We’ve made it a yearly tradition to celebrate our anniversary by traveling and flying off somewhere. Although, this year was a little different compared to previous years because traveling safely and responsibly was extremely important to us.  We decided to visit Joshua Tree since it is only a 2 hour drive from LA. It’s close to home but far enough to get away from the city! The desert has a special place in our hearts because we’ve always had wonderful memories there. In today’s post, I’m sharing details of our little getaway and where we stayed.

WHERE WE STAYED

I’ve had Villa Kuro saved in my Airbnb favorites for as long as I could remember, and thought our anniversary was the perfect occasion to stay there! What initially caught my attention was Villa Kuro’s minimalist interior design. Their design concept is inspired by nature and wabi-sabi—a Japanese philosophy about finding beauty in imperfections, and the charm of what seems weathered and lived-in. The interior and decor consists of earthy tones and nature-inspired elements, which really gave off a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

This mid-century ranch style property was originally built in the 1960’s, and later transformed by interior designer Mini Inno to create a minimal and serene desert hideaway. Upon entering Villa Kuro, slippers are provided for your use. The beautiful home comfortably sleeps 4 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 king beds and 2 bathrooms.

There are multiple indoor and outdoor living areas where you’ll have plenty of room to lounge in! Villa Kuro has the following amenities (just naming a few that I personally find important): fully fitted kitchen (with coffee and coffee makers), outdoor fire pit and hot tub, smart TV to watch Netflix and the like, and charging station for electric cars.

Everything was top notch, from the cleanliness, hospitality, location, design, amenities—you name it. The hosts were very helpful and responsive, and made sure we had an incredible stay. 

If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or romantic getaway, look no further! Villa Kuro is the place. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience, and we had the most wonderful time there. We left feeling recharged and rejuvenated, and already looking forward to coming back in the future! For now, I’ll let the photos speak for itself. If you’re interested in checking out their listing + booking a stay, CLICK HERE.

Last month, I had an opportunity to visit the Big Island with Four Seasons! I’ve only been to Oahu and Maui before this trio, so I was excited to see what the Big Island was like! Located along the Kona-Kohala coast of Hawaii Island, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is truly a site to see. It is a whopping 32-acre property with stunning ocean views, luxurious amenities, and top-notch service. Keep scrolling to read about my experience and why you should check it out for yourself!

REASONS WHY I LOVED MY STAY: 

LOCATION – After about 6 hours of travel from Los Angeles, we arrived to the Big Island. It only took us about 10 minutes or so to arrive at the hotel from the airport, which made it very convenient. We were greeted promptly as we arrived to the property, and check-in was such a breeze! 

ROOMS - I stayed in one of the ocean view guest rooms, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it! The sunrise over the ocean was the best thing to wake up to! It was so beautiful. My room was also complete with warm furnishings that immediately felt homey, and a spacious balcony I really enjoyed. The room service and cleaning service was exceptional as they were very prompt with any assistance or requests I have. 

SPECIAL SUITES - Our first night, we checked out the Dom Perignon suite, it’s the only one in the US and one of their special suites on their property! We popped a bottle as the sun was setting and we even got a few snaps of it. It was the best way to start off our trip and Its definitely worth checking out for yourself. SPA

DINING - Our first meal was at ULU Ocean Grill and we had the best seafood hands down. Looking back at our meal, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! I love seafood, and also anything grilled, so this restaurant just screams my name. if you love seafood, you definitely have to check them out. Heck, even if you don’t love seafood, this place will change your mind! All their seafood tasted so fresh, and each dish had so much flavor, you’d want to keep coming back for more.

CULINARY EXPERIENCE – we were blessed to experience a dinner under the stars, as well as a chef’s table dinner by chef Thomas Bellec. Our dinner under the stars was magical to say the least. It was the most intimate, romantic set-up by the beach, with a live performance. It was something i’ve never experienced before, and I definitely recommend for couples out there. The chef’s table dinner was exceptional. A very well-thought out menu to excite your taste buds. This is something a recommend for larger parties of 4 or more! 

AMENITIES – there are plenty of activities to choose from! There’s a total of 7 pools at the property, a fitness center, on-site water activities, on-site boutiques, and even kid’s amenities to enjoy.

SPA – there is also a spa and salon on-site for everyone to enjoy! I booked a lomi-lomi massage in an outdoor private room that even included its own shower. I loved hearing the breeze as I enjoyed my massage and felt so relaxed after my appointment.

