Dynamic Duo: Together Again

caridgan, t-shirt, belt, and flats - gap / skirt - uo / bow - f21

Hello!
So on the morning before I left New Jersey (and Jen), we had our second in-person Dynamic Duo photo shoot. Normally, since we have bi-coastal relationship, we pick our items "together" via emails and lots of links to clothes. But this time around, we shopped for our item together for the first time. It was really fun and surprisingly super quick. We both went straight to the sales section at Urban Outfitters, and when we both saw that this skirt had an ice cream print on it, we were sold! This skirt is probably the favorite of our Dynamic Duo items, not just because it has ice creams on it, but also because Jen and I picked it out physically together. I miss her so very much and I do hope that we get to shop together (in person) real soon!

Since I was leaving her on a Monday, school was in full session and so we couldn't shoot our photos on her beautiful campus like last time. But she did take me to a gorgeous, serene park that's close to her school because while during the hour drive to the shore, I kept commenting on how green it was there and how Southern California seriously lacks some green fields! And this will conclude my trip over to the East Coast. All in all, it was really fun, but in different ways than the other two fashion weeks were. For one thing though, it made me really appreciate home and I'm pretty happy with staying here for a long, long time.

I will return with my first Fall outfit on Monday! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Florals in Combat

jacket - gap / dress - forever 21 / boots - topshop / bag - madewell

Hello!
Even though it is officially Fall now, I'm still catching up on outfits from the last few days of Summer. It has been pretty gloomy lately, which made the transition from Summer to Fall pretty easy. My closet isn't big enough where I really need to make a huge deal out of changing seasons. My clothes all coexist pretty peacefully, but I did make a point to make my tights more accessible. I also picked up two pairs of tights from the Missoni for Target line. I can't wait to layer again. I've missed layering sweaters over dresses the most I think.

As I've said in my last post, these boots have some magical effect on me because they sparked a change in my style that I didn't expect and wasn't really sure I wanted. (Plus these boots make chasing ducks pretty easy.) But I'm totally embracing the change now. I've seen and loved so many outfits with floral dresses and ankle boots, but was always too scared to try them. Now I sort of just want to try anything and everything. I just had to try this look out before I loan it out to Nicole. I really love it and will probably be in variations of it through out the season. Is it weird that my desire for floral dresses are stronger in the Fall and Winter than in the Spring and Summer? I always want what I can't have. I'm so glad I scored this Gap military jacket on sale though. I've been wearing it to work a lot. Speaking of work, work is so wonderful now. I started at a new center (same company, just different branch) right after I got back from NYFW. At first, I was a bit resentful that they made me switch because I had already gotten so attached to the kids, but it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. At this center, I'm really given the opportunity to shine and collaborate with my director. The kids have really grown on me too. Life is just so wonderful right now. I'm putting off grad school applications just so I can prolong this bliss for as long as I can.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Gemma Correll

Hello!
I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend so far! I'm just popping in to do a quick post before my parents and I go to Ikea. I was Tumblin' this morning and came across the first drawing a few minutes ago (which pretty much sums up every morning when I get dressed). I've been coming across these cute drawings by Gemma Correll lately and I find them so darling and clever! I hope they put a smile on your face.

Have you seen the latest Dynamic Duo Vlog yet? Go check it out and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Until next post,
Jasmine

photo source: gemma correll

Dynamic Duo: V-Log #2

Hello!
So the time has come to debut our second vlog together! While I was in Jen's shower, I thought we should do a Q&A session with you all, but unfortunately it was too spontaneous and we didn't get too many questions. We'll definitely plan it better next time. So sit back and enjoy our ridiculousness! :)

Until next post,
Jasmine

Jersey Shore Photo Diary

top - uo / cardigan, shoes and shorts - gap / bag - madewell

Hello!
On the Sunday of my NYFW weekend, Jen and I decided to not to go into the city, but to instead go to the shore so I could see the Atlantic Ocean at Pleasant Point. True to its name, the trip was indeed pleasant. It was so nice to unwind and hear nothing but the ocean, after hearing the constant buzzing of cars, people, and trains in NYC for days. Her boyfriend was a good sport about taking a bunch of photos for us. We both decided to just wear simple, everyday outfits that day (planning outfits for our few days in the city were stressful enough). I had planned to wear this fox-printed top with a skirt to an event, but I think I'll save for that outfit for another day this Fall.

