Neutrals


Before I talk about anything else, let's get this out of the way — this top is by far one of the best items I've ever received in a swap. When a girl agreed to swap me this for a shirt I haven't even worn in a long time, I was half tempted to send her back a message that said, "joke's on you, I'm getting the way better end of the deal!" I've realized that almost all of my Forever 21 pieces have from swaps, mostly due to how much of a nightmare it is to step foot in that store, regardless of how many cute things I know I'll find. As much as I have issues with it, there are those select items hiding out in there that are actually well-made and don't look cheap to even the most untrained eye. This top is one of those gems. I was this close to pairing it with fun colors, but I ended up liking it better as I went the all natural route. 

These pictures were taken by my friend Alena outside of South Coast Plaza, a really upscale mall in Orange County. As with every time we visit the mall, we spent the day having conflicting feelings of happiness from being around such gorgeous designer clothes and depression from knowing that we could never afford any of it. Really though, it's always fun to look around at the designer boutiques, especially since a Lanvin store just opened recently and it's not far from the Miu Miu store. There's also some more affordable stores, like H&M and Zara, but my favorite part of going there is always visiting Madewell. What I would give to own everything in that store. 







As for Father's Day, I'll be having dinner out with my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew before my parents jet off to Paris the next day. You can only imagine how difficult is to find a present for the dad who is flying to Paris the day after Father's Day. 

Top: Forever 21, from a swap
Skirt: Darling (via Hautelook)
Shoes: Thrifted
Ring: H&M

21 comments

  1. Why not give Dad something he can use in Paris? Gift him the TripAdvisor app or something? Well, wish him Bon Voyage for all of us!


    This top is too darling. Could you look any cuter in that collar?

    Why do you think going into FF21 is a nightmare (I mean this legitimately. We don't have any of those types of stores around here, so I've only been in ones a handful of times).

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  2. You look super classy. That top is amazing and love the shoes. I love South Coast Plaza but I totally know what you mean haha.

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  3. Haha, happiness and depression from window shopping...man I know that feeling all too well!
    From what I see, I'd have to say you definitely got the better deal with this gorgeous top! The peter pan collar is so classic and fits your style to a T.
    Oh wow, and Paris? Seriously? Haha, hope you found something for him anyway!

    Trendy Teal

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  4. These photos look so good and I LOVE that top. I borrowed the blue and white ones from Erica and I never wanted to give it back. What a perfect shape. Also you look so professional in this outfit.

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  5. I love that blouse! So pretty, and I love it paired with the neutral skirt, as well. I love Forever 21 but I get so stressed about having to go in the store that I almost always order everything online from them so I don't have to go in, hahah. :)

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  6. Ok, I HAVE to know how you swap! This is just too cute!

    xoxo
    Bethany
    The Style Hippie

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  7. Beautiful! Love this whole look! Alex

    tobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com

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  8. Aw, Elana, you look amazing! One of my favorites of yours!

    Rachel

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  9. love the top— and i can see it going with EVERYTHING! what a great swap :)

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  10. My dad is currently on vacation haha I have no idea what to get him either!! Grr. This has to be one of my favorites Elana! Seriously, how could she get rid of this pretty top?! It's perfect! You're so good with neutrals, I love this whole outfit so much. I've never had the pleasure of stepping into a madewell but I've done some online stalking for sure!
    Jessi
    haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

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  11. Agreed on F21. I always see people with some gorgeous picks from there but it's still hard for me to make the trek and risk my sanity! I keep seeing people pairing neutrals together and I'm actually loving it. I hardly have anything this color in my closet though!!

    My sister loves (and can afford, I should add) Madewell, as do I, so we actually stopped in there this weekend! Oh goodness. Lucky for me, she agreed to give me a "graduation present" in the form of a giftcard to a store I wouldn't/couldn't normally shop at. I'm thinking some gorgeous Madewell item is in my future :)

    Hope your internship is going well! I cannot imagine a commute like that, being in traffic is SO frustrating and can totally wear me out too! I'm rapidly collecting items from my big win, stay tuned!


    perfectly priya

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  12. Ohhhh this is such a beautiful outfit! I love the pretty forever21 top (such a cute collar!) and the skirt is gorgeous. Is that a feather print? Even though i'm sure this top would look great with bright colors, I love how you went on a more neutral route, this outfit looks great! And ooo I totally get what you mean! Tomorrow i'm going to SF for shopping trip and i'm so excited to be able to go into a madewell store. I seriously wish I could take the whole store home with me hahaha. But haha yeah, even though I can't afford all those expensive stores, it's still so fun to browse :)

    I can't believe i've missed so many posts! I hope your internship is going well :)

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  13. Great deal indeed, the top is adorable!!! <3 Also love the whole look ^_^

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  14. Thanks for leaving such a darling comment on my blog!
    You are so cute and your outfit so absolutely stunning! Love a good all neutral outfit and you certainly rock yours!

    Have the best week ever,
    -Kati

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  15. You have the sweetest smile lady!

    P.S. I'm giving away EIGHT sponsors spots today and I would love for you to come enter!

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  16. You look fantastic! I love neutrals and I love sailor collars. :)

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  17. thank you for your comment, you look so great and you have such a contagious smile:D

    xo

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  18. What a cute collar! You definitely got the better end of the deal. Forever21 can be a polyester wasteland, but there are certain items that I like to pick up there--basic striped tees and bandeaus, for example. It really takes a lot of energy to look through everything, though.

    Brittney

    anotherbeautifulthing.blogspot.com

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  19. Oh, I love everything about this! Your hair looks simply darling styled this way, and I really adore your makeup. The soft colors look so great together too, that top truly is a dream. Looking at all of the designer stores sounds incredible! I've never been anywhere close to that so it sounds great to me :) Hope you had a nice time with your family!

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  20. SO cute! I love you in neutrals, it looks great with your hair. I can't remember the last time I went to South Coast plaza but it's a great mall :). Can't wait to meet up with you soon (and let's pencil in a date!).

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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  21. I love that top! That pink color is perfect.

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