Explore LA.

Pleasure Doing Business patterned skirt. Urban Outfitters red blouse. Tyler Rose Swimwear bathing suit top. Sam Edelman sandals. Chan Luu bracelet.  CRAP eyewear sunglasses. Vintage hat.

When I visited LA last week, I realized I never took the time to explore all the historic landmarks while I was attending college there. Perhaps it was because most of my friends were born and raised in the Los Angeles area and had seen it all. But now looking back, I should have played the tourist card more often.

{Striking a pose on the Park Avenue of Los Angeles }

{ Indiana Jones Lady }

{ Does the Beverly Hills sign count as tourist attraction you ask? If you are a fashion enthusiast, your answer is yes. It's located right above Rodeo Drive! }

{ the ultimate tourists }

*This was the only picture that turning out of use in front of the sign. There should have been more, but we realized there were men we didn't know also taking pictures of us... creepy... tourist attractions bring out a few odd balls I suppose.

Red, White, Blue & Overdue.

Wild Fox American flag t-shirt. American Apparel red shorts. Vintage Chanel purse. Chan Luu bracelet. CRAP eyewear sunglasses. Vintage hat.

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday and because it fell on a dreadful Wednesday, I felt the only thing to do was celebrate it all weekend long. Maybe it holds a special place in my heart because I grew up playing sports on the beach, swimming in the ocean and watching fireworks every year (I can promise you there are the best firework shows in California – just don't go to San Diego, I heard they struggled on that front this year). Then again perhaps having a reason to wear little-to-no clothing, scream "Amuuurica" at the top of my lungs waving an American flag, and drink heavily with my friends may also play a large part in my perpetual love for the fourth. 

{ Festive nails for the holiday }

{ A walk in a park off of Sunset Boulevard was the perfect remedy to a long car ride down the coast }

{ My friend Veronica and I, happy to find shade after walking around for a while in the hot summer sunshine – no complaints }

{ I mean it when I say California has the best fireworks. This particular photo I took in Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach which is where I celebrated this year }

NEON CROP.

American Apparel Neon Crop Trop. Please Doing Business Bandage Skirt. & Sam Edleman Sandals.

I've been celebrating our nation's holiday in Southern California and was lucky enough to go to a concert with one of my best friends (shown in my pictures below). To the concert I wore this outfit which ended up being perfect attire for how hot and sweaty the venue was. That of course didn't stop me from feeling like I was exiting a pool when it was over, but it was totally worth it. After this week I realized I can still keep up with my my Trojan Crew which made me feel like I hadn't skipped a beat since graduation. I miss you all like a our parents miss the 90 (okay maybe we miss it too). #Fighton

Elegant Patterns.

Lola Printed Chiffon Dress by W118 by Walter Baker, Chanel Purse, Coach Wedges, & CRAP Eyewear sunglasses.

My family celebrated a milestone birthday last week– my father turned 50! As I had hoped, all of our closed family and friends were in attendance to help celebrate! The surprise was a success and of course, a long dress for me to wear for the occasion was in order. My favorite and most recent addition to my dress collection for summer is this beautiful pattern that is conservative on the top and sheer starting at mid-thigh. It is perfect for an elegant summer party, but could also be dressed down for a shoeless beach front get-together!

*Photos taken by my lovely sister.

A Sunny Afternoon.

J Crew sweater. Banana Republic wedges. BCBG Maxazria skirt. CRAP sunglasses. NARS lipstick.

When the weather is nice, being in the indoors can be unbearable. For me, spending every spare moment possible outside is key to my sanity! Sunshine boosts endorphins which keeps a smile on my face on a regular day basis! Therefore, with fair skin like mine, sunscreen needs to be part of my daily routine unless I would like to be old and wrinkly by the time I'm thirty. Here are a few tips for those sun worshipers like myself who still wish to age gracefully.

1. Wear sunscreen like it's your full time job. I know its been said before but wrinkles don't build character, they scream "I refused to take good care of my skin when I was younger!"
2. It's never too early to start using anti-aging eye and face cream. If it starts helping when your older it can only be that more beneficial if you start using it at an earlier age!
3. Wear sunglasses. Protecting all your five senses is a state of the obvious, but losing my sight would be probably be the most devastating in my book. Plus the ability to accessorize is endless.
4. Don't suntan. And by this I mean in particular going to the suntan booth. (please refer again to #1)
5. Moisturize at least once a day! Especially after getting out of the shower. Staying lotioned up helps keep skin tan longer and maintains its elasticity.
6. Most importantly, if you have fair skin, embrace it. To those of you who are tan, yes we will continue to be jealous; however, many times those with light skin have light eyes or light hair, or perhaps both– meaning you have some of the most desirable features of the female gender! Forget having to buy color contacts or  spending money bleaching hair. Being tan is sliming but just like there are products to change your hair color, a spray on tan is better than wrinkly skin, right? If you do not believe that to be true,  and perhaps you strive to look like Joan Rivers, then we have a completely different issue at hand and feel free to reach out to me. Though her style advice and criticism is on point...

If you need an extra push to be convinced, please read this article. If all else fails, fear tends to be the best push in matters of persuasion.

If you have been viewing my pictures and or continue to do so, you will quickly realize how obsessed I am with this shade of pink. NARS has great matte lipstick and Funny Face is the name of this particular shade. I will admit the name definitely was a deciding factor in my purchase along with my inherent desire to have luscious lips like Audrey Hepburn. Not to mention I am in love with my newest pair of shades. They are from CRAP eyewear, a guy from my university actually started the brand and I am big supporter of entrepreneurs from my school!

J Crew purse & notebook. PlumStreetPrints phone case. 

Damsel in distress.

YA YA maxi dress. Chanel purse. The Row sunglasses. Essie nail polish. Vintage jewelry. Wedges.

Every little girl dreams of the moment when her own prince charming will come sweep her of her feet. Maybe she envisions his arrival on a white horse or flying through the city skyline in a black or red cape. It's possible I've thought about it more than the average little girl, but when I see this sign on the wall, my initial thought is "Batman was here". So naturally I believe this is my moment, Batman is obviously going to show up in this exact spot and save me, his damsel in distress– or perhaps he needs to be saved which I'm happy to do also. Too bad he never showed, I think we really could have had something.

 

*Photos taken by my lovely sister Francesca Aiassa

Pink Posey.

Blouse: Joie.  Jeans: Fidelity. Sandles: Jimmy Choo. Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples. Belt: J Crew. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff.  Jewelry: Vintage. Phone Cover: Plum Street Prints.

When I saw this Joie shirt in the window of my favorite local boutique Bella Rosa, I had one of those moments– I had to have it. I honestly don't think anyone or anything could have stopped me from grabbing my size, trying it on, and handing over my credit card. I rarely have those moments (okay maybe I'm lying), but look at that color, it is to die for.

The photos above are from my instragram. I used to paint all the time in high school and I recently picked up the paint brush again. Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite icons, so any phrase by her is paint worthy in my book. Expect more to come in my upcoming posts! I have some creative ideas up my sleeve– I'm as guilty as everyone (maybe it's just me?)  when it comes to being continually inspired by pinterest!