Is It Fall Yet?

I have been waaaaaaaiting to wear my Fall ensembles... but it's not even an option right now.  I broke a sweat just walking down the block to grab lunch earlier.  And sweating in chiffon is the worst.  Bleh!  

I had to change my top to something more cottony for midday - but then I changed back in the early evening when things cooled down.

  

top: Ceelco / shorts: Milky Way / boots: Refresh

(all items purchased on Santee Alley)

I've worn these items all before pretty recently.  Or did you know?  As the newest additions to my Tiny Closet I am already diving into "ensembling" and re-ensembling them one day at a time :)  Like my boots!  I wore them with a tunic a couple weeks ago.  And this chiffon top, I wore with some jeans and wedges.  And then finally these shorts, I wore with high tops and a tank.

Completely different looks with all the same items.  If you're new to my Tiny Closet, welcome!  

Ah, but I'm just getting started.

This has become one of my favorite outfits.  My new shorts together with this top piece and the booties make a very fun and trendy look!  And even though trend is not too important to me, it's fun to play around with of-the-moment styles using pieces that don't lend to the trend by themselves but when put together, make the look.  Love it when I can do that because my little wardrobe wouldn't be so Tiny if I went shopping every time I fancied a fleeting fancy.

So I'll give it a few more weeks for things to get cool and crisp and then it's colored tights, cute jackets and sumptuous long sleeve tops!  Come on, my sweater fabric is collecting dust!  

Until then, I'll be here... transitioning.

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Dress It Up, Dress It Down

While it's still deliciously hot outside, I took advantage of this searing start to Fall by getting out my white "date dress" for one last hurrah.  

This time I wore it to have lunch at Grand Central Market down the street.

If you haven't seen this dress all purdy with heels on, you can take a look at my Play Date post!  

Just by changing my hair and my shoes, I gave this date dress a new casual look for day.

dress: Tiny Closet Collection / oxfords: CMG

I haven't let my hair down in over a week!  With the heat and my thermal curls, I haven't had the energy to sport the wash and go lately... never thought I'd be saying that - but I'm glad I took some time to let it all out yesterday morning.  It's gotten so long!  Wowza.  To date, this is the longest my hair has ever been natural.

We decided to take photos around City Hall.  The grounds are so pretty and peaceful.  I had so much fun frolicking around in my dress and curls.

Hoping this rare Saturday post finds you 

enjoying your weekend!

And as always, thanks for visiting!

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Not a T-Shirt & Jeans

As I've been slowly building a new wardrobe for what I know will surely be fit for all seasons, I've taken to blousy button ups as they're a wonderful upgrade from the t-shirt.   

And coming from such a casual Summer to a more formal Fall and Winter, I am needing such an upgrade.

I have worn these jeans for years but mainly it's been with oversize sweaters and tees, with one of my favorite sexy casual looks here.

Wearing these now tattered things with a slinky chiffon button up and a pair of modest, feminine wedges gives them a slightly more dressy appeal.  A nice change, which of course I love for my Tiny wardrobe.  This simple little tweak has now opened up a few new possibilities - like wearing colored tights underneath with a lovely fall poncho!  .... but in due time :)

 earrings: All Saints

These trusty pink and gold spike earrings are my go to's for punching up my collar area.  I love rocking them with formal dresses like I did a couple Easters ago.  And they're fitting when wearing a necklace might be a bit cumbersome or just doesn't fit with the look.  That's not necessarily what happened here - I just wanted to rock them with my new dusty pink wedges!

 top and wedges: Garment District vendor / denim: Benetton

The tails on the back of this top are girly and modern and go so well with my wedges.  It's completely sheer so I chose to wear a simple white lycra tube top underneath, which makes the look even more modern.  I think the top might be from Forever21 but I got both items (the wedges) from a street vendor in the Garment District.  That place is endless fun.

