I prefer to dress casually in most days, especially in the warmer seasons because I want to be as comfortable as possible. Contrary to today’s colder weather (finally), it’s been real hot in LA. So naturally, I live in oversized everything so that my skin has more room to breathe. This button up looks like a men’s shirt but I really don’t mind, I’ve been drawn to menswear more lately because of my new ‘do.

Shirt from Black File / Sunnies by Classic Specs / Backpack by Brandon Blackwood / Shoes by 2020ave

Photography by Virisa Yong

Reminding myself from time to time that less is more. I love accessorizing so much that sometimes I forget to appreciate a beautiful piece. For this outfit, I wanted all the focus on the shirt dress. I kept it minimal so that the smallest of details are highlighted: the flowy sheer material, the long slits and the silver rings on the sleeve. Simple, but sophisticated.

• Shirt Dress by In The Style UK
• Shoes by Circus
• Sunnies by Classic Specs

Photography by Alec Dibell

"To all my ladies in the place with style (and nails!)" ♫

If you’re looking for a place to get pampered during your “me time,” you should definitely check out Black File located in Fountain Valley, CA. 

Black File prides itself as a “nail social”—a place where you can bring the girls and have a fun time. It’s definitely not your typical nail salon. Right when you walk in, you’re greeted with a friendly staff and incredibly chic interior.

There's a small boutique by the entrance where you can shop (yes, you heard that right!), which makes the experience more delightful. Where else can you get your nails done and shop at the same time?! You can spoil yourself two ways in one place!

There’s also a lounge area in case you brought your boyfriend with you ;)

When it came to my nails, Jordan always kept them looking flawless. For my previous visits I’ve gotten my nails done with her, I had broken nails left and right. However, she managed to fix them up no matter what state they were in and I never have to worry!  She was extremely delicate with my hands compared to the past salons I’ve been to. She’s also very meticulous on getting the design right. And being the perfectionist that I am, I loved that about her.

The boss lady, Laurie, always checked in on her clients and offered drinks like water, juice or coffee. She’s also very helpful when it came to nail designs, etc. at the times I was being indecisive.

Pictured below (dress + top) are a couple of items I snagged at their boutique!

Body Chain by Stinnys

I don’t think I’m going anywhere else for the main reason that my experience was nothing short of amazing. They’re currently only taking appointments so go to their website here and book yours today!

Words to live by: “when in doubt, wear black.”

I attended an influencer brunch last Saturday hosted by Amika at ediBOL in DTLA, and I went for a “relaxed but still dressed up” look. I simply put a few of my favorite pieces together, in all-black of course! First thing I thought when dressing for brunch: I have to be comfortable. So I chose to wear a palazzo pants a got a few years back. It has an elastic waist so that it can stretch out after getting that food baby, hah. Then I paired it with a dressy crop top and a hat to accessorize (and to hide that messy hair after straight rolling out of bed!).

• Hat / Belt / Sunnies by Forever 21
• Top by Finders Keepers from BNKR

Photography by Gabriel Montero

Even though summer is almost over, don’t put away your summer pieces just yet! You can still wear them by simply layering with some of your fall essentials. I paired a basic crop top and asymmetrical skirt, and then threw on a collared vest to polish the look. The fall season is approaching but its still warm here in SoCal so I thought, the less fabric the better!

• Vest by Charlotte Russe
• Crop Top by Topshop
• Skirt by Fervie Fashion
• Shoes by Simmi Shoes

Photography by Alec Dibell

Summer, I bid you adieu in this beautiful embroidered set. The lace detail is absolutely amazing and gives off a very romantic and feminine vibe. Goodbye to all the tropical vacations, pool parties and summer flings; I’m ready to fall in love with fall.

