Outfit // Tie Dye & Sunnies with Francis Drake Eyewear

I love sunglasses, I really do. I usually have a hard time finding the perfect pair, so when I do, I wear those exclusively. I've been wearing the same pair non-stop for two years and had recently been thinking that it may be time to add something new to my collection to spice things up. It just happened to be great timing when I was contacted by Francis Drake Eyewear to test out a set of their frames!
Francis Drake Eyewear is based in the San Francisco Bay Area (just like me!) and offers prescription (or non-prescription) glasses and sunglasses, at a very reasonable price. All of their frames are crafted in Italy with non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials, and all sunglass lenses are polarized. Did you know that 78% of glasses in the US are imported from China, where the majority of factories do not have regulations? The materials tend to be lower quality, but more importantly, can be toxic?! Apparently, some glasses manufactured in these factories can irritate your skin because they leak acetone. Yes, that stuff in nail polish remover! I would have never thought to be concerned about something like that, but now that I know that is a possibility, I definitely would prefer to steer clear from those materials! Thankfully, Francis Drake Eyewear is a wonderful and safe alternative choice!
There are a few things that I look for in a pair of sunglasses: a slightly retro shape, an interesting or classic color scheme, and quality materials. After browsing the Francis Drake site, I decided that the Montclair frames would be best for my style and face shape, and that I had to have them in the color 'champagne' since it was unlike anything I already owned. After I picked my pair, they thankfully arrived to me very quickly (I'm not too patient when I really want something haha) and so far, I have been really happy with my choice! In case you were interested, I also really like the Belvedere frames and had a hard time choosing! I think it is also pretty cool that all of their frames are named after places or cities around the Bay Area :)

These frames are pretty lightweight and are comfortable on my face. You can definitely tell that they are made from quality materials! They also came in a cute red pouch with a cloth so that I can keep them clean and scratch free. I have never had polarized lenses before, so I am adjusting to the way things look through them and have no complaints!
An awesome feature that I found on the Francis Drake website is virtual try-on! You can "try-on" any pair of frames using your webcam to see how they will look on you! I tried it and it is pretty darn cool :) They also have a nice guide so that you can see what style of frames is most flattering on your face shape, which definitely helped me!
I've been so excited about my new sunglasses that I forgot to talk about the rest of this outfit! I wore this breezy ensemble on my last official day of summer break. It seems like a great summery outfit, doesn't it? I got this fun tie-dye esque dress at a little surf shop while we were in San Diego and have been loving it! Secretly, it is actually a swim cover up and that's what I intended it to be when I purchased it, but I have been enjoying wearing it as a sundress too! I figured it would be perfect with a jean jacket and gold glitter sandals, because those are great accessories for any outfit :) Plus, my new sunglasses happen to go pretty well with the whole look too!

I'm really happy that Francis Drake Eyewear found me and that we will be able to team up in the future to help this wonderful Bay Area grow! With their great styles, high quality products, and reasonable prices, they deserve to be known by all! Thank you to them for choosing me to represent them here on the blog :)

Sunglasses // c/o Francis Drake Eyewear
Dress // local surf shop

Sandals // Target
Jacket // American Eagle

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post. While I may have been compensated in some way, all views and opinions are my own.

Sponsor Love // Gipsy Dharma

Hello all! Tonight I have something very unique for you. A few weeks ago, I teamed up with a brand called Gipsy Dharma to share a look into their unique line and business. I guess I shouldn't say their business because it is actually backed by just one girl carrying out her dream of producing handmade clothing and real leather boots for a carefree lifestyle. I love to see people that are passionate about what they do, and this company is bursting at the seams with it.

This brand was all started by the Miss Gipsy Queen (as I like to call her) making clothing and footwear for herself to wear to music festivals. After posting photos on her Facebook page, interest grew and she started creating pieces for others, her Wales and England based brand quickly growing into what it is today.


As you can see by the intricate details above, there is so much thought and care that goes into each pair. I love that each pair is extremely unique and are available in so many fun colors & patterns!

Adding to the passion and whole-heartedness of this brand is the fact that the owner and creator models all of her own products in the photos found on her site! I think that is simply amazing! You can see that she thoroughly believes in her brand, not only as a business, but as a way of life. And is super confident in herself (you go girl!)!

While I am not quite bold enough to wear the super fun skirts and tops Gipsy Dharma specializes in, I do really like the boots. I could actually see myself wearing a pair of the ankle boots with something like leggings and a comfy sweater! These plum colored ones are my very favorite.

Be sure to check out the Gipsy Dharma website, "like" their Facebook page, and follow along via Twitter for the chance to win a pair of these babies. This brand does weekly giveaways!! How cool is that? Though Gipsy Dharma is based in Europe, they do ship internationally!

