Yogurt Styling

These pictures are sort of late, which explains why my friend Nicole is wearing a cardigan while the heat wave in Southern California is going on. Either way, I will introduce you, this is my little friend, Nicole. Isn't she cute? We made a stop at Yogurtland not to long ago to stuff our faces with creamy, cold deliciousness and enjoy some girl talk  to catch up!

One of the main topics of our conversation was- as her "stylist" as she refers to me- what she would be wearing for high school homecoming dance! Now, at this point she already had a dress from a previous event she went to, so I just worked off of that, but gave it a completely different look from her original plain black kitten heel pumps and long pearl necklaces, something far less typical and a bit more edgy (Not to say typical isn't cute).

I'm also going to be doing her make up that day and decided on a smokey cat eye. I don't normally wear too much make up on the daily, but I was on a bit of a make up trip during the summer and the summer before and ended up learning a lot. So now I end up doing make up for dances, which is actually a lot of fun! On the on the other hand, I'm not that good with hair, but I was thinking a tousled up do. Any ideas to help a girl out? Let me know what you think! ♥

this is not a test- she & him 

Turn up the Tunes Tuesday

Nothing Even Matters- Lauryn Hill

I'm not Calling You a Liar- Florence and the Machine

Cloud 9- Janelle Monae

Kiss Kiss- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Still in Love- Cat Power
Microphone- Coconut Records

The Perfect Space- The Avett Brothers

Slowly Falling- The Frames

Mansard Roof- Vampire Weekend

Now I know there are plenty of fabulous photographers out there in the blogosphere, and I would love to be able to show case your guys's talent! So along with our usual Turn up the Tunes Tuesday I will be featuring a photo of the week at the start of the post in place of the photos I normally find. To be included, email me your picture, name, and link and you can be chosen for Photo of the Week! Make sure to submit them before 11:59 pm PST on Sundays. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant so don't be shy!

Have fun dolls & don't forget to tell me your favorite tune this week! ♥

Coziness at its chicest

This post brought to you by Rambler's Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

I can't help but go on about my adoration for the season of rich fallen leaves underfoot and pumpkin spice in the air. Dolls, I can't tell you how ready I am to bundle up in cardigans and tights and all things cozy! And I'm saying all this while it's disappointingly in the high 90's this week in Southern California- but that won't stop me from my lust-worthy preparation!

I know we all love to adorn ourselves in our loveliest wool coats this time around around when the temperatures begin to drop, but to my wonderful surprise, when I came across Rambler's Way, coats aren't the only  wool items you'll want to repeatedly turn to this fall! Or at least I wouldn't. If given the chance to receive a $200 shopping spree at Rambler 's Way , I know I would definitely flock to the scoop neck short sleeve tops! They are just so versatile and could go with nearly everything! Whether it be a nautical cardigan or your utilitarian cape jacket I'm sure it would look and feel fantastic. Your favorite pair of dark skinnies and fall mustard leather lace up platform booties would do just the trick as well. One case where looking good does not sacrifice feeling good!

I know the common perception of wool directly to skin would be itchy, heavy, and hot. On the contrary though, Rambler Way's pieces are incredibly soft and comfy while also being light, flattering, and sleek.

And though wool sounds like a material limited to the colder seasons, Rambler's Way's pieces are easy transitioners into or out of any season. The fabric is extremely breathable, making it adaptable and able to warm or cool you to maintain your optimum body temperature. This idea alone is magnificent! The durability of these shirts is definitely a plus since they won't be getting a rest at any point in the year!

Outfit favorites & Inspiration

Milk teeths, Bêtises de Styles, The Stylish Heart, Queen of Hearts, cuillère à absinthe, Amanda Bränström Öhman 
Satchels, tights, booties, oversized shirts- what's not to love about these lovely ladies's looks easing into the fall season. If only this heat wave would go away in Southern California so I could do the same!

currently listening to: sour cherry- the kills

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Links à la Mode : The IFB Weekly Roundup

Are You a Follower of Fashion?

Edited by: Ann of Holier than Now

Last  week marked the end of New York Fashion Week.  Post-show, the editors,  buyers and bloggers went to work to define and list the trends, hoping  we'll follow along.  But for many of us, the sheer shirts of Spring '11  were are about as realistic for our wardrobes as a meat dress.  Instead, we looked outside of Lincoln Center at the street style of individuals,  hoping to find the inspiration to zig when everyone else is zagging.  This week's post celebrates the path less ... followed, with  counterpoints on everything from current trends to blogger compensation and competition.

