Los Angeles has the bounty of receiving a lot of tourists and visitors.  Recently, I was giving a tour to some of my non-Angeleno friends, and we were driving around the city.  I pointed out a grainy, 20-year-old image of O.J. Simpson’s white 1993 Ford Bronco, on a billboard above La Brea and First.  There were no words written on the billboard.    

“The famous Bronco!” I exclaimed.

“I don’t get it,” my friend said, quizzically.    

“It is from the car chase…” I began to explain.

“Didn’t people die that day?” he interrupted. 

“Well, in a sense, yes.  Two people.  But this happened after they died.  O.J. was going to be arrested and he decided to run from the police…”

“Why is that up there?  He is a murderer!”

“If the glove doesn’t fit you must acquit, and the glove didn’t fit!  It is supposed to be art?”

I couldn’t explain it anymore.  Los Angeles can be playfully unforgiving at times.  People like to mark time with tragedies.  People die, buildings collapse, earthquakes rattle, floods devour, and we remember where we were when we first saw it, or heard about it, or felt it. 

In the early 1990s, in Los Angeles we experienced our tragedies through the vantage point of a camcorder, a helicopter, or a courtroom, all played out on tv.  I used to come home every day after school and watch the O.J. trial.  I was in gym class when a small portable radio was brought in; the students huddled around, waiting for news of the verdict.      

Now there is another famous trial that I am following – that of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.  The trial began on January 5, 2015 and there are more than a dozen journalists live-tweeting the court proceedings from Boston.  I read through their tweets daily, trying to understand what happened, and why.  The prosecution is still putting up their case, but I am more interested in seeing how the defense is presented.  And I inevitably wonder to myself, if I was a juror, would I find Tsarnaev guilty, and whether, after his conviction, I would sentence him to death?  In law school, we are conditioned to believe that the death penalty is not just.  But, sometimes, it is the right of society to impose punishments on criminals for the purpose of protecting and serving the interests of the people and the society as a whole.  It is clear that Tsarnaev and his brother planned and carried out the bombings that killed three people and wounded hundreds more.  Would executing him be productive in preventing future similar acts? 

Recently, I listened to Serial, a podcast about Adnan Syed, who in 2000 was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend.  Syed was given life imprisonment.  Has that punishment rehabilitated him?  If O.J. was convicted of murder would that have deterred the Adnans and Dzhokhars of our world from committing such heinous and violent acts? 

Whenever I drive by the billboard I think about all these questions.  It is a testament to the power of art when such a photo is able to evoke such reflection and thought.  No words, just LA iconography.

Now that I do not have a laptop, a lot of people have asked me how I watch television, and my response must seem so antiquated - I watch TV on a television!  Albeit, I do not watch a lot of television, but my go-to drama is Mad Men, my go-to comedy is The Mindy Project, and my go-to reality series is Project Runway.  And lately, I have seen references of Project Runway everywhere.  While doing a little online shopping I came across two dresses: the Bohemian Bones Magenta Metal Dress and the Oh My Love Sleeve Cut Out Dress.  I immediately thought of Sandhya's dress and Kristine's jacket from Episode 3: Welcome to the Future, in which the designers used inspiration from 1994 to create a look for the year 2034.

Well, it looks like their futuristic looks can be translated into present looks for 2015 :)  Thank you, Mood! 

I like to write.  And part of the reason that the loss of my laptop was so devastating was because I had written a lot: poems, short stories, an unfinished novel, articles, and other such musings. Well, at least three of my articles have been saved, as they are available over at Nineteen Months.  I will share the first one, Being Part of a Community, below.  It is also found via Nineteen Months.

Recently I met a young college student at a Holy Day celebration and asked her what community she was in. “Community?” she asked. “What do you mean, like what city do I live in? Or if I am taking any classes at a community college?”

