good morning seattle

(T by Alexander Wang Dress, Theyskens’ Theory Kitten Heels, House of Harlow Rings)

Took a little trip up to Portland and Seattle, including a drive through that infamous town of vampiric fame, Forks.  I failed to find any sparkly, sharp-toothed men, but it was interesting to see how eighty percent of the establishments had named or renamed themselves to pertain to the Twilight trilogy.

More interesting was my short visit to Seattle.  Was able to stop by the best Nordstroms I’ve ever seen.  Celine!  Alexander Wang!  Be still my beating heart… Apparently it’s the flagship, at least, that was what the very polite and attentive staff told me.  The Army Surplus storefront was also full of boots and bags that I was keen to get my hands on, but I only caught sight of that the night before my departure.  Guess I’ll have to head back to Seattle again soon!

the summer jewels

I did a Polyvore set a little while ago that revolved around rose gold and my obsession with it, so I thought I’d line up my staples this summer in the jewelry department for a post.  The only things missing from these photos are my silver Dannjio collar necklace, Pamela Love pentacle cuff, and the rose gold shark tooth necklace that I got from here on Etsy.  No oversized Givenchy shark tooth necklace for me, but the Etsy alternative was a well-priced and dainty alternative.

The pieces pictured include my Jewelmint fringed cuffs–which I’m entirely obsessed with.  I usually have an adversity to yellow gold because it isn’t as flattering on my skin tone as silver or rose gold, but these cuffs are ultra fun and a nice dark gold that suits me much better than most gold tones.  Furthermore, they can be worn with the fringe inwards for a more modern look or with the fringe outwards for a more bohemian vibe.  Versatile!  They are hands down my favorite purchase from Jewelmint, ever.

Also pictured are stackable House of Harlow rose gold rings, Wildfox rose gold earrings and white fox earrings, a chevron beaded bracelet that I purchased from a vendor at Coachella, my Low Luv silver ring, Isabel Marant red tassel earrings, and a four lead clover ring from Jewelmint.

vegas interlude

Many a time my fellow Angelenos have lauded the proximity of adult wonderland, Las Vegas, to our home city.  A simple flight or three to four hour drive and Los Angeles residents are transported into a round-the-clock party, shopping, and dining haven.  I’d passed through Vegas a few times for concerts and on family trips but I had yet to enjoy Vegas in a typical twenty-something, Hangover-type, you-only-live-once way.  Well, as a belated birthday celebration/going away party for my friend Caroline, we went.  We saw.  Vegas conquered.  That’s also why there are more cellphone pictures/badly lit photos here than actual camera photos.  Since returning I’ve been cooped up with my birthday gift from Caroline, the Sartorialist’s eponymous book of photos which came with a lovely birthday card covered in stickers.  You know your friend loves you when she covers your birthday card with Lisa Frank and Pokemon stickers.

I’m pictured wearing my flashy, supremely comfortable new Joan heels from Alexander Wang, an Alexander Wang bodycon dress (on sale and super flattering in person), Jewelmint Fringe cuffs, a Sandro blouse, and a Theyskens’ Theory mini which will definitely be the star of a future post.

summer leather = logic

Because everyone wears black leather in 100 degree weather, no?  You don’t see my logic?  Kidding aside, this Alexander Wang leather trench was the big splurge of my European adventures.  Despite being marked down, it was still a pretty penny.  However, the fact that it goes with practically everything in my closet and can also be worn as a dress made it worthwhile.  Also pictured here are the very awesome Shakuhachi platform wedges that I was hoping would go on sale on Urban.  Lo and behold, they did.  Although they are no longer available there, I think you can still get the same style through my favorite online shoe vendor Solestruck.

rose gold

rose gold by swiftshadows featuring metal jewelry

T by Alexander Wang jumpsuits and romper, $415 / Jeffrey Campbell boots / Alexander Wang leather handbag / Pamela Love long necklace / Mulberry metal jewelry / Pamela Love jewelry / Sydney Evan rose gold jewelry / Tech accessory / CÉLINE sunglasses, $310 / Nude lipstick

swedish midsummer

So I spent Midsommar in Sweden with my best friend Linda and I have to say, Sweden kicks some serious butt.  The people are tall and beautiful, not to mention well dressed, and the scenery is unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled to.  In addition to the traditional Midsommar feast I was able to enjoy with her family, which included lots of herring and schnapps, I also managed to arrive just in time for the summer sales both in Sweden and in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Between Spirit Store, Tiger of Sweden, Acne, and Birger Christensen both my brain and wallet nearly imploded.  Actually, I think they did.  I’m pictured in front of one of the largest walls of candy I’ve ever seen wearing an Acne blazer, T by Alexander Wang sweater, Diesel jeans, and my much battered and beloved Theyskens’ Theory boots.

PS The first and last photos were taken on the train that crosses the bridge between Sweden and Denmark, which is worth googling as it’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

from casablanca to marrakech

I was going to let this post stand alone with the photos but I couldn’t help but mention some of the sites that are pictured here.  The mosque is in Casablanca and it is a combination of both massive size and sheer otherworldly beauty.  Completely overwhelming and magnificent.  The other place of note is the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, which is in the photos that have the vibrant shade of blue which is actually named for Majorelle, a painter and the creator of the garden.  The garden was later bought by Yves Saint Laurent and his ashes are scattered there.  Lastly, the jars of spices was taken at a Moroccan apothecary, where I made sure to pick up some of their world famous Argan oil in addition to a few other herbal remedies.  The room of herbs was huge, and I’m pretty sure they had a holistic answer to almost every ailment you could think of.

paris photo diary part 1

outnet lust

Still totally gutted I missed the Isabel Marant warehouse sale here in LA a few months back.  And lusting over this oversized creme vest on the Outnet.  Must…save…money..for Paris…

Make me jealous, buy it here.

3 days till…

(Dannijo Silver Necklace, Bec&Bridge Blazer from LIVE!, J.Crew Silk Tank, Current Elliott Dad Jeans, Alexander Wang Heels)

Commencement tomorrow and then on a plane the next morning!  Not sure if I’m nervous or excited at this point.  Also made the mistake of not bringing my list of things that I needed to pick up while I was out running errands and thus I’m still missing my Fresh concealer and numerous other essentials.  Stopped at the Grove yesterday and had a delicious espresso and sesame date scone with my parents from my favorite Fairfax coffee stop, Shortcake.  Well, Coffee Commissary comes in at a tie.  I have coffee stops from East to West and North to South of my LA Downtown homebase, and  I also have a tendency to map/form my first opinion of a new place based on their coffee/beverage options.  Sydney was a win, San Francisco has Blue Bottle, my hometown of Princeton has Small World, and Auckland has some great coffee spots as well.  Nothing like sitting down at a cozy cafe with an aromatic espresso to tease your senses.