KOREA DAY 2 OOTD

Hat: Hollister, Shirt: Hollister, Leggings: Lululemon, 

Glasses: Ray Bans, Bag: Kate Spade, Shoes: Steve Madden

xo. Laur

KOREA DAY 1 OOTD

Hat: Forever 21, Glasses: Ray Bans, Sweater: Forever 21, 

Bag: Kate Spade, Top: Brandy Melville, 

Jeans: Pac Sun, Shoes: Converse

xo. Laur

ACACIA SWIMWEAR MAUI TRUNKSHOW '14

Today was the first Acacia Swimwear Trunk show featuring the 2014 collection. The trunk show was located in Paia, Maui. The Acacia ladies did the trunk show a bit different this year in the sense that they posted the location 2 hours prior (8am) to the start (10 am) of the trunk show so girlies were not camped out over night. But that didn't work because the first person in line was there since 4 am. The line was crazy long with at least 350 girls in line waiting to get their hands on a kini. 

All the swimwear was 50% off, clothing was 65% off and acacia honey (baby swimwear) was 50% off as well. So needless to say, this trunk show was a deal. My sister and I got a lot of great swimsuits for such a great price. We are so happy with our pickings. What I love about the Maui Trunk show is that there is such a variety of pieces and colors. There was so many kinis to choose from that I am sure all 350+ girls in line got something. 

Unfortunately, the downside today was that SOME girls standing in line were rude and constantly cutting in line. There was no need to be rude to others because we are all in the same boat. Everyone was standing in the hot sun so why not make the best of it and be respectful. Always a few bad apples but what can you do. 

Another downside was that an announcement was made saying that this would most likely be the last trunk show forever since every years gets crazier and more challenging. I can understand how hard it must be to set up a trunk show and how much work truly goes into one of these events. But the Acacia ladies seem to do their best given the craziness and I am thankful they hold events like these. So hopefully the trunk shows continue. Overall, a rather successful Sunday. 

P.S. Of course we had to stop for some Krispy Kreme before coming home. That was automatic and well deserved after bikini shopping. 

xo. Laur

THE BAY ATTIRE

Glasses: Ray Bans, Flannel: Brandy Melville,

Tank: H&M, Leggings: Brandy Melville,

Shoes: Toms

FRANK

Since I have a massive scar on my leg from my surgery last week, I have been trying to find remedies to make it less noticeable. I came across a coffee based scrub called Frank, which targets cellulite, stretch marks, acne and scars. It is all natural with ingredients like coffee, almond, water, brown sugar, orange etc. I got the original scrub online, which was only $14.95. It is very easy to use as well. You just use about 2 handfuls of the scrub and rub it into your skin then leave it on for 5-10 minutes and wash it off. So I am crossing my fingers that it works and my scar slowly starts to fade away. I'll keep y'all posted with the results.

xo. Laur

WAIMEA ATTIRE

Swim suit: Acacia Swimwear Cape Town Thai Print

xo. Laur

THE LAND OF TREES

Jacket: H&M, Top: Gilly Hicks,

Bottom: Brandy Melville, Beanie: Brandy Melville,

Scarf: Brandy Melville, Footwear: Steve Madden

UH MANOA REC CENTER

After years and years of construction, the University of Hawaii Recreation Center is finally finished. The students have long been awaiting a work out facility that has not only been a want but a need. This building is 67,000 square feet that includes a indoor track, basketball courts, locker room, cardio equipment, studios and multiple weight rooms.

Even though I am already a sophomore at UH Manoa and I will only get to use this facility for two more years, I plan to make the most of it while I can. It is important for students to stay active even though it may be hard at times with homework, tests, work schedules etc. I am not the best at remaining active but now that there is a new facility at my disposal, I have no excuse. Especially since it is at a perfect location on campus that is easily accessible at all times and the hours of operation are long.

I have found a perfect new workout shoe that could not have come at a more perfect time. It is a Nike Free Flyknit that normally retails for $160 but I got them for $60 at the Nike Outlet. This is just the motivation I need to get my butt to the gym.

xo. Laur

KAUAI ACACIA SWIMWEAR TRUNKSHOW '14

Since summer is right around the corner, that means it is almost bikini season. When bikinis are a part of a girls everyday attire. This is such a fun time of the year but since it is fast approaching that means it is time to stock up on new gear. What better place to do so then at the Acacia Swimwear Trunkshow.

Acacia Swimwear is a popular swimwear line that was created by Naomi Newirth and Lyndie Irons. It is a collection of swimwear that is hybrid of a Italian low cut and Brazilian fit bikini. There are many different custom prints and seamless soft fabric. Needless to say, Acacia is the preferred go to kini for many Hawaii girls.