I paused before answering. Community was such an obvious term to me, but I had never really taken any time to think about it. Born into the Los Angeles Baha’i community, I lived there until my parents decided to homefront pioneer into a small unincorporated area north of Los Angeles, where they were able to form the Local Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member consultative council democratically elected, without nomination or electioneering. The local Baha’i community’s collective life is administered by the Local Spiritual Assembly and the Local Spiritual Assembly’s jurisdiction is typically defined by the municipal boundaries established by the governing district for that locality. After graduating high school, I was a part of many other communities, ranging from international cities in Germany, Costa Rica, and England, to cities within the United States, such as Washington, DC, New Haven, and Atlanta. Currently, I have moved back to California, living in the Southwest Los Angeles County community, another unincorporated area composing parts of Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu and Topanga. Although all in various parts of the world, one thing that has connected these diverse communities was the sense of camaraderie I could immediately feel with the individuals and community members. Perhaps, most importantly, because local Baha’i communities meet every 19 days for a Feast, a gathering that includes consultation on community activities as well as devotional and social portions, as soon as I was able to attend my first Feast in the new areas, I immediately connected into the community life and easily assimilated into the structure. Welcomed with open arms into each of the communities, I was seamlessly invited to their events, their homes, and even into their hearts.

That is exactly what makes the Baha’i Faith so special to me – the local community. Even if the term itself might have different connotations, it symbolizes the basic premise of the Baha’i Faith as a worldwide, unified international community. Filled with thousands of local communities throughout all regions of the world, each one is essentially similar in nature and working towards the same goals of unity, development and neighborhood-building.

Of course, all types of people are involved with their own versions of a “community,” be it educational, cultural, political, service-oriented, or professional.  In my experience, all these like-minded organizations and communities can only add to the human condition, however they should not substitute for humanity’s ultimate desire of having a sense of purpose, of belonging, and of core values.  It is precisely because of my Baha’i community that I am able to succeed and strive towards my own personal development and spiritual growth. I know that I have an integrated support system, no matter when I am living. There are no membership fees, no association costs, or even a necessary form of belief. Just by being born into this world we are all part of our own local Baha’i community in the area in which we are living.

And, so when that young college student wondered what I meant after asking what community she lived in, I simply smiled and rephrased my question, inquiring, “Where do you live?”

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It has been more than one year since I have posted - 15 months (!) - and because of all the social media outlets, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc., I forgot about this blog.  Unfortunately, a couple weeks ago, someone broke into my car and took one of the most valuable things in my life, my MacBook.  Now, this laptop was 4 years old, two of the keys were not working, and there was a huge crack on the outside cover.  So, I do not mean valuable in terms of monetary value, but in terms of the memories it held, it was absolutely priceless. I did not back up my thousands of photos, my hundreds of documents, my work from law school, my research from internships, classes, and projects, the book I was writing, and other assorted keepsakes and items saved on my laptop.  Anything that I saved from the past twenty-something years is gone.  After going through the stages of grief (denial, anger, depression), I have finally hit acceptance and I am trying to move on through the best way I know how - to document and create new memories.  And so, here I am, blogging again.  Stay tuned!  xx  

This is Leonardo at the after-party for the Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  I hope that he - and you all (!) - have a relaxed Memorial Day and are able to enjoy it - paparazzi-free :D

My apologies for the lack of posts, but I have been at a party!  A "GREAT" party!* Hope you all enjoyed this film as much as I did!

*also, I am out of town for work this week ... and going to Las Vegas for play this weekend :)

It might be May and spring but I am going back to black in my color choices - for now!  I have had a very busy week but looking forward to The Great Gatsby and to Mother's Day weekend.  Moms deserve all the respect in the world.  Today I am wearing Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Geo Burnout Velvet Dress with H&M Fitted Blazer, Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Molly Patent Pump in black, and very chic dark burgundy colored tights.  The dress is versatile, without the jacket it is a great party dress, with an open back.  Only the front has the art deco burnout velvet panel.  I would not dare to wear the dress to work without the blazer, which means if it is being worn in the office it should be a colder day, so I do not sweat from the heat in my blazer!    

