Skulls are the new flowers...

Something I have noticed about Southern California is that when the weather report says one thing, the day could decide it feels completely different. Which makes it almost impossible to dress appropriately for the day. In the morning, it could be gloomy and cold and ugly and by 2pm, it is beautiful beach-weather that makes you just want to sit outside all day. But then, once you spend some time in the sun, it warms up super quick. You end up seeing random people dressed like they live in completely different climates all in the same place.

So what is a girl to wear? Layers. And you don’t look ridiculous doing it, because there is no one standard for how people should be dressing. In the dead of summer in Vegas, you expect to see a lot of skin walking around everywhere. In So. Cal., it’s not entirely uncommon to see some skin, some sweaters, some boots or even some scarves all on the same day - if not within 15 minutes of it all.

On a questionable day that turned out to be a gorgeous spring day, I was feeling very… floral. It is the start of spring, after all! But as I was going through my closet, I realized that I am so over floral. I think I just overplayed it throughout the winter (while I was wishing it was spring) that I had no floral left to bust out that was not boring. (Yes, floral CAN get boring…) So I decided that skulls would be a suitable substitute. (Why not?) I am currently obsessed with my new skull scarf that I really wish I could wear it every day. It inspires me to mix different colors and completely rock it with pieces that have been hiding in my closet. It is definitely a statement piece.

As for the rest of this outfit? I pulled out an oldie but goodie from last summer with these Sam Edelman sandals… I am just as much in love with them now as I was the day I bought them.

Hello, beauties ;)

And of course, we cannot forget the arm party that came along for the ride… 

Gotta have my chochkies!

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my daily necessities, I think that chochkies are a must. I just feel naked without them. Except on days when it’s super cold and it just plain does not make sense to wear loads of bracelets because you are wearing 5 super-long sleeve layers and they all go past the midpoint of your hand. It’s at that point, and only that point, that I think it is acceptable to sacrifice style for comfort. Who says you can’t have both?

Since the weather has been completely ridiculously frigid, I seem to have momentarily abandoned my style obsession. Or maybe it was sacrificed for big, comfy, warm hoodies. Well it starts now, folks! I am ready for new adventures (in style and otherwise) and I am ready to shield the world from my often grossly oversized hoodies and introduce my more stylish cold weather gear. Or at least, I will do my best to, any ways.

So, what do I mean by other adventures? Adventures in a new location, that is! Hello, Orange County! Here we come! We have decided to take the puppy and head to So-Cal for new opportunities in my field of work. You should be expecting lots of new scenery in my future blog posts, for the record. 

Now, what was I talking about…? Oh yes, chochkies. Ugh, I am obsessed. See for yourself below some of the appearances that chochkies have made recently on my instagram (@shaynawithlove). My apologies if you have already seen these because you follow my instagram - have fun looking again! ;)

I told you I was obsessed... ;)

Sequins and Chains

Looking back, my 2012 was amazing. Full of hard learned lessons that were completely worthwhile, and tons of great memories to go along with them. Usually, I do something extravagant on New Year’s Eve - whether it be a party, or traveling, or whatever. But this year, I decided it was a holiday better spent with those who mean the most to me. A day of shopping was the theme, then taco night, followed by fireworks with sparkling cider and the freezing cold. What more could a girl ask for?

Talk about "blinded by the light!"

A shot of the view before the fireworks started...

So the question lingers: what in the world is a girl to wear on New Year’s Eve while shopping? Sequins and chains of course!

I feel like just a hint of sequins makes it completely appropriate to catch some sun, rather than staying exclusive to night events. I grabbed this wannabe Chanel cross-body purse years ago at Express, thinking I would probably never use it, but it has come in handy in so many more ways than I ever expected! It is the best shopping bag because it does not hold much more than the necessities so it stays light and comfortable on my shoulder. And, of course, the touch of badass it adds to any outfit just makes it perfect. But you cannot forget about that finishing touch of just a smidge of animal print to complete the look! Okay, so what - I already broke my New Year’s resolution. Whatever. It was chilly outside! ;)

Welcome, 2013! Hope it's a great one!