What would Veronica Mars do?

Headband: c/o Notes & Knots [receive 10% off your purchase with the code AUTEURARIEL10]

Cardigan: Forever 21

Jeans: Bullhead

Booties: Forever 21 [similar]

Necklace: Forever 21 [similar]

Guys, I have an unhealthy obsession.

It's with the TV show, Veronica Mars.

 I know, I know, I'm like 10 years late to the party but let's be real:

12-year-old Ariel would not have appreciated (or really understood) this show as much as 22-year-old Ariel does.

Oh man, what I would give to be as clever as the detective version of Kristen Bell.

It all started several months ago when my co-worker asked me if I heard about the Kickstarter that reached its $2 million goal in less than 24 hours. He said it was for a movie spinoff of the TV series called "Veronica Mars."

The name sounded familiar--I knew it was a TV show that was popular when I was younger.

Curious, I looked it up on IMDb and to my pleasant surprise, I saw that Kristen Bell was the star of it.

Being a big fan of Kristen Bell (ever since her sloth meltdown on Ellen, she's had a special place in my heart), I decided to give the show a try.

I was instantly hooked.

I watched all the way to about the middle of season two (in a week, I might shamelessly add) when I began to have a hard time finding good sources to watch the episodes online. That, mixed with school and work picking up eventually turned into an indefinite hiatus from the show.

It wasn't until a couple weeks ago when I was browsing through Amazon Instant Video, that I discovered that they had all three seasons of Veronica Mars available to watch online (legally might I add)--Eureka!

And I've been obsessed (again) ever since.

The show is so, so addicting!

The plot line is so engaging--there is a new case to solve every episode, as well as an ongoing mystery that stretches out throughout the entire season. I still can't believe they only made three seasons!!! I almost don't want to finish watching it because then it will be over forever. However, I do have the movie to look forward to in March (maybe I'll time it perfectly)!

Besides the amazing plot line though, what really has me hooked on this show is the main character, Veronica Mars.

Veronica is smart, pretty, brave, funny--all the things I wish I were.

She takes crap from nobody and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Underneath her hard exterior though, she has a heart of gold. She's always willing to help someone in need, despite the circumstances.

The one thing that I admire most about Veronica though is her wittiness.

She always has the best comebacks and thinks extremely quick on her feet.

There are so many times in my life when I've cracked lame jokes or when I'm like, "ugh, THAT'S what I should have said instead of that pathetic excuse of an answer," that I wish I had her brains.

So from now on, I've vowed to ask myself this before I say or do anything:

"What would Veronica Mars do?"

It's a great motto to live by, just saying.
It's also a creepy, obsessed one as well though... Like I said, it's unhealthy.

Anyway, I really recommend the show for anyone in need of some greatness in their lives. Also, because it's an "older" show, you'll spot a ton of A-listers before they were A-listers guest starring in some episodes! I've spotted Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls), Dianna Agron (Glee), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Jane Lynch (Glee), Armie Hammer (Lone Ranger), Paul Rudd (everything...), Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), Alyson Hannigan (HIMYM), Max Greenfield (New Girl), Krysten Ritter (Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical), Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim), Kristin Cavallari (Laguna Beach), Rider Strong (Boy Meets World), to name a few...
If those names don't convince you to watch the show, I don't know what will!

PS. I'm only about 1/3 into season three so PLEASE no spoilers!!!

On a more important and relevant note, how cute is this headband I'm wearing from Notes & Knots? It's their Rockin' Rebel headband and you can get it (or any item from their store) for 10% off using the code: AUTEURARIEL10!
I think I like wearing headbands because it reminds me of spring fashion and I really, really want it to be spring already.
Who's with me?

Cheers.

Twigs Sunglasses

Sunglasses: c/o Twigs Woodwear

Sweater: Forever 21 [similar]

Snood: crocheted by my friend, Brenda!

Boots: PacSun [similar]

Oh, Honest Abe.

Such an inspiration.

Today I'm excited to share an amazing giveaway that I am doing with Twigs Woodwear! Twigs is an amazing company because they are eco-friendly--all their wood is sustainable and all their plastic is recycled. It also helps that their sunnies are extremely stylish!

Twigs and I are partnering up to give away a pair of Upton Tortoise Sunglasses (shown in the picture above) to one lucky person!

What's exciting about this giveaway is that I'm hosting it on my INSTAGRAM!
It's a first for me, yay!

Cheers.

Yay or Nay: GRAMMY Fashion 2014

I love award show season--I'm such a sucker for the fabulous lives of the rich and famous.

