One Year Anniversary: Full-Time Influencer

Photos by: Vincent Elejorde

Life has been busy as of late. This could be the part where I complain about the lack of sleep, constant stream of stress, and suddenly reverting back to a teenager with all these damn pimples- but, it's not. It's the part where I say Happy Anniversary Little Black Boots! And even with all the above mentioned, the past year has been full of growths and strides for me both personally and professionally. 

In October of 2015 I decided to trade in my full-time job for full-time blogging. It was very fitting (and definitely not planned) that this also is the month when I launched Little Black Boots back in 2012. My move from part-time to full-time felt very right at the time and I am happy to say I never once looked back. Blogging as my profession? Crazy. If you told me back when I was sitting in class at SDSU that this is what I would be doing, I would have absolutely given you some serious side-eye...and also probably skipped all those 9am classes.

When I started in 2012 it was purely a creative outlet. I loved the idea of being a part of a community of like-minded people who enjoyed sharing their thoughts/opinions/outlook of the fashion world. Just normal, every day people with a new platform to get across their ideas. Sign me up!

In 2013 I moved to LA from Orange County to start a new chapter and it was also when I really put in an effort towards Little Black Boots. It has been quite the windy, unpredictable journey since. I found my footing, many MANY stumbles later.

With that said, I don't have it all figured out. I am still learning and finding my way every single day. Thinking you're done trying to improve yourself is fatal after all. 

I could literally go on for days. Reflection has that effect on people. But I will end this with a huge thank you for following along my journey. Especially to those who have been with me from day one. I can never say thank you enough. I really do have the most loving, supportive internet friends a girl could ask for. 

Top: Fame and Partners

Skirt: Fame and Partners

Bag: Louise et Cie

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Express: Engagement Party Outfit

 

 

Photos by: Gabriel Santiago

Wedding season has arrived. I’ve been to one majorly beautiful nuptial this summer and I have two more in the next couple months. I personally love celebrating love. But with love comes the question- what do I wear?!

This month, I have partnered with Express to help discuss what to wear not to the actual wedding but to an event equally as fun- the engagement party! I had so much fun shooting with my girl Jessi Malay (ugh, such a babe) in our outfits of choice. We clearly were on the same page because you can never go wrong with an all black ensemble! 

The rules here change a bit. Weddings range from causal to formal but usually tend to lean towards the formal side. When it comes to an engagement party think more in terms of something you could also translate to a chic night out. My mantra is: mix casual and semi-formal. Bonus is you can definitely repeat these pieces again with different outfits (I'm looking at you bridesmaids dress I wore ONCE). 

The main item to my look is this black maxi dress from Express. I love maxi dresses because they can be dressed up or down to compliment the occasion. You could stop here and look like a million bucks but layering this season will be BIG so I wanted to add more to my look. I paired the maxi with an off shoulder choker top and bag with pom pom details (similar here and here).

Other layering ideas to pair with a simple maxi include:

- white tee + choker 
- flowy blouse 
- detailed bandeau top
- statement necklace + pins 

Cheers! 

Dress: Express
Top: Express
Shoes: Express

Thank you Express for partnering with me on this post. 

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LBB Lust List: Ugg McKay Boots

Photos by: Vincent Elejorde

I learned a hard lesson in my younger years that there is no shoe on this planet worth damaging your feet for. Because I stuffed my feet into shoes that weren't quite the right fit or great quality, I am left with accepting the wreckage it left behind. Sad!

Since then I have been extremely picky with what I wear on my feet. It is the only thing that separates us from the ground after all. The moment a shoe is uncomfortable, it leaves my life forever! So since many of my days are spent running errands around town, I am always looking for ways to feel cute but comfortable at the same time. 

Enter my newest obsession for fall: UGG McKay boots

I'm so impressed with their new collection. The designs and silhouettes are so much more sleek and edgier than their typical classic boots but still have the same amazing, signature comfort. 

