Outfit: Loose Tee + Boyfriend Jeans.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earring 1 (long): LA Arts District Co-op

earring 2: unknown

top: Crossroads Trading Co.

necklaces: Charlotte Russe

bag: thrifted

jeans: Old Navy

shoes: Nine West (via Ross Dress for Less)

The Details

The Story

Over the summer, I've accumulated an entire collection of deep blues, with this interestingly cut T-shirt as one of the main pieces. Fast forward to now and this lovely shirt relocated to my mother's closet (she was enthusiastic, so I gave in), but the photos of this comfy boyfriend jeans pairing remain.  To be honest, I struggled with posting these. Blogging, particularly of the personal style variety, tends to show people as their best selves, from their best angles, under their best lighting. For me, these photos are none of the above.  Half the time I have to remind myself that I'm not trying to fit into this mold. I blog because I love to write, photograph, document, and inspire. I have to remind myself that my intention is to be real and approachable, not airbrushed and unrealistic.  To those that are giving up hope, I assure you that quirkiness is alive and well and I will continue to check myself and make sure I have a healthy dose of it. As should you. After all, the world would be a boring place if we had perfect hair every single day, right? 

Outfit: Tuxedo Jumpsuit + Red (#UltimateVegasOutfit).

The Outfit 

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Crossroads Trading Co.

jumpsuit: Crossroads Trading Co.

necklace: Jewelry Box

bag: thrifted

sandals: CL Chinese Laundry via Ross Dress for Less

The Details

The Story

I've recently discovered a strong fondness of jumpsuits (up until I have to use the restroom, of course), and when Juliana of Vegas.com contacted me with the challenge of coming up with an #UltimateVegasOutfit, I immediately knew where my loyalties stood.

Although my favorite hotel is the Flamingo (so kitsch. so pink.), I could see this outfit prancing around Monte Carlo or Caesar's Palace. I especially love how this one article of clothing covers all bases- it's hot during the day? No worries, your outfit is sleeveless and hangs decently loose. Shopping around all day? Throw on some comfy sandals and you're set- it's also hella easy to take off and try on things. And ready for that party tonight? Substitute the bag + shoes and voila. 

Vegas is a lovely, fun place, so why not enjoy it in a versatile and subtly sexy piece? Plus, in a sea of sequins and skin-tight dresses, you'll be sure to stand out while being comfortable enough to dance the night away. 

Fun: On My Nightstand- Diane von Furstenberg's The Woman I Wanted to Be.

Growing up, I was never an avid reader. I'll admit to that much. I remember being in first grade and having the longest list possible of 'recommended' books (which in Romanian parents talk meant required books). I went into summer with an overachiever attitude, proud of the fact that I was old enough to be assigned homework! In elementary school!

But that didn't last long as I discovered that reading just wasn't my cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, magazine articles, features, and the interwebz will be my dear friends for life, but as far as straight up books go, it's always been a challenge.

I can count the number of times I've felt unstoppable while reading on one hand. The Virgin Suicides. The Great Gatsby. The Wizard of Oz. The Harry Potter Series. 

And now, the beautiful Diane von Furstenberg. 

As a form of enrichment, I've decided to attempt to read one book per week- a mix of biographies, novels, self-help, and everything else that's good in the world.

I purchased The Woman I Wanted to Be as soon as it came out, but sadly it didn't come with a dose of motivation. Having carried it around for a while, I decided it would be the perfect first book for my little project. And luckily, I didn't even realize how good of a plan that was!

The moment I opened this book, I could not put it down. Of course, part of this is because Diane's life is one of the most interesting stories you'll ever hear. But it's not just in the story itself. It's in her tone and demeanor throughout the book. Her storytelling is enchanting, and many a times I found myself daydreaming about the exact people and moments she was describing. 

The way she speaks about her experiences as a financially and sexually liberated woman, with no judgement, with an air of ease, gave me such hope and peace of mind. She writes in a gentle matter-of-fact tone, with optimism in sickness and in health, with sincerity and intimacy. 

Reading her words was an inspiring and empowering experience, and dare I say, this is one of those rare, life-changing books. It made me curious, excited for the future, more passionate about my career choices.

She is the woman I want to be. Fearless, fun, beautiful inside and out. 

