Beach beach, lets go get away

This past weekend, my mom had rented a beach house as a birthday gift to herself. Normally I don't like beaches-wet sand, weather gets my hair all gross, and worst of all: the youth having fun with their huge group of friends (you know that group of teenagers that take selfies and hug and laugh and uGH). When I went, it wasn't how I expected. The beach was completely empty, and it was the gloomiest I've ever seen it. And I have to say, it was quite beautiful. I mostly sat on the patio and read books until a child started to give me a withering stare-I left soon after. We only stayed there one night because my mom couldn't stand sleeping there and it was way too cold, but I wouldn't have minded. These are some pics I took.

2013 Flashback

2013. I would have to give it an B+. I still can't believe how fast this year went, it seems only yesterday it was January 1, 2013 and everyone calmed down over the 'End of the World' scare (to be honest, it did kind of freak me out). I feel like I have changed so much throughout this year-I seemed to care less and also cared more. I know that sounds weird, "how could you care less AND more?", but it really was.

I seemed to care less about my appearance and learned to love myself each and everyday. I've always had self esteem issues, especially with my body and I would always pick on my flaws everyday and draw out how I wished I looked, but I knew that wasn't doing me any good. So little by little, I put hide away my eyebrow kit to let them grow naturally, I would take away all my heavy makeup to show the natural beauty, and I stopped picking on my body everyday. It made me feel a lot better about myself; now I can't say that I still don't do those stuff every once in a while, but it has progressed since then.

Also I would have to say my style has changed drastically. Before, I would shop however all the other girls would dress up-bold colors, jewelry, etc. And I know that sounds nice but I knew that this wasn't my style at all. I found new places to shop at that would suite my monochrome taste, and chic ways to style them all. It sounds weird but yeah haha.

I also cared more- I started caring more about my education and my future. You see lots of people on tumblr saying that if you don't want to go to college, than don't-but I feel that's not right. I feel college is a wonderful place to learn more than you could ever learn in high school. I mean some people can choose how many classes you want so you don't have to me overly stressed about certain classes-but the classes that you do choose can easily change your life. Im planning on taking philosophy and sociology next year and I know for a fact that taking all what the teacher says in, will give me a new perspective on everything. (Disclaimer: I'm not saying that you have to go to college, you really don't have to if you don't want to, I was just stating my opinion).

Anyway, let's begin the photos.

So the first thing that really happened this year was when I went to see Ed Sheeran in concert in February. It was literally so amazing, his vocals live are just.. UGH I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE. Also, it was his birthday so he told everyone to dress up. I'm not the costume type so I wrote a name tag that said Glen Coco and brought 4 candy canes haha. I went with my best friend and we also met the A Team Angel and she was sooo lovely and so british and I was just in awe. 

Next was the probably one of the most exciting things ever: GRADUATION! I went to a dump of a high school and although I hated it so much, I actually REALLY MISS IT. I miss going to classes and having fun with all my friends in class and not paying attention and befriending teachers and it was just so amazing-WHY DID I HATE IT? Seriously if you're a senior in high school just counting the seconds till you get out- PLEASE CHERISH THE MOMENTS I know exactly what ever senior is going through, I had horrible senior-itis but I actually really miss my high school and plan on visiting soon. But anyway, I'm on the far right. Our school colors were yellow and brown (aka pee and poop), needless to say I hated it but it looks kind of decent looking in the photo. 

Next was my first ever, independent trip to San Francisco with my best friend. The start was kind of shaky and filled with anxiety but later on, it got to be so amazing. We visited museums, malls, tourist sites, cafes, etc. It was so amazing-plus we stayed at a fancy hotel and befriended the guy who brought us our room service. I don't think I'll ever forget it because it was my first trip without any adults or family members. Just me, my bff, and all of San Francisco. After this trip, I plan on traveling a lot more whether its a group tour, or if it's a road trip away that I can hang out with my friends.

Next was my failed Vidcon experience with my other friend in August. We accidentally went the day before Vidcon actually began so we didn't see any youtubers but it was fun seeing all the other fans and  all the signs and such. Plus that's when we both started our official youtube channel (when you're in vidcon, your obviously going to vlog it because youtube) I won't give it away now but hopefully when/if we make more videos in the future and we actually know how to edit decently, than I might post it up. 

Also in August, I got to see these 5 idiots. You probably know them as One Direction. First off, I actually got to see 5SOS (I'm a Luke girl). Seriously, the TMH concert was so incredibly fun. I went alone, seeing as none of my friends like 1D (boo) but I got to meet two wonderful girls next to me and we all fangirled together. It was beautiful. I was so close yet so far from the second stage and I was seriously about to cry-I love these guys so much and they have changed my life forever. I also brought a CD for Niall and was going to throw it on stage but I was too far away, plus security caught me and almost made me throw it away when I convinced them that it was my brothers, whoopsies. 

