It's Time For A Change

A Need For Change

I have been feeling very uninspired lately and its due to the million other fashion bloggers on Instgram doing the same thing I'm doing. I love fashion and discovering new and unique pieces as much as the next fashion blogger but I'm getting bored by the monotony of it all. If I'm getting bored I'm sure all of you are too!! This is why I decided on a change that will get me out of this creative rut and re-inspire all of you in a few different ways.

Now that I have started planning my Euro trip I have found such amazing inspiration in female travel bloggers around the world who are living the dream! I wish I could do exactly what they are doing but my job and bank account are preventing me from living out my dreams! Well that and my pesky fear of flying isn't doing me any favors either! I didn't want to let that stop me so I thought of a way were I can travel and discover new and exciting places while doing as little traveling as possible... and then it hit me, what if I discover and share all the fun, picturesque, unique and exciting places you could visit in California!?!?! I'm so excited and I am already compiling a list of places I want to visit and share with all of you! I would love to hear your thoughts and any suggestions you might have!

Open Book

When I first started blogging I had no idea what I was doing, I wanted to create amazing content and stand out from the rest. I didn't realize how much work it entailed to create beautiful images and content for the blog! As time went on I did research from how to upgrade the look of my blog to uploading high quality images to scouting locations for photoshoots. Trust me I don't have it all figured out yet but the little I know I want to share with all of you. I want to be an open book, I want to share the type of camera and the exact lenses I use for each shoot and I also want to share the exact location of my shoots. I remember how much research and Instagram stocking it took me to find cool places to eat or amazing locations to shoot in LA. It was hard because some bloggers chose not to share that information but my philosophy is if you have knowledge that can help others, why not share it?   

Location

Shoreline Aquatic Park

Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA 90802

Equipment Used

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Brunch

If you're in Long Beach and its brunch o'clock then I 100% recommend you visit Claire's At The Museum!! It's one of my favorite brunch spots in the area, from the breathtaking view to the yummy mimosas and delicious food you can't go wrong! It can get busy but as long as your there before 11:00am you wont wait longer than 15-20 minutes for a table. 

Address:

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

Santa Monica Promenade Shopping

My First Time

I remember my first trip to the Santa Monica Promenade and it was not a pleasant experience. The traffic was insane, the parking was daunting and almost nonexistent, and the lines at each store were at least 20+ minute waits. I swore to myself I would never come back again.  I must be a sucker for punishment or dedicated to conquering obstacles but I went back a few weeks ago and it was a much more pleasant experience. It's still the Santa Monica Promenade and there are always going to be crowds of people around at all times but I wanted to share a few tips that will make your visit a much more pleasant experience.   

Top: Forever 21 (similar here)

Skirt: Zara

Heels: Steve Madden

Bag: Cult Gaia

Earrings: H&M

1. Get There Early

I think this tip is very self explanatory but I must reiterate the fact that the earlier you can get to the Santa Monica Promenade the better your experience will be. My husband and I arrived in Santa Monica around 9:30am on a Saturday and there was already traffic on the 405 and the 10 fwy. The shops on the promenade open at 10:00am so I thought we would be one of the first people there. Unfortunately we weren't but it was much less crowded than arriving later in the day. I must admit it was much easier to find parking this time around which was one less stressor we had to deal with. 

2. Be Comfortable

I didn't follow this tip which is why I'm including it on the list. Wear light comfortable clothing because you will be walking a lot! I chose beauty over comfort when I put on my Steve Madden strappy sandals and I lasted a cool 2.5 hours before we had to make a beeline for the car. Thankfully I always carry a pair of flip-flops in the car but who wants to wear flip-flops with such a fabulous outfit. Needless to say that was the end of the road for us. Comfort is key in Santa Monica because its a pedestrian friendly walk everywhere type of city so wear some comfy flats and explore the city to your hearts content!  

3. Plan Ahead

By plan ahead I mean know exactly what stores you want to visit because it can get a little overwhelming. There are over 200 stores to choose from and you don't have time to visit them all in one day. I would say select your top 10 stores so you have a game plan and add a few as you go.

Nasty Gals Do It Better

The main reason I came to the Santa Monica Promenade was to visit one of my favorite online stores ... Nasty Gal. I love the unique selection they have online and decided to check out what goodies they had available in store. If your going to the store with the notion you will find a certain piece you have been eyeing online than you might be sadly disappointed. I had that same misconception and found virtually nothing I was lusting over online in the store. Major key ... call the store and verify before you visit. 

