Neutrals // Bell Sleeve Bardot Sweater

Sweater: Nordstrom // Skirt: H&M // Bag: Stella McCartney // Shoes: BC Footwear // Lips: Kylie Cosmetics in "Kristen"

I don't consider myself the biggest trend follower, but I'm open to trying out whatever is in fashion as long as I can stay true to my regular style: for example, I love that turtlenecks are back en vogue, I'm obsessed with all things velvet, and I'm down for a pretty choker or two.  There are a few trends that I just won't try out because I know they wouldn't fit into my style (looking at you, perspex boots!)  But I love when designers adapt a closet classic to fit the current trends, making something that is still versatile and wearable at all times, but current.  

Case in point: this off-the-shoulder sweater I picked up at Nordstrom that walks the line between a dusty blush pink and classic nude.  I love the bell sleeves with the slit in the side that allows for range of motion in the arms.  I posted a dressing room snap of this to my Instagram story and I got multiple messages asking about the sweater, so I was really excited to publish this outfit.  I also picked up this simple black wrap skirt at a score of less than $20- wrap skirts are great for petites because you can adjust the size to your liking.  I always have issues with the waists of skirts being loose and needing a belt, so this was perfect and really versatile as well.  

Anyways, happy Sunday, everyone!  Last week was my midterm exams which I was rigorously prepping for and had little time to blog, but now I'm glad to be back.  This is actually the first post in a while that wasn't scheduled and pre-written.  Needless to say, a lot of stress has been lifted off my shoulders with this weekend!  Hope you all have a lovely week ahead of you.  

Classic Black, White, and Stripes // on the Courthouse Steps

 Skirt: J. Crew // Sweater: BP at Nordstrom // Bag: Chloe "Drew" dupe by Justfab (similar) // Shoes (℅): Wills Vegan Shoes // Sunglasses (℅): SICKY Eyewear // Lips: Tarte 'Bae' // Belt: H&M

Super fun fact- this outfit was shot in front of the courthouse from Legally Blonde.   My favorite places to shoot are either places with nice flowers or greenery, or a spot with nice vintage/stately architecture.  This gorgeous building is the civic center and courthouse in Santa Ana.  I had no idea it was the set of one of my favorite movies, but I knew it looked familiar somehow!

My winter color palette is always centered around black and white- I love the crisp and classic vibe they bring to cold-weather outfits.  This cozy mock neck sweater by BP has been on regular wardrobe rotation at home and during the day.  I paired it with this striped midi skirt from J. Crew, made of a light sweater knit material.  I wouldn't normally think "midi skirt" if someone said "winter clothes", but the sweater texture of this skirt works for the season!  

Southern California's winters are usually sunny and warm (and the years are getting increasingly hotter), but we've actually had quite the rain storm coming through these past few weeks.  It was actually raining as we took these pictures.  I happen to love rain, a weird quirk you develop when your state is in drought and you actually enjoy having to cuddle up in blankets and layers of clothing.  So I guess it's not always sunny here in California- I've got those January blues just like the rest of you!

Winter Peacoat and Plaid + Black Mock Neck Sweater

Sweater: BP at Nordstrom // Skirt: Urban Outfitters // Coat: UNIQLO (non-petite option here) // Bag: Chloe "Drew" dupe by Justfab (similar) // Sunglasses (℅): SICKY Eyewear // Boots: Anne Klein (similar) // Lips: Kylie Cosmetics in "Kristen"

Short post writing today... I've had the busiest week and next week will be even more hectic.  I'll try to be regular on Instagram, but this might be the only post for the next 5-ish days, so sorry!  

This BP black mock neck sweater is the softest cotton knit and it's so versatile!  I've been wearing it so often since I got it this winter, and it's such a great price.  I love a good turtleneck or mock neck sweater with jeans or a skirt, as shown here.  I'm also loving this vegan leather Chloe dupe bag I found that resembles the Drew bag.  Mine is from JustFab but I linked a few in the widget below.  

Happy weekend, loves! 

Pumpkin Spice // Vegan Cashmere Pullover

Sweater: BP at Nordstrom // Bag: Stella McCartney // Jeans: Rag & Bone, tailored // Shoes: BP at Nordstrom // Sunglasses (℅): SICKY Eyewear // Wallet: Stella McCartney // Bracelet (℅): Kristine Lily // Ring(℅): Kristine Lily // Lips: Kylie Cosmetics in "Kristen"

I picked up this sweater at Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale after Christmas.  I always love shopping the post-holiday sales, and this warm pumpkin-spice colored sweater was one of my best finds this time.  This BP pullover is so buttery soft that the only way I could think to describe it would be like vegan cashmere.  

I used to love luxurious cashmere before I went vegan- I always thought that wool shearing didn't hurt the sheep and was even good for them, but that's not true at all.  I had no idea that sheep often die in the process and almost always end up with bleeding wounds.   Now I turn to cotton and synthetic knits, which are still warm but can lack that extra coziness.   This sweater fills the void- it's light and swingy enough to be suited to California's more temperate winters, but it's got that smooth cashmere texture I love with none of the harm.  

I also added on some of my favorite accessories to this otherwise simple outfit.  I splurged out on this Stella McCartney cherry red Falabella wallet.  I love Stella McCartney- she's the only luxury designer that doesn't use leather and other animal based materials, instead opting for innovative vegan leathers.  And I'm wearing my Kylie Cosmetics Kristen lip kit again- I've been obsessed with this color since I got it and I basically wear it every single day.  

Happy Monday, loves!