Last weekend's weather was perfect in Los Angeles.  Warm, clear and sunny, ideal for my friend's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" themed bridal shower, which was held outside and featured Tiffany-box inspired square petits fours and edible pearls sprinkled on mini Tiffany Blue cupcakes!  I imagined the weather this week would stay about the same, but, of course, the old adage "April showers bring May flowers" was true today, on the last day of April, and I am dressed inappropriately for the weather, albeit, very work-appropriate!  I am wearing a two tone blush shift dress from H&M.  The H&M Blush Shift Dress features scallop black lace overlay and trim detailing, which makes it very chic.  I am also wearing a Target Merona Cardigan, and Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Toecap Platform Wedge.  I might be cold, but at least I look good! 

Feeling a bit dark this week, with all the devastating events that are happening around the world.  The best thing to do is to stay positive, and for all of us to figure out how we can serve our communities in some meaningful way.  On a plus, I am going to San Diego this weekend for a wedding and will be staying on Coronado Island.  This will be the first of a half-dozen weddings scheduled for the spring and summer.  This is also the first wedding which I have ever attended which has a strict dress code.  Taken from the website: "*Ladies: Please do not wear black, white (or any shade of white, ivory, cream, etc.), red or magenta/fuschia.*"  Obviously my outfit today would not work ;)  I am wearing an all-black outfit: my favorite Urban Outfitters BDG Pull-On Pant, H&M Fitted Blazer, and Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Square Neck Peplum Top, which is not even noticeable in the photo!  The shoes are not black, they are vintage Nine West spike heels with a pointed toe, featuring an interesting pink and red burgundy spectator pattern with a mini buckle and little polka dots.  I hope everyone is safe and happy!  

I am not going to Coachella this year.  And, I am ok with it.  Well, mostly :D  The times that I did have at Coachella was unbelievable, and I appreciated it all.  I was not so impressed with the line-up this year, but before I could even look up some of the bands or find a condo to rent for the weekend, the tickets were sold-out.  Such is life.  Instead, today I went to Newport Beach for a client meeting and I am planning on spending the weekend with friends and family, perhaps checking out an art show and hitting a trendy restaurant.  This outfit is perfect to transition from day to night.  I wore Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt, Forever 21 Lace Button-Down Blouse, and Madden Girl "Fawwn" Taupe Patent Pumps.  The cardigan is something I have had in my closet forever.  The tag on the back of the cardigan states "hearts".  I have never heard of a brand named "hearts" and a google search came up empty.  Nevertheless, the cardigan is soft and comfortable and  I was able to make it new by bedazzling it with some sequins on the sides.  Perfect for a chic Friday both in and out of the office!

Most of my blogposts these past few weeks have been about my styling at work: trying to put together fashionable and chic outfits for a professional office environment.  One of my friends even asked me if I was trying to become a “fashion blogger” ;)  Of course, I have been following fashion and trends ever since I have been a toddler trying on my mom's Chanel pumps, but the real purpose of this blog was just to express my reflections - the confessions of a young professional.  This morning I read a letter to the editor published in the Daily Princetonian from alumna Susan A. Patton, which has prompted me to go back to expressing my latest musings.  Ms. Patton basically expressed her opinion to the “daughters I never had” that they should meet and marry a Princeton prince by the time they graduate from college, otherwise they are doomed for life.

At first, I felt that the opinion piece was very elitist and anti-feminist, but after re-reading it, I must agree that, as women, this is the reality of our lives.  I look around to all my highly educated, intelligent female friends who have been striving to be the best professionally, as doctors, dentists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, businesswomen, engineers, etc., and also trying to maintain some sort of balance in their communities and their lives by “having it all” and perhaps, in the end, to women, the social world matters more than the career world, that as much as we struggle to grow professionally, we probably will not be satisfied until we find a committed partner, whom we can grow with and potentially create a family with.  It also reminds me of this quote from Julie Delpy: “I always feel this pressure of being a strong and independent icon of womanhood, and without making it look my whole life is revolving around some guy. But loving someone, and being loved means so much to me. We always make fun of it and stuff. But isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?”

