Beach Chic Essentials - Don't want summer to end!

Hello!
Today I'm bringing you a "Beach Chic Essentials" post, where I'm talking about pieces that I'd wear to the beach! I am totally missing the beaches of Nice and Southern France, I had such a good time (photos to be shared in part II of travel diary coming next post!).

Beach Chic Essentials 

Valentine's Night Out on the Town

Hello!
I have been super stretched out lately due to overload of work and starting the last 6-9 months of my PhD (!!!!), so I haven't had a chance to shoot some outfits, but more will be coming soon. Since it is almost end of January (!!! how is time flying so fast?!?), I decided to do a post on my Valentine's Outfit that I am planning - the boy hasn't said anything about plans yet but who doesn't love shopping for new dresses! We don't usually do anything big other than go to dinner sometimes the weekend after, but I'm going to suggest we do something a little bigger this year.

I was inspired by the glam feel of San Francisco Fairmont Hotel - I've only been to San Francisco once before, but I would love to go back and go out to dinner at one of the chic upscale restaurants in the district or at a fancy hotel! If you are looking for great hotels in San Francisco, do check it out and let me know what you think!
I came up with two outfits that I could wear based on my mood and what kind of vibe I wanted to give - both I think are romantic and super stylish, but whether I was feeling like a bad ass (top) or more romantic (bottom), I could choose. I know its cliche to wear red on Valentine's, but I'm in love with burgundy for February. It is a color that I think I look good in.
For bad ass chic (top): I went with a flowy sleeved dress that is super boho and clean. Silver accessories like a necklace and a black bag and heeled boots complete the outfit look. I'm also feeling floppy hats, even though it'll be evening, why not? I've seen people wearing them inside and if we do something before earlier in the afternoon evening, why not wear to dinner? And as far as makeup, I love a classy cat eye with some glitter glam, and some burgundy red lips! So perfect! My favorite burgundy lipstick is a shade from Hikari that I love, so I would totally wear that!

Valentine's Night Out on the Town 

Winter Wonderland - Winter 2016 Fashion Trends

Happy weekend!
I can't believe it is already the middle of January! 2016 is already flying by!
We have had some rainstorms here in California because of El Nino, and it has been a little refreshing. The weather has also been a little cooler and chilly here, but not as bad as in the east coast and the midwest. I got a little taste of winter when I was home for the holidays, but got back to LA just in time for the cold and snow to hit the east coast!
I wanted to blog post about winter trends I have been seeing lots of bloggers rock this season - winter wonderland clothing!
I love love love light colors this season, like beige, white, and metallic! I have seen many a beige jacket and I really want to incorporate one into my wardrobe! I'm also digging ombre style sweaters, especially with lighter colors!
Metallic nails are also something I'm super into this season - I love silver as it reminds me of the holidays and winter!
And something I'm obsessed with now are scarves. I wish it was colder in LA so I could wear them more often. I love lighter patterns and also chunky knit ones! So cuddly and warm! Scarves definitely kept me warm while I was on the East Coast!

Winter Wonderland - Winter 2016 Fashion Trends by andreah227 featuring a beanie hat

5 Cheap and Unique Holiday Gift Ideas that won't break the bank

Hello!
Wondering what to get your friends and family this holiday season without breaking the bank? Run out of ideas of what to get someone who seemingly has everything?
I just finished paying my rent/bills and doing my finances and realized I don't have extra money to spend the rest of this month (and it's only the 7th! eek!), so I came up with a list of cheaper and unique ideas for gifts for my friends and family!
What do you think about this? And I love checking out Amazon for gifts because they are always cheaper and super easy because if you have prime then they get delivered super fast (depending on your city, sometimes here in LA I have received things next day when ordering the night before!)

1. A Cute Quotation Mug - Who doesn't love a cute mug for coffee or tea? I know lately I've been so busy to wash dishes, and all of my coffee mugs get used and sit in the sink - it's always nice to have an extra mug! And if there's a cute quote or design, all the better! I thought these were super cute and motivating. Check out similar here, there are too many cute ones on amazon for me to just link a few!

2. A Cute Tea kettle/tea set - I have been wanting a tea kettle/tea set for some time now! I like drinking tea in the evenings now as it is calming and not as much caffeine as coffee, and what better to make tea than with a really cute tea set! It's not a complete necessity but just to make yourself or your friends/family feel cute, why not! I couldn't find a single one I wanted, as they are all too cute, but check out similar here ! A tea pot set is definitely on my wishlist for the holidays!

