Polka dots for happy hour:

      On Tuesday I found myself walking down the train tracks to happy hour at El Palomar's taco bar in downtown Santa Cruz. Happy hour includes the most delicious two dollar tacos and $4.50 margaritas on the rocks all starting at 5pm! Our plan was to get slightly shwasted but the margs ended up being slightly sub par that day (typically d'lish though!). The weather was still as sweaty and hot as ever so I thought this transparent polka dot shirt would be a clear winner for the occasion. Also I'm taking a fashion tip from my high school friend and blogger buddy Rheannia, view her favorite fall trends here.

                        Hat: American Apparel

                        Top: H&M

                        Belt: American Apparel

                        Flared jeans: Alloy

                        Bag: vintage Coach

                        Shoes: Dolce Vita

                        Bracalets: Givenchy, Tiffany's, 

                        Coach, and the evil eye 

                        bracelet was gifted to me

                        Watch: Michael Kors

                        Cheetah Necklace: vintage find

                        Silver ring: Tiffany's

                        Lipstick: YSL

Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples

Yours,

Nico

PS: All photos were shot by my dear friend Sean, he is quite the character, should I do a style feature on him next?! (He always has the best shades!)

 

The first rain of the season!

      A few days ago we had our first afternoon of rain here in Santa Cruz. Normally I'm not the biggest fan of cold weather but since I have been pulling out all my coats and scarves I was delighted to see such a cloudy day. I put together the following look to stay warm despite the wet weather:

This hat is fantastic, you've already seen 

it featured here as well. The clingy turtle 

neck I've got on is from GAP. Also the hand 

bag I'm carrying is vintage Gucci via Crossroads 

Trading Company (cost me less than a tank of gas!).

This camel colored coat is by Kenneth Cole Reaction. I found it at Nordstrom Rack for 70% off the original retail price!

The skinny jeans I'm wearing are from Alloy. I love this internet company because their pants and jeans come in both petite and tall lengths and their price point is great too, only 39.50! And I LOVE these Bromley boots by Michael Kors, do you recognize them from this post?

                     Hat: Tarnish

                     Faux fur vest: H&M (other styles here)

                     Necklace: vintage Ann Taylor

                     Watch: Michael Kors

                     Purse: vintage Gucci

      Style doesn't have to be coupled with sky high prices. I really enjoy stores like Crossroads, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, and even Khol's and Target carry designer collections at a very reasonable price point. Thrift stores and goodwill locations can offer a variety of items to suit your own personal style as well if you are willing to spend the time looking! I encourage you to find those hidden fashion gems at your local discount stores!

Yours,

Nico

PS, all photos are taken by B. Dalke

Style feature: Paloma!

      While browsing thru H&M recently I ran into the well put together Paloma. I made a bee line for her and instantly asked to take her photo. Luckily, she was so very nice and was kind enough to oblige me. Everything she is wearing is from H&M also! I ended up swooping the same T-shirt for a mere $4.95 (I might even be wearing the tribal inspired shirt as I type right now!).

Also, don't you just admire her hair? It's seriously a work of art. The mullet-esque mohawk fades from black to intense blue and then to a striking platinum blonde. I asked her where she got it done and she mentioned the salon Shampoo Dolls in San Jose!

Yours,

Nico

Style Feature: Shahin Gutierrez, "Electric Navajo"

      An up and coming musician and artist, Shahin Gutierrez also personifies his own eclectic style. His band, Moon Cadillac, has an upbeat dance rock feel with a little bit of groove thrown in and you best know that his clothing reflects the same vibe: 

Sunglasses: Sunshops @ the boardwalk

White button up: H&M

Tie: Missoni for Target

Knit Pullover: H&M

Denim: Zara

Shoes: Via Shoe Biz 

Don't you love the combination of the printed knit sweater and the missoni printed tie? The patterns compliment each other but don't compete. 

Yours,

Nico