ACCESSORIES | untitled

My birthday present to myself finally arrived in the mail a couple days ago. It was a really tough decision to make since my lovely friends also gave me Chanel chance eau fraîche for my birthday. But untitled is everything chance isn't. While chance is girly, sweet, and sophisticated, untitled is more earthy and aggressive. The more I use it the more I love the scent (I even spray a little inside some of my favorite purses). Now I have perfumes to fit any occasion--looks like I'm all set for the next year or two!

ACCESSORIES | silver things

I recently bought these metal clips to use for sewing projects. Before I used to secure all my fabric with bobby pins. These makes things a whole lot easier!

SHOPS | apolis: common gallery

 

Apolis is usually one of my very first stops on my trips to Los Angeles. It's conveniently located right in the heart of the Art's District on 3rd street next to my other { favorites } such as Poketo & The Pie Hole. Apolis is strictly a store for menswear, but that never stops me from going in to browse their stock. Here's a little information on Apolis from their { website } of their kick-ass business ethos.

"In 2004, brothers Raan and Shea Parton founded Apolis with a simple idea that business can create social change. Their travels abroad immersed them in personal stories of struggle and survival and inspired them to create a business model that bridges commerce and economic development. Along with their commitment to global advocacy, they also understand the importance of sourcing and manufacturing locally. Whether it means partnering with manufacturers in Uganda, Peru, Bangladesh, or around the corner in Los Angeles, the Partons have used their model of “advocacy through industry” to empower people to determine their own future."

Yes, while their products may not be exactly 'minimum-wage' friendly, but quality in their locally produced products are definitely guaranteed. They also carry a great selection of magazines. This is where I usually grab the latest issue of Kinfolk magazine, and while I'm at it it's such a great excuse to drool over check out my { favorite } {accessories }! They also offer coffee and lemonade on the house while you browse. Best customer service ever? I think so! 

Food and shopping equals a happy Jamie.

More on Apolis 1//2

OUTFIT | summer uniform

Oversized blazer - Zara // White tee - H&M Mens // Workout shorts - H&M

Ahhh! Summer is definitely not my season--it is only just beginning and I'm already dreaming of winter coats and knits. This summer I'm trying to alter my usual wardrobe to fit my current style. When it's 90+ degrees out it's hard to want to reach for anything other than a tank, shorts, and sandals. While most Californians have no problem whatsoever with those summer staples, I on the other hand am quite uncomfortable wearing tanks and shorts--sandals I can handle, though they give you the most awful sandal tan that can take months to get rid of. So it all comes down to experimenting. Instead of tanks, this year I've stocked up on some basic tees in white, black and grey to be paired up with loose bottoms including: boyfriend jeans, harem pants, and trousers. As for shorts, I've recently realized that I don't really like wearing denim shorts (I just don't really feel myself in them), so instead I bought a pair of workout shorts to substitute. They're super comfortable and I find that the plain matte black keeps an outfit clean and crisp. And isn't there a whole sports lux vibe in the fashion industry this season anyways? ;)

Additionally, I've always been all about outerwear, so recently I've been searching for some lightweight jackets (blazers, kimonos, or even large chiffon blouses turned makeshift jackets) to tie an outfit all together. A couple weeks ago I came across the perfect Spring/Summer blazer at Zara and picked it up straight away to add to my summer essentials pile. I like how the peachy/pastel adds a bit of color to my usual black and white palette. Last but not least, I like to put on a simple black heel or my new favorite { Asos atlanta ankle boot } and voilà, my summer uniform is complete!

photo by Kelly

ACCESSORIES | chanel chance eau fraîche

 

"CHANCE Eau Fraîche, an intriguing incarnation of the unexpected fragrance, now takes on a sparkling freshness. The unexpected floral bursts with a lightness and zest as notes of citrus, Water Hyacinth and Jasmine Absolute are highlighted and energized with woody notes of Amber of Patchouli and Fresh Vetiver."

Smells like summer! And the packaging is so delicate and minimalist. I love it.
Now I match my sister, who has the Eau Tendre half of the CHANCE collection.

