Soldiering on

(vintage Chanel bag, American Apparel mini skirt, See by Chloe plaid top, TNA tee, Alex & Chloe sword necklace, F21 earrings, Kenneth Cole boots, Zara jacket)

(Photos by Catharine Acurso)

I bought this green army jacket from Zara years ago, so I'm thrilled that military-inspired jackets are one of this season's must-have items. This jacket has always served as a versatile layering piece for me; I've thrown it on over floral frocks, skinny jeans and tees, even little cocktail numbers when I want to dress things down. But for a cool day in Los Angeles, there's no outfit more effortlessly comfortable than this jacket layered over soft cotton basics with a hint of red plaid.

Tartan & coffee

(TNA tee, Wilfred pants, F21 blanket/poncho, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Fallon earrings, Aldo motorcycle gloves, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet cuff bracelet, Alex & Chloe sword necklace, vintage Chanel purse, CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in Berry Smooch)

This bright tartan poncho/blanket is one of my favorite Christmas presents, from my dear coworker Sara who knew I had wanted it for weeks! Not only is it disgustingly comfortable (as in, I've worn it way too many times), but draped over a plain tee or shirt, the poncho's in-your-face color and pattern elevates any outfit. I posted a bunch of outfit photos this time around to do justice to my photographer, Catharine Acurso, who is young, amazing and talented beyond her years. Her work is just inspiring and I'm so lucky to be one of her subjects!

On another note, as a Lucky Alpha Shopper, I recently got to try CoverGirl's Outlast Lipstain in Berry Smooch - and now I'm hooked on it! I'm not a fan of sticky lipsticks, and usually just opt for a clear gloss, but this lipstain went on sheer and pretty. Aside from its flattering, dusky pink hue, I love the marker-like applicator which makes it easy to put on for clueless makeup beginners like myself.

Business casual

(Insight dress, Silence + Noise moto vest, vintage Chanel purse, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Alex & Chloe necklace, Alice + Olivia leather cuff, Tiffany & Co. ring, Kimski gator ring, vintage ring)

One of my coworkers had the idea of starting a mini fashion club at work, and we've come up with designated days when we have to dress according to theme. For example, Mondays are Gossip Girl Mondays. I actually started doing this by myself last fall; in honor of the show's second season, I came to work as Blair Waldorf, decked out in ruffles, tights and a perky headband. Now I look forward to seeing my coworkers dress as Little J or Vanessa! Fridays have been dubbed Fab Fridays, when heels, and of course a fab outfit, are a must. So last Friday, I wore these Jeffrey Campbell platforms to the office and though not as comfortable as my usual workaday flats, they did make the day a bit more interesting.

Fashion clubs--perhaps they're what everyone needs in order to look forward to work in the mornings! That, and some good coffee!

25 in The City of Lights

(Alex & Chloe Paris tee, DKNY sneaker heels, Free People necklace, H&M skirt, cuff from Thailand)

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has given me suggestions on where to shop in London and Paris for my upcoming trip! I especially want to thank Haute World for her amazing, comprehensive list of recommendations! I've visited the two beautiful cities in the past as a teenager but in those days, I certainly didn't possess the same appreciation for fashion, food, culture and history that I do now. I'm grateful that my work has given me this thrilling opportunity to revisit Europe... with a more mature perspective of the world!

In anticipation, I've been sporting my Alex & Chloe Paris tee, picking up useful French phrases, and struggling to decide what to pack! As you all know, I've been trying to find the perfect bday dress, but as it turns out--I'll be celebrating my 25th in The City of Lights. I plan on finding The Dress and wearing it that night at some pretty restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. There's no better place to usher in my quarter life crisis! :)

Red, white, and blue

(Ralph Lauren ruffled top, Levi's shorts, Bonnibel sandals, Alex & Chloe triangle earrings)

I wear red, white, and blue every fourth of July. It's my little patriotic tradition, because I love holidays and the excuse to get dressed up according to a special theme. It's the only July 4th tradition I cherish, as every year finds me in a different place on America's birthday. Last year, I was en route or already in New York City while the year before, I was celebrating from afar in rural Japan, and the year before that, in Los Angeles where we bought sparklers from a street vendor and lit them up at night. This year, I spent the holiday in San Diego, eating barbeque and fresh watermelon right by the beach. Who knows where I'll be next July 4th? I only hope it's someplace exciting, and warm, and maybe even far away... I'll be sure to pack my red, white, and blue before I leave.

Hope everyone had a wonderful (belated) fourth of July!

Jungle gym

(Monrow tee, Levi's ripped shorts, Silence + Noise vest, Jeffrey Campbell cutout shoes, vintage cuff, Alex & Chloe earrings and necklace, random sunglasses)

Something about this bike rack in the middle of the sidewalk brought out the third grader in me. I was glad I wore something comfortable so I could horse around--a tissue thin T-shirt splattered with neon green artwork, ragged shorts, cutout shoes with low heels and my new favorite sunglasses, the only thing I bought from Vancouver during my work trip. Lately, I've been picking outfits that allow ease and freedom of movement, choosing sandals over platforms and shorts over small skirts. I can't wait for the sun to come back to L.A.; I want to live in shorts this summer and let my skin soak up all the warmth and light while it can. 

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for a pair of low rise distressed shorts (much like the ones in these photos which are high rise). If you know of a brand of shorts, preferably one easy on my wallet, please let me know and I'll be indebted to you!

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.