WEEKEND STATEMENT PIECES WITH POSHSQUARE

While I enjoy having a busy schedule, I love using my free time during the weekend to grab food with friends, catch up (read: binge watch) shows, and maybe even drive down to Palm Springs. Given that my weekdays get so hectic, Saturday and Sunday often end up being the only days I wear something besides jeans and a t-shirt. I still prioritize comfort and simplicity, but brunch and dinner plans provide an excuse to show that I own more than two articles of clothing. I recently added some pieces from Poshsquare's Spring/Summer collection to the mix, one of them being this trumpet-sleeved top.

To be frank, I've never been one to "follow trends." When someone tells me "ruffles are in," or "off the shoulder tops are big," I am usually unaffected, only purchasing pieces I love and can see myself wearing for a long time. I think statement sleeves were a trend that I never acted on when they were big (pun intended) and now I've finally hopped on the band wagon, roughly 9 months later. 

I love this top because it's slightly dramatic, while also being simple enough to wear out to casual events. I originally contemplated wearing it with my favorite vintage Levi's, but settled on black jeans and my new Zara block heels (my current obsession) for a more put-together look.  

This is essentially your classic white-button-up-and-jeans look, but with a modern twist thanks to billowing sleeves and a playful silhouette. Just as well — I've never been the biggest fan of button ups (they look awkward on me), and this piece strikes the perfect balance between comfy and dressy, timeless and modern.

Photography | Mire Yang
Top | Poshsquare
Jeans | Madewell
Shoes | Zara

This post was sponsored by Poshsquare.

GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER

Last week I posted a "GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM."  So naturally, here's a GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER, with everything from PJ's and candles, to fine jewelry artisanal chocolates.

*from top to bottom, left to right*
Apolis Market Bag | For that girl who goes to the Farmers' Market every week to get kale for her juice cleanses.
Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Candle | For that girl whose apartment always smells like 50 candles are burning simultaneously when you walk in the door.
Binchotan Eye Mask | For that girl who keeps up her beauty regime even when she's on a plane.
Vintage Pajama Set | For that girl who never seems to have any clothes on when you sleep over.
COS Cashmere Trousers | For that girl who thinks "sweats" are beneath her.
Gabriela Artigas Mini Tusk and Diamond Earrings | For that girl who has all of the pretty piercings you're jealous of.
S'well Yellow Gold Bottle | For that girl who has impeccable skin because she drinks 500 gallons of water a day.
Bodum French Press | For that girl who probably spends more money on coffee each month than everything else combined.
J. Hannah Jewelry Athena Ring | For that girl who could be a hand model.
COS Wool-Cashmere Scarf | For that girl who's always complaining about how cold it is, when it's only 75º.
Madewell Lace-Up Hoodie Sweater | For that girl who wants to be comfy but refuses to wear loungewear.
Compartes Chocolate Bar Gift Set | For that girl who always asks you to come over and bring chocolate and wine when she's on her period.
Zara Leather Ankle Boots | For that girl who wants to live in New York.
Zara Beaded Bucket Bag | For that girl who started stressing out about what to wear on NYE in November.
2017 Wall Calendar | For that girl who never remembers the plans she's made.

REFORMED AND ALTERED

I don't know why it took me so long to realize the convenience and money-saving power of tailoring. Over the past five years-ish, my weight has fluctuated. Not slightly. A lot. Like size 2, to 000, to 4, to 8, to 2. Negative body image will do that to you. Over and over again. With my weight varying so much, shopping has become somewhat of a nightmare. I never really know what size I am, I end up hating most of the things I try on, and when my weight changes again I have to buy new clothes.  

When I was cleaning my room the other day I realized I had jeans, skirts, and dresses I had purchased sometime within the past year. Some of these pieces were multiple sizes too big, and not in the cool/oversized/boyfriend-look way. Internally crying at the thought of all the money I had "wasted" on items that no longer fit, as I stuffed them into a donation box, I had an epiphany. I could take all of these items to my local cleaners and have them altered! Not only would I avoid having to buy replacements for these items, but I could also support a local business.

Having one dress, two skirts, and a pair of jeans altered cost me roughly $70 (equivalent to half or three-quarters of a pair of jeans from Madewell). In other words, I am now obsessed with having my clothes altered. This green faux leather skirt I bought at ZARA last winter was one of the items I had taken in, and I am SO thrilled that I now get to wear it. I have a love-hate relationship with ZARA. Do I love that they always stock on-trend pieces, and that their shoes are AMAZING and very affordable? Yes. But as a "fast fashion" company, they contribute huge amounts of pollution to the environment, fail to provide workers with safe conditions, and perpetuate waste and a throw-away society. I figured that the least I can do, if I am choosing to support a fast-fashion company, is to be selective about what I buy, and to recycle those pieces in any way I can. 