If you’re looking for your next getaway, Four Seasons Hualailai is definitely the place! Put it in your bucket list for 2020 and book your trip now, and I promise, you won’t regret it! Big shout out to the Bollare and Four Seasons team for putting together such an amazing trip, and I can’t thank them enough for this wonderful opportunity! If you want to catch a live recap of my trip, checkout my intsagram here and head over to my “Big Island” highlights :)

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Austin and attend Austin City Limits with Fairmont Hotels! I was so excited because Austin has easily become one of my favorite cities because of their food, art, and music. Known for its eclectic live-music scene and renowned as the “live music capital of the world,” Austin has this really cool vibe that I fell in love with. It was actually my second time visiting the city, but my first time attending the festival! I’ve heard so many great things so I was looking forward to checking it out for myself. Keep scrolling to read about my experience + a few of my favorite spots in this beautiful city!

 The Fairmont Austin is a stunning 37-story tower located in Downtown Austin! Newly opened in 2018, it offers a variety of restaurants, luxurious amenities, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities! It’s also only a few minutes away from all the restaurants, shops and happenings, which made it so easy for us to explore the city.

Upon arrival to the hotel, checking in was such a breeze. Our room had such an incredible view of the city, considering it is one of the few highest buildings in Austin! It was really the best thing to wake up to. The room was also very spacious, the bed was incredibly comfortable, and our beautiful bathroom even had my favorite Le Labo products with my name on it! The personalization and attention to detail really impressed me, and I was ecstatic to check out what else it had to offer!

 Here’s a few reasons why I loved my stay, and why you should check it out too:

Fairmont Gold – where do I begin? The Fairmont gold experience was nothing I’ve ever experienced. Booking a Fairmont Gold room gives you access to exclusive rooms, including “the gold lounge” where there’s a check-in and lounge area. The Gold Lounge offers food and drinks during operating hours! I especially loved this feature of the hotel because of the convenience. Whenever I was hungry and needed my caffeine fix, I stopped by to pick up food, snacks and coffee (I made my own lattes!) at any time of the day! Definitely worth the money if it’s within your budget!!

Luxurious amenities – one of the reasons why I loved my stay at the Fairmont was the amenities in the property! They have a gorgeous pool area, a gym to stay active, and a spa to to get massages and relax. I was able to schedule a massage at the Spa, and even got to enjoy the sauna and Jacuzzi. I had the most relaxing time ever, I’ve got to say that it was definitely needed!

Dining options – another reason to love the Fairmont is the variety of dining options! Revue offers a vibrant dining experience with flavors from Italy and Asia, as well as seafood options and even a pastry shop you can enjoy! I definitely recommend their okonomiyaki and shrimp gyozas while you’re there. However, If you’re looking for a date night spot, look no further because Garrison is the place! They’re known for their smoky, high-quality meats, seafood and local produce that will excite your taste buds! When you visit, make sure to try their sourdough bread with avocado butter. It is out of this world!

Drinks, drinks, drinks! The Fairmont has two bars in their property. Fulton is located in the 1st floor by the lobby, while Rules and Regs is located by the pool area. Both bars offer amazing hand-crafted cocktails and delicious food to enjoy; its definitely worth checking out!

MUST-SEE SPOTS

 On our first official day in Austin, we visited a couple notable spots in the city.

Our first stop was Desert Door, the one and only sotol distillery here in the US. We got a tour of the distillery and learned how sotol is made and even got to taste it during and post-production! I’ve never heard of sotol until this tour, but I was amazed of its process and taste! Sotol is a distilled spirit made from wild-harvested sotol plants. Think of it as a cousin of mezcal and tequila. And not to mention, you will LOVE the interior of this place! It’s a rustic heaven and perfect for photos!

Next stop was Vista Brewing, a brewery located just outside of Austin where you can enjoy acres of beer garden, live music and ranch views! We got to try their delicious beers and food, and the interior of this place makes you feel right at home. The brewery is so stunning overall and definitely worth the visit!

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS

The Austin City Limits Music Festival, also known as ACL Fest, is an annual music festival held in Zilker Park on two consecutive 3-day weekends in October. This was my first time attending ACL Fest and I was ecstatic to see what it had in store! I have a true love for festivals and live concerts because there’s just something special about everyone coming together, listening to live music, and having the best time. The festival is held in the city and it was a breeze to get into considering it was just a few miles away from our hotel. The artist lineup included a few of my favorites like Masego and Childish Gambino, and I was so happy I got to see them perform live! The festival as a whole was very organized; it was easy to walk from stage to stage, and had an amazing VIP area we got to experience! Food AND drinks were all included, and it also had some cool stands and installations that you and your gang can enjoy. Out of all the festivals I’ve been to, it was the best VIP experience and definitely worth the money.