• Set by Faith & Lace
• Shoes by Simmi Shoes

We all know that a good first impression is very important, since you only get one chance in making one! It says a lot about you. Not only you make an impression in your words and actions, but also how you dress. So here's my first-day-of-school outfit tip: dress cute but conservative. You want your presence to be known, but you don't have to wear something skimpy. You also want people to take you seriously, but you don't have to be boring at it! For this post, I'm wearing a button-up top with boxy sleeves for that extra attitude, and a skort (meaning, a skirt and shorts combined) to keep the look fun, but still reserved. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with your favorite pair of sneakers!

• Top by Love Culture
• Skort by NBD
• Shoes by Simmi Shoes
• Sunnies by Classic Specs
• Lippie by Colour Pop
• Phone Case by Her Teen Dream

I'm back and going out with a bang!

I had the chance to partner up with The Well LA for my BIG birthday blowout: blog relaunch + makeover + giveaway!

The Well Salon's Jenelle made me a silver fox - thanks to her I'm now a year older with sexy granny hair ha-ha! Check her out here!

The Well Shop has THE dopest designers and brands so I thought, might as well grab my birthday threads! I've got two outfits in store for you. Which one do you think is killer?!

Now here's the best part: GIVEAWAY TIME!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• $250 Giftcard
• The Well Signature Sunglasses
• VIP tickets to the WAVEY Pool Party (Sundays at Hotel Figueroa, 1-6PM) — includes free entry for 2 + 1 comped bottle

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

• Follow me (@paudictado) and (@thewellstyle) on Instagram
• Enter your email on this page!

UPDATE: GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

The winner is: Ashley Balistrerie.

Embracing the summer heat, I’m definitely feeling the desert vibes.

This past Monday, I went on a bae-cation with a few of my girls to Palm Springs at The Amado. It was the best location for this outfit, as I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to shoot this tunic. Being in the desert, it was extremely hot for long sleeves but this tunic was loose and comfy enough to wear! Pylo never ceases to amaze me with their pieces~

As a cali girl myself and being so used to the scorching hot summa time, I’ve grown to love loose pieces like this tunic because it goes well with the warmer weather. Our skin needs some space to breathe, catch the breeze every chance it gets.

Tunic by Pylo / Shoes by Lamoda / Sunnies by zeroUV / Hat by American Apparel

Photography by Virisa Yong

  This LBD number will turn heads while you’re out painting the town red.

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I’m completely obsessed with the back lace-up detail. I’ve always fancied anything lace-up and you can totally tell by looking at my shoe collection-I own too many! But it doesn’t hurt to keep the collection growing, right? These platform lace-ups have answered my “the higher the heel, the closer to heaven” lace-up DREAM. They add a few inches to this petite body of mine.

Side note: I’ve been totally lacking on my posts because life is getting in the way (aka work, events, and so many upcoming projects!). But no need to be alarmed, I’m slowly (but surely) getting back into it! So watch out for some cool projects coming your way :)

Dress by Stelly / Clutch by Like Dreams / Shoes by Lamoda

Photography by @marklashark

Ah yes, some color to add to my wardrobe: the powder blue jumpsuit.

Invitation season is now, and you’re better prepared than never. Whether it’s weddings, showers, or grad parties and the like, it’s all about dress to impress—appropriately that is. Try to go for lengthy pieces that will cover most your body, whether its long sleeves or long bottoms. Mid lengths (when your bottoms hit right at your shin) definitely works too! The powder blue color is subtle to the eye but will still get some heads turning. I just love how the style of the suit is polished but still playful!

Jumpsuit from Girls On Film | Vintage Clutch | zeroUV Sunnies

Photography by Virisa Yong

Something about torn down walls, it opens new spaces.

For today’s outfit, I decided to visit the infamous Bates Motel. If you didn’t know by now, this building was formerly known as the Sunset Pacific Motel on Sunset Boulevard. It gained so much attention because the building turned white as a ghost. Locals like to call it the Bates Motel because of the creepy vibes it gives off. If you’ve seen the 1960’s classic, Psycho, then I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. French artist Vincent Lamouroux was responsible for this piece of art. He covered the whole building (including everything that surrounds it) with lime wash, which he calls Projection LA.

