Hat Solution

H&M fedora, Forever 21 shorts, Cotton On top, Wet Seal sandals

For some odd reason, I instantly feel more stylish when I throw on a hat. I love the look of hats, especially fedoras. Hats are great but it's an easy fix to a boring outfit. Quick tip: if the colored band on your hat doesn't match your outfit, put on a different colored ribbon that matches! It takes a matter of seconds.

Dream List

Lanvin Draped Satin Maxi Skirt $4,260

We've probably all made a “Wish List” at some point in our lives, but have you ever made a “Dream List?” It might sound extreme, but I make both! A dream list (a term made up by me thank you very much) consists of things you could only get in your wildest dreams. Literally, ANYTHING can go on your “Dream List;” the crazier the better! If you would want $2000 socks, put them down on your list! But whatever you put on your list must be the perfect style, item, color you want. This list ensures I’m buying the absolute best of an item, because I’m going to throw down the dow, it better be good! I make this “Dream List” so that I buy something that I really want, not just an instant-buy. I always keep this list right by my side when I’m shopping so I can compare items to it. This technique allows you to buy an item you really want, but at a cheaper price. 

Here is my current dream list!

 

YSL Tribute Cut-Out Lace-up Pumps $995

Elizabeth and James Katia Shorts on sale for $206.50

Rick Owens Textured-Leather Biker Jacket $2,550

Coach Monique Boot $398

Bits and Pieces

{Fresh Vegetables at a Farmer's Market}

As we approach September, we must regrettably say goodbye to another amazing summer. It's so sad to see it end, so I'm savoring the things that remind me of this summer.

{Beautiful and clear California sky}

{my favorite purchase this summer: Kate Spade sunglasses} 

{beautiful sight while hiking the Dish in Stanford}

Mint Chip

                            

 Cello Jeans pants, Urban Outfitters shirt, vintage necklace

Okay the secrets out: I'm obsessed with the color mint! That is the first step in acknowledging an obsession right?! I try to keep a rule of never buying too many pieces of clothing in the same color, but I keep breaking it! I just cannot hold myself back from mint. It gives such a calming yet fun vide and not to mention is my favorite ice cream. Whatever's the case, I love mint!

Homemade Apricot Jelly

Homemade jelly is my grandma's specialty! She's been making it since before I can remember. I've had plenty of store-bought jelly, but NOTHING compares to her jelly. It's just so much tastier and sweeter. I really admire how crafty my grandma is, so I thought I would attempt another one of her many talents! And I must say, I thought I did a pretty good job.

This  is the recipe I used to make this delicious jam. I even used apricots my grandma planted so that the jam was completely homemade. Next time I'm going to try to make strawberry jam! (Hopefully it turns out as yummy as this one did). :)

And It All Begins Again

School is officially underway, at least for me. It's back to the early rising, late nights of homework, and stressful weekends full of cramming for tests. I've really enjoyed this summer! From traveling to spending quality with family and friends, it's been a summer to remember. In my first post, JoJoWerk: Welcome to JoJoWerk, I wrote down all of my goals for this summer. Surprisingly, I accomplished all but one, paint balling. (I still plan to do it though!) But I am really proud of myself that I conquered so many of my goals. It just goes to show that when you put it in writing and make a promise to yourself, you can accomplish anything!

As it all begins again, it may seem hectic with school, work, sports, and activities. However, don't get so caught up in your busy schedule! It's important to take care of yourself and set aside time for just you. It's always good pause and enjoy the little things in life. Physically pencil out time in your schedule to pamper yourself or just have alone time. When I need some "me time," I watch a movie either with hot cocoa on the couch or while taking long bath. As stated in my goals, I wanted to read The Hunger Games (and they were absolutely amazing). But I made it a point not to see the movie until I read all the books. And guess what?! Now that I've finished reading the books and checked it off my goals list and I can finally watch the movie. And when I say finally, I mean finally! Tonight I'm dedicating my time to relaxing and watching The Hunger Games.

