Los Angeles, California | 3/23/19 – 3/28/19

April 17, 2019 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Hello! I recently traveled to Los Angeles, California! Mainly for fun but I made sure to take a ton of outfit pics for Instagram and blog purposes as well. I always like to share what I’m wearing when I’m on the road along with what I did and what I saw! I plan on returning to LA very soon for an exciting project I am working on…stay tuned!

Los Angeles, CA

top : Forever 21 (similar) | jeans : BLDWN

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top : Zara (similar) | pants : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II

A day at the beach was necessary to start the trip. Santa Monica seemed like a good idea because of the Third Street Promenade, the Pier, and of course the beach. For breakfast we went to Swingers Diner and it was so so good and only a few blocks from the ocean.

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blouse : vintage (similar) | top : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | shorts : American Apparel (similar)

Santa Monica, CA

One morning was spent exploring Beverly Hills. We got coffee at Alfred Tea Room and had brunch at Urth Caffe (one of my favorite brunch spots ever). It’s always so inspiring to me to walk into the designer stores as well to get ideas for my own outfits and to see what is happening now in the industry. People watching is also so exciting here.

Alfred – Beverly Hills, CA

Urth Caffe – Beverly Hills, CA

Louis Vuitton – Rodeo Drive – Beverly Hills, CA

Chanel – Rodeo Drive – Beverly Hills, CA

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top : Marc Jacobs | skirt : IAMGIA (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II

Beverly Hills, CA

jumpsuit : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II | belt : vintage (similar)

Spent one of the days shopping in the Melrose and Fairfax district. I think that this is one of my favorite places in LA to spend the day. Every corner is filled with cool street art and the shopping is incredible. So many unique vintage finds.

We ate at a new Italian restaurant called Jon & Vinny’s and it was amazing. We sat at the counter facing the kitchen where you can watch the chefs homemake everything. Extremely good, I highly recommend.

Melrose Avenue

Jon & Vinny’s

Melrose Avenue

Dolls Kill

Melrose Avenue

top : vintage | biker shorts : Amazon (similar) | shoes : Fila Disruptor II

I had to let my inner child out at some point so Disneyland was a must. My best tip for going to Disney on a budget is to bring a backpack with your own food and snacks because Disney is not cheap. Also getting fast passes for crowded rides is so important if you want to manage your time wisely.

Disneyland

On our very last day in California, we did the most touristy thing of all- the Hollywood Sign. As tacky as I think it is, I’m always so excited to go and see it. Not only is the sign cool in my opinion, but you get a beautiful view of the Hills and downtown LA as well.

You can view the sign in a lot of places but to get to the exact spot I did, click this link. I followed the way of step number 2. Yes, we did get a parking ticket but honestly it was well worth it.

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top : vintage | jeans : BLDWN | shoes : Fila Disruptor II

Hollywood Sign

For as many times as I’ve traveled to LA, I have never been up to the Griffith Observatory and seeing it from our Airbnb window every night made me have to go. The views are incredible. You can see all of Los Angeles on one side, and the Hollywood sign on the other.

Griffith Observatory

top : vintage | jeans : BLDWN

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OOTD : 2/14/19

March 5, 2019March 4, 2019 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

I was inspired by 90s fashion for this outfit! I layered a sparkly top over a mesh shirt with a chunky necklace to keep that Paris Hilton vibe alive and added the most amazing lavender snakeskin flares to make it fashionable. To top off the look, I threw on my favorite pair of chunky white sneakers that I wear like everyday.

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mesh top : Missguided (similar) | sparkly top : H&M (similar) | pants : Etiquette Boutique | shoes : Fila Disruptor II

OOTD : 1/5/19

January 5, 2019 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

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cardigan : vintage (similar) | pants : Etiquette Boutique (similar) | shoes : Jeffrey Campbell | belt : vintage (similar) | bag : Fendi

Florence, Italy – Study Abroad : Week 1

September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Ciao!

I have made it to Florence and have already been here for a week already which is crazy! I have decided to make weekly posts including my photos from that time, outfit photos, stories, and just thoughts in general. I think that this is going to be the best way for me to blog and also enjoy this slow European lifestyle at the same time.

