Hello, New Beigy

 

You know those days where you really have nothing planned but you know it's going to be a good day?  Today was one of those days.  I saw my supervisor and I dressed according to my mood- playful.  I've been seeing a lot of those Heidi braids in magazines and blogs and I thought I'd give it a try.  I washed my hair this morning and blow dried it until it was nearly dry, spritzed some shine spray in it for hold and glitz and braided my hair into two pigtail braids.  I secured the bottom of the braids with bobby pins rather than hair ties because I'd be using the bobby pins any way to wrap the braids- I hate hiding hair ties because my hair is fine.  At first I wrapped one around the top and the other around the bottom but it didn't go all the way around so I pulled the one from the bottom up to make a double-braided head band.  I felt super cute all day wearing it.  I called my sister Olivia after my meeting with my supervisor and lured her into going shopping with me.

And shop we did.  First we went to Starbucks to fuel up- then we went to Urban.  I got these awesome heartshaped glasses.  Like I said, I was in a playful mood.  Olivia got some awesome army green jeans for 38 dollars!  People, there are serious sales out there right now- most stores had 70% off deals - it was slightly overwhelming and slightly exhilarating.  We hit up Victoria Secret next- it was their last day for their buy one get one 50 percent off deal.  We got the same bra and I have to tell you that I was in DIRE need of a new beige, everyday bra.  The one I have been wearing for the past 2 years is from Target and there is a wire poking out of one end and the cups aren't smooth anymore- it's in very, very bad shape.  I wouldn't want my worse enemy to wear it (if I had an enemy).  The one I got is the beige Body by Victoria and it is so freaking soft!  I also have to admit that I have been wearing the wrong size since forever!  I was wearing 34B but I am actually a 32C- I feel like a brand new woman.  My boobs are thanking me.  (TMI?) If you haven't been sized lately- the ladies at Victoria's Secret are experts.  I took a photo of me wearing a tank top with Old Beigy and New Beigy so you can see the tragic difference. 

As far as my outfit goes- I threw on a casual cream top that my sister-in-law, Rachel, got me from H&M - its a nice basic and has long lace sleeves.  On the bottom, I wore my rust jeans from a boutique in the bay area and my polka dot flats from Urban.  The cardigan is something I borrowed from Chris' side of the closet- he thrifted it.  It's a wool burgundy sweater.  There's something about wearing your man's outerwear that makes you feel snuggly and safe.  I liked the contrast between the oversized cardigan and the skinny jeans. 

Date Day- Luna Park Cafe and LACMA

Yesterday was date day, I have been taking some time off from Facebook and Instagram because I check them way too much.  When I find myself obsessively checking social media I notice that I don't have much quality of life stuff going on around me.  Also, while checking, I am missing the present moment.  That is something that I have been working on lately- staying present, being mindful, being where my feet are in this moment.  After we went to Mosaic, Chris and I went to Luna Park Cafe- we love their breakfast item called Le Cafe.  It's sausage, bacon, eggs, potatoes, and french toast (with strawberries, blueberries and whip cream on top).  It's to die for.  Afterward we went to LACMA because we haven't been there in a while.  We have been there a few times before so this time we stuck to temporary exhibits only.  I love museums.  I get inspired.  Some of my favorite pieces were ordinary things turned into art- like a trophy sculpture, a little house made out of film reels, and a huge electric car exhibit.

I wanted to feature Chris on today's blog because I picked out everything he was wearing at the various stores and I love how he put it all together.  He's so hot.

 

 

First, the blazer we got a few months ago at Urban.  It wasn't on sale but it was a nice neutral color and the cut will last him decades.  Underneath he wore a black collared shirt (buttoned all the way to the top) that has a subtle American flag print on it with a pair of burgundy chords (10 dollars at H&M- I know! I love to hunt for good deals).  On his feet he wore his go to chucks.  I like the way old chucks look after they have been worn 100 times compared to new ones- the new ones are just too clean looking.  He's been growing out facial hair for the first time since college (and let me reveal, it was not on purpose back then).  He looks very distinguished I think.  (Plug: check out his band Historian on Spotify...he rocks.)

 

 

I wore a grungy YA green and cream hombre sweater with denim cut off shorts from Forever 21- it was 83 degrees yesterday and my pale legs were out for all to see.  Around my neck I wore a key necklace that Chris gave me in my stocking- I love it (get it?).  On my feet, the brown flea market boots with socks from Target.  I love socks.  Socks socks socks.   To be honest, I wish I had worn leggings or jeans.  I changed into my rust colored jeans later in the evening because it got cold towards the end of our date, and when I was at church I felt slightly indecent.  Hindsight!  I like how the grunge look matched the 90's music Chris was playing in the car all day.  I felt slightly bad ass and confident.

