ear Cuff

3. Repossi Diamond Ear Cuff

4. BCBG Metal Stone Ear Cuff

long distance inspiration

Nothing says summer or music festival season like road trips do. There's just something about long roads, gas station snacks, and a free spirit that can be so refreshing. Of course, having the style to match that free spirit and desire for adventure is key. Obviously, turning to Free People for that effortless, hippie-chic, style is a no brainer. Enjoy their latest lookbook:

Shop these looks here and check out Free People's collection via Shop Bop here.

Celebs Who Inspire

While sometimes celebs can be inspiring in other ways (i.e. through their work, philanthropy), let's face it the real reason we adore celebs is for their amazing style and fashion sense. I mean, when you can buy the world, why not buy the best outfits out there? So here's a little ode to the celeb fashionistas inspiring me this month.

Obviously you can't do a celeb fashion post without Nicole Richie in it , how amazing is she in these black and white striped palazzos?!

Sophie Monk can rock grunger chic like no one else. Shop her One Teaspoon duds here.

Rachel Zoe. Missoni. Floppy Hat. Hermes Cuff. I Die.

What Do Women Want?

Shoes. Duh. I may or may not have gone a little overboard with shoe shopping this week, but in my defense it is sale season and who can (or should!) turn down a good sale?

my meaning of life

It's no secret to anyone that even remotely knows me that I am a huge animal lover and if you've read my post here then you know that as well. For me, rescuing animals and adopting pets has always been a way of life and to be quite honest, I don't understand people who don't embrace this view as well. I've noticed that when I don't have animals in my life, it's a lot less meaningful. So, as one of my New Year's resolutions, I vowed to add more animals to my life in some way. Now I already have a super precious puppy in my life (who we adopted of course) so I had to get creative. 

Cue: volunteering at a badass animal nonprofit. I decided to apply for an Animal Care position at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach and after months of interviews and training, I scored the position :) I truly feel so much happier now that I am able to work with animals on a weekly basis. Here are a few pictures of the little guys I get to help rescue, rehabilitate, and release:

giving some of the baby sea lions a warm bath :)

what makes it all worth it: releasing the animals back into their home!

this little lady really wanted to be a guest on the blog!

our baby harbor seal who has us all wrapped around her finger flipper

Make A Statement

House of Harlow 1960 charm jewelry / J.Crew handcrafted necklace / Vanessa Mooney jewelry / Kate Spade 14k earrings / Kendra Scott 14k earrings

If there is one thing on my wish list it would have to be statement jewelry pieces. Whether it's a bright pair of classy chic earrings or a tribal inspired chunky necklace, this trend makes it easy to spice up any outfit. If you're like me and gravitate towards graphic tees, sneakers, and distressed denim for everyday wear, then adding a statement piece is perfect to spice up any casual-cool look. How do you style this jewelry trend?

monday.

Happy Monday Everyone!