Coastal Cruisin': Day Two of Road Trip

If you live in California, and haven't driven down Highway 1, what the hell are you waiting for?! By far, this is one of my most favorite places to visit in California with endless beaches, rolling hills, and sea breezes. 

I went a bit preppy this day with a white collared shirt and striped sweater paired with denim and black patent leather ballet flats. With the fog and sea breezes, I ended up throwing on a Rag and Bone trench coat too.

Keep scrolling for more shots of gorgeous scenery from Monterey, Carmel, and Morro Bay...

Leather + Sneaker Wedges

Contemporary Wear by pumps-and-lipstick featuring black tops

I'm really feeling sneaker wedges these days. They sure bring on a whole wave of nostalgia from my mom's 80s/90s aerobic high tops to my Sketchers platform tennies during the Spice Girls era-- all mixed with a futuristic and modern feel. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair, but when I finally cop some, this is how I'll style myself (see above). Contemporary is definitely how I'd feel wearing these babies so, leather pants are a sure thing plus a loose knit sweater that's more on the sheer side. This look is edgy, a hint of sexy, mixed with comfort thanks to the sweater and sneakers. It's screaming city-urban-cool.

Taking Casual Up a Notch

Get the full scoop on this get-up on polyvore.com

As I'm starting to unwind before the weekend last Friday, I get a call from a dear friend. I pick up and my friend on the east coast dives into a full blown conversation before I even blurt out, "Hello?" 

All I hear is, "Xio (pronounced: zee-oh)! OMG! I'm meeting up with this guy from bla bla bla, and we're headed to have a casual drink/meet up shindig in an hour. Help me decide what to wear!"

"Ummmm...." helps me as I'm trying to buy myself some time and figure out what she just said to me.

Lusting for Leopard Print

Denim: Current/Elliott, Shoes: Tod's No_Code, Gloves: Causse Gantier Scarf: Alexander McQueen, Handbag: Dolce & Gabbanna, Sweater: Top Shop

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am the most passionate lover of anything and everything leopard print. Heck, even a stranger knows that I la-la-la-la-la-love, the spotted print. Of course, I contain my urge to dress head-to-toe, no problem there, but I couldn't resist making a lil' collage. Hope you enjoy!

Sweater + Denim + Boots

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Is it, really? SMH. Well, as I'm currently taking a break from baking 3 sweet potato pies, 40 cookies, and 2 trays of mac-and-cheese (shoot me now), all I keep thinking about is what I'm going to pack for my long weekend in my hometown, Sacramento, CA. 

And these are the only types of pieces I feel like wearing this weekend. Nothing too frilly or high-maintenance-- just cute and casual. Sweaters, denim, and boots:

Left: Sweater: MANGO Denim: Maison Martin Margiela Necklace: Pim + Larkin Booties: Rachel Zoe Watch: Nixon
Right: Sweater: J Crew Denim: Siviglia Boots: Frye Watch: Michael Kors Earrings: Maison de Morgana

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.