Happy Nearly Halloween! Did that sentence give you a startle? If so, I hate to be the bearer of realistic news, but Halloween is only five days away. I know, I know. It snuck up on you. Samesies! Late last week, just one day before we left for Phoenix to attend our friends' Halloween party, I realized I had no clue what to dress up as. That led to me frantically Googling and Pinteresting "simple/last minute/at home/stupid easy costume ideas." But I couldn't find anything I liked, so I started going through ideas in my mind, and looking at what I already had in my closet that I could possibly use. That's how this easy-as-pie costume idea in today's post was born: CAT BURGLAR, baby.
It's the easiest costume I could quickly think of that is unique and still cute. (And I like all things cat-themed, of course. I mean, just look at my blog's banner...) All you have to do to recreate this getup is walk into your closet, find a black beanie, a striped top, a pair of black pants, and (most likely) purchase a cat mask then - voila! Easiest costume ever. (I only had to buy three pieces to complete this costume, so the total cost I paid was under $20!)

Black and white striped long sleeve top: Ross [similar]
Black skinny jeans (also seen here & here): Old Navy [similar]
Black skinny belt (also seen here, here & here): J.Crew [similar]
Black d'Orsay flats (also seen here): American Eagle [similar]

Black knit beanie: Ross

[similar - and on sale!]

Black cat mask: Random Halloween store

[similar]

Dollar sign robber bag: Homemade suuuper quickly from an old pillowcase 😅

[similar]

Black gloves: Forever 21

The best part of this costume? Ditch the mask and the burglar bag, and it can easily be turned into a real outfit to wear after the Halloween parties!

(I probably should have used this opportunity to say "purr-ties" considering the costume theme.)

Black cropped moto jacket (also seen here, here & here): Forever 21

[similar]

Turquoise flower ring: c/o Crown Jewelry
Silver triangle hoop drop earrings (also seen here & here): Target [similar]
Red lipstick: Ulta [similar]


Are you into homemade Halloween costumes or do you prefer the prepackaged kind? (Or are you, dare I say, not a fan of All Hallows' Eve...?!?!)
What are you planning dress up as next week? Let me know in the comments!

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Wanderlust | My Favorite Places I've Traveled

“I need a vacation.” How many times a year do we all say this? For me personally, it’s usually at least once a month because if there is one thing I don’t mind spending money on, it's travel.
I’m not sure why it is, but this time of year in particular always gets me itching to plan a new trip. I am constantly battling my travel bug (not because I don’t appreciate it, but because my lack of heiress-level funds does not allow for unlimited vacas, sadly). That doesn’t mean my wanderlust ever subsides, though. So today I want to share with you a few of my favorite places I’ve traveled to in the past, and hopefully get all of our travel bugs reignited to experience our beautiful world!
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Santorini, Greece

A post shared by Allie | LunaVida ☀️ (@alliegee319) on Dec 31, 2014 at 7:25pm PST

Santorini, Greece is by far my favorite place in the world I’ve ever been - Oia in particular. The whole island is beyond stunning, but the whitewashed views of Oia are what most people think of when they fantasize about this Greek Island — and for good reason. Aside from the gorgeous views (check out a bit of what I'm talking about here and here) that are unlike anywhere else in the world, the culture, food, and people were just perfect. The bites were DELICIOUS everywhere we went. Everyone we encountered was extremely warm and welcoming. (Oh, and did I mention our mode of transportation to get around the island was by rented ATV? Now that detail made for an extra fun trip.)

Venice, Italy 

A post shared by Allie | LunaVida ☀️ (@alliegee319) on Sep 1, 2014 at 5:10am PDT

Italy is world-renowned for being a must-see place for many, and that's a reputation I totally agree with. On our trip back in 2014, Matt and I went to Venice, Florence, and Rome. While all three cities had so much to offer and were, of course, full of culture, my personal favorite was Venice (see why for yourself here). I loved seeing the canals I grew up reading about in real life, and man, their beauty is unlike anything else. The pastel buildings lining the sparkling water and the winding sidewalks were perfect to pop in and out of throughout the day. (Most of the places Matt and I were poppin’ into were restaurants, because ITALIAN FOOD FOREVER.) 

Colorado 

A post shared by Allie | LunaVida ☀️ (@alliegee319) on Oct 9, 2015 at 12:48pm PDT

As much as I love international travel, my budget doesn’t always allow for it. Thankfully though, the United States offers plenty of amazing places to visit, as well. Domestic trips are also great because they tend to be more affordable, and it’s always fun to see how other people live in cities different from our own. One of my very best friends used to live in Denver so Matt and I went to visit her. (Check out a couple posts from Colorado here and here.) Denver was so fun, but the views driving into the area were what really made the trip in my opinion! We went during October so the leaves were changing the entire way, and we even saw some far-off snow-capped mountains! 

