Stripes and Heavy Hearts

WEARING: ROSEGAL STRIPED MOCK NECK CASUAL KNIT DRESS | 
MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS | 
MAD-STYLE CALLY EARRINGS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROSEGAL. 

Since waking up Monday morning to hear of yet another senseless tragedy in America, I am left with a heavy heart and can't stop crying these past few days. What is happening in our world right now? I can't stop thinking about everyone affected by this. Think about it. Over 500+ injured, 58 dead... triple that amount just to get a perspective on how many people have been touched by this awful incident. As much as I love my work, creating and publishing content without as much as a discussion, let alone a stupid fucking meme with hearts and prayers, is definitely hitting below the belt. I've never seen so many fashionista's Insta-stories and/or social media posts giving 'shoutouts' to the victims and families (or nothing at all, just completely unacknowledging them)... only to go on about their daily lives and not even mention any ways to help like donating blood, contacting your elected representatives to support mental health or stricter gun control policies, or other ways to donate, such as natural disaster relief funds to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. And why do I feel like the ones that preach the most about this shit are the ones that aren't really helping to begin with? I know that sounds pretty harsh, but it is sort of the reality of the situation. Now, I AM NOT saying that there isn't anyone out there, with the power and reach, to spread information like wildfire in a scenario like this, because there are, and kudos to you for taking the time to do so, but there's a lot of you that really don't care about anyone but yourself. And I can attest to this because I'm seeing it unfold right before my very eyes, unfortunately.

Whenever something tragic like this happens, I immediately think of my loved ones. Family first. Don't you? Now for those who don't know me that well, I don't have any family. They're all gone. Either physically or through tough life predicaments, I am left with no one but myself. I don't have a single soul to call and cry about my problems to or have a mommy or daddy to help me out when I'm financially in a pickle. I've been on my own for a long time now. So I tend to get pretty depressed sometimes and will shut down. Especially in a time like now where all I want is to talk to my parents and hug them and tell them how much I love and miss them. I need some form of solidarity when feeling alone and confused. There is no love like one from a parent. A good parent. The most important family is not the one you were born into, but the one you choose. I have a small circle of friends that I trust and hold very dear to, but very few have entered into this circle and have stayed there. Loyalty is hard to come by these days and I'm finding myself losing more and more hope with the world we're living in. 

Sure you can be an advocate of some kind, whether it's donating your time, money or both to organizations that will help carry that through, but to me, the best and most important way to help right now is to constantly BE KIND and LOVING. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So be good to each other. Hug your loved ones extra tight and never forget to be grateful for your life and others. And be forgiving. I've talked about this in the past, because it really hits close to home. It's not about forgiving and forgetting what's hurt you, but more about letting go and being able to move forward. Self-love is something I too have struggled with my whole life, and I'm slowly but surely starting to see my worth and will no longer waste my time on those who don't see this. If they don't look at you like you're magic, walk away... or rather, RUN away. Doesn't matter if they're blood-related or not. 

Steve Sisolak, Chair of the Clark County Commission, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the victims and their families. It had collected more than $3 million as of Tuesday morning. Officials in Las Vegas say there has been an overwhelming turnout for blood donations -- some donors waited in line for more than 6 hours -- and no more blood is needed right now. Those looking for information about loved ones still missing in the Las Vegas area can call 1-800-536-9488. If you live in the Las Vegas area, you can volunteer transportation and other help to victims through this Facebook page. Please help in any way you can, it's not just about the immediate support, but for the more trying, long-term ones. The victims need us and we need them. Please remember how amazingly special you are and that you are LOVED. Want to talk? Leave a comment or send me a private message through social media or email. I'm here for you. 

