Sunday, November 28, 2010

a neutral stage


I've been going through a very neutral period in style right now. I find myself craving solid pieces over my more quirky, patterned pieces, even though I really love my patterns much more. But even though I'm leaning towards neutrals and solids, I definitely appreciate subtle designs in these plainer pieces!

I found this cardigan in the men's section of Urban Outfitters (for 10 bucks! what a steal...). My friends commented that it looked more like a girl's sweater...and I had to agree. I couldn't really imagine a boy in a baby blue cardigan that looked like something my grandma would knit. Maybe if it was green, haha! And the "dress" is actually my father's old Armani Exchange shirt. It's deliciously soft and warm and I'm lucky that he doesn't fit it anymore, haha. And the black peacoat, believe or not, I've had it for about four/five years now! My mom purchased it for me my freshman year of high school and it's still one of my staple coats.

I've been wearing this outfit almost nonstop, especially since it's super comfy and warm. I think I'm going to wear it again tomorrow...just don't tell my friends. They'll think I don't do laundry or something. Which I totally do. Every week. Like clockwork!




This weekend was so productive for me! And by productive, I mean I actually left my house for more than an hour. It was so nice to see all my friends back home for Thanksgiving weekend, especially since most of them went away to other states for college (like Boston and Ohio which are definitely forever away from New York City). On Friday, we went out to Mamoun's, which is famous for their falafels. If you guys are ever in town, I definitely recommend the one on MacDougal street. Apparently, they have a Mamoun's in New Haven, Connecticut!

Afterwards, we headed over to Cafe Angelique for dessert. I had a pistachio macaroon (SO DELICIOUS), and a classic brownie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream (EQUALLY DELICIOUS). And, my personal holiday favorite, hot apple cider (SUPER DUPER DELICIOUS) which had a cute heart shape on it and I think the cute server guy put it there for me. But he didn't. I think it was just a standard thing that they do with all apple ciders. :(


And then on Saturday, I went to my friend's Thanksgiving dinner. It was absolutely wonderful. They ordered Crumb's cupcakes and, surprisingly, everyone preferred my homemade red velvet cake, haha. I didn't get too many pictures because I was too busy eating and watching my friends play video games and just enjoying their presence. It'll be a few more weeks before they come back for winter vacation, so I'm excited about that. But they had BACON COVERED TURKEY. Oh my goodness. It reminded me of one of my favorite blogs: This Is Why You're Fat. (WARNING: If you're hungry...I don't suggest clicking that link, haha. I always get late night cravings because of this blog.)

This was just one of FIVE tables of food!
 Well, I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Tomorrow's Monday and I'm currently baking some pistachio and cranberry sugar cookies instead of doing my English paper and my philosophy quiz. I'll probably start later...after I have some cookies to get me through the night! Does anyone else like to procrastinate like I do? There should definitely be a competition for this or something, haha.

Outfit Details:
blue cardigan - Urban Outfitters
green oversized shirt - Armani Exchange via my dad's closet
white button up - ??
gray tights - American Eagle Outfitters
lace crochet flats - Urban outfitters
black peacoat - Kristen Blake
fuzzy beige scarf - a boutique in China
brown belt - ?? via my brother's closet
brown bag - Forever 21
blue bow - American Apparel
pearl necklace - grandmother's

Saturday, November 27, 2010

the small object thumbprint notecard set


This adorable notecard set by Sarah Neuburger was one of the scores that I picked up on Black Friday from the sale section of Urban Outfitters (I picked up a dress for 9.99 and a cardigan from the men's section for 9.99 as well!). It was a spontaneous purchase, and I realize it was a really good investment. I got it for $9.99 when it usually retails for about $17.

But other than the financial bargain, I realized that since a lot of my friends went away to college, I've lost contact with some of them and sending handwritten letters are definitely the best thing anyone could ask for if they're away. So, I resolve to write more letters! In this day and age, where we communicate electronically and digitally, I feel that having handwritten letters and cards is definitely a welcomed surprise. It's more...personal, I guess. Does anyone else feel the same?

Hopefully I'll be able to afford some stamps. I never really know how many to put on an envelope, haha.

But they're so much fun. You get to use your thumb print and make little characters and, in hind sight, I should've bought a second one as well! I got so into the cuteness of the set that I made a stop motion! Hopefully it doesn't make you dizzy, haha.

Friday, November 26, 2010

suffering a food coma!



Obviously I didn't wear this to my Thanksgiving dinner yesterday! As you may know (or not), yesterday was the American Thanksgiving. And I dutifully dressed myself in jeans and sweats so I could indulge and over-indulge in the mass quantities of food that was placed before us. I think I had dessert about five times. I haven't finished uploading the pictures, but I don't think you want to see unflattering pictures of me stuffing my face and lying face down on the floor because I couldn't move. But we went to my cousin's house and they got a new puppy. She's so cute, except she's so calm for a dog. She hasn't barked, but she does whimper a bit!

