Birthday – Will Bake for Shoes

Outfit

Forget-Me-Not

Posted on February 23, 2016by Brandy Saldana

Forget-Me-Not Blue Dress KTR Collection (in cream here / blue skirt here) | Green Blazer Alice + Olivia | Orange Bow Belt Kate Spade (similar) | Coral Handbag BCBG Generation | Sunglasses Diane von Furstenberg | Yellow Suw Satin Jeweled Heels Manolo Blahnik (similar) | Gold Wrap Bracelet E.Kammeyer Accessories (here) | Estelle Charm Bracelet and Crystal Bracelet Noir Luxe via LE TOTE | Bracelets LE TOTE | X Ring Waffles and Honey (here) | Nail Polish Hands: Lean, Toes: Wet Floss Gloss | Le Rouge Mandarine Bolero 304 Lipstick Givenchy (here) |Today’s post is special for a variety of reasons. This outfit is from my birthday in August, which was pretty special. It should be apparent I love dressing up, and sharing what I’ve found during one of my shopping trips, which is one of the reasons I started blogging. It felt appropriate to share now because it is my blog’s anniversary! I’ve officially been blogging for 4 years, and I can’t believe that much time has passed since I started. So much has changed since the first post, and I am really happy with what my blog has become and what it looks like.
This post is also special because this dress I am wearing was designed by my good friend KT of KTR Collection. I picked it up in 2 colors. I initially missed my chance of getting this dress in blue because it sold out right away, so I picked it up in cream because I loved the print and hi-low design. I feel the blue compliments my skin tone a lot more and was glad to snatch this one up when it was restocked. This dress in blue is sold out now, but it is available in cream and there is a skirt version as well. Check out her website to see her other pieces and her new swim line in time for Spring Break!
I have to highlight the bright accessories I picked out. I like to step up my outfit for my birthdays, and wearing the Manolo Blahnik heels I found through The Real Real felt appropriate for a special day. I love the detail and yellow color. My belt is a thrifted find I scored through thredUP and has made its way to the blog before. I like that this color also compliments the tones in the dress and matches my purse.
Whether you are stopping by my blog for the first time, or have been following for the past couple of years, thank you for your support! It means a lot to me that you stop by to see what I wear or read what I have written and I hope to keep sharing for awhile.

Date
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- Outfit

25

Posted on August 27, 2015by Brandy Saldana

Blue Wrap Top Diane von Furstenbeg via thredUP | Black Mesh Panel Midi Skirt Express (similar here) | Blue Jane Necklace Perry Street via Rocksbox | Silver Bow Bracelet Kate Spade New York | Ring Gift Macy’s | Samira Tower Radio Clutch Kate Spade New York (similar here) | Silver Sederaby d’Orsay Heels Manolo Blahnik (here) | Le Rouge Grenat Initie 307 Lipstick Givenchy (here)
A quarter of a century. I don’t exactly feel different or older, but it is still something I am trying to wrap my head around.
I am excited for this year though, and I am finally thinking of making some big changes. I’ve thought about changing my job, my hair and apartment for some time, but it is pretty easy for me to become comfortable with things and not take super big risks. I think this year my goal is to step out a little bit more out of my comfort zone. Starting a blog was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’ve enjoyed putting myself out there and meeting the people that I have met. I’ve made friends that have been there for me during a scary moment and also there for fun and laughter. I am really happy with where I am at in life and look forward to making this year even better.
My goals around my last birthday were to be better with my body (and start a workout routine), know when to let go (and remove clutter) and make others smile more (by baking more.)
Out of all 3 things, I can say that I’ve done a really good job removing clutter from my apartment and especially from my closet. At one point it was putting a strain in my relationship with Armando since the apartment kind of just had too much in it. I am a lot better of editing my wardrobe, and letting go of 2 things or more when one new thing enters. I am still working on it, but it is a lot more manageable than it was before.
I’ve baked a few more times, but not as much as I’ve wanted to. In part because my oven is temperamental and decides when its 375 degrees on its own. I’ve burned more cupcakes and under cooked batches of brownies, but I am not discouraged. You’ll see more baked goods, especially since I picked up a Raspberry Ice Kitchen Aid mixer a few months ago.
I haven’t found a workout routine I like, but I do have a few passes to try a yoga studio for free for a month, so that might be what I do for awhile. I am happy with my body, but I want to make sure I am still active.
Aside from stepping out of my comfort zone and working on these 3 things, I want to make sure I am supportive. Armando is in his last year of school, and he has been the best when it comes to me asking for outfit photos. I have had some taken from this summer I’ll be sharing, but there may be less outfit posts while he is focused on studying. This outfit is from when we say a Cirque de Soleil show together, but it seemed fitting to share it today because of how I felt in this outfit.
The other person I want to support is my younger sister while she is teaching abroad in Japan. I miss her a lot and although I would have wanted her around to celebrate our birthdays together, I know she is doing something amazing that she is passionate about. Seeing how she’ll grow from this is something I look forward to and of course I plan on a few more visits to Tokyo, this time with Armando.
Thanks for sticking around to read my long post. I am grateful for you and your support means a lot to me. I hope you look to another fun year with me!