*Go to Direct Relief to donate money or American Red Cross to donate food and/or clothing for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. They are also asking people to donate coloring books, puzzles, and other toys to the shelters for the kids. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Hot Pink Parisian

WEARING: FOREVER 21 HOT PINK RIBBED SWEATER-KNIT CROP TOP | 
LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY FAUX LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS | LEVI'S WINTER WOOL BERET | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED ROUND GLASSES

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Hot Pink Parisian Chic! Since Paris Fashion Week, I've been getting all the feels (and a MAJOR desire) to not just visit ole' Paree but to dress like one! One of my biggest inspirations when it comes to that effortless Parisian chic style is the iconic Caroline de Maigret. Her laid back but rock n roll look (not to mention she's basically married to a rock star, and how incredibly hot is that?!) always brings me inspiration when it comes to my own style. But fashion is not supposed to be one main thing. And so begins the story of this hot pink sweater-knit crop top from Forever 21. No, this is not a sponsored post. I just wanted to share with you a look that mixes different pieces together that can be affordable but still giving you that Parisian chic vibe including some 90s vibes up in here! Continue reading to hear about why I HAD to style this colorful top and how you can get this look too!

The other day I had run into a Forever 21 store just to look and de-stress from hours of burning holes into my eye sockets from the computer screen. To others like myself, this means editing your life away... am I right?! I had taken my usual lap around the store before going upstairs to see what other stuff they had. One of the first things that caught my eye was this hot pink sweater-knit crop top. It's velvet, soft to the touch and looked oh so cute. BUT. One, I'm not a pink-wearing type of gal and two, crop tops are not typically in my wardrobe. So initially, I walked away from it. But even after a whole day of not being able to stop thinking about that damn top, I was finally convinced to go back and get it! 

I'm sure many of you ladies can relate. And it's a sure sign to go back and get whatever it is that you can't stop thinking about (so long as you don't break the bank hardcore with what you can afford, ha ha!) Got to trust that first gut instinct too. If you're in awe of a piece right away, it may be a good sign to at least try it on. Other pieces I had to have are these oversized round sunglasses that are so 90s retro and these comfy burgundy patent faux leather ankle boots. I think each accessory fits well with the beret (it's from Levi's of all places!) I love that it's wool material because that means I can wear it through the winter season as well! My jeans are also from Levi's, and more specifically are style 711 altered skinny jeans. I love the long-lined seams in the back along with how comfortable they are to move around in. 

My staple fall coat is this black one from Assembly New York. I've had it for a couple of years now and I still wear it every fall/winter season. I love how classic it is, also made out of wool, and the beautiful cuts of the coat along with the long belt. I think it goes well with the ensemble, no? And you can still wear crop tops when it gets chillier, especially with a bad boy like this on you! ;) What are some of your favorite ways to mix in summer-like pieces into your fall wardrobe? 

I really wanted to style this Forever 21 top not only for how much I love it but because it's something outside of what I normally wear. The most vibrant color I have the most in my closet is probably red (Hello, Aries.) but I think adding a few pieces here and there and trying stepping away from your comfort zone is always a good thing. It's how you will learn and grow, even if it's not always a hit. Because we're all going through hits & misses, what do you think? I'd love to hear how you try and elevate your styles! Whether it's adding more refined, high-end pieces, or trying something new, or both, what do you think works for you? 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Zaful Floral Pantsuit

WEARING: ZAFUL FLORAL BLAZER | ZAFUL FLORAL PANTS | ADORE ME BODYSUIT |
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS | 
GUCCI BELT | GORJANA MIKA LARIAT NECKLACE

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL. 

Borrowed from the boys but geared for the girls, mansy tailoring is this season's key trend. It'll keep you looking like the business, while exaggerated 80s shoulders and pops of color are a strong style right now. Not to mention anything floral print for the fall season is all the rage right now. And this peach-colored pantsuit from Zaful is the perfect amount of feminine touch mixed in with one of my favorite trends right now, menswear for women. Normally I'm into oversized more structured pieces when it comes to a masculine look but when I saw this pantsuit and its gorgeous floral print, and the fact that there's nothing more I want right now than to be at Paris Fashion Week, I'll be living vicariously through the 'cool cats' and in turn, will dress up a getup as if I were in Paree!

