Doggies in the West Village

I love pets, but I've never been blessed with a pet before - the goldfish I had in third grade (that died in a week) doesn't count. I swear, after graduation, I'm getting a precious doggy! I would love walking him/her through the streets. These little guys are from an adopt-a-pet store in the West Village on sixth ave.

My friend Mark and I were really sad to leave them. The last time we visited was in August - I can't wait to go back again and take one back home with me. Ah, all in due course.

mothers and my european destiny

I'm still on retreat in NJ with family and friends and am feeling rather suffocated. It's hard to adjust to this strange bed and strange working area and the incredibly sallow, saturating lighting that brings out my little laugh lines. Being surrounded by the people I grew up with and the people who helped raised me is a bit jarring too, but I'll admit, it is comforting.

I'm peppered by questions ("Did you lose/gain weight?", "Do you have a boyfriend?") and reminded again and again of just how much I'm turning into my mother. Before, I used to dread and doubt this. How many times had we argued and disagreed? How is it possible we're so similar?

Now, I'm very flattered and honored. Only in recent years, as I've looked at my parents through an unbiased, more "adult" perspective, have I truly appreciated what a beautiful person she is inside and out. My mom is incredibly warm and compassionate. She's obsessed with kids - every Thanksgiving and Christmas she buys gifts for needy children through a charity she loves. I would be a much better person if I grew to be more like her.

Also, she has aged really well! Her skin is flawless and she has terrific taste - I grew up stealing her shoes! I took the above picture this summer when she came to visit me for a few days in the city. Surprisingly, she loved every aspect of New York, so I guess we're truly mother-daughter after all! I think she is a remarkable woman.

But I also need to have more adventure than my mom. She was content staying rooted in place, but I have an insatiable thirst for travel. That's why I'm thrilled to be studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic in the fall.

(photo via nyu in prague)

Course selection for next year is super exciting. I'm lucky to be able to choose such great classes in subjects I love, like writing and art. Don't these sound so interesting?

• Czech and Central European Literature: Post-War East European Poetry
• American Literature from a European Perspective
• Czech Art and Architecture
• The Beat: Travel Writing
• Modern Dissent in Central Europe: The Art of Defeat

Prof. M. March
To explore the reconstruction of Central and Eastern Europe trough the currency of its poetry, through the desperate honor of its poets. With the war and subsequent occupation of Europe, literature, especially poetry, replaced consensus politics. Poets became the true accountants, and their ledgers contained the unprofitability of the human soul. A reading of the finest poets of the past half-century situates the times and the seminal engagements born to restore independence. The poets were/are personally well-known to the lecturer, with the sad exception of the great Russian poets, Celan and Brecht.
This course is not accepted as one of the four core courses for NYU English majors.

girl crushes and lovely looks

I have a girl crush on the three ladies of "Lipstick Jungle" - love their sassy attitudes, super-cool high-powered jobs (producer, magazine editor-in-chief, and fashion designer), and jaw-droppingly gorgeous outfits. I've watched (conveniently through hulu) and loved every single episode, and am praying that "Lipstick Jungle" is here to stay for a long, long time!

My favorite character and style-muse is Victory Ford, aka Lindsay Price. I'm totally jealous of her wardrobe - it's eccentric and filled with designer labels, experimental and most of all, fun fun fun! She wears a wide range of outfits that cater to both professional and creative sides of her career. And, if you ever notice her accessories (and shoes!), they're much more intricate than her colleagues' and completely steal the show!

"The Dholak Bangle by Rosena Sammi ($500), is inspired by the shape of the dholak, a North Indian hand drum." See what I mean?

And to continue the celebration (or rumination) of Black Friday:

Victory always has very chic black nails. I finally gave in two weeks ago and painted my nails black too :)

L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish, Stroke of Midnight

(photos via celeb style and l'oreal)

black friday

I've never actually shopped on Black Friday ever. It's too crazy and hectic for me - I'd rather relax at home. Last year, my dad bought our fifty-something inch TV on this infamous shopping day...but I'm not very interested in technology.

