Thursday, December 8, 2016

10 Ways to Shop and Give Back

Hello!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.  Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?  It's not too late.  Also, I've been thinking a lot about gratitude. I can't help but recognize how blessed I am to live the life I lead today.  I haven't experienced hunger this week, I have clean water to drink, and I have acquired an education.  I'm extremely grateful.  However, it's also for this reason that I feel compelled to give back when I can.  I hope that you too will consider shopping from this list this season.


10 Ways to Shop and Give Back 


1. AUrate New York


AUrate New York



This year give the gift of Literacy.  This company makes beautiful modern yellow, white, and rose gold jewelry in New York.  They employ a "Book for Your Look" philosophy when it comes to giving back.  For every piece of jewelry that is purchased, they donate a book to an economically underprivileged child.  It's the ultimate gift that keeps on giving and that's always a good investment. 

2. The Giving Keys


The Giving Keys


This year give the gift of Empowerment.  This company is based in Los Angeles and employs those transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles to make their keys.  Did you know that Los Angeles is one of the cities with the largest population of homeless individuals in the United States? You can purchase holiday gift sets with a key and candle for your loved ones here.  And if you purchase one for yourself, don't forget to pay it forward.

3. Sweet Cavanagh


Sweet Cavanagh jewelry


This year give the gift of Recovery.  You can purchase gorgeous jewelry designed and handmade in London by women recovering from eating disorders and addictions.  All profits go to Free Me, a registered charity that provides free therapy, group support, career training, and access to a registered dietitian.  These proceeds can help give these women access to resources they desperately need, but may not be able to afford.

4. Bloom and Give


Bloom and Give


This year give the gift of Education.  This company donates 50% of the profits from handmade scarves and bags to support education for girls in India.  This model is based on the premise that education is the most effective way to fight poverty and gender inequality for generations to come.

5. One Hope Wine




This year help Support Our Troops. The Support Our Troops Gift Box contains One Hope Zinfandel, and a special Italian silk David Fin tie with camouflage lining.  With every six gift boxes purchased you will be providing a veteran a chance to continue serving through disaster relief.  Each tie helps a veteran get a job through the Hiring Our Heroes initiative.  It's a great gift for an awesome boss or colleague.

6. Bird and Stone


Bird and Stone

This year give the gift of  Inspiring Women to become Independent Entrepreneurs.  This company helps teach single and widowed women in Kenya about business, agriculture, and accounting to help lift themselves out of poverty and make a living though starting their own businesses.  This dainty jewelry is so pretty, you'll want to give it to all the special people in your circle.

7. Bombas Socks


Bombas Socks



This year give the gift of Warm and Comfortable Feet with Socks built with Innovative Technology.  Did you know that socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters? This company donates one pair of their socks for every pair sold to a homeless person in need.  You can never have too many socks, especially unique ones like these.

8. SoapBox Soaps


SoapBox Soaps


This year give the gift of Hope, Soap, and Clean Water.  Soap=Hope  By purchasing one bar of soap, this swell little gift will give clean water to someone in need and will help teach individuals about hygienic practices through hand washing to help save lives.  We can always use a little more soap our lives.

9. Warby Parker


Warby Parker sunglasses


This year, give the gift of  Seeing Better.  Warby Parker gives one pair of glasses to a person in need for every pair that is sold.  They offer prescription, reading, and sunglasses.  What could be better than helping someone else see the world better!

10. Alex and Ani- Charity By Design Collection



Alex and Ani bracelet

This year give the gift of Empowerment, Love, and Community.  Alex and Ani donates 20% of each bangle purchased to various organizations during the holiday season.  With so many beautiful bangles and charms to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding on just one.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are you grateful for?








Monday, November 14, 2016

A World of Adventure

Joanna Joy petite fashion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree.  "Which road do I take?" she asked.  "Where do you want to go?" was his response. "I don't know," Alice answered.  "Then," said the cat, "It doesn't matter."  -Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland


Joanna Joy petite fahion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels

"Live life fully while you're here.  Experience everything.  Take care of yourself and your friends.  Have fun, be crazy, be weird.  Go out and screw up!  You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process.  Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human." -Anthony Robbins


" Don't let what you don't know scare you, because it can become your greatest asset.  And if you do things without knowing how they have always been done, you're guaranteed to do them differently."-Sarah Blakely