JJ’s Caffe

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Terrace at Accademia Italiana

outfit details : top : Free People (similar) | pants : Zara (similar) | shoes : FILA Disruptor II | backpack : Fjallraven Kanken

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We had our school orientation for Accademia Italiana where we went over the basics, got our schedules, and toured the absolutely gorgeous school! It looks like I will be having class in an actual art museum; it’s truly insane.

Night out with friends

View from Ponte Vecchio at night

A group of new friends and I decided to go out and discover the Florence bar and club scene and it was really fun to experience nightlife in a new country. We all walked home together around 3:00 A.M. and crossed the Ponte Vecchio and not a soul was there. It was so beautiful and calm and it hit me that this place will be my home for the next four months.

Apartment

I figured I would throw in some photos of where I am living! I got so lucky with my living situation. I am rooming with 4 other girls who are all great and the building itself it gorgeous. The color scheme is black, white, and red and super modern; my favorite.

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outfit details : top : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | skirt : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | shoes : FILA Disruptor II

Flowers

Brunch

Shopping

with new friends

On Saturday we tooled around the city, shopping, eating, and leading our own walking tour.

Being completely honest, it has been pretty difficult to adjust to this new lifestyle. My photos do look like I am having a blast but at times it can be lonely and that’s just the reality of moving to a new country alone and life in general. I have a feeling that once I get busy with school and find my way around town like a local, things will get better and I can’t wait to share next week’s adventure in photos!

xx Bella

Denver, Colorado |8/10/18 – 8/12/18

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

DENVER, COLORADO | Photo Journal : August 2018|

Boulder Falls

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16th Street Mall Downtown Denver

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outfit details : pants : Etiquette Boutique KC (similar) | top : Missguided (similar) | belt : Vintage (similar) | shoes : Zara (similar) | bag : Target

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Red Rocks – Pretty Lights

Denver Diner

Larimer Square

Plaid Purple Midi Skirt

July 21, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

I purchased this skirt from a fellow student at school and am absolutely in love with it. It’s a wool blend so a bit too hot for summer but I wanted to make a summery outfit with it before I transition it into fall and winter. I pulled out the white tones from the plaid and paired it with all white counterparts. The white crop top and boots make it perfect for summer and give it a 60s vibe. Paired with a white Sandro jacket, this has become one of my favorite outfits yet.

I am really looking forward to wearing this statement skirt this fall and winter with all black pieces and tights.

I shot these photos with designer and fashion & lifestyle blogger, and friend, Audrey Lockwood. Check out her site here.

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photographer : Audrey Lockwood

skirt : similar | boots : Target | top : Etiquette (similar) | jacket : Sandro (similar) | sunglasses : Sunglass LA

Feminine Rocker Tee

July 13, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Happy Weekend! This type of outfit is a go to for me, especially this summer (it’s been grossly hot). I love pairing a feminine skirt with a graphic, or rocker tee to make the perfect outfit to go from day to night. I wear graphic tees like it’s my religion and I love pairing them with unexpected pieces. Also lately, red has been a favorite color pop of mine. I feel like it can make you stand out in the best way possible.

I got to shoot this look with fellow fashion and lifestyle blogger, Abby Liudahl. She is such a sweetheart and so talented, I can’t wait to collaborate with her again soon!

xx Bella

photographer : Abby Liudahl

tee : Forever 21 | skirt : Etiquette Boutique (similar) | boots : Via Spiga (similar) | earrings : Nasty Gal | sunglasses : Sunglass LA

In the Garden

June 30, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Happy Saturday! I am obsessed with these photos shot by photographer and fellow fashion blogger Abby Liudahl! I have a whole folder of drafted blog posts and this was the last in line but definitely one of my favorites so I sped up the process and posted it today!

This outfit is simple yet whimsical and can be worn all day long. It’s extremely comfortable and put together with a bohemian flare. The white blouse makes it sophisticated while the snakeskin heels and vintage gold coin earrings keep it fun and youthful.

Hope you enjoy these photos!

xx Bella