On Melrose and Knick Knacks

(H&M Beanie, Target Vest, Macy's Skirt, Forever 21 Shirt, Bag from a random stand in the night markets of Taiwan).

Decided to go 'splore the Melrose Trading Post, a flea market in the lot of Fairfax High School. We kind of dilly-dallied, so we didn't actually end up getting there until about an hour or two before it closed. There was a $3 entrance fee, but the actual market was quite a decent size. I found some incredible clocks made from old books that I REALLY WANTED, but really didn't need. Sigh. Maybe next time.

Anyways, I had been talking to my cousin about how I owned too many hats, so it seemed appropriate that I actually wear one of them out for once. Since the bright orange of this particular fox-beanie was kind of hard to match with other colors, I decided to go with my faithful black-and-white concept, as usual.

Wrapped in Gold

(Express Shirt, H&M Shorts, Target Tights, H&M Bracelets, Charlotte Russe Bracelet)

Not much going on, just messing around with the lighting. Pretty simple outfit. I have three shirts similar to this one, all in different colors. I don't wear jewelry that often, but I do like wearing a lot of things on one wrist (sometimes I'll throw in a watch to add some extra bulk). Asymmetry aw yis.  

The Colors Don't Touch Me

(Tally Weijl Blazer, Charlotte Russe Tank, 2b Bebe Shorts)

Re-installed bangs! I've had bangs most of my life, so without them my face felt kind of... naked. Also layered my hair, and now my head feels a couple hundred pounds lighter. Brushing is no longer a thing.

Had afternoon tea at the Huntington Library, then explored the gardens for the next couple hours. I'm not usually one for the wild outdoors, but I love botanical gardens. Tame, man-made, outdoor excellence.

As for the outfit, pretty standard for me. Black and white and loose. I've got four blazers and this is my favorite.

Those Warm and Fuzzy Days

(Forever 21 Jacket, Charlotte Russe Tank, H&M Shorts, Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes, Target Sunglasses, Bag was a gift from my roommate while we were studying abroad in Paris)

Vivi's not getting any younger, so I've been taking her to the beach whenever I can. One of my friends visited from the East Coast to enjoy the weather, so it seemed like a good opportunity for another beach stroll (and mojitos). The weather is warming up some more (is that even possible? I honestly think we skipped winter in its entirety), so soon I'll be back to shorts 24/7.

I've had this jacket for years, and its cropped length works perfectly with over-sized tanks. I also like that its plaid-like pattern sort of matches the plaid on my shoes (I'll put some better pictures of them up later). As old as Vivi is, she still manages to drag me around, so flats are necessary to avoid breaking my ankles.

Overall, one of my more casual outfits for what turned out to be one of the most ridiculously serene days I've had in months. It's been a hectic year, and this was very necessary.

Leather Flowers

   

(Zenana Outfitters Pleather Jacket, Swoon Dress, Kohl's Pumps) 

Running errands, but we stopped by the park for some quick photos. The kids playing in the park were probably confused by my presence. I mean, what kind of crazy chick swings with heels on? Apparently that's what I do now.

Anyways, I had bought both the dress and the jacket at the same time with the intention of wearing them for this specific outfit, but ended up using the jacket a lot more. I'm not normally a fan of prints and floral patterns (this is probably the only thing in my closet that has floral anything), but I find that the would-be-girlishness of the dress is toned down dramatically with the addition of the jacket and works quite well. What I also like about this particular dress is the fit. I have a bit of a manly figure with no waist to speak of and legs like tree trunks (the result of hours and hours of tennis, badminton, and eating tons of meat). However, the dress enhances my waistline by tapering in the center, and its (slightly too short) length and flared shape gives the impression of longer, slimmer legs.

And yes, I have been messing around with ways to present my photos (whee weird filters).

It's almost Italy in Japan

(Target Tank, Charlotte Russe Heels, Skirt found somewhere in Florence, Fedora found somewhere in Rome)

When I was little, I used to come to this Japanese Cultural Arts Center all the time for piano lessons. The rocks and waterfalls seemed a lot bigger back then. We wanted ramen, but detoured and ended up here for the first time in probably over a decade.

Anyways, moving on from the nostalgia ramble and onto the outfit. I bought the skirt off a cart somewhere in Florence. The lady running the cart let me try it on, and the first thing I did was pull it up to my waist. She laughed at me, said something in Italian, and proceeded to help me pull the skirt down to my hips where it apparently belonged. As you can see, it's back up to my waist now (I'm not a very good listener). Keeps it from dragging on the floor, and makes my legs go for daaays.

The heels? Bought them from Charlotte Russe last year. I wanted them so badly, but I didn't feel like I needed them. I went back to the store about 4 or 5 times (I was living right next to a mall at the time, bad idea) and tried them on every time, then finally gave in and bought them. They're my favorite heels now.



Entered into Style Elixer's Style Sessions.

The Sun Shines Through the Color Black

(Forever 21 Top, Cotton On Tank Top, American Eagle Jeans, Target Sunglasses, no memory of where I got the Ankle Boots)

So this is probably one of my most standard, commonly worn outfits. It's relatively simple, comfortable, and practical. Most of my wardrobe is black (it's slimming, easy to match, and I can spill whatever sauce on myself and it most likely won't be noticeable), but this particular top is one of my current favorites. Also, I buy my jeans one size larger and slightly long to make my legs appear slimmer. The long jeans bunch up at the bottom and the bunched area hides the large difference in size between my large calves and small ankles, creating a straighter line. Also, loose jeans allow me the flexibility to prance around when I get excited.

Anyways, took these pictures after running some errands at the local mall. Always interesting to wonder what people are thinking while they walk by staring as you take pictures. Also the smallness of my eyes is like nature's version of sunglasses.