The Girl On Catalina

Paying homage to my favorite song in the ENTIRE WORLD "The Girl From Ipanema", by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz. The mix of jazz along with Latin notes does something to my spirit that I cannot describe. I remember the first time I heard this song a while back, not only did it captivate me, but it melted my heart. It's not only the melody that gives this song a special place in my heart, it's the story within the song that I fell in love with. The lyrics tell a story of a girl who is unaware of what's going on around her as she strolls around town carelessly as she is in her thoughts. As a person who is often in their thoughts (sometimes over thinking), I can relate.

On a rare day off I was able to stroll along Catalina island and take in the little pleasures we sometimes forget to stop and pay attention to. Like the pink and purple sky as the sun sets, the smell of Star Jasmine at the end of the day, or even feel the cool breeze on your skin after a hot day. I was so far off in my thoughts that once I realized where I was and what was around me, it hit me: "I'm living out a part from my favorite song!"
That moment alone made my summer complete. I truly hope that my readers find their bliss this summer in whatever they hold dear.

The outfit choice for the island was a no brainer! This summer's hottest go to piece is off the shoulder dresses and tops. They're effortlessly glamorous and give you instant sex appeal. You can play with this style however you see fit. Whether you wat to throw on a couple of accessories like bracelets or statement earrings, or you just want your shoulders to do all the talking...its up to you. I played  it simple with just my usual pop of color with my red and gold sandals along with my white tote. I didn't play with my accessories for this look because it was hot and I didn't want to take away from my dress. I find that when something is a real treasure, you shouldn't have to over compensate. ;)

I hope you have an easy blissful summer, guys! Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,
Xoxo

Dress:H&M
Sandals: Chinese Laundry
Purse: Anne Klein
Puff balls: H&M
Scarf: Old Navy

Déjà Vu

Ever put an outfit together and wonder where the idea came from or thought something in particular about the outfit looked familiar? Today's look embodies total "déjà vu". I instantly thought of the "Supreme" look from American Horror Story  (the entire cast was dressed in all black in New Orleans heat and still managed to look chic.) Crazy what the subconscious can do.

Often times I like to add random pops of color to oufits that are too matchy-matchy. A quirk of mine that I can't seem to help. The black western hat and black slip dress matched too perfectly together that I had to add a touch of color with my red fringe sandals. While the entire color palette may be a little off to some; the idea is still cohesive. The fringe goes with the western appeal of my hat which all ties together with my simple black slip. I like to play with themes, but still add a piece of my own identity to the over all look.

Thanks for stopping by for a read. Sorry I've been MIA. I've been busy with work and pursuing another passion of mine. But, don't worry! I'll never forget to come back home to you guys at Fashion_Cassonade.

Until next time,
Xoxo

Hat: F21
Slip dress: F21
Fringe sandals: F21

Photographer: Jorge Benitez

Simple Sundays

Snuggled up on my favorite chair in the house on this rainy day with some coffee and comfortable socks makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon. Yes, I'm one of those people who loves gloomy weather. I know, I'm so basic. But, I live for days like this when I can just listen to the "Telepopmusik" station on Pandora and drink coffee out of my tea set and do absolutely nothing...except maybe bake.

See you guys next time!

Xoxo

Dress: H&M
Socks: F21
Tea set: special gift from BFF

Comfort Zone

Thick knit sweaters on a gloomy day just sound so right. Days like this should be spent curled up on the couch with a thick blanket while eating chocolate and watching "Bridget Jones' Diary". Oh wait... I have to run errands... I guess my simple pleasures will have to wait.

