Malibu skies

(Rojas jumper, Alex & Chloe tee, sandals from Thailand)

Everytime I start craving the hustle and noise of New York City, where I'd originally planned to move instead of Los Angeles, all I have to do is head down to Malibu. There, when I'm inhaling the salty sea breeze and absorbing the sunlight, perhaps idly watching the surfers paddle out or stepping into The Beachcomber for clam chowder, it's impossible not to fall in love with the scenic beauty of L.A. At Sunday's MaliBLUE Art & Film Festival, I thought it was an appropriate time to break in my ocean blue jumper and battered Thailand sandals (which I bought for US$3 on New Year's Eve on Phuket island!), perfect for strolling up and down Malibu Pier and swaying to reggae music. Because even though I'll always love the lights and energy of New York City, the beach and sunshine have my heart.

White hot

(Zara blazer, AA bodysuit, Levi's destroyed shorts, Jeffrey Campbell boots)

After purchasing my very first white blazer, I now believe every girl should own one. In the midst of last weekend's blazing hot L.A. weather, I was on the hunt for the perfect white blazer, one that hinted of breezy afternoons on a yacht while sipping minty mojitos. I had a few specifications in mind as I set out:

1. A classic shape that would never go out of style

2. A brilliant white color

3. Narrow sleeves (a pet peeve of mine: blazers or jackets with loose, baggy sleeves)

4. Affordability 

I was nearly led astray by SMYTHE's Equestrian Blazer in white jacquard (the sharp lapels and leather patches at the elbow were two particularly winning details), but the fourth specification kept me in check! Then there was a tempting Elizabeth & James white blazer, and also this dressier Plastic Island version. A blazer from Alice + Olivia (with covetable 3/4-length sleeves) got turned down because of its creamy eggshell hue. Finally, I trudged into Zara and spotted a blazer for under $100 in a shade of white as pure as fresh snow, and before even trying it on, I knew I'd found the one! Even better, the cuffs easily fold up to my elbows and are lined with blue stripes, and it is--in every way--the crisp, cool white blazer of my summer dreams.

Feeling the heat

(altered vintage dress, Silence + Noise leggings, Jeffrey Campbell platforms)

L.A. was unbearably hot--even for me!--this weekend. I stepped outside and thought I would suffocate. While I was working at a movie premiere (outdoors, on Saturday afternoon, during the hottest time of day) I got a pretty fierce tan after spending three hours under the scorching sun. The only way to bear the heat was to go window shopping. My goal now is to buy a floppy, wide-brimmed hat in preparation for these coming summer months!

The unbearable lightness of clothes

(SteveJ & YoniP silk top, Jeffrey Campbell heels, Silence + Noise leggings, Elizabeth Wahyu cuff)

It pains me that some of the most exquisite clothes cost so much money... not because I don't think they're worth the cost (though some are just insane...$500 for a T-shirt? Please!), but because I just can't afford them! Like so many women, I'm always pining away for that one piece way out of my price range, always calculating as I sift through the racks, touching soft silks and rich cashmere blends, drifting away regretfully after a quick peek at the tag, thinking, "Well, after the rent, the bills, and food, gas, and..."

But then, when I can get my hands on a good deal like this SteveJ & YoniP top, I treasure it. I zip it safely into a plastic bag, I hand wash it myself and allow it to air dry (on a satin hanger, no less). I cradle its soft, silky bulk in my hands and do a little jig because I'm just that happy that I now own this beautiful thing. Yes, you could say I'm a little fanatical and possessive of my clothes... but I'm not the only one, am I?

(By the way, meet my sister Jennifer! It's her debut on my blog!)

Easter pink

(J.Crew shirt, J.Crew pink chinos, Dolce Vita shoes, vintage belt)

Lately, I've been slumming about in these baggy pale pink chinos from J.Crew, which are way too comfortable for my own good! I love having occasions to dress up; I'm always that girl at the party who's overdressed compared to everyone else. But there are those rare times, especially when I'm stressed or down on my luck, when style goes to the back burner because I just want to take it easy. So on Easter Sunday, I made a little effort to dress up the chinos with a ruffled shirt and my latest shoe acquisition, these Dolce Vita beauties in brown. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and a great weekend!

Wrapped with a bow

(Boos & Besito bow necklace, H&M dress, Silence + Noise leggings, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, purse from Hong Kong)

FashionLuvr was kind enough to feature me on their site! Please check it out here. And to all the readers of my blog, thank you SO much for your sweet words. Every comment makes me feel so appreciated, and I love this wonderful fashion community we are all a part of!

