winter in philadelphia

The Philadelphia skyline - isn't it pretty?

I'm so sorry for being so remiss in my postings. To tell the truth, I haven't been very productive these past few days at home in the 'burbs of Philly. Just a lot of meeting up with old friends, enjoying delicious homemade Chinese cuisine, and watching tons of movies. Is your winter break ever any different?

Whenever I'm back home, I borrow tons of books and movies from the library and read them all night, every night - sleeping at dawn and waking past noon. Not the best habit, but I'm pretty comfortable with being somewhat nocturnal. So far, I've finished my little sister's favorite series, the Twilight books (which were surprisingly quite good), some foreign films like Volver and La Vie en Rose (with a brilliant Marion Cotilliard), and am moving onto the classics, including Funny Face (with Audrey Hepburn).

It's always a bit shocking to be back in the suburbs and the quiet. But I have to admit that its a nice respite from the city, although I terribly miss the overall energy of NYC and am looking forward to heading back. But until then, I hope to explore some more of my own native city. My friends and I are planning a cultural excursion to Philadelphia (with art museums, restaurants, Center City, and the works). I'm excited!

For non-native New Yorkers, what's your favorite part about visiting home?

a dose of sweetness

I'm a big fan of Daily Candy, a blog on all things hip happening in NYC (and many other cities, like Philadelphia, which is where I'll be for the next three weeks). It also serves as a brilliant guide for designer sample sales and cool events happening during the weekend. Oh, and the cute illustrations are definately a plus.

I only realized today that Daily Candy had published two hilariously witty books! Daily Candy A-Z dishes on everything that women can possibly gossip about, and The Daily Candy Lexicon introduces "words that don't exist but should," like comdamn and whor d'oeurve. What can I say? I laughed and couldn't help sharing.

(photo by Daily Candy)

pretty underthings

I think it's every woman's right to feel beautiful, especially underneath our daily frocks. If this means buying the prettiest and most comfortable underthings that we can find, then so be it! But I'm curious, what kind of lingerie do you prefer? Personally, my girly side makes me gravitate towards the lace and frills, although a good t-shirt bra is never wrong during the day.

Which of the three colors and styles would you prefer to wear?

Basic, classic nude

Romantic white

Very sexy black (or red)

I feel more sophisticated in neutrals and monotones, but what's your take on patterns and intricate designs? Fun or too noisy?

(Photos by Victoria's Secret)

sandals & opaque tights

Some may think of this as a fashion faux pas, but one thing I like to wear in wintertime is sandals with black tights. I love that I can still rock my summer shoes in the cold weather - just keep warm with a cozy pair of opaque tights!

I also simply love the look. Sexy high heeled sandals and solid-colored tights are slimming and lengthening, not to mention, they can really help pull an outfit together. This lovely combo makes winter clothes look less frumpy, and summer clothes (like dresses and skirts) look more weather appropriate. Edgy sophistication. Beauteous, isn't it?

Would you wear sandals and tights together?

movie and dessert night

I know it's finals week for a lot of us college students, but lucky me, I'm all done! I took all my finals on Monday (I know, it was an intense day), turned in my Creative Writing portfolio this evening, and am now completely at ease - it's a wonderful feeling :)

I celebrated my newfound freedom with my girlfriends Anuja and Stef by going out for drinks and dessert at Max Brenner, one of NYC's most famous dessert places. We shared some sweet Riesling wine and a delicious fondue set with strawberries, marshmallows, a banana split waffle, chocolate sauce and ice cream, yum! Then we capped off the night with a viewing of When Harry Met Sally - a great classic. It's so nice to finally be rid of all the academic stress and just hang out with the people you love. Speaking of, I'm heading back home to the 'burbs of Philadelphia on Thursday. I can't wait to see my family and childhood friends!

Doesn't this look tasty? Melted chocolate is just heaven.

I'm definitely looking forward to watching lots of movies during my winter break. There are so many great films that are either out or coming out soon. I especially want to see Milk and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Both plots (or at least what I know of them) sound so interesting! What movies are you excited to see?

my very own fashionistas

I'm a lucky girl to be blessed with both wonderful (and supportive and understanding, the list goes on!) and stylish friends. Here are Anuja and Emily, rocking out to two different looks. Aren't they gorgeous?

I managed to capture Anuja's classy style while helping her get ready for a formal - doesn't she look so chic with her elegant updo, BCBG dress, and minimalistic makeup? She is quite the natural beauty. And the shiny black belt, gold clutch and cuff, and edgy purple nail polish keep things interesting. Perfect, right?

