Sweater-ish Weather

  Sweater: Ann Taylor (here) | Denim: Hollister | Shoes: Tildon | Necklace: Tiffany & co.

Hi everyone! I hope you had a cheerful and sweet thanksgiving with all your loved ones. Did you have some yummy turkey? I did! Do you want too see it? Click on this! (I just learned how to use permalink so it is very fun for me to link everything to another site) I just wanted to say how thankful I am for my family, friends, and you. Thank you to all you veteran readers and newbies who just stumbled upon my site, and to anyone who ever learned anything from me or got inspired, I am grateful for you:). 

So although everywhere else in the country right now is freezing cold, rainy, snowy, or gloomy, I am glad to say California is still sunny! But it doesn't feel like Christmas yet and it doesn't feel right to even wear a sweater in winter...because it is pretty much still summer. Hey, Im not complaining though. I love love love the sun! But since today was the only cool day (65 degrees), I took the opportunity to wear my sweater, hooray! I got it from Ann Taylor for $17, yes your read that right; SEVENTEEN DOLLARS. Absolutely crazy! I was so shocked because it was reduced from $90 to $50 but then there was a surprise reduction and I got it for an amazing price! I have also been looking for the perfect sweater since forever that was made out of good material and am glad to have finally found it. I guess you can say I am very excited about the sun and discounts, haha.

Thats all for now!

More next week!

xox

Leah 

Tribal

 Top: Loft | Necklace: Stella | Pants: Nordstrom Rack | Shoes: Steve Madden | Watch: Michael Kors

I just came back from Washington DC a few days ago and gosh was it cold! It honestly felt like I was standing in one of those huge fridges in Costco with only a bikini on...or like I permanently had freezing cold ice cream, popsicles, and ice stuck on my face. And although I wore about 4 layers (a thermal, a long sleeve, a fuzzy jacket, and a HUGE puffer that made me look like a snowman) I was still frozen. I think it is safe to say that I am DEFINITELY NOT equipped to live on the east coast. It's too bad though because that is where New York is, aka the place I want to be for a year. So if any of you have invented a method of not freezing your butt off with a quadrillion layers, I would be ecstatic to know them! Luckly in California it still feels like summer :)
And because it it still warm out, I thought I would take the opportunity to wear my very eccentric tribal pants with this tribal-esque statement necklace. I think it looks pretty cool! Although the color palette is quite simple, the stand out pattern on the pants and the sheer size of my necklace make it much more interesting.
On another note, I think I want to start different topics of discussion on my blog based on the title of the post. Hopefully you will be engaged in the topic, and who knows, maybe even begin to share your opinions with others. I always have been someone timid whenever I had to voice my opinion about anything: whether it be in front of a friend, a teacher, or my whole class. I usually never had an opinion on any topic and if I did I would keep it hidden from anyone else in fear of being bashed or counter-argued on something I did not have very much knowledge about. So now, yolo.
Today I want to know how you feel about tribes, or group membership. Do you think group membership it a positive idea with benefits or a negative idea with consequences? The most common or known example I have heard is I Phones. I think it is well known that in our technologically advanced age, a myriad of different companies are coming up with the newest, coolest, most advanced, best preforming phones on the market today. And while Apple is one of the most prominent companies out there, their phones are not necessarily the "best" based on the tech savvy individuals who test out different products. But because there is a positive stigma with the company and a user friendly screen that is very simple to navigate, many people decide to buy their products. This is similar to schools like Ivy Leagues that have the stigma that those are the top schools in the country. So are these stigmas beneficial? I think so. Why? Not only is group membership a very tactful way to sell consumers products, it also makes them feel special and that they are a part of a larger group, something everyone wants to have in their life. There can also be benefits with group membership like if you own an electric car. You have reduced taxes and can drive in the carpool lane without a second passenger. However, group membership could also be a bad thing. For example, if you are a part of a friend group that is continuously judging others incredibly harshly behind their backs, you begin to form the same mentality as them and then you also start talking poorly behind other people's backs. So what do you think? Are tribes/group membership always a good thing or only sometimes? Would love to know your thoughts!
xox
Leah 

Take Two

 Top: Macy's | Shorts: Nordstrom B.P | Shoes: Sperry Topspider 

These photos were taken a looong time ago- about a month. But since it still feels like summer in California, I thought it would be best to use it! Besides, who does't love the combo of stripes and florals? I know I do. When I first started blogging I tried it out (as you can see here) and am gonna say I still love it. But without the knowledge I have now, it looked a bit silly. So the second time I tried it out, I wanted to mix colors, patterns, and textures to make the look more fun.
In regard to take two, I was wondering how you feel about taking twos, or second chances (because that makes more sense). When you are friends with someone for a long time, it seems as though they are going to be in your life forever. But sometimes you loose touch, no longer have the same mindset, grow apart, or fight. And it's sad when it happens. If you or the other person no longer try or try really hard to be friends, is it really worth it? How do you make it work again? Well, my opinion (to start off this dialogue) is that of course the other person deserves a second chance. It might be hard, uncomfortable, or make you upset to open up to them again, but there is no reason not to try until you have exhausted all your options. At least then you are more at peace and are confident leaving the relationship behind with all its wonderful memories. But then again, it could also make you feel sad that you cant relive those experiences again. Sometimes when you know what some people are capable of, it scares you that they may do something that will hurt you again. Any thoughts on that?  Should you keep letting them in if they continually, intentionally or unintentionally, keep hurting you? I think no. As Oprah once said, (I sound very philosophical now, don't I?) after someone shows you who they truly are, don't let them hurt you again. It was something along those lines. For example, when someone shows you who their true colors, like how they are always putting you down, don't tolerate it because it can happen in the future. Instead give them one more chance, but if it happens again, walk away. Sometimes it is hard to walk away in these situations, but ultimately it will lead you to a greater group of friends who will support you and care about you. I really would love to hear what you all think about friendship and second chances! Please tell me in the comments below.
More next week!
xox
Leah

Bubblegum

 Scarf: Loft | Leather: Denyl | Top: Hoodies | Skirt: Topshop Here | Sneakers: Chuck Taylor | Necklace and Bracelet: Tiffany & co. | Ring: Israeli Shuck 

 My super cool new gel mani. It's my first and I love it!