Links à la Mode: September 23

• Any Second Now: Dolly Bats & Clobber at Bona Drag
• A Pretty Penny: Newsprint Manicure
• Beauty and The Recession: They Put WHAT in Your Lipstick?
• Beautifully Invisible: The Meat Dress: Fashionable, Art or Just Controversial?
• Beyond Fabric: How To Pull Off A Bow Tie
• Cloud of Secrets: Wishing for a Spirit Style Guide
• Despising Life is So Passe: The Glories of Thigh Highs (and How to Make Them Work)
• Gretchen Blogs: When To Work For Free
• Holier than Now: Animal Print, Rainbow Hair, Layers - It Must Be Fall '10. Or Is It?? A Contest.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Evolving Influence Recap: Love & Links
• It's Symmetrical: A Shopping Revelation Inspired by an Anonymous Comment
• My Closet In Sketches: Unlikely Combinations for Fashion Inspiration
• Oranges and Apples: On Competition in the Blogosphere
• The Button Owl: On Liberation in the Age of Implants, Pornography and Pole Dancing
• The Chic Addict: A Pale Skin Girl in a Tan Obsessed World
• The Column of Samantha Tyler: A (Sarcastic) Look at Winter's Hot Trends
• The Daily Julie: fashionSpark: Fashion Design, North Carolina Style
• The Pursuers: A Love Letter to Legwear
• Tickle Me Chic: Labels that Lie: How Vanity Sizing has Become an Epidemic
• View from 5 ft. 2: New York Fashion Week Street Style - The Pictures You Haven't Seen
• Violet Revolution: Edgy and Stylish Fall Fashion

SPONSOR:

Latest at Shopbop: Denim -Madewell - Skirts - Under Ligne - Obakki -Dresses - DKNY

  

Another kiss is all you need

Hello sweets! It's been quite a week, hasn't it? I have been wicked busy with classes and such, to the point where my horrid self completely forgot my mother's birthday this past Tuesday amongst my frantic studying for exams. I felt so bad today when I realized- I really need to make it up to her now!

 

 (blouse- alloy, skirt- american apparel, pixie boots- vintage ngystyle on etsy)

 

I doubt you all would find this nearly as life changing as me, but I have finally put my "rasta bag" to rest!... or at least for now. When this little bag came across my path, I knew it would be the perfect replacement (please don't hate me rasta bag!) being the absolute perfect size and of course that cross body style that I have been looking for! The braided strap slung across this gorgeous, ivory blouse I picked up, I feel really added a sort of boho feel to it. Funny little thing about the blouse- my boyfriend and I named it the "Florence shirt" since it was reminiscent of something we had seen Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine in. We couldn't quite figure out from where though- so if you know, please drop a comment and let me know! Oh Florence, you are one fascinatingly gorgeous and talented woman!

 

currently listening to: addicted to love- florence and the machine

“Its a difference from loving somebody and being in love with somebody. You can love anybody. but when you in love with somebody, you looking at it like this: you taking that person for what he or she is no matter what he or she look like or no matter what he or she do. You might stop being in love with them but you is not going to stop loving that person.”

Turn up the Tunes Tuesday

Behind the Moon- Matt Costa  Honeybear- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Let the Drummer Kick- Citizen Cope

Radioactive- Kings of Leon 

Salute Your Solution- The Raconteurs

Broke Down- Radio Moscow

Old Times- The Whispertown 2000

Teenage Dream- Katy Perry

What can't you get enough of this week? ♥

Sweet as a gumdrop

Special thanks to the lovely miss Jamie from Glam Latte for honoring me with this sweet little award! ♥ Quite honestly, it put me in the mood to whip up a delicious batch of cupcakes.

So I suppose the rules are:

1. Post who gave you this award.

2. State ten things you like.

3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment.

So here are my 10 things that I couldn't manage without!(in no particular order):

♥ Shoes of all sorts

♥ Music!- whether it be classic rock, blues, underground hip hop, or the smooth tunes of Robert Francis- I love nearly all of it.

♥ My boyfriend of course!

