12.30.11 // Shedding the (Snake)skin.

Sunglasses, Mosely Tribes / Vintage Snake Print Blouse, Shareen Vintage / Belt, Reiss / Vintage Pencil Skirt, Shareen Vintage / Bag, Proenza Shouler PS1 / Shoes, Aldo

Shedding your skin and reflecting on the scales left behind can be a painful and complex reality. According to ancient Chinese zodiac signs, I am ironically the month of the Serpent. Some qualities of the Serpent are unmistakably characteristics I hold: Snakes seek the peace they need in order to thrive. They are also materialistic but analytical alike. Hmmm... Has anyone seen similarities in their signs? As the new year is upon us, I would like to make resolutions that impact my life and those around me for the better but I am not yet certain what the details are. Deep thought seems to be in my future...

photo by: kristy mann

12.26.11 // For-Ever.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday full of fashionable gifts. It was a strange and stress Christmas for me but it was wonderful to see my family and share their company. My back is feeling much better and so is my psyche. I am 22 now and sometimes its hard to let go of my childhood and adolescent habits and actions. Growing up has its perks but believe those who tell you to enjoy your youth; responsibility can be a tough thing. My shirt and skirt are from the Ever sample sale downtown. I paired it with my PS1, Dita Holiday sunglasses, and Via Spiga Shoes. Was in the mood for a more elegant day. My personal style is hard to pin point as it is very much based on my mood. I don't want to be put in a box and stereotyped as having one look. That is important to me as I love many facets and trends in fashion.

Note to all: I have recently started updating the "stores" section on my blog and would love for any suggestions to add since I am only a California native. Feel free to post your favorite stores so I can give readers the best shopping experiences for the US. :)

photo by: kristy mann

12.22.11 // Cactus Land.

Christmas is just days away and I have to say, even through all the stress, I feel like a child again awaiting its arrival. I fell down my stairs so getting anything done for the holidays is unbearable; thank god for online shopping and gift wrap options... I am most excited to see what everyone else posts on their gifts for their holidays.

Got this really cool print vintage shirt. I love the random nature of the floral combined with the dots; makes for an intriguing pattern, especially in real life. Pants are H&M which I live by. So practical and easy to wear. Bag is Jas MB London from Barneys. My love for Barneys New York is undying...

Happy Holidays to all and have safe and happy times with your loved ones.

photos by: kristy mann

12.18.11 // Christmas Wishlist.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... Wait, already got those.
So instead these will have to do. :)

My wishlist thus far:

Helmut Lang Falcon Print Silk Tank
Fornasetti Decorative Plate
Cosabella Soire Underwear
Falcon Skull Ring
Bill Cunningham Documentary
Theysken's Theory Clutch

What is on your list!?

12.15.11 // The Nisti Dress.

This dress was given to me by someone who has grown close to my heart and has become a mentor to me in my life. It is a custom dress from a store off Rodeo Drive by Michael Shephán from Paris and is so reflective of my personal style aesthetic; long, neutral, geometric, beautiful... Sometimes people come in to your life when you least expect and give to you more than people you have known for great lengths of time. I love to have people that I look up to and to be inspired by their strong will, strength yet kindness while all done with the utmost grace. My sunglasses are vintage Christian Dior from Barneys New York and shoes and necklace are Aqua from Bloomys.

photos by: Joe Nash

12.12.11 // Lamb & Flag.

I had the amazing opportunity to preview the highly anticipated Lamb and Flag line and I must say, it is beyond spectacular. Its edgy, its sexy, and the pieces work well into any fashionistas wardrobe without question. I typically dont overtly endorse brands but I was so smitten with L&F. You can visit retail stores as well as shop online and see what the what what is. The timeless rock and roll spirit tied in with beautifully crafted garments is my take on the soul of the line. I am wearing their pinwale corduroy jeans as well as the loose knit crop sweater, as my ultimate favorite, the drape front leather jacket which is insane. Happy to be a part of the "beautiful rebellion".

photo by: visual adhesive

12.8.11 // I am here, this is now.

Hooded Scarf, Thift Store Find // Sunglasses, Moseley Tribes // Top, Vince // Abstract skirt, Romwe.com // Shoes, Irrelevant // Necklace, Shop in Little Toyko that Andy snagged for me // Cuff, TopShop

I never try and get some deep profound message across on my posts, nor do I share much of my personal life but sometimes it helps to let people know they are not alone during hardships. I have made many, many mistakes in my life, allowed myself to fall into wrong people and places and ultimately suffer loss due to my own lack of self awareness and care. My husband has been the only person to ever tell me that I am going to make it through "this" and everything is going to be ok. For those of you who ever feel like that is not the case, your are lying to yourself. Challenge sparks growth and some of the most beautiful things in my life have come from the challenges I have faced. Everyone deserves to love themselves in a healthy way and the wrongs things we do dont define who we are as people. Its the responsibility we take and the actions we show that define who we are...

photo by: visual adhesive