Lastly, I just want to say a quick thank you to Gipsy Dharma for collaborating with me and choosing to sponsor my blog!

Gipsy Dharma

Website // Facebook // Twitter

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post. While I may have been compensated in some way, all views and opinions are my own.

A New Month + New Goals

Hello all! Flip the page on your calendars, folks, because it is officially February (you know, like 4 days ago. So I'm behind on the times, but what's new?)! I have never really felt any attachment or superb feelings about this particular month, but the more I think about it, the more it feels right. First, we are out of that awkward stage of the holidays being over and not knowing how to get back to real life. Anyone else always find January kind of strange? After my birthday, all the festivities are over and it is kind of sad... Second, it brings us one step closer to SPRING! I have always lacked an appreciation for this season, but now I am welcoming it with open arms whenever it is ready.

Since it is a new month, lets make some goals.

+ Create & fiercely stick to a budget.
Yuck. Not one of my favorite words either, but I have some very expensive things coming up these next few months and I need to get a really strong grip to my finances. Sigh. To be an adult (except, at 20, I still don't consider myself an adult, FYI).

+ Keep playing with my newly purchased Nutribullet.
Guys, I love this thing. I bought it on a whim with birthday money from Target a few weeks ago since it was on sale and I haven't regretted it for one second. It has been so fun putting different drinks together and packing them with healthy things like greens and seeds. Hopefully this month I can keep making drinks every morning (& sometimes in lieu of dinner or lunch too!) and share my favorites here.

+ Renew my passport.
I have never used it, but it is expiring soon and I feel like I should have it just in case I feel like leaving the country at the drop of the hat. And for another reason I will be mentioning tomorrow ;)

+ Establish a workout routine.
Or just start working out or doing something active in general. This has always been one of my biggest struggles. I think things are a great idea until I get started and then a week into it (if I make it that far), I quit or make an excuse. Its exhausting and doesn't make me feel great in any shape or form. I am openly taking suggestions right now.

+ Keep up with school work & maybe even do my best to be ahead.
In past semesters this has not been my strong suit. It isn't even because I don't understand the work or am not at that academic level. It is for simply one reason: I'm a procrastinator. There. You know my secret. But, you see, in the past 3.5 weeks of this semester, things have been going really well and I have been on my best student behavior. I want to keep that up as the semester gets busier to make my life easier and less stressful than it has been in the past.

And now I'd like to introduce you to my lovely blogging friend, Jess! She is a recent college grad with a love for travel, food, and a great sense of humor. I always turn to her blog for a little uplift and inspiration!

+ Tell us a bit about your blog and why you decide to start blogging.

Stamp in My Passport is a travel and lifestyle blog for those of us without bottomless bank accounts. When I'm not talking about my recent travels and favorite destinations, you'll find a mix of recipes, interior design inspiration and information on modern calligraphy, which I'm currently in the process of learning! I'm a recent college grad (as of December) and see this transition time as something exciting and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me and this little blog of mine.

+ Describe your blog in three words.

Wanderlust Meets Life

+ What piece of clothing describes you best and why?

That's a tough one! I would say that I'm your favorite LBD...classic, timeless, and always makes you feel better before going out at night.

+ If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule what would it be and why?

I would eliminate washing and styling my hair in a heartbeat! I wish I was one of those lucky few who can do the "no-poo" trend or go at least every other day without suds-ing up and flat-ironing their hair. But alas, I have to take an extra thirty minutes every morning.

+ If you could have an unlimited amount of one thing what would it be?

Right now I would say I want an unlimited amount of cookie butter, but that's just because I'm going through the cycle where I crave it all the time (which may or may not happen all the time.) 

                                                  Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

I'm Good to Go + Sponsor Love

via (cropped + text added)

Well guys, here we are... Today I leave for New York City, with my bag packed and a goofy smile plastered on my face. I can almost guarantee you that I will be skipping along to my gate at the airport. And that Dai will trail a safe distance behind me, pretending he has no idea who this crazy white girl is... And then I will take a dose of ZzzQuil and knock out, and wake up as we roll up to the gate at JFK. Sounds like a pretty solid plan, right? I'm stoked.

I'm going to do my best to keep in touch with all of you lovelies here while I'm gone, but let's be honest, my little mind is going to be all over the place with excitement the entire duration of my trip. For real. But, I will snapping away with that beloved camera of mine (actually, two cameras because you just can't make me choose between digital and film. I won't do it! Yes, I am spoiled. That has been established.), and will have plenty of things to share with you all when I get home! And then it will only be a few more weeks until school is over and I will be doing some major blogging, and even making some changes around here. I'm excited!

