Fall

Weekend from Hospital to Carnival

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Leather Jacket H&M | Teal Sweater Stella McCartney | Jeans Forever 21 | Panda Necklace Betsey Johnson | Ruffle Nude Flats Steve Madden | This weekend was slightly stressful for me. On Friday morning I went down to Salinas to visit my grandma, from my dad’s side, who was in the hospital after having open heart surgery. I felt guilty because I could not be there on Thursday for the surgery. My dad recently had surgery in April for his shoulders, and while I was there the day of his surgery, I regretted going back to work the next day when I really just wanted to be there for him. I didn’t want to have the same regrets again, so I headed home and surprised my parents and grandma by visiting this weekend. I am happy to report she is doing well and so is my dad. He is actually the oldest amongst his siblings, so a lot of the weight of taking care of my grandma falls on his shoulders. I was glad I was able to be there for him while he is going through his own recovery and when he needed his family most. It’s not easy taking care of someone else when your own health isn’t back to 100% yet.
Needless to say, I didn’t have a chance to go to the Fashion Show I had planned to attend Saturday night, but it would have been hard for me to enjoy it knowing that there was all this going on back home. My nephew/godson turned 3 on Friday, and my brother really wanted me to be there for his last-minute birthday party too. Despite all the madness, I had fun at his party and today after hanging out with my sister. She and I got on BART at Fremont station on Saturday night and she slept over at our apartment. We had brunch on 4th Street and then had a spontaneous trip to the carnival by the Oakland Coliseum. My sister, Armando and I were actually on our way to go play mini-golf when we passed by the carnival and my sister decided she wanted to go there instead. We got on a few rides and she won a prize: a dolphin stuffed animal.  We had a blast!
I wore this outfit today except I ended up switching out my shoes in the end. I tried to not be too matchy-matchy with this outfit and picked the tan ruffle flats to go with the ruffles in the sweater despite them not being the same color. I threw on the leather jacket to toughen up an otherwise “soft” look. I think it sums up my feelings for the weekend: beneath an edgy exterior is a big ol’ softy that wants to put others first. Or I am reading too much into my clothes when in reality it is the outfit of someone that was kind of lazy and just threw on a leather jacket to add interest to an otherwise basic outfit. I prefer my initial analysis of my clothes though. It was perfect going transitioning from brunch on a muggy day to a couple of fun hours at the carnival.
Hope you had a good weekend that was slightly spontaneous and thanks for reading!
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The Color Purple

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Purple Cardigan Kenar | Floral Silk Josie Cami Diane Von Furstenberg | Jeans and Belt Forever 21 | Flower Ring Wet Seal |  Purple Boots Lower East SideAnother nice relaxing weekend at home! It was actually kind of windy (and cold), but I removed my pea coat to take the photo for the sake of fashion!I am starting to get into the Christmas spirit now with the cold weather. 
The cardigan and boots are borrowed from my mom’s closet. My love of clothes comes from her, so it is fitting that I borrow her clothes. I have worn this floral silk tank in a previous post here, but I like how the colors pop more with this purple cardigan. 
I ate homemade food and watched Rise of the Guardians with my niece and nephew. I feel long cardigans give a more sophisticated, casual vibe which worked for my day of shopping and a night at the movies. I would highly recommend the movie as it was well-written and animated beautifully. Oh, and the kids enjoyed it too!
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Bad-A%# Spiked Heels

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Velvet Blazer Erin Fetherston for Target | Tank and Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs | Jewelry Forever 21 | Black Pants Anchor Blue | Messenger Bag and Scarf Coach | Black Suede Lorissa Heels Sam Edelman (here)There is a lot of detail to this outfit, so attention must be paid!
I find it interesting that I mixed this sweet Marc by Marc Jacobs Top with stripes, ruffles, and miniature bows with something edgy and dangerous like my Sam Edelman Heels. I love the studs and extra height. These shoes that have their own attitude and read “don’t mess with me!” With the heels and my bun, I might have been 5′ 7″! (I am 5′ 2″, this is incredibly tall for me!)
This look felt appropriate for work, but I am sure it could work for a date or even a holiday office party. I am proud of everything I mixed in and it finally feels like the right balance of accessories. I piled on quite a few for that stacked arm candy effect, and I think the accessories worked well because of all the black I was wearing.
The top was actually a dress that had another tier that I did not think looked as flattering on me. I can always reattach it, but when it comes to thrifting, and any clothes you buy, there is only one rule. You should be wearing the clothes, not letting them wear you. Don’t be afraid to be creative and put your own spin on things. I received many compliments on this top at work, and it might not have happened if I hadn’t modified the dress to suit me! (The shoes received a lot of attention too!)
What do you think? Could you rock these heels? What would you wear with them? Leave your suggestion or link in a comment so I can see your answer!
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Manolo Blahnik Heels

