36 Degrees

Hello winter, my old friend. I’ve been in New York for a week and slowly re-acclimating to this amazing city. But I definitely forgot how cold cold can be, and we are not even in the worst of it. So my key to survival is layering. Sweaters, shirts, scarves, hats, everything to keep out that wind chill that really hits home. I love this Moncler jacket because it’s technically a men’s style, so it has a lot more room in the shoulders and arms to pack in the layers. This vest is so cozy and I feel like I constantly have a pet with me. My baseball caps are always a go to, and hats are necessary in this weather to lock in the heat. These Stuart Weitzman boots are my equivalent to Nikes in the winter, because they are so comfortable and having leather lining your shins is like an instant leg warmer.

Outfit Details: Jacket- Moncler; Vest- Neiman Marcus; Sweater- APC; Pants- Rag&Bone; Boots- Stuart Weitzman; Hat- Aritzia

'Tis the Season

Merry Christmas all you lovely people!! It is a very typical California Christmas, with the weather at a perfectly brisk 52. Sorry friends in all other not-California places that are freezing.

My mother, sister and I went to San Ysidro Ranch for a lovely Christmas lunch, and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. My mama gave me this beautiful fur this morning, and paired it with my favorite Stuart Weitzman boots which dress up any look, and this long grey overcoat that keeps me super duper warm. The dress was a last minute purchase in London at Zara, which I think will be my go to for the winter season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS LOVIES!!!!

Outfit details: Jacket- O’2nd; Fur- Saks Fifth Avenue; Dress- Zara; Boots- Stuart Weitzman; Bag- Prada; Sunnies- Dior

Ladies Night

You know it's been a successful GNO* when all photos by the end of the night are slightly blurry. My BFFL** Lia was kind enough to put up with me and take pics for this fun spread. This semester, we have mastered the art of getting drinks on a weekday. Maybe not the best thing to be proud of, but it's still a strong skill that may go on my LinkedIn page.

This last Monday we went to our favourite cocktail lounge, Sketch. The drinks are great and their holiday decorations are to die for.

So the reason you are all here is for… “The Look.” I am always amazed by how the perfect little heel can make a whole outfit look like it took some thought, but honestly I was wearing this same thing to class earlier in the day with my Nikes. These Aquazzura pumps are my life. They are the only heels I own that are truly comfortable. They are easy to walk in and go with everything. Between these, my Nikes and Stuart Weitzman boots I'm set for life.

This jacket is my comfort blanket. I wear it almost every day because it is so warm and I can easily layer under it. A long fall jacket it essential for any wardrobe if you are living on the East Coast, which I learned by my second fall in NYC, and promptly bought this bad boy.

The sweater is from Zara and is so cozy I could sleep in it. I am really into high neck tops this season, and this sweater has the cutest baby turtleneck. Zara is my go-to for basic sweaters and shirts.

Finally, this little bag is the best going out accessory. It is easy to throw on, it’s super light and fits all the essentials, which is why I call it my little fanny pack.

So get out and have a killer GNO or BNO (boys are allowed to have fun too!)

*Girls Night Out

** Best Friend For Life

Outfit Details: Jacket- O’2nd New York; Sweater- Zara; Jeans- Rag&Bone; Shoes- Aquazurra; Purse- Prada

The Rain Comes Down and the Hair Goes Up

Here is a fact of life: heavy drizzle, rain or even a damp fog will always result in a high ponytail. It is the only way those of us with long hair can attempt to look like we have it together when in fact we are cold, wet and in dire need of a margarita on a hot beach. Excuse me while I daydream.

Don’t get me wrong, I do love the cold weather and being able to bundle has added greatly to my odd sense of happiness, but when the weather can’t decide if it wants to downpour or just intermittently spit, one will start to get irritated. So I throw my hair in a high pony, put on some wellies* and go out to take on the day.

My friends and I spent the day bopping around Shoreditch, which is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London. My recommendations for the day is to start with brunch at The Breakfast Club, check out Blitz for great vintage, Laden Showroom for a selection of local, independent fashion designers, and finish off at Dark Sugars for amazing hot chocolate and truffles.

