Just Right

I finally, finally feel like I've got it together...ish

I'm in the middle of my first New York summer. It's sticky, humid, and to make matters sweatier, the old house I live has no central air system—I've been surviving with a fan and windows opened wide. Hell-like temperatures aside, I finally feel like I've got my feet firmly planted.

That's not to say everything is perfect, but everything is...right. Things feel like they are as they should be.

That's not to say everything is perfect, but everything is...right. Things feel like they are as they should be. And on the topic of things being as they should be, I wouldn't ever make it through a summer without these shorts. You've seen them for years, here and here, and though I do love a good new addition to my closet, sometimes it's just right to stick with the classics.

photos by Brian Cheung

Shop Similar Styles

Sometimes Cool

Crop tops have always caused a little bit of controversy, but especially as of late. As far as my decision to wear them, well, it's pretty simple: they make me feel way more cool than I actually am. 

"WHAT ELSE SCREAMS, 'HEY GUYS, I'M HIP' LIKE A PAIR OF BEAT UP, WORN IN JEANS?"

And while we're on the topic of clothes that make you feel cool, these skinnies win all the awards. I mean, what else screams, "hey guys, I'm hip" like a pair of beat up, worn in jeans? 

This is only temporary, though. We all know that my true self is a pink-floral-striped-girly-sparkle loving fool. It's just fun to bring out my inner cool girl every once in a while.

photos by Kaye McCoy

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES

Springtime Stripes

I sort of miss fall's dark lipstick and oxblood everything, but sometimes your favorite trends have to get left behind with the season. You just gotta suck it up and move on, girlfriend.

But, there are some seasonal saving graces. For me, it's stripes. I am oh-so-grateful that stripes make up half my wardrobe, so I can always mix it in. For spring, punchy lipstick and lace up heels are all I need to make fall stripes look fresh.

This cardigan from Lookbook Store makes ripped jeans & an oversized tank look way more than just jeans & a tank, which is a godsend when you give yourself only 30 minutes to get ready because you snoozed all 4 of your wake-up alarms. 

photos by Kaye McCoy

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES

Striped Open Cardigan c/o Lookbook Store 

Boy Meets Girl

On one hand, I feel like a bad blogger because I have worn these jeans in far too many posts. On the other hand, I live in the real world where people rewear things constantly, and in the real world these jeans are ah-mazing and deserved to worn a million times over.

So, for the millionth time, I present to you my ripped boyfriend jeans. Only this time, I went on a full boyfriend closet raid and stole his button up, too. Men's clothes are unfairly comfortable, and I need to make a note to wear them more often. 

"IF SOMEONE ASKS ME WHETHER I WANT TO HAVE FUN OR BE COMFORTABLE, I'M GRABBING MY BRIGHTEST LIPSTICK & THROWING A PARTY."

I should point, I am wearing heels and coral lipstick, because though menswear is comfortable, our clothes are significantly more fun. And if someone asks me whether I want to have fun or be comfortable, I'm grabbing my brightest lipstick and throwing a party.

photos by Kaye McCoy

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES 

Living Doll Los Angeles

There was no way I would leave Cali without paying a visit to one of my favorite quintessential L.A. outfitters -- Living Doll Los Angeles. 

The tour included a peek at how their clothes are made (everything is manufactured in house -- made in America, baby!) and a preview of their newest addition -- hand distressed vintage denim. It also included strawberry margs. Safe to say, I love the LDLA girls.

It's easy to love Living Doll's relaxed California looks, because their boho styles have festival season written all over. What I love most is that Living Doll has a range of sizing from S to 3X, so you and all of your friends can channel Coachella style.

shop living doll l.a.

Santa Monica Pier

I arrived in L.A. right at the beginning of a heat wave, which meant 90 degree days in March. Mild spring weather right? 

When the temperatures start rising, Californians run to the beach. I ran to Santa Monica Pier, a colorful beachside spot that doubles as a cute amusement park. The breeze from the ocean was a godsend that day, as was the fresh fruit from an unexpected fruit stand. 

Yes, fresh fruit you can pick out and have cut right in front of you. I didn't even miss my traditional fried fair favorite, funnel cake. California will do that to you, I guess.

photos by Paula Young Photo

shop similar styles

the nice list

 

I know jeans aren't really holiday attire, but finding this destroyed pair from Wet Seal + was a Christmas miracle. I must've been on the nice list this year, because Santa was definitely looking out for a girl with these.  

But, in keeping with the sparkle of holiday spirit,  I did wear it with their subtle Metallic Surplus top. So, fa-la-la-la-la, y'all! 

photos by Kaye McCoy

The "BLOWN OUT DESTROYED SKINNY JEANS & METALLIC SURPLUS TOP" were c/o of Wet Seal. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by the brand.