If you’re looking for your next getaway, Fairmont Austin is the place! You get to enjoy a beautiful city and check out amazing food, art and music. I had such an amazing time and can’t wait to go back! Shoutout to the Fairmont team and staff for such a wonderful experience and I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity. Thank you so much for reading and hope you got some insightful tips on your next visit to Austin.  For more recaps, you can check out my Instagram and “Austin” highlights! Til next time!

I made it to NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2019! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this season, and I wanted to take you along with me through this experience! Huge shoutout to TRESemme for bringing me to my 6th NYFW. Please check it out below :)

This post is sponsored by Finish Line and ShopStyle.

In case you didn’t know, the white sneaker trend is here to stay. It’s clean, versatile, and always in style. It’s a true classic! White sneakers compliment every outfit, and everyone has been obsessing over this trend, me included. In today’s blog post I’m showing you my how I’m styling my new white adidas UltraBOOST!

I currently have a great selection of casual white sneakers in my closet but I was looking for a comfortable pair that I can wear on my off-duty days, either to workout in or for my airport look. I recently got a pair of white adidas UltraBOOST from Finish Line and I absolutely love this knitted, white-out color way. I love how UltraBOOSTs are so comfortable and versatile! Finish Line has been my go-to for shopping athleisure shoes and clothing because they offer a wide variety of styles from my favorite brands like adidas! I can always find what I’m looking for on their site, and even got  a white pair for my boyfriend to match :)

When it comes to styling, I love wearing my white sneakers with biker shorts because it gives that effortless cool girl vibe! On the other hand, my boyfriend loves wearing his with jeans for a clean street style vibe. How do you style your white sneakers? Would love to know in the comments below!

This post is sponsored by Finish Line and ShopStyle.


Since summer is just around the corner, I wanted to add a few staple pieces that I thought would be perfect to wear all season long! I was specifically looking for pieces that screams comfort and style, and immediately thought of adidas—one of my favorite brands to shop for my athleisure looks! I found a few items from Finish Line that I absolutely love, and thought I’d share them with you:

1.     Everyone needs a pair of reliable sneakers, and the adidas UltraBOOST has been my favorite for years now! I’m a big fan of them because they’re the most comfortable shoes that I own. I actually needed an upgrade from an old pair I got a few years back, so I decided to get a new pair in white and grey to match my monochromatic wardrobe! I love how I can wear these both to the gym and the airport. They’re the perfect all-around sneakers for the style and functionality, especially for all my fitness and adventure-loving gals out there! I’m also loving the other colors in all-white, black, and pink!

2.     Crop Tops are such a staple piece in my closet because they’re so versatile and easy to wear! I love how this top is cute on it’s own, but you can style it in so many other ways! For example, I would throw on a light jacket for a cool, effortless look; or layer it with a sheer top for a night out. There’s also other colors like white and blue!

 3.      Biker Shorts are a big obsession of mine because they can make any look effortlessly chic! You can dress it up or down and stay comfy while you’re at it. You can go for an “elegant and polished” look by throwing on a blazer, or a “casual and cool” look by wearing an oversized tee! I also love how the stripes on the side gives it such a sporty vibe! 

4.     Clear bags are all the rage! Did you know that most music concerts and shows require event-goers to wear only clear bags for safety measures? But hey, I’m not complaining! They’re super cute and fun! I thought this fanny pack would be the perfect everyday summer bag. They also have a crossbody option if that’s more your style!

 5.     Last but not least, a cute hat to complete the look! I found this denim bucket hat and thought I had to get it. I’m currently obsessed with anything denim and I love the subtle print on it. They also have this in white, black and camo!

 I hope you guys loved the wardrobe essentials I shared above! And if you’re planning on adding any of these items to your wardrobe, or if you already have an item or two in your closet, please let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts. I’m hoping that summer can come sooner because I’m excited to show you more styling ideas with these items. Until next time :)

Reflecting on 2018. Oh man, where do I begin? It was a great year for my career but I struggled a lot internally. I was too hard on myself, doubted myself a lot and lost self-confidence at one point. But through my struggles I found faith, strength and most importantly, I found myself again. I cried a lot, laughed a lot, and loved a lot. I’m so thankful for the past year, for all its lessons and blessings. Now I can honestly say that I’m coming into the new year with so much light and joy, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me!