3. Wine/Whiskey glasses and accessories  - If your loved ones and friends are of legal age and enjoy unwinding with a glass of wine, whiskey, or other beverage of choice, what a better gift than some cute glasses or accessories (corks, openers, etc.?) They should be relatively inexpensive and can be super useful at parties or entertainment, especially during holiday parties this season! Check out Whiskey Glasses, Wine Glasses or alcohol and wine accessories.

5 Cheap and Unique Holiday Gift Ideas that won't break the bank by andreah227 

November Fall Trends Style Guide

Hi loves!
Life has been rather hectic for me with work, leaving me little to no time to myself. I need to figure out how to better balance work and life, as I need to make time for myself, whether it is blogging, working out, or sleeping! Trying to do too much with not enough time always ends up feeling overwhelming.
Every night I browse a couple of my favorite blogs to relax, and scrolling through the fashion hashtags on instagram, I have gained some style inspiration for this November/fall! I am itching to go shopping now!
Here are some Fall November Trends that I am loving right now!

1. Braids - After attending StyleCon OC this past weekend, it was all about the braids! They had braid bars all over the event so you could get your hair done! I got a crown braid which went around the entire top of my head (photo peak on instagram, outfit post to come Thursday/Friday!). And since I am bored with just wearing my hair down to work, I have started trying to do a front pleated braid, which helps my highlights stand out and it keeps the hair out of my face! I want to do a youtube tutorial on this, if I ever find the time to record!

2. Tulle/Full Skirts  - I saw a few bloggers wearing Tulle skirts, and I fell in Love!  I saw my sweet blogger friend Jeannie from Msjeannieandhercloset.com wearing a Tulle skirt in her latest post and it solidified for me the style - it is so chic especially paired with some boots! A full tulle skirt matched with a plain blouse is just the perfect outfit! I am going to buy a tulle skirt soon to style on the blog!

November Trends Report

Style Trends: Cheap dresses for a Fall Formal Event

Hello loves!
Happy Friday! I am sooo glad it is basically the weekend! This week seemed to drag by. I finally got back into the groove of things (it only took me a month! oops!) but I guess everyone needs time to relax and destress!
I really can't believe it is September! Fall is basically here (or so it seems, in LA it is still just hot), so I am excited for the new trends that I'm feeling -- I would love for the weather to cool down a bit so I can wear boots and sweaters, but I can still incorporate some pieces into my wardrobe!
In addition, there are lots of events going on in fall, including fall weddings or other formal events to attend, whether it be anniversary dinners, birthday dinners, baby showers, weddings, etc., and here are my picks!
I love maroon/purple/dark blue for fall - perfect shades for the day getting shorter (sigh! I don't like shorter days...), and the impending cold (we wish, in LA!). I really like these flattering darker formal dresses from Promtimes.co.uk, cut right above the knee! Perfect length, and they are all under $50! Super affordable even for a poor grad student on a budget!  I love the different cut necklines, from one shoulder to sweetheart strapless to regular straps, they all seem to be flattering! and can be worn for many different occasions! Accessorized with the perfect statement necklace (I'm feeling silver accent pieces this Fall) and the right heeled pumps (nude or black?), perfect outfit for a night out or wedding/event!

September Fitness Challenge - Getting back on the workout grind!

Hello loves! happy September!
I really can't believe it is already September and the summer is basically over!
Today marks my 4 year anniversary of living in Los Angeles! Woo woo! How fast time is flying, it is a little scary!
Today I am bringing out a style board with some fitness outfits to give you some inspiration! I am putting in some more effort to work out 4-5 times a week, mainly to help deal with stress and anxiety with work, and to get back into shape! I used to work out 5 times a week and I was so fit! and then I fell off track the last year or so, and I miss it! I also realized I have to make time for myself, which is something I have been neglecting to do -- leading to more stress, so it is a vicious cycle!
I have been looking for new workout gear to wear, even though I already have a bunch, new workout clothes always inspire me and make me want to work out!
Here are some styles I have my eye on lately:

September Fitness Challenge - Getting back on the workout grind! 

