Book Report: Malala

I recently finished reading this book, which, written with the help of a ghost writer, is a first hand account of the atrocities committed by the Taliban against a young girl named Malala. She was a girl who just thought it was her right to go to school, just like we often take for granted in the Western world. She began campaigning throughout her native country of Pakistan for what I believe is a basic human right, the right to get an education, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. However, her campaign was interrupted when a member of the Taliban shot her in the head on her way home from school one day. Yes, a grown man shot a 14 year old girl. Because he was afraid of what she had to say. 

Miraculously, she survived. And she remains a prominent voice in the quest for equal rights for girls and women in the Middle East and throughout the world. It's an inspiring book, and a quick read, if for no other reason than the fact that it shows you truly anything can be accomplished despite your circumstances. 

What made me particularly passionate about posting about this amazing young woman were the horrible events that took place this past week at University of California, Santa Barbara. Many don't know that I went to UCSB for a year before I transferred to UCLA. I was also in a sorority. My sorority was sister sorority with Alpha Phi my freshman year. I have been in that sorority house, those girls were my friends and classmates. 

I think that it's truly abhorrent that, in this day and age, young men still think that it's acceptable to think of women as objects. To think, like this misguided young man did, that they have a right to our minds and our bodies. To think that it's acceptable to retaliate with violence when we reject you or don't agree with you. The #yesallwomen hashtag that was trending this last weekend only serves to further emphasize that point, raising the question, why do we as women have to amend our behavior in order to make way for that of men?  Why should the women of UCSB have to live in fear because they didn't want to go on a date with some guy? Why should Malala and her classmates have to live in fear because they just wanted to go to school? 

I don't normally like to post about politics or current events, I'm not a politician or an expert, nor do I profess to be. But as this is a blog focused on the things that I love about being a girl, I think it's important to note that we still have so much more progress to make in this world to make it a safe place for all girls and women to do the things that make them love being a girl. #YesAllWomen. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Sweater, shirt, pants: JCrew; bag: Kate Spade; shoes: Tory Burch; heart bracelet: JCrew; bow bracelet: Kate Spade; watch: Michael Kors; sunglasses: Karen Walker 

It has been raining or threatening to rain for days now... Isn't it may though?! Sheesh! However, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right? Or at least put on a bright sweater and your favorite polka dot pants... 

Until next time,

xo

T

May Flowers

Jacket: Kate Spade; button up: JCrew; Skirt: Theory; Shoes: Tory Burch; sunglasses: Karen Walker; Necklace: Baublebar

It (not surprisingly) got chilly again this week. Boo. So I broke out my favorite Theory skirt and this lovely Kate Spade jean jacket that I bought last year (on sale!) to pull myself together. I honestly don't know what I would do without a jean jacket... It is honestly one of the most worn pieces in my closet! 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Good Girl Tips: How to Make the Perfect Care Package

All of the things I included in Matt's care package!

It's been a while since I posted a good girl tip, so when I found myself making a care package for my (unfortunately) deployed boyfriend, I thought it would make a good post. 

I absolutely love making care packages/gift baskets. I've been known to give them for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween... you name it! It is always a great way to show that you care and are thinking about the person. 

Obviously what you include will be different for each person, because I think it's important to think about the recipient's personality and predilections. For example, this past Christmas, I made Matt's mom and aunts each a set of flannel pajamas, in a print I picked specifically for them, and then I included bubble bath, lotion, etc. in scents that I knew they would love. It was a hit! 