I took some time over the holidays to reflect and reconnect with myself so that I can set my intentions for the new year. I love this time of year because it gives us a blank canvas to start over, where we can draw and paint to whatever our heart’s desire. I prefer setting Intentions than goals because intentions align us with our purpose, while goals pressure us to have an external outcome. It’s important to set intentions for the new year because it helps to keep you focused, prioritize what's most important and start making transformations from within. So in today’s blog post, I’m sharing with you my intentions for the new year!

2019 INTENTIONS

1.     New adventures

I traveled to so many places in 2018 but decided to buckle down the past few months because of my big move plus the holidays. But now, I’m ready to travel again and making it a goal to travel at least once a month in attempt to venture out and get inspired. I’m currently listing all local, domestic and international destinations and already have a few trips in mind! If you have any recommendations and would like to share your favorite destinations, I’d love to hear them on the comments section below!

2.     Read more

I always try to make this a goal every year but never really made the effort to stick with it. This year it’s all about less screen time and more reading time. I’m making it a goal to read a book at least once a month! If you have any recommendations and would like to share your favorite books, I’d love to hear on the comments section below!

3.     Start journaling

This is also something I’ve been wanting to do but never made the time. This year I’m making it a goal to write everything down. From ideas to feelings, to-do lists to recipes, you name it! I religiously write to-do lists everyday on my planner, but I want to go in deeper and write literally everything that goes on in my head in attempt to fully express myself more and have a more clear, peaceful mind.

4.     Put my name on it

I’ve always dreamed about creating my own product. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved designing (I dreamt about being a fashion designer) and creating something of my own (I’ve always been the artsy type!). I’m making it a goal this year to be more proactive in terms of creating something tangible, and some of my ideas include (but not limited to): creating a capsule clothing line, a lipstick shade, staple black boots, or even my own hair color shade?! It excites me just thinking about it!

5.     More self-love

This applies to all aspects of my life: career, relationships, and well-being. I’m making it a priority to not compare myself to others and to forgive myself more when it comes to my job; I’m only choosing loving relationships and filtering out toxic ones (‘cause let’s face it, no one’s got time for that!); and making sure I workout 3-4x a week and eat clean with necessary cheat days, because I deserve to be the best version of myself without overdoing it. This year, I’m lovingly choosing myself.

6.     Help the environment

This year I’ll be making an effort to learn more about creating a sustainable lifestyle and making it a goal to work with more sustainable brands. I’ve already made to switch from plastic items to reusable materials, but I want to continue by supporting sustainable clothing and clean beauty—choosing sustainability whenever I can. I plan to choose more investment, quality pieces in my home and closet. It’s going to be a process, but this is the year where I’m going to take the necessary steps to help the environment.

Today, I encourage you to make a list of your intentions for the new year.  It’s never too late to reflect and reconnect with yourself—your purpose. Write it down and share it with someone close to you, someone you know who will support you and will help keep you focused throughout the year! Writing down and sharing my intentions excites me so much for the new year—it gives me something to look forward to and work towards to, and I hope it inspires you to do the same :)

Shop similar looks below!

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I get A TON of questions on how I take care of my hair since I get it done so often. My hair has gone through a lot and I really try to make sure I take care of it. Hence, I’m always searching and trying products new products for my hair in the hopes of finding what actually works for me. And in todays blog post, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step of my current hair care routine: what’s been helping my hair to combat damage and breakage.

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Here are the steps:

STEP 1: CLEANSE

Look for a shampoo and conditioner that both strengthens and moisturizes hair

Matrix Total Results The Re-bond 3-Step System

I’ve been using Matrix Total Results The Rebond 3-Step System Shampoo, Pre-Conditioner and Conditioner for the past 6 months now and it has helped my damaged hair tremendously! This line not only repairs damaged hair but it also brings it back to life by making it stronger and smoother. What I love about this 3-step routine is the extra step of pre-conditioner—I find that it really helped moisturize my extremely dry and damaged hair. The shampoo cleanses build up without striping out the color of your hair, then the pre-conditioner builds resilience and shine, and lastly, the conditioner seals in moisture and protects the hair from inside-out! It’s perfect for anyone who colors or chemically treats their hair.

STEP 2: MOISTURIZE

Look for leave-in treatments that will help with damage/breakage.

Matrix Oil Wonders Indian Amla

I always apply an oil treatment after washing my hair to prevent it from getting dry and damaged! I’ve been using the Matrix Oil Wonders Indian Amla Strengthening Oil and I just really love how my hair feels so soft and healthy after applying it. This product is formulated with Indian Amla Oil that renews fragile weakened hair and restores its strength. It smells amazing too!

