Look of the Day: Tribal Inspired

What a beautiful winter, isn’t it? Well, not everyone lives in (the best state ever) California. Here in the Golden State, we’re experiencing a rather warm winter. The sun shines so bright and I can feel the envy from my friends shivering on the East Coast. #sorrynotsorry 

I will say though, the weather has been creating difficult winter wardrobe choices. Numerous questions like, “Is it going to be warm or chilly today? Should I wear a longer jacket? Will I be too hot in boots?” and the like, run through my mind during my daily morning ‘get ready’ routine. On this day, it started out gloomy with overcast and then leaded to lots of sun with a cool breeze. I screamed, “Make up your mind, weather!” 

So finally, I put together a Native American inspired tribal dress that’s thick like a sweater plus tall black boots with exposed zippers paired with patterned black tights. This way I could stay mostly warm with thick pieces and exposed arms and neck to keep me cool and balanced. With this casual look, I played down the number of jewelry pieces and narrowed down to my favorite, Bobbi J earrings. Hair and makeup are simple and sweet with half up and super straight a neutral brown eyeshadow by MAC named Corduroy. 

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A Trip Down Memory Lane

Every month or so I head back to my hometown, Sacramento. It’s always nice to visit family and stroll along areas where I used to get into get into trouble (ok, not that much trouble). I start to feel really old when I catch myself saying, “I remember way back when…” We passed by the state capitol and memories started to flood my mind of my days as a State Assembly intern when I was 15 years old.

On this day, I wore one of my favorite maxis with a mermaid bottom and an open back detail. The material is super thin so I have to pair a cover-up for no nip sightings— a sheer, black, collared blouse with gold studs and front tie definitely did the trick! I showed off the deep plunge in the front with one of my fave gold pieces by Bobbi J. 

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Look of the Day: Cut Your Heart Out Cut-Outs

As I’m yearning for fall weather to hit my thermometer, it’s still hot as you-know-what. Thanks to end-of-season sales, I still get to buy summer looks for half the price.

While in Vegas a month ago, I spotted a long, flowy maxi dress from S.Y.L.K. with the type of cut-outs I’ve been craving for– cut-outs in the front! I’m a sucker for prints so, this one right here just reeled me right in and straight to the cash register.

For shoes and accessories, I kept it as balanced as possible so I wouldn’t overpower one with the other. I wore gold chain feathered earrings, a bare neck so I wouldn’t compete with the cut-outs, custom Bobbi J stone and Swarovski crystal bracelets, and leather, strappy studded sandals that I’ve owned for years and years.

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My Love Affair With Turquoise

When summer rolls around, I naturally gravitate towards turquoise. From nails to jewelry to makeup to dresses, something (not all) is gonna be turquoise. As a sun addict (yes, mom I’m wearing sunscreen), my newly bronzed skin tone just makes this color pop! Maybe I love the color so much because it reminds me of the inviting ocean water in the tropics? Who knows.

In this look, I’m sporting a dress I’ve had for over a decade. Yes, a flipping decade! This floral printed halter dress is a curve-hugger for sure! I’m loving the subtle print too. I paired a strappy neutral wedge for mega height and texture and shot for a simpler tone with pearl jewelry. To top it off, a messy curly bun because to be completely honest, I didn’t feel like putting any effort in perfecting my hair being that it was hot as f***. 

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“Show me the shoes!” said the photographer.

A strand of pearls with an Ethiopian cross.

A cute Bobbi J bracelet to seal the deal.

Look of the Day: Safari Print and Gladiator Sandals

A couple weekends ago, the bf and I headed down to San Diego for a quick getaway for our birthdays and visit my familia. Of course, we chose to visit during one of the hottest weekends ever, but thank God there are beautiful beaches in San Diego. 

During summer, all I want to wear are dresses because they’re easy, breezy and simple enough to just toss on one piece and be done. Unfortunately, the heat can make me one Irritated Isabel so, dresses help me keep my cool.

On this day, I chose a black and white safari print with a wood beaded halter along with brown gladiator sandals. Both pieces I’ve had for years and have held up pretty well considering all the treks around town I’ve made in them. It was so hot this day and I was so grateful that the spotted dress was lightweight, stretchy and breathable. The sandals are so durable and made walking around the Gaslamp district so easy and comfy.

Scroll down for pics below of my day in sunny SD:

Got caught laughing.

Curly hair for no fuss.

Not a fan of the Padres but the stadium is pretty cool.

Open stadium.

Grabbing a moment to rest at the park.

RIP to my fave cheapo shades.

Coranado beach.

Lounging.

I can’t resist leopard print!

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for more this week.

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

Look of the Day: Crazy Striped Dress

Oh, it’s amazing how a sunny day can make a girl wanna get dolled up to skip around town. Thank God this past Saturday wasn’t too hot. I had the pleasure of meeting up with my oh-so-stylish, ‘long lost’ cousin (not really lost, but it had been a while since we’d seen each other) and have a lovely lunch on Lakeshore Avenue soaking in the sun. 

