neglecting, yet inspiring

i have now neglected choosewant&need more days than not :(
with my busy schedule and a new changes in my life, i have been unable to figure out the best way possible to fit blogging into my schedule. it also does not help that i have a whole bunch of a lotta midterms, essays and projects due this last week and the week approaching. besides all the excuses, i am going to keep being inspired by the little things in life and continue taking mental notes on the future blogs to come. i would much rather give you all a fully dedicated blog than one that was not whole- hearted.

my pintrest has been keeping me inspired. here are some amazing pictures that have kept me wanting to rearrange, redecorate, and pack up for travel.

i love this cozy knit look.

love the framed pictures, love the centerpiece on this table, love the light.

if i could have my very own laundry room, it would look like this.

love the mix and match print, the flowers, the lights and love the framed pictures once again!

now for travel, will summer please get here so i escape reality.

city red

nautical stripes

cali shorts and blazer

ruffle top, cardi and flared jeans. bold choice for me, but i love it.

summer is coming soon. i keep telling myself all i want is to pause and fast forward time at the same time.

best,

alyssa

sail me away

as most who know me, i am beginning to share my love of the water and a nautical style more than ever. although, i feel my best in a casual comfortable outfit that looks good with or without any shoe. i love to be barefoot, and i also love dressing an outfit up with a cute wedge. even though i am still on the lookout for a perfect wedge or summer heel to go with my boyfriend jeans, i decided to photograph this outfit anyways. oh, how i want new summer shoes! there's nothing more classic than a pearl necklace, v neck sweater, and a pair of jeans. it takes me to a level of comfort that a little black dress just can't do.


hoping that this sailboat will create more memories with this upcoming summer than the last. families need to take the time to be a family, and choose to leave busy life aside everyonce a while to enjoy some quality time.



sweater: abercrombie and fitch, pearls: from my loving grandma, jeans: juicy couture
all of this stuff was dug up out of the closet and jewelry box.

my mom likes to take candid pictures, but they make me feel awkward and giggly.
p.s. enjoy my smurf blue nail polish and bad angle.

a picture is worth a thousand words, but it is meaningless unless you know what's going on in the photographer's mind.


deepest love,
alyssa

california confidence

with the tragic news of japan's earthquake and tsunami, it was a morning of concern, sympathy and gratefulness. i sat watching the news worried about what would happen to the california coast line, as well as how it would affect my own backyard. i then realized how grateful i am that the tsunami and earthquake have not hurt or damaged anything close to home. my heart goes out to all of those in japan, as well as those who have yet to hear from their loved ones located in japan.

today, i chose to dig up some old clothes, go outside with the pup to absorb some of that good ol' vitamin d, and of course enjoy a starbucks with my wonderful mother. i need to finish up some homework, as well as pack up my clothes for my girl's weekend. and most of all i want a new pair of jeans, cognac sandals (yes, still!), light pink cropped blazer, and a white linen dress. anything to bring spring into my life, my arms are wide open for the warm sunshine.

sweater: american eagle (way old, winter season), belt: hollister (from like 2004 or 2005),
shorts: abercrombie & fitch, boots: target

i talked with a very close friend of mine about how all we feel like all the stuff we wore in high school and freshman year of college is not up to par with our "more mature" style. being a california girl, my favorite stores back in that day and age were american eagle, abercrombie, and hollister. now a days, i may not choose them as my "go to" stores, but they definitely do have stuff that can transition from teenie bopper to young lady (with a little bit of edge and class.)

anyways, second half of the photos i took today will be coming sometime this weekend!

best,

alyssa

p.s. photos taken by my fantastic mother...thanks mommy!

prepared remix

besides being so excited for february, i have to say i am already looking forward to march and more sunshine.this foggy weather really needs to stop. i dread of having to hide frizziness with a thick headband or hat. however, those two things are great tricks when wanting to look cute when in need of hiding those crazy frizzies in humid or wet weather. anyways, today i chose to come to school extra early happy that i came extra prepared. being a girl made me realize carrying your whole life around for the day is kind of a "not so fun" thing. so i've become inspired to look more into travel size stuff, as well as a better tote i can keep in my car full of the necessary emergency items a girl needs. i'll leave the details out for now and save it for a future blog. the new semester has me wanting to be more prepared and "on top of it" but in a stylish way. keeping extra accessories such as my headband (shown below) and a lightweight scarf is perfect for days like today. i've also found layering on a scarf in this weather is the perfect thing for when the wind picked up, or when i accidentally dribbled some food on my sweater. go me!

the other great thing about being prepared today, karma got the best of me and the sun came out to play!