So now that I'm nearing the final stages of my new Tiny collection of clothing, what I've really been waiting for is mixing and matching them all together all year long - and also mixing them with some old goodies that I've decided to keep like these keeper jeans!  And what better season to begin with than Fall?  Ah, and then Winter.... I am so excited for the months ahead!

Hoping your week is off to a great start!

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A Boot For All Seasons (Almost)

One thing I've noticed here in L.A. is boots.

L.A. girls go hard with boots.  More than I've ever really seen before.  Even in the Summer.  It could be 100 degrees outside and girls are rocking boots of all shapes and sizes.  I'm stumped.  Aren't they hot?  

I asked a girl recently, while slowly melting into vapor under a sweltering sunset just how she can wear her super cute pirate boots with her romper...  She hadn't noticed any overheating.  I guess you desert girls are used to it.  So the most sense I can make out of it is that boots are just the thing to wear here no matter how hot it gets.  And for the record it gets frickin' hot here ok?

 I grew up in rain forests and left work early when it hit 70 degrees outside but that's cool, I'll play too.  I got myself a pair of transitional booties.  I'm saving my thigh-high boots for cooler weather, thank you.  But these boots are edgy and non-suffocating for Summer  - and also, more importantly, perfect for Fall.

And I'm back to black leggings.  Ahhhhhh.  I love my fall basics.  And these boots have woven themselves beautifully into my Tiny Closet.  I absolutely love the gold accenting!

 top: Vintage Chic by Grace / leggings: Heavenly Couture / boots: Santee Alley / earrings: Melrose Trading Post

This simple ensemble is effortless, comfortable and... chic maybe?  I'd like to think so anyway :)  But it really is a great Fall staple look.  Staple because I've worn these leggings countless times and this newer linen top, I can wear as a tunic as well as a dress.  Like I did here.

I found these charming earrings while shopping at the Melrose Trading Post last weekend.  You don't even know - this place.... *sigh*  I now have to go every Sunday, I'm addicted.  Excited to show you all the treasures I snatched up!

So be prepared to see these boots with everything I own!  Because they go with everything - as that is the Tiny way.  

And because I'm an L.A. girl now :)

Enjoy your weekend and see ya back here on Monday!

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Diet, Fitness & Wellness, Oh My!

Since the start of September, I've been laser focused on my diet, my fitness routine and my looks.

It's time once again, to get back to basics!  

And by the basics, I mean all the things that make us look even better while in our fabulous clothes.

Over the months, I've received a lot of questions regarding how I stay fit, healthy, happy and glowing.  

Thank you!!

Well, it definitely isn't easy taking photos everyday while in this normal life that I lead  - aka: no hairstylist, no assistant, no personal trainer, etc... But I find if I just try one thing at a time, having an active fitness and beauty routine to help keep me feeling good about myself is not as difficult as one would think.

If you've been following my Instagrams, I took a couple selfies before running off to my Barre Method class.  I go to The Main Barre where awesome instructors like Audra teach me how to squeeze a ball between my thighs while on my toes, shaking my hips.  Yeah baby :)  It's a fun, hard workout and I feel sexy during and afterward.  That's important.  Plus it keeps my abs and butt tight!

I also run 2-5 miles a day.  I figure, since I love love love wearing all things short, I should invest some time and energy (literally) on my legs.

www.pinchofyum.com

I've recently discovered that I am gluten intolerant and that I am really only able to eat a handful of foods that won't cause less than attractive consequences on my physique and skin.  Though I've experienced the effects of gluten and other hard-to-process foods, I've often ignored them but it's time to stop ignoring my body and start giving it what it needs!  So I've been hooked on amazing health blog, Jojoba's Witness to continue giving me tips and tricks on holistically getting brighter skin, better working organs, and a calmer, clearer head on my shoulders.  Blogger Katie Braja is my guru on all things health and wellness and I love trying the foods she Instagrams!

