Wearing Chambray & Flower Print

Last Thursday I kicked off a day of events in Laguna Beach. Since I knew it would be a sunny day by the beach, I was inspired to wear various shades of blue. I just picked up these flounce shorts with a fun hibiscus print from Aeropostale (on clearance!) and paired it with a chambray button down. This is a great way to not only mix fabrics, but also colors and prints together. Find a printed top or bottom and style it with a colored top that matches one of the colors from the print. I also have been trying a new hairstyle since my hair is much longer now; I call it the 'Ariana Grande' since it's her signature half-up high ponytail. Here are the outfit details:

Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black/Lavender, ZeroUV
Chambray Button Down, Banana Republic Factory Store
Necklace, J.Crew 
Hibiscus Flounce Shorts, Aeropostale
Booties, Vintage by Jeffrey Campbell
Photos taken by Kimberly Luu

Ever Pretty Lace & Sleek Mermaid Gown

Ever Pretty is an online shop filled with dresses and gowns to fit a variety of occasions such as prom, girls night out and weddings at a very reasonable price point. I was initially drawn to Ever Pretty's Elegant Mermaid Evening Dress because of the mesh and lace applique detail, as well as a hip hugging cut and flared mermaid hem which creates a sleek silhouette. I haven't worn a dramatic shape before, and was quite excited to try this.

Due to the nature of the fabric, I had to do some intense steaming (which I don't mind) to the gown, before photographing in it. The fabric is made of a satin weave so it has a shine to it, which can sometimes look tacky; but it worked with this dress' simple lines and minimal embellishments.

The bust is fully padded, which means I can go bra-free, always a plus when you don't have a bra that will fit the cut of the dress without being exposed (this dress has a low, mesh back). A downside is that because I don't have a very large bust, I couldn't fully fill in the cups of the dress so it didn't sit quite right on the chest.

I'm usually a size 00/0, but I ordered a size 4, because it was the smallest size available in this style. Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with hips and curves, so I didn't fill in the dress, and I therefore got a bit lost in the fabric; but nothing a little pinning can't do to create the illusion that it fits well for the photos. Too bad, I won't be able to wear this gown to an event unless I get it altered, but for the right body, this will look phenomenal. I must say that I did feel like quite the vixen in this gown once my hair and makeup were done up.

Shot by my best babe Renee of Hanger Shortage, we also snapped some photos of this dress with a bit of a mysterious and sultry editorial twist. I can't wait to share that edit with you!
Photos taken by Renee Rogers

Oversized Vest with a Romper for Summer

This romper/playsuit seems to be my go-to when visiting LA, I last wore it here and here. It just makes it easy to throw on and wear out as a chic and vibrant but not overly loud outfit. For this outfit, I played down the tropical print with an oversized white vest, but did highlight a color of the tropical print with my rust-colored booties.

Girls on Film Palm Print V Neck Playsuit, Little Mistress
White Vest & Booties, ZARA 
Clutch, Ann Taylor
Photos taken by Kimberly Luu

Floral Shift Dress in the Heat

Sacramento could have had me fooled for being an Arizonian city because it was unbelievably hot and dry when I visited last month. I'm so very glad I brought this light, floral printed shift dress; which had me feeling like a desert rose. I had also received a druzy lariat necklace from The Two Hand Exchange before leaving for SacTown, and it perfectly complemented my dress. Details on the look below:
Necklace, The Two Hand Exchange
Dress, Elison Rd
Bag, Target
Shoes, Forever 21

Spring Green Gown & Quartz Necklace for a Summer Wedding

While shopping the BCBG Max Azria warehouse sale, my cousin snatched up this vibrant, spring green gown for me. I didn't even bother to try it on because I figured that it's the size I usually wear, the fabric looks forgiving and I can cinch my waist with the wide sash. Although the dress features a plunging v-neckline, I can get away with wearing it to a summer wedding because I'm flatter up top and accessorizing with a long necklace like The Two Hand Exchange's Gold Tassel & Quartz necklace takes away the immediate focus of the dramatic neckline. The slit and cascading fabric give a flowing affect when I walk, and I also love that the necklace serves as a statement piece without being overwhelming for the entire look. I tied in the rose hue of the necklace with Charles David's 'Pact' metallic rose gold heels.

Wear any plunging v-neckline short or long dress with a long necklace that does not hang past the point of the v-neckline. If you like the necklace styled with this gown, get it here!
Photos taken by Renee Rogers

Sweater Tank with Shorts & a Pop of Jewelry

Lauren, the designer of The Two Hand Exchange based out of Orange County, CA, makes the prettiest handcrafted jewelry using gemstones and mixed metals. She sent me a few pieces and I styled a ring and lariat druzy stone necklace with this navy and white outfit. For some reason, this knit top was giving me nautical vibes, so I roughed it up a bit with washed out, distressed denim cut-off shorts and tied a top around my waist. Details of the look are below, and check out Lauren's shop here (the ring and necklace styled in this look will be released for sale on Monday August 3rd)!

Tank, Jeanni Champagne Boutique
Necklace & Ring, The Two Hand Exchange
High-Rise Distressed Denim Shorts (similar), John Galt @ Brandy Melville
Maddison Pointed Flat Shoes, ASOS
Photos taken by Renee Rogers