Introducing LAHELAH

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different" -Coco Chanel. 

For as long as I can remember, fashion has always been something I am passionate about and my way of self-expression. Whether it was adding sequins to my uniform in first grade or getting pink hair extensions in middle school (which by the way still haunts me and makes me cringe just thinking about it) I always wanted to be different or be remembered by my style. I've had my share of what the %$#! were you thinking when you wore that moments and I'm bound to make more, but one thing I'm sure of is that this passion continues to grow immensely. I want and visualize myself being part of the fashion industry when I grow up but I thought why not start now?

LAHELAH [LAY-LAH] is the project I've been working on this summer with my team and I am SO excited to finally share it with you guys! LAHELAH is an online jewelry store and I am focusing primarily on hand accessories like bracelets and rings. I know first hand (pun intended) the struggles of feeling like an outfit is too plain or knowing that an accessory would make all the difference. LAHELAH consists of bohemian and contemporary unique pieces.I am so thrilled that I am beginning to pursue part of my dream and I get to share it with you guys, I truly hope that you guys like LAHELAH and are willing to take this journey with me. Here is the link to the official LAHELAH store. Enjoy. 

lahelah.com

On The Road Again

Los Angeles to Seattle  

Wanderlust: A strong desire to travel. As cliché as that term has become I find myself, like many other people my age, consumed by this desire to explore and experience new things. If it were up to me I'd drop everything right now, hop on a plane to Europe and by tomorrow you'd see me having breakfast in Spain. Things like being a full time student, or working, kind of make that difficult. So I take on every opportunity that allows me to go out and experience new places even if it is a town here in SoCal or as far as going to two different states, like I just did this past week. Road-tripping has definitely become my favorite form of traveling. It's definitely juxtaposition between a destination and the journey. Had I flown to Seattle (the destination) I wouldn't have had the opportunity to see multiple sunsets while driving down PCH, see a moose (and before my brother blackmails me I did in fact think it was a "big ass deer"), have one of the best burgers literally in the middle of nowhere and simply take in the beautiful scenery you don't see in the city (the journey). Taking PCH, the first stop was San Francisco, a city I have been to several times and I'm utterly obsessed with, followed by Mendocino and its hippie/romantic vibes. Eureka and Humboldt were the last stop before we entered Oregon, and both cities had downtowns that made you feel like you went back in time. If I’m honest I never understood why so many were fond of Oregon, I mean it just seemed bland but then going through it, I understood how beautiful the landscape is, even with overcast weather everything was so green and lively and cities like Newport and Pacific City were filled with enthusiasm; completely refreshing. Portland was just amazing, I stopped by Powell's book store and for someone who loves to read as much as I do, it was heaven. Powell’s took up a whole block and is so big it still overwhelms me. Portland was filled with so many little restaurants and cafes but what surprised me was I that I came across a Starbucks that also served mimosas. CHAMPAGNE and COFFEE all in one place (although not at the same time because you know yuck). Washington is definitely one of my favorite places overall now, I fell in love with every city (SEATTLE), the weather, the people, everything was just…wow. Tacoma, Vancouver, Olympia, Auburn, Bremerton, Lacey were amazing cities in Washington but Seattle stole my heart. I'm a city girl, and I love being surrounded by skyscrapers, being in an almost chaotic environment and having city views. The day we arrived in Seattle it was pouring rain, the Seahawks were playing and every restaurant, corner and street was buzzing with anticipation. I couldn't have been there at a more perfect time. I'm sure that coffee runs through my veins and lucky for me a Starbucks was on every corner, literally. I also got to stop by the 1st ever Starbucks which gave me some sort of weird satisfaction. During the evening I went up to the Space Needle and it was breathtaking. I had the chance to see Seattle during and after the sunset, an ethereal experience where pictures definitely don't do it justice. Simply put I LOVE SEATTLE. Going on this week long trip made me realize how much there is yet to see, places to visit and people to meet. It is so soothing to be able get out of the norm and have new experiences with people who make life a little better. And it also made me so much more appreciative of my king size bed after sleeping in hotel twin beds for 7 long days. Anyway the new project I have been working on is almost ready to go and I can not wait to share it with you guys! Make sure to checkout my instagram and the blog to stay updated -Mariana xo