Inspired by the weather, I chose a new, crazy striped dress I swooped up from a boutique, called Sway. I swear it’s like my neighborhood Forever 21! On days that I want height without the pain of heels, I strap on my peep toe, espadrille wedges. They’re almost flat, but four inches off the ground! I went simple with custom Bobbi J jewelry and studded earrings along with natural makeup, but with a punch of color on the lips.

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I love my MK, but I’m craving a new look. Good thing it’s my birthday next month 😉

I never get tired of M.A.C.’s ‘Girl About Town’

Custom necklace by Bobbi J and emerald glitter shellac. Yup, I said glitter shellac! They applied a clear shellac layer and dipped my entire nail in a bowl of glitter! A whole damn bowl! This was by far, the best nail shop experience I’ve had…ever!

How cute is my cousin, Lynda?!

Stay tuned for more posts! Can’t wait any longer? Stay posted via Instagram and Twitter! 

Sunday Funday: Anniversary Edition in Cobalt Blue and Bright Orange

OH-EM-GEE I finally found some time to blog! I just started the Fashion Merchandise Marketing graduate program at FIDM San Francisco last week, so I’m getting adjusted to my new schedule and crazy workload. And let me tell ya, this ain’t no joke!

Anyway, this past Monday was mine and my boyfriend’s 6th anniversary! (If any one of you asks me when he’s going to propose, I will personally punch you in the face! lol) So on Sunday, we decided to take advantage of this gorgeous weather and have a celebratory brunch after we took care of our babies (our plants) followed by some intense go-kart racing– we’re adrenaline junkies like that.

I opted for a new, cobalt blue lace number from Express that I’ve been dyyyyiinngg to wear when the weather reached over 70 degrees along with BCBG studded sandals in orange. I had to show my excitement and love for spring some kind of way and this is the best route I know how– through my clothes!

So go on and click for lots of shots of our beautiful, celebratory day…enjoy!

X marks the spot.

Practicing my curtsy on our rooftop patio. See downtown Oakland?

Buganvilias never get old. I can’t wait until this one covers my future house 🙂

MMmmm Basil.

Planted these Lilly bulbs in February and now they’re finally sprouting! I’m  making my mom proud with my new green thumb 🙂

The first rose that bloomed.

This Aloe is taking over our balcony!

One of the newest additions from Santa Barbara.

I’ve had these beauties for years and I’m still in love with them. Thank you BCBG!

Jovan aka Mr. Too Cool.

Patiently waiting for some breakfast grub at Lakeshore Cafe in Oakland.

Jovan’s ‘Tequila Scramble’. $1.95 mimosas in orange, strawberry and mango…are you kidding me?! I’ll take 4! Please and thank you. Before this, I had never tried eggs benedict. After reading raving reviews on Yelp, I had to try their crabcake eggs benedict. They are truly, the bomb.com

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

Ready for Spring

I’m done. I’m ready. Let it be Spring! Bring me sunny skies, green leaves, blooming flowers, and 75 degree weather full of sunshine. Maybe it’s all the hard work I’ve been putting in at the gym or the miles I’ve ran in my Nikes, but I’m feeling real good about myself and ready to go sleeveless in a sundress and my toes are aching for sunlight in peep toe wedges. Heck, let’s bring the bronzer out from hiding too! Along with bright colors, crazy prints, and everything metallic, anything bright and shiny is sure to inspire a gal to yearn for Spring.

How about you? Are you ready for Spring too?

For the details on items in the collage, click here.

Color of the Moment: Emerald

I can’t get enough of this rich, lush color. Emerald been popping up everywhere in more forms than one. It’s an amazing shade and is so versatile to work with plenty of different looks and styles. I f@#king love it.

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Emerald Envy by pumps-and-lipstick 

Holiday Party Look

Holiday Party Outfit by pumps-lipstick featuring black pumps

‘Tis the holiday season so you know what that means, holiday parties. For a glam holiday party, a draped dress in this beautiful gold tone is a perfect way to go. This Lanvin draped number is incredibly comfortable, effortless and there’s no need to ‘suck it in’. The Jeffrey Campbell spiked peep-toe heels add an unexpected punch of edge. The sleek patent leather clutch by Lulu Guinness brings the look together and seals the envelope with a gold kiss. The INPINK jewelry is the icing on the cake. The tassel lariat necklace and rhinestone stud earrings catch the light and enhances the gold tones. The bracelet’s rhinestones and mixed toned beads add lots of sparkle. The three INPINK pieces collectively make a statement without taking over the entire look. A simple eye with winged eyeliner and dark lips vamp up the glam, evening style. Lastly, with a couple spritzes of Coco Mademoiselle perfume, you’re done. No go make an entrance, doll!

Image created by Xiomara Rosa-Tedla on polyvore.com