I'd say the Grammys is one of the most entertaining award shows to watch--with loads of performances and collaborations of amazing artists. Besides the awards and music, my favorite part about the Grammys (and any award show) is of course, the fashion!

But before I jump into my picks for Yay or Nays of the fashion last night, I just wanna share my top 5 favorite moments of this year's Grammys:

1) P!NK. Oh my goodness. Her aerial performances never get old. I seriously don't know how she does it! And to add Nate Ruess and his voice of perfection to that equation made it probably my favorite performance of the night. 

2) Lorde's face when she won her Grammys. It was pure happiness and shock, which was so refreshing to see!

3) Imagine Dragons' performance. I'm just so proud of them! The fact that they got to perform at the Grammys is just awesome and shows how true talent can get you to the top. When Steven Tyler is singing along to your song, you know you've made it.

4) Neil Patrick Harris introducing Daft Punk and Stevie Wonder. Just because I LOVE How I met Your Mother and it felt like Barney was talking the whole time haha.

5) Lang Lang and Metallica's performance. Talk about two opposite world's colliding to make sweet, sweet music. Isn't that what the Grammy's are all about? ;)

Disclaimer: Some of my Yays might be your Nays and some of my Nays might be your Yays. Just remember this is simply my opinion! :) We all have our own unique taste in fashion and clothes! If you do disagree with any of my choices, I would love to hear about it in the comments section--but in a nicely manner (aka please don't attack me!!!)

YAYs

Taylor Swift in Gucci Premiere

I was a little skeptical when Kelly Osbourne hinted at Tay's dress as "chainmail" during the pre-show, but she ending up looking completely phenomenal! It totally complimented her tall, slim figure--and it was classy yet edgy. I also adored her dress that she wore during her "All Too Well" performance.

Colbie Caillat in Ezra Santos
I love how Colbie is so versatile. She always looks amazing in her hippie, laid back attire, but then she can still be a showstopper in this sexy, sophisticated gown. And red looks ah-mazing on her.

Paris Hilton in Haus of Milani

Not a huge fan of Paris herself, but I had to admit I loved her dress. Some could say it's a tired, wedding dress-wannabe, but I think it's super vintage and elegant. I love the cutout patterns on the back and her hair complimented the dress perfectly!

Anna Kendrick in Azzaro

So this picture doesn't really do Anna/her dress justice (the white wall and flash kinda flushes everything out) but, on TV she look stunning! The front reminded me of Taylor Swift's dress at the AMAs--guess I like upside-down triangles! :)

NAYs

Katy Perry in Valentino
Okay, I'M SORRY if anyone LOVED this dress because I really didn't. Everyone kept raving about how amazing she looked, but her dress reminded me of something a 3-year-old would wear when playing dress up! Music note print on any piece of clothing is just not really my forte. And the hair... bleh.

Madonna in Ralph Lauren

Okay Madonna, you've already done the pant suit thing, let's move on to something new. I just feel like Madonna is trying too hard to be "young and hip"--especially with her grill, oh gosh. Also, did anyone notice how snippy she was when Ryan Seacrest was interviewing her? Her face got super sour when Ryan asked her about her collaboration with Macklemore that night because apparently it was supposed to be a secret (even though I'm pretty sure it was public info already). And then she totally shut down her own child when he asked if he could get a grill for his birthday. Madonna needs to seriously chill--and remember her age.

Zendaya in Emanuel Ungaro

I think this girl is gorgeousssss but she has the worst taste in fashion! I've seem some other ensembles she's worn to events and they're all pretty Nay. However, the fact that she's only 17 gives her somewhat of a pass. I mean, whenever I look back at what I was wearing at 17 I want to kick myself.

Pharrell in Vivienne Westwood (hat)
I saved the best for last. Like, I don't even know what to say. I mean, THE HAT. Did he lose a bet or something? I kept thinking--Smokey the Bear, potato, Canadian police hat, Sorting Hat's cousin(my favorite, credit to my friend Ryan)... then I saw this and almost died laughing:

Haahahahahahaha.

So good.

Anyway, hope you all got to catch the Grammys last night! It was mind-blowing (and very, very long).

What were your favorite parts of the Grammys?

Next up, OSCARS!!!

Cheers.

Can it be spring already?

Tank Top: c/o Style Lately
Necklace: c/o Style Lately
Chambray Shirt: Forever 21 [similar]
Leggings: H&M
Heels: Go Jane [similar]
Purse: PacSun [similar]
Bracelet: c/o Pure Impressions
Watch: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: PacSun [similar]

...because my outfits lately have been ignoring the winter season.