Six Summer Beauty Travel Essentials

Happy middle of the week/almost the weekend!
As the weekend gets closer I'm getting more and more anxious about my trip! I finally settled into my new apartment, finally got rid of boxes and unpacked everything, and finally got into a routine for my commute to work, and now I'm getting ready to jet set off to Europe for the next three weeks! I have already talked about this but I am going to a conference in Barcelona, and I finished my poster for my presentation tonight, going to go print it tomorrow on fabric (yes they print on fabric so no more carrying huge poster tubes in the airport!), and just wrapping up experiments in lab. Time to start packing for the next few weeks of SUN and RELAXATION!! Something I have been lacking the last few weeks.

Summer Beauty Travel Essentials by andreah227 

Living Room Inspiration - Blue like the Sea

Hello loves!
Happy first of July! I can't believe it is already July! Where is time going!? It feels like it was New Years Eve just yesterday!
I have had a rough couple of weeks with non stop work and stress, and getting really stressed out about my move this weekend to university apartments. I was really anxious to make everything official, but everything is working out and I have transferred all the utilities etc.! Now comes the hard part - packing up a whole apartment's worth of furniture!

I currently have a living room/dining room set up that I like, but with having a new place, I want to switch it up a bit, and what better way to switch it up than with changing in some cool accent pieces!
Living Room Inspiration - Blue like the Sea by andreah227 featuring a leather loveseat

Summer Shoe Picks - Wear to...

Hi lovelies!
With summer basically here (depending on where you live, but in LA it is summer already!), ever wonder what shoes to wear? I love shoes, but working (or basically living) in the lab really limits what kinds of shoes I can wear... must be closed-toed shoes, but on the weekends/evenings I branch out and wear a pair of my cute shoes (my closet is full of shoes!!).
Here are some picks for this summer, with selections to wear for various places.

Summer Shoe Picks - Wear to... by andreah227 

Beach Trip Essentials - Summer Lovin'

Happy Friday loves!
I'm SO happy its Friday, and it's a long weekend here in the US, Memorial Day weekend!
I am going on a little mini trip with the boyfriend, to get away from work and stresses and just relax! Where am I going? Can you guess from the Style board posted below???
Also, I have some great news, my paper is finally accepted in the Journal of Biological Chemistry!! It will be online sometime soon, but it is just in time for me to present my research at an international research conference in July in BARCELONA!!!!! It has always been a dream of mine ever since I was in high school to go to Barcelona, and now it is happening, on a business trip nonetheless, but I will be able to explore the city (and bring you MORE conference/work fashion when the time comes!). I also will be jet setting off to the greek islands right after the conference to visit my family for a week and a half, so I AM SO EXCITED!!! I have needed a vacation since I went to Hawaii last September, so I am way over due, even with this little mini getaway this weekend with the boy!
Well, since my trip is 2 months away, I am day dreaming about afternoons on the beach, with no cares in the world. I LOVE research and it's my passion, but sometimes you need to step away from the bench and unplug for a week or two (or three!). Here is going to be my uniform this weekend and in July when I am traveling and on the beach: I have picked out some bikinis and cover ups and accessories! Barcelona also has some beautiful beaches so I am sure I can double use outfits for both my island excursion and Barcelona!

Beach Trip Essentials - Summer Lovin' 

Gift Ideas for Mom - Mother's Day Inspiration

Hello lovelies!

Happy mother's day this coming Sunday to all the lovely mums and mums to be!
I unfortunately won't be able to spend it with my lovely mom because she is all the way across the country in Boston, but I will be there in spirit and have already sent her a card, and may just send her a bouquet of flowers or a care package later with some gifts! It's a little hard to send a lot of gifts when you are so far away, but the post office is always around the corner!

Here are some of my gift ideas for my mom, and hopefully some inspiration for you to get for your mom/wife/daughter/best friend/anyone in your life that you are celebrating this weekend!

1. Flowers - While I hate buying in to the whole holiday get flowers thing for like Valentine's day and other holidays, when you are so far away from your family, sometimes flowers mean the world. I like to send my mom flowers to her work to surprise her, and I have in the past on her birthday, particularly because she doesn't expect it. And my mom works a lot, so it's more likely to make an impact sitting on her desk :) There are lots of floral shops you can order flowers online, so even being across the country I can order from a local florist online and have it delivered within a few hours!