So, with that, I will leave you with "The going to the airport song," or "Bruised" by Jack's Mannequin, like the rest of the world knows it as. This song has been one of my very, very favorites for quite a while. Like 5 years or so. It is my ring tone even. Sometime long ago I started referring to it as "The going to the airport song" since it is about a plane flight, and insisted on playing it in the car whenever I drove to the airport. So it's a tradition around here, and because I love you guys that much, I will let you in on the fun. A gift from me to you! Also, the quote I added to the photo above is from this beloved song, so enjoy!

By the way, while I'm gone, you can keep up with my adventures on Instagram and Twitter!

Meet one of my sponsors, Laura of Inspiration.Sparks! She and her hubby currently live in Okinawa, Japan, and she blogs about her life in a new country, marriage, and inspiration for all areas of life. I have loved having her on my sidebar this month, and hope you love her blog as much as I do!

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

+ Tell us a bit about your blog and why you started blogging.

I started blogging while my husband and I were working on our PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to Okinawa, Japan. I stayed in North Carolina (where he was stationed) for over a month to work on the paperwork and while he was at work I decided it would be fun to start a blog and stick to it. This way we could share all about our move, as well as our life in Okinawa to our family and friends back home. A year later you can say it's become much more! :)

+ Describe your blog in three words.

Personal, Delightful, Heartwarming 

+ What piece of clothing describes you best and why?

I'd say high-waisted shorts! I have sooo many pairs of them in my dresser! I've always been that person that has countless amounts of bottoms and not many tops. When I go shopping I have to force myself to buy tops and stay away from bottoms, but most of the time I can't control myself. 

+ If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be and why?

I would eliminate washing my hair. Ok, that sounds disgusting but I can't help it, I HATE washing my hair!!! Especially because my hair isn't one of those that dries beautifully. I've always hated my natural hair which is sort of but not really curly, and that's why I've always had it chemically straightened. Now that I live on the other side of the world, no one does my treatment here and it makes me hate my hair even more. I'm so lazy that I prefer to let my hair air dry and the next day I'll force myself to straighten it, because I can't go out looking like a crazy! :P

+ If you could have an unlimited amount of one thing, what would it be?

Clothing!! Wow, what a girly answer! While working at Forever 21 I used to buy clothing every week, I couldn't control myself and my closet was always full! Now that I live somewhere with barely any inexpensive clothing stores I feel like a druggie who needs her fix. I'm also sick of wearing the same clothing and let me just express that online shopping sucks! 

Want to sponsor Foreign Room as well? You can check out the options I am currently offering here.

Good-bye September, Hello October + Sponsor Love

We are so ready for you! So far, October is looking better than September. It's going to be a busy, busy month over here on the blog! I've got some new projects, photo shoots, and a trip to San Diego already planned so far. Hopefully things will become more fall-like here and I will get to dive into some of my favorite parts of this season! 

So to wrap September up, I just wanted to share some of my favorite happenings around here this past month! Let's see what September brought for this 'ol blog...

- The new series East vs. West was launched!

- My outfit photos were a failure.

- I shared some tips for acne prone skin + my journey with it.

- I talked about my happy place + shared some outfit photos that were not a failure.

- I went to LA with Dai and we wandered around the city. And it was awesome.

I also want you to meet Lix of A Classic Notion! She hung out on my sidebar all September long and I loved having her here. Lix lives in Spain (oh how I envy her!), and has a lovely Etsy shop where she sells her beautiful photography prints, iPhone cases made from her photographs, and even offers product modeling!

As a way to get to know Lix, I asked her to share with us some words or a motto that she holds close to her as a reminder for her life. Here is her response, and I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have!

"I don't have any one motto that I always follow — or rather, I have many small ones that are less about the phrasing and more about the sentiment behind them, like "it's okay to ask for help" and "you can cut toxic people out of your life" and "the best time to do anything is now." I also like to tweet sweet nothings at myself sometimes, like "you're doing great" and "you are awesome." But I guess the one thing that I keep closest to my heart is this: There is more than one path to go where you want to be. I've struggled a lot with wanting to get my life back on track, and for a long time I wanted to grab it and squeeze it into what I always thought my life would look like. I dropped out of college twice in two years, and the second time — and when I thought about going back after that — I wanted to take several years at once. I felt like I'd lost time and I wanted to make up for it.

The truth is, I didn't lose time. I needed that time to figure myself out. The years I've spent at home, not doing much of anything — they've molded me into a better, more confident person. And so now I'm almost twenty-four years old and I don't have a college degree and I live with my parents — but I'm doing something I love and trying to make a living out of it. And it may take longer than I'd like to make enough money to support myself, or to move out, but there's no need to rush it. I'll still get there."

Blog // Etsy // Twitter

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Lix! Be sure to check out her insightful blog and her gorgeous Etsy shop!

Happy October, friends :)