Guilty Pleasures.

On unexpectedly gloomy rainstorm days like the one I experienced today, I usually feel immobile and uninspired. I instantly get the urge to find my warmest cardigan, snuggle up underneath my comforter, and watch hours of television (currently USA's new drama Suits on the cue) and eat clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl a la Boudins. However, today not the wind nor the cold rain could prevent the joy in my heart over my latest purchases from circulating heat. I had recently discussed about my quest to return to go back to the classics with my wardrobe, today I accomplished crossing off item number 3: the perfect white slouchy T. The purchase was absolutely guilt-free because it was something I knew I would be incorporating into various outfits. I also grabbed a couple of other necessities that will be sustained for a long time.

This lightweight acrylic top features a high slit that makes it perfect for a beach cover-up in the summer and a layering piece for the fall.

For this photo I incorporated my previous VS Pink laptop case purchase and an old PINK perfume gift set box that holds my bath and beauty products (seen HERE) with my recent purchases from Victoria's Secret: a planner and a sustainable water bottle and my other recent purchase a cut-off sweatshirt from Ross.

Beach day chic at it's finest with embellished cut-offs, bright bikini pieces, a straw sunhat, and a printed tube top.

With items like these nothing could rain on my parade. What are your favorite purchases for this season?

Dedicated Post// Fashion Inspiration's Giveaway

Hey readers,

I just wanted to let you know about a sweet giveaway Fashion Inspirations is having. You've seen celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens (featured above), and Miley Cyrus rock a wristful of these beauties and they are the perfect way to update any outfit even if you are wittling away your closet in an attempt to go back to the classics. I know I am. Nows your chance to win a couple of Swarovski crystal accented jewels. All you have to do is head over to Fashion Inspiration's Giveaway before July 1st and enter in the giveaway. Don't miss out on this summers latest trend!

HC!

P.S. Thank you guys for all of your emails and questions on Formspring, although I have not replied to all of you just know that I read every single one of them and appreciate your patience. If you ever have a fashion-related problem you can reach me at hautecalifornian@yahoo.com and I'll try my best to get back to you guys as soon as possible!

Bah Bah Americano

It's no secret that I have a deep unconditional love for California lifestyle brands and its plethora of drool worthy surfers with washboard abs and skillful skater boys who have perfected the look of disheveled cool. These brands remind to have the same sense of adventure and wonderment I had when I was a child; the freedom to believe that anything is possible with the right amount of determination. When I recently spotted Hurley's Fall Lookbook on Facebook, despite rising temperatures, I could not help but to jump the gun and post about there future cold-weather gear. Inspired by the "military, prep, and the Americana worker" this lookbook is a compilation of deconstructed T's, quintessential US prints (think plaid and stripes), cargo pants, and blue-collaresque shoes (my favorite is the modern take on the leather work-boot). I was pleasantly surprised with Hurley's modern approach to industrial pieces. Hurley reaffirmed what I love about surf/skate lifestyle brands, the ability to invoke the sensation of being young, wild, and free.

More looks from Hurley can be seen here.

OOTD: Get Your Shine On

Top: ZOA New York, Bandeau: Full Tilt by Tillys, Shorts: AE Metallic Denim Shortie, Purse: Amici Accessories from Nordstroms BP, Shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana, Scarf (worn as a turban): Vintage

A wise woman once said, "Ladies never sweat, they glisten." Despite aftermaths of intense workout sessions at the gym, where not sweating was not even an option, I have always remembered this saying. Today as the temperatures rose to an unbearable 94 degrees, instead of breaking a sweat, I chose to let myself shine. Today I indulged in some shimmer as I paired my sequined pocket tunic with my silver glimmer shorts and accessorized with a brass studded leather bag and patent sandals. I was also inspired by Because Im Addicted to try one of her ways to tie a turban using my cool gray leopard print scarf. The combination of animal print and metallic pieces were just what I needed to keep my cool throughout the day.

Back to the Classics.

