Summer Grunge

Wednesday, July 24, 2013


(beanie, acid wash denim jacket, basketweave bodycon skirt, faux leather wedges from Forever 21, crochet top from Urban Outfitters

This is my first time shooting in the early morning in a while. I miss the soft, cool light of the morning that differs from the golden light of the late afternoon. I have early classes three days a week at 7:30 AM, so I usually opt to take photos in the afternoon instead. However, I took advantage of a rare free morning to take some quick shots.

Speaking of classes and summer, I can't believe my summer is almost over! I'll be going back to Berkeley in about a month, and I'm feeling a sense of both excitement and dread. Excitement for new opportunities and beginnings, and dread for difficult problem sets, late nights, and stress. We'll see how it goes.

This is sort of a laid-back, grungy look. It reminds me of my mood and lifestyle these days, trying to relax more yet working harder than ever before. The week is half over and I'm excited to work on some personal projects after this week's set of midterms are done with. Have a great week everyone! xx

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Earthy Hues

Thursday, July 18, 2013


(jacket from Forever 21, hand-me-down twist top, pants from A'gaci, leather sandals from Zara)

Definitely enamored with white pants as of late; I love how effortlessly chic they are. I decided to pair these off-white pants (yes, they're off-white! The photos make them look bright white) with earthly tones, such as the taupe of the faux leather jacket and the moss/celadon-colored top. Btw, can I say how much I love this top? My mom passed this down to me. I love the simple but elegant twist; it adds a little oomph to an otherwise plain top. 

I've been up since 5AM today, so I really can't wait for this school day to be over. My Fridays are free, so I have some weekend plans to relax and get some errands done. :) Have a lovely day! xx

Young Hearts

Monday, July 15, 2013


(thrifted leopard print crop top from Crossroads, wrap skort from SheInside, buckle sandals from Zara)

I'm excited to post these photos because, amazingly enough, this was my first attempt at shooting in RAW. I still shot a lot of these photos in JPEG, but I did get a few good RAW shots! Even though I've had my Canon 1000D since 2010, I'm still learning how to use it to get great shots. Practice makes perfect, right? 

I tried to mix retro with modern in this outfit by pairing the cat eye sunnies and crop top with my fav geometric wrap skort. I seriously don't know if I'll ever get over this skort. Of course, I had to finish off the look with some sleek buckle sandals.

Enjoy the rest of this week! Leaving these quotes that I stumbled upon in my current novel, Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende, because they inspired some introspection:

"Love makes us good. It doesn't matter who we love, nor does it matter whether our love is reciprocated or not or if the relationship lasts. Just the experience of loving is enough, that's what transforms us."

"I wanted to make a good impression, erase my past and start fresh on a blank page. I wished I could invent a better version of myself, but in the intimacy of shared love, I understand that this was neither possible nor advisable. The person I am is the result of what I've through, including the drastic mistakes."

"Everyone regrets the love letters they've written."

Sparkle

Saturday, July 13, 2013


(thrifted chambray jacket and white jeans from Crossroads, sequin top from Forever 21, nude leather sandals from Zara, watch from Michael Kors)

I apologize for the mini hiatus! I'm still figuring how to consolidate my full-time summer school schedule with blogging. I've learned this week that I'm usually too ragged and tired to take outfit shots on my full school days, so I'm taking advantage of my weekends and shorter days to work on blogging.

Ahh, the joys of thrifting. I found this fabulous chambray jacket at Crossroads last week. I love how light and casual it is; it makes for easy layering in the summer. Also, I was really excited to find this pair of white jeans at Crossroads for only $8.50! I've been looking for a pair of white jeans that fit me well (having short legs makes this search more difficult than it needs to be) and I was ready to break the bank to invest in a pair, so I was very glad to find these at Crossroads. These days, I've been trying to buy less retail and, instead, thrift more. Not only is thrifting great for your wallet, but I think that it's an easier way to find your own style since you're not being pulled in by the "fast fashion" of retail stores.

Have a lovely and restful weekend!

Retro Floral

Sunday, July 7, 2013


(thrifted floral button-up from Crossroads, bustier top from Foreign Exchange, ankle zip jeans from Forever 21, platform sandals from Payless)

Taking a break from my class readings and assignments to write a quick blog post. I'm glad that my blog and other creative pursuits provide me with a sanctuary from the mundane-ness that academics can be. I've been really driven to take on new projects and try new things these days, but what I lack are time and work-life balance... I guess that's one more thing I need to work on.

The heat wave has finally come to a halt, and the Bay Area has been experiencing more moderate and comfortable temperatures these daysmuch more suitable for me. In an effort to stop wearing black all of the time, I decided to wear this bright floral button-up and these cotton candy pants. A tie-front top feels really retro to me, so I augmented the "retro-ness" by adding these sky-high platform sandals (they're actually super comfortable despite the height).

Back to the grind! Hope you all enjoy the last bit of the weekend xx

Summer Glam

Thursday, July 4, 2013


Hey guys! I just started a Polyvore account, which you can view here. I think it's a great and fun way to test your styling skills with a virtual closet in which the possibilities are endless. I'm hoping to make these collages a regular segment of my blog, so look out for more collages soon!

I'm really trying to push past my comfort zone in terms of personal style, which is part of the reason why I'm challenging myself to make these collages. For this collage, I chose an item that I would normally not be instantly attracted to, the floral pencil skirt, and built a look around it. I decided to balance the bold floral print with a mint draped top and simple accessories, including retro tortoiseshell sunnies and a clear clutch (I plan on DIYing one of these soon!). I completed the look with a pair of Zara's effortlessly sexy ankle strap heels.

Basketweave

Wednesday, July 3, 2013


(button-up shirt and skirt from Forever 21, bustier top from Foreign Exchange, buckle sandals from Zara)

Currently writing this post during my 10-minute break in the middle of my macro class. I apologize for the slowdown in posts; I just started summer school this week, and thus, resumed my full-time student status. The only difference is that I've been shifting to an earlier schedule this week, waking up at 6:00 AM everyday, so I'm in the process of finding optimal times to work on my blog. Though, these days, I find it best to blog in the small pockets of time that I do have (for example, I started writing this post this morning right before I left for my 7:30 class, and am continuing to write it during my small break during class time). Balancing full-time school and blogging will be a challenge, but I think that it will force me to be efficient and take advantage of the little free time that I have.

Taking these outfit photos proved to me that my willpower is greatest in the morning and gradually wanes as the day progresses. I took these after I came home from my first day of class, and I was more than a little disheveled from fatigue and heat. Now I know that it would be best if I took my photos in the morning, when I, and my outfit, have not been worn out and my willpower is at its peak.

Onto the outfit. This is a very simple combination of pieces, but simplicity seems like the best option in the middle of this heatwave. Like all my pairs of Zara shoes, I love this pair of buckle sandals. They remind of the Mango fetish sandals that were popular last year that I missed out on. Also in love with the basketweave print of the skirt; the intricate print balances out with the more basic pieces, like the crop top and button-up shirt.

Excited for the four-day weekend (!!!). Have a great 4th of July!