NINE2five chic

top: Who What Wear collection from target; pants: H&M; shoes: Target 

Black and white never goes out of style. I was at Target the other night and saw this blouse from the 'Who What Wear' collection. 

Hounds-tooth - duh

B + W - timeless

So I have this friend Giovanna... but she's only friend with me because I take her photos. haha. 

IG baby. 

Well she took these and I think she did amazing! Lately I've been wanting a bit more prep in my wardrobe. So I've been drawn to classic pieces, with a good cut.

The shoes are also from Target :) I got them on clearance for $8.

OVER IT

glasses: Celine, top: Vintage, overalls: Forever 21 (similar here), 
booties: Silence and Noise, backpack: Claire's.

Sometimes you just have to tell yourself that you're confident... even when you aren't.

I wore these and was so nervous, thinking people would make fun of a grown gal in overalls!! But that morning I told myself "Just do it!"

and to my surprise...  I received so many compliments for them. 

  

 

So the moral to my post is even when your nerves are telling you no, TRY or DO it anyway and you will be surprised. Even if no one responds to your daring act 

(like the compliments I received for my outfit risk) 

YOU will know that you tried and be proud of yourself for doing so!!

To dress them up I paired them with booties and bow tie dress shirt and a bold lip. I am in love with this Bordeaux color for fall and treated myself to this new lip shade. Its called Leo, and it's fabulous.

xo, ciao

6 Spring Must Haves

I really like to keep my look F.R.E.S.H. and it only makes me look cooler (ahem, narcissistic much?) when my friends look good too!.
So, My friends :)
If you are thinking of updating a piece, or two, of your wardrobe for spring-
I highly recommend these closet staples. 

 I know a lot of people really got into the "sporty chic" style for fall/winter.. and the hats and track pants should carry over to spring. 

1. Baseball Hat $31.99

Light denim is making a comeback guys. you know that bleach white color? 

Add some distress or a boyfriend style, and you're set!

2. Light Colored Destroyed Denim $42.90

This is going to be big, denim and leather jackets will still be popular for spring,
but more people will be..well, covering up more.
3. The Classic Trench coat $129

I know everyone is used to being a bag lady, but with technology advancing by the minute I feel as though more things are taking up less space in your purse AND taking more space on your smart phone. get yourself a mini purse for spring. 

4. The Petite Lady Bag $ 27.50 (budget babe) L

4.5.  The Petite Lady Bag $225 (high end) R

This became popular in Fall, and the bucket bag and backpack will be the popular choice for all music festivals this spring and summer season. 

5. The Bucket Bag $168

Whenever I'm feeling less creative and having a tough time with outfit choices... I remember to keep it simple. This dress is JUST that!
Simple. Clean. Classic.
(it comes in black too!) swoon

6. White Collared Shirt Dress $198

5 things to make your rainy day, brighter.

I am by NO MEANS complaining about the weather. California has been in a drought for that last 6 years people, and we need the water!! I keep hearing people complaining about it though, it's as if they forgot how brutal the summer was and how "un-snowish" our winters have been.

Pipe Down!!

These little cuties should bring a smile to your face, while the sun is on vacation and the rain drops are dancing on your eye lashes or dog's nose.. or whatever the song is. ask Julie Andrews..

Yellow Submarine Goggle umbrella 

$34

Floral Hooded Rain Coat

[on sale] $36

Kate Spade Rain Check Umbrella

$38

All She Craves from etsy.com 

$30 a set

Animal Print rain boots 

$30 

refresh

So I got a second job, and I love it! 

San Jose has a great outdoor shopping area- Santana Row. It is designed to look like a European neighborhood, with shopping on the first floor and homes above the shops. There are some amazing restaurants and the entire setting is really casual but classy. I work at Anthropologie and it's great so far- It really allows me to dress how I like, it's so close to home and my team is so fun to work with. 

I think this relationship is going to last.

sweater- Banana Republic, plaid- Target (little boys section), pants- Urban Outfitters, boots- Urban Outfitters

These were taken while at work, just sipping on my coffee, enjoying the view. 

I wish I had gotten a close up of my socks for the day- 

they are bright blue with vinyl records all over them.

New York- my style {{ Brooklyn Hipster }}

One of the things my boyfriend hates most about me is that I like to blog my fashion. While I was in New York I was totally tuned into the urban street vibe. Matching high and low end styles and making sure comfort was my #1 priority. 

When I think of the streets of New York I see dark alleys and brick and foggy streets. 

Much different than my regular bright California attire, I packed nothing but black and a bit of white for my trip. And this was one of my favorite outfits. edgy but tailored. 

Beanie: Brandy Melville, blouse: HM, jacket: Topshop, jeans: Joes, 

shoes: Nike, scarf: DSW ( I have it in cranberry also) 

beanie: Brandy Melville, scarf: DSW, blouse: H&M, jacket: Topshop, jeans: Joes, shoes: Nike

flying solo

Well , I successfully made it to New York and back to California!! My parents instilled in me from a young age, a love for flying. I went on my first international flight when I was only 6 months old. I've been to all parts of the world {one day, I will go to Japan :) } and they have educated me on the importance of being a savvy traveler. 

I am very independent- sometimes too much for my own good, but I've learned. I know how to take care of myself and I'm confident, which does take you far in life. 

This past week was my first big adventure, SOLO!! But the act of being prepared is so much different when you're alone, because there is no backup. Which I completely understand, but one doesn't fully grasp the concept until they are in the exact situation.