It is hard to find eligible men to marry, and though some females might think that the world of dating is exhilarating, more often than not, it is just terrible.  I had a great time in college, and would not trade any of my adventures, exploits, friendships and triumphs.  But, I do feel a pang of resentment when I hear that a couple met in college, got married, and were able to get out of dealing with the horrible dates, the weird texts, the strange suitors, the lonely moments, and the questioning looks.  To me, those couples were able to be happy, sooner.  Obviously no one has a perfect life, and even those women that we envy or strive to be like have their own desires and problems.  No woman should marry a man for the sake of marrying someone and settling.  However, this opinion piece drives the point home about life.  Life is not easy, life is painful, life can hurt.  There are beautiful moments, but there are also hard moments, and it is our purpose to take each day at a time and deal with them, in the best ways that we can, with steadfastness and trust in God.  And through all of these moments, how much more amazing would it be to have a partner by your side, who loves you, and who you love ... that is what makes life worth living.  We are not isolated beings, we are social beings, and are meant to share the human experience. 

It is the vernal equinox, which means that spring is here!  Spring can be very fickle ... sometimes it is bright and hot, sometimes it is still cool and windy.  Here in Los Angeles, each day feels like a different season, and you never know quite how the weather will turn out.  Of course, it is nothing like what my friends in New York are experiencing, so we really have nothing to complaint about!  It has been mild and temperate this week, so I have worn layers, and comfortable, breathable fabrics.  I wore a very conservative, office chic outfit today, with a bright pop of color in the form of the H&M Electric Blue Iridescent Stone Statement Necklace to celebrate spring.  In my last post I wrote about a "go-to" item of clothing, the black BDG Pull-On Legging Pant from Urban Outfitters.  I have the same pair of pants in a different version, wide-legged instead of leggings fit.  I wore the black BDG Pull-On Flare Pant with a grey BDG Cropped Double Button Blazer, a black and grey BDG 3/4 Sleeve Striped Boatneck Tee and Kimchi Blue Molly Patent Pumps.  And, now that I am typing this, I am realizing that my entire outfit is not only from Urban Outfitters, but it is from BDG (except for the shoes and necklace), a brand which is exclusively sold at Urban Outfitters!  It truly shows my loyalty - once I find a brand that works for my body and my style, I really stick with it!   

I think that most people have a "go-to" item of clothing for work.  Today, I worn mine two of mine: a BDG Pull-On Legging Pant from Urban Outfitters and a Jones New York Collection Petite Washable Suit Jacket. The pants are comfortable, look good, fit well, feature an elastic waist and back pockets, and are fashion-forward for the office, or for an evening out.  I love them so much that I also bought the Urban Outfitters BDG Pull-On Flare Pant, basically the same item but the fit is a wide-leg instead of a skinny-leg.  The blazer is fitted, stretch, lined, easy care and comes in various colors.  I bought the suit jacket in a light brown walnut color, so that I am able to wear something different besides my basic black.  I wore the Urban Outfitters BDG Pull-On Pant and Jones New York Collection Petite Washable Suit Jacket with Urban Outfitters Pins and Needles Collar Tee Shirt and Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Pointy-Toe Pump.  I wish that in the accompanying photo the collar of the shirt was more noticeable, it is an animal leopard print, which goes well with the color of the suit jacket and contrasts with the snakeskin pattern of the pumps.   