How perfect would the City of Lights be as a backdrop for this photo shoot?! One of the perks of living somewhere like New York City when it comes to photo shoots are the endless amounts of locations to choose from. Can you believe I've lived here for over 11 years and I have yet to still make a visit out to Coney Island? We were going to shoot there before the summer ended but ran out of time due to crazy schedules. When I wanted to find a place in the city that could resemble Paris (okay, I know nothing can resemble Paris exactly but...) I always found the center of Union Square Park to be quite magical and reminiscent of Western Europe.

Now, what went with what in terms of this lovely pantsuit? I styled it with a really cute Adore Me black sheer bodysuit. I love this one especially because you can still wear it during the fall season before it gets too cold and how well it can go with a chic pair of jeans or something more detailed like this look. I feel like it gave the outfit a little sensuality/sexiness to the overall empowered look. To bring a little-added attention to the lace details of the bodysuit, I wore a long slinky necklace by Gorjana I received from one of the shows during NYFW. 

Since I'm super petite (yes, I look taller in all my photos because it's all about the angles!) I wore my favorite sock boots at the moment. They completely look like the Balenciaga boots, but since my wallet can't shell out a grand+ for a pair, you got to opt for something more affordable for the time being! And these give me all the added height and confidence a pair of shoes should give a gal! What do you think of this fall look? See something that caught your eye? You can shop directly down below or in the beginning of this post. Don't forget to leave your comments down below too! See you guys soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Elementary, My Dear Watson

WEARING: ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED BELTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | 
FOREVER 21 RIBBED KNIT SWEATER | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
OLIVER BILOU ROXY CLUTCH/CROSSBODY | GUCCI BELT | LIE COLLECTION SCARF | 
PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES 

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROSEGAL & OLIVER BILOU. 

After writing and publishing my first novel in 2015, many of you have recently been asking if and when I'll be writing my second one. Well... the answer is still a mystery! Why? A few reasons: To say my debut was on the New York Time's bestseller is definitely not the case. (No, this was not my expectation.) Not to mention I also have at least three other big projects I'm trying to do while simultaneously plotting a way to somehow cure a deep writer's block I've been having for the past year or so. While I have my blog to communicate my daily life with you, in terms of fashion, beauty, love & relationships, photography and more, my one true love has always been the written word and in doing so, telling stories. Favorite way? Definitely fiction. But with a new career path in the digital world, I find it more and more difficult to juggle everything that I do and have been asking myself a lot of questions lately in regards to my work and discipline, in that; can a person be successful in more than one field and when one is struggling in one area more than the other, how can it be managed and put back in order? Continue to read more on my reflections and thoughts on this part of my life, including where to shop my new favorite fall plaid trench from this post that I wore during NYFW!

Now going back to my novel... I never had any intention or high hopes for my book to be anything but legitimately published. Before I found my publisher, I had debated for quite some time whether or not to self-publish and I get asked this question rather frequently when talking amongst other writers. I say there are pro's and con's to both, as there are in everything. But as someone who wanted to establish herself as a writer, I really wanted to be traditionally published. And so I made that happen. And like everything else as well, you learn so much along the way. So long as you're paying attention. With that, I've also embarked on a new journey into the digital world, creating content on a daily basis through photos and text, I truly love what I do. However, finding the time to manage both have put on quite a lot of pressure for myself, balance has never exactly been my forte... I always like to bite off more than I can chew. So, what's a girl to do?

You do the best you can. I am also a photographer, freelancing here and there and everywhere. The hustle is endless, and I would love to reach a point in my life when I won't have to hustle as hard anymore... but does it ever really get easier? I sometimes think we get lost in our own thoughts and have a tendency to think too much about things. Sometimes it's important to just run with it and let what will happen, happen. Because how much can you really control anyway? And how many of you are where you thought you'd be when you were younger? I bet not that many. So the moral of the story is to try your best every day. That's my motto. If I can look at myself in the mirror at the end of each day knowing I gave it my all, in every aspect (which too, in turn, can be a daunting task, especially if one is trying to maintain a social life on top of everything else), then I'm okay with that. What you think about yourself is more important than what anyone else thinks about you.

