Summer to Fall

{shirt, jeans, shoes, bag, wallet, lip gloss, sunglasses, Julep color}
With Fall approaching, I thought it would be fun to throw together the ideal fall outfit! As a 

full on lover of stripes, I knew the look had to have that key piece and I also wanted

everything to have the colors of fall tied in. How amazing is the green handbag?? 

Julep recently contacted me to showcase one of their fall nail colors and I jumped at the chance.

I love painting my nails darker in the fall and winter and the Roc Solid color

was what caught my eye. I love how the whole outfit was inspired by the nail color.

Here are some of their other fall colors and the best way to transition your summer 

nail colors to fall! Let's bring on the pants, booties and sweater season! 

Best Coffee Table Books

{1, 2, 3}

I firmly believe that a coffee table is nothing without some great coffee table books and a couple

of magazines, preferably one fashion related and one on pop culture. 

( I like InStyle and People)

Humans of New York and Alexa Chung's It are two that me and my roommate have on our

coffee table and the Emerald one is absolutely beautiful and would really pop. I

think the books should be colorful but also based on something you're interested in.

If you like gems, choose Emerald. If you like fashion, choose IT. And if you like

photography and stories about everyday people, choose HONY.

I think they are great investments and also something that your guests can pick up and

flip through. 

What are your favorite coffee table books?

Strolling So Casually

{dress-older urban outfitters, I like this one, bag-vintage Dooney & Burke}

{title from the song Rather Be by Clean Bandit}

I went downtown for brunch this weekend and fully planned on taking pictures there

but ended up driving by this wall which screamed "PICK ME!" Who am I to argue with a 

 wall that is painted in the coolest way?

It was blazing hot when I wore this and there was some crazy humidity in the air so

having something with no sleeves and a rather open back was ideal. I also felt

like I was way too dressed up for brunch but didn't mind all too much. :)

This was also the day the UA played Cal in football and let me just say, I had given up on 

my school by the first half and I regret that very much. There was nothing cooler though

then walking down 4th ave. watching the final seconds of the game and seeing Austin Hill

catch that hail mary. All of a sudden you're friends with strangers, everyone is high-fiving,

and there is this tangible joy in the air. 

Needless to say, it was one of those college moments I'll never forget.

When it Rains

{via}

I used to watch this video at my Grammie's house when I was younger-- name unknown--

but the opening scene was of rain. It was a British video and I believe it had something to

do with a rabbit but the part that always caught my attention was the opening. 

Soft piano music plays in the background, rain is falling on the leaves and there is a 

soft pitter-patter of raindrops falling off flowers and leaving them glistening. 

For some reason that image has stayed with me all my life and every time it rains,

it brings me back to that comforting feeling I always had when watching that video.

It's as if all is right and quiet with the world. 

Right now my street is flooded, there is a leak in my roommates room that I just put a pot under,

there is another leak in the laundry room, and I'm watching small cars pummel through

the river otherwise known as our street. 

This is one of the things that I will miss. 

Oh Tucson and your monsoons. It never just rains here. It pours. 

(and subsequently floods)

*written a little while ago but I wanted to document the moment

Urban Style

I love all of the different types of brick in this city. Growing up in California you don't

see much brick because of earthquakes. I've grown quite fond of it while living in Arizona and I hope to have a brick house someday of my own.  The UA campus and its old brick buildings 

are one of the main things that drew me here in the first place. 

There's an amazing coffee shop (my dad's favorite when he visits) on 6th Avenue called Exo 

and the building is made out of my favorite type of brick. I knew I wanted to take some

photos there eventually and this outfit seemed to be the perfect fit. I really like the last photo

as well because of the contrast between the green grass and the graffiti with its broken bricks and

colorful display.

But mostly, this outfit is incredibly comfortable. You can't beat that!

{here's the facts: shirt, skirt, shoes-similar, bag} 

Plaid & Simple

{1, 2, 3, 4}

I absolutely love plaid. (Remember this post?) I have been watching Outlander 

and all of the plaid on the kilts has me wishing for those plaid loafers or that

perfectly adorable dress. Or, you know, all the above. :) 

Maybe I'll add those loafers to my Christmas list early. 

I thought this post would also be appropriate with Scotland voting for independence

right now. I have yet to go to Scotland but it is on the top my list of places to go 

the next time I'm across the pond. I would love to see the Highlands and 

and revel in the culture. 

Are you a fan of plaid? Have you been to Scotland?

My NYFW Spring '15 Favorites

 I was blown away by so many of the collections from the past two weeks at NYFW. 

There were 1960's/70's influences everywhere and so many pieces that I would love

to wear right away. I'm not a huge fan of clothes being unapproachable and this season,

they were anything but! 

I pulled together some of my favorite outfits from a couple of shows below!

Do you like them as well? What was your favorite collection?

 {DVF. That gingham with the floral lace makes my heart skip a beat. It's

the perfect picnic dress!}

{ I can see this Monique Lhuillier dress being worn by Chloe Grace Moretz during award season. The tea length skirt exaggeration and tight bodice are stunning and would be perfect on a younger actor!}

 {I would wear this Michael Kors number immediately. The navy with the yellow and green flowers + the design of  it makes me want to stroll through the Paris streets!}

                 

 {This is also Michael Kors (his entire collection was stunning) and this is such a unique twist

on the midi skirt! It's sheer but you wear a long t-shirt dress underneath and it still remains classy!}

{How fun would this be on the red carpet?? I really hope someone wears this Christian Siriano 

dress and does a little twirl. The fringe is amazing!!}

Thoughts? Which one's your favorite?

