OOTD

Today I went to get ramen with my bestie (visit her blog, HERE!) and then did some shopping in preparation for friends we have coming over tonight.  These buffalo chicken sliders are currently cooking in the crockpot.  I hope they turn out good (:  I don't have much to say (for once), so here's a quick outfit I put together for today.

Also, I can't stop listening to this:

What I'm Wearing:

Beanie - Zumiez

Jersey - Gifted from kels and wedding bells

Jeans - BDG from Crossroads Trading

Boots - Wanted Shoes

Bracelet - Thrifted

An "I JUST CAN'T" Trend

As a girl who loves trends and looks forward to bloggers who post new and different ways to style old pieces, "I JUST CAN'T" with some trends.  Finding a new trend that I like and think would work with my style is an awesome feeling, but that doesn't mean that I wear every single new thing that comes out just because it's "in".  Doesn't that defy the whole concept of "personal style"?  Wearing something simply because others are or because the "taste makers" have deemed it to be "cool"?  
"Sorry" "I'm" "really" "going" "overboard" "with" "the" "whole" "quotes" "thing" "here".

I hate posting about things I hate, because I feel like it just comes off as negative [and ain't nobody got time for that!]  So let's make this positive.  There is an infinite amount of choices out there when it comes to what you wear and how you wear it.  Choose what's best for you.  What catches your attention.  What you don't have to think twice about.  Because it just . . . works for you.  And forget about the rest.  Identifying what doesn't work for me opens up the door to all of the other things that do.  So in the most idealistic way, I am professing my distaste for the 'high fashion' sneaker.  Namely, wearing trainers (nikes, new balances, etc.) that typically belong in the gym with an otherwise feminine or fashion forward outfit.  

DISCLAIMER:  I think this look does look cool on a lot of women!  But it's NOT FOR ME.  I can appreciate the images I am about to show you below, but that's all I am inspired to produce from this trend - appreciation.  I have no intention of now, nor ever, implementing this look into my own fashion repertoire.

Nope, just can't do it.  She still looks beautiful though and should obviously wear whatever the hell she wants.

I love this girl's outfit.  And her style.  And her beautiful face.  And it actually doesn't look half bad with the sneaker.  But I JUST CAN'T.

Sooo adorable.  I love me a pair of overalls / quirky cute fashion.  I might wear this with a converse shoe, but not with what I call a "trainer".

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: I mean no offense to anyone who sports this trend.  I simply believe in embracing what's right for you and dismissing the rest.  All of the women pictured above are beautiful and look great, we just don't have the same style (and we shouldn't!)  I love diversity in the fashion world.

What's a trend that's not for you?  In a way, identifying what's not for you, enhances the sense of self you already have.  And I think that's always cool.

Lots of Love,

J

Pictured Above:

1st Image - Found on Pinterest HERE

2nd Image - the chronicles of her [love this blog!!]

3rd Image - Found on Pinterest HERE

Boyfriend Jeans for Fall [in California]

Boyfriend jeans have become one of my wardrobe staples, so I felt it only right to style them for Fall [in California].  I've been wearing them quite often, and there are many ways to style them in a chic way, despite their slouchy feel.

According to my actual boyfriend, "They're called boyfriend jeans, because you wear those when you are comfortable...ain't nobody actually getting a boyfriend in those jeans."  If you'd like to see my [non-PG] response to his comment, navigate to 8:48-8:54 of this video by Jenna Marbles: Things Boys Don't Understand.

O.K. back to our regularly scheduled fashion programming.  First up, we have boyfriend jeans styled for work.  Now, I work in a casual/business casual [mostly casual] business environment in California.  Have you seen the show 'Silicon Valley'?  It's all jeans and flip-flops people, no joke.  Oh, and if you live in the bay area and have not seen that show, stop what you're doing, set your TiVo to record it / download it / whatever you have to do, and then come right back.  Phew, now that that's settled.

If you're donning the boyfriend for work, I feel like there needs to be some structure to your outfit.  I chose to add that structure with a classic tweed jacket and a boxy handbag.

I love the subtle green color of this jacket that adds a hint of color to an otherwise neutral palette.

Comfort is huge to me when I'm dressing for any occasion, but especially for work.  How much more comfy can you get than these bad boys?!

