Pastel Pop

I had been eyeing this crochet blouse on Ruche's website for quite a while until I finally took the plunge and bought it. That's the thing about me and online shopping. I will keep items in my shopping cart for weeks—or even months—before I finally make the commitment to buy them. And when I finally hit "purchase," it is usually out of some random momentary impulse that only comes around once in a blue moon. For instance, with this blouse, I had convinced and I mean convinced myself I didn't need it. But then the stress of final exams set in...and one day I found myself desperately needing a "reward" for all my hard work. So that, my friends, is how this lovely blouse came to be :)

I decided to keep the color scheme of my outfit fairly neutral (just like I did here) to let the simple pastel lining of the blouse stand out. I really like the lilac detailing on this top, and it's one of the elements that initially drew me in. Even with the lilac pop, however, I still felt like my outfit was lacking a little color. So, I added my vintage orange necklace for another pop of color. Although I'm not usually a fan of purple and orange, I think the pastel version of the color combo works pretty well together.

P.S. How is it already Thursday of my spring break? I feel like all I have been doing this week is preparing myself for the quarter ahead and haven't had much time to just sit back and r e l a x. Seriously though...most of the time I feel like I'm just running around like a chicken with its head cut off! 

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Outfit Details:

Crochet Blouse—Ruche (shop)

Cardigan—Target (similar)

Orange Necklace—vintage

Boyfriend Jeans—AG Tomboy Crops (similar)

Bag—Fossil "Explorer Tote" (shop)

Wedges—Cathy Jean Shoes (similar)

Tailored Dots

I have seen almost every style blogger I follow wear some version of this polka dot button-up. But, every time I would go shopping, I could never find one that fit my style...or my budget. However, last weekend I ventured into Urban Outfitters determined to find this polka dot shirt, even though the website told me it was sold out of all stores in my area. And, low and behold...I found ONE (in my size) in a pile of these shirts that look just like it but have a slightly different polka dot pattern. It seriously felt like Christmas morning, and I guarantee I will be wearing this shirt all through the spring and summer (and fall and winter)...

I decided to keep my outfit simple, but paired my polka dot button-up with a pearl collar necklace to add a little sparkle. Classic combinations like this never get old, and I have found myself gravitating towards looks like this more and more. Also, I think this look could transition easily into night by adding a simple black blazer and maybe some darker ankle boots or heels.

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Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Shirt—Urban Outfitters (shop)
Jeans—Madewell "Rail Straight Jeans in Western Wash" (shop)
Pearl Collar Necklace—H&M (similar)
Bag—Fossil "Explorer Tote" (shop)
Ankle Boots—Target (shop)

Around the World

My spring break is going to be filled with lots of errands. I've got three appointments I avoided making all quarter, and a whole lot of sleep to catch up on. Funny story: last night I took a nap at 6pm...and woke up at 3am. That's definitely going to be good for keeping my sleep schedule regular...

I wore this outfit a few nights ago to dinner with my family. I didn't bring too many clean clothes home for spring break, so while I slowly tackle my pile of laundry, I have been rotating the same few pieces everyday. Luckily, these jeans don't get dirty too easily, and this jacket matches with pretty much everything! I have also been wearing my new map watch from Urban almost non-stop since I got it. I'm a sucker for map prints, and this watch is no exception. It's a nice reminder of all the places I have been in the past year...and all the places I still have yet to see :)

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Outfit Details:

Top—Anthropologie "Stripes of Citrus Boatneck" (similar | remixed)

Jacket—Anthropologie "Openwork Army Jacket" (similar | remixed)

Jeans—Madewell "Rail Straight Jeans in Western Wash" (shop)

Watch—Urban Outfitters "Around the World Leather Watch"(shop)

Sunglasses—Ray-Ban "Original Aviator" (shop)

Bag—Fossil "Explorer Tote" (shop)

Flats—Anthropologie (similar)

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Some Personality

I wore this outfit for an interview I had earlier this week. For companies with a more casual dress code, it's hard to walk the line between looking professional and still fitting in with the company culture. It's always important to look put together, but that doesn't mean you have to wear a black blazer and pencil skirt to every interview. For my outfit, I opted for this button-up, because I thought the print gave it more personality than just a simple white dress shirt. I then decided to pair my trusty mustard midi skirt with it because the color matched well with my shirt, and the length made it interview appropriate. 