Earlier this December, I went to The Grove with my friend to see the Christmas Tree Lighting show they have every year. Besides seeing Mary J. Blige, CeeLo Green, Jewel, and other artists, I also got to see some 'long time friends'. I call them italian buttheads, but others will know them as Il Volo. They're a operatic pop group from Italy and they're pretty amazing. Reason why I call them 'long time friends' is because I have met and seen the live about 6 times and they always recognize me because I used to wear these bold red glasses (showing that I had liked one specific member-Piero). Although I didn't get a picture with Piero or Ignazio, I got one with Gianluca. It was so funny, after I took my photo with him, I saw his hand reach out for my face and I got so scared and almost screamed when he was just trying to pinch my cheek. Needless to say my face was red with embarrassment and laughter. 

Last but not least, December 24. Also known as my birthday! Instead of getting a traditional cake, I always get Chocolate Cheesecake- it's seriously so delicious and heavenly. This year, I just spent it with my family instead of going to see my extended family, making it a lot better because they would usually throw a huge birthday bash and get me things I would never use or like and take millions of photos. This way I ate my cake, took some photos, and watched Les Miserables in peace. 

So, there you have it! All my big moments of 2013 in one post. As for resolutions, I think they are to post a lot more, gain weight the healthy way, and to step out of my comfort zone and to branch out from my 2 not-so-fun friends. I hope the new year has lots of good things in store for you! See you in 2014. 

Birthday/Christmas Haul

So first off, Merry Christmas!! Hope you guys had a good holiday. So, as some of you may or may not know, my birthday happens to be Christmas Eve. It could be good and bad. Good: Just knowing that my birthday is on a beloved holiday is kind of cool. Bad: I've never had a birthday party with friends or school and stuff. But other than that, I wanted to show you what I got for my birthday and christmas.

I'm not one to usually buy cute, girly pajamas. I'll usually just take one of my brothers old shirts and just use that for a while, but a couple weeks ago I came across these plaid elastic pajama pants and I just had to get them. Pros to getting these pants: They have pockets, elastic on the bottom so they wont rise up when you're sleeping. If that doesn't make you want to get them, I don't know what else to say. But yeah, I guess these were a little treat for myself.

I'm made sure everyone in my family knew that all I wanted for gifts, was anything from Topshop. Doesn't matter what it was, as long as it was from Topshop, it will make me really really happy. So on that note, I got these two lovely sweater tops that have some lace detailing on them and I think they're just really cute and edgy. I also got a cardigan, which I was in desperate need of because I have none, and I love how cozy and knitted it looks. As another treat for myself, I ordered this parka from ASOS and I would say its just amazing. As of now, SoCal weather isn't the coldest but it usually does later in spring time, so I will be using this coat very often. I especially love the fur hood. 

Theres no such thing as too many boots, which is why I was very happy to see these under my tree. It's kind of similar to Eleanor's Selfridges boots, which is one of the reasons why I liked them. Another is being that they're super comfy and warm and just adorable looking! I mean, is it me or do they look like chic uggs? 

Like I've said before, I'm an avid book reader. Give me a book, I will dedicate my free time to it. My family bought me Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, The Bell Jar, and Driving Miss Daisy. I can't wait to read them!! 

How to wear: Hiking boots (and Parkas)

If its two things thing I look forward to the the wintertime-it's wearing hiking boots and parkas. Whenever it gets the slightest bit chilly here in SoCal, I take the opportunity to wear all the layers I can. Great places to buy parkas are Topshop, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, and Zara- those are just the ones I can think of at the moment. For hiking boots, I feel that Sorel or Timberlands are the best of the best (I prefer Sorel just because of their versatility). Here are some sets I made if you're interested in wearing hiking boots, parkas, or both! xx

Untitled #199 by kat-94 featuring cable socks

Untitled #201 by kat-94 featuring long sleeve shirts

Untitled #198 by kat-94 featuring skinny jeans

Untitled #196 by kat-94 featuring brown leather boots

Untitled #223 by kat-94 featuring skinny jeans

Untitled #205 by kat-94 featuring glitter ankle booties

November Favorites

Untitled #221 by kat-94 featuring suede boots

Clothes: As soon as somebody put up their Sparkle+Fade Coat on eBay, I grabbed it as fast as possible. Everyone has been raving about this coat since Eleanor Calder wore it and I can see why! This coat is so amazing and cute and uGH. I wear it almost all the time to school and the weather now is started to get chilly and cold so this is a perfect top layer to wear over any sweaters or shirts you're wearing.

Beanies: I've always been a huge fan of beanies and I recently discovered that Topman has my exact style of beanies for half the price- I'm serious! For those girls who love beanies but don't want the girly, glittery, pastel colored beanies that Topshop and other girl stores sell, go to Topman!! I bought this Topman Burgundy Fisherman Rib Beanie and I usually pair it up with a denim shirt and black jeans or a white sweater with a parka over.

Boots: I bought my Adonis2 Suede Cutout Boots last year but have been recently using them all month! They're not heels but still add some hight when you need it-plus they're comfortable!

