30 May 2013

Seeing Stripes






Shirt: Mango // Jeans: H&M // Belt: Zara // Clutch: Bershka // Shoes: Charles David

I'm officially back home. It was a very sad and heartbreaking goodbye to the man I love; long-distance relationships are not for the faint of heart. But if it's God's will, he will be back home soon. 

Undoubtedly, I had to go shopping during my stay in Mexico and the bf more than happily and graciously obliged. Yes, that's right folks, I'm blessed to have a bf that loves to shop as much as I do. I nabbed this striped tee perfection from Mango. The cut of the neck is very elongating and the length of the sleeves are just right. I've been hunting for a replacement for my H&M version that decided to shrink after a lot of washes. Just like the chambray shirt and white crisp shirt, I categorize stripe tees as another wardrobe basic necessity. Said basics can be paired to make countless outfits and stand the test of time. I probably should've bought two, but I'm certain I will come across more to add to my wardrobe. Lastly, this striped clutch was also purchased in Mexico from a store called Bershka. I have some more goodies to share with you so stay tuned! I hope you all have a great Thursday.   

Photos by Kimberly Paras

27 May 2013

Expiatorio





Dress: TEE by Big Star // Shirt: UO // Sandals: Mossimo (old) // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff

Happy Memorial Day lovelies! Sorry I've been M.I.A. - I've been relishing my vacation here in Mexico and not really focusing on blogging. For those of you who have graciously followed me on Instagram you have had a little more insight as to what I've been up to over here. A lot of eating and hanging out and enjoying the company of great friends. These photos were taken in front of another very old León landmark called "Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús" or Expiatorio for short. The architecture and details of this temple are absolutely magnificent. I didn't want to be disrespectful and take too many pictures, especially inside, but I hope the ones that I was able to take showcase its beauty. As usual for a Mexican Spring day, it was blistering hot. I TRIED my best to hide my discomfort from the heat. Even with this super thin maxi it was hard to keep cool. But it was easily pacified with a good yummy blizzard from DQ; yup, they have DQ here in Mexico. Total saver. Anyways, I hope you all are enjoying your Monday off. I'll get back to regular posting once I'm back in the states, until then....xoxo.

Photos by Frankie

21 May 2013

Church on a Hill







Dress: Tibi (old) // Shirt: Paper Crane // Sandals: Mossimo (old) // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (here, here, and here

The love of my life is always gracious in making time to take me places I've never been before. This old rustic church was one of them. León exudes a lot of elegance in its architecture. And they've definitely taken advantage of all the hillside terrain - as you can see this church offers a vast view of the entire city. Since yesterday was a scorcher, I wore this Tibi dress I found on consignment, along with a sleevless chambray I picked up at Crossroads, some old sandals from Target, and my trusty Minkoff purse. Here's to hoping the weather is kinder to me! 

Photos by Frankie

20 May 2013

Camo in the Pueblito




Top: Talula fr Aritzia // Bralette: Wilfred Free fr Aritzia (similar here) // Shorts: Silence & Noise (similar here) // Sandals: Aldo (old) // Purse: Louis Vuitton

Greetings from León, Mexico! This is what I wore yesterday to try to keep cool in this 90F+ weather. Easy breezy was the theme of clothing I packed for this trip; lightweight fabrics, breathable, stretchy and comfortable were requirements for the cut. And this is probably the only time you'll see me in shorts. I finally learned my lesson after coming here every year for the past 5 years that wearing pants isn't very logical. But that didn't stop me from bringing a few pairs (sigh). While it is always a pleasure to come here and enjoy what this city has to offer, the authentic Mexican cuisine is always the highlight of my visit (other than seeing the love of my life, of course). I will undoubtably gain a few lbs during this trip, but it's nothing my flowy wardrobe can't hide. Anyways, I'll catch you lovelies on the flip side...I'm still adjusting to the time difference. 

Photos by Frankie

15 May 2013

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

via Vogue.com

Summer is just around the corner and as everyone digs up their short shorts and short sleeves, I thought I'd take some time to talk about short(er) hairstyles. As some of you may know, last July I cut off almost 13 inches of my hair. Why you ask? I donated my hair to an organization called Locks of Love. They produce wigs out of donated hair to provide for children who suffer from medical hair loss. I helped organize a hair donation event at my work where 5 women, including myself, participated. 

My ponies are the two second to the left. 

I urge you, those who are considering a shorter do for the summer, to think about donating your cut hair to Locks of Love. I grew out my hair for years (10 inch minimum requirement) knowing that I eventually wanted to make the donation. But I never really grasped what an impact it could possibly make for a child. That is, until it hit close to home. I recently found out that a dear little girl to me has been diagnosed with Alopecia - a disease that causes hair loss. We will continue to support and pray for her. But if need be, I promised I'd shave my head should it get to the point where hiding it is impossible.  

On a much lighter note, if you do make the noble donation, shorter hair seems to be the way to go for a lot of trend setting women. Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller has taken her hair and scissors literally into her own hands and snipped away. Elin Kling, another super famous blogger, has opted for a shorter, chic do. Karlie Kloss, as seen above, cut her long locks right before a major Victoria's Secret runway show. Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, and Anne Hathaway (just to name a few) have gone super short with their awesome variations of the pixie cut. At the end of the day, for the most of us, our hair will grow back. But let's take a moment to think of those who aren't as fortunate. 