Tokyo, Japan 

Prior to Japan, the only international travel I had ever experienced were quick trips to the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico when I was growing up. While I love all of those places too, Japan was an exhilarating place to travel for my first “big trip”! It was so different from anywhere I had ever — and still have ever — been to. It was such an adventure from the minute we arrived until the minute we left! We stayed mostly near Tokyo, which was such a neat opportunity. We checked out Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, and the surrounding areas of the big city. It was a trip I’ll never forget because it jump-started my need for international travel. (The next time I head to Asia, I’m hoping it’ll be to Vietnam! I am always looking to find air tickets online that are as cheap as possible, such as with Malindo Air Malaysia.) 

Sedona, Arizona 

As I mentioned before, domestic trips are generally a lot easier on the ol’ wallet. This is the case especially for road trips, which is why I love living out west so much. Back when Matt and I lived in Arizona we took multiple trips up to Sedona, both for overnight getaways, as well as for day trips to hike with the dogs. (See some of my past posts featuring Sedona here, here, here, and here!) The red rock views are one-of-a-kind, and I highly recommend anyone who is planning on traveling in the Southwestern region of the U.S. to check out this desert dream! 
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There’s a reason why there are thousands of famous quotes about the beauty, need, and desire for travel. No matter where you go, and no matter what your experience, you’ll have your eyes opened to something new. And that sure is fantastic, eh?

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Fashionista Feature | Sustainable Vegan Fall Fashion

Hi, today I have an exciting guest post by Rhonda of Redemption Market! Redemption Market is "a boutique featuring a variety of fair trade gifts, who chooses only the highest quality products, focusing on sustainability and ethical treatment of the designers and artisans." The store is located in my previous home of Phoenix, Arizona but you can also shop it online.
Scroll down to check out Rhonda's wise words on the importance of ethical fashion and her favorite vegan fall purses available now at Redemption Market.

JOYN Mamta Vegan Handbag in Gray

Looking forward to cooler weather and fall fashion? A stunning handbag is the one statement piece that can give any outfit that wow factor. Unfortunately, many of the choices offered today are either harmful to the environment or cruel to animals.
The good news is that today’s shopper doesn’t need to compromise her/his values to stay in style. Because consumers have spoken up and have voted with their dollars, fashion designers are responding with more ethical choices.
Perhaps when you hear the term “vegan leather,” you remember the plastic-like vinyl options of the past. Well, let me tell you, artificial leather has come a long way! No longer is it the stiff cracked pleather that we knew in the 80s. In fact, advances in technology have made it almost indistinguishable from regular leather. And the best part is that a vegan handbag is also less expensive than its leather counterpart.
JOYN Mamta Vegan Handbag in Camel

Before making a purchase, it is important to do a little homework, though.

1. Look for sustainable choices. Do you know that purses are now made from revolutionary materials like cork, kelp, bark cloth, glazed organic cotton, and even pineapple leaves? Also, consider pre-owned bags. Vintage and thrift shops offer unique finds that are zero impact on the environment.
2. Be wary of materials that are only partially animal-friendly. These would include any kind of layered processing: material made with a thin layer of leather bonded to a synthetic material. Code terms in the industry for this include “bicast,” “bistack,” and “split leather.”
3. Read the label and understand the difference between PVC and PU vegan leather. PVC (or polyvinyl chloride) is a synthetic plastic polymer that is highly polluting to the environment. PU is a degradable polyurethane, and much more desirable than PVC. Again, just make sure it’s not bicast.
4. Be prepared to share your positive experience. Let people know your bag is vegan and that there are many sustainable alternatives to leather, and that the bags are also on-trend. You might find that others are inspired enough to make some changes in their own closets as well.

As an added bonus, there are a number of social enterprises making vegan handbags. These are businesses who are interested not only in making a beautiful product, but also in bringing about social change. One example of this would be JOYN Handbags, based out of a small Himalayan town in India. Not only do they make remarkable purses, they are also bringing dignified employment, health care, and education to some of the most marginalized people on the planet. The products featured in this post are PU vegan leather, handcrafted by JOYN, and available at Redemption Market.
All photo credit: JOYN India
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Thank you so much to Rhonda for sharing her knowledge and passion for sustainable, ethical, and vegan fashion. I'll be sure to use her advice the next time I'm in the market for a new vegan handbag and I hope you will, too!