Acacia hosts three trunkshows a year on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. On this Sunday morning, I flew to Kauai to get my hands on a few of these bikinis. All of the swimwear is marked down 50% or more off the regular price. So tops and bottoms were $50 each, one pieces were $100 and there were markdown bins full of bikinis and coverups for $35 a piece. It may seem very expensive even at the sale price but for the quality of the suit it is worth it. Especially since retail value is between $100-$230 a piece.

Since Acacia Swimwear never has sales this is a chance to get your hands on some of these beautiful pieces even if you have to stand in line at 6 am. Yes this is what me, my mom and boyfriends sister did. There were probably 250+ kini loving girls standing in a long line (like black friday) outside a rec center waiting until the doors opened at 11 am. There were lots and lots of bikinis to go around but the sooner you get there the more options you have to choose from. Although it was a crazy experience, I got my hands on three tops that I absolutely love for a bargain. Summer here I come!

xo. Laur

OCEAN EXPO: ROCSEA CREATIONS

On Sunday, I went to the Ocean Expo at the Blaisdell with Micah and Mason. Since these two have a mad love for boats, fishing and the ocean it was only fit that this is how we would spend our Sunday afternoon. I thought this outing would be such a drag and not fun for me at all but to my surprise I had a good time.

There were a lot of boats, lures, fishing poles, spears etc that Micah was kind enough to explain to me a bit about. There was a lot of food booths such as Fresh Catch, Giovanni Shrimp and Rainbows Drive Inn that made the exhibition hall smell yummy. But tucked away in the back of the Expo was a whole section of local swimwear and handmade jewelry booths that had my name written all over it.

I made my way through the booths and stumbled across a booth called RocSea Creations. It is handmade jewelry made by Roxanne Hong. She makes bangles, sunrise shell jewelry, necklaces, earrings, rings and the list continues. Roxanne makes good quality jewelry for a reasonable price.

While browsing through her vast collection of products, I knew I had to get at least one bangle from Roxanne. I have quite a collection of bangles and I think they are a perfect compliment to any outfit.  Even though it was the last day of the Ocean Expo there were a lot to choose from and each bangle was only $10 each. I wasn't lying about the affordable prices. This was a steal! As you all know, I am a big advocate for buying local so this bangle purchase from Roxanne was even more satisfying knowing I am helping out a local business.

xo. Laur

KUKUI'ULA

Top: Urban Outfitters, Bottom: American Eagle,

Bag: Samudra, Watch: Rose Gold Nixon Time Teller, 

Glasses: Ray Bans Wayfarer, Footwear: Havaianas

ROSE GOLD NIXON WATCH

Rose Gold has long been the metal of the moment. It is a refreshing change from the typical gold and silver pieces seen for years. So you can imagine my excitement when I received my very first Rose Gold watch for my birthday. My excitement was partly just to receive a watch in general considering it has been one of my many fashion obsessions. I mean who doesn't love a little arm candy? My favorite thing about Rose Gold jewelry is how versatile it is in the sense that it can act as a vintage or modern piece. Many think it is hard to match with different outfits due to it's pinkish tone, but it is easier than you would think. It can be dressed up with a little black dress or dressed down with a white t-shirt and jeans. Simple as pie! 

xo. Laur

Nixon Time Teller, $95

WITH LOVE FROM PARADISE

One of my recent obsessions has been workout clothes, more particularly yoga pants. People usually think of workout clothes as a junk t-shirt and sleep shorts. But workout clothes can be extremely fashionable and it allows you to be comfortable at the same time. Since the world we live in today causes us to be really busy and stressed, we shouldn't have to sacrifice comfort.

Today, I received a wonderful little birthday gift from Kaua'i. It was a chic black and white capri yoga pants. It was made by a local women from Kaua'i who started a clothing company called WITH LOVE FROM PARADISE (http://www.withlovefromparadise.com). The owner of the company is a women named Amie, who started this line to make Hawaii inspired fashionable yet comfortable athletic wear to push women to get active. 

Living on an island where majority of our goods are imported it is always good to support local businesses and help them prosper. Why buy something from the mainland when the quality of goods in the islands are just as good if not better. 

I admire the great intentions of the company to encourage people to get active. Our lives can get so busy and crazy on a daily basis but everyone should try to allocate some time for themselves to do some sort of physical activity 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes. Working out has so many benefits and surely will make you feel good in the end. It can't hurt, right? 

xo. Laur