A Day of Exploring... and Gratitude

I'm not going to lie, a big move isn't the easiest thing in the world. We're far away from our family and closest friends, immersed in a different culture, and still adjusting to SF rent prices. I try to make it all look quite glam on my insta; however, there are days that phrases like, "$%^! this expensive, pretentious city--let's go back to Florida!" or "San Francisco is like that narcissistic pretty girl who's WAY too aware of the fact that she's beautiful," leave my mouth. Sometimes I get tearful, mean, or downright creative in my evaluation of this significant life change.

Then there are days like this one. Days where the beautiful girl who knows she's beautiful just dazzles you with her radiant looks and charm. (After all, she is stunning, isn't she?) Days where the view looks like something out of a romantic painting and the sky looks like God used a bright blue Crayola on it. Days where the fact that you're young and in love and you live in a glorious city and have healthy limbs for hiking and a shiny California ID for trying out a divey punch bar in the Haight easily trump the fact that you're "so stressed." On days like these I realize I have already been given everything.

This was one of those days.

Punch Bowl: Hobson's Choice Bar

Chili Fries: Burger Urge

Shorts: Old Navy

Top: Gap

Jean Jacket: Target Girls' Section

Shoes: ASOS (similar, also cute)

Sunglasses: Avant Garb Vintage (Tallahassee)

Back in Black

This all black ensemble was what I wore to promo model at a VIP party for an upscale tequila brand. It was so much fun! I love the shape of this dress: flattering yet forgiving, and very classic.

On another note, I just finished my 5-day liquid diet. It went pretty well and I lost 3 pounds, but I feel like I ate most of the calories back in one day. (Inserts the "balling eyes out" emoji. Don't you miss emojis when on a computer?)  Anyway, I am going back on the grind tomorrow!! I am on a time limit with these modeling goals...

Dress: Forever 21

Coat: Ross

Shoes: Guess

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

Bag: Forever 21 (similar)

Labor {Day} of Love

This past Labor Day was the least employed one I've celebrated in awhile--cue "Labor-less Day" joke-- and I'm not totally sure how to feel about it. Just to catch you up to speed, I left my part-time job (a contract position) as a Social Media Marketer about 5-6 weeks ago to pursue something that was a better fit for me. I still have my 15-hr per week nannying job, so I am not totally unemployed, but I'm not really employed employed either!

I really want to give modeling a go, and have decided to be less embarrassed about admitting that out loud, or in this case online. I haven't had any luck with the fashion agencies yet, but have absolutely loved the promo modeling jobs I've done so far! I am also on a really intense new diet and workout regimen, so hopefully that'll get my body to the point where I can land a fashion agency as well. :)

It's kind of strange not to be doing anything that really uses my degree, but honestly it also feels like the right thing right now. I just can't go back to an office until I explore modeling, my "dream deferred" of years and years. (In the meanwhile, I can just use my degree to make Langston Hughes references, right?!) I'm going to be laboring from now until retirement, so I might as well make that labor one I love.

So that's where I am in life right now! Wish me luck... In the meanwhile, here is a little recap of Stephen's and my Labor Day. We had a delicious lunch at Crepevine (this was pre-diet haha) and then brought a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a blanket to the lovely but crowded Dolores Park!

Shirt: Thrifted

Shorts: Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Hat: Cool Asian dollar store I stumbled upon downtown!

Sunglasses: GoJane (in yellow)

Watch: Citizen

Shades of Green

The monochromatic trend might not be fresh news to anyone, but I'm a firm believer that it's always a fun look. Experimenting with a single-color palate is a great way to curate a multi-dimensional yet classic look. In fact, I confess I already wore this simple green Anthropologie dress in another monochromatic look a little while back. (Okay that was definitely more than a "little" while. But you've gotta keep the classics around for a bit before they meet their Goodwill-donation fate, am I right!?)

Dress: Anthropologie (similar)

Cardigan: H&M (similar, splurge)

Shoes: Gianni Bini (similar, on sale)

Bag: Aldo

Necklace and earrings: Boutique in Thomasville, GA

Black, White and Chic All Over

There is really nothing like an outfit comprised of your favorite basics! I wore this black and white ensemble for a night on the town, aiming for the perfect mix of sexy and classic. Or--less glamorously stated--the perfect combination of "Check it out, I've been hitting the gym!" and "SF is freezing in the summer."

In either event, my favorite tailored shorts, trusty cropped sweatshirt, and versatile wool coat did the trick!

Sweatshirt: Marshalls (similar, similar)

Shorts: Ross (similar)

Coat: Zara (similar)

Shoes: Steve Madden (similar, similar)

Bag: Aldo

Necklace: H&M

If it's neon, it should be-on!

Happy first day of summer! My fiance and I just got back from 2 1/2 weeks on the East Coast, including a wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains of GA, some time with our families in St. Petersburg, FL, and another wedding in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It was a blast!!

On June 16, the last day of our trip, Stephen and I also celebrated 4 years together! It's hard to believe I was just 19 years old when my future hubby and I started life together as a little summer fling. So much has happened in these 4 years, yet we still feel freshly in love with the person we're "dating." I hope (know) we'll feel that way the rest of our lives!

I just wanted to share a couple beach pics of some summer essentials: a bold neon bikini and a floppy hat. This bright yellow top is my sister's, and I just HAD to borrow it. ;)

(Brightly colored drinks are a summer essential too!)

Bikini Top: H&M (borrowed)

Bikini Bottoms: Wal-Mart 

Hat: Target 

Sunglasses: Local beach shop

Nail polish: Essie "Butler Please"

Hiking Day at Mount Tam

There is something so wholesome and invigorating about a hike. Between the exercise, crisp natural air, and stunning scenery, you're basically killing 3 birds with one stone! (Although I'm not sure that's the best expression to use in regard to an outdoor excursion haha.)

These are some snapshots of a very fun day Stephen and I spent hiking with friends at Mount Tamalpais, known as Mount Tam. It was so gorgeous! It was hard to truly capture in pictures but that never stops me from trying...

En route selfies!

My studly hunk of a man playing football.

I love how vivid these colors are! 

Mint sangria and sliders taste even better after a day of hiking :)