textured whites

Photos by Blake Jacobsen

Mink Pink Cardigan via Crossroads Trading | Urban Outfitters Lace Dress (similar here, here & here) | Crossbody c/o Sheinside | Lace Tights (similar here) | Forever 21 Platforms | Gold Collar Necklace c/o Romwe 

One thing that I will always pay attention to when styling an outfit is the use of textures. I absolutely love mixing and matching different textures. Different textures can add more depth to an outfit, especially when it comes to monochromatic palettes. This outfit that I'm wearing here has a slight tinge of Rodarte circa Spring 2009, which I absolutely loved, by the way. 

As of late, I have been taking a few breathers, hence the slowdown in blog posts. But currently I am working on a new addition to this little corner of internet space, of which I will reveal tomorrow! On a side note, I am sending well wishes to all my friends in New York and the rest of the East Coast and hope that all the damage from Hurricane Sandy can be repaired soon. Oh, and Happy Halloween.

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motonari ono spring 2013

Photos via style.com, editing by me

So I had a little fun with Photoshop. Some of you may or may not know that last week was Japan Fashion Week and also the first time that Style.com covered the shows. Recently, I have been really inspired by Japanese street style. That part grunge, part sweet lolita type, just less over the top. Fawning over Vivi, Jelly and Japanese versions of Nylon, Elle and Vogue in my past-time is also my favorite thing to do. In other words, I am professing my love for the Japanese and their alluring kawaii-ness. But back to the main subject of this post. My favorite collection at Japan Fashion Week was by Motonari Ono. I love the palette of nudes, blacks and reds with a play on lace detailing and floral print. There is so much character to each piece. I would definitely love to sport a couple (how about all) of these looks next spring.

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instagram pt. quatre

1. The view of Downtown Los Angeles from a favorite rooftop spot.

2. A chocolate souffle at Bottega Louie.

3. While waiting to be seated at Bottega Louie.

4. Organic ice-cream on Melrose Ave.

5. Playing with nail designs. Hand placed over Lula magazine issue 13.

6. Meeting Farris from Bollare at the Line & Dot Spring '13 Launch.

7. Wandering in Downtown Los Angeles.

8. My favorite Spring '13 picks at Qi & Ainsley Showroom.

9. The yummy treats at Line & Dot Spring '13 Launch.

10. My fall clothing rack. 

The last time I made an Instagram post was when I got back from New York. These are just a few of my favorite snapshots since my time here in Los Angeles. You can follow me via @lavagabonddame. Bisous!

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old town pasadena

Photos by Blake Jacobsen

Nasty Gal Lace Dress (similar here & here) | BB Dakota Suede Jacket (similar here) | Forever 21 Buckle Bag (similar here & here) | Fur Stole | YSL Rouge Volupte Lip | Jeffrey Campbell x Wildfox Platforms

I guess the weather gods heard my wish because today was absolutely cloudy and perfectly seventies in temperature. I wore a lace dress to avoid feeling stuffy while I kept warm on top with a suede jacket and fur stole. I'm going to be honest here, I'd wear this exact outfit everyday if I could. That would definitely lessen my laundry load. On another note, I visited Pasadena today with Blake and I have decided that once I have my own car I will be making frequent trips to this beautiful city. I absolutely love the strip of boutiques and restaurants that is Old Town Pasadena. It's refreshing to see good old red brick buildings since my San Francisco days.

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life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall - f.scott fitzgerald

As of late, I am coveting: fuzzy sweaters, fur stoles, fringe hemmed dresses, burgundy, tulle skirts, rusty gold hardware, leopard leather, floor length gowns, caramel tones and a dusty rose palette. Now, how about throwing in a few clouds and a bleak sky, Los Angeles?

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autumn luxe

Photos by David Michael Cortes

Anna Sui x Target Blouse (similar here) | Pleather Zip Leggings | Asos Cat Clutch (similar here) | JewelMint Gold Cuff c/o Bollare (similar here & here) | Zara Heels | Black Floppy Hat

Am I the only one who feels that the title of this post perfectly befits this outfit? Channeling black and gold once again. This blouse is around two years old and was actually the first piece I wore to post my first outfit post here on this blog. I remember being incredibly excited about getting my little hands on this lace number and had to document a couple photos of myself in it. Then voilà! What originally began as a personal online diary was then on its way to become the fashion and lifestyle blog it is today. Now, while we're on the subject, can anything be more gorgeous than this collection?!

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fall beauty must-haves

1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner - During the summer season, I usually like to wear crayon liner because of how it smudges on my eyelids to get that subtle smokey eye. But when autumn comes, I switch to liquid liner for a cleaner fresh look. Stila does it the best.

2. Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream - I'm really big on keeping my cuticles and fingernails healthy and in good condition. I've been using this Burt's Bee's cuticle cream for five years now and it's one of my favorite products. I like to put it on both my cuticles and nails right before I paint my nails, so it acts like a layer of protection. It has a lovely lemon-y scent too.

3. Nars Blush in Taos - I love a good peachy-coral flush to my Asian olive skin. I'm a huge fan of Nars' blushes and I have both Taos and Taj Mahal. I like to use the deeper coral-y Taj Mahal during the summer season since I can get pretty tan. As my skin starts to lighten up around the end of October, I usually switch to Taos for a softer look.

4. St. Ives Green Tea Scrub - Exfoliation is key to having healthy radiant skin. I exfoliate about 3 times per week to get rid of the dead skin that builds up on the daily. This green tea scrub by St. Ives is refreshing and the subtle scent is nice. It's best used after washing the face with cleanser to really get in the pores.

5. Nars Lipstick in Scarlet Empress - I love a good red lip. But once the leaves turn, I love experimenting with darker stains. This one by Nars is so lovely. It's semi-matte and it has a beautiful plum hue.

6. Jurlique Rose Body Cream - Once the wind picks up, I know that it's time to really lather on the body lotion. I love light floral scents, so this one by Jurlique is really nice and calming. It also doesn't leave that greasy residue and is very hydrating. A little goes a long way! 

7. Butter London in Aston - A romantic toffee color. I love to use soft hues during the fall to compliment warmer wear. I was first introduced to Butter London when I received one in a gift package from Seventeen earlier last year. It's a great brand and besides being a fan of their packaging, I love their lacquer shades too.

8. Two Faced BB Cream - Foundation scares me. I always felt like my skin would feel so suffocated under a layer of make-up all over my face. So I like using bb cream to act like a concealer. This one is a plus because it also primes and protects the skin! Easy all in one.

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times like these, I need relief

Photos by David Michael Cortes

Nasty Gal Moto Crop Jacket and Acid Wash Jeans | Blouse c/o Style Sofia | Sam Edelman Lace Up Booties | American Apparel Beret

I'm going to reiterate it once since just about every other blogger based in Los Angeles is writing about the weather in their latest blog posts; I'm ecstatic that it's finally starting to cool down this week. I got the first chills yesterday morning on my way to school, but I was smiling so gleefully to myself that I must've seemed kind of out of it. On another note, I am channeling my Parisian moto grunge chick look here, or in other words, better photos of what I wore last weekend. Au revoir Summer!

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