outfit//gingham style

Today is Saturday. Meaning, like me, you probably drank last night. I need to knowwww---what are your hangover cures? Fortunately, last night I kept it pretty cool and under control and today I'm feeling fine, but sometimes, it doesn't work like that and I find myself on the morning after reaching desperately for the Advil in the other room (I know, you're not supposed to take Advil after drinking. I am a rebel and it helps me feel better). I actually think I find myself suffering from a lack-of-sleep hangover more than an alcoholic hangover most times. If it's past 2:45a and I'm not in bed yet, you can count on me turning on my grump face. Unless, of course, I'm still surrounded by dancing people and pumpin' music--In which case I will bring the energy until sunrise. 

Anyway, what are you hangover tricks? I'm just curious. I've heard that cucumbers are a blessing. That if you eat some cucumber before you drink, you won't get a hangover. I used to chug like 4 bottles of Smart Water before falling asleep after a night of drinking and I never felt hungover. Too bad I'm not "smart" enough to do that anymore :P

Above pictured is this handsome guy I just picked up off of the street early in the day and he just happened to have the cutest puppy in the world. psych. That's my boyfriend of 3ish years (who's counting!) and my favorite little bean of a pooch.

I'm wearing my current favorite pair of jeans by Rodis Denim, a Madewell gingham shirt, ZeroUV sunnies (you'll have to get used to that), necklace is from a little boutique at the Glendale Americana, and shoes are c/o of WetSeal (and you've seen me wear those 100 times already too!). 

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outfit//new beginning

New beginnings are good beginnings. I am so over the moon about today. Today is the first day that I start working full time with StyleSays--a social e-commerce site that's getting a super awesome revamp in the next couple of weeks. I can't tell you how right up my alley this is and it couldn't have come at a better time. I always try to live by the motto "if you're not happy, do something different." I quickly realized that corporate is just NOT for me. I think it is for some people and it isn't for others. I'm an adult, I can make mature and responsible decisions and I just feel like in corporate, everyone is always watching your every move. Making sure you do everything EXACTLY as they say, not allowing much room for inspiration or invention. That being said, I understand the stability and comfortability that some people might get from the experience. Anyway, I get to bring my dog with me to work all day today, and any day I want for that matter, and I love that.

These photos were taken over the weekend in that flaming hot heat wave that we had. This Calvin Rucker dress saved my life as it's super breezy and forgiving. I like to wear dresses on super hot days to help out with ventilation. Feel the breeze, ya know? My boots are Steve Madden from 200 years ago (or 2 years in real people terms). Arm cuff is Free People. Necklace is vintage one that used to be my grandma's, then mom's, and now mine! Sunglasses are from ZeroUV, which I can't stop raving about. $10! $10 for reallllllll! Watch is Target. Wrap bracelet is Stella & Dot. The shirt around my waist is a Madewell chambray.

outfit//casual weekend

Being in the valley this weekend was quite something. Yesterday the temps were out of control high. My roommate, Sarah, and I decided to bear the heat anyway and walk 2 miles to Paty's restaurant around the corner. If you live in the area, you should definitely go. You can get a little bottle of champagne and some OJ for $6.50--which makes 2 mimosas! Super rad deal! We brought Harley with us on our long walk and as you may have seen on my instagram, the heat was totally cooking her. Being that she has a super fluffy fur coat on all of the time, there were many moments of rest and carrying her like a baby. She's definitely going to need a super short hair cut this summer. 100 degrees ALREADY? We're definitely in for the end of the world. Blazing flames everywhere? I can see it.

As I tried to survive the sun rays, I was wearing Calvin Rucker shorts, which ended up being perfect because the boyfriend fit allowed comfortability instead of sticky thighs. Not to mention they have this cute little stone detail at the pocket. There is so much bejeweling at the moment and I love it. My tee is from Forever 21, but it's super old. Belt was a vintage find, shoes are Converse. The sunglasses are one of the 3 impulse pairs I bought from ZeroUV for $10 (woot, woot!) and my bag is Madewell. Not only is it Madewell, but it is also my life. Favorite-bag-ever.

