2012 Resolutions

I can't believe is 2011 is coming to an end so quickly yet so slowly at the same time. Looking back, I'm actually really surprised that I accomplished all of my resolutions (well as soon as I press submit to my grad school apps, blah). I don't even think I was consciously doing it either. I have definitely adopted a healthier lifestyle: eating less junk and exercising everyday. I made this resolution because I was getting sick a lot last year, but this year I can't recall getting really sick. This year, I have also really spent way less money on clothes than I did last year. After taking a real close look at my bank account in the Summer, I realized that I was an impulsive shopper. I then stopped shopping at Forever 21 and have since started to really think about the pieces I'm buying. In September, I had an amazing couple of days in New Jersey and New York City with Jen. Over the year, I've been a bad blogger in spending less time on my blog/your blogs/on the internet, but I have really enjoyed the "real" world too.

This next year, I hope to continue my weight loss journey and get back to my high school weight. I hope to travel somewhere outside of the U.S. While I have loved going to three NYFW's, I just want to experience something entirely new in a new country. I want to cook more so I can continue saving money so that I can eventually move out. Cooking feature on my blog anyone? To continue with spending less time on the internet, I want to read more because Robert gave me a Kindle for my birthday and because I really do enjoy reading but just can't find the time anymore. Robert's always teasing me how I don't like to try new things (especially food), and it's sort of true. I really don't like change. It freaks me out and I hate not having control/not being able to predict what's going to happen. But life is unpredictable so I'm going to try a new thing every month, whether it be a new food or a new fashion trend.

What are your 2012 resolutions? I am so ready for 2012 to be here already. I just really need a fresh start.

Until next post,
Jasmine

2011 Flashback

It's the time of year again when all of these flashbacks will start appearing on blogs, and I really enjoy reading them. I love seeing how we've all grown and changed over the course of a year, even if it seems like this year especially flew by. Looking back on my 2010 Flashback, it seems that back then, I was more focused on finding my personal style, and I did. Last year I went to fashion shows and spoke at the Chictopia 10 conference. This year though, I have been more focused on me as a person, not as a blogger. I didn't care about networking during NYFW. Blogging has now become more of a carefree hobby that I'm gradually loving again over time. Instead of obsessing over what I should buy and outfits to wear, I'm really enjoying life. I have found a job that I am in absolute love with. My relationship with Robert and friendships are the strongest they've been in a while.

As many of you know, I began my weight-loss journey on February 1st this year. While I've gained some weight back with it being the holidays and all, the most weight I've lost was 25-pounds. Even though some days I don't see the difference on the outside, I can feel the difference on the inside--I'm more confident in and more sure of who I am. I'm slowly realizing my self-worth. I'm not afraid to go after what I want anymore. I'm okay with being alone and being independent, actually sometimes I prefer it that way. I'm stronger and better than I was in 2010. I hope to lose another 25 pounds and grow more as an individual in 2012.

Here are my favorite 11 outfits/photos of 2011:

#1 Life's a Beach

#2 Finding a New Path


#3 Baby Blue


#4 Quiet Confidence


#5 Impulse Buys


#6 NYFW: ModSwap


#7 Jersey Shore Photo Diary


#8 Made for Walkin'


#9 Florals in Combat


#10 In Cahoots


#11 Stuck like Glue

runner ups:

not sweater weather / just enough
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Since this is a personal style blog, I'll highlight the changes in my style too. This year I broke away from my signature stripes and bows, so much so I'm not really sure what my signature is anymore. The change in my style definitely coincided with my weight loss, probably because I've been willing to try new things. My looks became more structured and rugged with the additions of boots and jackets in the Fall, and yet somehow, I think my looks have become a bit more girly (even without the constant wearing of bows in my hair). I didn't really buy skirts this year, more dresses I think. It's funny looking back on the changes over the course of a year, because through out the year, you think nothing much has changed but after a long time, you realize just how much has changed. I remember thinking at the beginning of the year that my style probably wouldn't change much since I had my signature looks, but look at me now. Who knows how style will be next year this time? I'm excited to find out! I can't wait to come up with some new style resolutions too. I already know one of them is going to be wear more shorts and pants on this blog.

