brooklyn bb

Long Sleeve White Tee: James Perse; Dress: Rugby, Polo Ralph Lauren; Black Leather Waist Belt: Theory; Destroyed Denim: Paige; Platform Sandals: Prada

Spread love, it's the Brooklyn Way. A famous man once said, if you don't know who - I encourage you to research, as Mulder always said, "The truth is out there." 

I may look like I'm loving my Brooklyn (specifically Bushwick) lifestyle but that's one thing I've noticed photos are especially good at; distorting reality. Truth is, I was a young California girl in a big city and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I signed a lease on a place with people I'd never met and it was a massive learning experience. My little Western eyes were opened up real fast.. Biggie might have been wrong, it's not all love in Brooklyn..

I have since moved out of Brooklyn into a more *royal* borough, I'll let you guess which one ;) Despite all of that BK nonsense, this was my first time ever wearing this outfit #What. I wanted to wear the Rugby dress but it's far too ostentatious for what I do everyday. l decided to challenge myself + attempt wearing it in a setting that was crazy casual, (class @ Parsons.) My go-to method for keeping it low-key is usually wearing my 'holy jeans,' underneath said item. However, when considering the upscale nature of this garment I knew I needed additional pieces. What do you think? Ever owned an item so superficially formal that you wanted to take for a ride someplace super chill? Do ya feel dat? As the homies in the bae say: Yadidimean??

las vegas glam

Here is my spin on a glamorous weekend in the city of sin. From my go-to hot spots including: restaurants, pools, and of course night time debauchery. Currently, I am in NYC where the weather is slowly taking a turn for the dreary, and I was more than happy to put myself in the mindset of my former west coast self.

photo by: mymodernmet.com

My favorite hotel in Vegas is  The Cosmopolitan. Known for being uber chic and ultra sophisticated, it's definitely a place I would hang my hat.. or in this case heels! Who does breakfast? I've always thoughtpeople who eat breakfast every morning really have their lives together. Thankfully, Vegas is all about brunch. I opt for a hidden gem, Jaleo. Jaleo is best known for it's Spanish avant-garde dishes and whimsical intimate style. In being an overall creative being, the interiors of the restaurant are just as important to me as the taste of the food and Jaleo does not disappoint on either. Intricate use of shapes, colors, and light fixtures give me major heart eyes!

photo by: jaleorestaurant.com

Given the magnificent interiors of Jaleo, conveniently located within The Cosmopolitan, my brunch look has to be worthy. 

Brunch Look

Sandals: Ivanka Trmp

Dress: Missoni Sport

Gold Necklace: Aqua

Bag: Rocco by Alexander Wang

Maybe it's just me, but being in Vegas is very much like living in a fairytale, one of artifice that is. What do fairytales call for? Multiple outfit changes. After brunch, it is time to hit the scene poolside. My personal favorite pool? MGM Grand @ Wet Republic. Why? It's enormous and has the dopest stage of all the outdoor venues. Given my predilection of music, live music especially (because Vegas,) this is the spot to be. 

photo by: mgmgrand.com

Poolside Attire

Bikini: WOW Couture 

Heels: L.A.M.B.

Oversized Hat: American Apparel

Necklace: Happiness Boutique 

Earrings: Bauble Bar

Vegas and epic nightlife, were there ever two words more synonymous? My love of dancing and electronic music make evenings in this desert memorable (or not, depending on what you're going for!) I have themed these three outfits in terms of zig zags, bright colors, and body con silhouettes because nothing says Las Vegas to me more than that. The evening dress is no different. You can catch me transitioning between indoor and outdoor fun (because girls love options) with XS @ The Wynn Encore

Evening Digs

Dress: Herve Leger

Heels: L.A.M.B.

Clutch: 80s Vintage

Earrings: Bauble Bar

I hope you enjoy my take on Las Vegas glam, I look forward to hearing your thoughts! If you have any ponderings at all about these restaurants or hotels or pools or want book your next stay, check out Las Vegas Hotels! 

XOXO

25 & Independent: Check out my bachelorette pad!

Apartment (Chateau Chic Pt. 2) Designed By: Me; Blazer/Pink Scoop Neck Tee: J.Crew; Necklace: Francesca's; Boyfriend Jeans: Rag & Bone; Strappy Sandals: Ivanka Trump; Bag: Hermes; Desk & Chair: Ethan & Allen: All Photos By: Alyssa Leong

25 trips around the sun is a big deal for me in many ways, as I'm sure it will continue to be. *~*~LIKE OMG I CAN RENT A CAR IN ALL STATES~*~*~ Not only does it mark a year of financial independence (note: the people I continue to keep in my life are there because I want them to be, not because I need them), it's also my 1 year anniversary of living in my very own apartment (Chateau Chic Pt 2)! That's right ladies & gents, I've lived by myself for a year, no roommates, no annoying messes to come home to -- and it's been nothing short of amazing. I always look at someone funny every time I hear them say: "Oh I would be terrified to live alone". The kind of look I give people that say they don't drink. Do you not like yourself, or are you afraid to be alone? Both things I would suggest looking further into. 

My obsession with skulls obviously permeates into every nook and cranny of Chateau Chic Pt. 2. Currently, I have 5 paintings, 1 pillow, 8 glasses, 1 tumbler, 1 candle, salt & pepper shakers, 6 coasters, 1 teapot, 2 teacups: all designed and dedicated to my affinity of skulls. Whenever someone comes over they either notice the skull influx right away, or not at all, perhaps they were aware of my predilection before entering. Why Skulls? There is nothing more vulnerable or intelligent than a skull. It encapsulates my favorite body part (my mind); now being a creature of the night and possessing a deep fondness for all the darker things in life may also have something to do with it.

Feels really good to be 25, feels even better to me! Cheers to 2015 being an amazing year for all XOXO

Current Favorite Denim: Boyfriend Jeans. The 'holier' the better. The perfect touch of masculine to an otherwise feminine frame/outfit. Turns out boys even like them, though they have no idea why ;) "I like it when you wear baggy pants!"

SKIRTS OVER JEANS ARE TOTALLY IN BECAUSE I SAID SO

Sunglasses: D&G; Blouse: J.Crew Haberdashery; Jeans: Paige Denim; Skirt: Burberry; Sandals: Steve Madden (Thanks @RachelThompson!) All photos by: Laura Damian

Woke up this morning in a conundrum "I really want to wear my Burberry skirt to work, but it's way too short." I think leggings under skirts are so 2010, I find tights to be incredibly uncomfortable/ugly/abhorrent and frankly innate, why don't you just wear pants? Then it came to me. Why don't I just wear pants? Jeans with holes paired with the classically preppy Burberry plaid and 'Kelly Green' J.Crew? Don't mind if I do. 

The outfit is more autumn than spring so I had to pair it with nude strappy sandals to bring it back from the foliage. A very special thanks to Rachel Thompson for completely outdoing herself yet again and sending me these sandals and inadvertently making this outfit possible. 

Take away message: SKIRTS OVER JEANS ARE TOTALLY IN BECAUSE I SAID SO