I'd like to take a moment to talk about make up.  In high school I wore way too much- in college I was obsessed with brand name everything.  Nowadays I opt for cheaper drugstore make up and I love watching youtube videos about contouring.  I've been practicing with my bronzer and highlighter- and people have been noticing!  Way more make-up compliments than usual. 

Fashion Endevour

My dad's visiting today from Northern California- he really wanted to see the space shuttle.  But first, we needed to eat.  We hit up Cafe 101.  Its a local diner that celebrities frequent.  I ate a massive breakfast burrito- so good, highly recommend it, and then we attended Mosaic.  Our friends Jess and Ryan met us at the church.  Instead of a normal sermon it was the Children's Christmas Musical which was absolutely fantastic.  At one point the kids did a What Does the Fox Say parody.  It was incredibly cute. 

My in laws met us at the California Science Museum- its worth checking out...I probably won't go back again, but the one time was worth it.  Since I knew I'd be gallivanting all around LA today I chose my comfy Forever 21 low black boots with the metal studs on them.  My husband Chris describes them as girly tom boy.  To go with the girly tom boy look I threw on my Ramones T-shirt which was actually Chris' before it was mine.  I layered my denim Target long sleeve shirt on top so I wouldn't freeze when the sun went down.  You may notice the American Apparel leggings again.  Seriously a staple.  I got the black lace skirt from Forever 21 a couple of Decembers ago when shopping for white clothes for a New Years Party.  I just had to have it.  I love having pretty feminine basics in my closet. 

For accessories I placed my black hat on my head, a couple of necklaces around my neck and the last touch before I went out the door was the black sequined skinny scarf.  I felt very rocker chic today and I liked it.  On my days off I love wearing trendy casual clothes that I would never wear in an office.  At the Endevour exhibit, my sister Olivia who is ten years younger than me asked me why my purse was so heavy- there was so much in there.  She pulled out my Fendi glasses and had a fun time wearing them around the museum pretending she was Zooey Deschenel from New Girl. She was wearing the most awesome striped peplum shirt from Forever 21 that she scored for a fabulous deal.  Oh, and if you are wondering about my sparkly pink nail polish- its by Essie- its their Lux Effects edition- I just keep adding more and more sparkles to it when it chips- so easy to maintain.  I love looking at my nails when they are painted.  It is complete self care for me to have a manicure.  What do you do for self care? 

 

 

Someone Beginning With "A"

 

I work on Fridays and Saturdays at a luxury rehab in Malibu.  I like to dress professional, yet stylish.  This particular day I chose an ox-blood colored dress as my outfit's base.  It was far too chilly to wear on its own so I plopped the softest ever stripped sweater over it.  My two bracelets are special.  The one with the "a" on it came from my mother-in-law's friend whose thoughtful husband tried to get her a cute bracelet, but her name begins with a "p"...they couldn't return it so they did the next best thing and gifted it to a red headed woman whose name begins with A.  The other one came from my mother-in-law it is so sweet and I wear it when I need reminders of what is important in life: hope, faith, love, sobriety etc.  I like looking down and seeing a different word and taking a moment to reflect on the meaning it has in my life.  The first time I wore it- it fell off while I was walking my dog.  Thankfully I found it, and we put a new clasp on it so it would never ever leave me again.  For shoes I opted for my leather and suede grey tall boots.  I have gotten even more compliments on these a year after buying them at DSW for 60% off.  I remember being uncertain as to whether I should purchase them or not and sending my sisters a text with a photo asking their opinion- they both said go for it...so I did.   Over the past year, the toes have gotten worn- I love it when leather breaks in like that.  I'm sure you can spot my American Apparel leggings again.  I'm telling you- if you don't have a pair of their black leggings you are missing an essential piece in your closet.  For outerwear I put my Forever 21 blue blazer on.  It has fancy shoulder pads that stick up in a nod to the 80s/Lady Gaga.  Around my neck is a necklace from Forever 21 from FOREVER ago.  It has keys all over it and with the Giving Key trend I'm seeing keys all over the place.  I used to wear it so many times that it looks antiqued now which I love.  What do you own that you love more now than when you first got it?

 

 

 

 

 

Romantic Burnt Sienna

 Last week when I went to my group supervision, my supervisor told me that I looked 18.  She had a point, I mean I was wearing a faux fur headband with my hair in a top knot and nerd glasses as well as a Ramones T-shirt with tribal print leggings and leather biker boots...I may have looked like a trendy teenager with minimal make-up.  Of course I said thank you because looking young is valued in our society, but I definitely want to be taken seriously and professionally.  I dressed my age today.  The side bangs with a piece pulled back off of my face helped me add a mature factor to my look. 

