Working in my Giles Eek Hat

I never thought there would come a time where I would actually dread the weather getting warm. I hate being cold so I'm usually pretty excited when spring/summer comes back around. I feel like this year though just as I started really enjoying my "winter" pieces (I do live in California after all) I have to start putting them away again.

This Giles Eek Hat by Wool and The Gang is a prime example (back in stock in 'tweed gray'). I debated purchasing it for so long I only got to wear it three times. The most recent time I actually decided to wear it on my commute to work not caring if it would mess up my hair or not. This day was probably one of the last real cold days before it started crawling up toward the high 70's. Unfortunately it was still too dark in the morning to photograph my outfit so I had to take these on my commute back. (The hat looked more appropriate with my winter coat I promise).

I did a whole post on the unboxing which you can view here. I hadn't worn it at the time though. Regardless of the fact that I won't be able to wear this hat anymore (unless I decided to visit somewhere a lot colder soon) I am still obsessed with it! The eyeballs look even better when the hat is being worn, and it really does an amazing job of keeping your head warm. That thick knit, besides looking oh so cool, does wonders of keeping the chilliness away. 

Express shirt (similar), Old Navy pants, Target belt (similar), Ray Ban sunglasses

Work OOTDs: Incorporating classics

I haven't gone to the gym for two weeks straight since I've been working so much. It also doesn't help that healthy eating has also gone out the window during this period too. (I am sitting here writing this while drinking my leftover In-and-Out neapolitan shake from last night's dinner...).

The weather here has been in that weird transitional phase. It's still pretty darn cold in the mornings and evenings, but the afternoon can get quite warm (especially if the sun is shining out and you have to walk quite a bit to grab some lunch).

So I've been breaking out my cropped pants and pencil skirts (though still with stockings). None of these are ground-breaking outfits, but they're appropriate enough for work without being totally boring. I've been trying to incorporate more timeless pieces that I can rotate between outfits and style in different ways.

A few outfit details:

• Black cropped pants. I scooped these up from Target in their "work wear" section. I have to admit they aren't the best fit. They are a great length, and I like how the waist band area is thick but not constricting. Yet they are a little baggy around the knees and around the calves. That could just be due to my body type though since these pants have a good rating on the website. I've tried higher end cropped pants with a similar problem so I decided to just stick with these.
• Navy cropped pants. I know in the photos above they're hard to tell the difference, but the navy ones are the ones in the third photo. These are from Old Navy and fit a lot better. The only caveat is that they're not as stretchy so overall not as comfortable, especially since I feel like I'm in between sizes. These are just a tad too tight, but the size above was way too loose. These have over 1,000 reviews on the website and a four star rating. If the fit and comfort was better I would purchase them in all the colors. 
• White blouse. The first outfit above was actually inspired by Fran (from Franish, a medical student who blogs about fashion and medicine. Current favorite read! If the fact that I went back pages and pages on her blog wasn't evidence enough). I decided to wear something similar the next time I went to work when I realized I actually didn't own a single white blouse. This was actually the only white blouse that I could find in the store so I bought it without even trying it on. Luckily it fit and even luckier I love it!
• Black leather watch. I won't go into too much detail since I'm planning a post exclusively on this brand, but it isn't just a blogger-hype. I've had this for over half a year and wear it pretty much every day. And it still looks great. I can't recommend it more. (More details to come).

Over The Hump

Sean Collection Sequined Silk Sheath Dress & H&M Wedges

So funnily I ended up not going with a lace dress. I swear I was really set on it! I just couldn't find the perfect one. Funny story though because the one I ended up wearing was something I had said no to when the boyfriend first suggested it. Since we had gone shopping early in the morning I was given lots of attention and someone ended up going around grabbing random dresses for me to try on. He and the boyfriend both agreed that this dress was their favorite. So we went with it! I unfortunately would have preferred different shoes, but I hadn't known what dress I was going with so just wore something I had on hand.

The event itself was really fun and at a gorgeous venue (the San Francisco Design Galleria). They provided dinner, had a photobooth going on, and a talent show (with premade videos/skits from people in the class). Overall a fun night and I had a good weekend overall. Definitely needed after expecting to do so much over the three day MLK weekend, but all I did was stay in bed since I got sick for the entire week. 

August already?

This is what I wore out for my friend's birthday. I actually wore these H&M zipper wedges instead but just had on these sandals for driving. Which reminds me, the last picture below was taken since the bf thought my parking was too hilarious. How was I supposed to know the spaces were so long?!

