In the Blue

Mountaineer

2013-05-21T16:50:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to my sister....Payal

Congratulations on graduating college!

I'm so proud of you!

I love you!

Blue & Gold

2013-05-19T23:09:00.000-05:00

Zara dress | Zara flats | Old Navy cardigan | Forever 21 earrings

I wore this to my sister's college graduation this weekend! Its been nice to be back to rolling hills and home-cooked meals. Wishing you a great week ahead!

Come find me on Instagram @dearkajal

Mayflower

2013-05-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

Wherever you are in the world, I am spending you lots of LOVE and hope that you are having a good weekend! Take some time for yourself. Be it a walk, getting your nails done or even watching your favorite show. Spend time with yourself! Above all, be true to yourself and if you cannot put your heart in it, then take yourself out of it.

Instagram @dearkajal

Weekend Wear

2013-05-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I embarked on a zoo adventure at the Lincoln Park Zoo (if you're in the Chicagoland area, go and its free). It was a chiller Spring day, but extremely beautiful out. I can't wait to go back when the weather finally gets warm and stays warm. Nonetheless, it was fun walking around and appreciating the animal kingdom and nature. How do you spend your weekends?

Please excuse my beaten up TOMS, they are my go to shoe when I know I will be walking a lot.

Come say Hi on Twitter @dearkajal

Quick one...

2013-05-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

Head over to The Inner Center if you're interested in reading something inspiring.

*All posts written by me

Walking on Sunshine

2013-04-30T19:36:00.000-05:00

Old Navy blouse | Urban Outfitters skirt (old) $20 | Zara sandals (old) $20

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately as to how I want to continue with my blog. Originally I started it as a creative outlet through which I could express myself and learn what I like to wear and don't like to wear. Although, I like to dress well, I am not really passionate about fashion, clothes, finding the next it bag, shoes, jewelry, etc. I believe the pressure on girls to be the skinnest, wear the most expensive brands and look the prettiest contributes to a way of thinking that no matter what "I just don't have enough" or "I am not good enough". Statistics show that out of all clothes you have, only 20% of it you really use and wear, the rest 80% you never do. You look at something in the store/online and think there might come a day when I might wear it and by it based on that belief. Why no take that 80% and donate to someone who actually needs it. I've started a major revamp of my closet and split everything into 3 sections: keep, throw away and donate. I feel a lot lighter, less consumed and less attached to "things". I do realize that this is not possible for everyone to do, but everyone can become more conscious about it. Buy an item only if you really really really love it. Here on out my blog posts will mainly consist of outfits I create and recreate as I continue to downsized my wardrobe (get the creative juices really flowing). For a while now, I've cut out shopping for clothes, shoes, jewelry completely. And it feels so good! Now I spend my money on valuable experiences, eating a clean and healthy diet and things that really enrich my Spirit. Have you ever thought, wanted or did downsize your wardrobe?

In other news, I have a writing blog which you can read {here}.

Thanks for reading if you made it till the end.

When your cup is full stop pouring. ~ Lao Tzu

Life is Beautiful

2013-04-24T20:22:00.003-05:00

Instead of complaining the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses - Proverb

A meaningful life isn't a popularity contest. Do what you feel is the right thing, and you may not get approval from the world. Do it anyway. - Marianne Williamson

Pictures resemble a thousands unspoken words, emotions only you feel in your consciousness and captured memories. They are inspiration and beauty for me. What are pictures for you?

*All pictures taken by me in Southern California

How to Maxi

2013-04-22T23:51:00.003-05:00

Sandals via Target, recent {exact one here} $17 | Forever 21 maxi skirt, recent {exact one here} $12 | Target v-neck tee | Gap denim jacket | Flea market necklace

I must admit, I've never owned or worn a maxi skirt before! I actually picked this skirt up on a whim when I saw it in store for only $12 (recently bought)! For the hot summer months to be, this is a great alternative to shorts and will be perfect for a day at the beach. I would love to style the skirt with a crochet top and a hat. How do you wear maxi skirts? Share below :)

Happy Earth Day!

A Classic Print

2013-04-21T20:43:00.001-05:00

Forever 21 top, recent $22.80 (similar here and here) | H&M jeans | H&M jacket | Zara flats | Forever 21 earrings

I was immediately drawn to this printed top when I was in Forever 21. I usually avoid going into the store because its overwhelming and unorganized; however, on this occasion I found something without much looking. Prints are everywhere lately and this is a classic print that can be worn both casually or dressed-up.

