Haul | Brandy Melville & American Apparel

Wow, I really should not be left in the mall alone or with more than twenty dollars haha. Here are some of the stuff I've gathered over the past couple of months.
Enjoy! x

[ Also, I added the links below each picture in case you wanted to know which item it was ^_^ x ]

Jennifer Dress

Luana Top

 

Sammy Top

Annika Top

Annika Top

Unisex Nantucket Fleece Zip Hoodie

Cowl Neck Sweater

Haul | Brandy Melville + Nike

When it comes to spring and summer time, I just think 'Brandy Melville'. Their stuff is perfect for these seasons, especially in Southern California. And including their low prices for the most comfortable tops you can ever wear in your life, I decided to splurge a little bit there. If anyone's seen my last OOTD, I wore this black long sleeve top which seriously reminds me so much of Harry Styles, and who doesn't want to look like him?! He's gorgeous. It's seriously so comfy and cozy and I basically live in it. 

If anyone knows me, they know that I swore that I would never wear crop tops. I feel so uncomfortable wearing them and I don't like my stomach showing- long story short, me and crop tops are not friends. Until one day when I came across this crop top at Brandy. Now it's not really a "crop" top because it's long enough to not show my stomach but still short. I absolutely fell in love with it so I decided to buy a grey version of it. If you're not a fan of crop tops, but still wanna roll with the fashion, I recommend buying these because your stomach won't show (unless you stretch your arms high, high up) and it's super cute. I pair these with shorts for daytime or black jeans for going out at night. 

I've been seeing these shoes everywhere: tumblr, polyvore, fashion blogs/websites, you name it. The Nike Roshe Run Shoes are too hard to miss. I originally went on ASOS to purchase them and saw how expensive they were, so I checked out Macy's and they were about 35 dollars less. My first impression when wearing these shoes was a bit uncomfortable because the sole of them are ridges which makes it feel like your sock is falling off and you need to fix it every 5 minutes, but after wearing them for a while you easily forget about that feeling and they're super comfortable. They're great for exercising and going out with! Double win. 

xx

Happy Spring/New Year!!

Now I'm not the biggest fan of spring due to all my allergies making its way back into my nose again, but nevertheless I still love it. If you don't already know the Iranian New Year lands on the first day of spring-Eid/Nowrooz. Being persian, this is my favorite holiday because it means setting up a beautiful table, spending time with family, and for the younger ones- money!!

This year I went to my grandparents house and saw how traditional and beautiful their table looked. For those of you who don't know, the persian table required 7 things that start with the letter 'S', also known as Haft Seen, and each item represents something. On the table, you'll see a mirror, apples, candles, Golab (rose water), Sabzeh (wheat or barely sprouts), goldfish, and painted eggs. We keep our table like this for 13 days. When 13 days are up, we have a ceremony called Sizdah Be-dar, which means we spend a day outside, preferably a big park, with family and friends and throw our Sabzeh (wheat or barely sprouts) out in a lake.

Now whenever it comes to new years, you're always supposed to get an entirely new outfit- new year, new outfit- who can argue with that?!? Now this year due to stupid college midterms, I didn't have time to go shopping, but I did have an outfit in mind that I had never worn before. I couldn't take a picture, but it was a recreation of Eleanor Calder's outfit at the KCA's.


To anyone persian reading this, Eide shoma moborak, happy new years and happy spring (:
xx

Mother Nature

So I was rummaging through some old photos, and I came across some I took on my 6th grade trip to Big Bear for science camp. Going through these photos made me remember what a horrible time I had on that trip- it was my first time away from my mom and I realized then and there that I was a mama's girl. I missed her and my family so much and I wanted to go home as soon as possible. They only gave us breakfast and dinner, which left me hungry for half the day and I remember my bed had a couple blood stains and some brown spots and I got so scared that someone got shot there. I

If I went back now, I would definitely appreciate it more and actually take in the scenery and that I am at the heart of nature. Also, I've become less of a mama's girl which is good, so now I can go places without missing them so much as I used too. Maybe one day I'll go back with friends and hike around. If you live in California and haven't been to Big Bear- what have you been doing? It's seriously so beautiful up there and I highly recommend a trip up there.

These are a few of my favorite things. . .

