Let in the Sun by Take That

I've missed the tropics of the Philippines - the constant warmth, the radiating sun, and the towering palm trees. Stepping outside is like being enveloped in a snug, sweaty, welcoming hug, and I don't mind the humidity and pollution at all (alright, maybe a bit). Coming from Chicago, it's such a refreshing change in scenery and mood booster. Back in Illinois, the cold was frigid and the wind bone-piercing, the coldest it dropped to being -15 degrees Celsius. I had gotten so acclimatized to the chilly weather that seeing anything above 2 degrees on my phone's weather app counted as a good day. It's nice to be back in a country where "sweater weather" constitutes anything below 30 degrees.

The skirt is a beautiful piece, with oriental patterns, designs you would see on the ceilings of grand ballrooms with diamond-drop chandeliers hanging and palaces with mirrored walls. It's classy for sure, but the tropical, ocean blue colors that fill it in make it such a refreshing combination.

What do you think?

Zara blouse, Zara skirt, gray Coach bag

Rose Colored Glasses by Kelly Rowland

I have to admit, I am obsessed with tinted shades. Especially these rose-colored glasses. Though they do give off a 60's vibe, they are so retro chic. I've always loved green and pink as a color combination, and though they are not complimentary colors, I swear by them - in design, art, and fashion. So naturally I wanted to highlight my crop top with pink undertones.

I bought this crop top from Zara (I recently realized there was a lack of green in my closet and have been hunting through stores with a radar for trendy green pieces), and even though it isn't quite belly-bearing, it has sheer blocks that play off the same skin-peeking feel.

What do you think?

Zara crop top, Zara leather shorts, Aldo shades, Celine bag, Coach watch

Desert Soul by The Rend Collective Experiment

The summer before college is a long one - it's like being in limbo, you could say. Somewhere between an old life and a new one, somewhere unknown, without a purpose, almost. During the first few weeks I had enjoyed unwinding from the hectic schedule of senior year, but now it feels as though college is years away. I'm becoming lazy, slothful, my mind is losing its edge.

So I applied for an internship. And I got it. I'm nervous, but I'm happy. I feel renewed, as if there's something for me to look forward to, to expect. Sometimes, with so much time on my hands and the whole day ahead of me, I find myself thinking. Slowing down. Wondering about what I'm supposed to do with life. And I have no answers. It leaves me feeling empty, a desert soul that is thirsty for more.

The shorts I'm wearing today has so much life - it's so striking and intricate and beautiful. Initially, I had wanted to pair it with a bold-colored top, like hot pink, but I wanted the fiery hues of orange, red, and purple, to stand out on its own. A clean palette of white and gold compliments the colors. Why saturate it? I want to celebrate it.

What do you think?

Forever 21 top, Zara shorts, Forever 21 sandals, Coach watch, ring from Hong Kong 

Fancy by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX

I love listening to music. I love putting on my Sony earphones, opening iTunes, and playing my Currently Trending playlist, which is a compilation of everything that's, well, currently trending for me. The songs I listen to inspire what I wear.

 

Though Charli XCX sings I'm so fancy, there is a ruggedness and street style to Iggy's rap. While I was very much inspired to throw on some luxurious-looking pieces, such as the rich emerald geometrical-patterned pants and black and gold (whoo, shout out to the song Black and Gold by Sam Sparro) statement necklace, I very much made it more casual with a loose top (though the shirt very much keeps in with the theme of fancy - leopards and Fortune, anyone?), peeking bandeau, and backpack. Since there was already an animal print on my shirt, I decided to mix it up a bit with some zebra stripes on my heels.

What do you think? Do you get the same feel from Iggy Azalea's hit?

Forever 21 top, Forever 21 bandeau,  Bershka necklace, Zara pants, Staccato shoes, Coach bracelet, Tommy Hilfiger watch, ring from Japan

Bad Blood by Bastille

Style Me top, Gap jean shorts, Kate Spade bag, Tommy Hilfiger watch, Aldo shades, shoes and accessories from Japan

Conquest of Spaces by Woodkid

Zara peplum top, G2000 pants, Zara jacket, Marks & Spencer heels, Juicy Couture bag, Hublot watch, Forever 21 Pow! ring, other accessories from Japan

Budapest by George Ezra

Forever 21 floral top, Zara pants, Forever 21 vest, Coach bag, Zara flats, Coach watch, necklace/earrings/rings from Japan