There’s something about a black & white ensemble, don’t you agree?! It is such a simple look yet gives it an immense amount of edge. I’ve been wearing a lot of color recently, so I wanted to mix things up by going with a more monochrome look today. I received this vest from a dear friend of mine, and as you probably know, I don’t have much patience for not wearing new items! One of my favorite things about this look is how the simplicity of colors juxtaposes with the backdrop color (literally found this wall by accident while strolling around downtown!).
As always, thank you for stopping by & a BIG THANK to Rachel for this amazing vest!
Shorts: Forever21 (sold out, similar here) | Vest: Gift (similar here) | Blouse: Old Navy | Sunglasses: ASOS (similar here) | Tights: Banana Republic c/o | Ankle Booties: Marshalls (similar here) | Handbag: CHANEL
Today’s post is very special to my heart because I am talking about a topic that is very prevalent today: Bullying. Growing up, I was victim of bullying too. I was always different. I grew up in Germany, born to a German father and a Filipino mother. I always had big dreams and worked really hard to achieve my goals.
I was bullied for being a ‘nerd’ at school. Yes, I was the one with the glasses, and the amazing grades in school. Girls were especially mean to me. It even went so far – that at one point – they organized a “hate group” against me. While they did the ‘cool’ stuff, like smoking and drinking alcohol (things I never did), well…, I would prefer staying home, read my novels and be with my family. But I was being bullied for that. Their words and actions HURT me so much but it only made me stronger today. When Vaiana, founder of Le Motto reached out to me, and as I got to know her story, well, it simply brought me back to my own roots. All these nasty words and comments I received hurt immensely which only proves what impact words can have on someone’s life.
Today though is all about spreading P O S I T I V I T Y and L O V E which is what Le Motto’s main purpose is. Sharing a good message to the world, to encourage, and lift one another up. Vaiana says, that “words must be followed by actions”, and I could not agree with her more. Change the world, one WORD at a time. Please, use the discount code ‘whatwouldvwear’ (20% OFF) at checkout on the Le Motto’s website, and help spread the word to end bullying. Also, when you purchase Le Motto apparel, some of their profits actually go to those kids who are suffering from violent circumstances. Their focus is to help fund programs that confront aggression in the form of bullying helping “The Bully Project” that educate over 1 million parents, teachers, kids and entire communities to deal with bullying.
As always, thank you for stopping by & don’t forget to spread some love today!
Fall is slowly making its way to Chicago which means it’s sweater weather! Thankfully, the cozy knits have a HUGE comeback this season! Today I am taking the black-and-white trend into fall by pairing a ribbed turtleneck sweater from H&M with an elegant, high-waisted maxi skirt. The über-polished streamlined ensemble almost channels a formal evening gown but with an effortlessly modern feel. Doesn’t this outfit remind you of that time Sharon Stone shook things up at the 1996 Oscars by throwing on a black turtleneck from the Gap with her ball-gown skirt (remember way back when, kids?)?!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by! I seriously heart you all!
PS: Lately I have been swooning over this maxi skirt and this one – I think they are so chic, don’t you agree?! How do you style your maxi skirts?! I would L O V E to hear from you!
As fall approaches, I am looking forward to transitions. My thoughts turn to changing my interiors to more rugged, cozy home elements, as well as swapping out my favorite summer clothing with autumn must-have’s – which brings me to this amazing Karl Lagerfeld wool jacket I received a couple of years ago from my hubs. This is by far my favorite fall piece! You’ve seen me wear it here already (2nd & 4th picture from above) – but I simply could not help but wear it one more time on the blog – especially since so many of you asked me who it was by. So, here we go! I took a few snaps of just the details of this amazing wool overcoat, enjoy!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by & have a wonderful day!
“Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There’s no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.” —Gail Tsukiyama
Today is a very special day for me because three years ago I was delivered to the hospital to give birth to the most amazing, little boy. I will never forget this day. My son was not due until October 7th, 2011 but when my husband and I went to our routine check-up on September 15, the nurse noticed that my stomach seemed smaller so, we did an ultrasound to see what was going on. Well, comes out that my water was very low (note – I was not aware of any water breaking). Anyhow, the nurse informed us that I would have to give birth ASAP – hence I was delivered to the hospital to give birth three weeks early. I was induced but did not give birth until September 16, 2011 at 9:59 PM, and truly I tell you: The moment I laid eyes on my son was the most beautiful feeling in my life ever. Here he was – my beloved, little son. Tears of joy came rolling down my face; I knew my life was going to change forever. Never have I experienced love like this…, and I am so grateful for my husband who’s unity with me made it possible to become a family.
So, this post is about L O V E, as well as a big T H A N K Y O U note to my family. Without them I would not be the person I am today.
As always, thank you for stopping by & have a wonderful day!
Sweater: Forever21 (sold out, similar here) | Skirt: Forever21 (sold out, similar here) | Shoes: Wild Diva via Lulu’s | Sunglasses: ASOS c/o (sold out, similar here) | Necklace: C&A c/o (similar here)