Up until this age, I’ve never really thought about how I feel about the holiday season. On some days I catch myself singing along to, ‘All I Want For Christmas’ and on others, I’m up at 3 am stressed out about what gifts to get for whom and whether or not I should keep everything for myself. Without even realizing, the number of cards that I write each year has gotten less and less - and I guess that’s one of the reasons that make me feel otherwise about this season.

Even so, the idea of Christmas still wakes me up every December morning, counting down the days until the presents are allowed to be opened (even if half of them are from me to me).

As the holiday passes and the year close in, I've found the light in the things that sparkle even if what triggers that reflection is small, like tiny little crystals. I'm choosing to still believe in the spirit of Christmas and all of the jolliness it has to offer.

I was reminded of all the moments that shined this year at the Crystals From Swarovski Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Chelsea Market this past week and I hope that if you're wandering the city - you'll stop in to find your light too! There are a ton of brands that have incorporated Swarovski crystals into their line of products such as Caroline Neron, Capezio, Bkr, Belle Star Accessories, Timex, Fossil and even ZAC Zac Posen. You'll be surprised at how industrial and cool the space is, filled up with DIY stations and archived pieces that have been worn by huge celebrities.

Location: Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue, New York, New York 10011
Date: December 4th - December 10th
Time: Saturday: 10am - 8pm & Sunday: 11am - 6pm

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Cozy Cashmere

If the word cashmere doesn’t ooze with warmth and coziness melting in your mind, then you haven’t really experienced the joy of winter. There’s a saying that goes “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” This could not be any truer for winter dressing. For one thing, as much of a summer-spirited person as I am, I would take cold feet and hands over sweaty and sticky ones any day but that doesn't mean I don't like being warm either.

Not all cashmere are made equal, though, and it’s important to know that your cashmere is worth the price that you paid for them. GRANA is an e-commerce that aims at providing the finest quality materials to create several lines of basics that not only look good but feel good as well. To learn more about GRANA’s cashmere which is sourced from Mongolia, click here.

To emphasize on the versatility of basics and the quality of materials, I've styled two looks using 3 items from GRANA for reference. This Chinese silk slip-dress was delicate enough to be tucked into my joggers without feeling chunky and uncomfortable. On its own, it is soft and pure, retaining heat when it touches my skin and moves effortlessly under an oversized cashmere cardigan.

If you’re interested in giving Grana a try, please feel free to use this special promo code (VANNYxGRANA) for 25% off.

Cashmere Cardigan: GRANA
Cashmere Joggers: GRANA
Silk Slip Dress: GRANA
Shoes: Tibi Jack Feather Slides(in maroon here) also worn previously here.
Bag: Celine Belt Bag


Photos by Grace J.
Styled by Van L.

This post is sponsored by GRANA. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Pop + Fine Jewelry Giveaway

It’s been a really long time since I added some new fine jewelry to my rotation. I always have a really hard time since my skin is sensitive to nickel filled jewelry.

I get a lot of questions all of the time about the set of rings that I’m currently wearing and I always feel bad when I answer that they’re my mothers, meaning you guys won’t be able to get them.

Fortunately for this partnership with Mejuri, one of you guys will be able to win one of these 14k chain rings with a color pop of your choice! It's funny actually, how much of a black and white person I am, yet yellow just never fails to make me happy. Yellow is one of my favorite colors, so having this set on my hands have really lightened my mood every time that I see it. 

I hope you guys enjoy this photoset that I worked on for this collaboration and enter the giveaway. If you see anything else that you like please feel free to use this code: [Van10] for 10% off your order until 8/29/2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photos by Sandra L.
Concept by Van Le
Giveaway sponsored by Mejuri

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Forever At A Time

It’s really funny how things work out sometimes. Times where you’re not even aware that time’s passing by. Times where nothing really moves forward or backward. And times where everything happens all at once.

If I’m being honest, Summer isn’t half as bad as I make it seem like, but sometimes I’m too used to dreading it that I can’t seem to find any reasons to like it. As much as I prefer Fall over Summer, I always take for granted that I am able to twirl around in a pretty dress when my birthday comes around thanks to the appropriate no-pants-allowed weather.

When I had to shoot this outfit in 104 degrees for Forever 21’s Pre-Fall launch was when I realized how difficult the transition from Summer to Fall actually is. It was the first time I wore pants in the past month, and I can’t even imagine how much getting used to it I’ll have to bear in a couple more weeks when the temperature starts to drop. Yes, laced tops will probably continue to be seen everywhere but not sure how my nips will handle the cold breeze without a bra underneath (tmi?). Of course, I'll miss the mini skirts and short shorts, but I'm definitely excited for the long oversized/ruffle sleeves like the Forever 21 top I'm wearing here lazily tucked into classic black cropped jeans. Watch this space, to see how I'll be layering this in a couple months.

I just feel like I’m constantly in a long distant relationship with everyone and everything that I love. My boyfriend is halfway around the world. I see my best friend once a year. And Fall is always far away and fails to never stay long enough. Yet when I get to see my significant other, my best friend, and even fall - it seems like I could spend forever at a time with them.