Instead, when I think of Black Friday, I think of metallic-black jeans and crisp white mens shirts and black leather jackets and other androgynous looks... and bling in the most unorthodox and fantastic places!

(photos via people)

Isn't Sarah Jessica's Balmain dress stunning?

dinner and a movie (and desert!)

Happy Thanksgiving, my dears! I'm away from home at Long Beach, NJ, celebrating the holiday with friends and family. Thankfully, I'm over the sickness (it's slowly leaving my system after lots of medicine and rest), which means I'll have the energy to enjoy my potluck dinner tonight - can't wait! I can already taste the turkey and stuffing and dumplings and sticky rice and tiramisu...

Yesterday, between bed rest and reading "The Mercy," I took my sister out to see "Twilight," because the girl is obsessed! Although I admit I read the book (and enjoyed the plot despite the atrocious writing), the movie was dreadfully awful. I'm not at all a film snob and am usually very easy to please, but I thought the movie was truly awkward. It was great to hang out with my sis, but I really wish I saw "Australia" instead. Star talent, historical-based plot, wonderful costumes, and Ferragamo shoes, what else could I possibly want? And Nicole and Hugh are beautiful and have wonderful chemistry.



...Oh, and I'm in love with this Miu Miu ribbon necklace. Rhinestones and ribbon - what a lovely combination!


Miu Miu, $240.

sick :(

I've been extremely sick since Sunday, and it really, really sucks. I'm nauseous and feverish and freezing cold and weak - agh, how did this happen? I couldn't concentrate in my classes, I couldn't even think coherently!

(photo via ruby press)

But before the sickness, I had a pretty nice weekend. NYU Local threw its first launch party on Saturday (where we all danced crazily to 90's music), and from Sunday to Monday, one of my closest friends from home, Caroline, visited from Harvard. We painted our toes, indulged in a hefty load of girl-talk/magazine reading, and ate brunch at Shake Shack (love those 'shroom burgers!). Caroline left with a new haircut (from Astor Place Hairstyles) and an insider's view at my NYU life at work and class. Gosh, I miss her already!

I leave tomorrow morning for home. I'm looking forward to seeing Twilight with my little sister, starting Toni Morrison's "The Mercy," and eating lots and lots of turkey and stuffing. But for now, it's sleep and Tylenol time. Good night, everyone.

Your Feet

When I cannot look at your face
I look at your feet.
Your feet of arched bone,
your hard little feet.
I know that they support you,
and that your sweet weight
rises upon them.
Your waist and your breasts,
the doubled purple
of your nipples,
the sockets of your eyes
that have just flown away,
your wide fruit mouth,
your red tresses,
my little tower.
But I love your feet
only because they walked
upon the earth and upon
the wind and upon the waters,
until they found me.

- Pablo Neruda

a collage of happiness

I'm having a really nice, relaxing Friday night. The girls and I are all at home tonight, just enjoying alone time after a crazy week of birthday parties. Emily is watching "Love Actually," and Megan and Kelly are watching "The Chappelle Show," but you know what I love to do in my off time? I love listening to music and looking at photos of art and fashion and nature. Sometimes, I look for things to buy my friends and family. Other times, I search for new pictures to put in my "inspiration" folder - a folder on my laptop that never fails to cheer me up and make me happy. A folder of the most beautiful things...

Want to take a 4 minute peek at my night?


Death Cab for Cutie - "Soul Meets Body"

Next, enjoy.

- A series of intimate photos taken by yann faucher (via cup of jo)

- Vanessa's blog is the most precious little fashion blog yet! It's just feast for my eyes.

- I took this picture at the South Street Seaport this summer. This couple just looked so sweet and contemplative - I couldn't peel my eyes off of them.

- Aren't these shoes perfect for a wedding? (Photo via Peonies and Polaroids)

- I think I might buy an aluminum water bottle for my little sister. They're much more eco-friendly, and I love the one that I have from NYU Stern.

- I think this £3 scarf from Matalan (the "Target of the U.K.") is beautiful. Too bad it's not for sale online anymore.

- My mouth is watering at this exotic fruit plate from Nobu.

