One Year Ago // NYC

dress (similar) // hat // shoes 

photos by Kevin Kim 

I cannot believe that it has been an entire year since I was in New York City shooting with Kevin Kim. If you’ve been reading Practically Imperfect for a while now, you may remember that Kevin and I have the coolest story of how we became friends! We randomly met at the Arc De Triomphe in Paris and stayed in touch when I visited New York later that summer. I still smile about what a small world it truly is. This shoot from the Brooklyn Bridge has remained one of my favorites of all time, and I realized that though I’ve shared various photos wearing this outfit (see here, here, and here), I never shared the full outfit post. So today, exactly a year after I shot this look, I’m sharing this outfit as a throwback! This maxi dress and hat combination is such a bold, fun look. Who knew that neutrals could make such a statement? Though Anthropologie no longer carries this exact dress, I found a few pretty similar ones and linked them below. And as always, my all time favorite hat that I post about way too much can be found at Nordstrom. As I type up this post, my heart kind of breaks that I won’t be in NYC this summer. That city is truly magical, especially during the summertime. While I was in DC last week, I was so tempted to take the 3 hour train ride into NYC for the day! I wasn’t able to coordinate a quick trip into the city, but looking through these photos gave me a little piece of the city that I love so much.

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Sunrise Hike to the Hollywood Sign

dress c/o (use code "Hannah30" for 30% off) // hat // necklace c/o // bracelet c/o // scarf c/o 

photos by Kevin Moore and Jacob Juskiewicz 

A few Saturdays ago, I spent a beautiful, quiet, and very early morning hiking up to the Hollywood Sign. Never before had I been excited to wake up at 4am. I rolled out of bed, did my makeup in the dark car as we cruised along the empty freeway, and then hiked up a pretty challenging trail. We made it to the top just as the brand new sunshine peaked over the Hollywood Hills. I wouldn't say I'm a morning person, but there is something so beautiful about the quite and stillness of a brand new day.

We started hiking when it was pitch black. The sky turned from black to dark navy to twilight blue, and then streams of sunshine began to break through the fog. The sun slowly crept onto the horizon until all of the sudden, it was day. Our sunrise hike reminded me that life is kind of the same way. You go through each moment of each day until you realize how much has changed in the time that's passed. I stood under the great big sky for the entire sunrise, yet didn't actually notice each moment of change. Though you don't always notice change, it is always amazing to look back and see just how much you've grown. Change can be scary, but that quiet, slow sunrise also reminded me how beautiful it is. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." And wow, creation is just beautiful. I'll be honest, when I think of LA, beauty isn't exactly the first thing to some to mind. I often think of traffic and smoggy pollution and fake people. But looking over that sleepy valley was peaceful and quiet and truly beautiful. If I could encourage you: wake up before the sun every once in a while and savor sweet moments with friends. I got to go on a beautiful hike, hang out with two great friends, enjoy a rare quite moment in LA, and even knock something off my 20 By 20 list! Happy Weekend!

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Brooklyn Blues

top//jeans//kimono (similar)//flats//earrings//bangle//necklace (similar) 

photos by Kevin Kim 

Today I'm sharing another fun set of photos from my shoot with Kevin Kim! Every time I have been to New York, I've mostly just stayed in Manhattan and the more touristy areas. This past trip, however, we ventured into different boroughs, and Brooklyn may have been my favorite. I've never been anywhere with so much charm and authenticity! This pier in front of the Manhattan Bridge was so gorgeous. There was a little park and the most adorable carousel next to the pier too! My outfit ended up being absolutely perfect for the day. One minute it was sunny, and the next it was storming. A kimono kept me mostly dry, but was light enough to keep the heat and humidity from being too unbearable. Although the weather was a bit unpredictable, it made for great photos! I owe a huge thanks to Kevin for capturing the day so beautifully. Want to see more of Kevin's work? Give him a follow on Instagram! 

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Stripes in Paris

top//jeans//flats//bangle (similar)//necklace//ring

photos by Kevin Kim

I've been really missing Paris lately. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd move to this magical city in a heartbeat! I think I wore some version of this outfit basically every day during my trip this past June. There is something so classic about a striped top, ballet flats, and simple gold jewelry!

A bit of backstory behind these photos... Shannon, my mom, and I had just come down from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and were standing in front watching the sunset. I randomly met Kevin Kim when he came up to us, said he was a photographer from New York, and asked to take a few photos of me for his street style series. With my mom making sure he wasn't going to pickpocket me (haha), I agreed and we took a few photos. After we went our separate ways, I looked him up to make sure he was a legit photographer and discovered how insanely talented he is! We emailed back and forth, and decided to shoot together again when I was visiting NYC. It was so much fun and I cannot wait to share more of Kevin's photos in the upcoming weeks! It's incredible how our random, chance meeting in Paris sparked a great friendship!

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