♥ Making  friends

♥ Polaroids

♥ The work of Sylvia Plath, John Steinbeck, and so many other incredible artists of literature.

♥ Gossip Girl

♥ Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha

♥ Cookies- oh goodness my sweet tooth!

♥ pin- up style

10 bloggers I am passing this award to:

Lulia from La Jolie Julie

Chloe from Butterfly Cupcakes & Daffodils

Maggie from Lifesize Paperdoll

Danielle from Danielle Du Jour

Kaitlin from Buffalo Stance

Allegra from It's on with Allegra B.J.

Marissa from Marissa Explains it All

Sara from She is Sara

Lindsay from Lindsay Out Loud

Kallie from Happy Honey and Lark

Have a wonderful week, dolls! ♥

currently listening to: the police and the private- metric

The glories of the thigh high & how to make them work

If there ever were an accessory perfect for these soon-to-come autumn days, a crisp breeze swept about your skirt hems, rustling the newly fallen leaves, it is the thigh high. Though you may lack complete confidence in  their versatility, on the contrary, you best supply your wardrobe with more than a couple pairs, as they could easily become your go to pick-me-up item to an array of outfits. An easy transitioning piece between seasons, simply worn with your same tailored shorts and Chelsea Crew caramel oxfords that got you through the summer months. Or for even a night on the town with the girls in a pair with your delicious Jeffrey Campbell wedge booties and F21's billowy lace flutter dress. Simplicity at it's best with Sock Dreams's N40s design that is to die for. And though that may do it for you, no need to shy away from cozy cable knits and gorgeous patterns, or even colors! They add the perfect amount of  "something" to what could be just another outfit.

♥ Settle in easy. Not quite ready to jump into the look whole-heartedly? Pair simple charcoal gray scrunched thigh highs with a pair of black riding boots.

♥ A bit too risque or in need of a bit more warmth- layer with a pair of tights underneath to cover up a bit without the losing your ultra-chic look.

♥ Though these lovelies may exude sex appeal with the right outfit and charm, don't go overboard. Chunky heels and such are a definite go-to, but maybe stray away from patent platforms, stilettos, and ultra-fitted skirts. 

 ♥ Have fun! Never be afraid to try something new, even if that something new may come in a more extravagant pattern than usual.

image credit:  weheartit, urbanoutfitters.com,

The dog days aren't quite over

I despise the fact that my hair does not photograph red. It looks outright brown. Oh, the nonsensical objects of my life.

 

I have a certain admiration toward Native American jewelry such as the double strand necklace I am wearing. It is always so authentic and beautiful all at once. Don't get me wrong, I love the glamorous look of dripping chains as much as the next girl, but these pieces just have so much character to me!

(shirt- F21, shorts-h&m, belt- michael kors, wedge sandals- dolce vita)

 

 I can't help but fall for the versatility and perfection of a soft, oversized button up! When I came across this one I knew it should be a winning addition to my closet, not just workable for the fall- but all seasons, though preferably fall, since of course that is my favorite season. ♥

Oh, and I'm not sure if I've mentioned this recently, but I am back in the running game, my dears, and I need to stick with it this time! It honestly keeps me a bit more grounded when I'm at it. Inspiration and dedication- stay with me, please!

What is your favorite piece that you carry on through every season? ♥

currently listening to: dog days- florence and the machines

Turn up the Tunes Tuesday

We are Going to be Friends- White Stripes

You Only Live Once- The Strokes

Lights On- Dead Man's Party

Savannah- Relient K

Vagabond- Wolfmother
Sweet Disposition- The Temper Trap

I Shoulda Kissed You- Ryan Cabrera
Chop and Change- The Black Keys

What song is running on repeat on your playlist this week? ♥

xoxo, Gossip Girl Party

All the pictures and previews of the new season have been leaving me in awe! They have really outdone themselves with the wardrobe this time around, and even Chuck's character is going through a bit of a change with a much more casual look than we're used to, but equally as great. I'm terribly jealous of their lifestyle, but who isn't?

Just because you aren't able to accompany S and B along the gorgeous streets of Paris though, doesn't mean you can't act like it! Throw a last minute get together with your girls for the new season's premiere a la Paris tomorrow night! 

