Vegas Here I Come

Tomorrow I leave for Las Vegas and I am incredibly excited. I can’t wait to sit by the pool and act like a tourist (although I have been there many times before). I, however, dread the thought of packing because I’m usually the girl that forgets something important. So this time I’m thinking ahead (well, more than usual) and here is my list of things I can’t live without on my upcoming trip. What are your vacation essentials?

1. ipod: for lounging around the pool
2. Bathing Suit: for lounging in the pool
3. Breezy Dresses: for the 100 degree weather
4. Sunscreen: can’t leave the hotel without it
5. Snacks: for the four hour car ride

My Kind Of Outfit Post

So far I've yet to do an outfit post and I thought that this would be a great way to introduce my first (but real ones will come eventually). Especially because I've been living in pajamas since my graduation about a week ago. Since I have my degree in Fashion Design, I figured I would draw the garments I have always wanted but could never find; like this tiered petal skirt. Maybe I will have to sew this for myself now.

The full version.

The flats.

My Obsession: Steve Madden

I've always had a slight obsession with Steve Madden shoes. It all started with a pair of red peep toe pumps. I loved them so much, it didn't matter that they were half a size too big. My infactuation continued when I spotted pairs of flats in rainbow colors at the Steve Madden store a while back. My collection has since continue to grow and I now have three colors to choose from. I hope to get a bright blue pair next.

Assymetrical Love

Although I have always been partial to the more symmetrical clothing out there, the recent purchase of an off the shoulder top has changed my mind. It is striped and oversized and perfect as can be. It has made me want to add more like it to my wardrobe, but when searching for another, I have realized they are extremely hard to come across. So I've done the search for you and posted a few of my favorites for lounging around the house. What is your favorite purchase as of late?

1. TOPSHOP: Pleated One Shoulder Tunic, $88.00

2. FOREVER 21: Oui Oui Lips Top, $12.80

3. H&M: Sweater, $29.95
4. VANESSA BRUNO: Cropped Off The Shoulder, $48.00

Home Sweet Home

Although we have yet to move out of our childhood homes, we have constantly discussed what will be in our future apartment. We have even scouted out the perfect kitchenware at Target from time to time. Some items would only be in our dream home and others are pieces that we have wanted for years and fully intend to get (hence the adorable Hello Kitty toaster). One thing is for sure, when we do move out into our future place, it will be full of colorful pieces that will make us happy to be home.

1. POTTERY BARN: Metropolitan Round Coffee Table, $299.00
2. ANTHROPOLOGIE: Breeze-Blown Bouquet Curtains, $138.00
3. IKEA: Tullsta Chair, $99.00
4. TARGET: Sunburst Mirror, $69.99
5. ANTHROPOLOGIE: Latte Bowls, $30.00 for set of 6
6. TARGET: Hello Kitty Toaster, $19.99
7. ANTHROPOLOGIE: Lollipop Mouse pad/Notepad, $10.00

I Li-love It!

Nails: Opi, Do You Lilac It?

It is very rare that I find I'm still in love with the same beauty products that I used in highschool. Besides my favorite gel eyeliner and mascara (but I'll save that for another time), there is one product that has stuck with me through all these years. OPI's "Do You Lilac It?" has continued to be my all-time favorite nail color; and not just because of it's adorable name. It's not only my go-to color, but I also get more compliments on it than ever (even from the ticket guy at Yankee Stadium). What is your favorite nail color?

Rings: Handmade origami

Celebrate!

The balloons that decorated my door the night before.

Yesterday, after years of sleepless nights, countless three hour classes, and oral presentations I graduated from college with an Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion Design. It was at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and lived up to all the hype. Considering the Lakers had just won the Championship two days earlier, purple and gold confetti kept falling from the ceiling, but it was great nonetheless. Now let the job hunt commence.

After the celebration.

My cap.

Arrivederci to Fast-food!

When your day is hectic and you need a quick and easy meal to get through your day, it's easy to get caught up in eating fast-food. During our finals week, we literally ate McDonalds for breakfast, lunch and dinner for an entire day! So instead of eating fast-food just about everyday of the week, I would like to suggest a quick and easy meal that only requires a few veggies and a frozen pizza.

Mmmm, we topped this frozen pizza off with avocado, broccoli, garlic, and zucchini!

French Fanatic

I have long been fascinated by all things French. French clothing, French language, French cooking (as demonstrated by my recent crepe post), etc. I even took an extra French class my senior year of high school; after three years of Spanish (Me llamo Chelsea). Korina took French class for three years. During that one year of French I learned to love the beautiful language and everything about the country. Our teacher lives in France during the summer break and her lectures are filled with her own pictures taken on her many trips. Here are a few things we cannot wait to do when we eventually get to visit France; hopefully one day soon:

1. Have coffee and a pastry in a French Café.
2. Shop till we drop.
3. Visit the Louvre.
4. Climb the Eiffel Tower.

Where is your dream getaway?

