Holiday Party Looks ft. The Black Tux

With the holidays and New Year's right around the corner, I tend to overwhelm myself with the endless wardrobe possibilites for a certain party. I overthink an outfit. I procrastinate. I breakdown. And sometimes, I don't feel like going out simply because my outfit sucks. 

Luckily, I've learned to draw my inspiration early and plan outfits out for parties that haven't even been planned yet. 

The Black Tux has released an amazing Holiday Style Guide that gave me a boost of inspiration for my own party looks. 

look no. one

Casual parties are my favorite. Whether it's a family dinner or a get together at a friend's house, you can't go wrong with a simple dress and knee high boots. Top it off with a statement coat or bag and you're ready to go!

On Her - Dress: American Apparel | Boots: Steve Madden | Coat: Forever21 | Bag: Chanel | Necklace and Bracelet: G & JEM

On Him - Blazer: Zara | Shirt: H&M | Pants: Nordstroms | Shoes: Nordstroms | Bracelet: G & JEM

look no. two

Sometimes, there are parties where a cozy sweater just isn't going to cut it. For a more professional occasion, I opt for a LBD -- simple and super easy to style. I make sure to have at least 2 little black dresses in my wardrobe, just in case! 

On Her - Dress: Zara | Heels: Christian Louboutin | Clutch: Banana Republic | Pearl Necklace: Vintage

On Him - Blazer & Pants: H&M | Shirt: Zara | Tie & Clip: Zara | Shoes: Aldo | Watch: Nixon

look no. three

Formal occasions are my weak spot. For some reason, I feel the need to buy a new dress every time! If you plan on purchasing a new gown for your event, make sure to give yourself enough time to shop for the perfect dress. Do not procrastinate! 

For this formal occasion, I chose to style my model in a silky dress with a delicate pattern. I love the silky fabric and you can choose to accessorize however you wish! She chose to pair her dress with sparkly heels and a clutch in a solid color.

 

On Her - Dress: Irene's Story | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Clutch: Louis Vuitton | Bangle: Banana Republic | Necklace & Earrings: Chanel

For Him - If you choose to bring a date along, a tux will do for this formal occasion. The Black Tux offers tuxedo rentals for a reasonable price! They also offer a wide selection so that you and your date can match perfectly! 

Make sure to check out The Black Tux and their Style Guide for more inspiration this holiday season! 

Music On Repeat (6)

It has been a little while since I've posted on here so I thought I would ease back into things slowly! Here are some of my favorite songs at the moment. Listen in…

* Petit Biscuit - Alone

* Deorro - Five Hours (Don't Hold Me Back)

* Lana Del Rey - Burning Desire

* Alina Baraz - Make You Feel

A Weekend in San Francisco

Arrival Night

View from the 8th floor in Downtown San Francisco

Day 1 

Chinatown 

ootd

Jean Jacket: Topshop | Jeans: Topshop | Tshirt: Zara | Shoes: Superga | Backpack: Forever21 | Sunglasses: Celine

Golden Gate Park

Observation Deck (de Young Museum) 

Pier 39

Day 2

Muir Woods

ootd

Jeans: Topshop | Jacket: Zara | Sweater: Brandy Melville | Boots: Doc Marten | Backpack: Forever21 | Sunglasses: Celine

Russian Hill

Day 3

Shopping

Urban Outffiters!

ootd

T-shirt: Adidas (Urban Outfitters) | Jeans: Topshop | Jacket: Adidas | Boots: Doc Marten | Sunglasses: Celine 

black&white

outfit

Top: Urban Outfitters | Jeans: Topshop 'Leigh' | Boots: Topshop | Bag: Chanel | Sunglasses: Celine | Necklaces: g & jem (coming 2015)

Sound Spotlight: ODESZA

So, before I rant about how much I love ODESZA, I need to explain how easily I become obsessed with an artist/group.

Sometimes it can take days, weeks, or months before I fall in love. But, with ODESZA, it was almost instant. Of course, my obsession and newfound love began with the ever-popular Sun Models (feat. Madelyn Grant), which now plays in most retail stores like Brandy Melville. If you haven’t heard the song, which I guarantee you have at some point, you should probably go listen in right now. 

ODESZA is that type of group you listen to when you need a relaxed, yet uplifting mood or environment. Some songs are really mellow (How Did I Get Here), and some are really upbeat (If You Don’t). Some songs are merely a concoction of everyday sounds mixed with beats (Kusanagi), either way, ODESZA has a unique sound that you will definitely recognize after listening to a few tracks. 

And, of course, ODESZA’s remixes are amazing too. We can’t neglect their remix of Slow Magic’s Waited 4 U, which is beyond perfection. 

I think ODESZA isn’t only for a certain type of person and it definitely doesn’t cater for just one group of people. Since every song sounds different (yet distinct!) and gives off different emotions and feels, every listener can definitely find that one song that will just get them hooked on the group. 

Honestly, every song makes me want to dance like Jimmy Pesto. Go have a listen. 

Must Listen to…

If There’s Time

How Did I get Here 

Sun Models (feat. Madelyn Grant)

Bloom

If Your Don’t (feat. Cumulus)

My Friends Never Die 

Say My Name 

Photo Courtesy of odesza.com

TheBalm 'Balmsai' Palette

I am a huge fan of TheBalm's eyeshadow palettes, so I definitely 

had to get my hands on their 'Balmsai' palette! The packaging is so detailed and amazing (as usual!) 

that I would consider this a piece of art! 

Inside the palette, you have a range of shimmer and matte eyeshadows. TheBalm states that this is an eyeshadow and brow palette, which contains 3 matte brow shades to choose from and 15 shimmer shadows.

I love how the eyeshadows are labeled In the Buff (Basics), Mavericks (Splash of Color), Curve & Angle (Brow/Shadows), and Catch a Wave (Use wet or dry) so that you almost get 4 mini palettes all compacted in a large palette. 

The palette includes an array of shimmer shadows, matte shadows, glitter shadows, basic and bold colors, and even brow colors! It's literally perfect for traveling!

The actual eyeshadows are buildable, yet pigmented and blend into each other seamlessly! 

My favorites so far are Dream Boat, Epic, Tubular, and Score.

TheBalm 'Balmsai' Palette 

Los Angeles, California

There's so much to do in LA, but Melrose is one of my favorite places to visit. After our hour and a half drive up the 5 freeway, my friend, Kim, and I spent our day eating at Urth Cafe, having random photo shoots, and walking in and out of shops! 

urth cafe: vegetarian chili and a caesar salad

melrose ave.