Joanna Joy petite fahion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels


"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." -Lao Tzu

sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels

"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer

petite fahion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels

"It's time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you." -Iyanla Vanzant

sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels
 "The trouble is you think you have time." -Buddha


petite fahion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels



"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. -Neitzsche

petite fahion blogger california fashion blogger style blogger, vintage ruffle princess dress fuschia pink dress art summer dress sparkly glitter pink victorian hale bob heels

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Hale Bob
Art: Kon Zhou
Hair and Makeup: Nora
Photography: Franz Swantko


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

White Eyelet by the Water

White Eyelet Lace INC International Concepts Macy's Christian Dior Cat Eye Sunglasses Summer Makeup Saks Fifth Avenue Tan Ankle Strap Stiletto Heels with Gold Grommets California Fashion Blogger Long Beach Fashion Blogger Pink Sunglasses


White Eyelet Lace INC International Concepts Macy's Christian Dior Cat Eye Sunglasses Summer Makeup Saks Fifth Avenue Tan Ankle Strap Stiletto Heels with Gold Grommets California Fashion Blogger Long Beach Fashion Blogger Pink Sunglasses


White Eyelet Lace INC International Concepts Macy's Christian Dior Cat Eye Sunglasses Summer Makeup Saks Fifth Avenue Tan Ankle Strap Stiletto Heels with Gold Grommets California Fashion Blogger Long Beach Fashion Blogger Pink Sunglasses

Dress: INC
Sunglasses: Dior
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair and Makeup: Nora
Photography: Franz Swantko

Hello!  This outfit was another one of my summer loves.  When we took these photos by the beach, the weather was so warm and sunny.  I felt so calm and relaxed there, and I realized that I had been missing out on days like this during my busy weekends.  Often times, if you are caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily routine and even weekend routine, you can miss out on the little things you take for granted like nice weather.

This white eyelet lace dress from INC is one of my favorites for summer.  It has a bottom ruffle layer, bell sleeves, and two different types of laces that add interest to the dress when mixed together.  These tan stilettos from Saks Fifth Avenue are also another favorite visual trick to add length to legs.  I love the gold grommet embellishment on these heels because they can go with just about anything.  Also, to add a pop of color to this outfit, I threw on these pink and purple cat eye sunglasses for a more whimsical touch.

What does your favorite summer dress look like?

  


Thursday, October 13, 2016

Car Washes and Lace

California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms


California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms


California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms


California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms


California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms


California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms



California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms

California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms



California fashion blogger California style blog petite fashion summer alexis yellow crochet high low lace ruffle tunic red sequin handbag evening bag white paige denim bootcut flare jeans gucci bamboo large rim glasses mod 60's gucci red suede hibiscus platforms

Crochet Lace Tunic: Alexis
Platforms: Gucci
Denim: Paige
Handbag: Thrifted
Sunglasses: Gucci
Tank: Old
Hair and Makeup: Nora
Photography: Franz Swantko

Hello!  How are you?  I am posting some old photos from summer.  I hope you don't mind. It's still super hot over here.  It's too warm to wear cozy wool sweaters and all that amazing velvet just yet.  However, I cant wait for the weather to change so I can put on my boots, leggings, and coats!  

Do you prefer summer or winter outfits?

It was so fun taking these photos at the car wash.  I had my eye on those bright blue walls for months!  When I spotted them, I knew I wanted to capture a bright summer outfit in front of this background.   To be quite  honest, my dirty Honda could use a car wash right now.  I've been so busy, that lately it has been growing fur on it haha:) 

You've probably noticed how tall these beautiful hibiscus red suede Gucci platforms are.  They are at least seven inches high, and are great for people who want to appear a wee bit taller.  Actually, they go great under bootcut or flare leg denim too.  This high-low ruffle lace tunic by Alexis was so interesting, I couldn't pass it up.  This crochet lace is so pretty and can easily go over a tank or a long sleeve shirt.  

Also, can you believe I found this awesome little red sequin bag at a thrift store?  If you look closely, some of the straps are broken, so I restyled it by tying the ends of the strings into knots so the beads wouldn't slide off.  Those beaded straps swing around like fringe, and I actually like the way it looks. 

What do you think?  Have you ever taken something that's broken and made it into something useful?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.