When I think about it, this look is pretty sustainable. The camel turtleneck I'm wearing here is from Reformation, an LA-based womenswear brand that prides itself in its sustainable practices. If you check out their website, you'll see that on each item page is a breakdown of the environmental impact caused by the production of that piece. Not only does Reformation have a mission statement that I full-heartedly support, but they also happen to make great clothes. This sweater is incredibly cozy, and the perfect camel color. Want something soft and warm to cuddle, but can't deal with a pet? But yourself a fuzzy sweater, instead. Rest assured, I will be wearing mine all Fall and Winter.

I'm heading to New Orleans for Thanksgiving, and I have no idea what I'm going to wear. I would probably wear this outfit to Thanksgiving dinner just because it screams Fall (at least, to me), but I plan on stuffing myself with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie until I assume a comatose state, so I figure a leather mini skirt isn't the most strategic choice. 

There is no doubt, though, that both pieces in this outfit will be coming with me on my trip. After all, it is already almost Thanksgiving, and my days to wear green leather skirts and turtleneck sweaters are probably numbered.

Sunglasses - Ray Ban | Sweater - Reformation (similar here) | Skirt - Zara (similar here) | Shoes - MissGuided

FINE WINE - DRESSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If my memory is correct, I've talked (complained) about LA's notoriously warm Fall weather in the past three or four posts. Rest assured, I'll be continuing that trend today. While shooting this look I was simultaneously blinded by the bright 11AM sun, and sweating through this oversized knit dress.

I was recently contacted by Hi Eleven, a brand that believes in simplicity and affordability. Their high-quality leather accessories, ranging from bags to wallets, are timeless and versatile. Trying to brainstorm holiday gifts? Look no further.

With so many color options for this mini bucket bag it was difficult to decide whether to go with the classic black, or expand my horizons. Inspired by the upcoming holiday season I decided on "wine." I am so impressed with this bag. It's beautifully constructed, feels luxe despite the relatively low cost, and is an amazing alternative to the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag I've been coveting for far too long.

My wardrobe is mostly composed of muted and neutral tones, but accessories are where I have fun with color. This bright pop of wine red is the perfect addition to a simple look, like a chunky knit sweater dress. If you wanted to further emphasize that red accent you could add a red lip, or red shoes.

Holiday dressing doesn't have to be stiff or ultra-formal. As I've said before, comfort is key. So the next time you're invited to a holiday party, opt for an oversized knit and some comfy footwear. Will many guests be dressed in black lacy numbers and teetering heels, with clutches that can't actually hold anything at their sides? Yes. But YOU will be comfortable, and YOU will be able to put anything you could possibly want/need into your bucket bag, including those irresistible hors d'oeuvres you already ate ten of but want to take back home to snack on tomorrow. 

Dress - Zara | Mini Bucket Bag - Hi Eleven

20.

Yesterday, Fall made an uncharacteristically (but wholly welcome) early appearance in the form of light showers, cloudy skies, a brisk breeze, and 60º temps. Considering the fact that this type of weather usually doesn't occur in LA until late October, I was more than happy to whisk some of my recent F/W buys out of the closet and romp around the neighborhood. 

In other exciting news, today is my 20th birthday. 20 is a bit of an odd place to be — not a teenager anymore, but also not 21...

At times I still feel uncertain of who I am, what I want to do, where I want to be in 5 years, etc., but I think at day one of 20, I have a much better sense of how I might answer those daunting questions than I did at day one of 19. 

After a tumultuous 18th year of life, 19 was pretty incredible. By taking a semester off from school, and taking time to collect myself and reorganize my wants and needs, I grew so much. None of the happiness I felt, or things I achieved, would have been possible without my best friend/boyfriend, who has always been there to encourage me and just tell it to me straight, and my family. 19 taught me to be confident, loving, and ambitious, and I only hope that I can continue to apply these lessons as I take on what 20, and the rest of my life, has to offer. 

Returning, from the tangent of birthdays and lessons learned, to the topic of this Fall outfit, I cannot contain my obsession with this Reformation blazer coat. It's perfectly boyish, yet sophisticated — a staple piece that can go with everything from dresses, to jeans and a t-shirt. One of the things I love about Fall in LA is that it's cold, but not too cold to where layering a coat and some boots over a pair of shorts isn't an option. Knits remind everyone of Fall, right? Sure, a basic cable-knit sweater is an obvious go-to, but what about something like Zara's ribbed knit turtleneck short sleeve? I am so in love with this piece. The weight is heavy, and the stark whiteness is balanced out by the simple detail of a black stripe across the sleeve hems. Another highlight of this look is the sock boots I'm wearing, which were gifted to me by Aldo last year. The multi-textural element of these boots is irresistible, and makes for a unique look that isn't over-the-top. 

I'm going to keep this outfit (and several variation of it) on loop for the rest of Fall and Winter. I guess this is what 20 looks like.

Top - Zara | Coat - Reformation (sold out) | Shorts - Asos (similar here) | Boots - Aldo