NYE

Happy New Year everyone! I must say 2015 has been good to me. I started dating my boyfriend Michael, traveled to China and Seattle, met a ton of great people, and started on a new career path! I am beyond grateful for all the good things that have come my way and am really looking forward to what 2016 has in store for me!

I am one of those new years resolution types. I like setting goals for myself at the beginning of each new year. I know you can do it anytime of year, but using the new year is a great way to kick start yourself. Try it! I listed mine at the bottom of this post.

Photos by Michael Ramstead

NYE Dress: Forever 21

My 2016 New Year's Resolutions:

1. Go back to school

I want to further my career and this is a very important step to do so.

2. Become a morning person

I am a classic night owl. But I have always dreamt of being one of those people who wakes up super early and is super productive in the morning. 

3. Volunteer

I want to make a difference.

4. Travel to one new country

Hoping to go down under!

5. Travel to one new city

Portland?! New York?!

6. Get fit and be healthy

I put my fitness and health in the backseat in 2015 and I want to get back on track. 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

XOXOXO,

Rae

Love Love Love

I traveled down to Culver City with my good friend Kacee for some good eats and great fun! Kacee is always such a blast to hang out with. She has such a positive attitude you just can't help but feel happy when you're with her. With the holidays here things always tend to get crazy, so I am glad we were able to find time to get together. 

Both Kacee and I sported a cute n' cozy top with skinny jeans. I went for a gray, white and black combo, and added a hint of color with Mac Rebel on my lips. I always think of my make-up as another accessory to my outfit. Kacee wore a cute mustard top with blue jeans and opted for a more natural face. Since the top and blue jeans already gave the look color, a natural face is the perfect go to.

Photos by Kacee and I.

SHOP THESE LOOKS:

My Top: Target

My Pants: Forever 21

Booties: Forever 21

Kacee's Hat: Pacsun

Kacee's Top: Target

Kacee's Jeans: Torrid

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I hope I can get some holiday posts up before the season is gone!

-Rae

But first, COFFEE.

But first, COFFEE. Took a trip to Hollywood to check out the coffee shop Alfred in the Alley, and it was delicious. I got their cold brew and added a bit of milk, a dash of sugar and topped off with ground cinnamon. How do you take your coffee?

I was excited to go out and wear my new boots that I just purchased from Torrid! You guys, this is such a big deal! I have big calves and have never been able to find boots that would fit over them. I always try boots on hoping that they'll be the pair that fit, but was always disappointed. So when I tried these boots and the zipped up with ease I wanted to cry! Thank you Torrid for making cute boots to accommodate the curvier girl! 

Photos by Michael Ramstead

Shop this Look:

Scarf: Forever 21

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)

Boots: Torrid

PNW

In October I was lucky enough to take a short trip to Seattle! My boyfriend and I had such a blast visiting friends. We explored the city, the nature, and the food! I can honestly say it was a perfect trip. Amongst it all, I was only able to find time it to shoot one outfit. It was chilly in Seattle so I opted for this Forever 21 poncho, which kept me nice and warm! It was like walking around wearing a cozy blanket. I paired this poncho with simple black leggings and these lace up brown booties. I got these booties a couple years ago from Old Navy (who would've thought?), they are the shoes that I pack away in the summer and then forget that I have. But when I do remember its such a treat, they go with so many things and the heel makes me feel like I am dressed up.

Photos by Michael Ramstead

Shop This Look:

Poncho: Forever 21

Leggings: Target

Similar Booties: Forever 21

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Its here! Hello fall, hello all! We finally had a gloomy day in LA. Even if it was short while, I was still so excited to finally be able to break out my autumn attire. Yesterday Michael and I made it out to Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch in search for the perfect pumpkin. Loved this pumpkin patch because there was a whole field of pumpkins to choose from. 

Whenever I think of fall looks I think of browns, army green, and burgundy. And this outfit happened to include those all! I've owned most of these pieces for a awhile, but I was able to find similar items if you're interested in creating a similar look!

The Handsome Man Behind the Cam, Michael Ramstead

Shop This Look:

Top: Similar- Cotton On

Scarf: Similar-Forever 21

Denim: Forever 21+

Booties: Similar-Forever 21

70's Vibing

I wore this look to a casual lunch with friends and family at a little Mexican restaurant that I grew up going to called Carrillos Tortilleria (its delicious!). On the way back we decided to stop at this gorgeous old house called Casa De Lopez to snap some pics. I grew up driving by this house on a daily basis but this was the first that I actually visited it! And it worked out perfectly because its painted my favorite color!

I had so much fun wearing this paisley ASOS dress! I love the flare sleeves, lace up neck detail, and the way the fit compliments my curves. Its a perfect dress to transition from Summer to Fall, with its fall color scheme and long sleeves. 

Photos by Michael Ramstead

SHOP THIS LOOK:

Dress: Asos

Earrings: Rocksbox

Shoes: Target 

Girls of Summer

Over the summer I volunteered with a program called Circle of Friends Summer. A group of volunteers were paired up with young adults dealing with disabilities to help them on the road to inclusion. It was one of the most rewarding and fun experiences I've ever had. While volunteering with this program I met a lot of new friends. One of which agreed to be featured on my blog with me! Her name is Charlene! 

Charlene and I had a fun filled  Summer day in Santa Monica, shopping, doing our make up and having our little photo shoot at the pier! After we part ways I received a text from Charlene that said the following "Heh heh thanks for everything today girl. I feel super empowered, beautiful and just had this huge wage or confidence hit me! Haah you're the best!" I hope I can translate that feeling to other girls and woman through this blog!

Photos By Myself and Charlene

I do apologize, I do not have direct links for our particular pieces. Below I provided similar looks.

My Look:

Hat: Target

Floral Blouse: Modcloth

White Shorts: Torrid

Charlenes Look:

Top: Torrid

Navy Skirt: Modcloth