inVESTing

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney "The Sheba" Necklace (here)

Vest: Stylestalker "Biker" Vest (here)

Leather Backpack: Stela 9 (here)

Long Sleeve Linen Tee: Joe's Jeans "Dames Tee" (here)

Bracelet: Vanessa Mooney "Roxanne Cuff Bracelet" (here or here)

Leggings: Romeo and Juliet Couture

Heels: Charlotte Ronson "Hayworth Studded Heel" (on super sale here)

STYLE TIP: Add some personality to a plain and boring outfit with accessories! I started with some basic staple items that most girls can find in their closets but then I spiced it up and added some of my own personality by throwing on a vest, a statement necklace, and a black leather backpack. Without my accessories, my outfit would just be a simple grey long sleeved shirt and some black leggings....nothing exciting there! 

This tip really comes in handy especially when I'm in a rush out the door. I typically throw on a tee, a blazer or leather jacket, and some jeans. I'll grab a nice statement necklace to top it off...and VOILA! A cute and stylish outfit within 5 minutes!!! 

Additionally, I believe that investing in quality accessories is key. I personally grow attached to all of my clothing and accessories so it's really important to me that my items last me through the years. For example, I've had these Charlotte Ronson heels (which are on super sale now!) since my college days and I'm hoping that my brand new Vanessa Mooney turquoise necklace also lasts me many many more years to come.

Urban Ninja

Leather Jacket: J.A.C.H.S Girlfriend

"Fuck Forever" Sweater: Reformation x Baron Von Fancy Collaboration

Pants: Romeo & Juliet Couture

Booties: Dolce Vita

Clutch: Valentino

This all black ensemble makes me feel like some sort of urban ninja just ready to kick some butt lol. I simply transformed my outfit from daytime to nighttime by slipping my flats off, slipping my badass booties on, and layering on a leather jacket. The jacket was just the touch needed to pull the boyish & badass look together because it added an extra toughness to the look.

Fake It Til You Make It

Faux Leather Shorts: MinkPink

Sweater: Swell

Heels: Jeffrey Campbell "Solitaire"

Necklace: Chan Luu

Bracelet: Luv AJ

 

When it comes to leather/faux leather shorts, I personally like to stick with a classic black style because I know that I'll get the most wear out of them. Leather shorts can be surprisingly versatile, sleek, and edgy.

Styling Tips:

For a more tailored look: I suggest tucking a nice silk or chiffon button down blouse into your shorts and pairing it with some classic pumps. And maybe top off the outfit with a nice tailored blazer for a more polished look. Try a printed blazer for more sass and edge. 

For a sportier look: I suggest tucking your favorite simple plain t-shirt into your shorts, and layering a cute bomber or Letterman jacket over. I would probably pair this outfit with some sleek girlie heels to contrast the sportiness of the look, but I think Converse sneakers would be a great alternative if heels just aren't your thing. 

I kind of did a casual look with some feminine touches for my outfit. I kept it simple with a knit sweater slightly tucked into my shorts, but added some pointed toe pumps and a clutch. If the weather were any cooler, I would have opted for tights under my shorts and a nice thick, chunky knit sweater. How would you girls style your leather shorts?! Feel free to email me and show me! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Takin' It SLO

Life has been moving so quickly, so I slowed it down with a mini day trip to San Luis Obispo (SLO) to relax and clear my head. I started the day off with breakfast at Paula's Pancake house in Solvang and then continued my trip up to SLO to visit some friends. 

I kept my outfit simple and neutral with a white dress, brown knee-high socks, brown boots, and a brown asymmetrical cardigan so I could showcase my awesome new and colorful Stela 9 backpack that I just got! I'm so obsessed with it! The colors, the patterns, and the soft leather...it all just makes for the perfect little backpack! I used it to carry around Mr. Milo's and my water, food, and snacks while we were strolling the beach, shopping, and hiking. All in all, it was a great day trip for Mr. Milo and I. 

Backpack: Stela 9 (similar here)

Dress: Muji (similar here)

Socks: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Boots: Seychelles (similar here)

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (here)

Belt: Vintage

Cardigan: Nordstrom

 

Sand dollars make ya holla

At Ron's shopping for home decor and succulents.