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outfit//tea time

I have this awesome problem where I need be doing lots of things all of the time and making constant progress on whatever it is I've got going on. This can be a great thing as far as adding experience to my life (and resume) but a horribly bad thing when it comes to actually living my life and enjoying a weekend. I think for the past 3 years I've at least been juggling three "jobs" (or commitments I guess would be a better word) at a single time. In a single day. One of my New Years resolutions was to live more in the moment and I think I've been making a little progress. But for example, on this absolutely gorgeous day, taking a beautiful walk to coffee bean and sipping on a perfectly chilled iced green tea, I have 900 things running through my mind. Do this, do that, must accomplish this before sunset, etc. etc. Sometimes I think I just need to slap myself in the face and say BREATHE, GIRL. BREATHE!! So now, I'm going to the pool....and I'm bringing my computer...to work. What is wrong with me!!? 

Here and now: I promise myself to spend at least a few hours laying on a raft, in the water, away from all technology :)

Ohhhh, this dress--have you seen it before? Of course you have! My super amazing boyfriend bought it for me last summer after I came home from an event obsessing over it. It was the best out-of-nowhere surprise ever and I still cherish the feelings of excitement and joy that took over me when he casually said, "Well, I'll get it for you!". It's Mink Pink...everything about Mink Pink makes me gaga. The shoes are c/o Keds and are my go-to weekend play shoes. These sunglasses are 1 of 3 pairs that I impulsively bought from ZeroUV. 3 sunglasses, total $30. $10 each=happy me! Life saver cross body bag is c/o Wetseal. I used this thing all weekend at Coachella. It's proven to be super easy to throw a couple of necessities into and run out the door. Jewelry is a mish mosh: on the neck is LF, Madewell, H&M...on the wrist is Target and Stella & Dot, on the fingers are Free People, Madewell, Brandy Melville, Melrose Trading Post.

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outfit//90's takeover

Halt. Is it Friday yet?? I actually really don't know how it's possible that it's only Thursday. You know those weeks when you wake up on Monday morning and you almost accidentally hit snooze 100 times because, in your half asleep brain, it's Saturday morning? That's been me. This entire week.  Every single day and it's been a challenge. But--we're almost there! And when we get there it will be a little snippet of paradise. Spring time in SoCal--Hallelu! What will you be doing? I will most likely be sipping Sangria...or margaritas...or mimosas hanging by a pool (c/o my roommate [whom I discovered yesterday is an awesome photographer] and her hookups. I've also been taking this workout class around the corner from my apartment called "Taparobics" and it is exactly what it sounds like it is. Tap + aerobics. It's easily one of the best classes I've ever taken. I tapped when I was in high school and I loved it, but haven't really done much of it since. This class totally makes me happy and makes me sweat at the same time. What more could a girl ask for?

Side note: I time warped here from 1990. Can't you tell? Total dude jeans and a bejeweled crop top? You're welcome. These jeans came from Wasteland and they are entirely too big, but what would they be if they were any smaller? Modern. That's what. One size smaller and I could have gotten these babies at Forever 21. Instead, I opted for the "go big or go home" decon denim strategy. And really, there is no other way to go but with a crop top when your pants are falling down, so the chosen one ended up being this Urban Outfitters top which I bought for full price. Which never happens. Seriously. The jeans were maybe $20 and that thrifted flannel around my waist was $2. Yeeeheeeheee. $2 for a flannel still makes me grin from ear to ear. Shoes are from LF warehouse sale. Necklace is Madewell, originally $60 or something and purchased by me for only $16. That kind of deal makes me feel like a bargain beast. And feeling like a bargain beast is an incredible feeling. You should try it.

Oh! And nail polish, derrrr, is by Pure Ice. It's yellow and you can not see my nails through it. That makes it automatically awesome.