Something I've also learned from the past year: actions really do speak louder than words and when you deliver, that's it. You're good. Don't get me wrong, guys. I LOVE sharing bits and pieces of my life with you, but there's also boundaries and limitations to that too. I am also very private and when it comes to my personal life, very few are aware of what's really going down. And I think when it comes to the work, let that speak for itself rather than running around telling people what you are going to be doing. I'm all about sharing and conversing with one another, but if it's all talk and nothing else, well... I rest my case. I guess at the end of the day, keep yourself involved in whatever it is that you're extremely passionate about, don't compare yourself to others, (easier said than done, I know.), try to be nice (hey, no one's perfect but try to be lol), and after a lot of hard work (we're talking blood, sweat, tears, and then some), the fruits of your labor will come into play. Don't talk, just do. 

And while I started my second novel last summer followed by a nasty case of writer's block, I know the work will come. It took me nearly four years to write my first one while holding down two jobs, so it's a matter of the right timing, patience, and discipline. When it comes to writer's block, my best suggestion is to walk away from what you're trying to write and take a break or, like myself, write about other topics that are very distant from the one that you're focusing on. Or go off for a tiny shopping run, and score this ultra-chic double-breasted belted plaid trench coat from Rosegal like I did! I love to coffee and grey tones with the long silhouette - very Sherlock Holmes. All I need is Hyde Park and some tea with crumpets and I'll be all set! Perhaps I'll be in Europe in the near distant future? Don't forget to leave a comment down below and follow me on Instagram. Have a great week, friends! 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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NYFW SS18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
GUCCI BELT | LOUISE & ELEANOR LULU CLUTCH GREEN APPLE | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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DAY 1 LOOK #2

WEARING: MALIKA RAJANI METALLIC LEATHER JACKET | VAGABOND HONEY BODYSUIT | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS

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DAY 2 LOOK #1

NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | GWEN SALAKAIA SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 SHIRT | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS

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DAY 2 LOOK #2

WEARING: SAKU LEOPARD PRINT VELVET DRESS | SØSKEN STUDIOS COAT | 
MAD STYLE NECKLACE | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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DAY 3

WEARING: VIP ME BLUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERY BELTED MAXI DENIM DRESS | 
FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | 
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS | MAD STYLE SUNGLASSES

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DAY 4

WEARING: DEUX A BOMBER JACKET | DEZZAL ASSYMETRIC MERMAID SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 GRAPHIC TOP | ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM | MEDUSA PARIS BUCKET BAG | 
MAD-STYLE IGGY SUNGLASSES

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DAY 5

WEARING: BROOKS BROTHERS MEN'S SHIRT | H&M LONG GREY SUIT JACKET | 
YEAH BUNNY FLORAL PANTS | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO VELVET BOOTS | PERSOL GLASSES

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DAY 6

WEARING: MEDEA MARIS ORGANZA TRENCH | NATIVE YOUTH DRESS | 
YOINS GREEN BATCHEL BAG W/ CONTRAST TRIMS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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DAY 7

WEARING: ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | OLIVER BILOU ROXY CLUTCH | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES 

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Hey, everyone! In today's post, I'm featuring all my looks from NYFW SS18! A total of 8 different outfits, you can shop similar pieces from each day by following the links through text and/or image. This season I went with a lot of different accessories from bags to shoes, to trendsetting wear, but I think the biggest challenge during this fashion week was finding something stylish enough yet comfortable enough for all day to night wear! On most days I stayed in sneakers or my newly obsessed metallic boots that are not only sleek but super wearable for those long grueling days. The last thing I want to worry about while working is feeling uncomfortable in an outfit. Have you guys checked out my full recap of all the NYFW shows I attended this season? There's a ton of coverage, plus backstage access to such amazing shows like Tibi and Public School... come check it out here and don't forget to follow me on Instagram! And if you have a question about any outfits from this post, please comment down below! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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