"It's my birthday!"

Quote of the weekend..."OMG it's my birthday." Mainly stated out of tipsy frustration that 88% of my "friends" are lame enough to bail on my birthday celebration. A couple whiskey cokes and free shots later, though, my few friends and I were happily dancing away in the VIP and doing just fine for ourselves. Well, that is after I slipped on a spilled drink and fell from my nearly 6'4" stance in my awesome heels right in front of the club owner, looking like "that girl" who couldn't handle herself...even though it was prior to said shots/drinks. So that was a downer. Literally. But whatever, people, you missed out. And I really hope you enjoyed bailing on me (:

That being said, here's what I wore on Saturday. Totally in love with this slip from Free People and can't wait to wear it again.

 

My actual day of birth was on Monday, Earth Day, my Golden Birthday! I spent the day shopping with mom and grabbing a lite lunch at PF Changs...couldn't resist the free mini cheesecake at the end, however. After a few more purchases and a nice cruise in le convertible, we met up with the rest of the fam for dinner in Lake Oswego at Manzana.

(cue awkward plethora of photos with me blowing out candles)

I do believe I ate more this weekend than ever in my life. But totally worth it. (Friday was Kat and I's standing date with Henry's, so a burger and a double jack & coke felt necessary considering the flood of "sorry I can't make it tomorrow" text messages.)

Off to reevaluate my friendships and tend to the goosegg on my forehead and likely broken knee cap.

Happy Tuesday all!

xx.

What I Wore: Cherry Chapstick Slip, Free People; Cropped Leather Jacket, B.P. (similar here); Nedra Sandal, Vince Camuto; Studded Belt, Target; Woven Stitch Scarf, Free People (new colors here); Crop Jacket w/ Pleather Sleeve, Forever 21 (similar here)

So, this happened...

As per usual, when I see someone with gorge hair I automatically embed the thought of how gorge I could be if I had said hair into my brain. So one quick dose of Pinning and a few Instagram discoveries later, I decided I probably needed to cut my bangs again. These things always sound like great ideas upon conception (i.e. the pixie-cut tragedy).

before...

On Friday, I went in to freshen up my highlights, darken the roots, and trim off the overall straw like quality of my ends. As I sat down, my hair gal Wendy waited for the usual "what we're doing this time" spiel, since it usually involves some crazy total makeover and hours of work. I said, "I think I want to cut my bangs." Then the blank stare. "Okayyy, we can do that."

So we did.

after!

My ombre is turning out to be nearly perfect for my taste, and it's been a long road to get it this way seeing as how I've had nearly every color of the rainbow on my head at one point or another! So I'm super pleased with my most recent dye-job, plus the trim and conditioning treatment did wonders for the texture...long over due!

Day one of my bang chop was a success, I'm loving them with loose waves and some texturizing spray. Day two, however, was good until I went out with some friends and kept catching glimpses of myself in cheap bar mirrors and realized that bangs and second day hair and alcohol and hot, sweaty bars don't exactly mix. I used to get away with washing my hair only every third day or so (it's constantly in a bun anyway) but with my new fangled cut and style it's clear that can't happen anymore. Flat, lifeless bangs just look like greasy misplaced hairs and as someone who's rarely a fan of myself in photos to begin with...uh, you can imagine my stress over the whole situation.

holy paleness...

A fresh wash and dry did the trick, though. I'm still glad I made the cut (I was in desperate need of a style-change) but the new 'do does require a bit more effort! Hopefully I can keep up.

le highlights!

xx.

PS, can someone please tell me why no matter how tan I get, what shade of makeup I use or how much bronzer I pack on for a night out...my face is, without fail, extremely white in every photo taken with a flash! .....This is the definition of a white girl problem. Literally, I'm see through. Time to find new products.

What I Wore: Grey Denim Skinnies, Hudson (similar here); Black Mesh-Sleeve Top, BCBG (similar here), Nedra Sandal, Vince Camuto (Nordies!); Jasmine Head Piece, Golden Birthday

My Hairdresser: Wendy Wood at Nassau West Salon

In the Spirit of Spring...

Okay, it may only look/feel like Spring in Portland, like, 60% of the time right now...but a girl can dream! And you know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers"! Hoping that sunshine comes early though...as in next weekend...so I can host my birthday outside on the rooftop bar instead of around a crowded restaurant table.

Anyway, here's what's inspiring me for this new season:

My color of the moment is definitely white. It could be my recent discovery of Portland's Organic Bronze Bar and newly tanned skin that looks pretty amaze in the hue...but in my eyes, you just can't ever go wrong with white. Or black.

But for Spring, I'm loving the fresh, bright whites and crispy, clean pieces to update the feel of a wardrobe. Plus, something about white just screams modern day Jackie O and who can complain about that?

Maybe it's my new job at Free People, but right now I'm totally in to the idea of "festival dressing" even though I never find the time to actually make it to a festival...

The whole Boho Chic-Beachy Glam-Nicole Richie-esque style is perfect for this warmer weather we're having...or will be having...soonish.