Outfit

24

Posted on August 27, 2014by Brandy Saldana

White Gold Button Blouse and Tan Petticoat Momo International | Metallic Pleated Skirt Devlin (here) | Trench Coat and Pink Bow Thin Belt Banana Republic Factory Store | Abba Earrings in Ballerina Loren Hope rented via Rocksbox | Sunburst Bangle in White House of Harlow 1960 rented via Rocksbox (here) | Nude Patent Ulltra Heels Steve Madden | Le Rouge Fuchsia Irresistible Lipstick Givenchy
A new year and a new look. As a birthday wish, I asked Armando to help me redesign the blog’s site, and I am happy to see share this labor of love with you today.
I am 24 now, and I can’t believe how quickly the year went by! It feels like it was really only yesterday that I was writing up my own personal goals for my 23rd birthday. If you don’t remember that post, last year I wanted to spend more quality time with people I liked, become more financially aware, and travel more. I think I could still work on spending more time with people, especially calling my family more often. As for being financially aware, I’ve actually saved more than I thought I would. I took on paying not just my own student loans this year, but also the ones my parents took out and I have still managed to put away some money into savings every month. And, I went to Japan to visit my sister twice last year which is a lot more traveling than I had done in the past.
Now I have some new goals set for myself:
1) Be better with my body – I will readily admit I am pretty happy with my figure and never feel like going to the gym or working out, but it is about time I stick to some kind of exercise routine just because I would like some more energy and need the movement after sitting behind a desk all day. I think the key for me to stick to something is to experiment with different classes, and I think I will eventually find something I really enjoy doing that doesn’t feel like too much work.
2) Know when to let go – Sometimes I can become a hoarder and tend to accumulate a lot of things, whether it is clothes or cupcake stands. I’ve actually have been working on this for awhile, but this year I really hope to see more progress with less clutter. One day I want an apartment or house with a big closet, but until then, I have to keep letting things go and be a little bit more selective with what comes into my wardrobe or apartment.
3) Make others smile – I like to make people laugh and I think it is thanks to my dad that I have this easy going personality. I want to be able to do more for others, not only by giving something when I can, but also by baking more. I have not been baking as often, and while it can be a lot of work, I love when I see people smile when I give them something I’ve made. I wasn’t able to make the cupcakes for this photo shoot, but next time I will have photos featuring cupcakes made by me. ( But these made me smile since they matched my outfit, so I hope you like them anyway.)
Thanks for following my blog and I hope you like the new changes. I am pretty excited about the new look and feel very inspired. A very special thanks to Armando for all the work he put into the new design and all his patience when dealing with my requests and changes. His photos are always amazing to me and I look forward to more adventures together this year.
Until next time,
Brandy| BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM |TUMBLR | TWITTER |