Max Azria x Miley Cyrus blazer, Forever 21 dress + bracelet + ring, ASOS handbag, Walmart sandals

My summer go-to outfit

Charlotte Russe blouse, Forever 21 shorts + bracelet, Melinda Maria Pod Ring

These were actually taken about a month ago while we were waiting to pick up some friends. (Probably the only reason why an outfit post happened to be honest!). I'm kind of obsessed with silky, sheer blouses with a pretty print. Same goes for cardigans too. I actually need to stop purchasing them. And I just realized this is the first picture post showing off my Melinda Maria Vanessa Pod Ring (Black Onyx). I meant to make a post (similar to the MK watch one below) when this arrived, but I was too busy wearing it to really take the time to take photos of it. I had been wanting this ring for about two years before I decided I still liked it enough to get it. I only did this since a) it was expensive so more thought before taking the plunge and b) I knew it would always be available/it wasn't limited edition or anything like that. It paid off since I'm still obsessed over it and it literally has been the only ring I reach for when I go out.

(PS: I never thought I'd be one of those people who get things on their clothing when they wear white...but in my defense someone spilled it on me!)

Lady-like

H&M blouse, Forever 21 skirt, Gap flats, Asos bag

I'm not usually one to plan my outfits in advance but this impulse buy skirt (got persuaded into it by a salesperson) made me plan some outfits around it. I'd be wishing and wishing for some warmer weather and now that I've got it I almost wish it was slightly cooler so I could wear this out!

That time of the quarter

Target oxfords, Forever 21 tights + cross ring, nOir rings, Essie Mint Candy Apple

I know there's definitely been a lack of posting and I apologize! It shouldn't come as a surprise then that it's finals week. Luckily my final schedule is good this year and everything is spread out enough where I'm not living on 5 hour energy drinks (like last year. It was not pretty).

My last final is Saturday, but I'm not leaving for break till the 15th. This at least gives me time to procrastinate on packing and maybe even get some Christmas shopping done. I know that when I get home I'm not going to want to go outside for fear of freezing to death (though it's almost as cold inside my house).

I promise regular updates will come once everything has settled down. And good luck to the rest of you if you're also suffering through finals week!

Who knew salted caramel hot choco = delicious?

Forever 21 jacket + jeans + necklace, Charlotte Russe boots, nOir rings

It officially feels like fall. The days are getting shorter (sadly) and I'm currently typing this while it's thundering and pouring outside. (While it's always a cozy feeling in a situation like this, I'm praying it won't be raining when I have to bike to class tomorrow. Never a good experience).

Time flies...

Forever 21 shirt + leggings + necklace, Urban Outfitters sandals, nOir rings

Summer is almost over and it would be nice to plan as many fun activities before September rolls around. So far I've got: spending the weekend dog-sitting an adorable Yorkie and Maltese, making a trip to Griffith Park with three good friends, and having a mini-vacation at Palm Springs. (Somehow I also need to fit in a trip back home). Hopefully there will be less lounging around at the apartment.

I forgot to mention that my nOir rings arrived a few days after I got back from Vegas. They're just as amazing as I thought they'd be! I wear them practically everyday. The other day in my class a guy turned to me just to say, "Your rings are crazy!" (I was wondering why he kept staring at my notes. Apparently that wasn't what he was looking at).

Of course my friend calls when I'm taking photos

My photographer was MIA at this time so I just quickly snapped some photos myself. I love easy, baggy sweater tops and the American Apparel Raglan Pullover is the epitome of that. It's the perfect cozy sweater for when the weather is slightly chilly (even though it's summer). After falling in love with this I'm planning on buying it in more colors and sizes! But that's somewhere in the far future since I'm living on a limited budget till after my trip. Of course that didn't stop me from trying on a million things today and debating whether emergency cash or a new bag was more important (this, except in nude, caught my eye!)

American Apparel top, Anchor Blue skinnies, Thrifted shoes, Forever 21 + Noir bracelets

Non-productive Sunday

Urban Outfitters shirt, Target tank top, Anchor Blue jeans, Payless flats, Forever 21 jewelry + bag + cardigan

I was so set on making use of this Sunday to catch up on my reading, but that did not happen at all. Instead I ended up going out for burgers, window shopping, and watching Eclipse. (And no, I'm not one of those crazy Twilight fans, but I'm not exactly a hater either. It's entertaining!).