The Main Point

{via}

Yesterday I went to church alone. Normally I am ok with doing things on my own such as movies,

eating out etc. but church felt different. I associate church with community and togetherness

and having just started going to this church, it originally felt awkward to sit by myself. 

But then the music started and my favorite song, Oh, How I Need You, came on and everything

was still. 

I was ok. 

It was like God tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Stop worrying and fretting! You're

fine. Sit and allow the worship to calm you and give it all up." So I did. 

And I have to say, it was a nice experience. I definitely still prefer to go with friends but

now, if the need arises, I can be still on my own. 

And maybe that was the whole point. 

Here's the song if you haven't heard it!

Monochromatic

When I wear white, I go all out. This shirt is from Gap and is so cozy. The little peplum

bottom is subtle and adds a little bit to an otherwise white tank.

I really like being rebellious sometimes and wear white immediately after Labor Day.

 (messy hair, don't care)

 I hope you appreciate how messy my hair is in all of these shots. It was monsoon-y all day

and the humidity was out of control. Also, just so you don't think I'm a natural at taking these

photos (because you totally were...), the shot below is one of the many photos taken that day

that should never see the light of day.

You're welcome. 

Also it looks like he is shooting me.

Would you wear all white after Labor Day?

{here's the facts: shirt, pants- similar, necklace- Tucson gem show, shoes-similar}

The Spending Freeze

{via}

Before I say anything, there is a tumblr (HERE) that is all stripes and I think I may have died and gone to heaven. It. Is. Divine! 

And moving on!

I've decided something pretty big. I am not going to buy any article of clothing for myself

until I graduate. I know...

I'm one of those people who loves shopping and uses it as a great pick-me-up. 

Especially when I am here in Tucson, I shop quite a bit because I use the excuses like "Ugh it's so hot and I have nothing to wear for this weather!" or "I just need one more tank top because that's all I can wear!!" (so melodramatic) 

But I'm taking a vow. You know all those bloggers doing capsule collections? Well I'm kind of going to do that but with everything I already own. This is going to be hard but I know I am going to want 

my money to go towards food and going out with friends this semester and not wasting it

all on new clothes. 

Phew. I can't believe I'm actually making a post about this and am going to do it.

But there it is. It's decided. 

No shopping for me. 

Have you done something similar before??

Wanna Get Away- Flagstaff

 

 Over Labor Day weekend, me and my roommate headed up to Flagstaff to visit two of our friends for a lovely little getaway. There was cooler weather, a trip to a country fair, some coffee shop homework time, and we went out in downtown Flagstaff. Besides the 5 hour drive to get up there (it should take about 3-3.5) because of insane traffic and Monica and I losing our minds halfway through, it was all a perfect introduction into Fall.

What a cotton candy sky!! 

Every time I'm in Flagstaff it feels a little like home with those big ole pine trees. :)

Keep on Keeping On

{via}

We are now two weeks into school over here in the old pueblo! 

I'm not lying when I say it has been busy, busy, busy here. Just last night was the first time

I sat down on the couch to watch a show (hi Fixer Upper!) in about a week. 

Between starting to organize grad school apps, my five demanding classes,

the two labs I'm working in and also maintaining somewhat of a social life, I

am scramblin'. But I'm also optimistic. I am working towards multiple goals

and really want to be as productive as possible. 

I think it can become really easy to get bogged down with all of the to-do's

and then fall into a rut. Or something I tend to do when I have to much on the list

is to put everything off and procrastinate. ;) Everyday I've been working on little goals

and things that need to be completed and I also created a due date list so I can

see all of the upcoming weekly due dates right in front of me. I also just bought a new

planner that is smaller than my original one because my backpack is getting too heavy and 

I need my planner. (Can I get an amen?) 

I love this quote so much because it's a great reminder. Maybe you needed a reminder 

to keep on keeping on like I did. :) What are some ways that you motivate yourself

and get all your to-do's done??

Wanna Get Away- Napa

 A couple weekends ago my parents treated me to a little weekend getaway to do my 

first American wine tasting. I find it absolutely amazing how close this gorgeous

place is to where I live and how, despite the drought, everything felt very much alive.

We went to several different wineries including Bennett Lane, Stonestreet, Coppola,

Frick, and Del Dotto to name a few. I absolutely loved all of the places we stopped 

and how unique they all were. We also stopped at this store called Jimtown and they 

had an amazing mint melon salad.

 How adorable are they???

We had a pretty nasty scare early that Sunday morning though at around 3:30 am when we were

abruptly awaken by a 6.1 earthquake. This was the largest earthquake I have ever felt

and the largest in Northern California for 25 years, but I also find it kind of funny that it happened in 

my little two weeks of being home. We are all ok and the town of Napa will rebuild what

was damaged but I think it gave everyone a little scare. I was pretty jittery afterwards.

Sometimes God gives us a little (kind of big) shake to help us reevaluate some things

and take a look at how blessed we all are. I just didn't expect it to be a literal shake...

in the middle of the night...  ;)

Don't forget to hug your loved ones and have a great Wednesday!!

Proud Sister Moment

 

Can I share some beautiful images with you guys today? All of these photos are taken by 

Scott Bennett, a humanitarian photographer and also one of the leaders on my sisters recent trip

to Mozambique, Africa. I found these images too touching and inspiring not to share.

The joy in these children's faces and on the group my sister went with just positively radiate.

I am so proud of her for going on this missions trip and serving the children of Mozambique.

The stories she told us were equally heartbreaking and filled with joy. 

I want to hug each and every one of the children!!

God is good. :)

"Declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"

1 Chronicles 16:24