Home sweet home, refreshed! What's better than a little interior facelift after that crazy Spring Cleaning sesh?

Update your dwelling place with a shot of color on the walls or in new linens. Fresh flowers, patterned pillows and simple, updated accessories are just what the doctor ordered to bring your home into the spirit of the season.

Enough inspiration...let's go shopping.

xx.

Something I Love

Firstly, something I hate: waking up at 6am and driving an hour to work before my coffee fix. This was my morning on Tuesday. Luckily, though, I made it downtown in time for a little pick me up at Starbs before heading down 23rd to find parking. And I must add...I'm getting scary good at parallel parking these days. I could always manage just fine - I'm not my mother! (she makes me park for her half the time) But by working in the city and constantly on a time crunch (surprise)...my parking skills are now that of a professional. Just sayin'.

Now for something that I'm loving right now: looking like an Indian Princess on a cloudy Tuesday. In high school, I was always one to try new "trendy" things...or just make up my own trends when I felt like it. One of my favorites to date - turning a cheap silver necklace with a big dangling locket on the end into a head chain and walking around like I owned the place. Ha, it may have looked silly to others back then but I'd just like to point out to all the haters that I was crazy ahead of the times! :)

(enter poor quality photo of said "trendiness")

I've since hung up my amateur hair accessories, but now that my hair is becoming manageable again, post-pixie cut, I was dying to get my hands on this gorge little head chain from Golden Birthday. (Hey, next week is MY golden birthday! Meant to be?) All handmade locally here in Portland, these girly gems are the perfect addition to, well, any outfit. 'Cause let's be honest, who doesn't want to look like a princess all the time? Nothing says "I'm present day Nicole Richie/an accessory goddess" more than a unique piece like this.

 

Lovely designer, Dana, makes her chains in a variety of colors and styles so you're bound to fall in love with one - or three. Or just buy them all because they're super affordable, easy to wear, and you'll be the freshest princess on the block.

I'm currently planning my birthday outfit around one of these as chains we speak! :)

Happy Wednesday loves, here's what I wore! xx.

   

What I Wore: Jasmine Head Piece, Golden Birthday; Trapeze Slip in Mint, Free People; Grey Zippered Ankle denim, Joe's (similar here); Cropped Leather Jacket, Nordstrom (similar here); Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara, M.A.C. 

Holy Hot Weather, Batman.

Maybe it's the fact that I've been stuck in typical rainy Portland weather for the past 6ish months but this weekend's heat wave felt worse than usual. I mean, we're talking make-your-spray-tan-run hot! Not cool (pun possibly intended).

Anywho, in the midst of all the excitement over sunshine as if it never existed before, we celebrated Easter with a plethora of familial events. Always a joy. 

In honor of the weather, I pulled out one of my favorite Free People maxis and some of my tallest heels. And in true #giraffeproblems fashion, I attracted the usual "holy crap" looks and whispers from total strangers in church. My favorite, though, was from a little girl in the grocery store who stopped mid-aisle to gawk at my height as she yelled out "Wow, mommy, she is tallllll." I guess at 5'10" sans wedges, I kind of asked for it when I slipped on those 4 1/2 inch stilts. 

This dress was a total steal at a TJ Maxx in the valley during last year's stint in LA and actually came discounted even further due to a missing slip. Naturally, I couldn't resist the crazy deal so I took it anyway in hopes of finding a new slip. Luckily, I found the perfect color to match the springy floral pattern at Free People Portland this Saturday so the dress could finally come out to play.

Later in the day, I zhuzh'd it down a bit with a cropped denim jacket, a double wrap belt, and some cute buckled flip flops. Perfect for family gathering numero dos.

So excited for the weather to start turning, just wish my airbrush tan felt the same way! PS if you're looking for an awesome shot of color in the coming weeks check out Organic Bronze Bar on the Portland waterfront to get your Kardashian on. I tried them out on Friday and the color is awesome, seems to stay a bit better than the typical Mystic or Versa tan (minus a little run in the boob area from yesterday), and the colorist makes sure to get you bronzed in all those little places the booth can't reach. Added bonus - no "Ross" moments, just even color on all sides!

Happy Spring, people!

What I'm Wearing: Maxi Dress, Free People (old, similar here); Slip in "Berry", Free People; Split Heel Wedges (similar here); Denim Crop Jacket, H&M; Wrap Belt (from a Target dress, similar here); Pyramid Bangle, Forever 21 (similar here), Watch, B.P. ; Flip Flops, Aldo (Nordstrom Rack, similar here)

Photo by my lovely sister (myspace-esque shots by yours truly)

Snag Their Style: Henar Vicente

 

Not only does style blogger Henar Vicente have fabulous hair, her wardrobe
is something to drool over as well! In this recent look, she layers three of my
favorite things perfectly: flannel, leather, and a graphic sweatshirt. Her bright
red pants add a punch of color and style, while her classic sock bun, simple court
shoes, and nude carry all keep the whole look wearable. XX.