Ron's has the cutest ceramic plant decorations like these sheep!

Stopped by an organic farm for fresh veggies on our way home.

Don't Mesh With Me

Now that it's Fall, it's time to bust out those leather jackets ladies! I, for one, am obsessed with a great leather jacket and that's why I believe it's one of those items that are worth splurging on. Like a great classic leather purse, these jackets will last you years! I've had this jacket for about 3 years now and you can't even tell that I've used it and abused it to death! I layered this poor thing over my mesh crop top and paired it with these genie-like silk sweatpants for a girls' night out on the town. I finished off the look with a pair of trusty Jeffrey Campbells and some jewelry. 

The best tip for wearing an all-black outfit is to mix it up with textures and/or prints. For this outfit, I decided to mix it up with a lot of different textures including some mesh knit, leather, sueded silk, and suede leather. Remember to keep your outfits interesting by mixing and matching textures...especially if you're going for a monochrome look like this!

Although my style changes often with my mood, my hair typically remains the same for long periods of time. I'm not really crazy about haircuts and change so I don't really take risks in the hair department like I do with my clothes and styling. My amazing friend, Emily, was brave enough to cut my hair while her fiancé force fed me cronuts and maple bacon donuts! I digress but that was my first cronut and damn was it amazing lol. I'm so grateful for both Em and her man because I'm newly obsessed with my hair and the super delicious and heavenly cronut! 

Leather Jacket: Please (LF Stores)

Mesh Crop Top: Evil Twin

Sueded Silk Pants: Maggie Ward from Nordstrom (here)

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell 'Hough' (here)

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney 'Clearing Things Up'

Bracelets: Jenny Bird and Luv AJ

Capped It Off

Eddie and I capped off our Labor Day weekend by throwing a BBQ get together for a bunch of high school buddies. We decided to grill our usual go-to favorite...carne asada because you can never really go wrong with some carne asada, guacamole, chips, and salsa! We spent the day playing Cards Against Humanity (which is like an inappropriate version of Apples to Apples lol), eating and drinking, swimming, hot tubbing, and eating some more. It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend with my love.

I wore the newest addition to my closet...this amazing One Teaspoon blazer (thanks to my amazingly generous aunt). I am so obsessed with it!!! The colors, the prints, the cut...it's all just so so so gorgeous! I've only had it for a few days but I know I'm going to be prancing around town in this piece quite often! It's just such a versatile piece that can either be dressed up or down. I decided to keep my look pretty casual for the BBQ with a simple white silk tank top, cutoff denim shorts, the blazer, and some beige colored peep-toe booties. I guess the heels and the silk weren't the most casual but it was meant to be a laid back look. 

I capped off my outfit with a leather baseball cap, which has been a favorite accessory of mine lately. Not only does it just look cute with everything, it also provides shade for my face. It's a total win win for me. Below are some tips for buying and wearing this leather cap trend.

Tips:

1) Buy a solid colored leather cap because they're easy to incorporate into any outfit. They add an instant touch of chicness and sleekness to any look. Note: I personally like solid accessories because I'm not really a pro at mixing prints. But if you are, by all means go crazy with printed and embellished caps!

2) You can style it with something feminine like a short dress or miniskirt to contrast the sweetness with some edge. 

3) You can cap off your casual t-shirt and jeans and instantly create a chic look. I personally like to add heels to most of my outfits (unless I'm running around all day) so when my clothes are more casual, I counter it with lots of accessories like layers of jewelry and heels.

Leather Cap: Urban Outfitters

Palm Tree Printed Blazer: One Teaspoon 'November Rain' (here)

Silk Tank Top: The T Refinery (Planet Blue)

Shorts: CarMar (LF Stores)

Peep-Toe Booties: Dolce Vita 'Niven' (here)

Bracelets: Vanessa Mooney (here and here) and Luv AJ (here)

Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (here)

My first plate of food...out of like 5 hahaha

Typical Natasha...Stuffing my face with food. 

Don't bother me...I'm eating, Eddie!

As the night went on, more and more old friends stopped by for pool/jacuzzi time! Notice how they're all guys?! Lol.