Boyfriends

Let's face it, shopping for jeans should be considered a workout. I always have such a hard time finding a pair that make my butt look good (not going to lie that's my biggest concernt but whatever) fits me at the hips perfectly, and at 5'2 doesn't drag at the bottom and overall is just a fit for my body. Whenever I do come across this perfect jean it's practically a hallelujah moment, and well I realized that focusing on a certain style has made that easier . Boyfriend Jeans. All I have to say, for someone who is picky on what type of jeans distressed boyfriends are my lifesavers, and I can't stress it enough. I am a self-proclaimed boyfriend jeans enthusiast and I like my jeans looking like a 3-year-old cut them up. Boyfriend jeans give such a cool, chill vibe and they can either be dressed up or down. For school or just casual days, I like to pair my jeans with either sneakers (converse), strappy sandals, or flats. High Heals and boyfriend jeans are possibly my favorite combination, it's so effortlessly cool and chic. Zara, 7 for All Mankind, Fashion Nova, Rag & Bone, Topshop, Levis, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity all carry the best selections. 

Beauty Tips

Eyebags, pimples, blemishes, dry skin *intense crying*

Like any other teen, college student, I am constantly faced with all-nighters, stress, and those endless Netflix binges that turned into long sleepless nights that lead to dark bags under my eyes and breakouts. I came up with a list of beauty tips/products that have worked for me in the long-run. Most of these products have helped me gain somewhat clear and healthy skin and confidence, I hope that it does the same for some of you too. 

SKIN

Maintaining clear skin has always been a struggle for me as genetics make me extremely acne prone as does stress so I'm constantly focused on making sure I'm using the best products, from face washes to make-up, that are kind on my skin. 

Oatmeal Facemask: If you don't already have this in your house go BUY SOME NOW. I am serious when I say that oatmeal cleared my skin up and reduced redness and nourished my face all in a couple of days. Banana, honey, or baking soda can also be added, in which I recommend a honey oatmeal mask the most. What you do is get a small container and mix either the plain oatmeal (and if you choose to add the banana or honey) with either water or milk to create a paste-y kind of mask. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes and do so every day for a week to start seeing results.

Face Washes

Burts Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser and Night Cream: To maintain clean and clear skin you really can't go wrong with this pair. When I began breaking out I used the Hydration Cream Cleanser religiously, washing my face with it first thing in the morning and last thing at night along with the night cream it works wonders, I highly recommend this the most and can be bought in whole foods or CVS/Target. 

St. Ives Even and Bright:This exfoliating scrub is perfect for minimal blemishes and/or dry skin especially during the summer. 

Chanel Le Blanc Cleanser: I recommend if you have naturally clear skin and are just looking for a refreshing, brightening face wash. 

Make-Up

Lancome's Teint Ultra: is my go-to foundation. Although MAC offers amazing make-up its foundations were heavy and cakey, Lancome's gives me full long lasting coverage while letting my skin breathe.

I hope this helps some of you at least and if you have any other questions feel free to ask, I will hopefully post regarding hair, make-up, and outfits more often, and anything you would like to see I am open for suggestions. 

Back to School Guide

As my first month in college has came and left, I realized one of two things. 1. Too much coffee is not enough coffee and 2. the procrastinator in me still lives.

Being back in school after a 3 month summer break was hard definitely but just as exciting. One month in and i'm already drowning in assignments. Going to school in the heart of Los Angeles has given me the opportunity to meet many foreign students and chance to see new perspective in fashion. So from going class to class, meeting new people and homework, I have left the glammed up persona and style in me for a more relaxed and down to earth vibe. I refuse to let my style go so I have created my personal back to school/college/ list involving my favorite key essential wardrobe items. 