The other day, my roommate Emily and I were procrastinating on our studies by experimenting with silk scarves. We had been trying to come up with new, unconventional ways of wearing them, and finally, with our suitemate Kelly's help, we found a way to wear them as as tops! We ended up looking fab, and Em's picture is proof that our new invention is hot. Creating different looks is always fun, but its the memories with friends that are truly priceless.

intimacy

divine yet elusive intimacy
how honeysuckle sweet you are
and timid like pity,
shy like spring.

but come forth!
bloom like a secret,
shine true-blue like forget-me-not
over a heart’s meadow
where your seed lies patient yet
in the calm of your silent,
steady contemplation.

intimacy, do not shy
do not pity or elude or hide -
intimacy,
forget me not.

Note: I've been working on my poetry portfolio the past week or so - it's really been a joy to write, even though oftentimes it's very late at night. (I've learned through experience that I think best between the hours of 3 and 4 a.m.) Hope you enjoyed this one I wrote last night while I was in a sappy mood hehe... and I'm back to work!

a do or don't?

Eyelash Necklace...


Pair of Eyelashes Necklace, $38

Sweetly eccentric, or just plain strange?

I haven't made up my mind. What do you think?

the ultimate luxury

I love this Botkier Morgan Satchel bag - it's classic and edgy and absofuckinglutely gorgeous! Ah, how amazing it would be to own such a bag!

Botkier's Morgan Satchel ($650)

I've made it known a few times how much I love fringe, and this combination of zippers, soft Italian leather, and shiny gold hardware is just phenomenal. Lust at first sight? Definitely. I'm jealous of Vanessa Hudgens!

(photo via fabsugar)

gift list, part 2

Okay, so I'm selfish. While researching gifts for family and friends, I unconsciously racked up a list of things that I'd love for myself... which really turned into a full-fledged shopping wish list. I'm eager to look for (in general):

- fingerless gloves (in knit - hobo style)
- black platform mary janes
- long cardigan dresses
- thin black long-sleeved t-shirts, preferably in jersey (for layering purposes)
- cashmere scarf (in tan or a vibrant color)
- replacement h&m forest green scarf (since I lost mine)
- thick long socks (that feel especially cozy in winter)
- Rich & Skinny jeans in "sleek" straight leg stretch
- cheap monday jeans
- flannel shirts

Rich & Skinny jeans, $140

I'm won't get everything on the list, of course - that would be too self-indulgent. But it always feels good to admit to what we want and love, right?

gift lists

With Christmas just around the corner, I'm feeling a little panicked. I haven't even begun thinking about gifts until two days ago (with school overtaking my life), and now I'm crunched for time. Last Christmas, I got my mother a cashmere pashmina, my father fleece gloves, and my sister a bunch of books. But with a new year, I'm feeling even more personal pressure to top the past. So without further ado, here are some of my gift ideas...

For my bookish, Twilight-obsessed sister:
- "The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide"
- Gilmore Girls Seasons 6 + 7 (since we watched the rest of them already)
For my elegant, uber-feminine, nature loving mother:
- Personalized glass picture frame
- A watering can for all of her darn plants
- Gap cowlneck sweater
For my nerdy, can't-dress-himself, tai chi loving father:
- Timberland cotton shirt
- Alfani sweater (in blue)
- Tai Chi CD
For my adorable, fashion-conscious friends:
- a cool knitting and sewing guide
- Merona earrings
- Vera Wang short scarf
- Merona ribbon wrapped bracelet
- headbands, headbands, and more headbands!

happy sunday (morning)

A couple hours ago, NYC experienced its first snowfall of the year - my roommate Emily and I opened our windows for a few minutes to admire the gorgeous, whirling bits of white. But then it got too cold, so we shut the windows and nestled back into our cocoon-like apartment to watch some "Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

I love winter clothes, but I miss warm weather. Doesn't life just seem more relaxed when the days are bright and hot? I have finals in exactly a week and one day. I could use some de-stressing before winter break, but I doubt that that will be possible. :(

I took this shot of Central Park this summer. Pretty, right?

Until then, have a great remainder of the weekend and a lovely Sunday!

your next vintage destination

Want to know where I get most of my vintage goodies? From Housing Works, of course! It's conveniently located right next to my apartment in Gramercy, and also has a website that pretty much is an e-bay style vintage mecca. The thrifty treasures at Housing Works are truly are one of a kind - once it's purchased, it's gone! Also, Housing Works assists in finding housing for the homeless with HIV/AIDS. Great shopping and for a good cause - there's no better incentive!

Donna Ricco, $168.

This Donna Ricco dress isn't from Housing Works, but I think it gives a similar vintage vibe (with its floral print), paired with a sophisticated cut. The result? A well put together, chic, yet uncommon look.

POV: material wonders

It's funny how fashion media forecasts "trends." Every other day, I'm reading about a new fashion revival, either in clothing material and color, or apparel and accessories. Remember how popular gladiator shoes have been the past few years? Or how everything these days is a "statement" piece - jewelry, shoes, dress? (If I could get a dollar for every time a fashion mag uses the word!) Sometimes I feel like the repetition of fashion trends and catch-phrases is rather redundant and arbitrary, like the fashion gods hit rewind on a random tape recorder that sounds like rubbish. Don't you just feel like you've seen and heard it all?