Later in the day, I swapped my skirt out for boyfriend jeans, and my heels out for Sperry's. I usually don't wear button-ups, but I really like the feel of this printed shirt and think it will be a great piece for spring. I've also been noticing a ton of "menswear" button-ups online, so I can definitely sense a spring trend on the horizon! Loose shirts like this are perfect because they can be worn with pants, skirts, or even worn open over a top or dress.

P.S. I'm officially done with all my papers and finals...TGISB (thank goodness it's spring break)!! 

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Outfit Details:

Striped Shirt—Urban Outfitters (shop)

Midi Skirt—thrifted (similar // remixed)

Skinny Belt—H&M

Nude Heels—Target

Luck of the Irish

On Saturday Andrew and I took a study break and ventured into Brentwood to try a place called Lemonade. Then, we got some dessert at Blockhead's Shavery Co. where we had "snow cream," which I'd like to think of as a healthy version of ice cream. It was fun just driving around the city, and a much needed break from paper writing. For my outfit, I decided to get a little dressed up and wore my favorite Ruche blouse with black jeans. Lately, I have been really into layering necklaces under collared shirts, so I added my vintage cameo to accessorize.

P.S. This outfit would have been perfect for St. Patrick's Day, but unfortunately I wore it a day too early! Yesterday I was too busy studying for finals and baking to wear anything more than a sweatshirt and yoga pants. I'm also pretty bummed that I wasn't in Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I guess I left the country just a few months too early...

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Outfit Details:

Blouse—Ruche (remixed)

Cameo Necklace—vintage

Jeans—Urban Outfitters (shop)

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Ankle Boots—Target (shop)

The Vest

Originally, I was just going to wear my peplum top and black jeans to work, but I decided to throw on my vest at the last minute. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like this denim vest makes all my outfits a bit edgier. I also like that it made my simple feminine outfit a little more trendy.

P.S. TGIF! Even though I have a weekend of studying ahead, I've also got big plans to bake muffins and go to brunch as many times as possible (aka twice)...which in my book are plans worth looking forward to.

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Outfit Details:

Denim Vest—Nordstrom BP (shop // remixed)

Top—Anthropologie "Bloomfall Peplum Tank" (shop // remixed)

Jeans—Urban Outfitters (shop)

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Flats—Anthropologie (similar)

Ivy Leaguer

Even though this week is filled with studying, papers, and finals, I decided to get a little dressed up before I lose all my willpower to wear normal clothes and only run around in my bright yellow sweatpants (that I happen to be wearing while typing this post...). I didn't notice while we were taking these photos, but it looks like ivy in the background matches the design of my cardigan. Maybe it's also a "symbolic" sign that I should be buckling down and studying like an Ivy Leaguer...ha ha okay bad joke. 

Anyway, this is one of my favorite cardigans, but I feel like I never get a chance to wear it. The ribbon design is so whimsical that it can be a little hard to match, but I think it worked well with my cream lace top. I like the idea of mixing different textures, but keeping the color scheme fairly neutral so that the outfit doesn't have too much going on at once. 

P.S. This is officially my 300th blog post! It's crazy to me...it feels like I started this little blog just yesterday!