I know, I know. I wear this blazer far too often (as seen here, here, and here) but it's so comfy and versatile, surprisingly, Plus, if I was really experimental and brave...I could just button it up and go nude underneath. Haha, just kidding!...Maybe.

And I decided to back out on my last minute plans to go Black Friday shopping. I opted to sit on my couch and do some virtual shopping instead of fighting crazies at the mall and waiting in line. However, I'm off to go get ready for a belated birthday dinner for two my of best friends! I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have another Thanksgiving dinner to go to tomorrow and I don't think I'll make it out alive! As you can see, I opt to go eat delicious food instead of blog about it because I'm suffering from a food coma. I'm still a bit bleary-eyed and lazy as I type this post up. :)


Outfit Details:
plaid heart blazer - Topshop
gray sweater - Hollister Co.
blue skirt - Forever 21
gray tights - American Eagle Outfitters
brown oxford pumps - Nine West from DSW
pearl necklace - grandmother's/family heirloom

Monday, November 22, 2010

when the sun sets



So this is the outfit I wore to a Sweet Sixteen I attended yesterday night. It was really nice and low key, although the girl didn't really want a party, haha. This is the dress I was talking about in my previous post. I actually really like the sheer detailing. I just need to invest in a strapless brassiere, so sorry about the noticeable straps.

And I actually kind of like taking photos at night! The effect of using the night setting on my camera is pretty awesome. The slight hint of a double exposure. I should get more creative with the double exposure thing. Maybe some light graffiti too!




 
And I wasn't too sure what to get the girl for her birthday, so I styled up a little outfit from Forever 21 and made her a little custom card. Sorry for the shaky photo! What do you guys think of it?


Outfit Details:
pink cardigan - Forever 21
blue dress - American Eagle Outfitters
grey tights - American Eagle Outfitters
brown oxford pumps - Nine West from DSW
blue nailpolish -American Apparel

Saturday, November 20, 2010

leaving lanvin empty handed


So today was the launch of Lanvin by H&M! My dental appointment ran late, so by the time I got there, the carnivorous fashionistas already got their hands on all my sizes - clothes and footwear wise save for a few pieces. I was sort of sad, so hopefully someone will be willing to sell me their purchase (not likely). Or maybe I'll find it on Ebay 10 years from now! But, my goodness, it was absolutely lovely. I tried on this dress and these shoes, which were the only two things in my size. I loved the shoes and the color of the dress, but the shape was definitely very unflattering. The shoes, however, was amazingggggggggg. I almost walked out with them...but...they were over my budget after I realized I had to buy a birthday present for a Sweet Sixteen party I'm attending tomorrow.

I didn't get any pictures, but I did get one of a Sabon sample they were passing out. It smells so delicious. I haven't used it yet, but I definitely plan on it. I definitely need to go back and get some aroma therapy from there. And the fact that Lush is right across the street does not bode well for my wallet.


And good news is that I like my hair a little bit more, even though I sort of resemble a shaggy dog. At least my hair looks a bit more purple in the sun, even though I still think it's more of a reddish color. I decided to dress really really comfy for the dentist. Unfortunately, the sweater kept riding up on me so I had to pull it down.

When I was in SoHo, after I purchased the girl's gift (a sweater and skirt and tights from Forever 21...I really like the sweater and skirt. I wanted a set for myself), I had to buy a proper dress for her Sweet Sixteen. I almost gave up after going to Topshop (where I saw this gorgeous dress for $80, unfortunately), Forever 21, H&M...again, and Urban Outfitters. But then, as a last minute decision, I decided to head into American Eagle Outfitters, where I don't usually shop. And lo and behold, I found the perfect dress! I couldn't decide between size 4 or 6 because the 4 was a bit tight and the 6 was a bit loose, so I opted for the 4 so I could encourage myself to lose weight, haha. I've been eating a bit too much lately...

On the topic of food, I went to Cafe Bari (by myself!) to have breakfast. I don't like to eat alone because it seems lonely and I feel like an old crazy spinster, but I appreciated my food so much more - sensory wise. I ha poached eggs with goat cheese over toasted English muffins, mixed greens, potato pancakes, and mini beef sausages (which were kinda like mini hot dogs). It was so delicious albeit the portions were kind of small. I'm more used to hearty meals!





 Outfit Details:
asymmetrical jacket - Jack by BB Dakota
grey sweater - Hollister Co.
striped scarf - Hollister Co.
jeans - Bullhead jeans from PacSun
brown belt - unknown brand from my brother's closet
moccasins - Minnetonka
really old red quilted purse - Chanel from my mom

Friday, November 19, 2010

new haircut + color

AFTER


AFTER DETAIL.



BEFORE.