Graphic Sweatshirt @ Top Shop (Tea and Cake)
Women's Flannel @ Asos (American Apparel)

Black Moto Jacket @ SheInside

Nude Bag @ John Lewis

Red Skinnies @ Edge of Urge

Black Pumps @ Zara

Snag Their Style: Virgit Canaz

Preppyfashionist, Virgit, from the Netherlands has awesome personal style. The perfect mix between feminine and masculine, classic and edgy. Her green jacket pops off her crispy white blouse and they're both paired perfectly with simple denim and fun jewels. Loving the studded belt, too!

Recreated below. XX.

White Button Down @ Mango

Green Blazer @ Romwe

Skinnies @ Van Mildert (Marc by Marc)

Black Wedges @ DSW

Brown Bag @ H&M

Gold Hoops @ Zappos

Bib Necklace @ Fantasy Jewelry Box

Chain Belt @ Mango

Wear It Wednesday: The Peplum

Enhance your shape with this feminine hem! Meant to cinch in all the right places and flare
from the waist, the peplum is actually pretty flattering on almost everyone. This is one trend
that can be worn many different ways, making it simple to adopt into your own wardrobe!

XX.

Wear It Like This:

 

Wear It Wednesday: The Floppy Hat

They made an appearance in fashion last Summer and, much to my liking, this little 70's
kick is still going strong into the Spring. So how do ya wear a floppy hat without looking
crazy? It's simple: commit to it. Dedicate your entire outfit to the trend and wear some -
mind you, updated - 70's inspired pieces to pull it together. A good flare with some
wedges and a little fur should do the trick. XX.

Wear It Like This:

 

The Beer Rinse

Hello beauties! You've probably heard of the beer rinse at one point and thought..."huh?"
Well yes, rinsing your hair with beer actually does have its benefits! Bring back shine and
volume with this cheap trick. Just shampoo, rinse, and repeat...only with a can your favorite
brew on the repeat (: If you're afraid you'll smell like a bar afterward, don't worry...you won't!
But if you'd like to make sure that's avoided, you could add a few drops of lavender oil or something yummy to your rinse. Enjoy! XX.

Snag Their Style: Angela L

Angela of Dance In My Closet has a really laid back, trendy style that I love. Side note...also wishing I had those legs! One of her most recent looks features simple denim with black and white accents - aka my idea of a perfect outfit!

So simple yet so trendy. Enjoy! XX.

White Collared Tank @ Forever 21

Black Pull Over Sweater @ Nordstrom

Cuffed Denim Shorts @ Nordstrom (Joe's)

Black Opaque Tights @ Urban Outfitters (here, if you prefer sheer)

Oversized Clutch @ Urban Outfitters (only $39)

Brown Booties @ Piperlime (Sabine, on sale!)

Snag Their Style: Konstantina Tzagaraki

It's Style Snag day again! This week really flew by, but I still found time to stalk the style of another European beauty via LookBook. Something about the fashion over there just makes me want to study abroad even more than before.

So anyways, here's just one of my favorite looks by Konstantina Tzagaraki. As always, easily recreated below! XX.

Hat @ Piperlime (on sale!)

Chain Strap Clutch @ Forever 21 (only $9, I have it & love it!)

Floral Print Dress @ Forever 21

Black Knee Highs @ American Apparel

Peep Toe Wedges @ Piperlime (Vince Camuto, on sale!)

Snag Their Style: Kristina Bazan

Kristina Bazan of KAYTURE has that ultra feminine, Blair Waldorf, preppy look that we all wish we could pull off on a daily basis. Perks of living in Europe, right? Anywho, one of her many looks that I adore can be easily recreated if you do choose to be so girly. Have fun! XX.

Fur Coat @ Nordstrom (and it's on sale...score!)

Collared Blouse @ Forever 21

Cable Knit Sweater @ H&M

Cropped Woven Pant @ Forever 21

Textured Clutch @ Forever 21

Taupe Pumps @ Target

Snag Their Style: Native Fox

Stumbled across this amazing look on, of course, Lookbook.nu. Instantly fell in love because this is totally something I would wear/probably have worn in the past. Jennifer, of Native Fox, has an awesome, effortless style, and you can too! Find something similar to what she's wearing and you'll be set for this awkward Winter/Spring weather we're having. XX.

Knit Scarf @ Urban Outfitters

Bodysuit @ American Apparel 

Circle Skirt @ Nasty Gal 

Belt @ Free People

Socks @ Urban Outfitters

Utility Booties @ Urban Outfitters

Outfit: November 1, 2011

Class at 8 am this morning! The weather has been strangely warm lately but I finally woke up to some fog and couldn't be happier! Though it's burned off by now, I enjoyed walking downtown in a sweater and boots! Just bought this bag from H&M and it definitely fits a TON of stuff for seeming so tiny! I love it! Only $25. XX







What I'm Wearing:
H&M Racerback Tank, Crochet Tube Scarf, and Floor Length Cardigan
Gold Watch from Nordstrom
Gold Bangles & Ring from Forever 21
Hudson "Super Model" Bootcut Jeans
Steve Madden "Maryn" Wedge Boots
H&M Leather Satchel