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Outfit Details:

Top—Anthropologie "Tulip Lace Shell" (similar // remixed)

Cardigan—Anthropologie "Ribboned Rocket Cardigan" (remixed)

Jeans—AG Cuffed Tomboy (similar)

Belt—Nordstrom BP (similar)

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Boat Shoes—Sperry Top-Sider (shop)

Signs of Spring

The flowers outside my apartment complex are in full bloom, and it is really starting to feel like spring. This weekend the weather in LA was perfect, which is such a shame because I was stuck inside for most of it studying for finals. However, I was able to get out in the sunshine for a couple hours on Saturday when Andrew and I got lunch at this cute new ramen place nearby. I decided to wear my go-to striped dress, which I dressed up with my pastel statement necklace for a little pop of color.

Fingers crossed that this gorgeous weather stays until spring break!

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Outfit Details:

Dress—Anthropologie "Two-Button Sailor Chemise" (similar // remixed)

Denim Jacket—Heritage 1981 (similar)

Necklace—JewelMint (similar)

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Ankle Boots—Target (shop)

Coffee Break

A chunky scarf and flowy dress for a quick coffee break between classes :) 

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Outfit Details:

Dress—Anthropologie "Night-and-Day Dress" (remixed)

Cardigan—H&M

Scarf—Momma and Sweet Pea Crochet

Belt—thrifted

Earrings—Forever 21

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Boots—Marks & Spencer (similar)

Cookbook: Skinny Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones

After living in Ireland for four months, I became rather fond of scones. Seriously...people in Ireland LOVE their scones and they quickly became part of my daily diet (hello double chin) while I was there. When I came back home, I found myself still craving scones but couldn't find a place where they made them like in Ireland. So, to combat my cravings, I began pinning a bunch of different scone recipes with the plan to eventually bake them all. Well, last night, in an attempt to avoid studying, I had the sudden urge to bake and decided to use this recipe that I had pinned on my food board quite a while ago. While they weren't exactly like the ones back in Cork (I still don't know how they did it...) I would defintely say they came in a close second!

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones

(adapted from Skinnytaste.com)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cold buttermilk

1/4 cup brown

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp chilled butter (must be cold) cut into small pieces

3/4 cup chocolate chips

cooking spray

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

1 tbsp brown sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° and spray baking sheet with cooking spray

Combine the first four ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk

Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt

Chop up the butter into very small pieces, and blend into the mixture

(this is tricky...the original recipe said to use a pastry blender, but I just stirred it really well)

Once the mixture is moist, gently fold in the chocolate chips

In the bowl, lightly knead the mixture four times with floured hands

Transfer the dough onto your greased cookie sheet and form the dough into a 9-inch circle onto baking sheet, about 3/4" thick

Using a knife, cut dough into 12 wedges all the way through

(I had trouble with this, but do your best even though the dough will be sticky!)

Brush egg white over dough and sprinkle evenly with sugar. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes, depending on your oven.

Enjoy! These scones taste best when they are warm...and WARNING: they. are. addictive.

Palisades Pink

LA had a much-needed heat wave this weekend. It seriously felt like summer and on Friday I was actually able to lay out in my backyard and tan for a bit (I don't think my skin has seen the sun for at least 6 months...) before going to work. On Saturday, Andrew and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and took a drive down to the coast after we got brunch. I felt like we hadn't been out in a while, so I took our date as an excuse to get a little dressed up. Since my pink shirt is so bright, I kept my outfit fairly simple and had my earrings be my main accessory. It was also so hot that I don't think I could have handled any more layers.

Anyway, we didn't have any specific spot in mind, but ended up parking at a lookout point near the Pacific Palisades. Although I really like the beach, I'm not a huge fan of sand, so it was nice to walk around the Palisades Park without having to worry about getting all gross from the sand. I was really happy we were able to spend most of Saturday together since afterwards we both had to buckle down and study. It's already the end of the quarter, and I seriously do not know where the time went!

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Outfit Details:

Top—H&M (similar)

Lace Skirt—Forever 21 (similar // remixed)

Earrings—Target (similar)

Bag—Fossil (shop)

Wedges—Cathy Jean Shoes (similar)