travel, fashion, concerts, and life's other adventures

Sunday, September 7, 2014

FASHION | CONCERT OUTFITS

If I could sum up my life in three words, concerts would definitely be one of them.  Of course, just as any other major or minor event in a girl's life, the primary question is, "what do I wear?!" My friends and I get asked all the time, so I thought I would attempt to compile a mini lookbook. Here's the first of more to come!

Since the vast majority of concert events are at night, I like to keep a "night time" color palette with mostly dark shades.  I tend to dance around (and drink) a lot so I like to wear things that I can keep cool in.  I'd consider concerts to be kind of special events, so why not spend time getting dolled up to see you favorite bands!

"sugar & spice"

tube top: forever 21
shorts: forever 21
sandals: asos
necklace: forever 21
lipstick: mac vegas volt

Denim shorts have always been a wardrobe staple of mine, and an all time fave.  I recently picked up this pair from forever 21, distressed and acid-washed. I tucked a plain back tube top into them and paired it with a black & silver spiked necklace. I wore these white heeled jelly sandals to go with the edginess of the acid-wash.  Then I finished off the look with a bright orange-pink lip to give myself a bit of color!



"throwback edge"

crop top: charlotte russe
disco pants: american apparel
necklace: forever 21
flannel: forever 21
boots: h&m
lipstick: mac diva

Three pieces in this look are old styles that have come back into modern fashion. I paired my black disco pants with a plain grey crop top and a gold chain necklace. Then I rolled the pants up a bit at the ankles and wore these cutout boots I've been loving from h&m.  The flannel was tied around my waist, overlapping the disco pants since they come up higher than my actual hips.  Then to go with the dark colors and red flannel, I used a dark vampy red lipstick!

"one piece"

overalls: river island
crop top: forever 21
boots: h&m
lipstick: mac diva

I've been obsessed with these acid-washed overalls since I bought them last summer.  I like to wear them with crop tops to add a little air so it's not so constricting.  I originally had it with both buckles on, but ended up unhooking one side at the concert because I liked it better that way.  I tucked the loose buckle into the back pocket so it wouldn't keep swinging around. I wore the same cut out ankle boots as in the previous look and went again with my favorite dark vampy red lip!



"spiked out"

romper: arden b
shoes: jeffrey campbell
necklace: forever 21
lipstick: revlon violet frenzy

I decided to bring back an old favorite, this black ruffled romper. Since it was a lot of black, I wanted to add some louder details to accessorize.  I paired it with the ever popular grey spiked lita and my spiked necklace from the first look. Then on my lips I wore a nice purple color for that pop!




xo, N.


If you want to see these outfits in more detail, I filmed them for our youtube channel! (Your cue to check it out and subscribe if you haven't:) ). It's linked below:


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

TRAVEL | CARIBBEAN CRUISE

Every summer I go on a vacation with my family to spend time with my cousins who live out of state. This time we were fortunate enough to go on a Carnival cruise to the Caribbean and visit the islands: Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao, and Aruba.

Cruises are my favorite type of vacation, and I have my parents to thank for taking me on many over the course of twenty five years of summer vacations. I understand that there are people who don't like them, but I absolutely love them and would recommend them to those who haven't tried it.  It's such a good way to see multiple places with food, hotel, and transportation included.  As I got older, I fell in love with the whole 'lifestyle' aspect of cruises as well.  If you've ever seen an episode of MTV's "The Real World", that's the best example I can give in a nutshell.  When you're on a boat with the same group of people (thousands) for 7, 14, or more days, friendships happen faster and you become like a little family all there to have a good time.  I love meeting new people from different parts of the U.S. and world, who I wouldn't get to meet otherwise.  The cruise staff are from different countries all over the world so you get to add those to the list of new friends too. Getting your food served to you every night is a nice change from the stresses of dinner preparations at home too.  And on the nightlife side, it's so nice not to have to find a ride or call a cab home from the bars because all you have to do is take an elevator to your room! Basically, try it.  Come with an open mind to new experiences and new people and I promise you'll have fun.

 Port 1: Grand Turk
After my time here, I like to refer to it as "Grand T(w)urk". We had an absolute blast on this island. We didn't schedule any excursions or tours, and just planned to spend the day on the beach.  We ended up at Margaritaville and this was the best decision ever. As seen in the pic, they sold refillable frozen drinks in mini blenders that you carry around. We stumbled into the pool where the DJ had the crowd jammin and met some new folks from our ship and the other ship that was docked at the same time. Basically it was a drunken blur of wild pool dancing, splashing, and debauchery. The best kinds of times, right?
Port 2: La Romana, Dominican Republic
My mom booked a tour through Seavis Tours on this island. We took a bus from the cruise port to the beach headquarters and then got on a speedboat with our assigned group.  The boat took us to another private island where we had a delicious lunch of real caribbean cuisine, beach time, and snorkeling around an old destroyed dock. On the way back, the speedboat took us to a sandbar where we all hoped off and were able to hold starfish literally bigger than my face. The drivers offered us some caribbean rum and rum cake with fresh pineapple while we swam in the beautiful caribbean waters. Besides the sunburn, it was such an awesome experience!
Port 3: Curacao
Before this trip, I never new this was more than the name of the blue stuff they put in my favorite bar drink.  We took an island tour that took us through the history of Curacao and to the distillery where the drink is actually manufactured.  We got to try some free samples of all the flavors (and colors). This was the first time I experienced a port that lasted until 11pm so it was kinda cool being able to go back on the boat for dinner, then back off for a little bit at night. We stayed in the little downtown area next to the ship and I ordered a blue drink to be able to say I had blue curacao at a bar in Curacao!

