RED WINE

Crown Headband from Icing's, Neoprene Moto Jacket c/o ShopAkira, Burgundy Cable Sweater c/o Tobi, Black Skirt from H&M, Box Purse from Urban Outfitters, Over The Knee Socks from Forever 21, Lace Up Booties from White Mountain

Photos by Michelle Uzomba

On days when it's not absolutely freezing in New York, I get to dress like I would have were it a California winter—and that's something that certainly makes me happy. However, I'd be lying if I said I went outside in the 40 degree weather like this without having cleverly layered up. Heat tech layers hidden underneath a big sweater, spandex under skirts, and layering over the knee socks over 2 or 3 layers of nude tights is the formula as to how I was able to keep warm in this ensemble yet still be able to flash a peek of skin!

Wine red is a color I've recently developed an affinity for, as you can see in my pairing of this beautiful neoprene jacket from ShopAkira with this luscious cable knit sweater from Tobi! I love the combination in this jacket of such a unique material in a bold color with a classic shape. This sweater, with it's armor like cables, has also won a permanent spot in my closet.

I'm still working on perfecting how to maintain that princess/goddess type of look in my outfits when in a New York winter rather than California's year round sunshine, but I'd say this look is a step in the right direction! ;) And a special shoutout to my amazing photographer and friend Michelle for these beautiful shots!

KALEIDOSCOPIC

Mustard Beanie from H&M, Statement Necklace c/o Topshop,  Geometric Dress c/o Talulah, Groundscore Pizza Ring c/o Nylon Shop, Handmade Glitter Cardholder c/o Heather Haber, White Converse Hightops

Photos by Chris from Unbearably Stylish

Sometimes two things go together so well that you start wondering if they are really just mere coincidences or not. Honestly, I don't think I could have found a better piece of wall art to photograph this dress with! This is one of the looks I shot when I was back home for winter break—hence being able to walk around in just flowy dresses and sneakers.

This vibrant geometric print dress from Talulah reminds me so much of a video game world and I love that about it!! I especially love the romantic mood in this piece that comes from the asymmetrical cut paired with skinny straps. My yellow statement necklace from Topshop matched so well with it (dare I say that the beads kind of even look like Tetris pieces to me?)

My Pizza ring is from Groundscore, a jewelry brand that makes statement jewelry with your favorite words such as "Fries," "Guacamole," "Coffee," and so much more.  If you've ever had a love so passionate for a particular food or drink, Groundscore probably has a ring for it! Lastly, I'm sporting this amazing cardholder from Heather Haber which I still can't get over! After discovering these on Instagram and falling in love with them, the designer, Heather, was so kind as to send me one of my own and I don't think there is a more deserving cardholder to carry my Parsons ID ;) She hand makes them to order and can make them with any color glitter you want. I think these would make a great gift either for a friend or maybe just for yourself! 

As far as New York goes, I am currently freezing everyday and recently averaging 4 hours of sleep but I'm having an amazing spring semester so far and hope your 2015 is going just as swell!

STORYBOOK SERIES: SNOW WHITE

DIY Oversized Bow, Gold Chain Necklace c/o Lulu's, Floral Two-Piece Set c/o Lulu's

Photos by my sister Michelle

Prince Florian played by Chris

I am honestly beyond excited to share with you guys the first of an ongoing storybook series that I have been wanting to bring to life for the longest time now! I'm sure many of you have noticed that I have loved nothing more than drawing inspiration from favorite characters (be it from fairytales, film, or literature) in my usual outfit posts, but this time around I wanted to take that to a new level and create something that really transports you into a fantasy world. It took a lot of pre-planning to execute each shoot: lots of brainstorming of how I could translate the costumes of these original characters into something much more modern, the making of certain pieces (such as this giant bow I made the morning of the shoot!), and finding the perfect location for each storybook setting.

Since I would be styling a modern interpretation of Snow White's costume, it was very important to me that I incorporate the same colors of red, blue and yellow. Although my plans did change a bit when I saw this two piece dress from Lulu*s and fell so much in love with the graphic and artistic element of the print. So to make sure this outfit had some yellow in there I styled the dress with a gold necklace from Lulu*s as well, and also purchased a bouquet of yellow flowers ;) And of course, Snow White would not be complete without her signature red bow either, and since I was making mine, I figured why not just make it huge for a more playful look? <3

Words cannot express how thankful I am for the immense patience both my sister, Michelle and my boyfriend, Chris had in helping me get these shots. I especially want to applaud my sister for her incredible creative direction behind the camera too! I also want to say a huge thank you to Tierney from Lulu*s for making all the outfits in the first 3 looks of this series possible. Now I cannot wait to show you guys the next look in the series!

PS: Lulu*s is having their Galentines Giveaway right now where you and your best friend can win free dresses for a year (such as the one I'm wearing)! Be sure to stop by here and enter right away as the giveaway ends on February 12th at 11:59 PM :)

PURE

 Statement Necklace from The Quiet Riot, Oversized Shirt c/o Nosbyn, White Bustier from Nasty Gal, Light Blue Shorts c/o Nosbyn, Black Tote c/o Dagne Dover, Ankle Strap Pumps from Ivanka Trump

 Photos by Ally Gong

When I first started experimenting with my personal style in high school, I admit that I was a shopper who was much more focused on quantity than quality. But over the years I've come to learn that I much prefer having less pieces in my closet that each are much more well made in terms of fit, construction, and material. Nosbyn is one of the brands I have found that hits the mark on all those areas, and their minimalist aesthetic also makes for pieces that can easily become long time staples in one's closet, such as this white-button down and these light blue shorts.

I have also become a huge fan of Dagne Dover, a new handbag brand that makes bags that have a compartment inside for every possible thing you could think of! (Literally!) Their large tote which I'm wearing in this look has a compartment for your laptop and a removable pocket for your water bottle! I love that these bags still have a very designer look to them because I normally find that I have to compromise style for extreme functionality. 

With this outfit, I wanted to mix in workwear inspired pieces such as this tote bag and these pumps and create a look that looked more whimsical and fairytale-like. It was certainly a great outfit for going out for lunch at Santana Row with my boyfriend, Chris, and fellow fashion blogger, Ally Gong! It was the first time I got to meet her in person and she is super sweet, down to earth, and fun to be around. As you can see, we coordinated our outfits together with our color palette too :) Be sure to visit her blog too if you're looking for more fashion inspiration, and also if you want to find more Bay Area based bloggers to follow! x