DOING WHAT I DO BEST

SHOPPING - it's my cardio. I have no idea why I'm holding a hot latte because it was way too hot for clothes that day. Did some shopping at a local Temecula mall when we visited (as you can tell.) I didn't really have to do much convincing to get the boyfriend to take me since being surrounded in air con pretty much outweighed being smothered outside. And so this outfit did me right. Showing just enough skin to stay cool, but covered just enough to not look like Miley Cyrus...

The dets:

• Sleeveless cardigan: Splendid ~$10 (thrifted from My Sister's Closet)
• Crop top: Tilly's ~$15 (recently although I believe it went on sale)
• Denim shorts: Joe's ~$30 (My favorite shorts as of late. Recently on sale at Marshall's and right now on Amazon but only in sizes 29 and 30. For reference, I'm wearing a size 27 even though I usually wear a size 26. I wanted the baggy fit. Most of the times, I tuck the pockets in. I let them hang when I'm feeling bold.)
• Bag: Coach $228 (new)
• Flats: MIA Nomad Pointy Toe ~$20 (a month or so ago at Marshall's or TJ)
• Accessories: Vince Camuto Leather Bangle (similar here), Michael Kors watch (here), American Eagle necklace
• What's in the bag: two plain leather belts that I later ended up wearing that day (one of them, not both of course), and a pair of printed pants (which you will see very soon)

IT'S SIMPLE

"Live simply so you can simply live."

That's it. I am stepping my foot down and delcaring for myself this new motto. A selfishly revised version of Mahatma Gandhi's "Live simply so that others may simply live." With so many distractions in life, it's hard to stay focused, hard to see what is important and what makes you truly happy. It's time to narrow things down and surround myself with only things that deserve my love. And to start, I will be narrowing my closet down to my favorite things, ridding myself of the "distractions" so I can see more clearly all the things I love and shower it with more love.

My closet seems to be a reflection of my life. It's always been full of pretty things, but I tend to let the new shiny things cover up my favorite pieces. The problem with me is that I want it all. Everything is like a buffet to me. I just love fashion too much, just like how I love food too much to be picky about it. I am indecisive. I would rather attain it all first and decide what I really want later. (I guess I have a procrastination problem too.) I want a taste of it all. Can't I just attack life buffet style?

This will be Project Simplify. It has been on the back of my mind for quite some time now. My boyfriend can attest to that. If only he got a quarter for every time I said, "I need to declutter and clean out my closet," and just sat my butt down in front of the TV. I think now that I put a title on it, bolded it, and published it on my blog, it is real. Fear of embarassment will keep me from procrastinating any further. The time is now and I invite you to do it with me. Let's make it like Nike and let's "Just Do It!"

I know, the picture has nothing to do with it. It's just a cool pic that seemed to match the quote.

ACCESSORIZE TO MAXIMIZE

Currently loving this Zac Zac Posen Eartha satchel (retail $495). I was in luck when I came across this bag at Bloomies. I caught it looking at me, took it to the register and lo and behold, it was on sale. There's that word again. *Swoons. How could a girl (and a shopaholic at that) pass this beauty up? It must have been fate because when I got home to research this impulse buy of mine, it was retail price everywhere, even on Bloomingdale's site. Impulse buys always end up being the best buys.

Ever since Celine came out with their coveted bags, structural bags have become a big hit and I can see why. Simple outfit made glam. It adds just the right amount of sophistication. I still want a Celine tote, but this one is just as pretty. I can see this one being on constant rotation throughout the year. Which bag have you been grabbing the most lately?

Hope you all have a good week :)

BACK TO BASIC

Living in San Diego, I learned how handy a blazer can be. Days cool up fast here. Stashing one in your car can save you from a chilly night and a plain outfit. Voila - instant chic.

• Blazer: H&M $29.95 (current)
• Top: Zara ~$20 (1-2 months ago)
• Jeans: Paige Denim $25 (recently on sale at TJ Maxx... WIN!!)
• Shoes: Zara $14.99 (recently on sale... Jackpot!)
• Bag: Coach $228 (new)
• Accessories: MARC by Marc Jacobs watch, Michael Kors tortoise hinge bangle, Michael Kors belt, Forever 21 necklace (all are a few months ago and were on sale)

That feeling you get when you finally find the style of jeans or shoes you've been searching for and not only do they exist.. but the price tag is red.. RED!! It means only one thing - they are on sale. I love that word. I get this tingly feeling in my chest and this urge to walk fast, really fast to the direction of the sign. My boyfriend says that's how they get us. That might be true... but I've done enough shopping to know whether or not an item is worth the price. I always go for quality over quantity. So you can't "get" me, ha! Oh shopping, you give me such joy. No wonder you are so easy to love.

I used to love Coach and their collection back in college (~3 years ago) especially their wristlets. It wasn't until recently that I started liking them again. This mini bag is perfect for my everyday use. Ever since I moved to San Diego, all I really carry around is a mini wallet, cell phone, lip balm, lotion, and keys.. and that's it. I love how I can just dump these things in the bag and just go. I was never one to hold bags for too long either, so the long shoulder strap is a must for me.

Paige denim... I have fallen in love with you. Before I met Paige, my closet was full of Express jeans. They actually fit really well on me, are comfortable, and affordable (when on sale with coupons of course). But Paige is comfortable at a whole different level. Their fit is just right. It isn't too tight on me and I don't find myself tugging and jerking my jeans up every so often like I would with Express jeans. If you've ever found THE jeans, you know what I mean. You put it on and it just feels so right. Even after the 38th time wearing it. Another brand that gives me this feeling is Rich and Skinny. Both these brands, I encountered at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, two of my favorite places to shop. They were about $79 as opposed to $100-200 retail. Be careful of the style though even if they are the same brand. The jeans in the picture are "Peg Skinny" style.

Once in a while you can find good quality items at a good price at H&M. This time, I was in luck. I found this amazing blazer. It's a stretchy polyester-esque material (I haven't checked the label to see exactly what type of fabric). I like how it is flowy yet fitted... if that makes sense.

We cannot forget about the shoes. I was so excited to purchase these and I think big part of it was because it was only $14.99. Zara, just take my money. I have been looking for ankle strap shoes, in suede specifically, and ones with a low heel. I wished for it and now I have it. Magic. I've always envied girls that can wear 4inch, 5inch heels. High heel shoes always look sexier. But I am weak and cannot handle the pain. Plus I'm kind of tall (5'5") and most of my friends are short so I would tower over them with heels.

Hope you enjoyed my overly detailed OOTD :)

MY FAVORITE THINGS

"when i'm feeling sad, i simply remember my favorite things"

- Sound of Music