Happiness, hit her like a train on a track...

My Birthday: Part I

 

One of my best friends (Siera) and I share a birthday. We were both born on September 21st- except she '87 and I '85. This is one of the few reasons she and I have clicked so well since we first met. It's the bond, that connection-that can't really be broken by anyone/anything. We just get each other. I feel so lucky to be able to share this wonderful "date" with her.

I started my day off with a mani-treat from my other Best, Kate-and shopping. That's when she got me the killer military boots I'm wearing in my birthday outfit. Went from $200 to $35! Pretty good bargain if you ask me. Thanks Bester! In the evening, my honey and I went to Citywalk to have dinner at Wolfgang Puck. Had the best pizza of my life. Smoked salmon on a dill cream sauce-it was yum. Then it was off to Saddle Ranch for Siera's shindig. We had the entire place to ourselves-and good times were had watching her ride the bull! Thank God no one asked me to do it-that would've been tragic. Haha! My gift to her btw...a date to see Florence + the Machine at her sold out show on Nov. 8th! I'm so beyond excited for us.

Love my birthday boo! xoxo

I'm having my party next week! So there'll be more pictures to come for sure. 

Jack by BB Dakota blazer/Top borrowed from Bestie/H&M skinnies/Rockport boots/Worthington clutch/Asos "Olivia" ring/Fossil watch

Take me on

It's my 25th birthday tomorrow. Don't exactly know how I feel about it yet. I certainly don't feel any older, and I certainly don't feel any crisis (thank God). I hope tomorrow turns out as perfectly as my Santa Cruz trip with my family this past weekend. 

Apart from getting sick on the flight there, I was extremely happy to be spending time with my family. And I was especially happy to be in a place where it actually felt like fall. We celebrated my birthday that first night I was there, and I wore my favorite vintage polka-dot dress. We ate at this amazing bistro called Hoffman's, and I had the most amazing lamb shank of my LIFE. 

Saying goodbye to my sister was very bittersweet. While I was really happy that she was able to fit in so well, and that she loves her new school. But she's my best friend, and even though I don't get to see her as often as I would like-knowing that she was only 45 minutes away made it easier to grasp. Now that she's 7 hours away...it's not going to be as easy for me to see her, which makes me really sad. But obviously, I hope she has a great time and I can't wait to hear all about her new adventures.

P.S. Finally found the perfect shearling leather jacket (shown above)...for $30!! First purchase from my fall must-have list.

Sister: Vintage blazer and shoes/Cotton On men's shirt/Anne Klein tights

Me: H&M aviator jacket/Vintage polka-dot dress/ F21 tights

Working like a dog...

My work outfit for FASHION NIGHT OUT. Too bad the event itself was a bust, but this was one of my favorite work related outfits to date. I just felt very chic and elegant, but the headband makes it edgy at the same time. I got so many compliments, and jaws dropping once I told them I got it at Forever 21. 

Flying to Santa Cruz tomorrow to say goodbye to my baby sister. I'm going to miss her beyond belief. But I'm immensely proud of her, and can't wait to hear about her new adventures. 

F21 blazer and headband/Sneak Peek skinnies/Guess by Marciano biker boots

You must not know 'bout me

I'm turning 25 in 8 days...

And look who else is turning 25!

ELLE is celebrating their 25th birthday by featuring It girls who are also turning 25. Smart move, ELLE. My only predicament is, which cover to choose?

I still can't believe I'll be 25 soon. When I look back on this past year, actually scratch that-when I look back on the past 25 years of my life, knowing me...I would probably say something like-"that's it? That's ALL I've accomplished?" But in truth, I have to seriously give myself props and stop being so hard on myself.  Those who know me and the life I've had-can attest to the fact that these 25 years have not been easy. There were times I wanted out. There were times, I didn't know what to do with myself/ with my life. I suffered lows so low, most people couldn't possibly imagine feeling. But the past couple of years (thanks mostly due to the people in my life) I've become a firm believer that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. And that hardships make you stronger. That's exactly what I've felt the past year. Like having something to strive for made life that much more worth living. I feel incredibly blessed for everything I've experienced in my life-the good and bad. But there's certainly more to come. 25 will be an amazing year...and I can't wait.

xoxo

Would you feel anything at all?

It's been a crazy last couple of days! So much has happened, I can't even keep track. Last Thursday, we went over to the Groundlings Theatre on Melrose to see my friend Ashley perform. I hadn't seen her in so long, and wanted to go support-so there we were-me, Geo, Josie and Dan. It was a great night full of laughs, tears, and friendship. And I can't wait to hang out with them again. 

Then, the craziest but happiest of news...my best friend Kate just got engaged!! I actually have two friends that are now engaged, because Danielle got engaged two weeks ago. I am so beyond happy for them both. I still haven't even given Danielle a congratulatory hug yet, let alone seen the ring in person-which I'm sure is just stunning. Kate told me through bbm, while I was at work-and literally screamed my head off. This was such a long time coming. And I'm just ecstatic that I have these 2 amazing upcoming weddings I get to help plan.

Finally, on Sunday-we trekked over to Wokcano to celebrate my sister going away to college in a couple weeks. I don't know why that's cause for a celebration, because I sure as hell won't be celebrating once she leaves. It's going to be really tough on me. But that night was filled with so much love and laughter, and it was definitely great being there with my cousins to wish my sister all the best... I don't want the 16th to arrive just yet. :(

P.S. My Olivia ring arrived yesterday. It's so much more beautiful and heavier in person. Just as I imagined. I'm in love. :)

Angl holey pocket sweater/H&M jeans/Silence and Noise mesh boots/Vintage Chanel bag

F21 top

When the morning comes...

What's been going on lately...

Last week Geo and I celebrated another year together. We went over to Burbank and saw Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, which was actually a lot better than I expected. Then we ate at one of our fave restaurants there, Market City Cafe. Such amazing food, and they have the greatest breadsticks. I literally crave those breadsticks some days.

A few days later we celebrated my mom's birthday. And we trekked over to the new Santa Monica Place to check out the action. It was sort of bittersweet for me, because it had amazing shops, but way too many people. I would definitely come back though, when the hype dies down.

P.S. I feel like I'm sorta channeling Olivia Palermo with the 2nd outfit. Now, all that's missing is that ring I ordered!

1.) F21 Top/H&M super skinnies in light wash/Steve Madden boots/Mark Ecko bag

2.) F21 blazer and ruffled top/H&M super skinnies in dark wash/Guess by Marciano biker boots/Mark Ecko bag