 Awkward hand...yo.

Like the next girl, I love a good discount, so when I saw the price reduction on this killer skirt my jaw literally dropped to the floor. The hot pink inside combined with the scuba-like material made me actually jump for joy when I found it at Nordstrom (keep in mind that it was my first time going to the mall in a long, long time-I was studying for my final college entry exam). I swear I was like a kid on Halloween getting so excited by the sheer amount of candy they have received-fitting, right? (because yesterday was Halloween). But...after finally taking my last entry exam, I though I would have a life and I still don't because I still have loads of homework. I don't know how I do it, call me Superwoman. Ok...I probably need to stop all these Halloween jokes of mine, you probably think they aren't funny. It makes me smile when I write them though! I told you I have no life, the smallest things make me smile. Maybe its because all the work has gotten to my head.
Also with the theme of college entry, I have been reading some cool prompts and hopefully will share some of my responses with you to open dialogues about different subjects. Would love to know your thoughts on that.
More next week!
Xox
Leah

Casual

 Sunglasses: Loft | Hat: Forever 21 | Tank: Loft | Denim Jacket: Forever 21 | Shorts: Nordstrom Rack | Shoes: Chuck Taylors  | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

 Walking my puppy.

 Look! There's his tail! 

When I first got glasses I was so self conscious that people thought I looked weird or different. I was at Lens Crafters at a mall when I got them and dashed outside the store to look at the world through the proper field of vision (I know, who says that...apparently I do). I swear I have horrible eyes. And when I went out of the store for a few minutes, I was so uncomfortable with the thought of (random) people judging me because I have glasses. But I realized these people have not ever seen me without glasses, and why would they care anyways? So little miss self conscious me got over her fear after 10 agonizing minutes of what I thought were people looking at me because I had glasses. They weren't.
Thats how I feel about hats (although they are not a daily accessory...for me at least). I have wanted a big floppy hat since forever but found this gem for $10 at Forever 21, such a steal, and decided to get it. Its more Pharrell style that floppy hat, but needless to say it is still a cute hat...and for an amazing price. So when I first took this hat out for a spin I felt the same way I did when I first got my glasses. Awkward and uncomfortable, especially in a sea of super trendy people. But, just like the glasses situation, I got over it because I knew no one was concerned with what I was wearing or doing, and if they did have a problem, I didn't concern myself with it. Although there were definitely no problems. I guess the moral of the story is wear what you want because you like it and don't let people make you feel inferior because you enjoy something someone else doesn't like. Because you know, someone cant make you feel inferior without your consent.
More next week!
xox
Leah

Buttervly

Headband: Landeau | Romper: Nordstrom Rack | Tank: Areopostale | Belt: Charlotte Rousse | Shoes: Tillys | Bag: Marc Jacobs | Watch: Michael Kors

I apologize for all the squinty eyes in the photos. Needless to say it was incredibly sunny outside and I was facing the sun making it much more difficult to look into the camera normally. In some of the photos not posted, it sorta looked like one of those ugly snapchats you only send to your best friend. It was painful and awkward to view....
So today I wanted to talk about a really amazing organization started by a group of high schoolers. The organization Buttervly is aimed to raise awarness for sexual assaults happening in high schools. It never occurred to me that rape is common in high schools around the country. This really shocked and upset me because no one should ever have to go through such a traumatic experience and think it was their fault. On the Buttervly site you can read personal stories of peoples experiences and how it affected them. The wonderful thing about this organization is that it is powered by teens for teens to start a dialogue on teen rape and to end rape culture. I feel very strongly about the cause and I totally recommend going on their site to see what you can do or share, like and spread the word on this amazing non profit organization.
More next week!
xox
Leah

B&W

 Top: Macy's | Jacket: Denyll | Leggings: Old Navy | Booties: Tildon via Nordstrom | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace and Bracelet: Tiffany & co.

As promised, this is what I wore to the Ed Sheeran concert last week. I kept the colors very minimal with just black and white but the small flare on the peplum top, the stripes, and the different textures make this simple look much more interesting.
Not gonna lie, I never really fancied Macy's but oh my gosh, they have great clothes for an even better price! I am so amazed at how wonderfully everything is priced, I mean, it's so insane! Thanks to my mama I am hooked there and for those who are as skeptical as I was about Macy's, definitely go back and I promise there is something amazing for you there!
Oh, I don't think I ever wore these shoes on my blog but aren't they the coolest shoes you've ever seen?!? I think they definitely win the shoe game, lol. I found this pair of booties last winter when they were on sale and knew I had to get them. First of all, the snakeskin-like texture and look is so luxe and the clear heel is literally out of the world!! Before these shoes I don't think I ever saw a clear heel. Now...they are totally a cool trend I see everywhere. But one thing that I should have not worn to the concert. Considering that I almost never wear heels, by feet started hurting within 20 minutes of walking. Thats normal, right? So by the time we got into the arena, I was singing and jumping along barefoot, haha. Tip: Don't wear heels to a concert unless they are super comfy and broken in. Thats all for now!
More next week.
xox
Leah