Jean Queen

Chambray Crop Top: Others Follow

Distressed Denim Pants: Dittos Brand

Angora Cardigan: Joe's Jeans Thurston Cardigan (here) 

Leather Crossbody Bag: Monserat De Lucca (others here)

Turquoise Statement Necklace: Vanessa Mooney 'Sheba' Necklace (here)

Even though the "Canadian Tuxedo" is totally acceptable in the fashion world these days, some people still think it's tacky to pair similar shades of denim together. But I say "to hell with that" and I'll do as I please.

I paired a raw edged chambray crop top with some distressed jean bottoms and topped off the outfit with a super soft & comfy knitted sweater for a cold early morning breakfast date. Then I accessorized with a statement necklace, a small leather crossbody bag, and some fun metallic blue booties.

There are so many fun ways to experiment with the double denim trend. Below are some helpful tips to try out this spring!

• The easiest way to style denim on denim is choosing different shades of denim like a light washed chambray top with a dark washed pair of bottoms. 
• Fit is also extremely important. I typically stray away from boyfriend jeans when styling denim on denim. I find that skinny jeans pair best with chambray tops. 
• Don't limit yourself to denim pants and a chambray top. Get creative with denim dresses and a chambray shirt (in a different wash) tied around your waist, chambray tops tucked into a denim pencil skirt, or try pairing a denim vest with some denim cutoff shorts. The possibilities are endless! 
• If you're going for the matchy match look like me, keep things interesting by pairing pieces with different textures and accessorize strategically. 

RIVETing

Rivet & Grommet Leather Jacket: DOMA Leather (here)

Lace Bodysuit: Somedays Lovin

Plaid Top: Closed (similar here)

Destroyed Denim: Dittos Brand

Heels: Banana Republic 'Gayle Zip-Strap Pump' in deep chestnut (here)

I talked about the 3 layer rule in a previous post, which you can check out here for some of my tips. I started with a sheer lace bodysuit and destroyed denim as the base. Then I added a thin plaid top, which I tied around my waist as an extra layer for when I'd eventually need it. Lastly, I threw on my badass leather jacket covered with rivets and grommets to add a bit of a tough touch to a rather girly look. I personally love to mix and match textures and material while juxtaposing feminine pieces and masculine items. I find that this just adds more depth to my whole outfit. Plus, I just really REALLY love this jacket! This major splurge is definitely a statement piece in and of itself!

Electric Blues

  Coat: Reformation "Landon Coat" (here)

Sweater & Blouse: Olive & Oak (Nordstrom)

Denim: Dittos Brand

Blue Booties: UGG Australia "Cortona" Convertible Boot in Indigo (here)

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney

Below are some tips that I find helpful when layering for the cold and rainy weather we've been having lately in LA. I personally like the option of shedding layers rather than not having enough layers & freezing my buns off, so I typically stick to the 3 layer rule.  

1. Start off with a good base. Then layer up your outfit piece by piece by piece.
2. Layer thin ➡️ thick ➡️ thickest.  Start with thinner layers and work up to your thickest layer. I started with a thin silk blouse, layered a cropped knitted sweater for some warmth, and topped off the look with a heavy duty coat from Reformation.
3. Mix it up with different textures and material. I kept my look fun and interesting by mixing silk and wool. 
4. Show off all your layers. I chose a cropped sweater to show off the bright blue blouse underneath and then draped my coat over my shoulders to pull the whole look together. 

Everybody's ZOOing It

Down Jacket: American Vintage 'Soledad' (50% off for $160 here) 

T-Shirt: American Vintage (40% off for $68 here)

Denim: Dittos Brand

Booties: UGG Australia 'Cortona Convertible Boot' in Indigo (here)
Necklace: Vanessa Mooney 'Ridem'high Necklace' (now only $30 from $185 here)

our private tour with Katherine

highlight of my day — feeding okapis

Oshana & her baby cubs

rhinos "crash"ing for the day

things may have gotten a little wild at the back of the cart

the cutest and craziest kids

post cheetah run

I began my new year with a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the animals weren't the only wild part about my day adventure! My sister and her boyfriend invited my mom and me to join them and his family (including 3 cute & crazy kids) to a private behind the scenes tour of the zoo so I instantly jumped on the rare opportunity! The private tours are just one of the many perks from donating to the zoo! It takes about $90,000 a month just to feed these animals alone so if you can afford to, donate here for a good cause! I mean...everybody's (zoo)ing it, so you should too! ;)

Our amazing tour guide, Katherine, began our tour by bringing us to meet an armadillo, Luna the anteater, and Oshana & her four lion cubs! We even had the opportunity to feed some very beautiful and rare okapis, which was definitely my favorite part of the day!

After Katherine finished our tour, we continued exploring the rest of the safari park with our own little walking tour that went on for hours and hours. At the end of the day when most people had left, we took advantage of the safari tram ride and rode it twice (once during the sunset and then immediately after when the sun was already down). It was interesting to see how some of the animals really come alive as soon as the sun sets! I honestly could have spent another 9 hours at the park and that still wouldn't have been enough! We only ended our day at the zoo because the park was closing and the temperature reached an uncomfortable low for us.

I had so much fun during the day that I'm going to plan a "Roar and Snore" overnight camping experience at the zoo with my boyfriend! There's nothing better than bringing my three favorite things together—boyfriend, animals, and camping! I can't wait!!!