December 2015 – Rainy Paul

Month: December 2015

Hello, It’s Me. Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve, people. The days have flown by this year. One year ago I was living in Rome, celebrating Christmas with my family in the most beautiful city in the world. However, I couldn’t be happier to spend the holidays at home this year (in the snow!!!).

There’s a quietness to the snow where life moves in slow motion as the snow flakes fall from the sky. I started thinking that with time flying past us, it’s important that we acknowledge our memories as well as be fully present.

The only place I want to be this Christmas is in the moment.

This type of time encourages you to observe the power of now and truly acknowledge the important aspects in life. Now is when you feel inspired, alive, vibrant, happy. I’m determined to take time to appreciate routine as well as appreciate change.

I’ve come to realize the importance of spending time with quality friends and enjoying the free time you have as you wake up and don’t have a care in the world about what’s on the agenda. You can’t be everywhere at once! So, you might as well enjoy the moments of now and be with the people around you (while wearing a white tulle skirt and playing in the snow).

The best moments are when you unexpectedly find yourself dancing in the kitchen with your mother to Luke Bryan, spontaneously making hot chocolate as the temperatures hit below freezing, laughing so hard your stomach starts to ache and your cheeks hurt about the silliest inside jokes with your sister, roaming the isles of Home Depot with your dad, and drinking wine by the fire place with your dog. It’s the unexpected moments that create meaning in life and drive us forward.

Embrace those moments of being fully present, because it’s the best gift you can give your friends and family this Christmas (plus, it’s free!).

FREE PEOPLE off the shoulder shirt
BAILEY44 midi skirt
ROSSIGNOL beanie (similar here)
VANS slip on sneakers

Remember- breathe and be in the moment. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

Photos by Jorgi Paul

Travel

How to Guide: Airport Outfits

Heading home for the holidays is my absolute favorite. Home cooked meals, drinking wine by the fire, playing with my dog. Perfection. The traveling through a crowded airport part, not so much. It can be extremely stressful: How early should I get to the airport? Did I bring my ID? I hope I packed enough socks… Oh no, my phone did NOT just die! The number of things that could go wrong are endless, so wearing a comfortable outfit is high on my priority list when it comes to traveling through an airport. My typical round trip is SD –>SLC, so I generally look disheveled when leaving the always sunny and 72° San Diego carrying a North Face jacket and blanket scarf, while wearing my over-the-knee boots as I head to below freezing temperatures. So you can see that I am in serious need of airport outfit inspiration that makes me feel more organized and cool.

I know, I know. Figuring out what to wear on the plane is one more item to add to the stress list of traveling. Have no fear: this guide on how to dress at the airport will never let you feel out of sorts again. Below are my favorite looks of celebs spotted at the airport (shouldn’t they have a private jet..?) where I’m looking to for inspiration on what to wear when flying home this week:

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Lily Aldridge. Need I say more? I adore how she sports a light wash chambray shirt with casually rolled sleeves with a pair of leather pants. Gold studded booties are a great way to stay comfortable, while looking fabulous at the same time. Her wide brim hat is the perfect touch for effortlessly chic vibes.

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Beauty

Beauty: The Essentials According to Garance Doré

Let’s talk about Garance Doré. As an influencer and icon in the fashion world with her blog (read more about it here), illustrations and photography, people look to Garance for daily inspiration. Effortlessly stylish, witty and naturally beautiful (did I mention she is French, too?). Her classy style has a hint of edge and Parisian cool that never ceases to amaze me.

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Style

On That Coffee Grind

Aw, yes. How we all love the mad rush during the holiday season. Projects, final exams, Christmas shopping, and holiday parties keep us all busy, but then melt away with the stress as we travel home for holiday. As the to-do list grows over the next couple of weeks, remember to breathe (and drink coffee). *Sponsored by BetterBuzz. **Just kidding.

I decided to challenge myself during the hectic holidays. The best present you can give this holiday season is your presence. Your body, your mind, your spirit- keep it close and exude it out to those you surround yourself with. I am challenging myself to be the one to put my phone down. To be the one who looks their friends and families in the eyes and engaged with the conversation. To be the one who listens and is simply there for someone, instead of hashing out advice. There’s nothing better to give your friends and family other than your undivided attention and love.

I encourage you to do the same.

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Embodying this new mindset, a new and instantly close friend and I got coffee this week. We were both so engaged in our conversation (about brunch, boys and blogging, naturally) that our coffee went cold and the time slipped away with the sun. How refreshing to be fully in the moment! I challenge you to do discover this same sense of connection; you don’t want to miss out on something so special.

I’m sporting my go-to chambray shirt in a faded light wash with copper buttons, which is perfect for a casual outing like getting coffee. San Diego weather changes quickly, so when it gets too warm, it’s easy to throw around your waist. I also wore my simple graphic T, which is my new favorite from Simply Jules (check her site out here).

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Distressed denim is a classic and edgy look that I am currently obsessed with because it instantly adds an effortlessly cool factor to any outfit. I’m also in love with this faded black wash.

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Ankle wrapped flats are a great item to have in your closet, even in the cooler days of December. Blush and neutrals are also fantastic colors to wear to keep your look fresh and clean.

claire-6 claire-8 SINCERELY JULES “super” shirt
MADEWELL destroyed denim
CURRENT/ELLIOTT denim shirt
STEVE MADDEN lace up flats

Remember- breathe and be in the moment. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Like this look? Comment below!

xx Rainy

*Photo Credit: Claire DeMarco