Just like this building, my dress is torn apart, but still looks put together in white.

Dress from Lex & Mila | T.U.K. Booties from Zooshoo

Photography by Virisa Yong

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Here’s a quick post featuring my favorites as of late! Slip dresses are so comfy, and can also be sophisticated. The weather is getting hotter and sometimes, tight clothes aren’t going to cut it anymore! For shoes, I went for my strappy heels instead of the usual lace-up booties—it definitely dresses up the look.

Dress from Lex & Mila | Necklace from Stinnys | Shoes from L&K Footwear

Photography by Virisa Yong

Today’s outfit post is a little preppy with a bold twist. Its something different from my daily ‘fits, but change is good! I like switching things up from time to time to keep it interesting. I can be repetitive with my outfits but I always want to try something new. You already know I love my stripes, but this one has a vertical pattern! It may look like a conservative fit in the front, but the back detail spices things up! My favorite detail of this dress are the pockets because it makes the outfit so functional.

Dress from Akira | Sunnies from zeroUV | Shoes from Girl Is Gun

Photography by Virisa Yong

As obsessed I am with LBDs, so I am with LWDs. The “Little White Dress,” or as I’d like to call the LWD, has been taking over my closet. From slip-ons to maxis, my LWD collection is growing, and fast. It’s just so easy and breezy in the springtime and especially with summer coming up, you can easily transition into the warmer season. A silky skater dress will set you apart from the crowd, along with a statement piece like an elaborate necklace. Such glam!

Dress from AX Paris | Necklace from Sparkles & Pop

Photography by Virisa Yong

I either have two moods, and it’s either white or black, and for today’s post I’m wearing an all black ensemble. If you refer back to my winter outfits, I wore black almost every time. Now that it’s spring (and almost summer) I’ve been rocking white outfits lately, but it’s back to black with the gloomy cali weather we’re having. The lovely succulents give off that perfect summer vibe that it makes me want to go back to the desert!

Romper from Flourish Boutique | T.U.K. Platform Booties from Zooshoo | Choker from Maison De Morgana

Photography by Virisa Yong

Here's a quick post featuring one of my favorite pieces as of late: The Adore You Jumpsuit from Lovers + Friends!

Lovers + Friends is a contemporary women's label based in Los Angeles that carries some of the prettiest pieces I have ever seen. The simplicity of the piece makes it so chic, and the flattering cut-outs makes it very feminine. Look out world, I'm ready to seize the weekend!

Jumpsuit from Lovers + Friends | Choker from Maison de Morgana

Photography by Ryan Chua

So let me tell you about this skirt.

This piece has my favorite styles in one because for 1) it has black and white stripes 2) it’s a maxi and 3) the double high slits! It’s chic but edgy and sexy without overdoing it. If were talking about optical illusion, it’s genius how the double high slits cut the horizontal stripes of the skirt. I added my low-cut wired top to add more lines to the illusion. My new chunky platform booties were necessary because I needed more height for the length of the skirt, while my choker lightens up the look a bit.

Skirt from Moonchild the Label | TUK Booties from Zooshoo | Choker from Stinnys | Top from Goldsoul

Photography by Daniel Nguyen

I wasn’t the type to take care of my skin because for 1) I didn’t see the need to 2) I was lazy 3) I never had any problems with my skin. However, this past year, I felt the need to take care of my skin because my face broke out more than ever! It was unusual to me because I never had to really do any routines because it never seemed necessary to me.

Honey Belle came into my life at the right time, all thanks to my long-time and best friend who started her vision for a natural, healthy beauty. All Honey Belle products are natural, pure and handcrafted with only the finest quality ingredients. I’ve seen her dedicate countless hours for her vision to come to life and I couldn’t be happier and proud of how far she has come.