My two friends are planning on having a joint birthday party in Vegas at the end of this month, which also happens to fall at the same time I have my finals. I hope the rest of the days until then are more productive so I don't have to stress too much before the trip!

Black (nOir)

I know it's supposed to be summer but it's ridiculously gloomy here. I mean, it's almost July for heaven's sake! I actually changed into this outfit later on in the day since super early morning classes = me getting out of bed bleary-eyed and grabbing something to throw on (usually a jacket/sweater, jeans, closed-toe flats/boots, and a scarf. That's how cold it is here in the mornings). This is why after four years here I know not to take home all my winter clothing since you never know when you're going to need it.

A few days ago I saw that Gilt was going to have a nOir jewelry sale at 9AM. Luckily I was up a little before then to get ready for class. But even though I clicked inside right when it was 9AM the stack pyramids rings were sold out! They've been something I've been wanting for such a long time. I then decided to check out ideeli and they happened to be having a nOir sale too! Unfortunately they didn't have the rings, but they did have the smooth pyramid bracelet, which was another item I had been coveting. So of course I snatched it up as quickly as possible! It just arrived the other day, and I'm in love with it. (Invites to Gilt and ideeli if you're not a member already!).

Forever 21 cardigan + dress, Walmart sandals, Target watch, nOir bracelet

Three-day weekends are amazing

Forever 21 top + shorts + ring + nail polish, Target tank, Urban Outfitters sandals, Ettika bracelet

I hope you guys all had a good Memorial Day weekend. The weather was perfect and the long weekend was definitely needed in preparation for this week, which unfortunately is dead week. My first final is on Monday so I have to start cracking the books. So excuse any lack in updates because I'll have to ban myself from the computer to focus (sadly!)

I realized this weekend that I hadn't worn this silk top in over a year. I honestly don't know why since it's the most comfortable, breezy thing ever. Definitely one of my best purchases from Forever 21 (I'm a pro at shopping there and getting good quality items). It was so hot that day it was suffocating. I tend not to wear anything that bares my shoulders, so this top was perfect in keeping some coverage yet also keeping me unbelievably cool.

One of those too-lazy-to-get-dressed days

Forever 21 everything (lol)

I've been so extremely tired every morning even though I try to sleep relatively early. It probably doesn't help I'm currently reading "Cases that Haunt Us" by John Douglas and it sorta freaks me out. Anyways, I've had these boots since October last year, but haven't worn them since. That's most likely due to the fact I wore them all evening/night and afterwards my feet didn't feel like my own feet anymore. But for wearing a few hours a day, they're more comfortable than I remembered. (Too bad the weather hasn't exactly been for boot-wearing).

Stripes, stripes, and more stripes

Forever 21 shirt + belt + skirt + necklace + ring, Urban Outfitters sandals

I have an obsession with stripes. After seeing this striped shirt in the Forever 21 Spring 2010 Lookbook (on right) I couldn't get my mind off of it. Sadly it sold out almost immediately online and I pretty much gave up hope. Luckily they just happened to have one left at the Forever 21 store downtown. Obviously I snatched it up right away! It's so comfortable and flattering. For class I like to just throw it on over a pair of distressed shorts and cute flats. But seeing that it rained recently and just as quickly the weather got nice so I decided to "dress up" this shirt with lots of florals.

(Just realized that the way the shirt is styled on the model looks similar to mine! I swear I just noticed this now, haha).

Recovery during break

Vintage top, Forever 21 skirt + belt + ring, Chinese Laundry heels

So I'm finally on spring break, but I haven't been able to do much since I've been sick. Thankfully I'm feeling better enough to go out tomorrow. I only have four days left before I have to go back to school for another quarter, sigh. Hope everyone's having a good spring break (or if you aren't on it yet, I hope you have some exciting plans!)

How time flies

For most people when it's finals week you'd expect less updates, but for me it's the other way around. I find that I procrastinate the best blog the most when I'm supposed to be writing a paper or studying for something. Anyways, I feel like my blog has been lacking in outfit posts lately. I guess I've been behind the camera more, rather than in front of it. I'm addicted to my still-fairly-new DSLR so the excitement hasn't worn off yet. Which is definitely a good thing seeing it cost quite a bit! Anyways, I still have my heart balloon from Valentine's Day. :) I'm surprised it hasn't "died" yet.

Forever 21 cardigan + boots + shirt + necklace, vintage sunglasses + jeans