I'll let you in on a little secret . . . this is my go-to hairstyle when I have dirty hair.  I just let the part fall naturally, and pin back the front [most dirty] part of my hair and curl the rest.  Wha-la!  Judgment free hairdo.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket - Crossroads Trading Co

Top and Necklace - Francesca's Collections

Black and White Bracelet - Icing

Gold Bangle, Bag, and Booties - Forever 21

Jeans - TJ Maxx

Up next we have the slouchsters styled for everyday / casual wear.  To be honest, this is my favorite way to wear clothing.  "Off duty", if you will.  I just feel most like myself when there are absolutely zero restrictions as to what I can wear / how I can wear it.

I just love orange.  I think it's one of my favorite colors, like ever.  It just makes me happy.

I think I have a post back in the day [when I very first started blogging] about this bomber.  It is one of my most worn / loved pieces, and for a long period of time I found myself wearing it over and over and over again.

Remember how I said I like to be comfortable and myself?  Well, part of that is being lazy.  [Hey, I'm embracing it.]  These slip-ons are a lazy girl's dream.  You really don't have to try at all, and the studs somehow make it look like you did.

“Whatever!!” One of my all time favorite movies is ‘Clueless’.  Yup, I’m that girl.

Look who decided to make an appearance . . . Mickey!  O.K. I forced her, but same difference.

What I'm Wearing:

Beanie - Zumiez

Earrings, Jacket, and Tank - Forever 21

Ring - Crossroads Trading Co

Shoes - Wanted Shoes

Jeans - TJ Maxx

Last, but definitely not least, we have the pair styled for a night out.  For a night out on the town, I'll need an overcoat for walking in and out of places, but I better be wearing something more slinky underneath cuz mama gets HOT.

Wearing black and a red lip is pretty much my go-to for "dressing" things up.  Add a pair of chunky fancy earrings, nude pumps, and you're good to go.

I just had to include my baby Mac in this one.  I love the way she sits up so straight, like the queen she is.

This is my Inspector Gadget / Audrey Hepburn coat.  You take your pick.

I think this outfit would be great for a holiday party at someone's home if jeans are approps, like they are at every one of my family's functions.  My dad's even worn jeans to a wedding, but we won't delve into the shame and embarrassment surrounding that here.

What I'm Wearing:

Earrings - Francesca's Collections

Top - Supre'

Trench - Metropark

Nude Pumps and Clutch - Forever 21

Jeans - TJ Maxx

I hope everyone's having a wonderful Sunday like we are.  Do something fun outside of the house to get your mind off the pending doom of Monday. Also, let me know which outfit was your fave, I'd love to hear from you!  Oh, and for anyone who was wondering, Marley had prior engagements and could not be bothered to be a part of this photo shoot.

Lots of Love,

J

Engagement Rings. A girl can dream, right?

Looking at engagement rings has never been my thing, but one of my favorite blogs Who What Wear has posted quite a few entries on the subject recently, and it's got me thinking . . . what would my engagement ring look like?  How much would it cost?  Do I want traditional, modern, vintage?  The options are endless, but one thing's for sure, I am not a classic diamond ring type of girl.  I used to think that I wanted a black diamond, but now even that has become too common (BARF, I'm such a snob.)  But really, I just want something that represents me.  And we are all so unique and different as women, so shouldn't our ring reflect that?  O.K. enough with my rant, just take a look at these beauties (all under 1K.)

A little too bulky for my taste, but the color is immaculate.  This is also my birthstone and favorite color.

HE-LLOOOOOO, GORGEOUS!

I love the vintage feel of this ring.  It reminds me of something out of Great Gatsby.

This is the first ring I saw on Who What Wear that grabbed my attention.  I love that there is a stone in the middle but it still has small diamonds on the outside (if you feel like you'd be missing the diamonds otherwise).

I love the idea of still possibly getting a classic stone, but with a unique shape.  Such a fun modern twist.

I have yet to find my "perfect" ring, but I guess that's his job, right?  (;

Ring Details:

All rings were found on The One I Love

Copycat Series - Fall Maxi

Since I gain a lot of my inspiration from others' styling, I find it only fair to recognize my copycat-ness and devote an entire series to it.  This is series 1, in which I sought inspiration on how to style a summer maxi for fall.  Although I don't take something another wears and imitate it exactly, when I am at a loss for how to style something, I look to others.  It's amazing how much creativity is out there.  How where we grew up, where we live now, what we do for a living, etc. can influence how we go about creating an outfit.  I love finding a piece that I want to wear on another person and thinking WOW, I would've never thought to style it like that!  And then of course putting my own twist on it for what fits me best.  What are your thoughts on 'copying' others??

