blazed

(Vintage blazer, Marc Jacobs shirt, shorts from Uniqlo, random socks, shoes from Topshop, bag unknown)

I know this wasn't the best setting for a shoot, but I like it. The drabness of the background make the shorts stand out more, which is what I was going for. I truly adore Uniqlo, and it distresses me that there still isn't one in the LA area. When I visited New York earlier this summer, I made sure to stop at the one on 5th Avenue (which is huge by the way), and I picked out a couple things that I've now worn multiple times. These shorts, however, were actually a gift from Tim! He brought a couple pairs back from Uniqlo Japan, and I've been in love with them ever since. Because of the pattern, the shorts can be dressed up or down, but if you were to feel the shorts, you'd find that they have an elastic-band waist and are actually stretchy and extremely comfortable. 

Although it is summer, I wore this corduroy blazer on top of a simple white shirt because it really made the outfit dressy and a little tomboyish. I thought I would struggle to find a top to wear with these bold bottoms, but this little button-up was perfect. I hadn't worn it for awhile, so when I put it on, I was extremely happy with how it looked. The little ruffles going down the center are perfectly subtle, not goofy in any way. The sleeves puff up a little bit too, which makes it feel youthful. 

Photos by Valerie Nguyen 

greenery

(Hat from Free People, Vintage poncho from Aardvarks, thrifted dress, random belt, Mom's purse, shoes from Urban Outfitters)

I love ponchos. 'Nuff said. 

Well, maybe I still have a little to say. Ponchos are fantastic because they are less restrictive that sleeves but still embody the essence of a shirt. My mom found me this awhile back, and at first I had no idea what to wear it with because it was so elegant. I've grown to find lots of ways to use it, and I think this was my favorite yet. The length of the dress played perfectly with the poncho, as did the colors of the purse, shoes, and belt. I kept with the earthy tones in my favorite hat. 

I wore this to my final exhibition at Otis College of Art and Design. I did a summer program there that I will post more about later on. Afterwards, Tim, Valerie, my parents and I went to the Third Street Promenade where I found some shoes I couldn't afford and discovered a old little indie theater where we saw The Way, Way Back (which was amazing and I completely recommend that everyone see it). 

All photos except the first by Timothy Today. 

kenzo

I was looking through i-D magazine today and saw this Kenzo cloud backpack. I immediately became obsessed because it's everything I love in a bag. The print is, of course, beautiful, and has a very interesting characteristic in my eyes. It's in the same sort of pattern as camouflage print, and yet it's made up of clouds, the lightest, and fluffiest sight we see on a daily basis. There is this contrast between what is normally a harsh and hardcore and what is soft and simple. At the same time, the shape of the backpack is very industrial, and ready-to-go-camping-esque. It's oversized with tons of space, and yet has this lofty print that almost makes it seem to have a less intense shape. Personally, I'm obsessed with enormous backpacks because they'll carry everything possible and they make a statement along with your clothing. This print reminds me of a cloud dress I have (from a few posts ago). I think I've been overly attached to clouds since 6th grade. 

pinky finger

(Vintage pink dress from beaconscloset.com, Vintage underdress from Wasteland, bag and sunglasses from Free People, socks from Topshop, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, gifted bracelets)

I bought this dress a few years ago especially for Coachella, and I wore it happily. However, its been a challenge to wear it since because it is noticeably see-through. When I found this simple, comfortable dress at Wasteland, I knew it would be the perfect foundation for various other pieces I had, including this dress. The whole outfit is extremely loose and comfy, and was perfect for sitting on a picnic blanket watching Wreck-It Ralph with Tim at Cal State University Northridge.

 I wore this simple, light dress with my big, chunky white boots to toughen it up a bit. I would probably say they are my favorite shoes because they are a statement piece, can be worn with almost anything, and are my favorite summer color: white. 

This bag is also one of my favorites because it was a graduation present from my best friend Allie, and is the perfect size for a short outing. It fits my wallet, sunglasses, keys, and phone perfectly. Lastly, I threw in a photo with Lula magazine because I'd just bought the latest issue and I was once again obsessed. It is absolutely my favorite magazine. (I follow its Editor-in-Chief, Leith Clark, on Instagram!) 

Photos by Timothy Toda

bugger

My father has fantastic clothing sense. He likes the bold things, especially if they're architectural. I'll often get little messages from him on Facebook with a picture of something he thought I'd enjoy, and that was the case with this picture. This coat from Valentino Fall 2013 Couture is just beautiful. Not only do I find the subtle beige color perfect with the gold embroidery, but they're bugs! Bugs are constantly regarded as disgusting creature who humans are afraid of for no apparent reason besides that they have too many legs. Valentino has taken these seemingly disgusting creatures, put them in gold thread, and made them absolutely stunning. I would buy and wear this coat in an instant. 

the summer scarf

(hat from Free People, scarf and sunglasses from Urban Outfitters, dress from Uniqlo, sandals from Rag and Bone, mom's purse from Santa Barbara 30 years ago, gifted bracelets) 

Tim and I ventured into Hollywood today with tickets for Monsters University at the El Capitan. I'll start out by saying that it was superb. The two of us are the biggest Pixar/Disney fanatics and I was so happy to relive the childhood enthusiasm. After the movie we got cream puffs at Beard Papa, and that was all. Since it was such a simply, short outing, I went more casual than normal, and I also wanted something lightweight to wear out into the heat. I picked up this dress in New York and I've already worn it multiple times because it's extremely comfortable, no-fuss, and simple. I kept this as my base and layered accessories. Hats are my new obsession, as are sunglasses, and I seem to be wearing scarves more often in the summer than in the winter. You will soon discover that I'm weather-challenged. The scarf us obviously a winter staple, but I find myself liking light scarves in the summer because they add something bold without providing too much warmth. Scarves make more of a statement than a necklace without trapping extra heat like a sweater. Plus, I've acquired a couple scarves that just seem to have summer colors, one being this blue and red one. 

I used the sunglasses to contrast a simple, mature look of a scarf and hat with something more costume-like. 

Photos by Timothy Toda