2018…wow where do I even begin? This year was one of the toughest years of my life, but also one of the best. I lost a lot, and I gained so much more. The year started out rough, but everything that happened only contributed to where I need to be today. I can honestly say I found myself this year and I am happy and grateful at where I am in life. I can’t wait to create more memories, friendships, and opportunities in 2019. Check out where 2018 took me!
Fashion
Trend of 2018: Animal print everything was a hit this year.
Worst trend of 2018: Clear bags…what’s the point?
Trend revamped: Fanny packs became acceptable.
The item in your closet you wore the most: Zara leather jacket because leather jackets are a staple year round!
The most ridiculous thing you bought: Hello Kitty Converse that I wore once.
Best gift: Magic Bullet because it saved my life and I’ve always wanted one.
Overall purchase: Zara knee-high boots, they‘re my favorite!
Celebrity style: Ariana Grande.
Designer/label: Off-White.
Shopping website: ASOS.
This was me excited to finally be able to attend the Secret Rose Garden at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.
I spontaneously booked a trip to Vancouver this year. Here I am enjoying the view from Stanley Park.
This year I tried to get better about actually cooking and packing my lunch. I took frequent trips to my favorite farmers market in Hollywood. They have the best fresh flower and produce selection!
Beauty
Beauty buy: Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner.
Makeup brand: Glossier.
Shampoo/conditioner/styling products: Kérastase saved my dry hair.
Beauty trend you became obsessed with: Clear lip gloss.
My favorite beauty products of 2018. I couldn’t live without these!
Pop Culture, Books, Music, and Movies
TV show: The Bold Type.
Movie: The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Documentary: Tiny Shoulders Rethinking Barbie.
Magazine: Vogue forever!
Artist: Ariana Grande.
Album: Sweetener by Ariana Grande.
Band: LANY.
Youtube video: Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande.
Song: Malibu Nights by LANY.
Book: The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg. I actually read a book this year!
App: Instagram.
Pop culture moment: Beyonce at Coachella.
Most influential voice: Taylor Swift.
Saddest moment: Mac Miller passing away.
Instagram account: @rumineely.
Blog: The Blonde Salad.
News website: USA TODAY and Refinery29- This AM App.
How do you feel about the direction the country is headed?: Our country is going through a downward spiral. Climate change is something that is concerning me a great deal. Another topic of concern is how rapidly hatred and violence are spreading. We had more shootings than days in the calendar year, in 2018 alone. It’s time for change!
I always wanted to dress as Ariana Grande for Halloween since I get told I resemble her. This year I went for it!
Career
Biggest career challenge you overcame: Quitting the job I hated that I stayed at to please others.
New skills you learned: Understanding European and Chinese clothing markets.
Favorite blog post you wrote: Greetings from the Desert: My 2018 Coachella Photographs.
Favorite brand you worked with this year: Disney and Nickelodeon for kids licensing.
Your most time-consuming project: Lion King Summer 2019 Line.
Career wise, this was a good year for me. I quit a job I was afraid to quit and took a leap by starting a new one. My planner helped keep me organized and sane.
Fitness, Health, and Self-Care
Recipe that you mastered: Green Bean Casserole.
Biggest fitness accomplishment: 25 Day Yoga Challenge.
What did you do in your free time?: Catch up on sleep.
How did you practice self-care: Hot yoga and drives along PCH alone.
I found a new love and hobby; hot yoga! I started a membership in April and haven’t stopped since. I just attended my 100th yoga class and I’m working towards 250!
Needless to say, I took a lot of trips to Malibu this year. A lot of much needed self-care and alone time happened here.
Life Lessons
Biggest challenge you faced: A breakup and loss of friendships.
A new positive habit you adopted: Patience.
The most important goal you achieved: Being okay with being alone.
Your best memory of this year: Meeting an amazing friend group.
Your biggest regret: Letting people use me when I thought they had good intentions.
The most important lesson you learned: Friendship is not measured by how long you have known someone.
When I left my previous job it was one of the hardest goodbyes. I started my fashion journey with a group of girls who ended up being some of my closest friends. Working with your best friends is really the best part of the job!
Favorite Places
Store: Nordstrom at The Grove.
Vintage store: Jet Rag.
Bookstore: The Last Bookstore.
Flea market: Melrose Trading Post.
Farmers’ market: Hollywood Farmers’ Market.
Neighborhood: Miracle Mile.
Beach: Malibu.
Brunch spot: Chateau Marmont.
Cocktails with friends: The Bungalow.
Date night spot: Tom George.
Go-to dish: Arrabiata Penne.
Go-to drink: Gin & Tonic.
Place to get a quick bite to eat: In N Out.
Friday night restaurant: Diablo.
Saturday night bar or club: The Bungalow.
Dessert spot: Milk Tavern.
Restaurant the delivers: LA Cafe.
Music venue: The Greek Theatre.
Gym or place to workout: Sweat Yoga.
Out of the office work spot: Crave Cafe.
Vacation spot: Vancouver Canada.
Museum: The Broad.
Art Gallery: Maurice and Paul Marciano Art Foundation Museum.
Pop-up: 29Rooms from Refinery29.
Salon: Hope Spa & Nails.
Spa: Blossom Spa Hollywood.
Place to take out-of-towners: Malibu Cafe.
I had been dying to visit an Off-White store and I finally got to go when I was in Vancouver! It was amazing and I love Virgil Abloh’s creativity!
For reason this is my most liked picture lol! This was my favorite day at Coachella and I ALWAYS buy a slice of watermelon no matter how overpriced!
Everything about this picture makes me happy! I love rosé and pretty views of Beverly Hills.
While in Vancouver I visited the Lions Gate Bridge!
Favorite Memories of 2018
I LOVE Halloween! I go to the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride every year, but this year was better because I got to go with a great group of friends!
I was having a really great makeup day here and enjoying my Lemonade!
I got really close to these two girls and I now consider them basically my sisters. I would not have survived this year without them.
When am I not at a coffee shop taking photos? My love for Nespresso Boutique is still strong.
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Nara Perez
My life is centered around designing clothes, trend shopping, concerts, happy hour with friends, yoga/running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee to keep up in the chaotic fashion industry. [email protected].
