Lost in Paradise

 







[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details || 
Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar here in white)
Shoes: Zara (similar here)

It's always hard to get back into work mode after coming back from vacation. It's even harder as the week drags on. As I was sitting in my office, I couldn't help but wish I was back on the beach in Cozumel. The good thing about traveling with your best friend who is also a photographer is that you have enough pictures to last a lifetime (or until your next visit!). Every corner was a picture perfect scene waiting to be captured. For the five days I was there, I was truly lost in paradise. 

It was very hot and humid in Cozumel, but luckily I came prepared with loose and flowy outfits, such as this dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. I don't frequently shop there, but was specifically looking for beach attire so thought I would check it out. I'm glad I did because this was the perfect dress for the occasion. The hi-lo hemline made it easy for me to walk along the beach without kicking up sand everywhere, the elastic waistband meant I could eat to my heart's desires, the open back was a nice detail while keeping me cool, and finally the cut of the neckline was rather flattering and did not emphasize my broad shoulders. I am all about comfort and practicality when it comes to style, and this dress was both beautiful and comfortable! 

Do you have a favorite summer dress? Please share in the comments if you do. As always, thanks so much for reading. Have a great weekend!



My Default Outfit







[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details ||
Top: Nordstrom (similar here)
Pants: Banana Republic (30% off regular priced items or 50% off sale!)
Shoes: Aldo (newer version has a gold band in the back)
Bag: Louis Vuitton (Speedy 25)

Happy Monday everyone! I'm back from a much needed vacation. I spent the first half visiting the boyfriend's family in Southern California and then flew out to Cozumel, Mexico with some my closest friends at an all inclusive resort. Let's just say for the past 10 days, I ate to my heart's content and did not have a care in the world. Ideally I would like to say I'm back, refreshed and ready for work... but I cannot help wishing I was still in my hammock in Cozumel, enjoying the beautiful beaches and warm water. I went scuba diving for the first time and the whole experience was so amazing! It's a totally different world down there. The water was crystal clear with an average temperature of 80 degrees. I was able to jump in with just a bikini... let's just say that's definitely not something I can do in the Bay Area with the freezing water - even with a wet suit it is still cold!

I still need to go through all of my pictures, but I'm excited to share with you some of the outfits and activities I did over the next few posts. It was nice to just disconnect from everything. I still checked Instagram a bit but for the most part did not even bring my phone with me. After all, I was in the most beautiful location with my boyfriend and best friends, what else did I need?

You all know when I'm feeling tired and down, I like to look more put together to get ready for the long day ahead of me. On the first Monday back from vacation, I can't bother to think too much so it's no surprise that I'm defaulting to my usual basics. I got this wrap top from Nordstrom, but it's no longer available online. However, the H&M one is a great dupe and a fraction of the cost (I have the sleeveless version). H&M runs small so I would recommend sizing up (I wear a 6). As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm in love with these Banana Republic Sloan pants. These are the few pair of pants that I did not have to tailor at all and are so comfortable. If you have a go to outfit, please share in the comments! 

Thanks for reading and have a great week everyone! I hope you all had a great July 4th!



Office Chic







[Photography by Jessica Dam]

Top: Ann Taylor (similar here, additional 40% off with code BRSALE until 6/30)
Pants: Madewell
Bag: Burberry
Shoes: Ninewest (my color is no longer available)
Necklace: JCrew

I love wearing jeans on days when I don't have many meetings, and if you can't tell by now... I'm just a little obsessed with Madewell jeans. Often times, however, denim can appear too casual, so I always like to pair a girly and feminine top to dress up the look just in case I get pulled into some last-minute meetings and have to do some client facing.  This blouse from Ann Taylor is the perfect white "basic." The sheer cross back panels add dimension and interest to the shirt, and no I am not wearing a tank top underneath. It is all actually one shirt with two layers, a cotton lining underneath with the chiffon fabric on top. It's such a light fabric and have quickly become one of my go-to shirts when I don't know what to pair my pants with.  I used to steer away from white because it's not as slimming as black and it gets dirty so easily (for whatever reason, I ALWAYS spill coffee on myself when I'm wearing white). Now, it is one of my favorite color because it's such a clean and fresh color, especially for the summer time. Whenever I need to make an outfit look more professional/work appropriate, white is my default color. If you have a color you tend to steer away from, I encourage you to try it out again. You never know, it could be your next go-to color. 

I am heading to San Diego this weekend and to Cozumel, Mexico on Tuesday. I'm taking some much needed time off to relax, unwind and recharge. I won't be posting next week but will be back on my regular schedule on July 6th. Follow me on Instagram (@serendiepityblog) to come along with me on my travel adventures! As always, thanks so much for reading! 
        




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