Rompin' Around

Hi everybody!

I'm back in Dubai again, just in time for the new school year. These photos are from a fun mini-shoot I had with my best friend Daniela just a few weeks before I left. I almost forgot to put them up! What a tragedy that would have been. We trekked out into the wilderness [by the pool] in order to get some nice, nature photos. I really love this floral romper, and I thought it'd be more functional than a dress. It turns out that I was mistaken, and it's still difficult to get around in a romper and sandals. Either way, we both managed to get really awesome shots, and I'm pleased with how the photos turned out.

This is Daniela! She's pretty awesome.

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

floral romper - Urban Outfitters || golden necklace - Anthropologie || black sandals - The Gap || watch - Tag Heuer || bracelet - ACTS retreat

Song of the Day: Rather Be by Clean Bandit

Owl Be There

Hi everybody!

The star of today's post is this amazing owl maxi dress. There was a deal on dresses at Target, where you buy one and get one for half price. So, I knew I couldn't pass up this cute dress (you'll see the other dress soon enough). Plus, it's not too long, which is pretty impressive! It feels like a t-shirt, so it's very comfortable. Since it's black and white, I decided to accessorize with hot pink accents. I have these amazingly comfortable thick sandals that are the perfect neon color. I also slapped on some bright lipstick to match the rest of the accents.

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

owl maxi dress - Target || pink satchel - H&M || fabric woven neckace - Target || bright pink sandals - Zara Kids || anklet - Pacsun

Song of the Day: Tangled Up by Caro Emerald 

Crazy for Coral

Hi everybody!

Today's outfit is perfect for the bright and warm days that are now upon us here in Dubai. On top, I have a dual-layered chiffon tank top. I'm just now figuring out how to wear it, because the cut of it makes me look like a giant yield sign. By tying the front in a knot, I can remedy that situation and show off my DIY-cutoff shorts. I also added a neon orange clutch to tie in the color scheme. With studded sandals and beachy hair, I kept this look very casual.

DIY No Sew Sweater Skirt

Hi everybody!

I'm really fond of all of my sweaters and cardigans, because they're so cute and comfortable. The downside to living in the desert is that I can rarely ever wear my sweaters out without the risk of heatstroke. I saw some cute sweater skirts on Pinterest, but they all involved lots of cutting and sewing. So, I put together this photo tutorial to show you how to wear your sweater as a skirt, no sewing needed.

Love and Peace

Hi everybody!

I know it isn't officially spring yet, but I'm already embracing the fun, bright hues of the upcoming season. As much as I like sauntering about in dark clothing, I also enjoy wearing colorful clothes. There's a subtle heart theme guiding this outfit, most obviously seen in my cropped tank top. I added a heart ring along with tiny heart earring studs to complement the love theme. I also put on a pair of kelly green skinny jeans, because I thought it went well with the crop top.

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

heart tank top - Element || green skinny jeans - Zara || brown leather tote bag - Pull & Bear || gray sandals - Billabong || heart ring - Jewelmint || heart earrings - American Eagle

Song of the Day: Ready to Go by Panic! at the Disco

Grow Young

Hi everybody!

Today's outfit is perfect for a day at the park or beach. The weather in Dubai is thankfully still relatively cool, and there's no need for air conditioning just yet! I really like the printed tee, since the material is really soft, even after a few washes. Soft shirts are my favorite! I paired the dark tee with this burgundy maxi skirt, which I absolutely adore. It's a good length on me, which I enjoy because maxi skirts/dresses are usually too long on my short frame. I like the color so much, I even matched my lipstick to it. For accessories, I just added a black bag and shoes, I didn't want to overwhelm the outfit.

 I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

|| grow you tee shirt - Element || burgundy maxi skirt - American Eagle Outfitters || studded sandals - Target || black bag - Forever 21 || turtle quartz necklace - Vienna ||

Song of the Day: Giants by Bear Hands

What's In My Backpack?

Hi everybody!

As someone who constantly "needs" to have a million things in her purse, I've noticed that heavy bags have really put a strain on my left shoulder. In fact, I'm convinced it's a bit lower than my right! So, I've made the switch to a backpack. It distributes the weight evenly, and is a lot more comfortable to wear.

The backpack I've been using for the past month is by Ted Baker. It's made out of cranberry colored fabric, and has leather accents around the edges. I really love the size, it's perfect on me! The two side pockets are really useful, too. The only things I'd change are the lack of functional pockets on the inside, and the front clasps. The clasps are a bit finicky, and I've fumbled with them one too many times! Otherwise, it's a beautiful backpack and is really durable. Unfortunately, I can't find the link for this model online, but all other products within the bag will be linked!