Funny moment of the day: When my mom brought home the movie she announced, "I bought The Hunter Games!" Silly mama! :)

Make Up Forever

Throughout the years, I've tested tons makeup. After all my playing around, I've found the best long-lasting makeup, while staying away from those super expensive brands. The below pieces of make up keep my made up face stay on all night long and it even looks like I just put it on the next morning (if I'm too tired to take it off at night). Trust me, you need to get these! You can thank me later :)

{Covergirl 24 hour mascara- great for waterproof and only $8!}

{Sephora liquid eyeliner- perfection for your eyes}

{Urban Decay eyeshadow primer- keeps my eyeshadow on all night}

More Jewelry, Less Cash

It's always fun to pick out the hottest accessories to complete your outfit. Whether it's a statement watch, bright big bracelets, or a delicate necklace, they can add so much to a look! The best is receiving that tiny, baby blue bag filled with that baby blue box from you know where (Tiffany's of course!) and wondering what piece of expensive jewelry is inside. But even though we all love expensive items, there are plenty of adorable and cheap accessories. It seems great to have a orange bracelet that matches perfectly with your floral skirt, but why spend a ton on something you can only wear with one specific outfit? No thank you! Buying cute, cheap accessories and jewelry allow you to buy many items to change up your look (and you just saved some cash). The places to go for this are Forever 21, H&M, and flea markets.

{$5 bracelet at a stand on Santana Row} 

{12 pairs of earrings for $6 at H&M}

Look cute and save money! The best of both worlds :)

A Splash of Color

Pink Striped jeans, Brandy Melville shirt, Kate Spade purse (on sale for $140), Cathy Jean flats 

Who doesn't love a splash of color? Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you need to put away your fun, bright colors. Don't bring out those boring black and whites just yet! Throw those fun colors together. The colors in these bright coral pants and aqua Kate Spade purse make it so much fun! Typically I buy black or brown purses, but I'm loving colorful purses right now. They add so much more to an outfit than a simple black purse. The extra plus with this purse? The long strap! It makes it so much easier to travel and shop because it's constantly on you so you don't even have to set it down or worry about losing it. 

School Shopping List

Going back to school creates a number of emotions, anywhere from excitement to dread. Although I'm sad summer is ending, I'm looking forward to a great year filled with fun and new experiences. But the major plus about going back to school?! Shopping! Let's be real, I love any excuse to shop. Here is my list of items that are essential for rocking the school look (it's a little lengthy but very educational! :) So read on).

1. Pants You definitely need to buy at least one staple pair of pants whether it's denim, white, or black. Make sure it can be worn with almost any type of shirt. The best plan of attack is to buy three pairs of pants: one staple (as listed above), one solid-colored (coral, aqua, mint green, ect.), and one fun print (floral, snake skin, plaid, ect.). This plan gives you variety, excitement, and usefulness for school. For help finding the perfect pair of jeans (or any pair of pants) click here JoJoWerk: Jean Perfection!

2. Jacket There are so many different kinds of jackets, but find the one that's most logical to you. It's ideal to have a jean and leather jacket. But if you don't like leather jackets, buy something you would actually wear! Whether it's a tailored blazer or relaxed trench coat, express your personality through your jacket. 

3. Sweaters Sweaters are a must! Not only are they fashionable and cute, they are extremely comfy and don't cling to your body. They're also very versatile allowing you to wear them with shorts, pants, skirts, or maxis. Personally, I'm a huge fan of oversized sweaters and half sleeved sweaters that I can throw over dresses or tank tops. 

4. Scarf Invest in buying a few scarves because they add color and style to complete any outfit (with very little effort!) Buy a black or white scarf to match with everything and another fun printed one to add some spunk to your wardrobe. 

5. Skirts Skirts are the perfect medicine when you just want to be casual and comfy. Skirts allow you to feel free and you don't have to deal with those tight fitted pants. Get one or two of each: skirts that hit the knee or higher and skirts that are below the knee (like maxis). 

6. Shoes Buy a pair of flip-flops or sandals, a pair of white Vans/Converse/ect., and a pair of boots (any type.) If you already have one of these, like white Vans, go for something fun with color! 

7. Dress Personally, I love wearing dresses. Some of you may be able to wear your summer dresses but others might have to buy special dresses just to fit a dreaded school dress code. Only buy one dress if you're the latter. If you're buying something just for school, make sure it's affordable. 