Top: Forever 21
Pants: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21 (similar here)
Bag: Chanel WOC

Photos by Sandra L.
Styled by Van Le

This post is sponsored by Forever21 for Pre-Fall 2016

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Space

For someone who prefers green grapes over red ones. Chardonnay over Merlot - I sure do make an exception for wine colored dresses.
Space is important for me, in terms of personal physical space, work space, social space, creative space, and just space to be alone in general. My wardrobe is pretty much a reflection of my daily habits and who I am, hence making space for a dress that's deep burgundy means that it must be something special (bravo, Magali Pascal).

A little color in my life is at times necessary to break up certain routines that I inevitably fall into due to comfort.

If you know me, you'll know that I hate a clean background. To fill up the negative white spaces - I created a mirage-like photo-weave with some outtakes that would usually not make it to the blog. It's been a while since I've done some post processing to my photos, so I hope that you guys enjoy this series.

Dress: Magali Pascal
Shoes: Sacai
Bag: Celine


Magali Pascal AW'16 Collection 'Phoenix Shirtdress in Burgundy'
Shot by Sandra L.
Photoset inspired by Molly Dickson 'Coney Island' 2014

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First Date

I've been in a relationship for so long that I don't think I can even clearly recall my first date. I can't even imagine how awkward I would be if I had to go on one, like, tomorrow. Maybe a bag like this would be a great ice breaker?

They say that the early stage of a blossoming relationship is usually the best, and I guess after being through that, after so long, I can see why. Not to say that long-term relationships grow boring, but there is just something quite addicting about someone when you first start to fall for them. They begin to take up ALL of your thoughts and without realizing how gross you act around them, you just can't seem to act "normal" at all. It was also around this stage that I began wearing dresses more often than the time my mother would simultaneously change me in and out of 10 daily when I was 5 years old.

With that being said, I might not clearly remember all of the details of my first date, but I do remember exactly how I felt when my (now) boyfriend leaned in for a kiss at my doorsteps and I went for a hug instead that night. I definitely would do the same now if I had to go back and do it all over again, and yes, I'll keep my sneakers with my dresses too.

The fleeting feeling of being in love is one that I am lucky enough to constantly associate with on this topic -- but everyone experiences love differently. This handbag that I'm wearing is from ParisaNYC's Handbag Collection titled "The Love Affair." Contrary to its' unique design and fun versatility - this bag is part of a series of 5 bags that each represents a different stage of love and was actually inspired by a heartbroken relationship. More than just a line of bags, "each handcrafted handbag is meant to serve as a symbol of independence found through a sense of belonging and empowerment." It is a community that I'm excited to be a part of, either being in love or out of love because self-love is always first and foremost.

The ParisaNYC Handbag Collection is launching on Kickstarter today and I invite you to celebrate love, independence, and growth through your stories with me. If you have a moment, I would appreciate it if you could check out Parisa's story with me!

PARISANYC "THE LOVE AFFAIR" CAMPAIGN

ADDICTED CROSSBODY FROM PARISA HANDBAG "THE LOVE AFFAIR" COLLECTION

Photos by Christina L.

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Greige in AEO

Somewhere between the shades of beige and gray came together a combo that seemed like they were made for each other. I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for good neutrals. It's either all black, all white, all gray, or all beige - but being so plain has its perks too. Once in a while, I'll mix a couple of my favorite pieces together and out comes something completely new and refreshing; like this charcoal washed pair of jeggings from American Eagle Outfitters with a camel turtleneck sweater under this fluffy coat that makes me feel like a walking sheep. *BAAAA

You can read about the rest of my styling collaboration with AEO and get to know me on their blog here!

Coat: Mink Pink
Sweater: Aritzia
Pants: AEO Denim X4 Hi-Rise Jeggings
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Givenchy
Accessories: Fendi

Photos by Shun S.

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Sun, Sea, Sky, Sand...

...and you & I.

I would say that I’m a people’s person, but I prefer being alone. It’s complicated. The way I find my solitude is not by isolating myself, but rather, freeing myself. There’s something about being alone but still accompanied that I find quite comforting. It’s a nice feeling to feel like you’re withdrawn from whatever it is that you want to be far away from, yet, not fully detached.

It wasn’t until I started traveling abroad, that I realized that it was not being away that makes me feel less suffocated, but rather being in a place that gives me personal space. I haven’t made a trip to the beach once this whole entire summer, but it was the first place I wanted to go to, once the season was announced over. The trek to Coney Island took nearly 2 hours, but something about long train rides really make me reminisce.

I woke up at 6:30am that morning, shared a breakfast sandwich and a dollar cup of coffee with my partner at 8:30am and by 9:something, I was chasing seagulls on the sand.

Wind and hair all over my face, sand filled up in my shoes and this cashmere wrap as a cape - these are the dates that I truly treasure. The feeling of being free and comfortable was captured effortlessly.

Cashmere Wrap: Pas De Calais AW'15

Photos by Shun S.

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