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It's Da Bomb-er: Jacket + Tee + Skinny Jeans + OTK Boots

Hello! This past weekend was spent in Phoenix for us. Matt, the dogs, and I road tripped to the good ol' desert for a friend's wedding, which is always extra fun. This is because A.) duh, the celebration of love and B.) out of town weddings mean a reunion with your friends! We had the absolute best time catching up with our Arizona amigos, eating at our favorite local PHX places, dancing, and bachelor party-ing. We are so lucky to have met these beautiful people and we miss them all the time. 💜

Navy blue and white floral print bomber jacket (also seen here): Old Navy

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Dark gray marled short-sleeved t-shirt: American Eagle

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Hudson dark wash skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): c/o Shopbop

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Lace knee-high white socks: DSW

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Brown over-the-knee flat boots with buckle detail (also seen here): Target

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Urban Expressions turquoise weaved crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): DSW

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Rose gold geometric triangle necklace (also seen here, here & here): American Eagle

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Rose gold link bracelet (also seen here, here & here): c/o Sparkle and Sophistication

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Next week we head to Florida for my best friend's wedding. I can't wait to celebrate another loved one's love and see our friends from college!!! Happy Wedding Season!

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My Instagram is About to Get a Loooot Prettier... [Life Update]

Remember when I said Matt and I had some big life news to share? Well... the time has come to share with everyone... !!!

We are moving to Southern California next month.
Yes, really. We are moving (again). It's been a lifelong dream of mine to one day live in California (and Matt has also fallen under its spell... because, honestly, who can resist SoCal?). And from the day we moved to Arizona, we've always known that we would end up in Southern California. The weather, the views, the air -- it all just makes our souls so happy.
So after a lot of serendipitous instances and life choice discussions over the past few weeks, all signs seemed to be pointing west to Cali. Matt and I are both SO EXCITED to start this next chapter of our lives. We have had the absolute best 3+ years here in Phoenix, and we will miss everyone more than we can even begin to say.
But the timing just feels right. So we're doing it. We are jumping in head first.
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If you have any recommendations in San Diego County (beaches, parks, hiking trails, restaurants, bomb ass coffee shops, etc), please reach out to me!
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PS: Okay, be honest. How many of you expected me to say our big news was that we eloped secretly and/or were pregnant? I would bet at least 94% of you initially thought that ;)
PPS: As we continue on with our job/apartment/new life in general searches, please forgive me if LunaVida posts are a little more sporadic than usual. I apologize in advance, but I will be back ASAP -- and I promise that the photos are about to get a LOT more beautifully beach-y!

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Cold Shoulder: Lace Top + Skinny Jeans + Wedges

Hello! Weather Report: it is hot today. Like really, really hot. Each year, there is a certain weekend that hits Arizona that makes every single Phoenician rethink all of their life choices that led them to living in the desert. This weekend was "that weekend." Even the simplest of outdoor tasks (ya know, such as walking 100 feet from the parking lot in to the grocery store) requires lugging an entire gallon of water with you and half a bottle of sunscreen on your skin. It honestly serves as a reminder to all of what an unforgiving, relentless bitch the desert can be... Oh, and to stay hydrated. That is of utmost importance, folks.

White lace off-the-shoulder blouse: H&M

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Hudson dark wash skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): c/o Shopbop

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Printed open-toe slingback espadrille wedges (also seen here & here): DSW

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Silver arm cuff bracelet (also seen here): Souvenir from our trip to Santorini, Greece

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How are you spending your Memorial Day? (Side note: thanks to the unintentional patriotic color scheme of today's outfit, wouldn't it have been a perfect option for the afternoon's cookouts?) Whatever you end up doing, I hope you are off of work, relaxing, and enjoying time with your loved ones!

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Red Red Wine: Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Boots

Hey there! Did you catch last week's post? If not, Matt and I road tripped up to Sedona. We took the scenic route back down to Phoenix, which meant we got to see SNOW. Actual snow. (Trust me, this is a serious deal for us.) It was already melting at this point, but as soon as we saw it on the mountain we were driving on, Matt, Dakota, Kingsley, and I immediately jumped out of the car and into the piles of snow. It was magnificent... but cold. (And that cold reminded me why I moved away from places that have to deal with winter long ago.)

Burgundy chunky knit sweater: Old Navy

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Dark wash skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Gap

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Dark gray knee-high socks: JCPenney

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Madewell cognac flat riding boots (also seen here, here & here): c/o Shopbop

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Use promo code "BIGEVENT16" for up to 25% off your Shopbop.com purchase through 3/5!

Tortoiseshell & silver aviator sunglasses (also seen here): Old Navy

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Silver hoop earrings: Target

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Brown patterned cross body purse (also seen here & here): American Eagle

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Be honest: are you guys sick of seeing burgundy knits and these Madewell boots yet? I sure hope not, because they are two of my favorites... Then again, in just a few weeks, you won't be seeing any boots or sweaters at all on LunaVida, because it'll be 100 degrees here in Phoenix before I know it... [Sad face]

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