THE HERE & THE NOW

{photos by Laura Nguyen}

wearing: Fashion Exchange crop top {$6}, yellow printed skirt {$12/Crossroads Trading Co.}, gifted Dolce Vita booties {ModCloth}, borrowed black waist belt, vintage Coach Satchel {$15/thrift store}

These were taken at the infamous Urban Lights at LACMA on my last night in LA. I'm always one to record different parts and pieces of my life, I like carrying around my memories with me at all times. It's comforting in a way, being able to think back on the good and the bad. Some may call me a romantic and others may think I'm a hoarder, but it's a big part of who I am. 

I fell in love with LA this summer, like really really completely head-over-heads in love with the city. 2013 hasn't been the easiest year for me, it has actually been one of the hardest year by far. Life has a way of throwing curveballs at you when you least expect it, but that's what great about life, isn't it? Being young and resilient, bouncing back is in our DNA. We're constantly being reminded how beautiful and transient life can be and is. 

That's a little backstory about my new tattoo. People have been seeing glimpses and peeks of it on instagram, and here it is, just two days after I got it done. I won't go into the long explanation and story behind it because I think it speaks for itself. I love looking down and seeing this beautiful lotus flower, it brings the biggest smile to my face. It reminds me where I've been and where I'm going; it keeps me grounded and looking forward.

P.S. A huge thank you to Craig J at American Electric Tattoo for making my second tattoo experience even better than the first! Completely obsessed with him and his chill shop, I am so looking forward to my next one.