- This father wrote his kids a letter every morning of their childhoods. Isn't this absolutely adorable? I'm inspired to do the same when I'm a mother.

photo (via cup of jo) by the doting father and exhibitionist designer Robert Guest)

- I'm looking for a sturdy and stylish winter coat. This one from mackage is stunning - ahh, I want it, but the price is too steep.

- Oh wow. Hmm...

(from a glamorous little side project)

- Couple designers are officially the cutest. The story behind Dahl and Dane: True Love Always never fails to make me smile.

(a picture of Dahl & Dane)

Good night, my friends!

running in heels

I always could, but it took a few years of stumbling and falling to really get it right. Enter Vince Camuto pumps with their chunky but sleek, perfectly-comfortable-to-run-in heels. They're edgy and most importantly - they're actually affordable! Prices range from $40 to $130.

These are my favorites:

the coolest ladies

Today, I met the co-founders of HY Publicity, Helena and Yael. After getting fed up with their current jobs, the two of them started their own Fashion PR company a year ago, and it has been flourishing ever since. And they're only in their early twenties! They do everything, from events management and product placement, to consulting, and creating press announcements/kits. They travel all the time, but still generously made time to meet me and other aspiring entrepreneurs.

And they're an absolute inspiration. All that they have now - several clients and an office on 35th street - is due to their ambition and love for what they do. And it's thrilling to know that I can do the same, that I share with these women a lot of qualities, like our love for independence, which is common amongst entrepreneurs. Gosh, doesn't their story just make you want to quit your job and start your own company?

a kiss for cummings

So, confession: I have a massive crush on e.e. cummings. Since the tenth grade, when I first developed this school girl's crush, I've been completely enamored with his poetry. I've amused countless writing teachers with my obsession, collected books and books of his work, and emulated and idolized his style for years, until I found my own voice (which even now has hints of his avant-garde style). And whenever I reread his poems, I find myself again a blushing tenth grader.

To me, cummings is the prime example of all that is complete and whole. His poems vary in tone from delicate and affectionate to playful and even crass. He's what a true artist should be - contemplative and serious about his art, but happy to just have fun with it, to continue to explore and experiment. He's both an expert and a willing student, an icon as well as a jokester. That is so inspiring.

There's no bullshit or pretentions with cummings - he is always tenderly honest, however ugly or uncomfortable the topic. Most amazingly, he makes everything his pen touches, absolutely beautiful. He sees things (and all such imperfections) in a different light, and writes about them so affectionately (without that superficial gloss and veneer) that they are revealed to be actually quite stunning... Maybe I'm being absolutely nonsensical right now, but cummings just has this profound effect on me.

Agh, I am a tenth grader once more.

Inside the card...

"Happy Birthday Kelly!
Love from Emily, Helen, and Megan.
PS: We're really happy that you were born."



It's my friend and suitemate Kelly's birthday, and we are so happy to celebrate with her! The girls and I are going to start the night out by feasting on Shake Shack's delicious 'shroom burgers and milkshakes before going out for some drinks and further festivities.

Relax. Take it Easy.

I'm done with my midterm, and I think (hope) it went well. It's such a relief to have it be in the past - phew! After my hefty load of four classes today, I did a little research on next semester's courses for my upcoming registration, read some of Ai's monologue-style poetry, finished my laundry, and spent some precious time just unwinding and listening to music. Sometimes, it's nice to be domestic. It's a needed contrast to the craziness of everyday life.

And I want to share with you these lovelies:



Sara Bareilles, "One Sweet Love."
I'm a huge Sara Bareilles fan (bought her album the second it was released!), and think she has not only a gorgeous, gorgeous voice, but such a poetic, rare way with words. Her songs tell stories that I think women can really relate to and appreciate. This acapella and guitar version is stunning because the lyrics really get to shine.

Leather Bow Bootie, $98.

I'm pretty much over booties (even the name gets a little annoying), but then I found this. Isn't it charming and casual-chic with its bow, wide heel, and classic tan color?

And lastly, some flowers to brighten your day. Remember to bundle up, it's cold outside!

Photo via Peonies and Polaroids

Joseph Brodsky: "On Love"

Twice I woke up tonight and wandered to
the window. And the lights down on the street,
like pale omission points, tried to complete
the fragment of a sentence spoken through
sleep, but diminished darkness, too.