8. Backpack Many people forget this, but backpacks are a great accessory! You also wear it everyday at school, so get one that is cute and fun or chic and stylish. 

9. Shirts The hardest part, shirts. Everyone needs and already has TONS of shirts. But answer this truthfully: how many of them do you actually wear? I do this all the time (so probably many of you do too): if I'm buying a jacket, I take the time to try it on and make sure I'm making the best purchase possible. But if I find a shirt I sort of like, I'll immediately buy it. Let's all make a promise together to no longer do this! We need to make sure we absolutely are in love with the prospective shirt before buying it or else it will end up sitting in your drawers for the next five years.  

Helpful Tips:

• All schools have varying dress codes, so change what I say to make it work for you!
• Before going back to school shopping, go through your clothes to see what you have and don't have. (and throw out things you don't wear anymore)
• If you are not absolutely obsessed with the item in the dressing room, do NOT buy it. Everyone always loves the clothing the best in the dressing room. 

Bits and Pieces

I (along with almost the entire girl population) love pink. Pink makes me love any item so much more! So I've dedicated the newest "Bit and Pieces" post to my pink obsession. 

{pink rhinestoned lanyard for my keys}

{this is not a case ladies and gentlemen... my new pink iPhone!}

{personalized jewelry box my mama made for me when I was young} 

{beautiful mask in my room for decoration}

{powdered glitter which gives a nice shimmer for special occasions} 

God Love Her

I don't know about you guys, but I love me some country! I can listen to country music all day long and  I jump at any chance I get to go horseback riding (pretty much as county as you can get for a Cali girl). When I was little, I even tried (unsuccessfully) to convince my parents to get me a horse! I love to wear my good-ol' cowgirl boots. And where do you absolutely have to wear cowgirl boots to?! A country concert! As promised yesterday... the place where I wore my hand-made lace shorts to: The Toby Keith concert! I wanted the white lace on the shorts to really pop so I paired it with a white tucked in tube top. And of course, I wore my metallic cowboy boots to complete my country look.

Must-do of the day: check out "God Love Her" by Toby Keith. It's one of my favs that I am definitely always blasting in my car and dancing to in my room!

Some pictures before the concert of my outfit:

DIY Lace Shorts

I am an absolute fanatic about lace! Anything lace- shirts, shorts, or dresses, I love it. Lace makes everything more feminine and it can make an item look sweet or sultry, depending on the look. High waisted shorts are obviously the trend of the summer, but recently high waisted shorts with lace have been spotted in many stores. The downside you ask?! They can be so expensive ranging from $40-$90! Honestly the shorts with lace looked quite simple to make so I figured I'd give it a shot. Also making something yourself is so much more rewarding! Below is my first try, but I love the way they turned out and I hope you do too! And special thanks to my amazing grandma who lent me her sewing machine and helped with the sewing process. :) 

Tools Needed:

• Pair of jeans
• Lace (bought mine from Michael's)
• Scissors 
• Marker/Pen/Sharpie
• Thread
• Sewing machine or a sewing needle 

Here are the few easy steps I took: 

1. Find an old pair of jeans or go to a thrift shop to find a pair of high waisted jeans (they don't have to be high waisted). I bought these for $6.59 at Goodwill! (way cheaper than buying already made shorts). 

2. Put on the shorts and mark where you want to cut them. (Easier tip: find a pair of shorts that you love the length of and place them on top. Then trace onto the jeans where the shorts end.)

3. Next: cut, cut, cut! Take out those scissors and cut away! Cut right above the marker lines so the sharpie doesn't show. Important: make sure the back of your shorts are a little bit longer than front because of your booty!

4. Pin the lace around the edge of your shorts, but make sure you have enough material to catch by overlapping the two materials. The lace should be attached from the inside of the jeans.

5. Sew along where the pins are with a sewing machine or by hand. Either works but a sewing machine is much faster.

6. Ending touch: I did a zig-zag stitch along the bottom of the shorts so the extra fibers don't keep pulling out.

Final product: perfect lace shorts for any summer day!

~Check in tomorrow to see where I wore my lace shorts to and what I paired it with~