STEP 3: PROTECT

Look for a heat protectant spray to avoid heat/styling damage

Matrix Stylelink Heat Buffer

I make sure to apply a heat protectant spray on my damp or towel dried hair before I start styling. Lately I’ve been using the Style Link Heat Buffer Styling Spray by matrix! It has a lightweight, fine mist formula that can be applied to dry or damp hair (I prefer damp). It leaves my hair feeling less damaged and feeling smooth and shiny!

SHOP THE PRODUCTS:

I find this step-by-step process very helpful especially with overly processed hair! I tend to switch things up every now and then since I love discovering new products, but I use this step-by-step process as a foundation on how I look for new products to try. It’s so important to really know how to take care of your hair and find products that work best for you. I hope you that you find this hair care routine helpful, and I’ll keep you updated when this routine changes.

This post is in partnership with Matrix, but all opinions are my own!

It’s time to switch things up! I love warm and copper tones but I’ve been playing around with mattes and neutral tones lately. I’m all about a good balanced look and nothing could be more perfect than a good smoky eye and nude lip combo. This look is also perfect on my on-the-go days where I can create a day-to-night look: starting the day with a lighter smoky eye that’s more appropriate for everyday, then I add darker shades for a bolder look (for when I have dinner plans or a night out with friends). I’ve been really into this look lately and I wanted to share with you the products I used. If you’d like to recreate this look, I linked all the products below!

Skin Prep:

• Pixi Glow Tonic
• Pixi Glow Mist
• Pixi Jasmine Oil Blend

Eyes:

• Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette (Matte)
• Maybelline Curvitude Liner
• Urban Decay Eye Pencil
• Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara

Primer:

• Stila One Step Illuminate

Foundation:

• Nars Velvet Matte Tint (Cuzco)

Concealer:

• Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer (SX8)

Powder:

• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder

Contour:

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Highlight:

• Lime Crime Hi-Lite Palette

Bronzer/Blush/Highlight:

• Becca x Chrissy Teigen Palette

Lips:

• Purlisse Daily Lip Nourisher
• Colourpop "WYD" Ultra Matte Lip

Set:

• Urban Decay "All Nighter" Setting Spray

Thanks to daylight savings this past weekend, I was inspired to style my first spring look of the season. I love stripes because they’re the most versatile print out there that can spice up your look. You rarely see me in color but I thought this top was too cute to pass up!

I always try to opt for vertical stripes because it elongates the body and makes it look slimmer. Something that petite girls like me have to consider! I got this bustier top from N12H and I adore the ruffle and crochet detail—I think that the colors and details are perfect for spring! I wanted the top to really stand out in this look, so I paired it with a black hat and jeans. I'm wearing my newest straw tote that I found I Bali (I'm kinda obsessed), and my new favorite Gucci sunnies from the early 2000's that I stole from my dearest momma (yasss, I got my sense of style from her). I hope you liked this look - you can shop similar pieces below!

Coming into the new year, I made a commitment to myself to practice self love more.  And I knew that loving myself meant taking better care of myself. In order to do so, I’ve set a couple intentions to keep throughout the year:

Have a healthy mind AND body.

In my attempt to have a healthier mind and body, I’ve decided to start practicing yoga. I always thought that I needed to do high intensity workouts when it comes to being active and healthy, and never thought that I would enjoy yoga. However, after hearing first-hand experiences from a few girlfriends, I thought I should give it a try. I recently started my membership at Core Power Yoga and have been loving it so far! I’ve been trying to go 3-4 times a week (mostly in the mornings) and I can honestly say that it’s helped a lot with my mood and productivity as well as my mental health and awareness. I feel more calm and stress-free, and also feel more mindful of my time and surroundings. Core Power Yoga offers different types of classes but I have been loving their yoga sculpt classes because it includes cardio and weights (yes, you heard that right!). If you're interested in checking them out, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial here. On my lighter weeks, I also try to go to the gym at least once or twice to do cardio and heavier weights.

Always remember: It's not about how you look, it's how YOU feel about yourself.

We all get motivated in the beginning of the year but it’s so easy to get side tracked, especially with our busy lives. But once you treat your workout as more of a habit than a chore, it gets a lot easier to be more consistent with it. Simply put, avoid all excuses and make your health a priority!

Keep a healthy, non-strict diet.

A few months ago, I found myself feeling more sluggish than usual and even got sick a couple times. I took it as a sign and started making healthier choices when it comes to what I eat. I started cooking healthier meals at home and have been incorporating more fruits and veggies in my diet. After a couple months, I started shedding a few pounds even though I wasn’t working out! I have been replacing white rice with brown rice, quinoa or greens, and I have been trying to avoid refined sugars. Note: this is my secret to getting those abs pop out!