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outfit//the new i.d.

So, this is what's happening--I'm revamping my blog life and making some changes that I'm hoping you will all be fans of. Firstly, I've decided to change the name of my blog *gasp*...I know, I've been saying I want to change the name for quite a while now and every time I come up with something, everyone always says "Noooo! I like Stylemap!" BUT I'm over it. Honestly, Stylemap has past connections that just don't make me feel entirely me...they keep me from being open and free in my writing, so I'm changing it. And so, the new name is--dundundun--[Storytelling by] Emmy J. Emmy J for short. 

My second goal is to write more and to write well. I love writing and if I were to grade myself on how I've been doing thus far, I would give myself a D--for "Definitely-room-for-improvement." I mean, you might care a little bit about why I love that t-shirt so much, but don't you care about my life!?!? Most likely not as much as I imagine you do, but I'm going to put it all out there for you anyway. Blogging is the journaling of the 21st century, right? 

In case you're just dying to know, these shorts were a super awesome vintage find from a little shop in Bend, Oregon that I picked up while I was up there October through January working on a startup company. There are a couple of good things about getting away from a big city--one of those things being that you become one of the only people in a little town with "an eye" for awesome style. The crop top is from Urban Outfitters and I'm keeping the best part from you. The back is pretty much completely open with little bows that clasp is together. I'll show more of that in a post yet to come. The jacket was also a total steal. 2 freaking bucks at a thrift shop. Being that it's the beginning of summer, I figured it would be the perfect beach day jacket. Sunglasses are Urban Outfitters, bracelet is from the lovely Stella & Dot, rockin' 80's watch is from Target (and I had to have a lady that was not a baby like I was in the 80's show me how to set the time). Shoes are, well duh, the master at his craft, Jeffrey Campbell and I love them with a large majority of my little heart. Gold necklace is H&M, spike necklace is Forever21, baby bead necklace is LF.

Puppy photo is because I couldn't help but to share this precious, little face.

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outfit//beach day

Wearing: Brandy Melville tank, H&M swim suit, vintage Levis shorts, Forever 21 (short) necklace, H&M (long) necklace, Crafturday fringe arm band

I had the best day I've had in a long time on Saturday. We got a great group of friends together and headed to the beach to play some volleyball and drink sangria in the sun. I went into this day thinking that I was just absolutely the most awful person at volleyball ever, but ended up surprising myself a little bit. I wasn't absolutely horrible! I was pretty bad, but I was able to get some good volleys in! After the game and basking in the sun, we headed over to a bar for more drinks and lots of dancing. Ended the night with C&O's garlic knots...only the very best thing that ever has been created [for my taste buds] and the very worst thing to have been created [for my get-fit-for-summer plan]. 

I'm committing to make more Saturdays like this happen this summer! Life is way to short to not "just do it" and have fun. I'm realizing this more and more on a daily basis.

Words//Kind Words

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outfit//Flamin' Hot Desert Sun

Wearing: Tank c/o Wet Seal, jeans c/o Wet Seal, shoes c/o Wet Seal, side bag c/o Wet Seal, sunnies c/o RueLaLa, Target hat, Forever 21 necklace, JewelMint black bracelet

I think one of the more fun things about summer is dressing up like you're going to Coachella. Whether you're actually going to be in the sun or really just sitting inside of an office building, it just feels good. This look is a little more on the sporty side than your average festival look, but when Wet Seal offered up these black and white striped jeans I could not say no. They were the center point of this little creation (and they're on sale for $20 right now! Can we say steal???). And the tank, awesome for layering or, like I'll be doing today, wearing as a coverup to the beach. I decided to get it in a size large since, well, oversize is a "thing" and I'm into that type of thing. 

Off to take a hike with the pup and then heading to the beach for the day. Enjoy your Saturday sunshine! 