I'd dreamt that you were pregnant, and in spite
of having lived so many years apart
I still felt guilty and my heartened palm
caressed your belly as, by the bedside,
it fumbled for my trousers and the light­-

switch on the wall. And with the bulb turned on
I knew that I was leaving you alone
there, in the darkness, in the dream, where calmly
you waited till I might return,
not trying to reproach or scold me

for the unnatural hiatus. For
darkness restores what light cannot repair.
There we are married, blest, we make once more
the two-backed beast and children are the fair
excuse of what we're naked for.

Some future night you will appear again.
You'll come to me, worn out and thin now, after
things in between, and I'll see son or daughter
not named as yet. This time I will restrain
my hand from groping for the switch, afraid

and feeling that I have no right
to leave you both like shadows by that sever­-
ing fence of days that bar your sight,
voiceless, negated by the real light
that keeps me unattainable forever.

- Joseph Brodsky

POV: an examination

I'm sitting in the study lounge of my building, failing to study for my exam on Monday because everything is so distracting! I can't go back to my room - my bed looks too cozy, the laptop too tempting, and my roommates too fun. But here in this hospital-white room of people all procrastinating in their studies, I find myself reflecting and reacting. It's as if this sterile, bright room is just desperate for some creativity and contemplation outside of school work.

And I'm always peeking from my accounting notes at what other people are doing, because they certainly are NOT studying. Let's just say, I've been listening to Taiwanese music blaring obnoxiously from the headphones of a boy who resembles an anime character for the past twenty minutes. Oh, and his friend in the corner who is trying to hook up with a girl-who-is-not-interested-but-still-pity-flirting-back? Pleaaase take your hot pursuit somewhere else!

Yet, I'm not as annoyed as I am amused. The people next to me are a group of guys and gals who seem to be fused together by the easy familiarity of their Asian culture and a cloud of sexual tension that hovers above them. It's fascinating to watch them interact. To an outsider (whose curiosity is further amplified by her great disinterest in studying), they almost remind me of a pack of wolf cubs who are instinctively aware of each other, whose conversations sound contrived and planned out. It's all very awkward and humorous to watch. I wonder how much drama, gossip, and jealousy has already ensued.

They remind me of high school, with its years of experimentation. God knows I've seen and been part of that tension before. And with only a stack of notes as my present companions, I feel almost a little nostalgic for those days when we all first awkwardly explored the dynamics of chemistry and attraction. But then I think of how fluid and explosive and clear life is now, after all that education. And I can't help but smile at all I've learned.

Photo via Glamour, by Corey Arnold

eye candy

The newest stunning addition to our kitchen art:

My late-night shoe purchase arrived. I am so in love.

Excitement!

I'm off in fifteen minutes to accompany my friend Mark on his quest to find the perfect suit (he's hitting up Burberry and Saks - so fancy!), but I want to quickly share some exciting news!

After a few weeks of waiting, I just heard news that I was accepted to the Advanced Poetry Workshop next semester for NYU's Creative Writing Program! (Take a look here for the course description - my professor is Elaine Equi.) Eek! I'm so thrilled! I know this will be my favorite class next semester :)

Also, just wanted to pronounce my absolute love for Gwyneth Paltrow to you all - she is incredibly classy and talented. Not to mention this woman has such amazing style and killer shoes! I'm also eagerly anticipating her next movie, Two Lovers, which will be released in February 2009.

leading industrymen

I was lucky enough to attend two speaker events yesterday featuring two very distinguished gentlemen: Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, and Scott Schuman, aka the Sartorialist. It was especially exciting for me because I'm interested in both advertising and fashion. It was fascinating to hear about their experiences, from what they've learned through past mistakes to what they're doing now. Makes me wonder what kind of career path I'll lead...

The Sartorialist event at NYU was very crowded, not surprisingly. But I was pleasantly surprised about was how likeable he was. Scott was very candid and generous with answering questions, very genuine, and had a wonderful personality.