My lovely coat from Guess.

Today, I read about the resurgence of lace and velvet - not extremely out of the ordinary, right? I mean, as fashion conscious people, we'll always hear of some blogger's appreciation for the look and texture of different fabrics. And while I acknowledged their thoughts, I soon (inevitably) lost interest. Their voices were just one in a hurricane of opinions.

But I do admit these writers deserve some credit. It's fun to write about the beauty of texture and the ebb and flow of fashion. A couple days ago, I bought a coat with velvet trim, and last night, I tried on my favorite slinky, sexy black BCBG dress with lace insets - my anticipated outfit for a school formal in the spring. It's exciting to rediscover lace and velvet, and even more wonderful to own, to wear again and again. Appreciating fabric and material is a personal experience, one that you can't truly relate to on paper until you've tried it on. Until you enjoy that satisfying feeling of pure luxurious contentment, of confidence and sex appeal... Oops! I guess I'm joining this club of loose-penned admirers!

Which do you prefer, velvet or lace?

wow!

Kate Winslet looked amazing in her spread on Vanity Fair last month, and I wondered if maybe she had some help - photoshopped of course, right? After all, she did looked thinner and curvier in all the right places. I mean, I think she's naturally beautiful, but this was just something else. But Vanity Fair and Kate both adamantly insisted that it was all real deal.

Here are some recent pictures of Kate out and about, at a premiere and the airport... and she looks stunning!

In a gorgeous Herve Leger dress.

(photos by people)

Whether or not she dropped a few pounds, I'm glad that Kate is defending her body and I think she looks phenomenal!

elegance

Two posts in one night! I'm thinking fashion because while blogging, I'm intermittently writing my paper on LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Pucci, Donna Karan, and many other luxury brands... and the research is taking forever!

I'd rather admire this elegant lady I saw in the Sartorialist. Her high waisted pants are so chic (and make me want to buy a pair for myself), and the bold necklace with the muted gray of her cashmere turtleneck is just so striking! I also love the mis-match of her brown shoes and black belt - effortless elegance follows no rules.

zoom in

The view from my room overlooking 3rd avenue in Gramercy. I took these because my apartment is especially beautiful at night, when it's fully illuminated by the lights of cars in the street. It's very cozy, and I always feel so blessed. (Thank you NYU for buying this building for a dorm!)

Yeats: "After Long Silence"

Speech after long silence; it is right,
All other lovers being estranged or dead,
Unfriendly lamplight hid under its shade,
The curtains drawn upon unfriendly night,
That we descant and yet again descant
Upon the supreme theme of Art and Song:
Bodily decrepitude is wisdom; young
We loved each other and were ignorant.

- William B. Yeats

My Vintage Closet, Part 2

It's my very own personal fashion week, folks! To continue the exploration of my vintage goods, I have some favorite accessories to share with you tonight. Both bags I bought at Angela's Vintage Boutique last summer in the East Village. The vest, I got at Housing Works in Gramercy. As for the silk scarfs, the colorful tie-die one is handed down from my mom, and the color-blocked skinny scarf I snagged on e-bay :)

One of my favorites - an embroidered clutch-purse. It's absolutely ancient, but the stitching is precious.

I love this Charlie Lapson bag's texture. The alligator skin is stunning and almost pebbly.

This skinny, furry vest makes me feel like a fuzzy librarian. That's a good thing, if you're curious.

My mom wore this in the '70s - I always love stealing her things!

I love wearing this wisp of a scarf with a crisp white men's shirt to show it off.

Hope you enjoyed! More to come later!

a tri-colored palette

Yesterday, my friend Anuja told me how much she enjoyed hearing my fashion outlook and recommended that I occasionally create "outfits" for this blog. I thanked her for the compliment and pondered the idea for the rest of the night. At first, I was hesitant - I've never been the kind of person who believed in matching or fashion "rules"; I've always dressed to fit my moods and personal eccentrics. Who was I to tell people how to dress and what to wear with what?

Yet, my goal for this blog has always been to provide an insight on different interesting and lovely things, which of course would include some fun looks - so I decided, why not? I don't want to create guidelines or offer any advice, but rather spread an appreciation for things like detail and richness in color and texture, to provide the looks that will help develop your own preferred style aesthetic. Fashion is too much fun not to share, am I right?

JACKET:

Leather Bomber Jacket, Vera Wang, $288 @ Gilt Groupe

DRESS:

Top Stitch Detail Dress, Vera Wang, $158 @ Gilt Groupe

TIGHTS:

Super Opaque CT Tights, Hue, $12.50

BRACELET:

Snake Hinge Bracelet, Urban Outfitters, $20.00

SHOES:

Omygosh Booties in Paris Mushroom, Nine West, $69.99 @ Piperlime

PS: Gilt Groupe is a sample sale-esque online member's only shopping group that features "luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail." Comment if you'd like an invite to join!