At the Grand Palais this morning in Paris, Karl Lagerfeld created a giant rotating Earth with flags marking all the stores.  The models walked out in front of the revolving globe to the sound of "Around the World" by Daft Punk while wearing the latest Autumn-Winter 2013 collection.  "It's about the globalization of fashion," said Lagerfeld.





















And, it just shows the global domination of a global brand.   After all, it is a Chanel world, with Karl as King of fashion, and we just live in it ;)  Chanel really does make the world go round!

A lot of my outfits for work on based on black, either a black dress, black pants, or black skirt.  It is so easy to put together black ensembles as they always look chic and professional.  Today, however, I wanted a bit of color.  I grabbed my favorite item from the summer, a colorblock dress from H&M, and paired it with winter-items, making it more work (and season) appropriate.  The H&M Colorblock Dress features panels of red, pink and black, so it can go quite nicely with various shoes and accessories.  I wore a Urban Outfitters BDG Long Drapey Classic Cardigan, Urban Outfitters Cooperative Saville Platform Loafer, and black checkered tights I have had forever.  Happy Monday, everyone!

Came home from a spontaneous trip to San Francisco and was going to post another chic professional work outfit, but decided I would share a few photos from the weekend.  I have found that the Bay Area is always cold, but to my delight, I had brought the Los Angeles sunshine with me and it was a joy to walk around, meet up with up friends, and enjoy the city.  'Till next time, SF!

I went to Florida this past weekend, for a cousin's wedding in Boca Raton and vacation in Miami.  It was a very fun trip, most of the time was spent visiting with family and being on the beach.  While in South Beach, on my way to Ocean Drive, I stopped at the H&M on Lincoln Road and bought this amazing collarless blazer-coat-jacket that I thought I could transform it into a cape for work.  Needless to say, it is not a real cape or poncho, but is a good alternative to the more utilitarian blazer and makes me feel very sophisticated, like I am walking down a busy French street with my cloak fastened around my neck, ready for the day ahead.  I put together the rest of my outfit based on the H&M collarless coat: Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Bustier Cami, XOXO Pencil Skirt, Urban Outfitters Pointelle Tight, and Urban Outfitters Cooperative Saville Platform Loafer.  Although not noticeable in this photo, the bustier cami has a purple lace overlay which matches the purple coat quite well. 

When I started this blog many, many, many years ago, I was a student, able to dress however I wanted.  Now, as a young professional, I like to dress business-casual, but with a hint of hip.  I find that many other young professionals have a hard time with office chic and struggle between the balance of looking too formal or looking too cool on the job.  And so I have decided to document some of my work ensembles.  Somehow, I have been able to shop at trendy stores like Urban Outfitters and still be able to wear those outfits to a business environment (and comfortably, too!) :D  I am able to meet with clients, go on business lunches, and, at the end of the day, hang out with friends in a fun atmosphere without feeling stuffy.  Today, I am wearing everything from Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Mix Fabric Crepe Jacket, Sparkle & Fade Knit Carved Shoulder Circle Dress, UO Sheer Animal Tights, and Kimchi Blue Molly Patent Pumps. 

My blog posts in the past couple months have not been that interesting - I blame Instagram and Twitter for my daily source of inspiration and occasional rantings and musings.  But, I am cooking up something extra for this blog starting in February 2013, a collaboration between my personal, fashionable life and my professional, career life ...  

Gossip Girl lives on! Gossip Girl en espanol! O mi dios! (Or is it ay dios mio?!) Yo espero que yo no necesito aprender espanol ahora jaja :) The Upper East Siders have exchanged their winter clothes for summer fashion all year long in Mexico.  Dan Humphrey is now Dan Parra; Jenny Humphrey is now Jenny Parra; Blair Waldorf is now Barbara Fuenmayor; Serena Van Der Woodsen is now Sofia Sisniega; Nate Archibald is now Nico De La Vega; and Chuck Bass is now Max Zega.  I think I spotted Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith in the preview too?! Watch the new cast here: Gossip Girl: Acalpulco