C'est la vie

This last week has been one for the record books.  So much has been happening in my life / those around me, and I won't go into the gritty details here, but there have been 4 / 5 major events in just one week!  I'm feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained from recent days and any spare time I've gotten I've used for either sleep or just taking a few moments to chill out and think about how I'm feeling about everything.  However, I am feeling extremely grateful for the people I have in my life and the time I have with them. 

I recently started collaborating with Bliss Boutique [< - - click the link!] and knew that I had to have this top.

Not only am I sporting the 'Canadian Tuxedo', I'm sporting it in double acid wash.  Double faux pas??

I love the edginess [acid wash and crop] and sportiness [athletic stripe] of this top.  I knew instantly that I wanted to play off of these aspects and create an overall edgy/sporty look.

My tried and true backpack from Forever 21, along with these combat boots, appear in so many of my off-duty / casual looks.

She looks like she's trying to escape me, but trust me, she was LOVING it.

I try to shoot during the 'golden hour', near sunrise and sunset, to avoid weird reflections and lighting, but I thought these streams of light ended up looking kinda cool.

I'm grateful for the doggies in my life too.  Two big paws up for all the dog lovers out there!

What I'm Wearing:

Hat - My Boyfriend's

Top - Bliss Boutique [< - - click the link!]

Necklace - Gifted

Denim - Echo Clubhouse

Backpack - Forever 21

Ring - Crossroad's Trading

*This post is sponsored by Bliss Boutique

Fashion Resolution: The Outer Layer

Pre-New Year up until a few weeks ago, I started compiling a 'Fashion Resolutions' list for 2015.  I realize that we are well into January now, but better late than never??  The list I created includes resolutions for my everyday styling.  Mostly trying to do more of things I like but for whatever reason don't do that often.  First up [since it is so frigid today in the typically sunny CA], I chose 'The Outer Layer'.  I want to find new and different ways to work my outfits.  So often I start with a top or dress and just go from there.  I thought this time I would start with the outermost piece and work my way in [that's what he said.]  This luxurious coat from Mint and Pink [< - - click the link!] is the perfect starting point since it is so structured and detailed that it is pretty much an outfit in itself.  Oh, and it is super warm and snuggly.  [Did I mention that it's cold today?!]

I love the fact that you can wear this open, with a low collar, or . . . wait for it . . .

You can hook the button to the back part of the garment and wear it all bundled up.  BOOM, magical coat.

Does anyone think I look like I belong on a ranch, or is that just me?  Guess I should start adding these pix to my 'rancher's wear' board on Pinterest . . .

I like the swingy, Audrey Hepburn-esque feel of this coat.  La-la-la!

Since it's in the 50s in the bay area today [I just checked], I probably won't be unbuttoning this coat much.  But I DO have something under there.

Annnnd an outtake of me and my baby Marls for good measure.  She makes me so happy.  And I kinda think she likes me too (:

I think we can all agree that Marley is the more photogenic of the two subjects pictured here today.

What I'm Wearing:

Jacket - Mint and Pink < - - click the link!

Hat - Crossroads Trading Co

Necklace - Icing

Sweater, Booties, and Handbag - Forever 21

Jeans - Echo Clubhouse

*This post is sponsored by Mint & Pink

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

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

I Just Ride

Today I went on my very first ever motorcycle ride!  My boyfriend has been riding bikes since he was eight years old so needless to say, he was stoked.  We've been wanting to go together for a while, but I've been pretty scared to do so and kept putting it off.  I'm glad I bit the bullet and went today because it was so fun.  Of course one of my main concerns was what I was going to wear.  And I have to say that being out in the elements (er, wind) and smashing that helmet down over your face really does minimal damage to hair and makeup, ladies!!

My top picks to keep you trending cheaply:

From left to right (click the links!)

If the music is good you dance tank - Delias - $15.00

Ramones Graphic Racerback Tank - Forever 21 - $15.80

Women's The Beatles Concert Tanks - Old Navy - $16.94

---My Outfit Details---

(click the store name for links!)

Tank - Forever, Jacket, and Boots - Forever 21

Grey Jeans - Zara

Helmet - Bell

Lips - Revlon

Temporary Pink Hair Dye - Garnier

Swinging Sixties

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the 50s and 60s.  Not only for the fashion but for the music and sentiment of that time.  For this reason, I am beyond ecstatic that the 60s are big in fashion for this fall.  I thought I would get a head start with this cute little number for summer.  I just love pairing flats with shift dresses.  The look is so charming to me.

My top picks to keep you trending cheaply:

From left to right:

House of Fraser - Warehouse Neon Tweed Dress - $49.73

Missguided - Dorothy Shift Dress in Geometric Print - $25.18

Missguided - Callie Roll Neck Shift Dress White - $44.98

Outfit Details:

Necklace - Icing

Dress, Bracelet, and Bag - Forever 21

Shoes - Shiekh

Lipstick - Revlon

Beauty Tuesday: Orange Lips

When it comes to orange / red orange lips . . .

Think Leighton:

Not Grandma:

All jokes aside, I stick to a few guidelines when donning an orange / red orange lip:

#1 Pick a color that is bold, looks purposeful, and pops.

As you can see from Miss Pink Tulle up above, the color is lighter, harder to distinguish, more of a mauve tone . . and just plain Grandma.  (For the sake of keeping things on topic, we won't go into her wardrobe choice at this point in time.)

I prefer a color that is a bit more red in tone and that is darker.  I feel it goes better with my skin tone - the darker color pops against my fair complexion.

#2 Keep the rest simple

Since your orange lip is already the statement . . let that be the statement.  Keep the rest of your makeup and hair simple.

#3 Pair the look with fashion-forward, modern pieces

This will keep the look on trend and from looking like you stole Granny's 1980's tube of Revlon.

My top picks to keep you trending cheaply:

I found all three items at my local CVS (drugstore) but have provided direct links to online retailers + prices below.

Milani - Color Statement Lipstick - Sweet Nectar - $5.49

(what I'm wearing)

I love the way this smells - fruity but not overpowering.

NYC - City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color - Canal St Coral - $3.95

This stuff smells SO good and goes on super soft.

Maybelline - Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color - Electric Orange - $5.50

I've used these lipsticks from Maybelline before and find them to be incredibly easy to wear and long-lasting.

Outfit Details:

Bun Form - Gifted

Earrings and Necklace - francesca's

Crop Top - Vintage

Maxi Skirt - Gifted

Wedges - Gifted

Clutch - jest jewels