Marbled

(Dezzal Dress | Amazon Backpack | Steve Madden Boots) 

My first summer in Chicago has been amazing so far. Locals were correct when they say the summers make up for the intense winters here. Ever since the seasons have changed, you've only found me  in summer dresses and dresses ONLY. This marbled one from Dezzal is one of my favorite summer pieces! Not only because marbled anything has been owning the web as of lately, but because of the flirty nature of the dress. It's a feminine piece with a bit of edge. The airy material also makes it functional for the summer heat. Check in with you guys in the next post! 

XOXO

THE CALI CHEMIST 

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Checking in from Chicagoland

(MissGuided Dress | Steve Madden Boots | Location: Chicago Botanical Gardens) 

I'm still alive guys! A lot has happened the past few months that has caused me to be even more MIA from the blog. I moved myself across the country to be with the feyonce (LA to Chicago). Hence, we are no longer a long distance couple. We then moved into our new apartment in the city. As you may or may not know, Chicago winters are pretty brutal and it took a while for me to get adjusted with my California skin. I sported a black puffy sleeping bag jacket all winter! But now that we're settled in and the weather is finally warm again, I'm eggsited to be updating this more often. oh yeah! I guess I should also mention that yo girl has pink hair now if you haven't noticed already (and lovin' it)! Hoping to update you guys with more outfit posts and major food reviews from Chicagoland soon. Maybe even throwing in tips on how to maintain colored hair and apartment inspo.

XOXO
THE CALI CHEMIST 

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Blow a Kiss, Fire a Gun

(Sunglassspot Shades | Forever 21 Slit Tank | Foreign Exchange Bralette)

Sorry loves its been a minute! Just wanted to provide a quick update with a few snaps from one of my favorite spots in LA arts district. I've also got a vacation recap of my trip to Wisconsin for ya'll coming your way! In the meantime, stay cool like I did in this high slit tank from F21. My latest obsession this summer has also been sunglasses, on and obviously colorful doors! 

XOXOJOANNIE

THE CALI CHEMIST 

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Returning

(Urban Outfitters Hat | Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody | Daniel Wellington Watch | Chloe K Dress)  Hello lovelies! It's been a long while since I've posted, but I've return from my long hiatus! Quite frankly not only was I busy with real life, I was also feeling uninspired. The more I blogged, the more I started to struggle to find a style that was sincerely my own. But in these past few months I've realized that sometimes (for the lack of better wording) "you just gotta do you boo boo". So here I am, back and I am excited to post about my past/new adventures and provide content that truly represents who I am. If you follow me on instagram, you may already know that I am a HUGE foodie. Thus, you can anticipate new blog posts in a new review format, as well as the usual personal style, and travel dairy stuff.  Magnolia House, Pasadena CA Rating: 6.5/10 Tucked away a few blocks from Old Town, Magnolia House had the cutest mid-century modern decor ( in which I wish I could have snapped more photos of). Unfortunately, since I went on a Sunday there was only the brunch options available with limited seating. However, I will indeed be returning to try the King Crab Mac n' Cheese.  Instead, we ordered the Korean Chicken Wings as well as the House Burger w/ an over easy egg (yahsssss!). Overall, the House Burger wins over the wings. Nothing like a perfectly done juicy burger w/ bacon that isn't too thick/thin. The wings did come with white rice in which essentially became bibimbap after we mixed it. If you are local, this would be the perfect brunch place based on food, decor, and noise level to catch-up with some friends.  Feels great to be back! Thanks for hanging tight.  XOXOJOANNIE Instagram | Lookbook | Chictopia | Tumblr

Strangers

(Rosegal lace Top | Zara Leather Leggings | Born Pretty Bracelet | Forever 21 Cut-Out Booties)

I've always been eyeing the Jeffrey Campbell cut-out booties, so when I found these Forever 21 booties for 1/4 of the price I was ecstatic! Not only are they cute, they're super comfortable and are my current casual "ladies' night" shoes. As for the rest of this look, I decided to pair a feminine peice with a my favorite pleather leggings from Zara. This gifted lace top from my friends over at Rosegal Vintage gives off the perfect flirty vibe. I absolutely love the two-toned detail of the lace floral pattern and solid chiffon combination. However, if you're read my blog you know I'm not all that girly. So I roughened this white lace top up by pairing it with black pleather, black, black and more black. The are also a bunch of other cute vintage styled pieces available at Rosegal Vintage. 

And of course, 95% of the time I also tend to pair everything with gold accessories. However, ever since I've gotten this chained bracelet ring from Born Pretty I've been ditching' the gold and sportin' the silver more and more. I've received many compliments from strangers on this delicate piece! Although the site already offers cute jewelry at incredibly affordable prices, Born Pretty has also given my readers a special 10% promo code (use JCT10 at checkout)! 

