Not the Only One

Why hello there! It's been a while hasn't it? Student teaching four days a week now also means waking up at 6AM four days a week. I just haven't found time in between living life, planning lessons, and grading papers to take pictures of my outfits. But in terms of style, not much has changed anyway--I managed to wear a different sweater and skinny jeans combination everyday this past week. At first when I saw this necklace in the clearance section at Macy's, I chuckled to myself at how ridiculous it was, but then I thought to myself that it would look great with a sweater--and it does, definitely $8 well spent. I am in love with it, and I hope to find more necklaces like it. I've been on a major accessories kick lately, which is good because I definitely don't need anymore clothes and accessories are much cheaper too. Another thing I've been loving lately is wavy hair! I tried this hairstyle for a night out in LA with my friends on Saturday night and it seemed to be a hit because I didn't pay for any of my drinks that night! It's been fun switching up my hair because it's been worn straight down everyday for years. While my style hasn't changed much, I feel like I've changed. It seems that all the little changes that started last year have started to all add up and become noticeable. Things that used to bother me don't really phase me anymore. Overall, I just feel more about ease, free, and happy. I know I've been pretty dead online--here on my blog, on Twitter, and even on Instagram, but I've really just been living my life in the real world. Until I develop a better routine or I go to Disneyland with a friend who's willing to take pictures for me, I think I'm just going to have to post snippets of my outfits like this.

Until next post,
Jasmine

sweater - forever 21

necklace - bcbg from macy's

rings - brandy melville

jeans - gap

shoes - american eagle

Catching Feelings

I concluded my winter break with a trip to Disneyland with Andrea on Sunday. There was a 60% chance of rain that day, but it ended up being a beautiful day and didn't start sprinkling until we were on our way back to the car. The chance of rain must've scared people away because it wasn't too crowded either. Andrea and I were able to snap pictures undisturbed while we were waiting for our fast passes to be valid. We were even able to rest my camera on top of a trash can to take a picture of us in our matching sweaters without fear of it being snatched away, which made me reminisce back to my pre-tripod days when I first started blogging. It was like finding treasure coming across these sweaters at Forever 21 on New Year's Eve. We had went to find something sparkly or festive to wear for a party later on that night, but we both walked out with just these sweaters. Now every time I'm at F21, I'll be searching for Disney things. As soon as I tried the sweater on in the dressing room, I knew I wanted to layer it over a chambray shirt. This was my first time trying that preppy look and I have to admit--I really like this outfit! I still haven't been able to get out of jeans, but now that I've done the whole colored denim thing, I want to try patterned denim. I still regret not buying a pair of polka dotted jeans while I was at the outlet on Black Friday, but I'm sure I'll find another pair soon enough and hopefully just as cheap. Getting back into fieldwork and school has been a slow transition, but getting to see my students four times a week makes having to watch the sun rise Monday through Thursdays worth it.

Until next post,
Jasmine

sweater - forever 21

chambray shirt - madewell

jeans - gap

shoes - american eagle

rings - brandy melville and madison bleu

watch - nordstrom

photos by andrea and me

On Jennifhsieh

I'm guest blogging over at Jen's blog today so head over there to see more of this outfit and see which outfit of Jen's inspired this one!

Until next post,
Jasmine

The Little Things

Sorry things have been a little slow around here. I've just been taking some time off for myself to enjoy the last bit of my winter break. Besides you're not missing much in terms of my outfits. I've really just been living in jeans and boots and sweaters. In between catching up with friends and reconnecting with old ones, I can't help but smile and revel in all the things and people I'm blessed with. And honestly, it's the little things like eating lavender honey ice cream in the middle of winter, or witnessing a gorgeous sunset, or your phone playing the perfect songs during your run, or grabbing pizza with friends at 10:15 at night that make life really worthwhile. I've also been taking some time for myself. I started running again, not necessarily because I want to lose weight (though I do and it'd be a nice side effect), but because I just want to feel better about myself. That resolution goes hand in hand with the others. After a five-hour nap to nurse my first hangover ever from New Year's Eve, I really thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year and ultimately, I just want to be better and happier and that's just what I'm going to do.

My 2013 Resolutions:
1. Be more active: Work out for an hour at least 3 times a week
2. Be more fearless: Change isn't scary, it's necessary. And success isn't so bad either.
3. Be more confident: in my choices, actions, wants, and needs. Speak up more.
4. Be more carefree: Worry less. Don't sweat the small things.
5. Be better: a better friend, daughter, sister, teacher, student, and blogger.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Until next post,
Jasmine

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

What do you wear when you meet an ex-boyfriend for tea to give him back his stuff? You don't want to try too hard because you're obviously over him, but you also want him to know what he missed out on and that you're better off without him. And maybe, just maybe, you want him to think you're better than the bimbo he's supposedly moved on with. Well this is what I wore to such an occasion.

Is it silly to admit that I even googled "what to wear when meeting an ex-boyfriend?" It wasn't even because I was nervous, because I wasn't. I just wanted to make sure I looked as good as I feel since having let him go. And while we're being honest here, it bothered me too that I was so concerned about looking good for him. It just confused me because I knew I didn't have feelings for him, and up until the moment he texted me wanting to meet, I hadn't really given him much thought. So why did it matter what I looked like when I saw him? Why did I feel the need to buy a new top just for the occasion? I couldn't come up with an answer other than just because. Because I needed to prove to him, and to myself, that I really have moved on, and that I've been the happiest I've been in a long time. Because my friend told me that there's a winner in every breakup. And per my usual competitive self, because I wanted to be that winner. A lot to expect from an outfit right? But I didn't take the advice on Google to dress this way or that way. I know this outfit doesn't look like much, but it made me feel good. And in the end, I just wanted to look myself because being myself is finally enough for me. Of course a little mascara and lip gloss never hurt anyone either. Something that my google search never told me? Just how much seeing him again would validate everything--the independence, the happiness, the confidence--I've been working on. It was just so oddly satisfying and empowering feeling nothing when seeing him. I really have moved on and have closed that chapter of my life. I rang in the new year with good friends. I am just so excited for this upcoming year and all the adventures heading my way. 2011 will always be the year I lost 25 pounds; 2012 was the year of changes; and 2013 is going to be a good year because I'm going to make it good.

Until next post,
Jasmine

cardigan - h&m
top - g-stage
jeans - gap
necklace - madison bleu
shoes - american eagle
bag - michael kors