Let's Play Dress Up

It’s no wonder why girls love to pile on the dresses day after day in the summertime. You put on a dress and you’re dressed; it’s that easy. Plus you get the added effect of looking put together and being cool and comfortable through the night. Here are a few of my favorites that would definitely be hanging in my dream closet.

1. ANTHROPOLOGIE: Shifting Feathers Dress, $98

2. FOREVER 21: Rose Bloom Dress, $17.80

3. FOREVER 21: Picnic Party Dress, $22.90

4. STEVEN ALAN: Bungalo Floral Cotton Dress, $275

5. AUBIN & WILLS: Wiltshire Silk Tank Dress, $170

6. DKNY: Strapless Stripe-Bodice Dress, $245

Sweet vs Savory

I'll be the first to admit that I could eat dessert for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; but when I made crepes earlier today I decided on a more savory option. The recipe I used was incredibly simple (you can find the recipe here) and was composed of ingredients that were already in my kitchen. Needless to say, the final crepes were delicious. Would you have gone the sweet or savory route?

Do Not Fear, Our Random List is Here!

After weeks of beach sun and relaxation it can be easy to run out of summer activities. That's why we have put together our list of five random things to do all under $5!

1. Badminton (Target; $2.50): You don't need to be an Olympian (yes, it really is an Olympic sport) to play this game. We didn't even have a net and we still had an enjoyable afternoon.

2. Delicious Burrito (Miguel's Jr.; $3.50 SoCal only sorry!): If you're ever in town or are local like us, you must try the mouth-watering Burritos at Miguel's Jr.; You can get delicious homestyle Mexican food for a super low price.

3. At Home Manicure (Target; $4.50): Pamper yourself with an at home manicure! Go extreme with the brightest of all colors or keep it clean and simple.

Rainbow selection of colors to choose from.

4. Chalk (Target; $1.00): Be a kid again and head outdoors with a tub of chalk!

5. Scratchers ($1.00+ each): Or don't be a kid again and make a date with Lady Luck!

We did win $2.00, but these are our unlucky ones.

Friendly Traditions

I know of many friends that have certain traditions with each other. Some have lunch every Friday at the same restaurant and always order the same thing, others skype good morning to each other everyday. Our ritual is to draw random pictures for one another. It started one day in class when we went to the same high school and continued well through college, even though we went to different schools. To anyone on the outside looking in, our pictures would look like crazy collages full of song lyrics and pictures of cupcakes and stick figures. But to us, they are memories of great summer days. What are your best friend traditions?

We Always Scream for Ice Cream

The yogurt bar at Menchies.

To say we love ice cream would be a huge understatement. Almost everytime we hang out, if we're not baking, there is some form of ice cream involved. The following are just a few of our favorites that deserve an honorable mention.

1. Menchies: With so many delicious rotating flavors, Menchies is the best for frozen yogurt. The first time we went, we each mixed up a huge concoction that we thought would cost over ten dollars each and it ended up costing less than five dollars for the both of us. It may be best to let Menchies explain how it works, so here you go: "Mix up as many flavors and toppings as your little heart desires. At Menchie’s, you pay by weight not by topping so you can have as much or as little of everything you want. It’s simple as can be, just Mix, Weigh, and Pay!"

2. McDonalds' Dipped Cones: A quick and very inexpensive way to satisfy the mother of all sweet tooths is to indulge in Mcdonalds ice cream cone dipped in chocolate perfection for only one dollar.

3. Diddy Riese: For just $1.50, you are able to choose any combination of two freshly baked cookies(there are 10 to choices) and one of their 12 different flavors of ice cream. It's so delicious that there is always a line out the door, but don't let that scare you; it moves quickly.

Sunshine in a Bag

sunglasses: Coach, dress: Forever 21,

bikini: Roxy

Those of us that live in Southern California know that a trip to the beach is a summer must. We intend to take full advantage of the many beaches surrounding us in the upcoming months. Here are our summer beach must haves in order to make sure we have fun in the sun on our much needed getaways:

1. VICTORIA'S SECRET: Striped Bikini; $29.50

2. STEVE MADDEN: Adorable Sandals, $39.95

3. FOREVER 21: Sunshine-colored Sunglasses, $5.80

4. FOREVER 21: Canvas Tote Bag, $12.80

5. BARNES AND NOBLE: Cheesy Novel, $9.99

6. VICTORIA'S SECRET: Standout Beach Towel, $19.50

7. FOREVER 21: Coverup Dress, $19.90

What are your beach essentials?

Picnic to Perfection

One thing to do when there is the perfect amount of sunshine and a lot of shade to steal is go for a picnic. That is exactly what we did a couple of weeks ago on the first sunny day after a wet winter. We, admittedly, went there with every intention of going for a run, but decided on the much more favorable option. So with sandwiches and magazines in hand we walked to the park for an enjoyable day followed by a night of baking cupcakes. Maybe next time we should make the dessert first.

Follow my blog with bloglovin