♥ Save the popcorn for movie night with the fam- tonight even your food is going to be parisian chic! Fondue au Chocolat, crepes, and creme brulee paired with your drinks of choice- wine to make it even more authentic, though not at all necessary. Mocktails- or real if you're up for it- and shirley temples served in elegant stemmed glasses. Uptown GG epitomized.

♥ Heels never felt so good than when sitting about with your girls. Leave the jeans for tomorrow morning's class, and slip into something Gossip Girl inspired-whether it be Jenny, Serena, or Blair!

♥

Not enough time and Mondays just aren't a possibility- bookmark this and save it for the weekend and instead of just watching the dvr'ed episode, bring out your first season, second season, and third season  box sets for an entire marathon of fashion, drama, and of course, Chuck Bass. The fun in this idea is it can be maximized from a small get together marathon to an outstanding party fit for the Upper East Side. A round of Assassin just like at Nate's surprise party- sans scheming boyfriend stealer. I even had the idea with Erica from Cafe Fashionista to have a Southern Cali blogger meet up a la Gossip Girl following this idea, but who knows, it could happen. Let me know what you think, dolls.

Bonjour, darlings. ♥

Sweetheart, bitter heart

Yesterday was a bit of a date day for Michael and I. 'Twas very fun, even though at one point in the day I went diving for my camera and tripod, as it nearly fell off a ledge. I sacrificed my knees for that thing when I can hardly get it to work! Oh, what I would do for a new camera. 

This picture was taken at the Newport Beach Back Bay Nature Preserve. It's one of the most gorgeous places you can find near this suburban hole. I will have to get more shots of it next time though, since my camera did not permit me to yesterday.

I'm wearing my new favorite dress that I just received from Rock Paper Vintage, which I can't help but keep revisiting! And I have to say, the boyfriend looked pretty spiffy himself! I mean, the red accent with the shoes, too good.

What's going on with you this weekend, sweets? ♥

currently listening to: mushaboom- feist

Trail blazer

Notice anything different? Yeah, me either.

 (top- f21, jeans- diy destroyed delia's, scarf- random LA shop, booties- bamboo)

 

You dolls have no idea how much I madly love these new shoes! I take that back, I'm sure you do. We all have those few items that we are so thankful to call our own because they are simply to-die-for! The only bad part about them was that they made me realize just how faded my "black" jeans are.

We all have those few items that we are so thankful to call our own because they are simply to-die-for! What's yours, sweets? ♥

currently listening to: sing theresa says- greg laswell

Rock around the clock

Birthday week is over, but life is still perfectly enjoyable, nevertheless. Classes still haven't gotten too difficult... yet. I also have a bit of a change to show you dolls tomorrow. You'll see! Speaking of changes, I really feel the ole' blog needs a bit of that as well. Hopefully you'll be seeing some of that go into affect quite soon.

This coconut oreo cheesecake from the cheesecake factory was incredible, by the way. Perfection in my mouth, I swear.The way they decorated the plate was too cute to bypass a photo. I really need to start remembering to take pictures when I do things, so I get more out of a weekend than just cake...

Hope you all are finding plenty of reasons to smile this week. ♥

currently listening to:we get on- kate nash

The drought is over

Its been quite a while, hasn't it? Classes just started up this week again for me, and so has running, and of course blogging. I could go on about reasons why I took that short, unannounced break, but I'm just going to say I was having one of those points in my life completely drained of inspiration. Nevertheless, the drought is over, and I'm happy to be back.

 

(button-up- alloy,  blazer- forever 21, shorts- mhayati on etsy, belt- american apparel)

 

This is what I decided to wear my first day back to class. These shorts are my absolute favorite thing in my closet at the moment! I know you've heard me say this before, but I had been searching for the right pair of high-waisted cut-offs for the longest time, so finding these was nothing short of perfection. 

Life has been rather busy. Preparing myself for the school year, and finishing off the summer strong with friends, and of course my boyfriend. It was lovely while it lasted, but now it's time to get down to business again. 

Yesterday was actually my birthday, though it didn't feel like it for the most part, since I had school ALL day. After my night class though, I had a pleasant surprise when my boyfriend, Michael, and his family had a cake for me wishing me happy birthday. Too sweet of them.

Celebration of my birthday week will continue onto the weekend. I'm so excited for Saturday!

Have a wonderful, wonderful day, dolls! ♥

Let me know how you've been!

currently listening to: things you think- ben folds, nick hornby, & pomplamoose