HOUNDSTOOTH

This past month back in LA has been hectic to say the least. With classes starting, my first Stay Dripped, and new career opportunities, I haven't had too much downtime. Regardless of my schedule, I'm having a blast being back and I was finally able to get out and shoot with my girl, Lee (velvetcloouds).

The top I'm wearing is a part of UNIF's Bad Sport Two Piece set. I'm absolutely in love with the top- it fits like a glove and I've always been in love with houndstooth pattern. Unfortunately I can't say the same about the skirt- its drop waist looks super weird on me, so I think I'm going to have to sell it. More information about that will probably be posted up on my Instagram soon so check back! I got the skirt I'm wearing at the UNIF Pop Up Shop last December. I love it because it's a comfy twist on the usual circle skirt and goes with just about anything. (Can you guys tell I have a thing for UNIF...? I can't help myself.) As for my shoes, I haven't been able to take off my white QOZMOS since I got to LA, I'm so obsessed with them. Have you guys seen the Black Glitter Qozmo's...? I need them in my wardrobe. 

My septum ring is from Vida Kush. They have a ton of beautiful jewelry that you can check out on their site, or at the Melrose Trading Post every Sunday on Fairfax. My bracelet is from Jemulet, a jewelry company in New York with their products being made in Italy. I seriously don't leave the house without it on. It goes with every outfit I wear, and they are even cuter when you layer them. Even with wearing it everyday, the fabric and sterling silver is still as strong and pretty as it was the first day I got it. They come in a multitude of colors with a wide variety of charms as well. I was lucky enough to have Jemulet ask me to collaborate with them, so as a gift to you guys, when you order one put in the code "kristen" at checkout and you'll get 20% off your order AND free shipping! 

Hope you guys had a fun Halloween! Now it's time for the fall and winter wardrobe to make an appearance!... Y'know, Los Angeles fall and winter.... aka my usual wardrobe with thigh high socks and big comfy sweaters. Bring on the hot chocolate.

DETAILS

TOP- UNIF

SKIRT- UNIF

SHOES- YRU

SEPTUM RING- VIDA KUSH

BRACELET- JEMULET

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Now that I'm finally back in Los Angeles and settled in my new place, I can reflect on the best things I did in the last few months I had back in Chicago, which was considered my last summer vacation.

I had the amazing opportunity to drive across the country with my older sister, Lexi, at the end of June. We made our way through Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and finally stopped in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The west coast was even more beautiful than I could have imagined.

The drive was long but well worth the memories. After being home and relaxing for a few weeks, I was able to get together with my friend Amber to do my SUGAR BABES post, which was a blast. Mid-July I crossed something off my bucket list... I got to feed giraffes! They're my favorite animal, so when my sister mentioned that it was an event at the Milwaukee Zoo to my boyfriend and I, we made sure to find time to go. The whole day was an absolute blast, but the giraffes were the cherry on top. 

I'm in love.

The first week of August was Lollapalooza and my sister and I had tickets to the first two days. It was a weekend filled with good friends, good food, and great music. We agreed that our favorite act of the weekend was CHVRCHES, as it was a super fun show and their singer is like, the cutest girl in the world. We also managed to see artists like The Glitch Mob, Eminem, Zedd, Martin Garrix, The Head and the Heart, and Outkast!

Chicago public transportation is amazing. Get your shit together, LA.

Zedd blowing me away, as usual. 

Basically my other half. Friends from home keep me sane.

Fast forward to the end of September and one of my best friends, Lee (velvetcloouds) came to Chicago from LA for a week! We spent a day in downtown Chicago exploring Millennium Park. I've made a mini post with all the pictures here   > #thebean. 

The last week went by too fast. Not enough time for all my goodbyes, and no amount of time could make me ready for my big move. Because my boyfriend is seriously the best (no, seriously), he found a farm where you can feed giraffes! So we got to do that twice this summer. I'm the luckiest girl...

best. day. ever.

A few days later, I flew out to LAX to move into my new place in Studio City. It's been a stressful week, but I'm finally settled in and I feel right at home. I have so many things planned for myself that I'm excited to share with you guys. This fall is already off to a great start, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.

xo

#THEBEAN

Coming to LA on your own is tough. It's huge, terribly confusing at times, and heavily populated with people who only seem to give a shit about their own schedule. I was lucky enough to come out here with FIDM as my way of meeting people, as I'm not sure how else I would have found the amazing group of friends I have now. One of those friends is Lee, who also runs a blog that you can check out here.  We were fortunate enough to have her come out to visit me and our friend Tina for a week in September. Having one of my school friends in Chicago was awesome because it gave me a reason to bring out my new clothes. Thanks to Labor Day sales, I was able to finally get my hands on a pair of Y.R.U Qozmos and going downtown for a day was the perfect excuse to wear them. 

shameless bean selfie

We couldn't have asked for better weather. Clear skies and cool fall wind kept us comfortable while we walked from the bean to Lou Malnati's Pizza a mile away. And to answer your question, yes, the shoes were comfortable the whole day! It was awesome to have Lee in town, but I'm so glad to be back in LA. We have so much planned together that we're super excited to get started on and share with you guys. Back to palm trees, Melrose Avenue, and the eccentric style of LA.

