Nature vs. Nurture

Considering that the background to these photos reminds me of True Detective, I'm gonna have to let Rust Cohle preach it for me:

"I think human consciousness is a tragic misstep in evolution. We became too self-aware; nature created an aspect of nature separate from itself. We are creatures that should not exist by natural law. We are things that labor under the illusion of having a self; an accretion of sensory, experience and feeling, programmed with total assurance that we are each somebody, when in fact everybody is nobody. Maybe the honorable thing for our species to do is deny our programming, stop reproducing, walk hand in hand into extinction, one last midnight--brothers and sisters opting out of a raw deal." - Rust Cohle, True Detective

- Christine

Photos by Todd J.

Outfit details: Dress//Karmaloop, Cardigan//Urban Outfitters, Socks//Urban Outfitters, Sandals//H&M

Secret Island

On Wednesdays we wear shorts. It was one of those days to get outside with your shorts on and explore the neighborhood. On this particular Wednesday, we discovered a tiny island near our city's lake. It's assumed that many an illegal drunken night is spent here by local high schooolers. But for our use, it's the perfect gem of a locale hidden away in an otherwise gemless city (Irvine is better known for its one color facades and great parking). We always do our best to find places that stand out in Orange County. Our secret island under a bridge.

Shot by: Todd J.

          Christine's Outfit: Blouse//Reformation, Corduroy shorts//Minkpink, Plimsolls//Urban Outfitters
Sarin's Outfit: Tank top//Zara, Embroidered shorts//Forever 21, Jacket//Thrifted Madewell, Oxfords//Dolce Vita, Necklace//Francesca's Boutique

Grandma's Garden

I am eternally grateful that my parents decided to make their way to Southern California instead of settling in the cold somewhere. This time of year is my absolute favorite. It's hot enough to bring out the short floral dresses but not quite hot enough to put away your favorite chunky sweater. On this day, I'm doing just that. I made my way to a garden shop in Orange Circle to purchase some succulents AKA the only plant I'm capable of keeping alive. In ultimate cool-girl fashion, I wrapped my American flag printed sweater around my waist à la 90's Calvin Klein ad when the sun started to beam down. And yes, my necklace says "fucklove".

Shot by: Liana Rakijian (lianarakijianphotography@gmail.com)

          Outfit Details: Short floral dress//Brandy Melville, American flag printed sweater//Brandy Melville, Flats//Crown Vintage, "fucklove" necklace//Luna Boutique, Wishbone necklace//Etsy

Gutter Ball

To celebrate the end of a very (academically & occupationally) taxing week, we put on our heeled shoes and headed to ...... a bowling alley? We tend to end up in very unexpected situations and it was just one of those nights where you're weary of this bowling invitation you've received from a group of friends but you end up going and realize you're having the most spectacular time where music is awful but drinks are cheap.  In the end, when you're in good company, that's all that really matters.

Bowling tips for the fellow non-bowlers:

1.  Take advantage of the bar; Chances are the bartender has an atypical name (i.e. "Yo") and you might need to ask her to make the drinks a bit stronger.

2.  If you become antsy, encircle the outer area of the building and search for a geocache.

3.  Don't bowl.

4.  But if you have the urge to bowl, wait for people to leave before their game is finished and secretly take over their lane.

Shot by Todd J.
Christine’s outfit: Blouse//Asos, Jacket//Urban Outfitters, Jeans//April77, Shoes//Zara

Sarin's outfit: Blouse// BCBG, Jacket//Vintage, Coated Jeans//Zara, Platforms//Frye

Shadow Play

In stark contrast to my last post, I've embraced the sun in all of its shining glory. I'm also exploiting my poor vision by way of ombré-tortoise-square-shaped spectacles. This chambray ensemble is completed with a halter neck and a tiny, moderately purposeless chest pocket. Luckily the material is thick enough so I can spend my day bra-less sans indecent exposure. Now that is something I can get used to.

- Christine

Shot by Todd J.

Outfit details: Dress//Urban Outfitters, Shoes//Dolce Vita, Glasses//Oliver Peoples

Overall Good

Yes, I'm in a park. Yes, those are ducks. I am lucky enough to work in an industry that requires working on weekends. I say lucky because working on one of the weekend days means that I get to have a precious weekday off. My freekday (not to be confused with freakday) is usually spent running all sorts of errands, but on this particularly beautiful day, a stop at the not so crowded park was necessary. I picked up these awesome Levi's overalls at a thrift shop in Huntington Beach and had them altered to my liking. I know they sell some great ones at stores like Urban Outfitters but if you have some time, peruse your local thrift store and save yourself some dollas that can go toward your statement necklace.
-Sarin
Shot by: Liana Rakijian 
               Outfit Details: Overalls//Thrifted, pink collared shirt//Lush, booties//Sam Edelman, stone necklace//Francesca Boutique

Maxi Camp

I realize the word "maxi" conjures up images of feminine hygiene products, but the "maxi" I speak of is only a reference to my obsession with light and airy maxi dresses. I wore this floral frock while grabbing a bite to eat at my local cool kid hangout called The Camp. This wispy dress requires some lining undergarments (unless you are going for the look how cute my granny panties are look).  And yes, I have an obsession with hats that only grows as the weather warms up.
-Sarin
Photos by: Liana Rakijian (lianarakijianphotography@gmail.com)
               Outfit Details: Floral maxi dress//Forever 21, Wide-brim felt hat//Nordstrom, Peep-toe booties//Jeffrey Campbell, Emerald cocktail ring//Vintage