2. Cards - Cheesy sometimes, but again, when so far away, it shows that you are thinking of mom! A nice personalized message inside to tell her how much you appreciate her and miss her, can mean a lot!

3. Jewelry -  I tend to not like necklaces that say 'Mom' on them, but if it floats your boat, go for it! I float towards jewelry that can be worn with various things, and such I would shop for my mom with such a necklace! These cute wish, love necklaces are perfect, and add just the right touch to a casual simple outfit!

Gift Ideas for Mom - Mother's Day Inspiration by andreah227 

Spring/Summer '15 Inspirations

As it is may already, I am already thinking about and trying to plan my summer getaway. I am overdue for a vacation, and this stress from work is killing me! I am dreaming of sun, beach, coffee/drinks, and relaxation at a place far far away! I am trying to turn this into a European escapade, so I will let you know the details as soon as I know more myself! hehe!

Today I bring to you a style board with some pieces and inspirations that I have been in love with recently.

1. Blazers:  Ever since I went to the conference, I have been in love with blazers and wearing them over a casual outfit. They add the right amount of chic and elegance while still being able to be worn more casually if the moment calls for it. They are very versatile, can be worn to work, over a dress, over a blouse, or even a T-shirt! I am stocking up on blazers and trying to wear them as part of different outfits to create more variation in my outfits!

2. Floral Print Spring Dresses: Something that I think I am going to carry over into summer is floral print dresses - I am in love with big floral prints this season, and what more romantic that a light, flowy skater dress with a flower print! Super easy to wear and easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion!

Spring/Summer '15 Inspirations by andreah227 featuring a button jacket

Spring into Style with Apparel Candy!

Hello lovelies! and happy Tuesday!
It has been warming up here in LA this past weekend, and with this time change, the sun is out much later! It feels nice leaving lab and the sun is still out! That only means that spring is coming! And to honor this warm up in LA (sorry all my friends on the east coast with snow and cold weather still, but spring is coming soon for you too!), I have created a style board featuring cute pieces to wear this spring, featuring items from ApparelCandy!
I am totally into pinks/coral/purple shades for this spring, and I inadvertently picked things in the same color palette! I am loving some sun dresses, particularly for brunch on the weekend with friends, along with some cat-eye sunnies (sunglasses), which style is my favorite right now!

Spring into Style ! by Phdfashionista.com

Transition Wear - Lab to Night out

I recently went out for dinner for DineLA week at this AMAZING sushi place called Sugarfish. It was sooo delicious, totally worth the price! I had a pretty busy day in lab so I knew I wouldn't have time to go home to change before the dinner reservation with friends, so I wore an outfit I knew I could easily transition from day to night!

Transition Wear - Lab to Night out by andreah227 featuring kate spade jewelry

Blue/Turquoise, White and Fringe - 2015 Style

I have recently been inspired for new 2015 fashion! A friend recently opened up her online shop (Check out my Facebook page for the link! and LIKE my page while you are there please!), and a lot of her pieces were very mediterranean/middle eastern in style and I fell in love! Here are some looks I put together, rather simple and featuring some loud jewelry to make a statement!

Blue/Turquoise, White and Fringe - 2015 Style by andreah227 featuring a bib statement necklace

New Year's Eve Glam

What to wear this New Year's Eve??

Whether you are going to a chic bar or club or just keeping it low-key at a friend's party or even just at home,  it's always a nice excuse to dress up!

Holiday Makeup Essentials

What makeup to wear during the holiday season? Here are my latest picks for that glam holiday look, easily transitioned from day to night for those family holiday parties to night time excursions with friends! This is my makeup routine this holiday season! With a little saving and splurging, you can totally make this work on a graduate student stipend or low budget!

Practical Holiday Gift Guide for a fashionista (scientist or not!)

What to get for your fashionista friend (scientist or not) thats practical, cheap, and useful? Here are some things on my list for the holidays that are handy for my lifestyle and stylish!

Casual Thanksgiving Warmth

What to wear this week to the various holiday get togethers you may have?

Never fear, here are some comfortable but still stylish outfits! I'm loving chunky sweaters and flowy peplum tops with dark jeans or leggings! And I'm in love with smokey eye makeup with some dramatic red or coral/orange lipstick this season!

Casual Thanksgiving Warmth by andreah227 featuring a casual outfit