As for the contents of my backpack, I keep my phone, lip balm, and hand sanitizer in the side pockets. My current phone model is the iPhone 5S, and I have a case by BCBG Maxazria on it. I'm a clumsy person, so I love the fact that the case comes in two parts - a hard inner shell, and rubberized outer shell. The earbuds are by Sony, though I don't know enough about audio to recommend or discourage you from buying them. The lip balm is by EOS, and I've been a huge fan for years. This hand sanitizer is from an old holiday collection from Bath and Body Works.

I also like to carry reading material around with me. I don't drive, so I'm usually just sitting in the backseat looking out the window. I've really enjoyed the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. So far, the last installment, Allegiant, is a great read, and I can't wait until the movie comes out!

Next I have my Rayban sunglasses. These are the Clubmaster frame, which I'm a big fan of. They have a retro feel, and are incredibly sturdy. I used to go running and hiking in these frames, and I've had this set for months. I also like the burgundy lining on the inner portion of the frame legs. It's a fun pop of color!

I also like to carry around journals and pens for note-taking on the go. I personalized the Moleskine journals myself, and absolutely love them. They're thin and great for travel, even if you don't regularly carry around a large satchel like myself. Plus, I have small handwriting and I like the small lines.

I'm practically attached at the hip to my iPad mini. It does so many things, but I usually use it for Youtube, Netflix, and eBooks. I've actually loaded my world history book onto my iPad so I can review on the go. Of course, I also take breaks in between chapters with Temple Run! To keep my precious little device safe, I carry it around in a Ted Baker iPad mini case.

I don't like having a huge wallet, I find them too cumbersome. I've had this tiny wallet from J Crew for years, and I love it! It carries all my necessary cards, and prevents me from hoarding old receipts. Plus, there's space in the elastic area for cash.

I have really dry skin and carry around creams in case I notice flaking or cracking throughout the day. For instant moisture, I like Bioderma's Atoderm PO zinc cremé. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist, and I recommend it for anybody with eczema or dry skin in general. It absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. I also have Vaseline's petroleum jelly, which I only use when absolutely necessary. It's a good temporary fix for super flaky or irritated skin, but I don't like using it often.

I also carry around a pretty substantial makeup bag. What can I say? I like touching up my makeup. I'm also in the habit of adding new products in, and never taking them out. I carry around my powder, concealer, a multitude of lip products, and perfume samples, just to name a few items. I also have eye lash glue and a tube of travel toothpaste in there, and I can't remember why.

Finally, I have this tin of travel lipsticks from Bite Beauty. I just really like having options. There's a lip color for any occasion, and I'm all too familiar with the haphazard application of lipstick in a moving vehicle. I received the tin for Christmas, and have kept it in my bag ever since.

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

Song of the Day: This Head I Hold by Electric Guest

Graciously Gray

Hi everybody!

Long time, no talk! I'm back from my holiday break, and I'm ready to get into the groove of blogging! I've picked up some awesome new pieces, so expect many more outfit posts. Today's outfit is fairly casual, the main focal piece is this awesome gray button up jacket. The double buttons and the hood give it a very whimsical, little-red-riding-hood feel. I paired it with black skinny jeans and black boots, because I liked the monochromatic scheme. For a touch of color, I added a cranberry colored messenger satchel, which is perfect for carrying all of my "necessities"!

I hope you all enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

navy blue shirt - Zara | gray button down sweater - Billabong | black jeans - American Eagle Outfitters | black boots - Target | blue bandana - Zara | cranberry messenger satchel - Harvey Nichols

Song of the Day: Warriors by Kimbra

DIY Sweater Beanie

Hi everybody!

I'm back with a DIY tutorial! As I was going through my winter wardrobe, I noticed that there were a few sweaters I hadn't worn in a while. Instead of throwing them away, I thought it'd be fun to transform a plain old sweater into a cute beanie!

What you'll need:
A sweater to cut up
Scissors
A ruler
Needle and thread/ fabric glue

This is an old tan sweater I've had for ages from Zara. I think it was on sale in the kids' section, but it's only been worn a handful of times. The color is rather yawn-worthy, and I honestly never want to wear it again.

To start off, cut straight across under the armpit. This doesn't need to be perfect, you'll be doing additional cutting later. 

Wrap the waistband around your head, and measure out how long it'll need to be. Instead of creating an entirely new edge for the hat, we'll use the bottom hem of the sweater.

Next, fold the sheet of fabric into thirds or quarters. It's your call. Then cut a dome shape at the top.

 Now it's time to seal the edges in. Either sew, or use fabric glue to close it up. If you're using glue, wait a 10-15 minutes before attempting to wear it.

Finally, flip the beanie inside out, and you're ready to go! Done! 

I hope you enjoyed!
<3 Lucero

Song of the Day: Bang Bang Bang by Mark Ronson