Outfit Inspiration: Tribal Print Maxi Dress

August 28, 2015August 28, 20152 Comments

When I first got this dress, I loved the style, but not so much the print. I’ve always been a little bit hesitant to wear tribal print. Especially one that’s so colorful. Lately, I’ve been trying to be more adventurous with my dress and pick out things I wouldn’t normally go for. Hopefully this styling of a tribal print maxi dress inspires you to be a little more daring too.

Since the tribal print is so busy, it’s always a good idea to keep your accessories simple. For accessorizing this outfit, I focused on just a few key pieces that had the same geometric shapes as the print. I opted for gold accessories as yellow was a focal point in the dress. Hope you enjoy!

Maxi Dress: Billabong

Shoes: Crown by Born

Accessories: Bracelet and Triangle Ring – Forever 21; Multi-layer Ring and Necklace – Nordstrom Rack

Olvera Street: A walk through ‘La Placita Olvera’ in Downtown LA

August 27, 2015September 14, 2015Leave a comment

Here’s a look of a stroll I took down Olvera Street one hot summer day. Olvera Street is an outdoor marketplace that houses stores, sit-down restaurants, food stands, museums, historic monuments, and a performance plaza. It is an area that is colorful, vibrant, and full of culture. Talk about history, ‘La Placita Olvera’ is considered one of Los Angeles’ oldest historic sites. There are seven museums and four historic monuments located on the premises. Among these buildings includes the oldest existing residence of Los Angeles, Avila Adobe, which dates back to 1818. Strolling through the grounds you can stop to watch a live performance, listen to a mariachi band, drink a fresh fruit water (agua fresca), or munch on delicious rolled tacos (taquitos). There is so much to see and do. I was only able to capture a small portion. Hopefully it inspires you to take a stroll.

“The Olvera Street Mexican style outdoor marketplace is an internationally renowned space for visitors to casually stroll, people watch and enjoy foods, cultural souvenirs and traditional live entertainment.” – Calle Olvera

Aztec dancers

Watermelon and Horchata

Pico House

Entrance by plaza tree

Clothes

Plaza tree

Taquito stand

Dolls

Aguas Frescas

Olvera Street

Native Dancers

Olvera Street

Shops

Performance area

Museum

Restaurant

The Last Bookstore: Books, Art, and Records in Downtown LA

August 25, 2015August 27, 20152 Comments

Here’s a peek inside The Last Bookstore. The store is various levels with rooms within rooms and things to see around every corner. If you try to go visit, be aware that certain rooms and stores close before the rest of the bookstore. I missed the chance to explore a couple of rooms because of this. But other than that, I was able to peek around the majority of the place. The Last Bookstore looks like something that should belong on the set of a Harry Potter movie. When I saw the wall of photos I was almost expecting the faces to start following me across the room. It’s a truly unique place and a really fun find.

“The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store. Currently in our third incarnation, we began in 2005 in a downtown Los Angeles loft.” – Last Bookstore

Half mannequin

The Last Bookstore Mannequin

Windy book aisles

Random book aisles

Book loop

Books flying in the corner ceiling

Wall of paintings

Up close wall of paintings

Industrial art

Up close of flying books

Flying bookshelf

Book ailses

Inside book hall

Curved book hall

Secret light switch

Alice in Wonderland style sign

Drawings on the wall

Vaulted book room

Scary books

Star Wars books

View overhead

View from above

Inside vaulted book room

Book aisle with book light switch

Check out my previous post for the address! 😉

Four Unique and/or Weird Things To See in Downtown Los Angeles

August 17, 2015January 17, 20161 Comment

Los Angeles is where I call home (for the majority of the time that is). So it’s funny for me to think that I’ve never really explored the downtown area. Now that I have a friend that lives in the area, I’ve been spending a significant amount of time falling in love with the city. Here’s a list of four weird and/or unique things to see in downtown Los Angeles. The best part, it’s all within a two block radius so you don’t have to worry about parking. 😉 Enjoy!

Downtown Los Angeles Map, center point Main and 5th – Click to enlarge.

The Varnish

118 EAST 6TH STREET
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Imagine yourself entering a French dip restaurant. Walking past the host to the back wall only to find an unmarked door which leads to one of downtown LAs oldest speakeasys. If this sounds like fun to you then make your way to The Varnish, located in the back of Cole’s restaurant. It is a small dark intimate space which offers amazing cocktails and an exclusive vibe. They don’t allow overcrowding so you have to wait outside of the speakeasy for a table. Grab a seat at the bar at Cole’s while you wait. Where else can you grab a French dip sandwich one minute and then sip a Moscow mule in a speakeasy without ever stepping outside?

PEDDLER’S CREAMERY

458 SOUTH MAIN STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013

Have you ever heard of an ice-creamery where you can pedal for a free scoop? Well I hadn’t heard of it until I stumbled upon Peddler’s Creamery. Now the thought of having to exercise for 20 minutes before I can get some ice cream isn’t the most appealing thing to me, but some people go for that kind of stuff! So check this place out, even if it’s just to be a lookey loo to watch others bike for their scoop.

Angel Wings on Main by Colette Miller

ANGEL WINGS ON MAIN

448 S Main STREET
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located right next to Peddler’s Creamery is the Regent Theater. What makes this place unique are the art installation pieces by Colette Miller. A pair of angel wings located on the sliding gates. Make sure to get there before the place opens, or else you’ll miss your chance for a photo-op.

The Last Bookstore. Not sure if that was a reflection on my forehead or an orb. ;p

THE LAST BOOKSTORE

453 S Spring Street
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013

Now, The Last Bookstore may not really be the last bookstore but it is considered one of California’s largest. The store carries new and used books as well as records and art installations. You’ll find surprises around every corner… literally!

Crop Top HAUL: August 2015

August 15, 2015August 20, 2015Leave a comment

I recently went on a crop top buying spree and purchased four different tops to pair with my high-waisted skirts and shorts. As someone with a short torso, I always feel funny about wearing crop tops because it visually raises your waistline, but when paired with complimentary bottoms and a snazzy attitude, anything goes. 😉

Which top is your favorite?