Anyway, after Jen and I frolicked enough, we walked along the boardwalk where I won a minion from "Despicable Me" and Jen tried to win an Angry Bird. We also oggled at beach houses, had our hearts melted by sweet bench inscriptions, and ate some pizza. In all honesty, I think the minion is the best thing I brought home that weekend. I wanted to win a giant one from the OC fair this year, but this mini one is even cuter. Now every time I see it smiling at me on my bed, I think of Jen and this amazing day. Hopefully the next time I see Jen, she will be over here on my side of the country experiencing what a real beach sounds/feels/smells like.

Stay tuned for our vlog! :)

Until next post,
Jasmine

photos 6 and 11 c/o jen

Made for Walkin'

top - f21 / dress - victoria's secret / boots - topshop

Hello!
Fall is almost here! What better to welcome the new season than with a new pair of boots? These are my first pair of boots ever and I am in love. They're definitely more practical that my first pair of heels (which after NYC, I am currently swearing off of for a while). They're so comfortable and I love the fringe detail in the front. I was pretty hesitant about buying these while I was in NYC, but Emily and Jen kept reassuring that they would be a good buy/they looked good on me/etc. I'm so glad I decided to buy them because I can't wait to wear these with floral dresses, with tights and socks, and with denim shorts. I actually wore this outfit right after I got back from NYFW last week. I feel like if anything has changed about my closet, it's how diverse my shoes have gotten. Last year, I think I wore a pair of shoes to death and repeated the process pair after pair; but now, I have so many more options. I'm beginning to see just how important shoes are to an outfit. These are definitely the first of many flat boots to come! I'm already looking for my next pair (I'm thinking some desert boots?).

These boots definitely have some magic in them because I think my style is starting to change. It's like always sticking to vanilla ice cream because it's classic, but then you discover other flavors, like coffee and green tea, and suddenly ice cream is much more delicious and fun. I definitely want to add some more rugged pieces into my closet now: I'm craving structured jackets, military green things, gold buttons, plaid, etc. Robert says I'm starting to dress more like my age now too (well maybe not in this particular outfit). I don't know why but he has this thing against cardigans. He thinks they're sloppy, and maybe he's right because I definitely feel more put together in jackets now (but cardigans are still a closet staple and always will be--they're just so cute and comfy!). Anyway, all this change is making me excited about clothes and blogging again. Who knew change could be so fun (and so expensive)? I think my new goal now is to become more of a style chameleon--to be able to put my own spin on different styles.

Here's to a new season! I'm actually super excited!

Until next post,
Jasmine

NYFW: A Very Stylish Picnic

cardigan, belt, and shoes - gap / blouse - zara / skirt - cotton on

Hello!
On Saturday, Jen and I headed into the city and our first stop was SoHo. That weekend we were hunting for a Dynamic Duo item (but a separate post on that later). We met up with Emily for some shopping and lunch at the SoHo Cafe. Jen and I did some major damage to our bank accounts in Topshop (just like last year), and I'm seriously regretting not buying more basics from Uniqlo. I might just be having an affair with Uniqlo (sorry Gap, but Uniqlo's t-shirt is just so soft. Why did I only get one when it was on sale for $5?). I'm definitely stocking up there on my next trip to NYC.

After shopping, lunch, and a quick pitstop at Starbucks, the three of us made our way to Sheep Meadow in Central for the Very Stylish Picnic. I've been saving this outfit as soon as I RSVPed to the event. This is actually the blouse I wore for when I was interview for my current job. I've definitely worn it quite a few times but I wanted to wait until NYFW to debut it. It was not easy having to wait, but now I can wear it out all I want. I adore the heart print and how light it is. It's got some ruffle sleeves too that I will have to show you all one day. I also can't wait to get more wear out of this light denim/chambray skirt!

The best part of this event was definitely getting to hang out and meeting bloggers from all over the country (and even some international bloggers!). I loved popping bubbles with Hope from A Flattering Tale, meeting Veronika from Tick Tock Vintage, and being silly with Tieka. I spent more time with the last two after the picnic when we grabbed dinner at Vynl in Chelsea. That night was also our last night in the city so after dinner, Jen and I went to Times Square so I could pick up some souvenirs for Robert. We had loads of fun at the M&M store that had a personality/mood detector that pronounced that I had a fiery personality but was a little nutty!

Until next post,
Jasmine

group photo c/o emily