Sunday, September 25, 2016

Dandelions & Dior

Christian Dior Cat Eye Pink Mirror Glasses Robert Lee Morris Blue and Green Leaf Earrings Free People Cream Fringe Tunic

Car Mar Blue Tie Dye Denim Chloe Tan Leather Wedge Car Mar Tie Dye Blue Denim Shorts Christian Dior Cat Eye Pink Mirror Glasses Robert Lee Morris Blue and Green Leaf Earrings Free People Cream Fringe Tunic

Luis Vuitton Medium White Mahina Hobo with perforated eyelet design and gold hardware Car Mar Tie Dye Blue Denim Shorts Free People Cream Fringe Tunic Luis Vuitton Medium White Mahina Hobo with perforated eyelet design and gold hardware

Car Mar Blue Tie Dye Denim Chloe Tan Leather Wedge Car Mar Tie Dye Blue Denim Shorts Christian Dior Cat Eye Pink Mirror Glasses Robert Lee Morris Blue and Green Leaf Earrings Free People Cream Fringe Tunic


Dandelions

Free People Cream Fringe Tunic Car Mar Tie Dye Blue Denim Shorts



Luis Vuitton Medium White Mahina Hobo with perforated eyelet design and gold hardware Car Mar Blue Tie Dye Denim Chloe Tan Leather Wedge Car Mar Tie Dye Blue Denim Shorts Christian Dior Cat Eye Pink Mirror Glasses Robert Lee Morris Blue and Green Leaf Earrings Free People Cream Fringe Tunic

Dandelions

Luis Vuitton Medium White Mahina Hobo with perforated eyelet design and gold hardware Free People Cream Fringe Tunic


Bag: Louis Vuitton 
Tunic: Free People
Denim Shorts: Car Mar
Earrings: Robert Lee Morris
Glasses: Christian Dior
Sandal Wedge: Chloe
Makeup and Hair: Nora
Photography: Franz Swantko

Hello!  How is your weekend going?  Long Beach is pretty busy with the music festival going on this weekend.  This friendly beach town always has a lot of events going on, great shopping, and delicious restaurants!  One of my favorite spots to go to for some peace and quiet is by a little lake with a dock and these darling dandelions.  My boyfriend likes to take me to this spot for picnic lunches occasionally on the weekend.  

Have you ever been to an LF?  They have boutiques in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, South Beach, and Dallas. Recently, I discovered an LF outlet and decided to go in.  That's where I found these awesome teal tie dye denim shorts from Car Mar.  Car Mar is an LA based brand and they make high quality denim shorts in all sorts of colors and designs.  They have some great sales on high-quality on trend items and the staff is very helpful as well.  These mirrored cat eye pink and purple sunglasses from Christian Dior was another great find this summer from Nordstrom Rack.  They carried them in purple and blue as well, but sold out quickly.  They are the perfect accessory to add a little fun with sophistication to your summer wardrobe.

Do you collect designer vintage bags?  This Louis Vuitton hobo bag is vintage.  It's a medium white Mahina bag and is the perfect choice for most summer outtfits with the airy eyelet perforation detail and warm gold hardware.  I love this bag and it's definitely a keeper for a handbag collection.  This lightweight fringe tunic from Free People is one of my favorite pieces.  It's so versatile and can be worn from summer to winter over flare leg jeans and a long sleeve shirt underneath.  It has the perfect amount of edge and style to add interest to any outfit.  Lastly, I've had these tan leather criss cross wedges from Chloe for a while and they are my go to summer staple shoe because they pair with everything.  What are some of your summer staples?  I'd love to hear from you.

Hope you are having a fun weekend!


Joanna


Monday, September 12, 2016

Beach Style



Billabong two piece tie dye swimsuit Robert Lee Morris green and blue beach shell jewelry white ruffle tank cover up Free People




Billabong two piece tie dye swimsuit Robert Lee Morris green and blue beach shell jewelry white ruffle tank cover up Free People



Billabong two piece tie dye swimsuit Robert Lee Morris green and blue beach shell jewelry white ruffle tank cover up Free People

Billabong two piece tie dye swimsuit brown Reef Sandals silver chain link Robert Lee Morris green and blue beach shell jewelry white ruffle tank cover up Free People


Free People white ruffle tank cover up


Billabong two piece tie dye swimsuit Robert Lee Morris silver chain link green and blue beach shell jewelry white ruffle tank cover up Free People

Ruffle Tank Top/ Cover-Up: Free People
Swimsuit: Billabong
Necklace: Robert Lee Morris
Sandals: Reef
Makeup and Hair: Nora
Photography: Franz Swantko

Hey there!  How are you?  It's been quite some time since my last post and it's because I have been having so much fun enjoying my summer.  So, without further ado, I wanted to post some of my summer looks over the next few weeks before fall settles in. 