Outfit
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- Weekend

23

Posted on August 28, 2013by Brandy Saldana

Chambray Shirt Ana | Skirt H&M | Scarf Unknown | Bird Necklace Wet Seal | Pink Stud and Pearl Bracelet Forever 21 | White Bangles Coach | Natasha Petal to the Metal Bag Marc by Marc Jacobs | Pink Stud Beatrix Flats Sam EdelmanIt was my birthday yesterday! Yay me! I turned 23 and let me tell you, I still find that a little hard to believe. I can no longer sing that Taylor Swift Song 22. I still feel 22 even though I am 23 now. After working 2 full days at Caltopia, I was pretty exhausted and felt like yesterday was more of a recovery day than my birthday. Most people take the day off on their birthday, and after working those 2 long days I felt like I should have but I am in a training in SF for today and tomorrow and will be going off to Japan in September for a 2 week vacation and felt a little guilty that I’d be out of the office for so many days. I know what you are thinking What? Japan!? Why?!
Well it just so happens my sister will be studying abroad for a year at Chuo University near Tokyo and I, needing an excuse to vacation and go somewhere far, decided to take some time off to help her move to her dorm and do some sight-seeing before her first day of class. I am so excited to be going to Japan again (this will be my second time there) and being able to experience this trip with my sister!
In my last birthday post I wrote about accomplishing some goals, or resolutions, by my next birthday. When I think about what I’ve accomplished this year I feel very proud of myself for how far I’ve come. One was to have a full-time job. I accomplished that in April and love where I work. I do feel lucky to have a job so soon after graduating and being in such a positive working environment. My coworkers went all out to make me feel special yesterday by bringing me cupcakes, flowers, and gifts and for that I am extremely grateful.
My second goal was to improve the blog. I feel like it has improved tremendously since it first started and while I don’t have a consistent posting schedule, I am trying to write fewer quality posts rather than a bunch of so-so posts. I am putting a lot more of myself into my posts, so in my opinion my posts are better than when I first started. I am not as afraid of being critiqued and have been less frustrated with the world of web design and HTML.
The third goal was to be more sustainable, and that is a lot more apparent with my clothes and is slowly making its way into my lifestyle. I rarely shop at department stores now and buying new items sometimes makes me feel guilty. I feel like my wardrobe has improved tremendously by buying used items. This outfit is mostly finds from Crossroads Trading Co. (Top, Scarf and Skirt) and eBay (Flats, Bag, Sunglasses).
Now I have some new goals set for myself:
1) Spend more time with my family/friends. Blogging has opened so many doors for me and has allowed for me to go to a lot of events and meet many new people. Often times it feels like I don’t have enough time in the day to work, blog, and stay connected with people, but I want to put more of an effort in spending quality face time with the people that are important to me.
2) Be more financially aware. I have gone a little overboard shopping at thrift stores and am not really saving as much as I should for the future. I am hoping to really pay more attention to the comfortable salary I make and really make an effort to save more.
3)Travel! Now that I finally have a full-time gig I know it might be a little more difficult, but I would love to be able to take more trips and see new places. Even if it isn’t across the country, I’d like to be able to go someplace if I happen to find a good deal (and use some of the funds I will be saving up just for that!)
I am looking forward to being 23 and I hope you’ll stick around and watch as I continue growing up ( I know I am not done yet!)

Outfit

Birthday!

Posted on August 28, 2012by Brandy Saldana

Purple Silk Dress Elizabeth & James | Stud Belt and Spike Rings Forever 21| Black Lorissa Peep-Toe Heels Sam EdelmanHappy Birthday to Me!
I had a lovely day and evening for my 22nd birthday. I felt sophisticated and cool, and prepared to take on the new year.
During lunch, two of my coworkers treated me to some Japanese food. It was delicious and I was surprised I ate it all. I was so full, but they joked I needed the food because of all the drinking they believed would ensue later that evening.
I had a little happy hour get together with my coworkers after work, and it was so much fun! We drank some cocktails and had a lot of laughs. Luckily I do not drink too much so there was no worry of me getting sick to my stomach. It was a nice way to celebrate with my work family.
Afterwards Mando treated me to dinner at Five Restaurant, a bistro and bar that is part of the Shattuck Plaza Hotel in Downtown Berkeley. The food was excellent and I even got a free ice cream sundae for my birthday!
Pardon my photos if it seems to focus sole-y on the shoes. (Pun intended). I do love these heels and I feel slightly dangerous in them. Definitely lets loose the inner rebel like a motorcycle jacket would.
I enjoyed the hotel’s restaurant and the ambiance. I am really glad I finally had dinner here and took photos in the lobby.
While I am sad my birthday is only celebrated for one day, it is time to enjoy the rest of this year and accomplish my birthday resolutions by this time next year!

Mom’s Birthday

Posted on July 6, 2012by Brandy Saldana

The reason for our family trip to Vegas was to celebrate the birthday of the most important, and influential, woman in my life: my mom.
While I think most daughters would say the same thing, I definitely think mine is the main reason why I love clothes the way I do today. As you can see from my photos, she is very stylish and knows what works for her. I am a middle child, and after having 2 boys, my parents were ecstatic to finally have a girl. Needless to say, my mom went all out with the outfits and accessories I was dressed with while I was growing up and it made getting dressed fun in the morning when I didn’t have school.
She was also a budget conscious shopper, always shopping for deals and stretching her dollars. She is an expert when it comes to maintaining clothes, and it amazed me to think our clothes were always pressed and ironed. She appreciates labels, and today shopping is fun because she, my sister, and I can share clothes. The first photo shows a dress I thrifted and she decided to wear. She pulls it off like Jackie O would. She also is like-minded in wearing what she has different ways.
I can never imitate the classic elegance she has whether it is wearing a vintage business suit or a floral dress, she is an amazing woman and I aspire to be as strong and collected as she is. Someday I will be as poised in whatever I wear like she does.
Happy Birthday Mom!