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.

My Golden Birthday

Yesterday, I celebrated my 26th birthday, my golden birthday. And let me tell you guys, it was a good one! It was the perfect mix of relaxation and turn-up time. I started out the day with a run around Lake Merritt followed by an uh-maaaaazing 75-minute massage and wax. Afterwards, my dad surprised me from Sacramento and showed up at my door with a decadent birthday cake and huge bouquet of flowers! To seal the deal on this golden day, I met up with 15 of my friends at one of my favorite bar/restaurants, Make Westing, where we had a blast throwing around bocce balls and tossing back drinks and cilantro and lime popcorn. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday 🙂

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Outside of the historical Fox Theater.

Over the weekend I scored an amazing deal on this tie-dye maxi with see-through bottom from Express for $15! I went for a neutral tone and paired tan/brown wedges along with a natural tone leather satchel from Ethiopia. For jewelry, I wanted a pop of color so, I opted for turquoise beaded bracelets with a multi-strand necklace.

Gold eyeshadow added subtle shine and sparkle and I continued the turquoise theme with turquoise eyeliner on my lower lid line.

It was too damn hot to straighten my hair so curls was the way to go.

My running buddy, Emily with my boyfriend, Jovan.

How cool is my younger cousin? Ladies, he’s single!

Stylish duo, no? Hot couple alert!

I spy my favorite blondie, Shannon!

Turn-up girls Alisia Perez and Kharriyah.

These crazy kids are too funny! Natesha and Kaimel always keep me laughing.

Me and my man 🙂

Flowers from Pops.

Such a decadent cake! Purely for the chocoholics.

A couple of a girls favorite things: sweets and flowers.

Cuff Love– Ear Cuff That Is

I took a walk on the wild side while checking out NastyGal (for those of you who don’t know, get your mind outta the gutter, it’s a shopping site)! I wanted to get something that I don’t have and is really unique. And then I spotted it: an ear cuff. I haven’t worn an ear cuff since the sixth grade and that was just a small, simple, silver cuff with an engraved peace sign on it (flower power!). 

I’ve seen ear cuffs pop up on the red carpet here and there over the year and just thought it was a cool new accessory to try out so, I copped a super embellished ear cuff. 

Peep the new accessory below:

So what do you think? Yay or nay on the ear cuff? Let me know in the comments! Muah!

Monday Motivation: Friends Promote Friends

Whenever a friend of mine has accomplished something small or great, I feel like that one super loud person in the crowd with a handmade sign, wildly jumping up and down, screaming, “That’s my girl! Way to goooo!” I get so excited and happy to see them on their way to success and surpassing milestones. 

One of them is my friend of eight years, Jessica Linehan, founder and artist of Bobbi J jewelry. If you’ve been reading through my many blog posts, you’ve probably seen her name, face, and jewels about a dozen times. Less than 24 hrs ago, she just dropped an uh-maaazzzinnnggg video directed and created by our friend, Alisia Perez, who also directed my ‘About Me’ video as well. I can’t stress enough, how proud I am to be their friend and to be able to surround myself with such awesome, original creativity that is nothing less than DOPE.

To view the vid, click here. Enjoy!

Pretty Spring Things

As the temperature is slowly creeping up, I’m slowly transitioning my heavier and dark clothes into the back of the closet and bringing out my fun brights and lightweight pieces. As I like all of my clothes (or else I wouldn’t have bought the damn things), some pieces I’m just plain tired of. I guess it’s probably my own fault for posting a bajillion photos online and seeing the same strapless sundress in both of my vacation Facebook albums, not to mention loads of pics on Instagram in a variety of filters. Am I double-wearing out my clothes by seeing them over and over via social media? Probably. How do I fix that? With accessories, jewelry, shoes and purses. By simply pairing new pumps and a different skinny belt, you can create an entirely new look. How about adding some texture with a fun raffia fedora hat and colorful raffia fringe sandals? The more you mix different accessories, shoes, and jewelry, the more looks you can achieve and keep from getting bored of the dress, blouse, or denim you once loved and adored.

Check out the darling spring pieces I selected that inspired me to jazz up a few numbers in my closet. For the specs on each piece, click here.

Loving Everything Lucite

Whenever I think or see anything lucite, I start to sing Jimmy Cliff’s “I Can See Clearly Now”. This trend has popped up several season’s ago, but didn’t really take off as anticipated. No, no, no, I’m not talking about tacky stripper platforms or glittery jelly sandals we all rocked proudly when we were six years old. This time around, it’s an updated and modern take using plexiglass and materials of the like. With Spring here, you can clearly see more and more lucite clutches, cuffs, heels, bangles and jewelry.

Check below to see what the hell I’m talking about:

Loving Lucite by pumps-and-lipstick featuring a leopard necklace

Jeffrey Campbell

Images via polyvore.com, ladygoodman.com and jquanksta.blogspot.com

Look of the Day: Long Live Leopard!

Yesterday was a long day filled with special people in my life: lunch with the boyfriend and daddy plus a raging housewarming party for a dear girlfriend of mine. 

I wanted a laid-back glam look, but not too plain jane. You may recognize these jeans from my previous post. Yup, those $68 jeans from Urban Outfitters that I snagged on sale for $4.99! I still can’t believe the amazing deal. Rolled up my sleeves and knotted a now extra baggy blouse thanks to a recent 18-pound weight loss. Black suede Steve Madden pumps are sky high and sexy, but they keep my dogs howlin’! Gold jewelry, blue eyeliner, and red lipstick seal the deal and I was off being a social butterfly.

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Artisan Jewelry Pieces from the Caribbean

Any time a friend or family member asks me what type of gifts or souvenirs I’d like from their travels, I always ask for jewelry and/or accessories. I figure it’s convenient for them to bring back because of the compact size and weight, but I also think they’re the easiest pieces to incorporate in any look and adds a lil’ something special with the story of where it’s from.

This time around, my dad recently returned from Cuba with quite a few artisan jewelry pieces. Take a peek for all the goodies below:

Sterling silver drop earrings paired with drop choker with amethyst stones.

Sterling silver bracelet cuff with carved wood bead.

Sterling silver bracelet cuff with dark coral stone.

Large sea shell ring.

Sterling silver bracelet with black coral stone and opal details.

Sterling silver drop earrings with Tiger’s Eye stones.