Are you loving unique prints this Spring? Tweet me or come find me on Instagram {@dearkajal}

Have a great week!

Baseball Tee

2013-04-16T15:20:00.002-05:00

Wedges via Target (old) | Thirfted Lucky Brand jeans, $7 | Old Navy baseball tee | H&M clutch, necklace

I squealed with joy when I found these jeans at a thirft store, $7 for a pair of Lucky Brand jeans in mint condition?! I wore these same jeans in my {one year} anniversary post. I am a true jeans and tee kind of girl, no fuss and simple. These are the type of outfits I live in, they're within my comfort zone. I highly suggest you try thirfting, its like hunting for treasure while being enviornmentally consciousness.

What is your comfort zone outfit?

Find me on Instagram @dearkajal

Leopard Print

2013-04-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

Franco Sarto heels via Tjmaxx, $32 | Pieces denim via ASOS | Forever 21 shirt | Zara scarf | Merano bag via Target

It is safe to say that black is a staple color in anybody's closet. It'll always be there for you, especially on 'fat days' or on those occasions where nothing in your closet seems appealing. However, it can get a little dull too. To amp up an all black ensemble, accessorizing is key {in my opinion}, whether be it red lips, a bright scarf, shoes, earrings, necklace, etc. Treat it like icing on top of the cake, make it as favorable as you'd like!

How do you wear black?

Black + Gold

2013-04-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

Forever 21 leopard loafers, $22 | Pieces denim via ASOS | Old Navy cardigan | Forever 21 top | Merona Bag via Target, exact one {here} | Sunglasses via Target, $17 | Stella & Dot bracelet | Rings via Target | Michael Kors watch

To my surprise I found a few flowers in bloom. Other than that everything else is pretty much still shades of brown and bloom-less. Nonetheless, when the weather won't cooperate with your mood, wear something bright to compensate and still feel good! Hope you are having a FAB weekend!

Tell me your favorite pick me up color? Mine is yellow. Tweet me @dearkajal or comment below :)

Deep Blue

2013-04-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

Forever 21 dress {old} | Gap denim jacket | Payless wedges, $20 | Forever 21 earrings, $3 | Topshop ring {old}

This is my go to look for Spring. Its extremely comfortable, simple and stylish. Wear fun colorful wedges, heels, flats, etc. to take a monochromatic outfit up a notch.

Do you have a go to look for Spring?

Come find me on Instagram @dearkajal

Ankle Boots & Shorts

2013-04-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

...because not every single picture is perfect

I promise you can laugh {I won't mind}

I'm back! These pictures are not staged, it was actually warm enough to wear shorts. I did realize that wearing a hat in 25 mph winds was a bad idea. I spent a lot time chasing it around and fixing my hair {see picture above}. Wishing you a happy Monday!

Thought: You can't be rejected if you don't reject yourself

Romantic Lace

2013-04-01T00:56:00.000-05:00

Zara flats | Target jeans $20 | Forever 21 top {recent} $22.80 | Forever 21 jacket | Zara clutch | Stella and Dot bracelet | Michael Kors watch

How beautiful is this top?! Its romantic, feminine, chic, sophisticated, etc., and can be worn in so many ways. Go get it!

Happy April Fool's Day!

{ don't get fooled :) }

Denim Days

2013-03-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

American Eagle shoes | American Eagle jeans | Tee from Target | Puma Jacket

Comfy and casual. Easy and breezy. Simple and cool.

Have a great weekend!

Red Jeans

2013-03-28T12:06:00.000-05:00

I wear this chambray shirt A LOT, but I've never worn it with red skinnies or with leopard print. I am loving my creative outlook towards my wardrobe. Try it!

Thought: We all have access to the same same source of inspiration; the only difference is our ability to be the conduit.

Neon & Leopard

2013-03-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

Target heels $20 similar {here} | A&F jeans | Forever 21 sweater {recent} | Old Navy blouse $7 similar {here} for $19 | J.Crew necklace via Ebay | Old Navy clutch | Anne Klein coat via Macy's | Panda Bear phone case via Ebay

This is just one of a million ways on how to wear neon.