Until next time loves,
Xoxo

Sweater: H&M
Blazer: F21
Purse: Louis Vuitton speedy 35
Shoes: Nike 5.0

Wanna be

The aphorism "clothes do not make the man" strongly applies to today's post. Wearing nice clothes are never a bad thing and no one should be made to feel bad for taking pride in their appearance, but once you strip away your clothes; who are you? I take pride in being able to say I know my inner self. It took me a long time to get here and be comfortable in my own skin. After all, in my eyes I'm still the buck toothed girl who is terribly bow legged. But, I've had strong/positive female influences in my life who taught me about self love, so that may have something to do with me being able to walk with my head held high. Often times some people confuse those who dress nicely and are self aware with being conceited or stuck up, which is not fair. Especially when you know the humility that lives within your heart. I'm a middle child who grew up in a single parent house hold, that alone should tell you I had to grow up with a sense of humor all while maintaining a stiff upper lip.

I definitely do not take myself or the clothes I wear seriously. Yeah I like nice clothes, who doesn't? But, clothing can only take you so far. A sense of self is what makes the overall look come together. Case in point: if the shirt I was wearing didn't say BALMAIN and was a basic T-shirt, I would still be the same person. I know that when I throw this shirt back in my closet I'm still the girl who used to stuff her training bra with her mom's shoulder pads until puberty hit. I know I'm still the person who sobs while watching certain Disney movies.

Clothes and designer labels do not make you who you are. They're nice, but they are things. And beauty is only skin deep. True beauty comes from the core of one's self.  Remember, you are the main piece to your wardrobe. You wear your clothes, not the other way around.

Until next time,
Xoxo

Shirt: Balmain H&M
Belt: F21
Pants: H&M
Jacket: F21
Necklace: F21
Watch: Michael Kors

Walk in the park

I would love to say the weather has been consistently cool and the Fall season never looked prettier, but I live in Southern California and that is a luxury we do not have. So on days like this when the weather permits a cool breeze and you actually see the leaves change colors; that is the moment when you HAVE to take a minute for yourself and go for a walk. Now, of course you would want to be wearing something season appropriate and fashionable. I don't know about you, but I can't get in a good meditation state without feeling cute.  Weird... I know.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: when leisurely walking through the park, I like to listen to certain songs on my playlist, sit on a bench or swing set with a cup of coffee and imagine little scenarios. Really weird... I know! Right now my song and scenario is "Life in Mono" and I'm in New York, Central Park, and I'm wearing today's outfit choice (obviously) and I'm watching life happen. Watching elderly couples be affectionate with each other, watching kids play and watching the sun set off the lake. As you already know from posts I've done in the past, I like to bring some of my scenarios to life. Why limit yourself to imagining when you can make it happen?

The only thing to make this whole scenario come together would be me actually in New York, but sometimes the best of things come later. At least that's what's always proven to be true to me.

Until next time,
Xoxo

Jacket: H&M
Sweater: Zara
Jeans: F21
Purse: F21
Strappy heels: Aldo
Necklace: H&M 

September Issues

As you've already gotten to know based on my previous posts; I have zero act right when it comes to fur and anything shiny. Now, I know it's way too early to break out the faux fur and other heavy layering pieces for the Fall season. It's 98°F outside as we speak... in September! But, who said anything about being outside? I've stated before that I enjoy playing dress up in the comfort of my home. Today's post is no different. While lounging around, I like to still keep it classy with a nice robe and some sort of jewelry. Today I opted for this fur coat I bought a while back. I never really have the chance to wear it because I don't have anything in my daily wardrobe that goes with it. So now I just wear it around the house. I have air conditioning, I can strut around in fur if I want to.

Trust me when I say I'm not high maintenance. I just remember this one nice lady I admired when I was young who would strut around her house in kitten heels, fur, red long nails and all of her gold jewelry. Her name was Ms. Lula. I loved that lady! She would take me to Bible Study with her and she taught me how to pray. She was the nicest lady and she was absolutely fabulous!

Just when you thought I was this 'bougie'  chic; now you see I'm simply emulating one of my favorite people who was dear to me.

Thanks for stopping by and tuning in.

Until next time,
Xoxo

Fur coat: H&M
Sweat pants: F21
Tank top: Hanes
Necklace: F21