I love how this dress becomes instantly fall when paired with a moto jacket.

I've never owned a dress with slits in the front and absolutely fell in love with this one from Mint & Pink.

 The classic 'black and white' gets an update in this interesting chevron print.

Not only do I love Mint & Pink for their adorable and budget friendly styles, their garments are SOOOO soft.

 Showin a little leg . . . don't mind if I do (;

This is what I call "natural" ombre.  AKA I haven't gotten my hair done in a year.

I don't know WHO this beauty is, but this is where I got the inspiration on styling my maxi for fall. 

Click here for a link to the outfit on Pinterest.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket and booties - Forever 21

Dress - Mint & Pink

Ring - Francescas

*This post is sponsored by Mint & Pink

Shop Styling

Many of my friends find it odd that I can spend hours upon hours browsing online shops but never actually buying anything.  Well, part of the reason is that I feel that shopper's high just from looking at things and thinking that I will purchase them and that they will later reside in my closet.  The other (bigger) part however is that while I shop online, I'm actually shopping more for styling tips than I am for items. 

I browse through my favorite online shops, stop on the looks that I like, and mentally go to a place where I am substituting those items that this shop has styled so amazingly for items that I already have in my closet.

Next time you feel like you are in a fashion rut or "have nothing to wear", try this!  Go online shopping, but for styling tips instead of purchases.  The items that you own don't have to be exact duplicates of what's in that store.  It's all about inspiration - taking what you already have and creating something you would've never thought to create otherwise.

 I love this casual/sporty look for weekend wear and am already thinking about pairing my sneaks with a loose ripped jean + moto jacket.

I love that this look takes something preppy / work appropriate (a sweater witha a collared shirt underneath) and gives it edge with stocky boots and tight leather pants.

This look is all about the details.  A shorter skirt with a longer sweater, a simple knot of a t-shirt, and huge chunky platforms.

This layering.  Need I say more?

This look is so sleek and chic but rocker at the same time.  I can't wait to try something similar.

Put your pom poms down for me!  As soon as I get some extra spending money, this bad boy is mine (:

The first three looks (and last look) are from Missguided.  The other two looks are from Forever 21.

Easy Does It

I may or may not have imbibed in a few too many alcoholic beverages last night and today I just want to take it easy.  Call this my 'hangover' outfit of choice, if you will (:  Nothing too tight or restricting and something nice and breezy since it's so hot in San Ho.  Simple makeup, a hat to cover up this crazy rat's nest, and N-O to accessories.  This weekend was a lot of fun going from one function to the next (4 in total) and I'm sure glad I don't have anything major planned for today other than a massage (YIPPEE!)  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

This skirt from Mint & Pink is so soft and luxurious, and the easy tank is equally as comfy.

This is the most sweet natured of all my three pups, although she has been a little bit sassy lately . . 

I love the quirkiness of this skirt in the bright yellow color and mini hearts.  It reminds me of something Zooey Deschanel would wear.

This hat has saved me from one a many sunburns, and the bucket bag is my go-to purse.  I like that it's small, but you can actually fit a crap load of stuff in it, and it has a relaxed but stylish feel.

Puppies just make everything brighter, don't you think?  From left to right: Mac, Mickey, Marley.

What I'm Wearing:

Hat - Sunday Afternoons

Tank - Thrifted

Skirt - Mint & Pink

Flats - Shiek

Bag - Forever 21

*This post is sponsored by Mint & Pink

Leopard and Stripes

This weekend was so FULL.  Full of babies, races, family, and fashion.  Below are a few quick pix of an outfit I pulled together to go meet with Mint & Pink. Visit their website!  They have a wide variety of styles, and their prices are beyond reasonable.  I can't wait to blog on what I pulled from them.  I hope you all have a great start to your week and your Monday isn't too painful (;  

I love this headband I got from Forever 21.  A lot of headbands are much too tight and give me headaches throughout the day.  This one is made of soft loose material that leaves no lines or aches & pains (:

My baby girl!  This is the youngest out of our three dogs, and definitely the sweetest.  If you haven't read her back story, you can do that here.

I'm trying out a new photo app and I think the quality of the photos is much better, but the watermark is a little tacky, haha.  I just need to pay a little extra to upgrade and take photos without the mark, so I'm definitely gonna do that (:

---My Outfit---

Headband and cuff - Forever 21

Necklace - Francescas

Dress - Crossroads Trading

Boots - Wanted Shoes