Sundaze

 I couldn't help but snatch this while waiting in line at the grocery store.

Elle + Emma Watson = perfect combination

It's amazing what sitting down and reading a magazine could do in terms of inspiration or motivation.

Whether it's an article you read that strikes you, or a clothing advertisement that helps you plan out your outfit for the next day.

It's really unbelievable when we step back and realize the affect media has on our everyday lives, even if we consciously choose to let it or not.

Touchdown in Londontown

Hello! So, I got back from London just under two weeks ago...time really does fly. I had such a wonderful time, and I still can't believe I actually went. I'm eagerly awaiting the day I get to return.

I thought I'd share some of my photos and outfits with you. I wish I could've got some proper photos of my outfits, but going into the trip I didn't know anyone well enough to ask them to take some shots of me...although by the end of the trip, I made several new good friends and I'm really happy about that. Regardless, enjoy!

My first introduction to London was in Hyde Park and I wouldn't have wanted it to be anywhere else.

The weather was absolutely beautiful, there were families spending time together, children chasing birds, people eating ice cream, riding bikes....it was like a film set, except it was real life.

My friends and I had lunch on a bench by the pond (Is it a pond? I dunno...) and watched all the birds. It was super windy at times and all of the pigeons decided to take flight at this moment and swoop quite close to our heads. Laughing ensued and I'm so glad my friend captured this moment.

                Of course we had to make a stop at Kensington Palace. I guess Will and Kate were busy.

Poor London Eye got cut out for the sake of seeing my outfit a bit better. Not that it's anything special. We were only allowed one regular suitcase, so I mostly packed simple pieces that I could interchange with one another throughout the trip.
The only "new" items I really wore were my two jackets, which have both been pictured. The weather was lovely, but still required some sort of coat/jacket/protection from the wind.

My friends and I are all big Harry Potter buffs, and we had to take the initiative to visit Millennium Bridge.

'Twas so pretty.

Yes, we went to Harrods. And I finally went to Ladurée and tried macarons and they were as delicious as  I expected, if not more.

Sadly, there was a little incident on the Tube and they got crushed a bit.

They tasted every bit as good though.

Snuck a mirror selfie in the Victoria & Albert museum, which was gorgeous.

They had a fashion section, by the way. Definitely my favorite part.

I surprisingly didn't wear a jacket for most of the day and it was colder than expected, so I grabbed my jacket and scarf once we stopped back at the hotel. 

This was taken in the bathroom of a pub...classy (but like nice carpeting for a bathroom, right?).

[Side note: The 'toilets' in restaurants/pubs/etc., why do they always put them either upstairs or downstairs completely out of the way? I mean, it makes sense, but I felt like I was going upstairs into someone's home just to get to this bathroom...]

Speaking of pubs...

I had my first legal drink, whoooo.

I'm not a fan of beer to begin with, but I had it with fish and chips and thought it was alright.

Had to take the quintessential red telephone box/Big Ben photo, of course.

As you can plainly see, I'm at Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Basically my outfits each day consisted of my brown riding-styled boots, leggings/yoga pants, a neutral-colored shirt or sweater of some sort, and whichever jacket paired with a scarf.

Pretty standard and simple, which was nice.

Also, butter beer gets two thumbs up from me.

This had to occur as well (I mean, duh).

This is from our last day. I like that my friend's face and mine aren't visible (and the random man in the back).

This was in the Notting Hill area, near Portobello Road.

Such a pretty area, especially those flowers and greenery that are somewhat visible.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect on this last day, and I'm really glad London welcomed us with its lovely weather (or we brought the sunshine, because apparently the week before and after weren't as nice...so you're welcome, London).

This doesn't even cover half of what we did, saw, or what funny and wonderful incidents happened to us. I'm so grateful for this experience and for making new friends during the process.

I look forward to seeing you again one day, London!

Until then, don't change...at least not too much.

<3

Credit for some of these photos goes to two of my friends, Lexus & Amanda. Thanks guys.

5 Trends to Try

This year I'd like to be more adventurous in what I wear. I want to buy items I wouldn't normally purchase and worry less about if I can "pull it off". I'm the youngest I'm going to be, so it's much easier to get away with experimenting now rather than ten to fifteen years down the line.

Plus you won't know unless you try, right?

1. Maxi Skirts 

I was incredibly close to buying this maxi skirt a few weeks ago from Forever 21, but I chickened out. I've been debating getting one for the past year or so and I've tried on countless and liked a good number of them. My argument is always that I won't have a place to wear it, but as they say "life is a special occasion". 

2. Harem Pants

I wasn't even sure of the name of this style of pant, but I think they're so casual and cool looking (the nice, flowy ones not the drop crotch ones), especially those with more tribal/eastern prints. I saw a pair awhile ago with elephants on them, and I still wish I had given them a chance.

3. Crop Tops

I bought the one pictured below a couple weeks ago, but it only goes just above my pants when I stand normally. I'd like to try for a bit more dramatic crop, like above my belly button. Maybe. I guess we'll see once summertime approaches.

from Target

4. Cut-out Ankle Boots

Those boots with gold or silver buckles and cut outs on the heel part...to die for. I feel like they've been quite popular in Europe for awhile and are just starting to pervade North America. Once I find a cute pair I like, for a decent price, I'm definitely going to go for them.

5. Bathing Suits

Obviously I have my share of bathing suits, but none that I really love. It always seems to be a last minute "oh-i-need-a-bathing-suit-let's-pick-the-first-one-i-like-and-that's-good-enough" type thing. So, it's my goal to find one that's not just an average everyday one you see when you go to the beach. I want it to be something I really like AND feel comfortable in. That second part is quite important.

Is there anything out that you're contemplating trying?

Hope you all have a good week.

:)