Sunset on the Canal

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Stripes + Summertime

dress (similar)//kimono//necklace c/o

photos by Angelika Johns 

Today's look is all about breezy, bright, and summery tones. Lately I've been loving everything olive green. I feel like it is such a feminine and flattering color.  I picked up the actual dress I'm wearing for $14 at a tiny boutique in Venice Beach. I couldn't track down the exact dress online, but I've linked a super similar and even cheaper version from Forever 21! 

Side note: This whole shoot consisted of Angelika and I illegally parking, shooting a few pictures, and then rushing to move my car before I got a ticket! She is absolutely the sweetest, and there is no one else I would rather risk a parking ticket/adventure through Venice Beach with!  I'll be sharing more looks our shoot in LA, and then even more photos from when we were able to reunite on Angelika's side of the country! I was so happy that we could meet up while I was visiting Washington DC! 

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Something About That Hat

dress (similar) //hat//necklace c/o//sandals (similar)

photos by Angelika Johns

I am done with finals, friends! I repeat, I am done with finals! Today I'm packing up my dorm and saying goodbye to LA for the next few months. I'm so excited to welcome summer by going on a few trips, starting a new job, taking a class at my community college (ugh), and working with some awesome brands on the blog. Wow, typing that list out made me realize that it's shaping up to be a pretty busy summer. I thrive off of staying busy, but I'm sure that I'll make time to spend a few days doing absolutely nothing. I always do! When Angelika and I took these photos, it was the first day that it really felt like summertime. Nothing screams summer more than bright sunshine, a fun swing dress, and this hat! I never thought I was a hat wearing kind of girl, but lately I've been obsessed! Something about that hat makes me feel so confident. I've had a black one for a while, and I loved it so much that I recently got the same exact one in a different color! Like I said... obsessed. Need more proof? See posts here, here, and here. Anyway, I know most people are already well into their summer vacations (and to be honest I've been in a summer state of mind for weeks now), but it feels great that it's officially summer now. Happy summer! 

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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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Weekend Adventures

If you are visiting LA, exploring Abbot Kinney Boulevard needs to be on your must-do list. This street has the most charming coffee shops, clothing stores, beautiful murals. A few weekends ago, I teamed up with Tia, Aliana, and Kinsley Shop to share our adventures! We spent a whole day just exploring Abbot Kinney, shooting photos, window shopping, and eating plenty of ice cream from Salt & Straw. Another must-do in Southern California? Shop at Kinsley! This life + style brand has the most unique things. When I went to pick out an outfit, I wanted to take home literally every single piece in the store! 

For outfit deatails, check out Kinsley's website. Happy Tuesday! 

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Coffee Date

sweater//top//jeans//flats//bracelet ℅//earrings ℅

photos by Tia Liu 

One of my favorite things about being at UCLA is how many incredibly talented and creative people I am constantly surrounded by. When saw Tia's incredible photos, we decided to head to explore our neighborhood and snap a few photos along the way. There are so many awesome places within walking distance of campus, but Profeta is one of my favorites. There is no other place I'd rather go broke buying $4 cappuccinos! 

This outfit *had been* perfect for the winter weather in LA. Up until Monday, it had actually been somewhat chilly. Now the temperatures are back in the high 80's and I am missing the days when I could bundle up in this cozy poncho and enjoy a hot coffee. I love the simple layers of this outfit and the sparkly touch that these earrings add. I do love the warmer weather, but wish we could've had a bit more of a winter before returning back to the sunny and warm days! Hopefully it will cool back down so I have an excuse to wear this outfit again! 

PS: check out another great look for winter and give Tia a follow on Instagram! 

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