Thank you so much for stopping by! Make sure to give this book a chance. It's definitely a must-read.

Outfit: Keyhole + Checkers.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: made by my cousin

dress: Tobi

bag: Aldo via Plato's Closet

shoes: Chinese Laundry via DSW

The Details

The Story

Hi, everyone! School barely started and I'm already on the run to make it the best semester it can possibly be. You know, the whole sleep, social life, good grades trio. I think so far I'm balancing it out pretty well, so hopefully it stays that way. I'm ready for a day of work and wine tasting class, so this post is going to be cut pretty short. 

There's no real story here. Just one of the photoshoots I did over the summer in Los Angeles, which I miss so dearly. This outfit made me feel beautiful and inspired and ready to take on everything- and every single time I crave that feeling, all I have to do is look at these pictures.

Have a lovely day, everyone, and an amazing semester!

Outfit: Bright Top + Cutoffs.

The Outfit 

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: garage sale

top: Charlotte Russe

shorts: Forever 21

bag: Sole Society

bracelets: gifted by mom

shoes: Nine West via Ross Dress for Less

The Details

The Story

Hey, friends! Forgive my inability to be coherent, but I'm way too tired. Here's a little candid moment in my life for ya- putting off everything until midnight the night before driving back to school, then further procrastinating by doing a blog post. Story of my life.

This is probably the only post of the summer where I'm not wearing an item I got at Crossroads and it's quite surprising, I was planning on doing a mega haul video with everything I purchased while working there, but for my sanity (and so I don't give my parents concrete evidence of how much stuff I purchased), I won't. 

Shoutout to the earrings for making it on here two posts in a row. These were really an acquired taste for me. They seemed like a bit too much at first, but I can never resist a super deep hue. Also they remind me of a dress made out of Hallmark cards that I saw on Project Runway the other night. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Outfit: Printed Dress + Tied Long Sleeve.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: garage sale

top: TJ Maxx

dress: Crossroads Trading Co.

necklace: garage sale

bag: Nine West

sandals: CL Chinese Laundry via Ross Dress for Less

The Details

The Story

One of the most difficult and uncomfortable things one can do is break routine- particularly a pleasant one. These past couple of days, it's exactly what I've been working on. After an amazing summer in Los Angeles, I'm back to the Southwest grind, eagerly (loosely speaking) awaiting my last semester of college. 

Looking back through the photos that I have yet to post on the blog, all taken by the boy that I'm going to miss most and all containing at least one item from the store in which I spent at least 25 hours a week in, I feel eager and determined. 

I'm eager to finish school and start my adult life and head over to Los Angeles for good and create my own way (AND BUY A FREAKING BUNNY ALREADY). But at the same time, I'm determined. I'm determined to take this semester head on and enjoy every second of it. I'm determined to immerse myself fully in studying, working, loving my friends and myself and fully experiencing life. I'm determined to attend all the events, say yes to all the hangouts, take on any writing opportunity that comes my way, and read as many books as possible. 

This summer I've done something that I hadn't in a while- just lived a little and enjoyed it. Sometimes, that can be hard to do in a world where getting stuff done for the sake of getting it done seems to be the priority. But this time around, I will do it all and do it right because knowing what's at the finish line is the greatest possible motivator.

And, of course, I'll be here blabbing about it. Thanks for stopping by!

Outfit: Open Back + Printed Pants.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: street vendor in Romania

top: Crossroads Trading Co.

ring: street vendor in Mexico 

pants: Charlotte Russe

bag: Zara via Crossroads Trading Co.

sandals: CL Chinese Laundry via Ross Dress for Less

The Details

The Story

Hi, friends! I'm coming live from day three of being off work and it's been awesome and relaxing and everything good in the world. These pictures, however, have nothing to do with that. These babies are long overdue from a beautiful date day spent at Echo Park, pedal boats and all. We soaked up the sun, shared an organic muffin and got some really sweet tan lines. And of course, along the way, had time for some quick photos to share! 
This top was one of my first summer purchases after getting employed and I've just been dying to bust it out. It's a bit risque for those of us not used to freeing the nipple, but slap some pasties on and make sure your day won't involve running of any sort and you're golden.  The grass is definitely greener in no bra land. And just check out how sweet this top matches with the comfiest pants ever! Thank you so much for stopping by!