I have become a recent fan of neon colors {this blouse is the only neon thing I own}, especially when worn in a subtle way to add oomph to an outfit. However, I did wear it on its own in this post {here} and it still looked great! I think wearing neon colors are great if you instantly want to look like you've got a tan because the bright color really pops against the skin! How do you wear neon colors?

Today: Just one smile immensely increases the beauty of the universe - Sri Chinmoy

Come say Hi on Instagram {@dearkajal} and Twitter {@dearkajal}

Red on the Rocks

2013-03-26T00:15:00.000-05:00

Dressing for Winter even though its Spring. That means I'll get to spend some more time with my favorite sweaters and beanies; no complaints here. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Inspire: Success is infinite, limitless and unique. It is being true to yourself and giving it everything you've got to get to where you want to go.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Spring Safari

2013-03-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!

Green and yellow together remind me of Daffodils and a safari.

Old Navy booties $25 {another option here only $14!} | American Eagle jeans | Old Navy cardigan $15 | Thirfted giraffe tee | H&M jacket | Gap parka $48 | Stella and Dot bracelet | BCBG 'Fearless' bracelet | Silver handmade bracelet | Forever 21 necklace | Thirfted belt $1

Safari or not wear a v-neck tee, cardigan and skinny jeans for an easy yet causal look; a fail-proof outfit. I am slowly realizing how accessorizing can pull an outfit together, even a very simple one! These three pieces would have to be must haves in my wardrobe. What are your must have pieces?

Today: Make an ordinary day a celebration!

Winter Beach Day

2013-03-23T22:32:00.000-05:00

Its not Spring. It doesn't feel like it, seem like it or smell like it. But whatever the weather is, it is perfect. You make the moment, moments don't make you.

Hope you are having a beautiful weekend :)

Outfit details: Target skinny jeans, $20 | Old Navy turtleneck, $15 | H&M cardigan | Vince Camuto boots | Forever 21 bag

with love,

Choose Peace

2013-03-22T09:59:00.001-05:00

When in doubt, choose peace! Do what makes you the most content and peaceful in your heart {like I did with this outfit, haha}. I really appreciate black and white being a Spring trend, because I love to wear these two colors together. Its perfect for those mornings when you're in zombie mode and don't really want to think about an outfit. Win, win!

Outfit details: Franco Sarto heels via Tjmaxx, $32 {old} | Pants via Tjmaxx, $20 | Forever 21 jacket, $8 | Loft sweater, $6 | Mossimo bag via Target | Stella & Dot bracelet | Michael Kors watch

*If you like what you read, please show your support by liking my Facebook page {here} and following on Instagram {here}.

Happy Friday!

2013-03-21T21:40:00.002-05:00

Eat:

Spris {eat pizza and people watch on Lincoln Road}

Icebox Cafe {"Best cake in America" ~ Oprah}

Coconut water on the boardwalk

A La Folie Cafe {for French crepes}

See:

Espanola Way

8th & Ocean Drive

Art Deco District

*a few of my recommendations if you're ever in Miami*

(Ti amo Miami because surprisingly there is a high italian population. I heard more Italian than Spanish)

Follow me on Instagram {here}

♣ In the Green ♣

2013-03-19T22:27:00.000-05:00

Every year the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day, a 40 year old tradition. With the sun shining bright, the green river was glistening as if a layer of glitter was floating on top. It was very beautiful to see! I spent the day walking on Michigan Avenue and soaking up the winter sun. The day ended with dinner at Frankie's Scaloppine where I order this pizza {here} that I instagramed. Its by far my favorite place to go for pizza after Giordano's {a Chicago classic}.

Outfit details: 'Pixie Pant' dupe/leggings via Target as seen {here} and {here}, $20 | Anne Klein coat via Macy's {gifted from my parents} | Vince Camuto boots | Mossimo bag via Target | H&M scarf, $2.50

With Love,

Instagram | Twitter

It might as well be Spring

2013-03-18T20:42:00.001-05:00

Winter like weather continues to march on while Spring restlesly sleeps awaiting for the right opportunity to showcase its new 'do' of beauty and galore of the season. I patiently yet eagerly continue to wait its arrival till then I will make do with a green painted wall and thoughts full of a blooming Spring day. How are you thinking of Spring? Do you have Spring fever?

With Love,