Polka Dot Crop + Crimson Skinnies.

The Outfit

Photos by Aidan Bradbury-Aranda

earrings: Jewelry Box

top: Map to Mars via Aeropostale

cardigan: market in Northridge

bag: mother's

pants: American Eagle Outfitters

booties: Madewell (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

If I was a celebrity, this would be one of those outfits that would get me body shamed like none other. I hope this is an exaggeration and I'm overestimating how awful people can be, but I don't think I am. Luckily, I'm just another college girl on the interwebz, so here's to being anonymous enough that nobody cares. 
But let's talk about this look, because I've never worn anything like this. Crop tops have always been my number one, but they've always been complimented by a high-waisted bottom. I'm not sure if it was my boyfriend's presence (finally got to see him this weekend after 2 months), the summer weather and fall landscape that have been plaguing the area, or the simple need for a change, but this look felt refreshing. It made me feel inspired, happy and confident. 
...also made me get pumped about blogging again. Sorry about that, by the way! It's just been really difficult to find someone willing and able to take my photos, and I'd rather have a few qualitative looks than a bunch of pictures I take in my dorm room.

Outfit: Crop Tee + High Waisted Trousers.

The Outfit

Photos by Fernanda Teixeira

earrings: Jewelry Box

top: Crossroads Trading Co.

backpack: Walmart

trousers: Forever 21

sandals: Steve Madden (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

Other than my jeans, most of the things I own are somewhat form fitting and have the ability to be dressed up. This awesome crop top breaks my wardrobe's mold, though. The moment I saw it in Crossroads, it completely stole my heart and ran many miles with it. I fought the purchase, but it honestly would have been one of those ones under the "Nothing haunts you as much as the purchases you didn't make" realm. 

This outfit is so comfy and school appropriate, and I loved every second of wearing it. My friend did as well- she was the one that suggested we take pictures that day. It's just one of those looks that make me feel really effortlessly cool. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Outfit: Fringe Crop + Maxi Skirt.

The Outfit

Photos by Karin Rios

earrings: garage sale

top: Rue 21

bag: SoleSociety

cuff: garage sale

skirt: Charlotte Russe

sandals: Steve Madden (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

I don't know your experience with fall weather, but currently mine is inexistent. Southern New Mexico is still coated with thick layers of blood, sweat and tears. For the first time, I'm actually looking forward to layering and showing off my fall wardrobe for a change, so hanging in there with the summer wardrobe is proving to be a bit of a challenge.  It was a bit too warm even for this outfit, but with zero time to shave the past week, I wanted something that would do double duty at keeping my sweat glands under control and my prickled legs covered up. Not that there's any shame in body hair. Some of us just aren't there yet ourselves, ya know? Anyway, this Charlotte Russe skirt is, as usual, pulling through for me. So here's to you, cute skirt that I almost didn't buy! You're the best. And so are YOU for stopping by! Always much appreciated :)

Outfit: Off-the-Shoulder + Printed Pants.

The Outfit

Photos by Fernanda Teixeira

earrings: Romania

necklace: TJ Maxx

top: Charlotte Russe

pants: Rue 21

backpack: Target

shoes: J. Crew (via Crossroads Trading Co.)

The Details

The Story

To be honest, sometimes I struggle when picking out my outfit of the day. I struggle because every day I walk around campus and see girls that look the way I've always pictured college girls to look. Of course I can't truly know what goes on in their wardrobes (or lives), but in my mind they embody the ideal college lifestyle. These are the girls that I look at and think "Wow, she looks so pretty and put together" and the same girls that guys always do a double take on. 

Some days I crave that lifestyle- that aura around me, but for some reason I always go back to my own version if it. I could describe it as half average college girl, half man repeller. This outfit feels exactly like that- there's going to be the lovers, and there's going to be the haters (most likely making up the majority). 

I'm a relatively tame example of self-expression, and would never second guess myself in a big city where doing your own thing is encouraged and celebrated. But living in a relatively small town with a lack of focus on personal style can really get to me sometimes. I struggle to maintain my own vision of myself, but there are times when I just want to put on the same cute dress everyone else is wearing and go on with my day. 

I guess there's some soul searching to be done. 

Thanks 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!