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

                   

Pink Jacket, and All Rings Forever 21 |  Blue Dress Diane Von Furstenberg via Saks Off 5th | Silver d’Orsay Sedaraby Pumps Manolo Blahnik (here) | Silver Boyfriend Watch Marc by Marc JacobsHappy Friday!
Sorry for the blurry shots. I feel like it was a waste wearing this outfit on a rainy day, but I have really wanted to wear my Manolo Blahniks since purchasing them in July during my Vegas trip. Yes, these are the shoes Carrie from Sex and the City loses at a friend’s party. These are very special to my and felt today was a special day despite the rain. (Don’t worry, I wore rain boots and my black coat over everything to stay dry!)
I recently purchased the dress from Saks Off 5th at the new Paragon Outlets in Livermore. My watch is also from an outlet store there too. I wore the dress within 2 weeks after buying it and feel so proud of myself. I thought today was going to be my last day of work at the office, then out of nowhere, I get another extension to my contract. Woo-hoo! I will have a job for the holidays and time to job hunt just in case. 
What would you wear with these Manolo Blahnik pumps? Leave your comment or link to a blog post below so I may see what outfit you have in mind
Thanks for reading, and hope you have a happy weekend-I know I will!

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Cheetah Print

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Black Princess Coat and Nude Ulltra Pumps Steve Madden | Black Dress with Cheetah Print Belt H&M | Brown Signature C Umbrella Coach | Tiger Cuff, Thick Gold Ring, and Stacked Rings (similar stacked rings here) Forever 21Tan and black work so well together! I have worn this black dress with this coat before, but it is amazing how just adding tights and wearing a different belt and heels provided a whole new look! Rain is expected which is why I have my umbrella out and open. This dress originally came with this belt but I had never worn it with the belt until today. This amazing find is also from Crossroads Trading Co.
I decided to wear a red lip stain to go with my neutral tones. While I wear a lot of florals, I usual don’t invest in other prints (unless it is a DVF wrap dress). I wore a little and I think it went a long way. 
What do you think? What would you pair with Cheetah Print? Leave your link of an outfit with cheetah print or suggestion in a comment below so I may think of different ways of wearing it.
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Jury Duty

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Pink Cardigan with Gold Buttons NYC (on sale here) | Floral Top Sele, Shiny Pants Anchor Blue | Signature C Tote Bag and Gold Flats Coach | Belt, Necklace and Rings Forever 21 (same rings here) | Silver Boyfriend Watch Marc by Marc JacobsI had to report for Jury Duty this morning, and when attending it is recommended to go dressed business casual and dressed in layers. I brought along my long Bebe coat to wear over in case I felt cold, but I dressed in some layers with a new cardigan my mom purchased for me last week. I love the subtle stripes and gold buttons. I picked the floral top for fun and it is dressed up when compared to when I last wore it here.

I wore my watch to look like I get to places on time (which isn’t always the case) and I wore some rings I had just purchased that day to go with the silver watch and gold necklace. I love to match my clothes where one bright colored item highlights the color for another piece in the outfit.
Despite dressing up business casual, I was excused from jury duty because my home address now is in Berkeley despite my constant visits home. Missing one day of work can result in twice as much work the following day, so I am prepared to dress in something that says “I am here and ready to get stuff done!” I am leaning towards something pink;)
What would you wear to Jury Duty? Leave a comment below and/or share your link so I may see!Brandy| BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM |TUMBLR | TWITTER | 

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