Diamonds in the Dust

(thrifted crop top from Crossroads, cigarette pants from Forever 21, heels from Zara)

I'm finally done with my second year of college! It was a difficult year in terms of a lot of areas, but I really did learn a lot, and I've become a much more resilient person as a result. It's true what they say: adversity catalyzes change.

Speaking of change, I've updated my blog layout! This layout was created by PINK+LOLA. I've actually been wanting to create my own layout, but I don't have the HTML/web design prowess to do so yet. No matter—I love my new layout as it feels very me. Also, I've allowed larger image sizes on this template because larger images show so much more detail—perfect for outfit photos.

Anyways, onto this outfit—I got these diamond print cigarette pants from Forever a couple of weeks ago and I'm in love with them. The fit is great, and I love that they're cut at my ankles. Being petite, I find it difficult to purchase affordable ankle pants that I don't have to tailor. And let's talk about this beautiful geometric print. It's interesting to think about how much my style has changed. Even just a couple of months ago, I don't think I would be courageous enough to wear a bold print like this, but now I love prints! I think fashion, for me, has been a lot about exploration, and seems to reflect a lot of growth and change that happens in my life. It thrills me to think of how I will expand this blog now and in the future.

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Red

(beanie from H&M, baseball jacket from Charlotte Russe, top from Foreign Exchange, shorts and booties from Forever 21)

Crazy warm weather this week. This is the first week in which the weather has been consistently in the 70s and 80s. Finals are coming up in two weeks, and it's so hard to feel motivated when the weather is so nice outside. Sixteen more days until I am free to bask in the sun! But for now, time to hit the books.

California Girl

(striped tee and denim shirt from H&M, skirt from Forever 21, thrifted Sam Edelman sandals)

The weather has been so nice these days. I know I sound like a broken record player when I say this, but I can't believe I have two more weeks of school until dead week and finals week. My first two years in college have gone by so quickly; it's scary to think that I'll be out in the "real world" soon. I made a countdown calendar and posted it on the wall by my desk. Twenty-five more days, it says. Sort of terrifying, but I'm pretty excited for summer because of all the projects I have in mind.

Anyways, I feel like denim and stripes are very representative of the laid-back California girl style. I decided to make the outfit more feminine by wearing a knit skater skirt and nude sandals. Btw, these nude sandals are amazing. I randomly happened upon them when I went to Crossroads about a month ago, and I had to get them because they were in my size. I'm a little (more like really...) obsessed with heels/sandals with ankle straps these days.

Have a lovely week!

Love is Real

(thrifted lace cardigan, lace bralette from Foreign Exchange, shorts from L.e.i, heels from Zara)

I wore this outfit last week when the weather was in the 70s. The warm weather has made me very excited for summer. I have only about a month left until school ends! 

The lace cardigan was such a good find. I stumbled upon it when I was at Crossroads. It was originally $8, which is already a steal, but because it was 50% off, I got it for only $4. Oh the pleasures of thrifting. I hope to go back soon to search for some new pieces to add to my closet. Also, the top is actually a lace bralette with a black cami underneath. I was too self-conscious to wear just the bralette (plus, I was heading to the library right after haha) so I wore a cami underneath. These shorts are actually from my childhood. I am very thankful for the fact that I can still fit into my pre-tween and tween clothes. Have a lovely week!

Why Even Try

(thrifted navy coat, striped moto jacket from Charlotte Russe, button-up shirt, lace shorts, and booties from Forever 21)

I picked up this coat last week at Goodwill for only $13! It's made of this wonderful waterproof/raincoat-like fabric, which is perfect for Berkeley's rainy days. I've been trying to shop more at thrift stores instead of retail stores because it's way cheaper. More bang for my buck.

It's been a hectic couple of weeks. School is ending in about a month, which means all of my professors crammed problem sets/papers/projects into this month haha. In other news, I can't wait until summer. I made a somewhat big decision this week about my life/summer plans and I'm very excited. :) Vague, I know, but let's just say I have a lot of projects and fun to look forward to.

Sunshine After the Rain

(head wrap, cardigan, booties from Forever 21, knitted top/dress from mom, thigh-high socks from Taiwan) 

"And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."

- Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

Robin's Egg Blue

(jacket from H&M, crop top from Charlotte Russe, pants from Forever 21, heels from Zara, photos by Jae)

I'm experimenting with crop tops again! Actually, this top incorporates two trends—cropped and striped. Also, I'm pretty sure the last time I wore a turtleneck was in third grade and I swore I would never wear them again (oops). I'm still getting used to the whole crop top trend. It was pretty chilly when I wore this outfit and the exposed midriff did not help... hopefully I can bust out the crop tops again when it gets warmer.

Today is my last day at home for Spring Break, and, unfortunately, I'm using today to catch up on a lot of schoolwork. But on the bright side, I'm also doing some work for the blog today. Can't believe it's almost April; March went by so quickly! Also can't believe that I'll be a college junior in less than two months. It's been a tough year and I can't wait for summer.

BTW, this post is named after my favorite crayon color. :)