Don’t get me wrong, this was such a HUGE challenge for me because I’ve always been surrounded by dishes that come with rice, and I have THE biggest sweet tooth ever. But since I crave healthy food when I workout, it got easier over time. It also helps a lot when you make yourself food at home.

Remind yourself that HEALTHY is better than SKINNY.

My biggest advice to you is to find out what works best for you and your body. Crazy strict diets are not always the solution, and I’m not planning on doing one anytime soon. I just try to make sure that I maintain a healthy diet by including fruits and veggies in my meals, and then I treat the weekends as my cheat days where I can indulge with friends and loved ones. With that being said, I’ve been able to keep a healthy weight and still live my best life. It’s really all about balance, and my goal is to simply feel good inside-out (without sacrificing too much).

That’s all I have to share for now! I will try to keep you updated on my wellness journey as time goes by, and I do hope that this post will inspire you to make better and healthier choices for yourself. You can shop a few of my current favorite workout essentials below:

Photography by KSOLE

It has been 8 years since I visited Oahu and I couldn’t have started this trip any better by checking into Alohilani. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the all-new Alohilani is an oasis of tranquility. The welcoming staff, relaxing vibe and elevated experience will sure to make your stay a very pleasant one. Keep scrolling as I give you a sneak peek at aloha chic.

A little history about the property:

Alohilani is proudly named in honor of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. She was a music composer, an author, an ardent supporter of her culture, and loved by her people so dearly. To welcome a fresh perspective on resorts in Waikiki, her spirit is infused into the property just like her beachside home Ke‘alohilani, which means royal brightness.

The amazing view of the diamond head greeted me as I stepped into my room, and I immediately walked to my balcony to take a moment and enjoy it. I had a great view of the city; seeing all the hustle and bustle of the streets right in front of me, and the waves crashing in the ocean just right across it. The décor is minimal and features vibrant artwork in every room. It was very spacious and I loved how natural light filled the room thanks to the sliding glass doors to my balcony. I have to say that my experience was very comfortable and pleasant overall.

With just steps away from the beach, Alohilani is in nearby many hot spots in Waikiki. It was only about 10-15 minutes away to shopping centers like Ala Moana, and about 20 minutes away from Chinatown Market. There’s numerous options for great restaurants around the area and one of my favorites, Musubi Café, is just around the corner!

Note that they offer complimentary breakfast buffet during your stay! 

Alohilani features a stunning infinity pool where you can watch the most amazing view of the sunset. They also have two bars (O Bar is located by the lobby and Swell is by the pool), a restaurant (Lychee) and two more restaurants opening soon, a casual ramen spot and signature dining experience by Renowned Chef Morimoto.

I can’t thank Alohilani enough for such a wonderful stay, and I hope to be back very soon!

Photography by KSOLE

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and I'll be ringing in the new year in coppers and reds! I love these colors because they flatter pretty much every skin tone, and warms up the skin during the winter season. I've been playing around with my Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette and I love the variety of warm colors it has to offer. Each color is very creamy and pigmented that makes it so easy to work with! I paired it with the latest colourpop x iluvsarahii's ultra matte lip in softii and it's the perfect deep rose shade. I'm kinda obsessed with muted red colors because they flatter my skin really well.

I hope you like this makeup look! And if you wanna recreate this look for yourself, I listed all the details with direct links below :)

Skin Prep:

• Kate Somerville Hydrating Mist
• Dr. Jart Cicapair Serum
• Kate Somerville Glow Moisturizer

Eyes:

• Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
• Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner
• Urban Decay Eye Pencil
• Kevyn Aucoin Expert Mascara

Primer:

• Hourglass Veil Primer

Foundation:

• Nars All Day Luminous Foundation

Concealer:

• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Powder:

• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder

Contour:

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Highlight:

• Colourpop Amber Crystal Collection

Bronzer/Blush/Highlight:

• Becca x Chrissy Teigen Palette

Lips:

• Purlisse Daily Lip Nourisher
• Colourpop x iluvsarahii Ultra Matte Lip

Set:

• MAC Prep + Prime Fix Setting Spray

Brunching is my favorite part of the weekend. It gives me an excuse to dress up and catch up with loved ones! When dressing for brunch, I make sure I have these 3 key pieces to my look:

Retro Sunnies

The number one essential! I can never go without it because first of all, it’s always sunny here in SoCal. Secondly, accessories can add so much to an outfit. I like retro styles because they give more of a laid-back vibe, perfect for brunch!

