Simplicity

When I saw this dress I nearly died. Navy, pleated, high-waisted, backless- what more could I want? Nothing. It's perfect. It's part of Steven Alan's Spring 2011 collection, as are the looks below.

I'm head over heels in love for these simplistic yet devastatingly chic looks. I sometimes fall victim to the illness of excessiveness: over-layering, over-accessorizing, etc. This images have reminded me how gorgeous simple lines and crisp cuts are (not to mention comfortable). And that panama hat? Lusting. 

January Paradise

I can't get over the beautiful weather we've been having. Class just seems so unnecessary when the sun teases me with fantasies of beach trips. I thought I was going to have to save this silk crop top for warmer months, but I guess that means January here. 

Urban Outfitters top, Madewell jeans, J. Crew flats Flea Market Girl via Melrose Trading Post earrings, Madewell/random bangles

I just realized this is my first post that pictures me wearing jeans. That's odd, because I wear them all the time, especially this pair. I even have them in another wash. I'm the kind of girl that likes my jeans no-frills, classic, and straightforward. 

I'm a sucker for anything backless. This top and I are very deeply in love. I found it on major sale at Urban for $15 and knew I couldn't live without it. I love how summery it is, but since it's black I can also pair it with a jacket or sweater for colder temperatures (whenever they may arrive...)

This is my very first pair of black leather ballet flats, ever. I honestly do not know how I lived without them. 

Wearing another jewelry item from the Melrose Trading Post flea market. I had actually been on the hunt for monogram earrings with this type of spiral-y design when I found these, and I decided that I could just pretend that the design was actually my initials...and people do ask me all the time if it is! Success. 

Need I Say More?

The answer is most likely no. I have exhausted this topic, writing about it here and here. And yet, I have to inundate you with proof of why seventies style is my undying obsession this season. It's relaxed, chic, and feels so fresh.

photos via Urban Outfitters, Lucky Right Now, Fashion Gone Rogue, Who What Wear

Afternoon Breakfast

One of my favorite weekend activities is enjoying late breakfasts at restaurants all over Los Angeles. On this particular Saturday we ventured out to Mustard Seed Cafe, home of this gem, the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had (apparently I have a thing for breakfast sandwiches...)

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses

Remember all those cat-eye sunglasses I was lusting over? I finally decided on a pair and now I can't stop wearing them. 

Urban Outiftters dress, Anthropologie belt, Sabina bag, Michael Kors watch, random bangles, F21 booties

Essie nail polish in Hot Cocoa, Michael Kors watch, David Yurman Ring, Dogeared wishbone necklace, Aries necklace via the Melrose Trading Post flea market

Also, I'm kind of really addicted to this nail polish . It strikes a really cool balance between light brown and gray, and it just so happens to match pretty much everything that I'm wearing right now.

I bought these booties for $20 at, where else, Forever 21.  I love the Western, casual feeling of them.

This is one of my favorite necklaces. I got it for $5 at the Melrose Trading Post flea market. I love that it adds a touch of whimsicality to any outfit, plus I'm a sucker for anything personalized. Oh, and did I mention that I am shamelessly addicted to reading my (and everyone else in my life's) horoscope? Aries pride. 

La Dolce Vita

images via Fashion Gone Rogue

Currently obsessing over Dolce & Gabanna Spring 2011. This ad campaign is genius- approachable, fun, and exuberant. Not to mention, the clothing is fantastic. As I'm lusting over all things '70s, I'm especially drawn to the way the florals, gingham, sunnies, and denim give a subtle nod to the decade. Not to mention, everything is just so...pretty! Femininity is key to this collection, as seen in the flirty silhouettes, sky-high wedges, punchy pastels, and ethereal gowns. D&G perfectly balances sweet and sexy, and the effect is goddess-like. 

As a somewhat irrelevant sidenote, those men's suits are to die for. I didn't think I liked white suits. Until now.

D&G Spring 2011 encapsulates everything I want for spring- fun, flirty, floral, '70s. 

Well Suited

J. Crew blazer, J. Crew pocket tee, Zara trousers, Zara heels, Essie nail polish in Bordeaux

I wore this to an event on campus that necessitated business-casual attire. I had been dying to break out these pants and can already tell that I will basically be living in them. They're super comfy, in a great material with stretch (so no wrinkles), and the high waist packs enough style punch that I could pair them with a tee and still feel fashionable. This is also the first time I had gotten to wear one of my favorite Christmas gifts, this blazer. It's super classic, and the button and lining details are perfect. 

vintage bangles, Madewell crystal bangle, Michael Kors watch, Jane Hollinger bracelet, vintage double strand necklace

These shoes, last seen here, are so versatile. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with camel?

Inspiration Board

photos via Patterson Maker, Etsy, We Heart It

Every week, I collect photos from all my blog/website/tumblr surfing of the week. I save everything that I find beautiful in some way...and I save a lot of photos.

Here's a little sampling of everything that kept me inspired (craving, lusting, and obsessed) all week. 

Clockwise, from left- 

how to ride a bike looking effortlessly chic; one of my favorite words; the most gloriously light-filled room; a perfectly charming engagement ring; a taste of summer that leaves me wanting more; oh what I'd do to spend my spring break lounging like those girls; easy glamour from inside a cab; ladylike streetstyle; a ridiculously cute vintage J. Crew catalogue; the most scrumptious-looking breakfast sandwich of all time (well maybe not...but never underestimate the power of avocado)

Study Break

Studying is an unfortunate but necessary part of college life. What improves the general loathsomeness of the experience is a cozy venue, preferably one with outdoor seating that also provides scrumptious treats, strong coffee, and ample people watching.

F21 sweater, American Apparel leotard, Zara skirt, Madewell sandals, J. Crew pendant necklace, F21 earrings, Michael Kors Watch, David Yurman ring.

This is my version of study-comfy clothes (when not trapped in the library). The maxi skirt was an amazing find from Zara; it's super soft and I love the minimalist column shape. It may just be the most versatile item of clothing in my closet right now. A leotard was a necessity because my sweater is just a teeny bit too low to be worn without something underneath, so I needed a super-slim layer. The peek of white from the leo also gives the outfit a vaguely sporty feeling, which is cool when paired with the feminine maxi skirt.

Furbrained

There's still one thing I can't get out of my head from my fall/winter wishlist.

I need a (faux) fur.

Women's Wear Daily via Fashion Gone Rogue

Even though it's January, Los Angeles seems to think we're in summer. With temperatures reaching 80 degrees, my fantasies of a stunningly glamorous fur to top off all my wintry outfits seem sorely out of place.

A girl can dream, right?

And if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

This past weekend a few friends and I took a journey to Amoeba Music, the most amazing record store I have ever experienced. 

Silence + Noise via Urban Outfitters tank, Madewell cardigan, Maje leather jacket, Joie wool shorts, Madewell opaque tights, Madewell booties, Madewell purse

Michael Kors two-toned chronograph watch, David Yurman ring

J. Crew cocktail ring, gifted bangle from South Africa, Essie Hot Cocoa nail polish

vintage cardigan, Banana Republic oxford, RVCA tie, Levi's Capital E jeans, Invicta watch

vintage flannel via Wasteland, American Apparel skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

Forever 21 tights, Miz Mooz via Nordstrom combat boots

It's so easy to get lost in this place.