Television: I've basically succumbed to watching only UK shows-one being Some Girls. It's so funny and my favorite characters are Holli and Amber. I am in love with this show and I hope they make a third season!

Books: Recently I've been into 1800's era novels- such as Charles Dickens. My mom is a huge huge fan so I "borrowed" one of her books, "Nicholas Nickelby" and even though I can't understand 89% of what's going on, I can still kind of understand whats going on...... does that make sense? Probably not but the language they used back then was so beautiful and romantic and natural and I wish that people still spoke like that today instead of 'ay bby wut r u doin' you know? haha. 

How to Style Band Shirts!

So recently, I've been buying a lot of band-tees, cause you know music rocks (get it-rocks as in rock music, I'm so hilarious), and I never really know how to pair it up so I made a couple of sets to help myself and hopefully others who have the same situation. Hope you enjoy! xx

Untitled #214 by kat-94 featuring a leather satchel bag

The first outfit is actually what I wore today! Nirvana is my top 5 favorite bands so I decided to go for that grungy feel-pairing it with a pleather army jacket and ripped black jeans; and since I'm too poor to afford an Alexa bag, I substituted it with my backpack since I was going to school haha. Also since I was going to school, I just paired it up with military boots but I would have much rather paired it up with these edgy ones from Topshop.

Untitled #215 by kat-94 featuring destroyed jeans

If you're a One Direction fan, than you're most likely a 5SOS fan too. They're hilarious, cute, and Australian-how much better can that get?! Seriously if you haven't heard of them, I suggest you check them out NOW. But back to the outfit, As I was thinking of 5SOS, I tried to click in with their taste in clothes which is kind of 'lazy grunge' I guess? So I paired up their merch shirt with some ripped jeans and threw on a beanie and some lace up brogue boots.

Untitled #216 by kat-94 featuring Topshop

Styx is one of my favorite 80's groups. Their music video 'Too Much Time on My Hands' is so funny and I just love them so much. I went for a more clean version with this shirt. I paired this baseball concert tee with some dark blue jeans and some white vans for a more daytime look.

Untitled #217 by kat-94 featuring Ray-Ban

This outfit just automatically makes me think of shaking your head back and forth and not giving a flyin crap about anything-i don't know why haha. Just seeing an Aerosmith shirt with dark wash highwaisted shorts and converse just says, 'Yeah, I don't care bro whatevs' Idk..

Untitled #218 by kat-94 featuring satchel handbags

Now The Eagles are kind of my all time favorite group. They're songs are the definition of California and to show how lame I was/am, I did a report on them in 4th grade and on my senior essay project as my music inspiration (Im a dork). But this outfit says cool & calm yet still a lover of great rock music.

October Favorites!

It is officially the end of October which means every single department store is adding the last finishing touches for the Christmas season. And that I get to do my October Favorites (wee)! 

1. Clothes: The weather down in SoCal is unbelievably hormonal; one week its pouring rain and the next, its 80 degrees and sunny. Whilst browsing around my mom's closet, I found this plain but cute cable knit sweater-something I've been looking for for years and I didn't even have to pay for it. It goes with pretty much everything, whether you layer it with a collard top underneath or just wear it by itself. Its a perfect autumn essential. 

2. Movies: Okay so as soon as it struck midnight on October 1st, I just had to pull out Hocus Pocus. It is one of my all time favorite {Halloween} movies and I genuinely laugh and cry throughout 95% of the film. Its so hilarious and there are so many jokes that I didn't get as a child that I get now and UGH its amazing. Another movie that I've watched is the Phantom of the Opera (2004). Now its not very halloweeny but it sure is spooky. I grew up with this movie, and by that I mean I have it on soundtrack cassette, seen the play and seen the 1920's version. I watched this a while ago and kind of forgot about it until I saw an ad for Phantom and remembered how much I loved it. Gerard Butler is incredibly sexy in this film and I just wish I was Christine Daaé (aka Emmy Rossum). Both of their voices are incredible and beautiful and I love that movie so so so much. fun fact, my favorite song is Past the Point of No Return- SO SEXY. Basically this movie is sexy.

3. Shoes: Autumn means boots. thats all. I've pretty much been living in my brown military boots throughout October and they just go with everything. 

4. Makeup: Autumn also mean dry weather so instead of putting on the BB Cream, eyeliner, mascara, bronzer routine, I've just been putting my bareMinerals Original Foundation powder with concealer and some eyebrow powder and just head out the door. I swear I would be the worst makeup artist because I hardly wear anything! But in all seriousness, this powder is amazing. It totally covers any redness I have on my face along with any imperfections. 

5. Food: Now what's October without candy?! Besides any kind of chocolate, m&m's are the only candy I will eat. Fun Fact, I've never had any other candy besides m&m and chocolate- I know, Im a freak. But yeah, I especially love their fall colors mix-makes me feel warm and happy inside haha. 

October Favorites! by kat-94 featuring a cable jumper