XOXO,
~N

UPDATE (16May13):
It has been brought to my attention that the Locks of Love organization is under scrutiny for not tracking their donations. While they continue to provide wigs for children, they have admitted to selling the hair. This is disappointing to say the least, but since they continue to provide custom made wigs for children for a fraction of the cost or even free, I still have some respect left for the organization. They have also donated millions towards research for Alopecia. So now, I must say if you're still willing to donate, please keep this in mind.





14 May 2013

Army Green



Top: Thakoon Addition // Leggings: Forever21 // Shades: Ray-Ban // Watch: Michael Kors // Shoes: Charles David

I've been slightly occupied with work and preparing for my 10 day getaway to Mexico coming up. I've had this post sitting in my draft folder for a while and finally decided to post it because I wanted to display the different ways I restyle this Thakoon creation (last seen here). I plan on taking it with me to Mexico and wearing it as a dress. So stay tuned! 
Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Photos by Kimberly Paras

10 May 2013

Hole-y Moly!





Top: Club Monaco (old) // Shirt: BDG fr Urban Outfitters (old) (similar herehere and here) // Pants: Balenciaga  // Purse: Chanel // Shoes: Charles David 


I was so excited when I came across this net knitted top on sale at Club Monaco last year because it's very similar to this Marant perfection; although, mine isn't a tank but a quarter sleeve. It's one of the more versatile items in my closet that I can wear year round. If one more was available in my size I would've bought both because once this top falls apart (God forbid) it would be hard to find an exact replacement. So that's why I did a little research and found a great dry cleaner - a green and environmental friendly one to be exact. I was utterly horrified after reading about the health risks and environmental hazards caused by typical dry cleaning. A green cleaner gently cleans your 'Dry Clean Only' pieces without chemicals, pollutants or toxic waste. My clothes come back smelling fresh and in the exact condition in which they were submitted. I urge you to find a local green cleaner - mine is quite a drive but totally worth it. For those of you in the South Bay, check out Nature's Best Cleaners; I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Photos by Kimberly Paras

09 May 2013

NYC Florals








Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim // Blazer: Express (old) (similar here and here) // Jeans: Current/Elliott (here, here, and here) // Rings: Zales, Jest Jewels and Cartier // Shoes: Charles David 

Phillip Lim's SS13 collection is freaking amazing. I want the entire collection! I initially wanted the black 'Get it Girl' tank but opted for this white 'NYC' tank instead because my closet can stand to see more white. Sadly, though, I've yet to visit the city - but it's definitely something I will do in the near future. In the meantime, I will bask in the glory which is this top and look forward to restyling it over and over and over. For this look I paired it with my brand new Current/Elliott jeans. This is my first pair of Current/Elliott's. I must say, they fit really well (aka they make your derriere look fab) and the material is excellent - not too thin, not too heavy, not too stretchy, not too stiff, etc. etc. And since I'm obsessed with distressed jeans at the moment, I chose a pair with slight rippage. 

If you noticed, my 'lil sissie made an appearance. When she has time she helps make sure I don't look like a complete idiot. I did not anticipate how incredibly awkward it is to pose in front of a camera when you're not a model (sigh). It is quite funny though, when bystanders stare at you having your picture taken as if you were a model. Nevertheless, thanks to my "crew" - couldn't do this without you!

Photos by Kimberly Paras

08 May 2013

Don't Kill My Vibe





Top: T by Alexander Wang (here and here) // Pants: Wilfred  // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Beanie: Brandy Melville // Watch: Rolex (borrowed from my pops)

I was going for that comfortable yet chic kind of look. Alexander Wang's T line exudes exactly that vibe. He takes the very basic of pieces, like this shirt for instance, and gives it a twist. I also went with my usual all black. I've been feeling under the weather with my allergies going haywire so I'm going to keep this sweet and short. Hope you all have a great Wednesday! 

Photos by Kimberly Paras

07 May 2013

Going Wide




Top: Old Navy Vintage Tee // Jacket: Zara (old) // Jeans: 7 for All Mankind // Belt: H&M 

Just a quick post today. Thought I'd pull out these old wide leg trouser-style jeans that I scored at Crossroads - I had not worn them in about a year. Right then and there I decided to add another challenge and make the most of my wardrobe instead of always thinking (and complaining) that I have nothing to wear. Also, the weather cooled and we even got a little bit of rain yesterday so I kept things simple and comfortable. Happy Tuesday All! 

Photos by Kimberly Paras

02 May 2013

La Camisa Blanca







Shirt: Express (old) (similar here and here) // Jeans: AE (old) (similar here) // Watch: Michael Kors // Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (old) (similar here) // Shoes: Manolos

Probably one of the most important staple and basic wardrobe pieces is a great white button-up shirt. I have maybe 5 different variations in my closet. Not only do they pair nicely with just about everything, they never go out of style. This shirt in particular is my favorite because it's lightweight, plain (has no pockets or other details), and has a hidden button closure. I decided to pair my shirt with distressed jeans (I'm totally going through a distressed jeans phase), a watch, pumps and a shoulder purse. Today is my Friday, so cheers to the freakin' weekend; have a good one all!

Photos by Kimberly Paras