There comes a point in time in an individuals life when they begin to feel comfortable in their own skin. No longer intrigued with the bells and whistles of outlandish behavior, these individuals choose to act in a manner that closely reflects themselves. My life has been shaped by various experiences that make me who I am today and my style has always reflected that. I have previously discussed a couple of coming-of-age stories (see: ) where my style was a direct reflection of how I felt at the time. It is even visible in how I presented myself this previous school year-a myriad of backless tops, lacey bandeaus, and sheer panels for nights out-what image I was trying to portray. However, as the years progress I learn more about myself; my likes, dislikes, what works for my body, what doesn't, and so on and so forth and it's allowing me to find a style that expresses who I am without being excessively ornate. Lately I have been attracted to simpler items that are not only versatile but will also last me a lifetime. It's the dawning of a new era: the call for simple colors and clean-cut silhouettes. Every artist needs a blank canvas to build a masterpiece. I believe it's time for me to wipe my slate clean in an effort to let my personal style and personality to shine through.

1. Nude Steve Madden Flats

2. American Eagle Denim Jacket

3. Classic Slouchy Tee

4. American Eagle Chunky Cardigan in Oatmeal

5. Hurley Knit Beanie

6. J Brand Skinny Jeans in Black

Style Crush: Ivy from 90210

If I had to describe my TV viewing style in one word it would be: enthusiastic. I'll watch any show at least once and I have a particular soft spot for teenage dramas. Although filled with juicy hookups, pregnancy scares, and forbidden love affairs my attraction to these shows is also due to something more tangible as a viewer - the character's wardrobe. Every fall I look forward to swooning over Serena Van Der Woodsen's boho chic style that is a mix of high-end designer pieces and frugal finds, put together in a way that accurately reflects the Upper East Side's wild child. I watched lovingly as Betty Suarez transformed from Ugly Betty into a self-confident and assured writer. However my ultimate favorite show for style scouting is 90210. In the second season the wardrobe stylist was able to cultivate distinct styles for each character that expressed their personality and aspirations. You can typically find aspiring theatre star Annie dress in Urban Outfitters chic, Naomi who just recently come into her trust fund would wear nothing but designer labels, and Silver the aspiring journalist bears an uncanny resemblance to The Glamourai. Of all of these fashionistas, Ivy's style is the most intriguing. When Ivy came during the second season it was obvious her character was not a girl's girl. Her hoarse voice and sarcastic demeanor repelled the Beverly Hill's girls but allowed her to be successful in becoming one of the guys. Be raised by a single mother, a free spirit who owns her own record company; Ivy developed into a self sufficient teen who inconsequently has more luck surfing the waves than finding the right guy. What drew me to Ivy's style is the bohemian and California surf feel to each piece of clothing; something that can also be seen off-camera by actress Gillian Zinser. Here are some of my favorite looks from the star:

I can't wait to see what the stylist dresses the girls in for the first year of college in the upcoming season!

Express Yourself.

Every summer I take the time to reflect on my current style - how far my style has evolved, what my style has done for me (the impressions it gives off and how people perceive me because of it), and most importantly decide whether or not my style is cohesive with how I view myself. It may seem silly to others but I think that I am not alone in thinking that fashion is a self-expressive art, to communicate the wrong message is to misrepresent oneself. So I enjoy taking time to see how far I have come and where I want to go - in fashion and in my life. I use the summertime to bury my nose in books released by the power players in the industry (my most recent purchases are What to Wear, Where and Secrets of Stylists) and in my favorite magazines. I scour my favorite blogs (which I recklessly abandoned over the school year but finally was able to read all of my unread Bloglovin subscriptions) and save inspiring photos. Through this process I learn about myself and hopefully get that much closer in expressing who I am. Looks can be deceiving and it is my belief that we should always be crystal clear. Here are some things that I am currently inspired by at the mo'.

Do you guys do anything over the summer in a way to amend your style? Let me know below!

Sources: The Vogue Diaries, Arenbi, Where Did You Get That, We Heart It.

A Lecture on Texture

There is nothing as aesthetically pleasing as pairing a textured piece with a patterned one in an ensemble. This combination is sure to excite your optical and tactile senses, creating the ultimate sensory experience. Recently coming home from a long quarter of studying at my college I was excited to put my juxtaposition knowledge to the test at Urban Outfitters. Never intending to buy anything I tried on a multitude of outfits: a distressed knitted oversized Cheap Monday sweater with cheetah-print hot pants, a crocheted orange tank top with a leather miniskirt, and my favorite a lightly distressed beige crop top with a striped skirt (both had zippers in the back). I was so in love with the 60s secretary (a la Down With Love)feel that this outfit gave me that I couldn't help but to bring those babies home. What makes these pieces even more loveable is that they can each hold their own in my closet ensuring a multitude of texturized outfits to come.

(Silence + Noise top and BDG skirt both from Urban Outfitters )