So for today’s blog post, I want to present to you my #lifeofaBelle experience by sharing my morning and night routine, as well as my experience for each product:

Morning Routine

Step 1: Refresh

I wash my face with Tea Tree Lemongrass Foaming Facial Soap right when I get out of bed. The freshness of the scent never fails to wake me up in the morning! I wet my face with lukewarm water and lather one pump of the foaming soap in upward circular motions, then rinse with cold water. My face feels real soft and clean afterwards!

Step 2: Hydrate

I spray the Facial Tonic soon after, about 3 sprays to cover all areas of my face. My skin immediately feels refreshed and hydrated! It’s the effortless alternative to the harsher toners out there.

Step 3: Moisturize

I put a layer of the Day Crème to keep my face moisturized and protected from any damage or aging. I make sure to evenly spread it on my skin before I start putting my makeup on! I love consistency because it's non-greasy and works well underneath my daily makeup.

Step 4: Protect

I apply the “Kissable Lips” Lip Butter on my lips to keep it protected throughout the day! I wear lipstick everyday and it makes my lips dry, so the lip butter keeps my lips soft and smooth.

Step 5: Soothe

I lather the Lavender Chamomile Body Lotion on my skin to keep it silky! My favorite scent is the Lavender Chamomile because the scent is so soothing and relaxing; I can’t get enough of it! The consistency is light and east to wear on a hot or cold day.

Night Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

I use a cotton ball with the “Take it off!” Gentle Makeup Remover to wipe all my makeup off, and it removes any impurities without question. And of course, the product is all-natural so I don’t have a problem using it even in the inner corners of my eye (this is so necessary for me since I use waterproof eyeliner, and a lot of it!). Lastly, I wash my face with the Tea Tree Lemongrass Foaming Facial Soap.

Step 2: Detoxify

My favorite part of my night routine is the Matcha Mint Masque because I love how it exfoliates and detoxifies my skin! I love anything matcha so it made me love this product even more. Who knew matcha can taste good AND be good for your skin?! Anyways, I store it in the fridge so the cold temperature and minty sensation goes hand in hand. I rinse with lukewarm water and it leaves my skin feeling completely nourished.

Step 3: Restore

I put a layer of the Night Crème to moisturize and restore my skin from any damages. I especially love the scent on this crème because it has a light floral smell that’s very refreshing!

Step 4: Relieve

I apply the Acne Relief to remove any pimples and/or blemishes! Although it doesn’t immediately remove acne, it reduces any kind of inflammation overnight. It usually takes a couple days or so to remove my pimples, but it definitely works for my skin! Note that I normally have dry skin with an oily T-zone.

Step 5: Pamper

Last but not least, I massage the Mango Papaya Butter Bar all over my body to deeply moisturize my skin. My skin is really dry so I like to leave it on overnight to have buttery smooth skin the next day!

It's been a wonderful #lifeofaBelle experience so far, and I would love for you to join this journey with me!

This week, my best friend from @honeybelleshop & I have partnered up for a giveaway for all you ladies (and gents) out there! I'm really thankful for my readers/followers and I want to show my appreciation by sharing my #lifeofaBelle experience with gifting a bundle of my favorites (all products mentioned above) worth over $80!! Head on over to my Instagram at noon today to enter.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 20th at 5pm Pacific time.

Til my next post!

xo, Pau

All dressed up on today's post.

Prepare to be glammed out by NBD, a collection full of eveningwear that’s here to stay. Weather it’s a fancy dinner, partying at the best nightclub, or even the red carpet, NBD has the perfect pieces to seize the night. I fell in love with this romper because of the cut and fit, and well, rompers have always been my preferred suit. It’s a match made in heaven with my gladiator lace up heels, as it accentuates the cuts on my romper and glams it up even more.

Romper by NBD | Heels by Public Desire

Photography by Daniel Nguyen