(Photos via NYU Local)

dressed for less

I always see cute things at incredibly low costs at Newport News, but I wonder if the quality is equally amazing. I'm always paranoid about such cheap prices - what gives? I won't purchase anything yet, but I can still enjoy looking at the clothes! These are my favorites:

Cocoon-style sweatshirt, $17.99


Battenberg lace blouse, $12.99


French terry sweatershirt, $11.99 - $14.99


Wrap blouse, $19.99

a moment

the light touch
of your

manly arm hair
gives me

a girlish, gleeful
second of

blushing bliss.

POV: love.

I'm always surprised and disappointed by the cynicism most people my age have towards love. It's questioned so much these days, either prefaced by an excuse ("I've only known him for a month...") or jadedly miscast as merely a chemical reaction. Too often, even my most hopelessly romantic friends (yes, I'm talking about you) prematurely claim that love is just not meant for them; that they're too "independent" or "not cut out" for relationships.

So many women, especially New York women, carry on with the most dreadful, blasé mentalities. I feel like my generation especially has raised their girls to treat love like some convoluted battle-approach, to believe that love is an act to be perfected through trial and error, through the ebb and flow of failed relationship after failed relationship. Since when did something as wonderful as love become so complicated and self-defeating, so meticulously examined and calculated?

Earlier, I had dinner with my good friend Anuja, and we discussed the many seemingly "inevitable" games women play in this love-dance. And after thoroughly examining both of our past experiences, from memories of thrilling very good dates to our individual methods of preening for male attention, I realized, shamefully, that when it comes to exploring love -- I'm a pretty seasoned warrior. Through my time at NYU, I've developed a thorough dating evaluation method and a weary attitude that the Sex and the City girls would applaud. Like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, I have quickly learned the ropes of the game and trekked through my fair share of sexually ambiguous men and awkward situations. With slim pickings at NYU, I thought I'd learned to know exactly what I wanted (and even then unrequited affection oftentimes reared its ugly head). But in fact, I knew nothing but my own defeated expectations.

This year, I've been fortunate to have made many new relationships - some platonic, a few romantic. More significantly, I think I'm making an effort to view this whole love thing and all its bountiful possibilities with new, fresher eyes. I have ceased the battle, and in turn, I think, am on my way to winning the game. All it takes is a different perspective.

sunday musing

I had a fabulous, adventurous, what seems like four-day weekend. After meeting up with friends (old and new), partaking and part-hosting in a legendary party, haphazardly finishing up homework and last-minute emails, and enjoying the longest, most beautiful run with my friend Kat to the Hudson River, I'm back to my "bread-and-butter" business - blogging, that is.

End of week updates:

- Beyonce's half-scary, half-intriguing fashion shoot for Gotham Magazine gives me the creeps, even though it's supposed to represent the cultural styles of different countries in high fashion form. Somehow, even a woman as beautiful as Beyonce looks ridiculous with red, blue, and white stripes painted on her face.

- My adorable friend Caroline is running the Boston Marathon in April to raise money for Project Health. Please help her fundraise for a great cause!

- I got my hair cut (free of charge!) at the Carsten Aveda Salon in Union Square by the most wonderful guy, Omar. After an orgasmic shampoo and some thoughtful deliberation on my new look (calling on inspiration from the new Bond girl, Olga Kurylenko), I am now three inches short of hair and bang'd. Interestingly enough, my hair actually looks very much like Olga's when it's wavy!

- Check out NYU Local, a Gawker-esque culture blog written by and for NYU students, whose news content spans from the campus to the national level. Read uncensored opinion pieces, get the latest gossip, and click on links to what's hip in music and entertainment. Yours truly serves as its new Director of Marketing.

- This lengthy NYT article just proves what I've already known: fashion editorials are pretty much equivalent to paid advertisement these days.

Until tomorrow! :)

today's fashion faves

For the eclectic student:

Urban Outfitters - Colonial Madness Cutout Boots

For the bohemian diva:


Miu Miu - "Camoscio Tie-Dye" bag

For the classic lady:


Citrine By the Stones - "Indigo Leather Earrings"

For the luxurious socialite:


Yves Saint Laurent - Large Muse Two bag