Xx

inspo//Dreaming of Sunshine

All of the sudden it got REALLY cold in LA...Dreaming of sunshine and beach weather and praying that it's back by the weekend! 

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outfit//Day in the Desert

Wearing: Flower crown c/o C&C California, Forever 21 jacket, Chaser tank, LF skirt, miscellaneous vintage jewelry, water bottle c/o C&C California

I wish I could go back to the desert and stay there for a while longer. Coachella weekend is like no other. You can bask in the sun and wonderful energy of all of the excited people around you. Back to reality here though! Happy Wednesday Hump Day! 

Message Monday//Persevere

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Inspo//Feels Like Friday

Today is Thursday and it feels like Friday. 

WHYYYYYY

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outfit//Coachella Day 2

 Wearing: Boyfriend's 541 Threads tee, Target swim suit, bargain sunnies from Marshalls, shoes c/o Wet Seal, backpack c/o Wet Seal, Urban Outfitters hat

Ohhhh Coachella weekend....are you inviting me back for round 2? I had such a blast Coachella weekend 1. So much sunshine, good times, and relaxation. I was super stoked to have this backpack from Wet Seal in tow for the entire weekend. I was planning on bringing a little side bag, but quickly realized I had 800 things I wanted to carry with me everywhere! 

These shoes are also courtesy of Wet Seal...I'm in love with them. I've been holding out on getting myself a pair of Converse and these are the ideal substitution. I've been wearing them 90% of week. So comfy. So cute. Best things ever. And right now they're on sale...not just any sale, but $13.99. I think I'm going to buy myself another color. Or two. Yup. Definitely.

More Coachella outfit posts to come!

must haves//Simple Summer

1. American Gold Sweet Lola Swing Dress $154

2. Steve Madden Sunkiss Sandal $69.95

3. Urban Outfitters Purr-fect Metal Sunglasses $18

I just got back from a weekend in the desert, enjoying lots of people, tons of energy, and plenty of parties. I quickly realized I wanted to stay simple in my outfit coordination. It's HOT and there is lots of shedding of layers to impromptu jump in a pool. 

These are some of my simple summer must haves! 

Message Monday//When things turn out best

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outfit//Coachella Weekend

Wearing: Target bathing suit, Free People pants, Man Eater sunglasses, backpack c/o Wetseal

Ahhhh!! I'm in Palm Springs and I am SO HAPPY. Jun Hee and I were planning to drive out this morning and last minute decided to leave last night at 10p. A spontaneous act of awesomeness. I documented that travel time via Kodak wind up, so once I use up all of the film and get it developed, I'll scan the photos and share them here. We decided to just come out for parties and some good old Vitamin D this year and I'm not sad about it. It's a little weekend vacation to the fullest potential. 

How do I make this my life? 

:) 

inspo//Things I Want to Do

Take friend photos--double the trouble. 

Pinterest

After a stressful week, a good yell in the fan never hurt anyone.

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Hang with girls

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Snack

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outfit//Taking Flight

Wearing: Urban Outfitters coat, American Eagle chambray shirt, Forever 21 bralette, Topshop pants, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Maneater sunglasses, Forever 21 necklace, LF gloves

Last weekend I had the best time in...dun dun dun...the MID-WEST. Yeahhhh. Who knew you could take a red eye flight and touch down with legitimate red eyes, go, go, go, and not be ready to go home yet? 

I went out that way for my brother's wedding and it was absolutely beautiful. I was intimidated by the potential leftover winter weather in combination with an outdoor wedding, but we couldn't have gotten better weather. It was absolutely gorgeous and, by far, the most beautiful ceremony of love I have ever attended. 

The next day I drove to Indianapolis with my mom, [new] nephew, his buddy, and my aunt to meet up with my uncle who took us out in his 4 seater Bonanza. The last time I went up in that thing I was in the single digits and I don't even remember it. We had a total blast. 

It's good to be back, but that family time could certainly have been extended! 

Message Monday//You Are Right

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