Epaulettes.

At least twice a year I become obsessed with accessories. When this time hits, I tend to scour the web for some inspiration. It has been a couple of days of browsing and nothing has hit me like the beauty of shoulder jewelry by Seville Michelle Anastos. Epaulettes are shoulder ornaments originally found on military uniforms. What a fun take on the military trend that has surrounded us in so many forms. 

I may be late in finding out about this new accessory, but I am just so happy to have found it. I am tickled pink. I feel refreshed. Enjoy this moment with me. 

These next two pics are epaulettes from BCBG.

Thoughts?  

Just out and about.

Don't you just love the parking lot shots? Haha. I was out and about perusing my local stores for inspiration and decided that I really liked how comfortable I was in my outfit, so I decided to snap some shots with my point & shoot. I'm not always dressed up and fancy, but I still like to look pulled together. For the colder part of the year in California, I like to layer. You can't tell but I have two more layers underneath the dress. I definitely have my favorite go-to pieces for each season that I just throw on and go. I don't like to fuss with my outfits. This was the perfect example.

Ideas.

One of my great friends is getting married this weekend. I haven't got a clue what to wear. I haven't had the time to go shopping and I am not an avid online shopper to take a risk. For some reason, my size changes with each website that I never get it right the first time. So, in the meantime, I have been looking online for ideas and inspiration. Hopefully I'll have time to shop, otherwise I'll have to pull something together from my closet.

Here are some dresses I liked. I was completely inspired by the Lanvin Collection for H&M. Especially this dress. I want a very feminine and romantic look. Ruffles, lace, velvet, bows, etc. I also want something that isn't strapless or too bare up top. It is November, after all. The bride's wedding colors are black and purple. All the girls in the wedding party are wearing black dresses. I didn't want to wear the same color, but black is usually my go-to color if I can't find anything else.
 

1: J. Crew, 2: Asos, 3: Net-A-Porter, 4-5: Forever21 online, 6-8: Pixie Market.


It was a fairly chilly day in SoCal. It would normally be in the low 70's during this time of the year, but we've got a cold front and therefore, the temperature has been in the low 60's-high 50's during the day. I know in other areas people laugh at what we Californians consider cold, but I was freezing! It also didn't help that I have been battling a bout of bronchitis and acute laryngitis. So, I apologize for not posting more frequently in the past week. I finally decided to see my Doc and am now happily on antibiotics.

Long-sleeve: Forever21, Vest: old-school Spiegel that used to be my mom's in the 80's (I was corrected by her, see below. Hahaha.) Cargo pants: Target, Boots: Bakers, Scarf: Ross, Watch: Target (men's), Bag: H&M

Back to my black.

It's been a few days since I posted anything regarding my personal style. Looking back on my first few posts, I didn't realize how colorful each one had been until now. Truth is, I usually live in blacks and greys. I don't normally go all out with the color. But, I think that my excitement to start this blog really showed in my previous posts with all the color. I decided to come back to what I know and love. I truly am a minimalist at heart. No frills. But, I also love being a girl and dressing the part. I love things that fit my body well without fussing with it. I grew up without having a lot of money, so I've learned how to put together outfits throughout the years without breaking the bank. I was a starving student for years so no store, thrift shop or hand-me-down is off limits when it comes to my style. And I believe that true fashion and style doesn't come from labels but from how true you are to yourself and making the best of what you've got.  :)
By the way, if you enjoy my blog (and I hope you do), please share with others, subscribe and follow me on this journey. I am new to the world of blogging and would love some company. Thank you so much for the support! It is much appreciated.

Blazer: thrifted from Plato's Closet (unfortunately, the one closest to me has closed down), Ruffle shirt: Forever21, Tank: old, can't remember, Leggings: Forever21, Boots: Nine West, Necklace: Target, Ring: thrifted, Bracelet: Forever21, Clutch: Express. 

Lanvin for H&M: Out in stores November 20th

I am absolutely giddy over each piece. The third picture with the purple dress is my absolute fave. It would be perfect to wear for my friend's wedding.

Sweater and leggings: Forever21, Jumper: (believe it or not) Walmart, Boots: Diba from DSW, Beanie: old from Target, Necklaces: don't quite remember, I've had them for so long. Rings: thrifted, Bracelet: a ribbon sash I tied around my wrist. Sunnies: Calvin Klein.   

Product of the Philippines

Today is a big day if you're Filipino. Today, Manny Pacquiao, the best pound for pound fighter will attempt to defeat Antonio Margarito. Although I am a proud American citizen, I know where I come from. Go Manny!

5andadime.com

Havaianas Philippines Collection



Nike Trainer Manny Pacquiao SC 2010

Adidas Philippines Track Jacket

 

Morning Joe

As a lover of coffee, I wake up with the need to feed my caffeine addiction. On my working days, I may have as many as 4 cups of coffee throughout my 12-hr shift. I haven't yet graduated to all black, but I'm sure that day will come. I'm not biased about coffee. I don't always need the fancy white mocha, expensive cream or caramel anything. I prefer not to pay $5 for a single cup but the occasional Starbucks run does happen. On this morning, I rolled out of bed and took a stroll to my neighborhood 7-Eleven. I will admit, the outfit is nothing fancy however, I'm just trying to make a point that you don't have to walk out of the house in dirty sweats and a ratty t-shirt. There's a way to bum it but still look like a somewhat polished bum. Ha.

 This last pic was the result of my morning stroll. I stopped and chilled at some tables to enjoy the morning sunshine and came across a sweet little love note. 

 

Patriotic

It's Veterans Day and I am feeling proud to be an American. Here are some pics from the June/July issue of 125 Magazine. Thought I'd bring back some red, white and blue. Let's salute our men and women of the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our beloved USA.

I am loving the first pic. I wish I could walk around for one day with such artistic lips.