 My rust colored jeans are from Christmas last year.  My sister Katie Rose got them for me.  Literally every time I wear them someone makes a comment somewhere along the lines of, "Wow, your pants match your hair."  I think they are dumb for saying that because it is similar to commenting on the color of the sky.  Maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe they are just utterly observant, but I don't think so.  I think that complimenting one or the other would suffice.  Ok fine.  They are like the exact same color of my hair.  My hair is burnt sienna and so are my pants.  Ok fine.  I'm sensitive.  The pants are from a boutique in the Bay Area but they can also be found in Anthropology.  My hair is done by Chelsea- she is an amazing colorist.  I've been tempted to cut it all off lately.  My top is by CI - of course another hand me down from the bestie- Stevie.  I'll be wearing clothes from her a lot lately because I do that when I get new or new to me clothes.  I like to initiate them into my wardrobe right away.  They feel more like mine that way. 

The gold accessories are from all over.  The tree bracelet is from Crossroads, the flower gem bracelet was a gift for my 21st birthday from my cousin in England, the chain bracelet is from goodwill, and the 70's looking bracelet was my mom's when she was a teenager.

I changed my purse today for the first time perhaps all year.  Yeah...I'm a slacker.  I do wear fancy purses from time to time for special occasions, but ordinarily I like to have a purse that I can just grab and go with no fuss or muss.  The black quilted one from Urban has been my go to.  I have had this leopard one since the summer time- my mom got it from a fundraiser that she organized.  It's pretty flashy with the patent leather, satin leopard print and silver bling all over it, and I figured that the holiday season is the perfect time for everything sparkly.  I like how it added a focal point to my otherwise muted, neutral-toned outfit.  This morning at boot camp I was admiring the fall colored trees at the park and it inspired me to express myself the way fall does with all of its wonderful color.  Speaking of color...my lip color is from Cover Girl.  You're never going to guess how much my shoes were.  Ok I'll tell you: 7 dollars.  I got them in the Urban post x-mas sale last year and I love the fun polka dots on them.  Last but not least, with a chill in the air, I needed a jacket.  My army green military inspired jacket was gifted to me by my husband- he used to wear it and now its mine.  Being married has its perks!

Shhh! It's a secret.

Last night I had a dinner party for ten people.  Usually I would get totally overwhelmed and start worrying about everything- what my home looks like, how the food tastes, and everything in between.  My mind used to worry so much- the way I got over that was just to put things in perspective.  My friends aren't expecting me to look or be perfect.  I am not perfect.  I'll never be perfect.  If I'm doing the best I can then great!  I ended up making pasta and I can't believe we fit ten people around two tables in our lil backhouse.  Today I have work at the counseling center and I had to dress a little more formal.  I started my day out thinking about this green tunic that Stevie gave me in her last donation to me.  I paired the rest of my outfit around it. 

It was a crazy day at Target shopping for my sister's stocking.  I ran into three people I knew!  Shoppers everywhere were bumping into each other.  What I noticed though was how polite people were being.  With 8 days until Christmas I was surprised at how cordial strangers were being to each other.  Before I went into the store I set an intention in my heart to be kind to those I would meet along my way and it worked!  I changed from the black Urban Outfitters tuxedo blazer to my awesome metallic shawl.  I got this shawl for $1 in a Goodwill bin- originally it had an attached t-shirt inside of it- I had plans for this baby from the moment I saw it.  When I got home with her I cut all that cotton out of there and I was left with an exceptional piece.  The riding boots that I changed into later in the day are from the Fairfax and Melrose boot guy.  They were $45 bucks and I have worn them 100 times.  They're comfy and go with almost everything.  Since I was so tired from hosting last night I opted for my go-to-makes-me-feel-beautiful-everytime-lipstick.  It's from Chanel.  My best beauty secret is keeping a couple tubes of fancy lipstick in my purse for last minute special effects.  Well I'm off to go be a therapist now- what's your beauty secret that make you feel special?

Christmas at the Americana

For Christmas this year, we drew names and each have a 100 dollar budget for the presents.  I lucked out and chose my husband.  But on the other hand, he can be a challenge to buy for.  He asked for clothes which normally I'd be excited about, but he has fine taste.  One of his favorite blazers he bought for 600 dollars.  Ugh.  Unsure about how to proceed I connected with Chris' friend Leslie Andrew Ridings who has exquisite fashion sense.  We went to H & M and Forever 21 at the Americana in Glendale and came out with 2 pairs of pants, a blue blazer, two t-shirts, a button down shirt, a sweater and a jacket.  Not bad - on average each piece cost $16.85...yeah we went over budget, but for eight fashionable, versatile new items that will easily mix and match in his closet- we came out on top!

While we were perusing H&M I plopped this amazing hat on my head.  Leslie said I had to buy it...so I did.  The striped, navy dress I have on has the most amazing lace collar- it's by YA Los Angeles.  I feel super girly yet sexy in it because it hugs my body just right.  My brown leather boots are from Dublin, Ireland- I got them because it was raining when we visited and all I had were a pair of flats- they've served me well.  P.S. It was 84 degrees today hence the bare legs.  Jealous?