Clarisonic Mia 2

And lastly, my complexion has been a consistent frustration to me since I moved to California.
Though my facial routine is simple, I still find I need to wear makeup everyday.
Which shouldn't be the case but it's mainly due to my inability and lack of enthusiasm to wash my face well.
So I decided to get a Clarisonic facial scrubber to help me out in the "radiance" department.
It's wonderful for photos and I got the Mia2 because it has a higher speed for those days when I've been wearing lots of makeup.
The vibrations from the scrubber get the blood flowing, making my cheeks look tight and ripe!

And speaking of radiance, there's nothing like a good ol' glowing shimmer to the skin while I'm out and about in the sun.  
It's mica, ladies and it's natural and gorgeous on any skin tone!  In particular, I have been using Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion.  It gives me a perma-glow.  
That and a good scrubbing in the shower every morning buffs up the skin for an overall brighter look.

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Friday Fun

Remember when I was hating on shorts?  Well, while surfing through old style photos of Amber Rose and her crazy self, Beyonce in St Croix or whatever, and hours of Tumblr and Pinterest feeds, I realized...

One thing these women all had in common was the fit of their shorts.

Now I initially assumed it was just the style that was popular to wear but then I realized another thing they all had in common was full thighs and a round butt.  Ahem.

Omg, so I'm like totally like Beyonce. And Amber.  And all these "black girls killin' it".

I've just been doing it wrong.

I always thought since I wasn't a curvy girl, I had to make due with narrow, straight shorts.  Which is why I've avoided shorts almost entirely because I still never fit them well.  

Until I realized I'm actually two body types:  straight and petite up top and curvy on the bottom.

Does anyone else have this condition?

lol

Anyway, on Wednesday, while walking through Santee Alley, I decided to try on the same style shorts.  I tried on some curvy girl shorts at a curvy girl shop that had curvy, full-bottomed models on display (so I knew it was for curvy girls).  The sizing was completely different than what I was used to seeing and everything was streeeeetchy!  

I tried on a pair of shorts and was so pleased with the fit that I made this pose in the mirror.  

I felt so sexy and fresh!  THIS is what I'm supposed to feel like in shorts - not awkward and feeling like I'm another species entirely.

They're stretch, they're cut more like the style of underwear and they are super.duper.short.  Okay?  I was about to wear heels but then I thought, naaaah.  I'm not that much like Beyonce or Amber Rose.

So instead of heels, I slipped on these comfy chic spikey grey high tops.  

I absolutely adore the color.

So I am having lots of fun with these Summery shorts.  Since L.A. is still pretty warm during the days I suspect I'll still be strutting in them through Fall.  

And I'll be delighted to, seeing as how I've waited years for this :)

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A Piece of Summer

A couple Winters ago, I talked about turning my Summer dresses into fun, colorful nightgowns for Winter.   I so adore the look of Summer colors and prints in the dead of Winter.  But also...

Reducing the chance of overspending each season on new clothing by repurposing my clothes is a fun challenge - 

not to mention it's rewarding when I've found another fabulous way to wear something thus giving it longevity in my Tiny Closet.

This Summer however, I didn't buy any new summer dresses but I decided to take a couple of old beach sarongs and make them into pajamas for Fall and Winter.

The first sarong I made into pajama pants.  These pants are a bit more tailored than your average pjs.  With a high waist and darts for my backside, 

I designed pants to be fit for running out for coffee - not just for bedtime.  Still, they're primarily meant for lounging at home.  

Just lounging cutely.

lace bustier: Free People / pants: The Tiny Closet

I made the second sarong into a short kaftan for bed.  

I designed it to be regal and a bit sexy, foolishly having my husband in mind when making it.  When I asked him what he thought, the words "muumuu" and "mom" came up in the same sentence and I realized I was nowhere near to hitting the nail on the head in terms of attracting a male in this thing.  I suppose it's something perhaps only women appreciate. 

