Playing with Texture and Color

Whatever the season, a sure way to show off your fashion savvy is to expertly mix textures and colors. This outfit is actually pretty simple-a t-shirt, shorts, and a necklace. However, this combo gets a dressy boost from the colors and textures involved! Salmony orange is a bright color for spring and summer, and I picked out a shirt that was cut like a t-shirt but made of soft, sheer fabric. This amps up the traditional "t-shirt" look while maintaining comfort. (I am always hesitant to try dramatic necklines due to the whole functionality factor!) The white shorts do the job of showing off tan legs (white is the perfect color to bring out a tan), while the layers of lace give the shorts an interesting element of their own. I own some normal white shorts, but this lacy texture amps everything up just a bit more. As for the necklace, I went for the opposite of orange on the color wheel- in this case, turquoise really creates a nice contrast. Now that I think about it, though, turquoise necklaces look great with almost any color!
Because style is a form of art, why not take some photos at the Broad Art Center on UCLA's campus?

 On Jenna: Shorts from Target; Top from Keene Westwood; Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters; Necklace from Urban Outfitters; Shoes by Anne Michelle (really unique neutral heels!); Ring from Brandy Melville 

Lacey Afternoons

Fridays after class, it is always nice to have lazy afternoons relaxing in the sunshine. These shorts can definitely be dressed up (try some wedges and a sheer button down), but I love using them as an easy outfit upgrade on days that leggings or workout shorts seem enticing. Paired with any basic tee, these shorts show that you have great style savvy even at the end of a long week. Just be sure that if the shirt is a little long, you tuck it in to avoid hiding your figure! Because I wore them to class, I added some necklaces, summery sandals, and a curly ponytail to keep the look comfortable enough for a long walk.

T-shirt: Brandy Melville

Shorts/Sandals: Target

Triangle Necklace: Brandy Melville

Monogram Necklace: Personalized Necklaces

Special Note: The silver and onyx ring I wear in a lot of these photos is my high school ring. My school has a wonderful tradition that, apart from varying metals, all of our class rings match with an onyx stone and school crest. Personal bias aside, it just might be the most beautiful and wearable class ring in history! 

Printed Pants

I think I have discovered my favorite spring trend. I bought these printed pants from Urban Outfitters excited for their soft, pajama-like comfort, but I got more than I bargained for. These pants are everything. They do pretty much all the work in your outfit, and feel effortless while looking pretty darn trendy. All you need is a plain t-shirt, tank, or crop top. The pants take care of the rest, my friends. Wear sandals and a bun for a casual shopping day, or add heels and some jewelry for a more polished look. I have only worn these pants once, and I already know they're a new favorite. I've gotten compliments from older and younger women, probably because these pants expertly walk the line between trendy and practical. Added bonus: Especially with heels or wedges, these pants lengthen your legs beautifully. At this rate, it'll be tough to remember that my other pants and skirts need some TLC, too!

T-Shirt: Brandy Melville

Bracelet/Necklace: Brandy Melville

Pants aka favorite purchase ever: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Heels: Local Boutique (Jasleen) in Pasadena

To Be or Not to Be [Stylish]

An important thing about English classes: They tend to house some of the most stylish students around. Look around the classroom, and you'll see people with outstanding brains AND fashion sense. I met my wonderful friend Chloe in our first UCLA English course, and we continue to take classes together. We also love spending afternoons together in coffee shops and gardens on campus. Together, we have founded What's Bruin?, a UCLA style and lifestyle blog. Also be sure to check out Chloe's personal blog, http://www.chloeparr.com! Chloe snapped some photos of me in a post-English class outfit. The look is academic but still trendy, and works well for a classroom setting. These shorts also have the look and femininity of a skirt, but the practicality of pants. Let me know what you think!

Cardigan-Target

Top-Brandy Melville 

Necklace- Brandy Melville

Bracelet-Kate Spade

Prints + Jeans=Spring

Spring in California means sunshine with some breezes, all adding up to flawless 72 degree weather. One of the best spring uniforms, which doesn't seem to go out of style, involves two core elements: a breezy top tucked into well-fitted skinny jeans. I also like adding geometric necklaces into the equation to keep the look modern and youthful. I got this top for five dollars (five dollars!) off of a UCLA student buy-sell page. That's right, college students. When money is tight, check if your fellow students have created a Facebook page for thrifting and inter-student sales. You can sell your old clothes and find deals on new pieces! I added jeans from GAP, a necklace from Brandy Melville, sunglasses by BP for Nordstrom, and adorable grey wedges from DSW. I'd like to think this adorable printed tunic has found a loving new closet home! 

Sunglasses/Necklace/Jeans/Wedges

 The tunic I'm wearing is actually quite long. I am wearing it tucked in, but you can also use a long version as a beach cover up! I couldn't find the blouse's brand online, but here are some similarly cute and affordable blouses and tunics!

Forever 21 

Target

Madewell and Madewell