Port 4: Aruba
Since we had already been to this island some years ago, we didn't book a tour and instead just spent time on the beach.  The waters here are such an unmatched bright ocean blue. What I remembered from my first time here was how strong the sun was.  Since it is so close to the equator, you can tan/burn within minutes...so be sure not to forget the sunscreen! The photo shows the reflection of the Aruba waters off the balcony of our room on the ship.

Overall, another great vacation for the books. Fun in the sun, on a "fun ship", good family time, new facebook friends, and of course a grrreat tan!

xo, N.



Tuesday, June 3, 2014

SPRING CONCERTS | THE WANTED


It's so weird to think that this was their closing tour! I've had so many great memories made with The Wanted--crazy travels, late nights, and new friends. I really hope this isn't the end end, I have a feeling they'll be back out there when there is a better spot in the business for them.

I had originally only planned on attending my local show in San Francisco, but all that changed when the amazing night took me down a nostalgic memory lane and I could not let go of those times just yet. So in the span of a few days I rented a car and made plans to drive down to LA with my sister. Though it was hectic, I'm glad I made that choice. I basically parked at the venue, met up with some of the LA girls, and before I could breathe for a second, I was in line for a meet & greet.
I got my pic and said afew things to the boys, but I really wish the m&g lasted more than 5 seconds. It was so rushed!

After that we hung around for a couple hours then got VIP entry into the show and got spots in the first row.  Show was amazing as always. Good music and good times, couldn't ask for more :)
xo, N.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

SPRING CONCERTS | THE 1975


After being one of my fave sets at coachella, I just had to see these guys live again. The 1975 kicked off their north american tour in san francisco just days after their coachella debut. What was originally planned as one show turned into three: 2 in SF and 1 in sacramento. They are incredible live and I would hands down recommend a show to anyone. Matty has a way of connecting with the audience, and his nightly bottle of wine on stage adds such a carefree flare. What's even more adorable is no matter how fucked up he got every night, he would stay after to meet some fans who waited outside the venue. For this and everything else, I just love him so much.

On the day of the 2nd SF show, we decided to go to their signing at rasputin music downtown. They were doing an acoustic set before, but since the line was so long (idk why these kids were not in school) we didn't think we would make it in for that part. Much to our surprise, the store let more people in than expected and we got to enjoy and acoustic version of "sex" and "chocolate". amazing. After that, everyone who had purchased the required CD lined up for the signing. Unfortunately, the band sat on the other side of a large table so pictures other than distant selfies were not possible.

We didn't have tickets to the 2nd show and in some beyond explanation way we got guest listed by Matty. Yes, let that thought settle in. guest listed by fucking matt healy. Makes the list of top concert moments for sure. After another amazing night, we couldn't help but add a third show to our agenda, sacramento.

For this show, we got guest listed by one of the opening acts, the bad suns, and enjoyed another night in concert glory. As much as I wanted to continue on for more, I time and planning wouldn't allow me to venture off to the midwestern states & canada. until next time, boys!
outfit details: crop top: charlotte russe, necklace: forever21,
pants: american apparel, shoes: h&m, flannel: forever21

Monday, May 12, 2014

COACHELLA 2014 | WEEKEND 1


If Disneyland hadn't coined the motto, "the happiest place on Earth", this would surely be it. My 2nd year at this festival was just as amazing, if not better than the first. Coming back as a veteran rather than a rookie, you know what to expect and are able to manage your time better. It's just a bubble of happiness, where everyone just wants to have a good time. incredible. unreal. beautiful. beyond words, and you just have to see it to believe it! Definitely worth the price tag. Some favorite acts: Pharrell, Girl Talk, Ellie Goulding, Outkast, the entire Sahara tent and Yuma tent...the list goes on!

Of course, coachella has a big rep as being the place for the hottest festival fashion (cc vanessa hudgens). People plan outfits ahead of time and go shopping just for the event. I think it's a fun occasion to dress up for, that has a certain style outside that of everyday wear...bohemian, hipster, and flower crowns galore. def a place full of inspiration. and who says you can't rock these looks outside of the polo fields?!

Outfit details (left to right):
- day one > kimono: nordstrom, black ruffle bandeau: forever 21, necklace: nordstrom, high waisted denim shorts: DIY, sandals: unlimited via marshalls, sunglasses: target
- day two > hat: h&m, sunglasses: primark, top/denim shorts/necklace: forever 21, booties: h&m
- day three > sunglasses: primark, crop top/high waisted shorts: urban outfitters, shoes: vans

xoxo, N.

HI, NICE TO MEET YOU

I was randomly inspired to start a blog.  I mean, it has been a lingering idea for awhile, and I finally got the urge to take action. Our world nowadays is so driven by technology and social media...let's be real how much time do you spend on facebook, twitter, instagram, snapchat, etc...and since I spend so much time on the go, I thought I would put the two together and hope that the product would be somewhat cool to look at--both for others and for myself day dreaming in the nostalgia of memory lane some years down the road. So if you're reading this, thanks for stopping by! This blog will be dedicated to basically all the things I spend my life doing...travel, concerts, dance endeavors, and being a part-time fashionista. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! xoxo, N.