Beach, Bikes, and Backpacks

P o s t . b y l M i m i 

top: urban outfitters  skirt: forever21  wedges: target backpack: thrifted

My favorite 3 B's in one post! Ritika and I went beach cruising! Summer in California heats up really fast and what better way to enjoy it than to go to the beach and enjoy the cool air! 

Summer Styles: Maxi Skirt and Free Spirits

P o s t . b y l Ritika 

One of my favorite ways to spend some downtime is to find a beautiful, peaceful place and collect my thoughts. Nothing quite consumes me with infinite gratitude like the charm of an open space in nature, a good book and great company.

There's so much effortless, natural beauty that surrounds us each day, there are so few reasons not to bask in the warm summer sun and hear the great Pacific ocean waves nearby.

On a leisure walk back from the sandy beach, we found the loveliest and cleanest tree that offered the most generous heaps of shade with beautiful dangling branches of leaves.

Right now, I'm obsessed with maxi skirts and crop tops. They're such a great pairing for summer. The freedom and versatility of a maxi skirt is unlimited. Whether you tuck in a button down blouse, throw on a comfy off-the-shoulder knit sweater or choose, my favorite, crop top, a colorful maxi skirt is always comfortable and breezy.

top: sweetheart neckline with sheer, floral lace off white crop top, Urban Outfitters
bottom: purple a-line maxi skirt,  Irene's Story

For this outing, I chose my favorite off-white floral crop top with a sweetheart neckline and sheer floral sleeves and collar. I also paired it with a short-rimmed hat as well to protect myself from those UV rays.

The Legends of Summer: JT & Hova

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

The Legends of Summer: Justin Timberlake and Jay Z at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena late July was the best concert I've ever been to thus far! My first time at a stadium concert venue, the crowd totaled around 60 thousand. And everyone, I mean everyone, was insanely connected by their love for these two musical geniuses.

Skirt: Crossroads original/ Netted white tank: Cotton On/
Sandals: Target/ Crossbody bag: Urban Expressions via Hautelook

Fashion note: Black maxi skirts are so popular right now. I saw so many girls in line wearing maxi skirts and black seemed to be the color of the day! The half sheer version I wore was breezy enough for a perfect for a hot summer day in Pasadena. Maxi skirts are pretty versatile...I saw stylish girls pairing them with grungy band tee's, tanks, crop tops and even oversized light sweaters.

JT & Hova started off together with their latest Holy Grail track, then did individual short sets of their all-time hits and then came back together as one for Suit & Tie.

Ritika & Mimi's Crossroads Photography Contest Entry

Recently, Mimi and I entered our first photography contest ever: The Crossroads Photography Contest 2013.  We were one of thousands of entries from around the world. Although we didn't win, the best part was letting our creativity run wild. Mimi and I came up with a few artistic visions and it was blast bringing them to life. Check out some our photos from our shoot and some behind the scenes photos as well!

Summer Beach Day Essentials

P o s t . b y    l    M i m i   

Summer has arrived! And I hope where ever your located, you have access to a pool of water! Luckily for me, California offers the big blue Pacific Ocean!

Here are my essentials for the perfect beach day....

Latest Obsession of Summer Whites!

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

I love wearing whites and bright yellows this season. Here in SoCal, we had a nice, sunny dry heat this weekend. Lots of fun times exploring downtown cities and celebrating birthdays outdoors (water guns and all). It's kind of strange, but wearing white somehow adds a touch of confidence for me. 

It's uplifting, clean and really stands out on my dark skin. Same goes for yellow!

I've only made three purchases in the past two months (go me!): plain white tee at Gap (on sale), plane white long sleeved t-shirt from Old Navy -- both of which are so versatile -- and these pairs of white Nordstrom sandals (perfect for the office!). 

A few of my favorite, eye-catching whites at the shoppes I've been eyeing:

Suit Jacket at Mango $109.99

Found on Pinterest -- Can't find the shop, but cute white inspiration

Prepping for Summer: Unique Beach Style

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

It's not  quite summer...but here in SoCal, we're already feeling strong summer rays! In order to prep for the upcoming season, I wanted to share with you my absolute favorite beachy look:

This summer outfit is breathtaking! I'm so inspired by this outfit found on Pinterest here, found first by my friend Smriti. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure who to credit this photo? The Stylet.ag link fails to take me to the correct page. If anyone knows the proper credit, please do let us know. 

The high slit white skirt + low-cut one piece black bathing suit works so well together. It's different than the 100+ bikinis you'll see on any given beach on a sunny day. Yet it's still very sexy. 

The belt adds a fun, stylish touch as well! 

Here are cute, affordable pieces to replicate the look.