How do you feel about tribal prints, tie dye, and bright colors? These are my favorite pieces to wear during the summer months.  This swimsuit from Billabong incorporates all three of these elements.  I was excited to find it because I am extremely picky when it comes to swimwear.  How about you?  

What do you like to do at the beach?  Go for a walk, bike or skate?  Walking around on the strand requires comfy sandals.  I have worn these Reef sandals for a couple years now and they are super comfy. Also, this tank top from Free People was just the right length for a petite frame and is made of really lightweight material with a pretty ruffle on it. It's actually a medium tank top, but it also worked as a cover-up for the beach.  This necklace by Robert Lee Morris is one of my favorite necklaces right now.  These cool colors of blue and green are so soothing and remind me of serene beaches and earthy foliage.  I'm going to try to style it into more outfits in the future, but it will always remind me of summer.  Hope you enjoyed this post.

Hope you have a lovely week!

Joanna


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

DIY Champagne Brunch


















Hello!  How are you doing?  I hope you have been having a wonderful time vacationing, or just spending some time relaxing.  My summer has been fun, and part of that has been planning ways to get together with friends.  A few weeks ago I planned a Champagne Brunch DIY Style.  Luckily, my friend helped me set everything up.  We spent all night decorating our patio gazebo tent inside and out because it was literally just a metal frame bare bones structure.  I don't know what I would have done without her.  She helped me decorate this gazebo and cooked the food for the brunch.  She's a gem:)  It's good to have people in your life who come to the rescue and help you when you need it.  It's always nice to go out to champagne brunches, but this time I wanted to enjoy a brunch outside in the sun with friends at home.

This feather wreath hangs from the top of our gazebo and I fastened it so it lights up with LED Lights at night.  I also thought it would look a little bit more magical in the evening if we draped a lace tablecloth underneath it to view the lights through. We had way more food than what is pictured here and it made it easier to have friends bring some dishes too.  Have you ever tried Almond Champagne? I'm a huge fan of Almond Champagne and this time we had some from Almond Creek Vineyards.  It was delicious!  Also, I'm a huge fan of bacon (especially Boar's Head bacon).  What about you?  We indulged a little bit at this brunch and it certainly was a nice way to relax.  This is definitely something we will do again.

Friday, August 5, 2016

My Dream Closet


Have you ever imagined what your 
dream closet would look like?

I have.  

It would be Functional, Organized, and Spacious.

It would also have…

A Sparkly Chandelier


Restoration Hardware crystal circle chandelier
Restoration Hardware




Lots of space between each item.





Natural light with a glass ceiling like an atrium for an airy feel.  I would love to experience the sunlight even while working indoors on my computer.



A large bistro café like table with two chairs so I can use that space to set up my computer, work on my blog, or drink coffee with a friend.


A fluffy chair with a side of flowers.


Z Gallerie

A corner with a large full length dressing mirror with backlit lighting.


A Rococo Style Vintage Vanity. 

One can dream…Okay, back to reality….Does your closet look like this?  






Are you a college student living in a very small dorm in San Francisco? Maybe you just moved into your first micro apartment in New York City, or are renting a little room with no closet space at all in Los Angeles, and all you have is a makeshift rolling clothes rack with a hanging shoe rack over the door.  


makespace app


Are you an amazingly creative, but disorganized, and messy fashion blogger in Chicago?  Shoe, bag, and clothes hoarder?  Is your jewelry a tangled mess and you can’t find the pair to the other shoe in the pile?  Or maybe could it be that you just have too much stuff?





makespace app


Ok, you don’t have to answer that…but if you can relate to this scenario, then maybe this app from MakeSpace can help to pick up, store, and bring back what closet items you need each season when you need them. 

The first part of getting organized is getting rid of stuff you don’t use or need.   Getting rid of stuff that doesn’t bring you joy like pants that you grew out of back in high school and that souvenir collection collecting dust, all need to go. Below is a flowchart that may help you decide how you can declutter.
makespace app


The next part is sorting through what you will need and use for the current season and what you can store away for the next season.  That way, the space you have stays functional, organized, and spacious.




Here is how it works:

When you download their app, you can ask a MakeSpace representative to pick up your stuff, store it safely for you for as long as you wish, and when you need it back for that season or move, you can request it back again by simply using the MakeSpace app.  


makespace app



makespace app





If you'd like to see some of the Self Storage Locations Click Here 

More locations are coming soon.  What a great idea for an app!



*This post was a collaboration with MakeSpace.  I was not paid for this review.