 

headband:bp nordstroms; tank: bp nordstroms; sweater: drape pullover sweater with back cowl by juicy couture; jeans: last year's "kate" jeans by juicy couture (definitely ripped at the knee, and not worn fitted);
clogs: american eagle outfitters (several years old)

i followed my own advice of bringing out an old item of clothing, and remixed my sweater and jeans in the simplest way. i brought out the old clogs and resorted to wearing my headband to hide the curly fly away hairs. a lazy remix at most, but i can't help but adore this sweater and my comfy jeans. i really want to keep my "kate" juicy couture jeans around, no matter how stretched out they are. i think next time i need to wear them as a "boyfriend jean," but we will see how that works out.

the one thing i definitely was unprepared for was a dead battery on my camera, tgfi... haha (thank goodness for iphones.) oh and yes, patient boyfriends.

with love for february,
alyssa

cold weather comfy

it's been a weekend of busy errands and fun. on friday i went to watch some professional bull riding, and oh my gosh it was crazy. never have i ever enjoyed dressing up like a country girl so much. before i was able to head out with the friends, i made a solo trip to some stores in search for the heels i had skipped out on last time. sad news, i have either missed out or they just have not arrived yet with the rest of the spring collection (at target, don't judge). anyways, because they didn't have what i was looking for i felt as though i could absolutely not leave the store empty handed, so i grabbed a pair of cowboy booties on clearance for only $19.99 plus tax! it's not like i was heading to a rodeo or anything like that ;) amazing deal, if i do say so myself. anyways.. i plan to work them into my daily wardrobe as best as i can. with this cold weather dragging my energy down, i opted for the cozy boyfriend cardigan, leggings, yoga cami and knee high boots (to tie it together as best i could). i decided to be very minimalist with my overall accessories, considering i was mixing two patterns :)

i am also proud to admit, i headed to a different target today in search of the chunky heel i had lost my chance on. once again, they also didn't have them in stock. so i left with a brand new pair of flats as well.

headband:claires; scarf: kohls- apt.9; camisole: downward dog yoga by juicy couture; boyfriend cardigan: kohls-daisy fuentes; legging: love culture; boots: steve madden inka in suede taupe

introducing my partner in crime: chewie

chewie was so curious to what i was up to, i decided because we matched she could be in the pictures.

thanks to my mom and her wonderful camera for taking the time and patience to take photos today!

more tomorrow on my shoe obsession at target, like i said... don't judge. cheaper stores have great finds as well!

best,

alyssa

relaxation

relaxation- noun

1. abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.

2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment



location: aptos, ca
date: january 12th, 2011

we all need our beauty sleep, and simple relaxation. i was lucky enough to take in this breath-taking view all day yesterday. the nature's beauty can inspire so much within one's sense of style and i know when it comes to going to the coast, i love to wear neutral colors and lightweight, yet cozy sweaters.

my new favorite wine glasses, no stem makes drinking wine much less nerve racking.



i love warm weather, messily cuffed jeans and glitter nail polish.
nail polish: opi "burlesque"



scarf: from some random kiosk in new york new york casino in lv, nv; tank: bp nordstroms;
sweater: juicy couture drape pullover sweater with back cowl ;
jeans: last year's "kate" jean by juicy couture, worn cuffed and more distressed than ever before



cocktail ring: costume jewlery by lia sophia "at last"



the colors of the sunset literally make me so excited for warmer weather!



location: aptos, ca
date: january 12th, 2011

i enjoyed relaxing and playing among the beach. every person that walked by had the cutest dogs, both big and small. i can't wait to go back and possibly bring my dog "chewie" mostly because i think she would not know what to do with herself with that much freedom.

during this little get-a-way, i chose to take lots of pictures, especially of the scenery and food. i wanted to purchase the cutest heels, resisted because the boy pulled me away before i could take off my boots and knee high socks tucked under my skinnies to try them on :( and i need to not only continue to relax a bit more, but run back to the store to pick up those heels! they were for sure on my want list and i haven't stopped thinking about all the stuff i could wear them with. so tomorrow, i shall go to the store.

sorry for the late night blogging! i will have another post tomorrow hopefully earlier in the day. i've got a fun friday night planned, whether i choose to wear my old  worn out boots or go back to the store to purchase those cute heels... well you'll just have to wait and see.

best,

alyssa