1. Boyfriend Jeans. As many know I'm obsessed, and I can not stress how freakishly amazing they are.

2.Flannels, and not your typical lumberjack kind but a flannel with a feminine touch, if you're into that kind of thing.

3. Boots and while I live in socal, the heat is still around, I don't mean fall boots at least not yet, but ankle boots, practical without being frumpy.

4. Light cardigan, jackets.

5. Dark Denim, anything dark denim.

6. Sneakers. I have always been a flats and boots kind of girl but that has now changed. Nike air max 90 are my current favorite piece. They give a tomboy, chill vibe without making me look like I just rolled out of bed. They ooze a cool factor.

7. Backpacks. Whether it's a tote, your typical jansport or a canvas bag, it matters. Backpacks are part of your style and compliment outfits. It's important to have reliable backpack because in the end you're carrying it around all day and it might as well be nice to look at

        

1. Nike Air Max  90 2. Urban Outfitters tote backpack

3. UO boyfriend jeans 4.UO canvas backpack

5.Free People flannel 6.Zara Boyriends/UO tee

On the Road(trips)

   

                               

                                      Vegas|Yosemite|Lake Tahoe|Mammoth|Sacramento|                                                                                                     

Going on a week long road trip has taught me one of three things:

1. Headphones are key item for staying sane during card rides and a huge lifesaver if you're stuck in the same room as a snorer.

2. As awful as plain flip-flops may be they come in handy when cute shoes turn to be the most painful...as I learned the hard way that my Enzo Angiolini flats (picture three) aren't ideal for a stroll in Yosemite.

3.There is no such thing as over-packing!! Especially when you're on the move, be prepared for the weather changes, casual days and fancy nights, and nothing feels better than knowing you have options.                        

Key Essentials:

Sunscreen, lotion, anything and everything to stay on top of your personal hygiene.

Extra pair of shoes, ideally your most comfortable pair.

A light sweater! I've underestimated how important this can be. You do not want to be that person shivering nor the one who's sweating in that huge sweater but can't for to take it off.

Water and snacks, such as cheeze-its, almonds, granola bars, etc.

And if you're picky when it comes to pillows like I am, bring one also, it helps for quick naps in the car.

Wardrobe:

For the car ride's it is so important to be comfortable, simple but far from basic.

I opted to wear,on most days, denim shorts(not high-waisted)

Hollister

Forever 21

Lucky Brand

Rompers are also beyond comfortable and give off a cool summery look.

Fashion Nova

Forever 21

Free People

Cardigans and tank tops also made up most of my outfits for the longer car rides:

Nordstrom

Cotton On

Urban Outfitters

Accessorizing is always a must and I chose floppy brim hats and sunglasses

Urban Outfitters

Trust me when I say over-packing isn't something to worry about, if you think you might need it, you WILL need it. Throw it all in.

Music/Playlist:

As I mentioned earlier my headphones and music literally kept me from going insane during what seemed to be a never ending car ride (especially on the way back home.)

My music taste is one I can not label, my playlist has artists from Ed Sheeran to Eminem to The Beatles. I made sure to make an extra lengthy playlist including:

John Mayer, Beyonce, Guns N' Roses, The Script, Lorde, Kanye West, Coldplay, Sam Smith, Aerosmith, Drake(for the moments you want to be melodramatic and think of past relationships while looking out the window), Sia, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Frank Ocean, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani/No Doubt, Justin Timberlake, Queen and BANKS to name a few.

One day I'm soaking up the sun in Vegas and the next I'm freezing in Mammoth, next thing I know I'm enjoying the sunset in Lake Tahoe. Not that I'm complainiing. I realize this might be quite a dense post despite that fact that I left A LOT out. 

xx M