Oh, my new favorite find. This lovely crocheted duster was found during a mass sweep thrifting in San Diego. I am completely in love with this baby-a new love in my closet. It is the perfect length, perfect weight and the perfect shade- Dusty Beige. The price you must be wondering was a glorious two dollars and some chump change. Man, I must know how to find those deals. The polka-dot top was found also during my San Diego sweep for 99 cents. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, 99 cents. Is there a prize for finding the cheapest finds? I think I’ve won that. I’ve been in this mood where I want to wear all kinds of long things, layered with other lengths; hence the short skirt. I’m not sure what it is but it’s like a sexy demure look that I can’t get enough of. Are you all wearing long pieces these days?

As you all know, I’m a huge fan of mixing the hell out of my closet. So, pulling all these random pieces out of my closet just worked for me. The best way to mix patterns, prints and textures is to find the common denominator. Mine was the light color (beige, white). It’s always difficult to pull off a multi-color, multi-print, multi-texture look so keep it basic with basic colors. Nothing loud or you’ll look like a clown.

Did I mention that my favorite part of this duster is that the sleeves are so long, they cover my hands? Yes, favorite part.

thrifted crochet duster | thrifted polka dot blouse | H&M striped skirt | H&M turquoise necklace | vintage necklaces & rings | Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots | Urban Outfitters scarf

Photography by Tyler Topacio

A great treat I received, is now a gift to you all! The lovely Michelle of FVNCY, drew little ol’ me. I think she did a great job-what do you guys think? Check out the original!

And for a fun, very random piece of work, a lovely video for you to watch. I learned to rap.

This past week, I introduced a new series to you, my Retreat Series. I’ve had a bit of the travel bug lately, exploring a few places I may of been to but never explored. Since I’ve technically been unemployed since June, I haven’t taken advantage of the free time I’ve been given. So, the past few weeks have been an exciting exploration. I hope you enjoy this mini-series. It’s been fun taking shots of what I’m seeing and exploring and finding things that you all might be interested in.

Also discussed was something rather unexpected, and that was abuse. The article written for last week’s Love Lust Love series wasn’t directly speaking on physical abuse but it definitely touched a few people personally and publicly. I want to thank you all for the stories I received as well as the advice I was given. It was used wisely to those who needed it.

Now, on with those amazing comments of the week!

Post: LOVE LUST LIFE SERIES: HOW TO KNOW WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH 12/7

All three of these comments were extremely touching to me regarding this topic because each offered advice and a story of sorts. Thank you Vahni, Ria, Joy & Fajr. You all touched me and I hope these comments will touch others. Also, I wanted to share some of my favorite posts from these four!

• Vahni of Grit & Glamour: Vahni always has well thought out posts and I appreciate her words. Her Friend Friday post on creating bonds with our readers is so essential for all bloggers. Definite read, go now! www.gritandglamour.com

• Ria Michelle of Ria Michelle- This fantastic post from Art Basel will surely make you want to 1. GO TO ART BASEL 2. BEFRIEND THIS LOVELY LADY www.riamichelle.com

• Joy of I Play Favorites: I loved Joy’s summary of this shoe brand, got to love eco-friendly brands! More at www.iplayfavorites.com

• Fajr of Stylish Thought: She looks completely gorgeous, channeling the beautiful Jackie O! Check it out! www.stylishthought.com

Post; RETREAT SERIES: SAN DIEGO, YOU’RE KIND OF BEAUTIFUL 12/8

So who’s going to top Ranier?! Seriously, this guy comes out with the greatest comments. I mean, come on, he brought up the good ol’ Culottes video? You missed it, did you? Oh, click here for the hilarity. I love how you’re thinking of me, driving down the good ol’ California freeway, thinking of my culottes. AHAHAH. JK. www.thefalco.wordpress.com

Oh yes, Chelsea is one of my favorites as well, you witty son of a gun. We’re stage 5 high heel runners if you didn’t know, as well as Fashion Trend Guide. And lovely, I’ll take you “heel jumping” one day! :) www.dearwinnie.com

Haha, well Jessica, I thought I’d answer you here…but honestly all I do to my hair is flip it over, twist it, wrap it, and put a hair tie over it. I’m a lazy hair-doer. I should be more proactive, I know. www.enchantedvintage.com

Image via We Heart It

Most women have been there before…we have had it in our relationship yet we’re still there in it, even if we’ve mentally checked out. We compromise with ourselves, saying “well if he cheats again, next time, that’s it.“, “Well, if he hits me again, I’ll leave.“, “Well I know I have him in check, so at least he’s coming home to me.” Oh, how we’ve told that to ourselves, to our girlfriends, to our family. I think we say it so many times out loud, that maybe we’ll actually believe it. It’s a treacherous road, is it not?

So, when is our actual breaking point? When is it really enough? I know so many women, myself included, where we stay for years, waiting it out. We hope he’ll change when he really won’t, we hope he’ll do something so awful so we’ll of convinced ourselves that he’s not worth it. The fact of the matter is, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I can promise myself and all of you, that people are usually repeat offenders if they have no reason to change. Reason being is because we stay. Usually, it’s because we think they’ve convinced us they will stop or they’ll try harder next time. But the moment we give that 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th chance, is the second they’re thinking about doing it again.

There’s hardly ever an exception. If he hit you once, he’ll hit you again. If he cheated on you with no regard, he’ll do it again. Our intuition is strong enough to know the truth. Always follow that. Always.

—————————–UPDATE—————————–

Hey guys-so I think a scared a few of you because I received some very concerned emails regarding abuse hotlines and outreach programs. Let me get this clear-I’ve never been in an abusive relationship. I’ve only known people who have been. That being said, this article wasn’t written specifically for people in physically abusive relationships. It was written for those who stay in relationships because they feel they can’t do better. I hope this all makes sense to you amazingly sweet and endearing and caring yet dramatic readers. :) Love you all though and thank you for the concern!

Image via Fashion Gone Rogue

Before I moved out of my old apartment, my old photographer friend, Tom Huynh, stopped by for some lunch and an impromptu photo shoot amongst the disaster moving situation. I shot with Tom almost 5 years ago in his studio and it was great to come together again to shoot. No fancy look necessary. I wish I could find those old photos because they are hilarious. I got the wacky idea to shoot in curlers, a striped tunic, leggings and do jumping shots. My facial expressions and curlers flying everywhere made that shoot, I tell ya.

I’m so glad to be out of that apartment but I’m missing the joys of being in my own place. New York seems to be pushed back farther than I’d like, so it’s looking like I’ll be moving wherever a job takes me. Yet, all I can think about is how I want to decorate my next apartment. Tumblr isn’t helping my decor addiction. I find the most amazing sources of inspiration. Think sexy imagery with stark colors like black, white and texture.

Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots | H&M shorts | Urban Outfitters tee | random leopard hoodie (not shown) | Express leather jacket (not shown)

Photography by Tom Huynh Photography

I was so excited when I was asked to be a part of Closetista’s Charity Week. Nicole from Style Bust was a wonderful interviewer and I had a great time hanging with the crew and my girls Jennie & Laura.

Stay tuned-my interview comes up at 8PM!