Oh well... I love it, so I guess I'll wear it for me!

kaftan: The Tiny Closet / earrings: Cinema 

So these cozy colorful pieces are sure to be a staple in the loungewear section of my wardrobe.  The soft, lightness of the sarong material is perfect for bedtime clothing, it's a shame I didn't buy more sarongs during the summer.  Maybe I will go out and buy one more just because making and wearing them is just so addicting!

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#SBOC

If you don't know, now you know!

Earlier this Summer, I was asked to lead a workshop for Style Blogger's of Color 2nd annual conference.  I was absolutely thrilled!  

Especially since the workshop I will be leading will be discussing in detail the most frequently asked questions on my blog:

"how do you get your photos to look so good?"

"what camera do you use?"

"do I need an expensive camera to get photos that look like yours?"

"what editing software do you use?"

Yes! My workshop will be 

ALL ABOUT PHOTOS

  

I will be answering all of those questions and also talk about posing for your photos, lighting, angles, tips and tricks and finding your best camera look for effortless shoots each time.

Not gonna' lie, it's gonna' be kind of amazing.  

Haha!  But really, I feel so fortunate and excited for this wonderful opportunity!  Not just because this event is going to be fabulously inspirational and motivating but because I'm going to be able to meet some of my readers!!  And my blogger buddies!! And other bloggers I've been following ever since I started blogging myself!

So!

The reason I am talking about this so early is because if this conference is news to you and you'd like to join in on the amazing workshops and shows and panels, 

and have a little fun in Miami, it's definitely not too late to 

get your tickets here.  

And for a full conference schedule, as well as info on all the panelists, workshop leaders and keynote speakers, 

it's all detailed here.

So I hope you will be able to join me on October 11th but if not, I will definitely save you the highlights of the event and of course, take some photos of the experience :)

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Get Set, Go!

I've always seen September as a symbol for exciting change, focus, and walking the walk that you talked about all Summer.  Maybe because two thirds of my life have been in school or maybe because to me, Fall marks the final stages in a project and the upcoming close of a chapter.

Anyway, whatever it is I've got work to do and it starts.... Now!

swim top: Mossimo / pants: Cinema / belt: Zara Man / flats: Breckell's / sunnies: thrifted

Yesterday, my father came to town for a quick visit.  Because it's been incredibly hot from morning to midnight in L.A. these days, I wore this minimal resort ensemble to have lunch at Bottega Louie.  

There's something about crocodile print leather and swimwear that's just so stylish and fresh!  I jumped at the chance to wear the top from my Mossimo two piece and Theo's belt with my cropped pants all together for a bold look.  All I was missing red lipstick and gold earrings but honestly, details get blurry for me when it's 90 degrees in the shade.  This outfit was very minimal. 

Over pasta and pizza, like clockwork dad and I talked about my plans for the future.  I usually have exciting things on the horizon that I'm always planning or hoping for 

but this time, I had a map and a strategy.   Impressive, huh pops?

On Monday, I will be announcing one exciting event I am preparing for so definitely come and visit me again to check out the awesome news!  

Until then, I hope September has started off to be a good one for you and have a fabulous weekend!

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Quickie

Labor Day festivities have had me going in all directions these days.  I was so disappointed I couldn't post last Friday but the holidays do tend to sweep me up into a cloud of activities and obligations.  So sorry about that :(

This is just a quickie from yesterday.  Our rooftop pool area was repainted a bright, ultra-reflecting white.  So tanning has gone from a subtle color change to major tan lines.  

The sun has been blisteringly hotttt lately and I have been absolutely loving it.  

Unlike my traumatizing Summers back in New York where as soon as I stepped outside, I felt like I was stepping into a hot, goopy jambalaya, the desert heat here in California is dry and searing.  Whew!  

Mama like.

sizzle sizzle

These last few days have made almost a sparkly glow on my skin, which is getting super dark and bronzy!  

I plan to talk about this later along with some other fun topics that I've received a lot of requests about.

So keep stopping by this week as I'll be 

updating soon!!

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