I am going to start off by saying that I am so absolutely UPSET and angry at my haircut and color. I'm a very picky person when it comes to my hair. It's the only thing I really like about myself and I need it to be perfect. My mom brought me to this new hair salon and I REALLY did not want to go. Once I like a hair stylist, I hate going to a new one because the new one almost never gets it right. And, well, I was right.

First off, my side bangs are REALLY short. They're so short they tend to stick out like little tufts of hair and it's so short it keeps falling into my eyes and falling away from the other section of my side bangs. It's so irritating. And secondly, they got the color all wrong. My mom paid for my hair today, so I feel really bad, but honestly, I am so upset. She says it looks fine, but I think she paid $100 for my hair to look like it's BLACK. And when the light shines on it, it looks red. I wanted it to be purple, sort of like Katy Perry's hair from the Firework video. Sort of like a really strong blackish purple. I even picked it out from the swatches they had and I end up with this hair cut and after they dyed it and I sat there for two hours and they washed and dried it, it turned out black with a red tint. Thirdly, I always layer my hair, but I feel like I have a mullet right now. It sticks up in all the wrong places. AHH.

I was so upset after the hair appointment, I took some outfit photos but they're mostly of me tugging at my hair and making mad faces so I'll have to retake them when I feel better about this disastrous haircut.

Has anyone ever had to deal with a bad hair cut? How'd your experience go?

and here's a little funny gif to lighten the mood and explain how i feel right about now:
gif from gifbin

Monday, November 15, 2010

make you feel my love


Ah, MONDAY! I honestly dislike Mondays because I always have a 'weekend hangover', which has nothing do with alcohol. It's just the feeling of grogginess because you had such a fun/lazy/comfy weekend and you end up going into your Mondays feeling like BLAH. Which is totally how I felt.

I ended up falling asleep in government class (but not before some rude girl told me to "SHUSH". I responded by glaring at her and telling her off after class...politely, of course). After government class, I headed over to Hale and Hearty to get a Cream of Tomato with Chicken and Orzo soup and half a chicken with tomato pesto sandwich before going to English class. It was so delicious! Cream of tomato with chicken and orzo is definitely one of my favorite soups from there. When we got to English class, our teacher decided she wasn't feeling very well and dismissed us, so I had a super duper long break. My friends and I ate (I got a chicken tempura sushi roll. I KNOW. I eat SO much. It's horrible. I wasn't even hungry. I just got it because I was bored) and headed over to the library to take a nap. And I proceeded to philosophy class and fell asleep there too, unfortunately.

Right, and before I bore you all to tears (which I probably already did), I honestly had no idea what I was wearing this morning. So, when I'm stuck on outfit ideas...I tend to just wear whatever I just bought new, haha. Even if it doesn't really match. In this case, it was the skirt, the tights, the shoes, and the cardigan! OH! On the note of the shoes, they're Minnetonka moccasins! They're the most comfortable shoes in the whole wide world. I've been wearing them ever since I got them. If anyone is planning to purchase Minnetonka moccasins, I'd suggest sizing down a size because they do tend to stretch! 

Also, the blueish tint isn't due to my camera, promise! I got home around 4:45 P.M and I ran to get my tripod and camera to snap these photos before it got really dark. That's the downside to winter. I barely have time to snap pictures outside because the sun sets so early. I like not having to deal with the ugly energy saving light bulbs in my room.


Well, I hope everyone had a great Monday! :) How did your day go?

Outfit Details:
oversized cardigan - Urban Outfitters
plaid shirt - Ralph Lauren
double circle belt - Forever 21
blue skirt - Forever 21
grey knit tights - Forever 21
moccasins - Minnetonka

Saturday, November 13, 2010

winds of change


On this particular day, we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a visit during my art history class. Now, I certainly enjoy art history; it's just my teacher that I'm not very fond of. We won't dwell on that too much though, just in case she reads blogs. I'm going to share some of my favorite shots, especially since I took over a hundred...I went a little photo happy. 

It was really cool. I especially loved the contemporary exhibits. You guys should totally visit it! I didn't take many pictures of me in the park due to the joggers and passing cars, so I hastily set up my time and took one! Originally, my socks started off black, but they weren't too comfy (and they were a bit too short for this dress, especially since the temperature dropped!) so I stopped by American Apparel before class and bought gray thigh-highs. I highly recommend them! They're really warm and comfy. I wonder if it's just me that these socks ride down?

I absolutely love this dress too. The modest neckline, the puff sleeves, and just the general silhouette! 







AND..here's an outtake of me getting really frustrated with my camera not focusing and taking forever! I thought it was pretty funny.




How's everyone's weekend going so far? So far, I've volunteered at a family fair, and tomorrow I'm going to go to a man-geant, which is a man-pageant!

Outfit Details:
floral dress - Forever 21
gray thigh-highs - American Apparel
black thigh highs - ??
black flats - ??
black peacoat - Kristin Blake
bag - Forever 21
blue bow - American Apparel
pearl necklace - grandma's