Here are some styling ideas to wear with the new UGG collection:

- ripped black jeans, striped tee, bomber jacket, UGG McKay in Black
- white jeans, cream sweater, oversized scarf, UGG Quincy in Chestnut

- mid-length floral dress, long cardigan, UGG Braiden in Chestnut (rolled down)

I've linked my top 4 favorite boots from the new collection, along with my outfit details, down below so definitely check them out and let's all hang out together in uber, insane, so good comfy town! (still looking chic though, duh) 

Marciano: Photo By Vincent

 Photos by: Vincent Elejorde

I wanted to take a quick step away from my usual fashion-talk and give a little ode to one of my main men behind the lens: Vincent!

I met Vincent out at an event earlier this summer. We instantly connected because he is hilarious and well, I love to laugh. After months of missing each other, we finally got to shoot together. I was immediately hooked. 

I loved his story. He is a young guy with an insane amount of creativity oozing from his ever-so-small (obvi) pores who picked up a camera and taught himself how to shoot. He started his own blog to showcase his amazing personal style and has recently shifted gears to being a photographer for others.

Vincent genuinely loves to create and comes from such a pure place far from the saturated market of people just wanting to take take take. I love that he draws his inspiration from fashion editorials, movies, people- you name it. 

Not sure if he knows this, but he unknowingly gave me a much needed creative boost. His eye for finding the beauty in not obvious places and fresh approach to shooting literally gives me life! It doesn't hurt that I feel like we were separated at birth and have the greatest time together. 

So cheers to the men and women behind the lens who do not get nearly enough credit as they deserve. We would literally be lost without you!   

 Pants: Marciano

NYFW Fall 2016: Outfit Day 2

Photos by: Champagne

Hello, I'm obsessed. 

I managed to squeeze this outfit back home from Bali with me and obviously had to bring it to NYFW! The oversized pants are to die for. Are you dying yet?? They have the illusion of being a skirt, but the comfort of your perfect pair of pants. 

I have to give so much kudos to all the amazing fashion I saw while in Bali. I wish I didn't pack so much so I could have brought more back to LA! Definitely lesson learned. 

Excited to experiment more with different silhouettes and pant lengths (and widths) this fall. I feel extremely inspired by the fashion I saw while traveling (yo, Tokyo you rule) and while at NYFW. 

It's easy to fall into a rut when it comes your look, so I highly recommend finding inspiration wherever you can. That may be on a trip, scoping out the latest magazines, or trolling the internet and your favorite influencers. 

Let's conquer fall, whaddaya say?!

Top: SWF Boutique

Pants: SWF Boutique

Bag: Louise et Cie

LBB Lust List: Louise et Cie

FINALLY, the temperatures have started to drop. Well, somewhat. This is still LA after all so warmth is our middle name. Basically I am able to wear leather jackets again which is a huge win. Coming off a full month of traveling to super hot, humid destinations (Tokyo, Bali, Singapore, Jakarta, New York, oh my) it's a very welcomed relief when I feel that dry breeze. 

Tropical weather makes me want to wear flowy pieces, prints, and sandals galore. But when it comes to fall- leather, boots, and tons of dark/neutral colors reign supreme. 

Before most of what I owned was slouchy and littered with fringe. Contrary to past habits, I find myself gravitating more towards structured accessories especially when it comes to bags. This bag by Louise et Cie is a perfect example of a style that you will see incorporated into a lot of my looks this season. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen me rocking this bag like crazy!

Now, on to the boots. My love for this type of footwear is clearly no secret. But how to make the familiar different? EASY. This pair by Louise et Cie showcases two great ways to add some twists: color blocking and an open toe. Subtle differences that really change the vibe of an outfit. 

As far as fall trends go (hello blush pink!), minimal and sleek will be what to look out for. So if this goes outside of your comfort zone, I highly suggest giving it a try. 

What are some trends you are excited about for this fall/winter?

Bag: Louise et Cie
Shoes: Louise et Cie
Jacket: AllSaints
Dress: Nasty Gal (similar here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Post sponsored by Louise et Cie.