To be honest though, the weather lately has been pretty awesome. The sun is strong enough to warm your skin up during the day (eliminating the need for a heavy coat) but there is still that slight chill in the air that feels refreshing. I'd honestly be okay if spring decided to show up to the party a little early. What can I say, the Hawaii in me screams whenever a snowflake appears in my weather app.

My favorites of this outfit is of course, the necklace and tank top from Style Lately. They are both so fun and casual--fitting into my wardrobe perfectly. Any piece of clothing that promotes "late nights" are invited into my closet because I don't remember the last time I fell asleep before midnight (I'm pretty sure I'm part owl). I also love how you can double up the necklace to wear it shorter (like I did in this outfit) or wear it normally. Versatile jewelry is the best.

Oh hey, remember when I mentioned this past Monday how we were maybe going snowboarding?

Well, we ended up going.

I fell on my back. I fell on my face. I fist pumped when I made it down the hill a couple times without falling.

We enjoyed this amazing view from the top of the mountain.

(Okay, okay Utah. We get it. You can be pretty sometimes)

I loved every minute of it...

...until I woke up the next morning.

I literally could not move my body, much less lift my hand to grab my phone on my nightstand.

I should've seen it coming though.

Boycotting the gym has its consequences.

But thank goodness for amazing husbands who give you massages and load you up on Aleve, right?

I'm doing better now, but I really do need to get back into shape.

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Cheers.

#TBT: My "Acting" Reel

Whaaaaaaat?

You guys didn't know I was a movie star?
I mean, I've won 3 Oscars already.
Got them all lined up on my mantle next to my 5 Grammy's and 7 Olympic Gold Medals.
NBD.

Haha, if only.

I have however, starred in some tiny, but fun commercials, short films, and advertisements.
Here are a few of them for your entertainment!


This is a commercial I did for BYU Independent Study that premiered during General Conference and still plays occasionally on BYUtv. I actually was a stand-in at first for the role because I work at the BYUIS video department, and I guess I looked Hispanic enough to be casted for real. Yep, I'm a Japanese/Filipino/German/French girl playing a Latina who speaks Chinese. Talk about diversity.


This is a short horror film (I refuse to watch them, but apparently I like to be in them) I did for my friends Vanessa and Joseph. I got to play a mean girl in it so I was pretty stoked. It brought out my inner Regina George.


You'll have to look carefully for me in this short Denik ad. You'll see half of my face at one point and keep a look out for my chipped red nails and spunky bracelets here and there.

This Nixon spec ad I was in isn't available anymore online but I took a screenshot of my appearance when it was up and running. It's too bad because I looked pretty bad-A throwing an M&M into my mouth in slowwwww motionnnnn (although it took about 50 takes for me to finally catch it in my mouth).

As you can tell, I obviously have a future career in acting. (:

But on a serious note, I have really enjoyed being a part of these projects! It's a nice break being the one in front of the camera, rather than the one behind it.

Also, I had the cool opportunity to be an extra in a The Moth & The Flame music video that has yet to be released. Although I don't know if my face will appear in it (partly due to the fact that we were all wearing masks), I'm still excited to see the outcome of the video!

Cheers.

50s-Inspired for Mumsy's Birthday!

Headband: c/o Notes & Knots [use the code AUTEURARIEL10 for 10% off your purchase!]

Sunglasses: c/o Choies

Vest: H&M [similar]

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Kendall & Kylie

Wedges: very, very, very old [similar]

Necklace: Wet Seal [similar]

Watch: c/o Arvo

In honor of my Mom's special day, I decided to do a 50s-inspired outfit--with a modern twist, of course! Although I didn't go all out with voluminous curls, I dolled it up with an adorable headband from Notes & Knots, some high-waisted jeans, and bold lipstick. Seriously, the 50s was an amazing era for fashion! Definitely a decade I'd want to go back to and experience--so I can meet my mom when she was a little kiddo! Haha. (Also, can you tell by this outfit that I want it to be Spring/Summer already? The sun keeps teasing me...)

My mom is the sweetest, strongest, prettiest woman I know. She has been there for me through all my ups and downs, supporting every decision and dream I've ever had. I haven't been able to spend the past four birthdays with her because of college, but I never forget to remind her how much she means to me every year on January 22nd. 

Happy Birthday madre!

Love you to the moon and back!

PS. the winner for The Paxton Cove Giveaway is Robyn! Congrats girl!

Cheers.