All in all, 2011 was such a pivotal year and it'll be always remembered as just that. It was the catalyst to the person I am now and to the life I am living and will be living. Thank you so much for all the support you gave me all year long. I love you all so very much! Here's to a new year!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Grinchmas

Happy Holidays my lovely blog readers!
I've been feeling like such a Grinch this Holiday season. I've stopped listening to Christmas music in my car and I've done the Holiday crafts at work half-heartedly. Christmas lights this year just seem to have lost their magic too. I'm just looking forward to the new year and a fresh start. While 2011 has been wonderful in so many ways, it has definitely been a crazy roller coaster kind of year. I've been doing a lot of reflection lately, which I think is necessary and important before the start of a new year. I'll have to put together a 2011 Flashback post sometime this week.

This top is one of my oldest favorites in my closet, but I don't think I've worn it at all in 2011. This was such a last minute outfit (like Robert was already driving down my street when I put it together) that it was probably out of an old habit to reach for this top. There has been so many holiday looks with lace and the color red too. I remember when I first started blogging I would wear this top with any new skirt I got. That was when I didn't have such a cramped closet. I love mixing new and old with each other--this is my newest favorite ring. I have so many bow rings but this one is definitely my favorite, probably because it wraps my love for nautical things and for bows together in a cute little ring.

I'm off to a holiday party with friends now. I just wanted to pop in and wish you all the merriest of whatever holiday you may be celebrating.

Until next post,
Jasmine

cardigan - gap
lace top - f21
skirt - urban outfitters
belt - h&m
shoes - urban outfitters
bag - madewell
ring - hautelook

Overcast Days

Overcast days are my favorite days to take outfit photos because the world just seems to be a blank canvas. You don't have to worry about lighting since it's the same everywhere, so you can take your pictures just about anywhere you'd like. Anyway, I'm pretty sure this top is the last of my Black Friday finds. At $10, I just couldn't resist the adorable heart print and the chiffon back (that I forgot to photograph...). Nicole returned this skirt just in time for me to style it with this top for a little of pattern mixing. This is definitely one of my favorite outfits recently. Winter camp started this week at work, and while it's been fun, it's also been real exhausting since the work-days are longer. So far we've made soap, clay ornaments, and cider. There's still so much more things planned! I'm excited for tomorrow though since I only work a few hours really early in the morning and then I get the rest of the day to relax and play.

Until next post,
Jasmine

cardigan - gap
heart printed top - urban outfitters
skirt - gap
belt - vintage (via etsy)
loafers - aldo
bracelet - jewelmint

Season of Receiving

Hello!
The wind was so strong and crazy on Friday that I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous we must've looked trying to take pictures in the midst of it. Nicole and I returned the items we swapped with each other this past week. I'm so happy to have this skirt (and my other items) back. It's funny that we both lent each other three items, but we only styled the dresses since for both of us the other two items fit awkwardly. Nicole was even kind of enough to surprise me by giving me her owl-printed dress as a gift when she sent my items back (thank you thank you thank you so much again Nicole!). I can't wait to style it some more! Nicole is definitely one of my favorite bloggers so if you haven't seen her blog, go check it out! She's constantly inspiring me with her effortless color combinations and cozy outfits. Another gift I received recently was for my birthday. It was this warm and cozy infinity scarf from two of my oldest and closest friends (Hi Andrea and Lisa! I know you read my blog sometimes!!!).

Winter Camp at work starts this week! I'm so excited to do all the holiday crafts we have lined up for the kids. My hours are different this week so hopefully I'll be able to crank out more posts this week than I have been recently.

