Skirting the Issue

I've accumulated dozens of awesome midi and maxi skirts in the past couple years and I kind of forgot about them this summer. After packing and unpacking my clothes from boxes during the move, I found some hidden gems that I haven't worn in ages including this super cute MinkPink midi skirt.

I knew I was going to be out running errands all day in the crazy heat so I decided to wear something that would keep me cool and comfortable. And this outfit did just that! I was out and about from 9am to 5pm and didn't even have time to head home and change outfits before heading to dinner with my boyfriend and friends in Pasadena. 

I paired my midi skirt with a fitted Theory tank top, some comfortable Seychelles flats, and my Chloe purse. I'd typically wear midi skirts with heels to elongate my legs but I broke my own rules all for the sake of comfort. 

Tips:

Don't skirt the issue, people! Pulling off the midi/maxi skirt look isn't as hard as you may think. People are always worried that these skirts could potentially swallow you whole if you're not a model...but not all long skirts are evil! You just have to find the right length for your height! It really is a trial and error process...so be patient! There isn't a set rule on how to choose a skirt length but I recommend hemlines that hit the part of your leg that begins to thin out. That way your legs won't appear short and stumpy.

Try lighter fabrics before it gets too cold and slowly transition to thicker and heavier fabrics for fall and winter! Have fun with it and soon enough you'll find a perfect length for you!

Tank Top: Theory (similar here

Striped Skirt: MinkPink (here)

Flat: Seychelles (here on SUPER SALE)

Purse: Chloe

Bracelets: Vanessa Mooney (here), Cartier, and vintage

Necklace: Charlene K

 

We went to Slater's 50/50 for burgers and beers.

And finished off our night with some gourmet ice cream at Coolhaus (which is my absolute favorite ice cream place with my favorite gross sounding but heavenly tasting flavor--fried chicken and waffles!)

Angel's Knoll

I was downtown running some errands and attending meetings so I decided to visit Angel's Knoll Park for my lunch break, which was made famous by the amazing movie '500 Days of Summer'. After snapping some shots there, I took a stroll up and down the Angel's Flight stairs a few times for a mini mini-workout lol. Now my body and legs feel like jelly! It's probably due to the fact that I did some serious water aerobics when I got home too. I know...I'm a huge dork like that.

The focal piece of my outfit was this beautiful light pink silk chiffon and tan leather back vest from Maggie Ward. This vest is summery, chic, and sophisticated. I completed the look with an off-white Sanctuary tank tucked into my favorite pair of Level 99 khaki pants with zipper details at the ankles, and some comfy Matiko 'Lilo' perforated loafers (which are absolutely perfect for summer). This outfit was perfect for running errands in but not casual enough to look sloppy during meetings. In a way, it also kind of acted as my workout outfit at Angel's Flight. Hahaha. Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Silk Chiffon and Leather Vest: Maggie Ward (here in white)
Khaki Pants: Level 99 (here)
White Perforated Loafers: Matiko 'Lilo' (here)
Purse: Lancaster Paris 'Kyla Satchel'
Necklace: Charlene K
Bracelets: Juicy Couture (here) and vintage

Palazzo Pants Dance Party

Palazzo pants are a necessary summer staple. They're perfect because they're light, comfy, fun, and sophisticated. I especially love them because it provides me with a nice and cool alternative to my usual short shorts. I paired my palazzo pants with my favorite lace crop top of the summer. This is the 3rd time I've worn it on the blog, which is proof that it goes with absolutely everything. I previously styled it for a music festival (here) and for a pool party (here). I kept the rest of my outfit simple with minimal jewelry and my Chloe purse.

I wore this outfit to lunch with an old college friend, Kara, and then spent the second half of the day at my boyfriend's grandpa's 90th birthday! 

Kara and I hadn't seen each other in 2 years so we spent our afternoon catching up over salad, pizza, and bottomless mimosas. I'm pretty sure this is the longest lunch I've ever had. Want to guess how long we were at the restaurant for?! We were there for 6 whole hours hahaha. I'm honestly surprised we didn't get kicked out. 

After my "lunch" with Kara, I headed over to my boyfriend's grandpa's birthday party where we celebrated 90 years of happiness and health. I had a blast with my boyfriend's family playing with the babies, eating way too much food, and dancing like an idiot with Erika. Check out the super embarrassing and goofy video of us at the bottom of the post where we're pretending like we actually know how to dance. 

 

Lace Crop Top: Millau (LF Stores)

Pink Palazzo Pants: ASOS

Purse: Chloe

Booties: Dolce Vita 'Niven' (here)

Earrings and Stack Bracelets: Vanessa Mooney (here) and (here)

Necklace: Charlene K (similar here)

 

 

 

{I spy with my little eye a cute doggie booty behind my cute little booties}

{Kara and I on our 6 hour lunch date}

{Erika and I posing for our audience after our amazing performance below}
Note: We're both wearing palazzo pants because great minds think alike.