January is finally coming to an end, and soon we begin month two of the new year . I did my favorites a little different this year- just to spice things up a bit. I didn't really have any other kinds of favorites this month besides beauty items-mostly because my new years resolution was to not open my wallet for any kind of craving, but these are some of the gems I picked up when I went on a Treat Yo'self day (Parks and Rec. reference). 

I'll do a hair post soon, but this is just one of my favorite hair products I've used this month. The Curl Enhancing Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner is so amazing. I've noticed any drug store hair product has somehow damaged my hair, so I dropped in at Whole Foods for some natural hair products and I've always been a fan of curly hair (you always want what you can't have) and this looked like it would suit my needs. After using it for a couple weeks, I can confirm that your hair will feel and look very shiny and soft. After putting this through my hair and scrunching it, you can definitely see the curl effect it gives off. Also, it's made from Shea Butter and Coconut Oil so thats a big thumbs up. Usually after I take a shower, I'll sometimes put on Origins Out of Trouble 10 minute mask. This past month or so, I suffered from some breakouts and dry skin and picked this up and I can't stop touching my face (which is bad cause that results to more breakouts- DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE!) But in all seriousness, this makes my face super soft and makes me feel happy haha. I' ll always see beauty bloggers and youtubers talk about this and if you might not know, I pretty much buy whatever they say is good.

After months of craving it, I finally got it- the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I've been using cream concealers for far too long and I've accepted that they do not work for me. This concealer really hides all my dark circles and imperfections. I've never been much of a highlight kind of gal, but after a recent purchase at Sephora, I got Benefit's Watt's Up! and They're Real! Mascara. Again, I've seen beauty bloggers/youtubers talk about how much they love this stuff but it never really grabbed me. After using the highlighter, I can honestly say it makes a big difference- what with it emphasizing my cheekbones and brow area. Also, it's great for using as an simple eyeshadow. As for the mascara, I give it an A. It really lengthens my lashes when I apply it and makes them look a little bit fuller. Like highlighter, I've also never been interested in nail polish-I think I had a bad experience as a child. . . Anyway! I totally forgot that they make clear polishes! I picked the SEPHORA OPI Base Coat up last December and now, I can't stop putting it on! It doesn't chip off easily and dry's instantly when applied. When it comes to perfume, Miss Dior Cherie is my top one. The two words that come to mind when I think of this is light and lovely (?). It gives off such a youthful scent and therefore makes me happy. Sorry, I suck at explaining scents but yeah.

What were your favorite things this month? 

Home Decor

Ever since I asked my parents if I could choose the color of my own wall, I've always wanted to be an interior decorator. I can't even count the number of themes I've been through over the past 10 years. But in the past couple of month I chose not to go for a theme anymore, but rather simplicity since that is what I discovered, is to my liking. No bold colors, clean, and organized areas, etc. 

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!! 

Bucket List!

So just now as I was sitting here,watching all 12 episodes of Bad Education and eating mac & cheese, I began thinking what I want to accomplish in my life before I die. Well, I thought I'd turn that into a blog post about what's on my bucket list! 

1. Travel across Europe 

2. Study abroad

3. Visit the Full House house in San Francisco

4.Have a bonfire

5. Meet Il Volo 

6. Give my phone number to a band member at a concert (lawlz I'm a slut)

7. Be an extra in a film/tv show/music video

8. Be able to play Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement

9. Travel by train

10. Meet all my favorite bands and singers

11. Own and watch all Gilmore Girl season episodes

12. Go to a One Direction concert

13. Become fluent in Iranian

14. Live in another country for a while

15. See the Back Street Boys live

16. Choose anything decorating, photography, or fashion-related as a career.

17. Learn to not be so shy in front of people

18. Learn to horseback ride

19. Go on vacation with my friends

20. Go to a old rock concert

21. Read all the books on 'Rory Gilmore's Book List'

22. Make something out of myself

23. Finish college and go to Uni.

24. Have a movie-food date marathon with my friends

25. Own an apartment

26. See Ed Sheeran live

27. Start me and my friend's youtube channel

28. Meet my favorite youtubers

29. Move to the UK

30. Own a rabbit and a cat and name them Pancakes and JiJi.

We'll there you have it folks. What would be on your bucket list? 

Hope you enjoyed! xx