Boys can be a little more difficult to pack for, but here are a few things that I think are always sure to go over well: 

• Magazines: Does the person like surfing? Gardening? Current events? Head over to your local book store and pick up a few that pertain to their interests. 
• Snacks: I know that Matt loves beef jerky and coffee, so I made sure to pack some, as well as a coffee mug from his favorite store. However, I know I'd want a box of English breakfast tea and some shortbread cookies, and my best friend would love some wasabi peas and dried fruit, so it's different for everyone! 
• Fun stuff: DVDs of their favorite movies, a fluffy blanket, maybe fresh socks (I included a lot of those for Matt!), whatever you think might make the person happy and comfy. 
• Bath stuff: I sent Matt some chap stick and a bottle of Dr. Brauner's soap, which can be used as shampoo/soap/everything and is eco friendly in his favorite scent. For my birthday, one of my best friend's made me a mani/pedi kit with cute nail polish, emory board, and remover wipes, and it was perfect! 
• A note: always include a note telling the person how much you care about them and maybe explain some funny things you included - I sent Matt a Star Wars theme Lego kit to help pass the next few months, but I didn't want him to think that it was totally random so I explained it in my little note! 

Last but not least, I think it's usually good to set a theme for what you're sending, whether it's a girls' night kit for a new mom, a comfy hospital kit for a sick friend, or a tailgating set for a football fanatic! Whatever it is, though, your friend is sure to love it! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

#targetdoesitagain

Sweater: Target; shirt: Vince; pants: JBrand; shoes: Sam Edleman; necklace: Jennifer Zeuner; bracelet: Lilly and Laura; sunglasses: Ray Ban; cup: Lilly Pulitzer

I love Target cardigans. I kind of collect them. And this is my newest addition: I couldn't resist when I realized that it had little multi colored sail boats all over! Paired with my hot pink JBrand jeans, it's the perfect layer. What can I say, #targetdoesitagain :)

Until next time,

xo

T

Wear now and wear later: Lilly Pulitzer Dress

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Lilly Pulitzer; Necklace: Kate Spade; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

I bought this striped Lilly Pulitzer dress last fall, and I wore it plenty with tan ballet flats and brown riding boots. However, I recently packed it up and brought it with me to North Carolina, and paired it with a springy Kate Spade necklace and my go-to Tory Burch sandals, plus my favorite jean jacket to layer once the sun went down. Dresses like this, that I can wear almost despite the season are always some of my personal favorites, because they are so versatile, and always a good investment. 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Cinco de Mayo Style

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Amanda Uprichard; Necklace: JCrew; Sandals: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

As a Californian with a native Californian for a mom and a Texan for a dad, I love Cinco de Mayo. Like a lot. Like perhaps an inordinate amount. I've had many a cinco bash, and I love me a good margarita and some tacos, or a corona on the beach with some chips and guac. Yes please! So, as a result, I dress up for cinco like most other people dress up for st. Pattys day. What can I say. 

Until next time,

xo

T 

Easy Peasy

Scarf: Gap; Shirt: JCrew; Shorts: JCrew; Shoes: Sperry Top Sider; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Bracelets: Tory Burch and miscellaneous Panamanian street vendors

The thing about the West Coast is that layers are important.  Fog has always been a major part of my life during the summer, so from an early age I learned the importance of  things like summer scarves. I love this one from Gap, mostly because it has hot pink (my favorite color) elephants (my favorite animal!) all over it - what better way to beat the early morning chill? 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Little Black Dress (Summer Edition)

Jacket: AG Jeans; Dress: Parker; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner and Kendra Scott; Bracelets: Tory Burch and Panamanian street vendors; Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I was back in California earlier this week - just in time or an early summer heat wave! While it was rainy on the East Coast, I came home from my Panama vacation (I'll post about that soon!) to absolutely perfect weather. We celebrated my boyfriend's birthday on Wednesday night, and so I slipped on this little Parker dress.  I have the same one in a floral print as well, and this blouson silhouette is honestly one of my favorites for summer. I paired it with my warm weather go-to layer, the jean jacket, as well as my favorite Tory Burch sandals, and a few gold necklaces for good measure. Plus - a top knot kept my hair off my neck and my new Ray Bans kept the some out of my eyes! Always a must :) 

Until next time, 

xo 

T