Fashion + Music = Pure Happiness

This past May, I was lucky enough to be a part of music festival history by attending BottleRock in Napa Valley, CA. It was both BottleRock's and my first music festival ever and I must say that it was absolutely EPIC!!! I really didn't know what to expect and frankly I was pretty nervous. I don't consider myself high maintenance, but I do enjoy my personal space and a clean bathroom (which are not things you would typically find at a music festival as you probably figured). Although I was nervous, I couldn't imagine not going and turning down the opportunity to see so many amazing artists. Some of which included: Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes, The Shins, The Black Keys, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, The Wallflowers, Allen Stone, Bad Religion, Jane's Addiction, Grouplove, Rogue Wave, and so much more!!! I know you're probably jealous because I'm still a little jealous of myself, but no worries! BottleRock was such a success that it's coming back in 2014!

As you probably know, a big part of music festivals besides the music is the fashion. Since my boyfriend and I were traveling up to San Francisco and staying with my friend, Daina, I didn't want to be rude and over-pack. We all know what over-packing leads to...and that's an explosion of clothes all over the place so I planned my outfits using the same hat and shoes for 3 days. I only ended up packing 2 pairs of shoes for 5 days of vacation...which is a HUGE accomplishment for me! And to top it all off, I fit all of my belongings in 2 duffel bags!!!

Below are some snapshots of my outfits from BottleRock. As you can see, I opted for long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat to shield me from the scorching hot sun each day, boots to protect my toes from getting trampled on, and short shorts and a short dress to still keep things interesting! haha

Day 1
 

 

Blouse: Olive & Oak (from Bloomingdales)

Dress: Urban Outfitters (layered under the blouse)

Socks: LF Stores

Hat: UBI Hats & Accessories (from LF Stores)

Boots: Seychelles

Necklace: flea market

Day 2

 

 

 

 

Daina and I showing off our arm candy.

Maxi Cape: One Teaspoon (here in "Dirty Nude" color)

 Lace Crop Top: Millau (from LF Stores)

Corduroy Shorts: Carmar (from LF Stores)

Hat: UBI Hats & Accessories (from LF Stores)

Boots: Seychelles

Jewelry: Amrita Singh, Vanessa Mooney, Stacey Sterling, Charlene K, and flea markets

Day 3 

 

 

 

 Bell Sleeve Lace Top: Mystree (from Nordstrom)

Distressed Denim Shorts: Evil Twin (here)

Hat: UBI Hats & Accessories (from LF Stores)

Boots: Seychelles

Necklace: Stacey Sterling

Nail Art: painted by me

  A shot of a Sonoma Vineyard on our way to Napa.

The reason I'm bringing up the past is because I just attended another amazing day of music and fashion out in San Bernardino, CA at the San Manuel Amphitheater on June 2nd. When I initially bought these tickets to see Mumford & Sons, I had no idea that it was a festival style concert with food trucks and carnival game booths too. I later found out that there were about 30,000 people that attended the show. I had never heard of the other bands, but I am so glad I discovered Michael Kiwanuka and Mystery Jets! Obviously, Mumford & Sons was beyond amazing...but that's a given!

I decided to go with a boho inspired look for this fun-filled day of music. I painted my nails white to compliment my gold jewelry and really make them pop. Hope you enjoy my festival outfits!

What are some other music festivals that you guys would recommend? I think I'm addicted now...

Ran into my beautiful friend, Jacquelyn, while grabbing some food.

Hat: vintage

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney

Crocheted Crop Top: Millau (LF Stores)

Silk Maxi Skirt: Maggie Ward

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (here in "camel" color which is not pictured)

Jewelry includes: vintage Cartier, flea market finds, TomTom jewelry, gifts from friends, LF Stores.

Mumford & Sons Encore.

Snapped a shot of the beautifully designed stage as 30,000 people were clearing out.

The End.

All Work and No Play?

An old accounting professor of mine from UCSB gave me a call about a month ago asking if I could help get my firm to present one of our case studies to a group of UCSB students along with other CPA and Law professionals in Camarillo at a Country Club. After the arrangements were made, my professor invited me to attend the event. The thought that came to mind was how could I not attend?!?! I get to spend time with my professor and students, and I also get to go shopping! It's a win-win situation! For those not from the area: Camarillo, CA equals SHOPPING at OUTLETS, which equals a content Natasha. I mean...what girl doesn't love a good bargain?!?! So after work today, I went on a little shopping spree to reward myself for starting this blog lol. Who says that you can't have a little fun when working? Definitely not I!

Silk Top: Maggie Ward

Blazer: Costa Blanca

Pants: Maggie Ward Florianopolis Cropped Pants (full length pants here)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Solitaire Pumps (here)

Purse: Prada

Necklace and Crystal Ring: Charlene K (ring found here)

Watch: Croton (men's watch)

Bracelets: vintage Cartier bracelet