I just got this jacket at Topshop and have basically been wearing it with everything. It is a good day to night piece, as most leather jackets are, and the oversize-ness keeps me nice and toasty. The scarf I’ve owned since high school and it basically is my security blanket during the winter. Finally, the wellies, which just make me smile. It is so nice when you can find designer pieces that are actually functional. I can proudly say these boots really do keep my feet dry in the rain. Who knew Chanel could be practical?

*That is British for rain boots. Be impressed by my correct cultural jargon.

Outfit Details: Jacket- Topshop; Scarf- Free People; Pants- Rag&Bone; Wellies- Chanel; Purse- Prada

Bundled

Surprise! I have a pair of shoes other than Nikes. Impressive, I know. Any who. The cold snap has hit and it’s time to bundle. These Timberlands got me through my first New York winter and are basically bullet proof. I use them rain or shine, whenever it’s a bit chilly.  This sweater is one of my go-to’s because it is comfy, warm and goes with almost anything. One of the keys to beginning of fall is layering, so I usually keep a scarf in my bag to ward off the chilly breezes.

Keep it warm. Keep it classy.

Outfit Details: Jacket- Steve Madden; Scarf and Pants- Rag&Bone; Sweater- Helmut Lang; Shoes- Timberland; Sunglasses- Dior

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Secretly an Oxford Girl

Another version of the uniform, this time featuring a blazer. Since I was in Oxford for the day, I thought a blazer might make me look a little more studious, and help me fit in with the Rhodes Scholars and future Stephen Hawking’s. The ever-reliable Nikes appear (yet again) since we spent the day walking. For those who have not been to Oxford please note the streets are quite old and are comprised of jutting cobblestones. This makes for great photos but precarious wandering. Navigating these streets in heels would basically be a death wish so please come prepared. 

I like to throw on a blazer to dress things up a bit. The structure adds a bit more depth to the outfit and I feel more professional, so I walk with a little more sass that I imagine a lady-boss CEO would have.

Outfit details: Blazer- Rag&Bone; Shirt- Vince; Jeans- Joe's; Bag- Prada; Shoes- Nike; Sunglasses- RETROSUPERFUTURE

Drizzly Day Wanderings

I spent the day wandering around Covent Garden with my mom. The heat wave has finally broken, and now to always be prepared for this drizzle I usually have on a trusty baseball cap. This usually means I can forgo an umbrella, which also means I'm saving all other tall people (like me) the pain and annoyance of being hit in the face with these unassumingly violent objects. This trench I actually stole from my mother, and I believe it will become my new go-to with this heavy mist/drizzle. Trench coats are great because you can throw them over any outfit at any time of day. Although the warm weather has been enjoyable (when there is air-con readily accessible) I am counting down the minutes when I can finally pull out my cashmere sweaters and sturdy Timberland's. Covent garden is a super fun neighborhood to meander around, filled with cute restaurants and shops.

Outfit Details: Cap- Wilfred Free; Trench- Burberry; Shirt- Vince; Pants- Rag&Bone; Shoes- Nike; Bag- Prada; Phone Case- GettaGrip

Around Notting Hill

I have a sort of uniform--the go to outfit that can be dressed up or dressed down, and can be worn in most climates since the weather over here is not exactly predictable. The “uniform” is a combo of basics: skinny jeans, t-shirt, leather jacket or blazer, and (of course) Nikes. I try to add on different accessories to keep it fresh, which usually comes in the form of a purse and sunglasses. With this outfit, I wanted to make my purse is the “pop of colour.” Maroon is a HUGE pop of colour for me, considering I usually wear black, even though the summer. I love a good-mirrored sunglass, so you can people-watch without being too creepy. The necktie/scarf goes along with the chocker trend in a slightly more 1950’s way. I pair my Nikes with most outfits, 1) because I love the athleisure trend and 2) because I love to walk everywhere, and if my feet hurt I will not be a happy camper. 

Outfit details: Jacket- 3.1 Phillip Lim; Shirt- Zara; Jeans- Joe's; Shoes- Nike; Bag- Rag&Bone; Sunglasses- Dior; Necktie- Donni Charm