Statement sleeves

Let’s be real, Sunday brunch is the best time for a photo op! Your upper body is what shows more since you’re sitting at brunch most of the time, so I like wearing pieces that are dressier on top.  I always go for statement sleeves because it gives off a dressy casual vibe.

Platform Shoes

If you’re petite like me, I always try to add a little height by wearing heels! However, since I’m going a more casual vibe for brunch, I opt for platforms. They’re more comfortable than wearing heels, and it makes the look more effortless!

I live in Los Angeles and although it’s starting to get cold here, most days are still warm and sunny. You can adjust accordingly by adding a coat if it’s colder where you live! I hope this post  gives you some inspiration in putting together your next brunch outfit.

Get the look below:

Wearing Free People Dress, Misa Tote, Chinese Laundry Slippers.

For my birthday this year, I really wanted a tropical getaway and decided to go to Tulum, Mexico! I’ve always been so curious about this place and thought it was the perfect time to do so. About two hours away from the Cancun airport, you can find the Tulum beach strip alongside the Caribbean coast. It's a small road that runs the length of the beach where most places are easily accessible on foot or bicycle—something most hotels provide for rent! You will find yourself relaxing at spas, doing yoga in the mornings, enjoying the secluded beaches, and eating fresh local foods that Tulum has to offer. I'm seriously so obsessed with this place and I cannot stop raving about it to my friends, so I hope after reading this blog post, you will want to check it out for yourself with a few of my recommendations below!

Wearing Free People Jumpsuit

Nomade Tulum

Oh my gosh, I don’t even know where to begin. This place was absolutely magical! The moment we arrived Nomade, we were greeted with a very welcoming staff and beautiful rustic interiors. We checked in to our Sea View Suite, which was facing the beautiful Carribean sea and only a few steps away from the ocean. Our private hut had its own outdoor hammock, an indoor bath, and air condition that made our stay very pleasant. Most importantly, there’s wi-fi in the hotel premises! Nomade Tulum is incredibly charming and aesthetically pleasing, and you will want to snap a photo literally anywhere you go.

Wearing Indah Clothing Swim Set

Macondo

Macondo is a restaurant located at Nomade Tulum where they offer wholesome and holistic food. They also have a variety of vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options where they use local, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients, something that I truly enjoyed. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious! 

Nomade provided complimentary breakfast during our stay and each meal included the following:

• toasted bread and pastries with butter and jam (this was my absolute favorite and still crave it until this day)
• fresh cut fruits with assorted nuts and yogurt
• coffee and a variety of freshly squeezed juice
• your choice of eggs, either poached, over easy, scrambled, or an omelette

Bread, pastries, yogurt, and freshly squeezed juices

Poached eggs and an omelette

Taqueria La Eufemia

Taqueria La Eufemia offers great tacos at a reasonable price! It was only a 10-minute bike ride from our hotel so we went here for lunch, and we loved the chill vibes and amazing food they had to offer. I definitely recommend this place to all my fellow taco lovers out there!

La Popular

located at Nomade Tulum

La Popular is also another restaurant you can find at Nomade Tulum where they offer a variety of seafood. It's a fish market-inspired beach restaurant that delivers fresh catches of the day, straight from the local fisherman's boat.

Kitchen Table

Left: Diablito (Mezcal); Right: Tamarind Margarita (Tequila)

Left: Crispy Shrimp; Right: Quesadilla

Top: Pork Ribs; Bottom: Ahi Tuna Steak

For my birthday dinner, we went to Kitchen Table. It was about a 20-minute cab ride from our hotel since it was closer to downtown area. We went right when it opened and started with drinks, and I have to say they were amazing! I definitely found a new love for mezcals and margaritas on this trip. Each dish was so flavorful and delicious, one of the best meals I had here forsure. This place is a must if you're in Tulum, and be sure to make reservations if you do.

La Zebra Restaurant + Bar

The La Zebra Restaurant and Bar is located at La Zebra hotel, which another great spot for food and drinks by the beach! We ordered (more) tacos and I love how they were very flavorful and satisfying. We went here for a very late lunch and watched the sunset as we finished eating, and it was such a beautiful sight to see.

Wearing Kendall & Kylie Swim Top + Bottom

Wearing Jasmyn Eliza Top + Shorts

Grand Cenote

Something that we were really looking forward to this trip was going to the Grand Cenote. The caves were absolutely beautiful and overall, it was an amazing experience to say the least. This is something you absolutely cannot miss when you’re in town! Also, beware of mosquito bites.

