the good natured

Madewell striped tee (similar), Forever 21 army-green utility jacket/pleated skirt/bracelets,
booties courtesy of MyHotShoes, 'Rebel' pendant necklace courtesy of Stella & Dot, Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel.

The thing about oh, you know, moving overseas for a year is that what you choose to bring with you becomes this painful game of picking and choosing among your favorites -- even among shoes, the loves of my life (cake and coffee are a close second, but that's another story.) Ultimately, this was probably all for the better since, upon moving into my new apartment this week, I've found that a) I lack closet space as it is and b) there are a lot of shoes to be bought in Seoul. And clothes. And everything for that matter. In any case, will be finding time to post (more) photos and OOTDs from life halfway across the globe here once I finish unpacking/outfitting the new place. In the meantime, this remix of Adrian Lux has been an eggcellent song to unpack to ;)

01 Alive (Basto Remix) ft. The Good Natured

city lights, city nights

I finally got the chance to fit in a few snaps of dinner and wandering the city earlier tonight, thankfully. It's almost difficult to believe it's only been a little over a week and a half since I packed up and shipped out to Seoul. This city never stops -- if anything, it really comes into itself during the night. In many ways, I feel incredibly fortunate for the way things developed for me here -- the people I've met, the place I work, the numerous little things that just turned out right in a way that has put to rest those fears that I was making the wrong decision in leaving everything behind in the states. A city can be brutal if you let it, but beautiful if you want it -- I plan on making my year here about the latter.

flourescent

Forever 21 chiffon blouse/high-lo skirt, silver Michael Kors watch, 

platform sandals courtesy of MyHotShoes

Well, hello from Seoul. I haven't gotten a chance to take my camera around the city yet between a hectic schedule of training for work/sightseeing/trying not to get hopelessly lost in a foreign country but it is literally incredible here. However -- I do really miss LA weather already. These photos were snapped on a warm, muggy February afternoon just before I departed the states. There will definitely not be any traipsing around in platform sandals and a skirt in Korean weather -- not sure if there will be any outfit posts of note for awhile (I mostly dress like an Eskimo) but the desserts, the shopping, the streets: uh-mazing.

In one of the biggest steps I've ever taken, I am packing my entire life into three suitcases and taking it overseas for a year. I have been contemplating and working on this move for some time, and for awhile I thought it would never happen. Seoul was some hazy opportunity in the horizon, a question mark in my future and much more an idea than an actual event. Well, it's happening. I am boarding a flight in a few short hours and leaving everything and everyone I have ever known and loved behind -- putting it all on hold for the sake of what I hope will be an enriching, rewarding, amazing experience that will change my perspective and shape my goals. I am nervous, excited, and ridiculously over-packed but still (probably) terribly under-prepared for 30-degree Seoul snow. The question playing over and over in my head is something along the lines of WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING? But, well, you know. Adventure is out there.

See ya in Seoul.

stolen hearts club

Magenta sweater courtesy of Stitched & Adorned, Madewell leather belt, Forever 21 floral bracelet, ASOS gold cuffs, Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, pumps courtesy of MyHotShoes

Something about February just makes it appropriate to run around town in your candy-colored, matchy-matchy best without shame. This adorable diamond-patterned sweater was sent over by my newest advertiser, Stitched & Adorned. Their online shop is host to an array of cute, feminine pieces like this dress and these accessories -- pretty cute picks for your next Valentine's day date. I won't be spending good ole Feb. 14th in the states this year, but the boyf and I might squeeze in some sort of mini-date before my departure Friday. I've been meaning to give the blog a facelift and post about my upcoming overseas sojourn but, clearly, have not had the time. More soon!

comfort zones

Theodora & Callum scarf in taupe.

Cozy numbers in wool have always been a favorite in my closet for winter -- even in this confused summery pseudo-winter SoCal is serving up this year. The lazy dresser that I am, from late October until March my everyday uniform is some form of woolly sweater and scarf with jeans. It's a comforting fabric, warm and soft but most importantly, versatile and biodegradable. With the industry's shift to more environmentally-friendly fabrics, Merino Wool's No Finer Feeling has started a campaign that showcases the fabric's potential for eco-conscientiousness and high fashion sex appeal. Check out the lush campaign video below!

this post sponsored by merino.

kiss me hard before you go

Lace 'Sarus' dress courtesy of DV by Dolce Vita, Forever 21 ankle booties (similar),
Michael Kors rose gold watch, ASOS gold cuffs.

I'm so in love with the lace numbers DV by Dolce Vita has been rolling out season after season -- first, this holiday-ready dress they sent me back in winter and now this flirty, comfy fitted mini that can be worn from May til' July. As I prepare to travel (big news coming soon!), figuring out what is most comfortable without being too sloppy is key for packing. That is, when I get around to actually packing. I just really hate packing -- my usual mantra is to wait the last few precious hours before departure and then swipe whatever I see first hanging in my closet. Often times, this means I bring cashmere cardigans to 80-degree weather in San Diego or sundresses to frostbitten San Francisco winters as I've done in the past. Probably not a good idea this time around.

P.S. The lovely people at Dolce Vita wanted me to let my readers know about this preeeeetty sweet giveaway they're hosting for the month of February - 1,000 pairs of free shoes in 30 days. You best get on it, friends! Details below.