ACCESSORIES | birthday goods

001_Mast Brothers Chocolate (Cocoa Nibs)

002_Brown Sugar Packets

003_Voluspa Candle (French Cade Lavender)

004_Fat Toad Caramel Goat Cheese Spread

005_Nutella Grab & Go

006_ Poketo Reclaimed Branch Colored Pencils

007_Pageo Lavender Farm Soap (Naked In The Woods)

My best friends really know how to go above and beyond to make a girl feel special. All my gifts were wrapped in a beautifully obnoxious green box decorated with pink, purple, and yellow flowers. A perfect gag gift in itself. Best part was digging elbow-deep through the mess of styrofoam peanuts for all the goodies. Half the bag was filled with more gag gifts (thanks guys, I think I'm set with brown sugar and udon for life!) but I did get some really special pieces including a bar of Mast Brother chocolate whose product is known amongst the hipster folk for its beautiful paper packaging. I've always admired the brand from afar but could never justify spending over $10 for a bar of chocolate. There's also the Voluspa luxury candle that smells absolutely amazing--even now I can smell that lavender goodness with the can across the room with the lid on. Can't wait to bust this out one night and have a candle therapy session. And who says stuffed animals are just for children? My friends also got me a very handsome and super cuddley { blabla kitty }, whom I've named Frankie and is currently sitting at the foot of my bed next to my ikea gator--best friends! And just when I thought I had opened my last goodie bag, the piece de resistance was nestled on the very bottom! But that's a post saved for later.

Anyways, these pictured above is probably just a fraction of what was in the box (is that little spoon adorable or what???) and I can't even begin to describe how grateful I am for amazing friends. I didn't even mention yet that they took me and my birthday buddy Armando out to Los Angeles for the day for some shopping then pre-dinner appetizer then actual dinner and THEN dessert. Looks like the birthday bar just got raised a little bit higher this year. Thanks again Sarah, Moises, and Kelly. You guys really are the best!

PERSONAL | getty center birthday

I was blessed with some great weather on my birthday: sunny but not unbearable (really not looking forward to this summer's blistering 90+ degree weather. Noooooo thanks.). Kelly and I quickly took advantage of the situation and snapped up a couple exterior shots of The Getty as well as a few portraits of each other. But I don't know. I don't feel very natural in front of a camera; hence the stiff/awkward smile. But I thought I'd make an small appearance on my blog--since I'm usually the one behind the camera.

That being said, I'd like to give a shout out to all my friends who have wished me a 'Happy Birthday'! Your calls, texts, and messages really brightened up my day! I'd also like to give a big thanks to my sister { Kelly } (who happens to be a bottomless pit of corny jokes, sarcasm, and internet humor) for spending the entire day with me. Never a dull moment with that one.

photos 4 + 5 + 7 by Kelly

PERSONAL | 23

White tee - H&M mens // Jeans - Zara // Hat - Topshop

Celebrated my 23rd with a trip to The Getty Museum with my favorite sister. "Hi Kelly!!"

//I'm at a crossroads--I wonder where I'll be this time next year.

Cheers everyone!

WISH LIST | untitled + daisy

001 + 002_pinterest

It's been two, three years since I bought my last perfume. As the last of my beloved Chloe perfume disappears I've been doing some research on some new scents. Most recently, I've come across { untitled } by Maison Martin Margiela.

"With this first fragrance, Maison Martin Margiela offers an intimate luxury. By naming it (untitled), the Maison defies all conventions to let its first fragrance speak for itself. Inspired by apothecary vials, the bottle seems dipped in paint before being sealed with white cotton strings, reflecting the Maison's craftsmanship know-how. The fragrance signature is made of exceptionally rare and noble ingredients: an unexpected contrast between incisive, dazzling green notes and a sensual dry down bursting with frankincense and white musk. A unique, harmonious and sensual trail."

I've also been debating on whether to invest in a larger bottle of Marc Jacob's popular Daisy perfume. I've only owned their .24oz rollerball size and am not sure if I want to upgrade or keep my baby travel-sized stick. 

edit: on second thought I think I'll stick with baby Daisy

If only untitled didn't come with such a hefty price tag. I would snatch it up in a minute. Time to put it on the list of things to start saving up for.

I also have my eye on { Chanel No. 5 } &{ Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche }

Edit: My wonderful friends got me the Eau Fraîche for my 23rd birthday! I cannot be more grateful for them :) 

ACCESSORIES | washed pocket tote

Washed Pocket Tote - Topshop

As much as I would like to deny that I am any sort of a girly girl, I have to admit that I do have a major weakness for bags.