I managed to loose my headphones, spill my coffee (≧∇≦) take two round trip tours of the JFK airport via bus tram and almost end up in Queens- which I tried to play off as an impromptu sightseeing visit because I grew up watching "The Nanny" :: love that Fran Drescher!! 

It's ok :/ I didn't die!! 

And with that I'm sharing my MUST KNOW travel tips when flying solo. 

1. SEND THE ITINERARY TO MORE THAN ONE PERSON

Whether it be your significant other, your sister, your Dad or your best friend, make sure that you have a few connections who know your route and destination. Check in with them with an airport selfie to let them know you made it safely. 

2. PACK LIGHT 

Unless you're going for business and need multiple outfits... Come on you are NOT even going to wear all those dresses and tops- you don't need options, you need to be creative! •try taking pictures of you in the different outfits as you pack.

•don't trust the weather app- bring a jacket and tank top, just in case.

•don't pack the "if I don't eat for a week, I look SO HOT in this" dress.. Just don't!  

 3.  MAKE IT A CARRY ON

The baggage carousel is no body's friend. If you can skip the extra bag you'll save yourself the headache and the extra $25 dollars and the hassle of standing in the line to check your bag in the first place. 

4. BRING CASH 

Seriously can't stress this enough.  You never know when your plastic card is going to poop out on you, the merchants card reader 

isn't going to be up and running or just plain "Cash Only". It doesn't have to be much,

{I work at a Financial Institution, I know the population's fear of being mugged} $30 should get you to your destination, all things considered. 

5. CARRY THESE IN YOUR PURSE 

• Liquid of some sort- buy this after you go through airport security! Grab a water, tea, or juice for your air travel, the mini drinks they serve on the plane are gone in one sip. 

• Your chargers- Virgin America offers outlets under their seats, and this is an amazing. I'm not saying your phone or laptop is going to die in one plane ride, but it gives piece of mind that you're not landing with a 7% battery life. 

• bring a scarf with you. It works like a blanket too, and it's smaller so it fits and doesn't take up too much room in your purse, like a sweater would. 

beanie- Brandy Melville, jacket- Topshop, sweater- Ann Taylor, denim- Joes Jeans, boots- Steve Madden, bag- from Magic fashion in Las Vegas

Fall Fashion

I think there are a lot of women who look forward to Fall style, because they love to layer. In the Summer, I layer necklaces and rings to make up for the layers of clothes I'm not wearing.

Autumn is a time for collard shirts and pull over sweaters, 

knee high socks and tall boots, scarves and beanies.

I'm predicting some very good trends for Fall, 

Here is what made my lust list.

60's style is back at it- bright colors and prints, plus pattern mixing is a must! 

Everyone should just go ahead and turn into a ball of wool- buy chunky sweaters and make them huge. 

The Norse print is going to be big just like the lumberjacks who wear them. If the print is too over powering try it on a backpack or hat. 

Turtle necks are very chic for fashion and I think the bigger the better. 

That black western hat is not saying goodbye just yet.. and neither is it's trendy military friend either, keep them close ;)

If you don't know what Lugs are, click here.. 

As far as colors, you can thank that Frozen chick.. ICE BLUE will be FIRE for Fall

Houndstooth and checks were once reserved for nerds only, now they're all over the runways and I like it. 

Maybe it's cause I'm a nerd, but I think you should buy a bow blouse in either print.. just saying. 

Lastly, Fall is for staying cozy. Rock your favorite sneakers and *pop that pep in your step.

metallic beanie $40 :: flat top hat $50 :: poncho $80

Vans $60 :: MAC Lips $16 top- Lingering Kiss, bottom- Violetta 

sk8 high

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of accompanying Carlos from DTAfoto 

(who has the most wicked VW bus I have ever seen) over the hill to the beach. 

We grabbed a couple beers and some sour candy and went to play by the water for a bit. Sand, palm trees and the smell of salty air remind me so much of my childhood, my mom... just happiness in general.

It's really the only place in the world where I feel completely whole.

always a California girl I guess... <3

wants on wednesday

Fall has been trying to take over here in California, but the heat refuses to leave the party. 

In anticipation of all things cozy, I can't help but pick a few pieces that help get me into the fall spirit. Bold patterns, burgundy, boots and seat heaters... pumpkin spice. 

I'm ready for the rainy nights,scarves and baking.. that's probably what I look forward to. 

Thinking about taking a trip to New York in December.. I have always wanted to visit the city when it's all dressed up for the Holidays. 

Maybe it was one too many viewings of 'Home Alone 2".. 

either way it will be nice to get away and really embrace the real winter elements.. 

like I referenced earlier- California doesn't see much of that.  

Denim

Blank Denim

One Teaspoon Denim

Citizens for Humanity Denim

Jackets

IRO waffle jacket

Lovers and Friends bomber 

Smythe blazer

Tops

dot blouse

hounds tooth top 

vans tee

Accessories 

beanie

chunky necklace

 leopard clutch

Fashion Week Favorites

Paris Fashion week is always near the end of September. The gowns and suits and ready to wear are always my favorite looks. I compiled a little inspiration collection from some of my favorite designers, for your viewing pleasure.

 Vivienne Westwood

Tom Ford

Miu Miu

 Alexander McQueen

Valentino

 Givenchy

Chloe