Wearing Shelly Belle Crochet Top + Shorts

Coco Tulum

Another place that I was really excited to check out in Tulum was Coco. With barely enough time to spare (as we were on our way to the airport back home), we stopped by to check out this very aesthetically pleasing spot! Coco is a rustic-modern hotel where everything was covered in white paint. It’s the perfect place to chill by the bar and enjoy the beach front, and take amazing photos while you’re at it!  

Wearing White Fox Boutique Top + Bottom

This trip was all I wanted and more, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in my 25th birthday. You've reached the end of my Tulum travel guide, and thank you for revisiting this amazing trip with me! I hope this leaves you inspired and wanting to book your next destination here. Tulum definitely does not disappoint and I cannot wait to go back soon! Leave any questions you may have in the comments below :)

Now that fall is officially here, sweater weather is upon us! We’ve been having chilly mornings and nights in LA, but some days are still warmer than others. However, I can’t help but get excited to shop and wear knits this season! I recently found this distressed sweater by Lovers + Friends at Revolve and I just had to get it. I’m obsessed with the slashed details because it gives just enough edge to the look. I paired it with my favorite leather skirt by I.AM.GIA to mix both soft and tough elements together. Unfortunately, this ivory color is sold out but it's available in black here.

Also, check out other sweater styles by Lovers + Friends below:

Photography by Virisa Yong

I usually never mix my metals, but this jacket just gave me a whole new perspective! As long as you keep the look monochromatic, the result will be très chic. One of my favorite styling tips is adding statement pieces to comfortable basics. It’s the easiest way to elevate your look! This AS by DF statement jacket is light enough for the hot summer days, and can also keep you covered (literally) when it gets cold at night. The metal discs are hand-stitched to perfection, and the mixed hardware makes it even more fun.

AS by DF Jacket / Raye Heels

Photography by Virisa Yong

Located in Downtown Palm Springs, La Serena Villas is a Spanish colonial—style hotel bursting with charm and personality.

La Serena Villas is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to relax and refresh in the desert.

A little history about the property.

La Serena Villas was originally established in 1933 and closed for demolition in 2002. The community came together and saved it from the wrecking ball after receiving Historic Status. The hotel reopened 2 months ago as a luxury boutique hotel with all the amenities found in a 5-star hotel.  An intimate bungalow style hotel nestled against the San Jacinto mountains.

Upon entering the lobby, I immediately fell in love with the décor. I was greeted with monochromatic interior and colorful accent pieces. The hotel exterior is dominated with whites and complimented with cool tones like grey and blue—something I truly appreciated because it helped me feel refreshed despite the 100-degree weather.

Our gorgeous bungalow had a swing so cute, it was asking for a photo op. Each room feature patios and free-standing tubs, which was perfect for a more private relaxation outdoors. I took this opportunity to a do rose bath-slash-concept shoot that resulted beautifully.

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast basket for two that includes 2 croissant pastries (with jam and butter on the side), 2 yogurt cups, a banana, an apple, and a glass of OJ.

Whispers, the hotel spa, offers a list of services where you can unwind and let go of your daily pressures. Check out their spa menu here.

Azucar, the hotel restaurant & bar.

You and a few friends can walk or bike to Palm Canyon Drive, where you can find the best restaurants, boutiques and galleries that Palm Springs has to offer. The hotel has four bikes available to rent upon signing a waiver. 

I had such a wonderful staycation at La Serena Villas and will definitely come back soon!

Photography by Virisa Yong

Who isn’t obsessed with frills this season? They’re so fun and fresh, no one can resist. It instantly gives a flirtatious vibe, which is perfect for spring time.

“The more the merrier,” as they say, this Storets piece has it all: flouncy frills with striped details and tiered design. The skirt is a statement itself. I decided to match it with a lace bralette to mix it up for a night out, but you can also match it with a plain tee on your casual days. See more fun options below!

Photography by Virisa Yong

Zara Tee / One Teaspoon Jacket / B-low The Belt / Pretty Little Thing Skirt / Dear Frances Boots

I'm currently obsessed over printed tees with a vintage feel. I've been really drawn to that worn-out look, whether it's acid washed, distressed, or slouchy. I either shop at the men’s section or get a medium (or even a large) size at the women’s section. I always go for an oversized look because I like to get comfortable on most days, especially with the summer weather starting to creep in. I found this tee at Zara and fell in love—it pretty much has all the details said above, and the best part is, it’s Power Rangers! Totally giving me all the 90’s vibe. I’m sharing some of my favorite t-shirt styles below:

Photography by Virisa Yong