The Nasty Gal store is like a fashion feast for the eyes, every little corner is Instagram worthy and so unique it will leave you in a trance and wanting to shop more so you never have to leave! They even had a great husband resting area for those award winning husband's who still shop with their ladies!! You men are the real MVP!!! I must mention that the dressing rooms made me feel like I was in space or a Nasty Gal galaxy as you will see below. 

Nasty Gal Santa Monica

1254 3rd Street Promenade

Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Casual Can be Chic

The Outfit

I am a firm believer that if you feel comfortable in your clothing you can make a potato sack look chic. Now don't go out and buy a potato sack to wear, it's just a saying! For those nights you want to go out with friends or your significant other but don't want to do the absolute most just go with what makes you feel comfortable.

If I know I'm going to be eating a good meal I opt for a loose fitted top like this one from Who What Wear x Target. It has a subtle but beautiful detail with the bell sleeves. It gives you that sophisticated fun flair to dress up any look.

Since we have a loose fitting top we must wear some curve hugging bottoms like these jeans from H&M which are high waisted and super flattering!! I won't lie these are not the most comfortable after you've had a large meal but they keep that tummy sucked in all night.

Accessorizing is key!! Choose two or three pieces to help elevate your look to the next level. I chose my Chanel inspired grey slingback heels from Ivanka Trump and my cutest little boxy top handle bag from Zara. The slingback's are uber comfortable but they look very high end and the faux snakeskin black and burgundy bag is unique and very eye catching. 

The Shoes of the Year

I had to highlight the shoes of the year (in my opinion) because I already own these in beige and the cost per wear on those babies were scents or a dollar per wear. I've worn the beige ones to death and I will still wear them when I can but when the seasons change so does the color palette of your wardrobe which is why I opted for these charcoal grey slingback heels from Ivanka Trump. Aren't they just dreamy!! They are the perfect work shoe with the 2 or 3 inch block heel, you don't have to sacrifice looks for comfort.








Top: Who What Wear via Target

Jeans: H&M

Bag: Zara

Heels: Ivanka Trump via Lord and Taylor   

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My Personal Struggle

Self Image

I wanted to share something a little more personal on the blog today so you can know me a little bit better. I've been struggling this past year and maybe my whole life with my body image. I've never been happy with the way I looked because everywhere I turn skinny with a big butt and big boobs has been deemed attractive. Even when I look at different fashion inspirational pages on Instagram I can't help but notice that 90% of the pictures they repost are of skinny beautiful women. Lately I have noticed that plus size bloggers have been making a splash on the social media circuit and in the fashion industry which is amazing!! I'm left wondering, what happens to the women like me who are neither skinny or plus size? I feel like there is no one out there who represents us! It is also a small factor in why I'm not happy with the way my body looks. Unfortunately the media controls what the world deems beautiful and I don't fit into that equation. 

I am 5'9 and a size 10/11 who weighs 165lbs. It's huge that I am sharing that with all of you because I still have my weight from 7 years ago on my drivers license and its about 20lbs less than what I actually weigh. I am striving to be healthier and love my body at every stage of my life but it's harder than it seems. The pressure of looking perfect in every single picture and dissecting my looks constantly has been wearing down on me. This is why I take a break from the blog and social media. I'm a work in progress and I am slowly trying to better myself! 

Why I'm Sharing ...

I have been wanting to share the not so perfect side of my life for a while because writing is like my therapy. It's not all perfect outfits and great lighting there is a lot of imperfection and self criticizing behind the scenes. I am only human and I think we all go through similar feelings but I've learned one thing in life that is, if you don't like something about yourself than change it. Its as simple as that! Well not that simple but you get the gist.







Vest: Zara (old)

Dress: H&M (old)

Boots: Zara (old)

Scarf: Zara (old)

Bag: Zara

Sunglasses: Celine

Progress Not Perfection

In the last few months I have tweaked my thinking and realized that I need to love myself enough to take care of my mind, body and soul. I know it sounds a little cliche but its true!! Ive started with baby steps, the way I was nourishing my body before was extremely unhealthy which in turn made me feel crapy all the time. Eating healthier and exercising slightly has made me feel better and has given me more energy. I have also incorporated positive quotes in my closet room and read them everyday. It starts my day of with positivity which is the best way to start the day! I also love watching Mimi Ikon's youtube videos because she is just the most genuinely positive person I've seen in a long time and her attitude is contagious. I hope this post gave you a little food for thought and maybe motivates you to get out of a negative head space you may be in!

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