OUTFIT DETAILS

TOP- THE COBRA SNAKE

PANTS- AMERICAN APPAREL

SHOES- Y.R.U

FLANNEL- FOREVER 21

xo

SPACE CANDY

All pictures were taken by the extremely talented Onur Amagan. He does photography for fun and, oh, he's an AEROSPACE ENGINEER. Seriously, that's some amazing work ethic. Check out his work at www.silentnightsinthecity.com, or check out his Instagram @OnurArmagan! 

I really love this outfit because it incorporates two of my favorite current trends: mesh and galaxy print. I grabbed the mesh top at the Melrose Trading Post in West Hollywood and the bra is from UNIF, which I got at the Pop Up Shop last year. Paired with my favorite Mink Pink shorts and my white Doc Martens, this outfit is perfect for a hot day in LA. 

Speaking of, I'm really excited to head back to the west coast. I know I mentioned it in my last post, but everything is finally set in stone with my new apartment in Studio City! I'm so stoked to move in with one of my best friends in one of the coolest spots in LA. This school year just keeps looking better and better, and I plan to make it my best yet. 

DETAILS

DOWNER BRA-UNIF

SHORTS- MINK PINK

SHOES- DOC MARTEN

SATURDAZE

All photos taken by Onur Armagan. Check out his website at www.silentnightsinthecity.com

A simple outfit with a trendy touch. I love my all my UNIF tee's, but this one has got to be my favorite. I was lucky enough to get my hands on it at their Pop Up Shop last December and it's been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. They're soft, comfy, and cool as hell. 

I also love these shorts I snagged from Sway Chic! They hug my waist perfectly, I could wear them all day. 

I finished off the look with my favorite platforms, my Jeffrey Campbell Dolla Platform Sneakers. I can always count on these to spice up a simple outfit while keeping my feet happy. 

Only a few weeks left until I'm back in Los Angeles! I'm going to miss being home, but I really miss the west coast. See you soon, LA! 

DETAILS

TIE DYE TOP- UNIF

SHORTS- SWAY CHIC

SHOES- JEFFREY CAMPBELL

SUGAR BABES

All pictures taken by Norvin. Check out his Instagram for more of his work- instagram.com/thenorv

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending a day at the carnival with one of my sweetest friends, Amber (her blog here)!  We got to see each other while she was visiting LA and just three weeks later we got together back in Chicago for this shoot. She's incredibly talented and ambitious and she has the biggest heart, there's no doubt in my mind that she's going places in life. 

I had an absolute blast at the carnival, I can't remember the last time I was at one! I haven't been on a ferris wheel since who knows when, and I have the sweet tooth of a five year old so I was in junk food heaven. Mmm, funnel cake.

DETAILS

YING YANG TOP- UNIF

RAINBOW SHORTS- The Shop Melrose

BOOTS- Doc Martens

CROP TEE- Dimepiece LA

JACKET- Topshop

Big Things Coming

So...I've been away for awhile..but I have an excuse! I've been really trying to focus more on school and my career, as well as running around Hollywood with some old friends and making new ones...

One of those new friends being Rupaul himself!!!

He said he "loved a lady in false lashes."
I nearly peed.

I was in line with my friend Hunter like

And then we met him and I was like 

I also was recently contacted by a photographer here in LA, Ben Shmikler. We met at LACMA and we talked about me modeling and styling for some shoots, which I was totally down for. He's super nice and he's so fun to work with. We took a couple test shots behind the museum- 

Shirt- Dimepiece LA
Shorts- MINKPINK on NastyGal
Shoes- Doc Marten

Today (Sunday) I styled a shoot for him and had a blast! I can't wait to work together again.

Check out Ben's website here, or his Instagram here!

This past weekend I went out to San Francisco to the Sway Chic party with my girls Lee and Tina!! They also run fashion blogs and oh my goddd, you have to check them out. These girls are doing big things and I respect them so much for working so hard and being so good at what they do. Check out Lee's blog here and Tina's here!! San Francisco was such a blast, the shopping was amazing and everyone at Sway Chic was SO NICE! I'm ready to head back ASAP. 

I can't wait to relax after such a hectic weekend. Yay for no school on Monday!

xo