Until next post,
Jasmine

blazer - urban outfitters
t-shirt - lucca couture (via hautelook)
skirt - zara
belt - cotton on
leaf ring - etsy
scarf - target (gift)
shoes - urban outfitters

Christmas Wishlist 2011

1. let's bow together top / 2. marc jacobs lacquered quilting flat wallet / 3. crabtree and evelyn summer hill shower gel / 4. timex rose gold watch / 5. totoro kindle fire case / 6. cloud speckled sky dress / 7. marc jacobs daisy perfume / 8. fuji instax mini film

Hello!
It's been really fun seeing what other bloggers have on their wishlists this year for Christmas, so I decided to post my own. My greatest wish is for my applications to be magically finished and submitted though. I can't believe Christmas is approaching so quickly! All the holidays just seem to be creeping up on me this year. With finals this week and Winter Camp at work starting next week, I just know that Christmas will be over as quickly as it came. My family isn't too big on holidays. We just eat and relax. We never had the traditional Christmas tree with presents underneath, but I'm kind of thankful for it this year because I know I just don't have time to find presents and wrap them all anyway. I already gave my dad a sweater that he's been wearing a lot. Just like with my birthday, all I really want for Christmas is good food and good company. I have a work holiday potluck today and a couple friend gatherings soon. That's all I really need :) It was actually pretty tough putting this wishlist together, which is weird because usually my wishlist is overflowing with stuff-to-stalk-until-they-go-on-sale.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Terrible Twos

Hello!
Today marks the second birthday of my blog! I can't believe I've been doing this for so long, and all the places I've been and people I've met through it. I can't imagine my life without it, and although it's stressful sometimes, I don't regret starting this journey. Thank you all for following/supporting/encouraging/inspiring/etc me. You'd think after two years of doing this, I'd have it down to a science; but apparently I don't since I haven't updated in a few days. Things will be better after finals this week and after my applications are finally turned in (January). Robert also surprised me with a Kindle Fire for my birthday so I neglected my computer and basically the internet for a few days, which is amazing because my Mac is my best friend at home. I also celebrated my birthday with my friends during happy hour on Saturday at Gyu-Kaku. It's been a fun-filled, hectic, wonderful past few days but I'm ready (but not really...) to buckle down and get stuff done.

Here's to another great year of blogging.

Until next post,
Jasmine

jacket - gap
sweater - urban outfitters
shorts - h&m
boots - topshop
bracelet - jewelmint

Back to What I Know

Hello!
Finding myself sitting on my bed, in tights and my bra, and staring at my closet is an all too familiar scene lately. So I decided to just go back to what I knew worked which is a striped tee and a solid skirt. If you've followed my blog since the beginning, you'd know that I practically wore this everyday for a while. I'm (and probably my long-time readers are too) glad that I somehow fell out of that routine, but it's nice to be back in a classic-me outfit. All that I'm missing is a bow right? My second blog birthday is approaching and looking back, it's really cool and surreal to see how much my style has changed since then. I don't know how to describe the evolution, but I know that it's there. Two years ago I probably never would've worn loafers or a denim jacket. Now if I can just get out of this skirt, tights, top rut, I'll be golden.

Until next post,
Jasmine

denim jacket - thrifted
striped top - urban outfitters
skirt - h&m
loafers - aldo

Wind Storm

Hello!
As you can tell, it's been really windy lately. The Santa-Ana winds came late this year and it is the time of year I detest the most. It was stupid of me to wear a dress so after wearing this to lunch on Saturday, I went home and changed to practical-windy-day-clothes (aka jeans and a t-shirt). And then on my last day of being 21, I went to Fashion Island so I could return my impulse buys from Black Friday and to shop a little. I picked up another soft, graphic tee. At night, my friend and I walked around my community to look at Christmas lights while sipping on hot milk tea and to ring in my birthday at midnight. My birthday was pretty low key this year. It sort of felt like any other Sunday: morning chores, errands to run, and gym time, but my mom made my favorite food and we had a bit of cake. This Saturday though I'm celebrating with friends by eating Japanese BBQ. All I really wanted this year is good food and good company. I just feel like I already have everything I need and want.

Until next post,
Jasmine

sweater - urban outfitters
dress - f21
loafers - aldo
bracelet - jewelmint