D.C. Dos and Don'ts: The Winter Edition

{ootd: Burberry puffer coat. Genie by Eugenia Kim beanie. Chanel purse. Stuart Weitzman boots. Nars Heat Wave lipstick. Starbucks coffee.}

D.C. Dos and Don'ts

1. Do wear layers. Forget the actual temperature outside, it's the wind that always catches me be surprise.
2. Don't take cabs! Unless you're heading to or staying in Georgetown, the subway is the way to go and super easy to navigate. 
3. Do walk everywhere if you can. All of the monuments and museums downtown are within walking distance from one another. Not to mention it's a white wonderland in the winter.
4. Don't ask the subway booth people questions. Both times they looked at me like a deer in the headlights.
5. Do go to the Holocaust Memorial Museum and National Portraits Gallery to see America's Presidents. 
6. Don't expect to see everything on one trip. Unless you live there, it's next to impossible and there is nothing worse than rushing through museums. Enjoy the scenery and go at your own pace.
7. Do go to DGS Delicatessen. It is BOMB! Perfect comfort food for cold weather. Especially if you like pastrami. 
8. Don't expect to have a crazy once in a life time nightlife experience. D.C. has some hidden gems, but I wouldn't call it party city by any means.
9. Don't forget to take pictures! As my mom says..."1, 2, 3, sparkle!" D.C. has some of the most beautiful backdrops in the country! Whether you are a resident or just visiting, everyone should be proud to take photos in our nation's capital.
10. Do find a jazz club with a live band. Sometimes a creepy back alley has hidden gems. *Note: Please don't interpret this as me telling you to go in a back alley alone.*

xx

L

Long Skirts.

{My subway stop at 14th and Soho's cobble stone streets.}

The Soho Glow.

{Rag & Bone leather jacket. JCrew jean shirt. Gucci top. Boutique9 boots. Alexis Bittar necklace. Alexander Wang bag. Elizabeth & James sunnies. La Colombe coffee.}

Soho has a distinct charm about it. Its cobblestone streets takes me back to my summer in Italia and the sides of its buildings heavily decorated with graffiti reminds me of my *ghetto-fabulous* college days in South Central LA #trojannation. Soho brings a unique glow out of anyone who walks through its streets.

I <3 NYC

xo

L

The Red Lip Myth. 

The right red does wonders on a blonde– even if you aren't Marilyn Monroe. It just so happens that my fair complexion pairs well with reds that have an orange undertone. It's an underutilized classic look that can dress up any outfit.

{My best friend and I reunited in the Big Apple}

Classic Patterns.

{Burberry Vintage skirt. Elizabeth & James jacket & sunnies. Prada boots.}

To begin, my apologies for my absence. Work life and moving has been a little hectic, but I promise to be more consistent. 

Update: New York has been everything and more than I ever dream of or expected.  I love it here, that is until my first winter swallows me whole. Please pray for the warm blooded California girl. My first few weeks in New York City have been quite an adventure. The above photos were taken by my fabulous roommate in front of the Whitney Museum. I have made it my mission, before it's unbearably cold outside, to be as cultured as possible! That includes visiting museums, running (or laying) in parks, and taking long walks around the city. I certainly didn't trade my long walks on the beach for nothing!

Comedic Relief: My room is the size of my closet in California. Thank GOD I can fit a double bed.

True That: My closet is the size of my room (SCORE)! Most closet space offered in the West Village!

xo

L

New York, New York.

  {Equipment blouses. Twelfth Cynthia Vincent shorts. Cosabella pink bra. Siger Morrison shoes. Alexander Wang bag. Elizabeth & James sunnies.}

Yes, it's true! New York, New York is my new stomping grounds and I could not be happier to be one of its newest residents. I hope you are having a fantastic Labor Day!

xo

L

Celebrating New Beginnings.

{Dress last seen here}

Los Angeles has often in the past defined me. My friends, university, and family (sister) live in the beach town oasis I once called home. Starting Thursday, I am switching coasts! Don't worry, I will still be blogging from there – documenting my adventures in the city that's energy never subsides, New York City. These photos are representative of the last time I may be on a west coast beach for a long time with many of the people I love. As I say goodbye to best friends, I can only hope to make more in the city I have dreamed about living in since I was a teenager! Long live my California girl pride – here comes your girl NYC!

xo

L