Look of the Day: Black and White Stripes in Santa Barbara

(Reader Advisory: following blog post contains an extreme amount of bragging on the glorious state of California.)

Living in California has many, many perks: endless coastlines, lush mountains, laid back and friendly residents, wine country, acres and acres of agriculture, and even beautiful, serene deserts. As an outdoorsy girl, this is the state for me! Luckily, this is the second year in the row where I took a road trip down the coast to bask in California's backyard treasures. This time, my mom and stepdad took me along for the ride-- working remotely as a stylist has its benefits! Santa Barbara was our first stop of the trip, which has to be one of the prettiest cities in Cali. 

Since we were trekking down to SoCal, I had to fill my bag with easy, relaxed pieces. No fuss, just effortless and casual. Even my hair was fuss-free in a side braid!

Keep scrolling to see what I mean...

Gap white ankle length denim, black and cream striped sweater, Mossimo studded neutral sandals, and Express gold chain and beaded necklace. 

Natural makeup with Bare Minerals foundation, M.A.C. blush and eyebrow pencil, Clinique mascara, and Makeup Forever lipstick.

This sweater makes me want to sing, "Miss Mary Mack, Mack Mack..."

Who knew a courthouse could be so beautiful?

My mom (right) and her friend, Marta (left).

View from the bell tower.

Yum!

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

Look of the Day: Metallic Meets Camo Meets Glitter

Who knew combining metallic, camo, and glitter could be so comfortable and not look like a disco ball?! When I first threw on this outfit, I didn't think it would work, but then I was pleasantly surprised. What made it all flow together is the balance of shine on top and bottom. The camo is subtle as well with deep purple shades and black.

See what I mean below:

camo khaki pants: Gap, glitter sneaks: Toms, metallic sweatshirt: Gap, chunky knit scarf: H&M, leather messenger bag: custom made in Ethiopia.

Mixing Prints: Leopard + Pinstripes

I'm trying to branch out and step out of my comfort zone. Of course, this takes baby steps. Mixing prints is my newest endeavor. It's easy for me to mix textures and all, but prints is a newer arena for me. To start, I figured it'd be easiest to start with less extreme prints and then graduate into larger, bolder, louder colors and styles.

For this look, I was going for a casual-Saturday feel that didn't require much work: chambray pinstripe collared shirt and tan/brown leopard print infinity scarf. The thin pinstripes add a little more dimension without causing too much distraction. Tall leather boots and distressed denim added more lax into this relaxed look. A fuss-free high bun keeps the crazy curls tamed and dainty gold jewelry adds light gleam and shimmer.

Scroll down for more...

Look of the Day: Lace + Sheer

Last week, I spent most of my time in Sacramento with my parents. One of the many things we share in common is our love for coffee (Organo Gold to be specific). We are true caffeine fanatics. During our 'afternoon coffee break', Pops snatched my precious camera and started snapping away like paparazzi.

Here are some shots of yours truly sporting a sheer blouse with a great lace detail on the shoulders, collar, and cuff. Also complimented with Gap jeans, Dolce Vita tall boots, Michael Kors rose gold watch, plus sunnies and gold flower earrings from H&M.

Feeling Blue...Cobalt Blue That Is

Lately, I've been going crazy for bright colored pants. At first, I was a bit apprehensive and thought, "Will these pants make my butt look big?" And to be honest, EVERYTHING is going to make my butt look big because it just is and I like it that way, OK?

My 'happy pants' are what my mother calls them and truly, they do put me in a happier mood! Casual, dressy, somewhere in between— there's always an occasion for happy pants ;)

Casual Night Out

Every once in a while I tend go out and about and be social. I've been getting better I promise! Yesterday, my friend and I attended Oakland's monthly art murmur called, First Fridays. It was a blast to say the least with lots and lots of art, sculptures, dance performances, live music, food trucks for blocks, vendors of all sorts, and of course, a lovely beer garden :)

Here's yesterday's super casual look of the evening:

Xiomara

Magenta cropped khakis (Gap), bow print tank, grey sweater, black scarf, python flats (all from H&M) and black handbag (Michael Kors - Hamilton). It's funny, after listing all the items in this look, I realize that my handbag was more expensive than my entire outfit?! Handbag: $298 vs. Outfit: $110. Funny.