XOXOJOANNIE

ANURBAN-EXPLORER

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Huntington Library

(Tobi Dress | Kimchi Blue Lace Kimono | BCBGeneration Booties | Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag)

Hi Dear Readers! Hope everyone has had a great winter vacation. While mine consisted mostly of foodie adventures with friends and sleeping in, I was finally able to visit the Huntington Library with le boyf right before having to go back to work. Although I've grown up in this city all my life, its crazy how I've never actually visited the Garden/Museum. If anyone is in the LA area you guys should definitely check it out. As for my attire that day, we were lucky enough for it to be 73 degrees and sunny (stay warm my mid-west/east coast friends). Thus, I was able to throw on this simple slip dress from Tobi and my new favorite lace kimono snagged from Urban Outfitters (on sale too!). Happy New Year guys!

 XOXOJOANNIE 

ANURBAN-EXPLORER

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Pleather

( Forever 21 Necklace | Nordstrom Knitted Sweater | Zara Pleather pants | BCBGeneration Boots | 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Satchel)

I've been basically peeled to fitted knits and statement necklaces for the past few weeks. Am I the only one thats super excited that fall is finally here?! This is basically my go to combo with leather details as a "must-have". If you guys are looking for a comfortable casual boot for the fall season, these babies from BCBG are also the perfect height without putting too much pressure on your feet. This Phillip Lim collab with Target bag has also been my go to bag for work. With the craze in LA everything was basically sold out but the boyf was able to snag me one from the suburbs of Chicago. #WIN. Love you guys! 

XOXOJOANNIE

ANURBAN-EXPLORER

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Laser Cut

(Forever 21 Top & Shorts | Zara Heels | Marc by Marc Jacob Watch & Bag) Summer tends to linger a bit longer here in the West. Well I'm definitely not complaining! I've had these laser cut shorts for some time now but somehow forgot about them. Glad I found them while the weather was still appropriate!

XOXOJOANNIE

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Bottoms Up

Look - (Local Boutique Muscle Shirt | Zara Pants & Heels | Jacob Glasses & Bag) Food - ( Larchmont Bungalow | Fuku Burger )
Sorry for the August Hiatus! Need I say, work has been pretty busy but I'll definitely get back into the blogging grind! Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend. Mine consisted of visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art along with food adventures and major food coma. I've also snagged these green harem pants from Zara when they had their sale. Saw them on a co-worker and knew I HAD TO GET THEM! Its been burning as of lately but I've somehow still incorporated these babys into my wardrobe.

XOXOJOANNIE

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Black City

(Zara Top & Heels | Forever 21 Faux Leather Shorts | Foxy Originals Necklace | Marc by Marc Jacob Bag)

I've officially joined the blondies club! It's definitely the first time I've gone this light, but I've got to say that I do love it. Short hair is also more "ME". As you can tell, its caused me to wear more monochromatic outfits. Black, on black, on black. There is basically every texture possible in this outfit. Suede, chiffon, leather....and this necklace gifted by my friends at Foxy Originals totally ties it all together. Hope everyone had a great weekend! It's also not too late to embark on DineLA adventures ( in which I've been doing all week)! Share your food pics with me!

Oh yeah! Foxy Originals is also giving all my readers 15% off their purchase! Just enter code FOXYJOANKNEE15 when you check out. 

XOXOJOANNIE

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Fire We Make

(Zara Shorts, Bag & Sandals | Forever 21 Blouse | Michael Kors Watch)

Just wanted to make this quick update! Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! This is probably my default outfit when the temperature hits over 90 degrees. Light colors and breezy fabrics. Stay cool lovers!

XOXOJOANNIE

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Double Crossed

(Forever 21 Sweater & Cross Shirt & Bag | Marc Jacobs Watch | MyHotShoes Spiked Wedges)

Can a girl have too many crosses and studs in an outfit? Perhaps not! Love pairing this cross jumper with my cross button up underneath. I've also been wearing the crap out of this Marc by Marc Jacobs watch that I received as a gift from le boy. Not to mention these awesome studded detailed wedges courtesy of MyHotShoes! Hope everyone has had a blast keeping up with all the NY Fashion Week updates from different bloggers, I know I have! (Still on my bucket list to attend!)

XOXOJOANNIE

ANURBAN-EXPLORER

Gangsta Party

(Forever 21 2Pac Tee + Vest + Belt | H&M Hat | Vince Camuto Boots | Michael Kors Watch)
Finally a sense of winter here in California! I somehow managed to snap a few shots as the sun made a brief appearance this rainy weekend. I am much more of a sunshines and blue skies kind of gal,but rainy days are often perfect for lazy days in! These Vince Camuto boots one of the only items I picked up during the Black Friday sales. But they have easily made their way into my wardrobes all this week. They are sooo comfortable! I've also been strangely into faux fur lately.

 BTW, MY FERRE SUNGLASSES GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT POST!!!

 XOXOJOANNIE 

ANURBAN-EXPLORER