I picked up this bow necklace recently from a sample sale in Los Angeles, and I love its quirky elegance. When my sister saw me wearing it the other day, she exclaimed, “Oh, you’re a gift!” She cracked up when she realized the bow wasn’t attached to my dress, but was actually a necklace! I’ve been wearing it nonstop lately (much to my sister's amusement), but it’s okay. After all, I don’t mind looking like a gift!

The summer vibe

(Jeffrey campbell shoes, Zara pants, vintage dress worn as jacket, shirt from Japan)

Over the weekend, I finally unpacked my lightweight shirts, which had been stored in a suitcase at the back of my closet, eagerly awaiting their turn. I love my summer clothes--all airy, silky pieces--because of what they imply: the approaching heat, blazing sunshine, warm days at the beach. To me, summers are full of possibility, excitement, romance. It's still bright and warm when you leave the office, and you feel as if you have so much more time on your hands. You lose all the stiffness and formality of fall and winter, the thick wool sweaters, heavy boots and chunky knits. You slip on a sheer T-shirt and denim shorts, you let your hair dry in the sun. You dance down the street with an iced coffee in one hand, soaking up the sunshine in a flimsy summer dress.

I was feeling the summer vibe this weekend in L.A. So I tugged on a sheer yellow top, took a stroll down Beverly Boulevard, bought an ice cream, and daydreamed about what awaits me this fabulous summer...

I've been tagged!

The lovely ladies at Thumbelina Fashionista and The Little Fashion Treasury have tagged me! I'm all too happy to oblige and pass it on.

Directions:

1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession? Right now, I'm loving jackets with strong shoulders, like this cropped Brian Reyes gaucho jacket with ruffle cap sleeves.

Good coffee place? I never turn up my nose at Starbucks, but I love Cafe Luxxe in Santa Monica for the perfect, creamy cappuccino. Butter Tart in Glassell Park and Bad Ass Coffee in Glendale are cafes I visit for my daily coffee fix. 

Do you nap a lot? Hardly ever, but I do enjoy collapsing into my bed at the end of the day. 

What are your pet peeves? Rude children, L.A. traffic, unfriendly people, overly loud music in restaurants.

What was the last thing you bought? Dolce Vita heels, Bycorpus denim dress, Rojas jumper in blue.

What are you listening to right now? A few random selections from my iPod list: "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas, "Behind Enemy Lines" by Demi Lovato, "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga feat Colby O'Donis, and "Caves" by Jack's Mannequin.

What is your favourite weather? Blazing hot. I just love the feeling of the sun on my skin... but I don't tan much so I usually remain pale-skinned.

What’s on your bedside table? Tons of books and magazines, an alarm clock, and a cup of hot tea. Currently re-reading one of my favorites, "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 

Say something to the person/s who tagged you. To the lovely ladies at Thumbelina Fashionista and The Little Fashion Treasury: Thank you so much for reading my blog and tagging me. I always treasure your comments because they come from two women with impeccable taste. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday--Thumbelina for your sophisticated outfits and perspectives on fashion, and Little Fashion Treasury for your whimsical fashion sense and obvious love for beautiful clothing.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? This is a tough one. Probably a tropical island, somewhere near the ocean. 

Favorite vacation spot? ANYWHERE. I love to travel, so vacationing anywhere from Phuket to Paris is fine with me. 

Name the things you can’t live without. Good books, my laptop, coffee in the morning, my closet, beauty, love, friendship, and laughter.

What would you like to have in your hands right now? A pair of insanely bright, beautiful heels, like these fuchsia pink Givenchy cutout shoes. I've been hankering after a colorful pair that will be perfect for all my springtime dresses!

What is your favourite tea flavour? The cookie or hot citrus yuzu at Yuri. And at home, I love lots of the Yogi tea flavors, like Kava Stress Relief or Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut. 

What would you like to get rid of? Nothing! I'm happy with everything I have.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Somewhere in Africa. I've always wanted to go there. And New York City to visit Topshop and go on a shopping spree!

What did you want to become as a child? A writer, and I now am!

What's your favorite brand of jeans? Lately, I've been loving Current/Elliot, Rich & Skinny, and Ksubi.

What style trend is the hardest one for you to adopt? I never wear maxi dresses. I think it's partly because I'm fond of shorter hemlines; I feel like I should wear them while I'm young and can get away with it!

Twitter or Facebook? Both for different reasons. I recently got a Twitter and find myself addicted!

What's the best present you've ever received? I have many favorites but one of my beloved presents is this pair of gold cross earrings from Kimberly Baker.

I'm tagging Modediktat, who has such a wonderful eye for fashion, and Mission to Murse, who is my good friend and always dressed to impress with the perfectly accessorized murse.