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    Outfit

    Vintage Plaid Skirt

    February 2, 2015
    Photos by Sarah Veyna
    Outfit Details:
    Forever 21 Clutch/Wallet
    Lace Peter Pan Collar Top (Similar here and here)
    Vintage Plaid Skirt (Similar here and here)
    Franco Sarto Stilettos (Similar here and here)
    This outfit is proof that you don’t have to spend tons of money to look like a million bucks. Believe it or not, this vintage skirt was only $3(a fact that I’m extremely proud of)! I purchased it two weekends ago when I attended a sample sale at Shareen’s Vintage with my friends Sara and Shantal. I had never been to one of these types of events before, and was surprised at how serious most of the women in attendance were about finding the perfect bargain; it seemed like most of the best items were claimed within a matter of minutes. Luckily for me, nobody else thought that this skirt was worthy enough to add to their wardrobe. I was immediately drawn to it because it is a piece that can easily be dressed up or down, and I think the plaid print on it is really fun and beautiful.
    The rest of the items featured in this post weren’t that much more expensive than this skirt. The peter pan collar top I’m wearing was less than $10 at a small boutique, and the shoes were marked down from about $100 to $35. My secret to finding good quality items for such low prices is patience and a little bit of research. I have been known to monitor the price of certain items for weeks until they go on sale, and I’m always on the lookout for promo codes. Every once in a while, I also stop by stores like Ross and Nordstrom Rack to check if they have any good deals; sometimes you have to be willing to search through racks and piles of random clothes and shoes in order to find something that is perfect for you. Even though my current shopping habits are out of necessity, I don’t think I’ll ever change; I just really enjoy the rush and sense of accomplishment of getting a great deal.

     

     

    I hope you all had a terrific weekend.  Mine was both fun and super productive. On Saturday I went to see the Hello!Exploring the Supercute of Hello Kitty Exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum, and it was awesome! I’m working on post for later this week so that I can tell you more about it. I also turned in my first grad school application. I’ve been talking about the process for months, so it’s good to finally feel like it’s coming to an end; I’m so grateful that I have so many supportive friends and family members that were willing to give me feedback on my application. I have to say that regardless of whether I’m accepted into a program or not, it’s been a very positive experience to take time to map out goals and think about the future.
    xoxo,
    Helen
    Outfit

    Winter Florals

    January 26, 2015
    Photos taken on my iPhone by Sara Hatakeyama
    Outfit Details:
    Forever 21 Sunglasses
    Zara Floral Flounce Dress
    Black Tights
    ASOS Leather Belt (Similar)
    Target Boots (Similar here and here)
    MAC Lipstick in Rebel (Lips)
    Part of the reason that I started a blog is because I love reading them, and there are several bloggers whose style I truly admire. I usually just visit blogs for outfit inspiration, but when I saw this floral Samantha Pleet dress on Rebecca from The Clothes Horse, I fell in love and was determined to have it. The print was just so beautiful and unique to me, and I loved that it fit in with my style, but didn’t look like anything else that is currently in my closet. However, I was immediately heartbroken when I clicked on the link to the dress and realized that it was way out of my price range. Luckily for me, I found this similar style at ZARA for a small fraction of the price. The print and fit of the dress are both very similar, and I’ve received several compliments every time I’ve worn it.
    I have to say that last week and this weekend were amazing. I had so many family and friends send birthday wishes my way, which made me feel so incredibly loved. In addition, I have had several things happen that have made me feel more confident in my potential and plans for the future, which is different for me. All of last year, I felt confused and insecure about my life goals and what I’ve been doing with my life, but last week I finally started to feel like everything is falling into place.
    I’ve also been in such a great space because I’ve been doing a great job at managing my anxiety and practicing self-care. I spent too much of last year being a recluse and moping around, but I hope to keep working towards maintaining a positive attitude throughout the rest of this year.
     In my efforts to live more in the moment, I’ve been making sure that I make time to hang out with friends and family, and do things that I really enjoy. This weekend I made sure to get out of my “cave” and do some socializing. On Saturday I went out for brunch with my friends Shantal and Sara, and I also went hiking with my sisters on Sunday. Because of that, even though I had a lot of work to do, I still felt like I got the most out of my weekend. I’ll have to remember that next time that I try to become antisocial and let other responsibilities consume my life.
    xoxo,
    Helen
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    Outfit

    Birthday Weekend in Tie-Dye

    January 19, 2015
    Photos by Ale Veyna
    Outfit Details:
    Tie-Dye Dress (Similar here and here)
    Old Navy Crew-Neck Sweater 
    Lotta from Stockholm Peep Toe Clogs in Tan 
    Crocheted Purse-Handmade by my Grandmother
    MAC Lipstick in Taupe (Lips)
    MAC Pigment in Blue-Brown(Eyes)
    Silver Earrings-Gift from my Mom
    8 oz Latte (My favorite accessory of all time!)
    I wore this ensemble when I went out to brunch with my sister on Saturday. This black and gray tie-dye dress is one of my favorite things that I own, but I don’t wear it enough because 1) it is inappropriate for work because it has an open back and 2) it’s not cozy enough to wear when it’s cold outside. My solution to all of the problems/excuses that were prohibiting me from wearing this dress was buying a basic black sweater. One of my resolutions this year is to be content with my existing wardrobe, and focus on buying things that will enhance it. I think that this is one of those instances when I practiced just that. This black sweater is a great basic for fall and winter, and also makes it easier for me to wear many items that are usually only appropriate for summer and spring.
    To complete my look, instead of my usual cat eye makeup, I switched things up and used MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Blue-Brown on my eyes. As a person who has yet to master eye shadow, I love this pigment because it reflects different colors and allows you to create the illusion that you’re using multiple eye shadows depending on how much you layer and blend. Apparently, you can also apply this pigment while it’s wet to bring out more of the blue color and create a more intense effect. I’ll have to try out that method next time that I want to look like a disco queen.
    Today is my 26th birthday, and I’ve been celebrating all weekend long! As you already know, my sister treated me to brunch on Saturday, and we went to Auntie Em’s Kitchen in Eagle Rock, one of my favorite brunch places. On Friday night, I went to see one of my favorite bands, Geographer, and I got to meet the lead singer Mike Deni. I had a good weekend, and it’s made me excited about the rest of my birthday month. Yes, I do celebrate my birthday all month long.
    I have to admit, though, that I wasn’t too enthusiastic about my birthday a couple of weeks ago, mostly because I’ve been so tired and preoccupied with so many other things. However, this weekend has just been really great, and I feel positive that this is going to be a great year for me. After all, I’m surrounded by a great group of family and friends, and every day I become more mature and have the opportunity to learn a little more about myself. This is probably the first time that I’m approaching a new year without a list of expectations, and just trying to live in the moment. I just want to learn how to be grateful for everything I have and live without any regrets.
    This weekend, I also celebrated my first year of blogging. When I started this blog one year ago, I honestly didn’t think that I would be able to stick with it. I’m also always so amazed at how many people visit this site every week, and how supportive everybody is of my little corner of the internet. When I started this blog, I thought that my Mom was going to be my only most loyal follower, but I’m always so happy when somebody new reaches out to me to let me know that they’re following along. Thank you so much for making all the work that goes into this space seem worth it! I promise to start bringing you more than just outfit posts once my schedule clears up.
    xoxo,
    Helen
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