Huh.

I find this picture from the Sartorialist strangely sexy for some reason. It's definitely not because of what he's wearing (not a fan of the glasses and hat), although the mixed patterns are interesting. I guess attitude is all that really matters, right?

(photo via the sartorialist)

simply remember our favorite things

When the dog bites, when the bee stings... when the weather is slushy and foul, what should we do? The title says it all (thank you, the Sound of Music)! Today was definitely the moodiest, grayest day in New York that I've seen in a long time. And of course, I had work at 9 am! But then, I thought about all the lovely things that are associated with rain, slush, and snow. Like, kissing in the rain... and slurping red and blue slushies (or icees)... and breathless snowball fights. Great memories, right?

Another thing I remembered today were these pictures my dear childhood friend Cindy sent me about a year ago. I had forgotten all about this -- we were in the second grade! It made me happy, and reminded me that without rain, there would be no rainbows :)

WWD

I go to business school and love reading and working with different kinds of media, so I'm lucky to have recently landed an advertising internship at Women's Wear Daily! WWD is a prestigious fashion magazine (also known as the "fashion Bible") published daily to keep industry insiders up to date on business proceedings, fashion shows, collection reviews, and other gossip in the fashion industry. Check it out:

WWD is dedicated to providing a balance of timely, credible business news and key women's fashion trends to a dedicated readership. This readership includes retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, socialites and trendmakers.

I'm super excited to finally officially enter into this industry! WWD looks intense, but I'm more than comfortable on the advertising/sales team, and of course, going to fashion shows will be more than okay with me!

horizons of your hairline

horizons of your hairline
fall flat in passing years
like faces of military wives
who wallow in bitter tears;

yet, there's little time to mourn
when all is dawning dawn --
the lights have moved beyond your head
till all that's left is gone.

note: this is something I jotted down in my poetry workshop on Friday, in my silly attempt to emulate Jeffrey Mcdaniel -- funny, but serious at the same time.

a sneak peek

Take a look at the much anticipated McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection brought to you by Nylon Magazine:

What do you think? I have to admit, I expected more edgy, less basic. These looks I put up are the best of the bunch, too. Take a look at the rest.

happy friday!

(can't remember where I found this photo!)

What are your plans? Personally, I'm not too fond of going out to bars and clubs, although I do love to grab great food and cheap drinks at Maracas with my closest friends at least once a week -- a tradition and 2009 resolution! But usually, on Fridays, I prefer to stay indoors and unwind from the weekly chaos. Fridays are for me -- a time to organize my thoughts, plan for the weekend, and fulfill my need for balance and time for myself.

So right now, I'm vegged out in my chill-out gear (a roomy men's shirt and leggings), sipping tea, looking at pretty pictures and listening to funky music. Delightful!

What do you like to do on Fridays, my dears? Do you feel the need to mellow-out or go out?

super cool mothers

My mom is one of my best friends. I grew up stealing her shoes -- I actually wrote my college essay on a pair of her red leather boots! (It was a metaphor.) And when I finally showed her this blog, along with news on my upcoming interview with WWD, her response was magnetic:

Helen,
Congratulations!! Work smart. Good Luck! I really like this site; I will read it everyday.Love. Mom

Thanks Mom!

a fashion impoverished POV

(photo by salon.com)

So the recession is finally catching up to me, no thanks to a whole semester's load of new (extremely expensive) books. I've been too poor and far too busy with internship research and applications to even think about looking for great shopping deals. Since when did fashion and luxury get pushed so far to the back burner? Maybe that quote in Becoming Jane, "nothing destroys spirit like poverty," applies damn well to pretty much everything. It seems that I've lost my fervor for a good find, my energy to appreciate style and its countless executions.

Or maybe... like the predicament that fashion publications are facing right now, it's actually a good thing that I've lost all grasp of fashion acquirement. Hear me out -- maybe the fact that I literally cannot afford any form of hedonism only adds fire to the ashes? Like all fashion magazines that continue to place $10,000 hair clips next to recession-friendly articles on "shopping your own closet," maybe approaching fashion in a detached, impoverished perspective only allows us to appreciate its luxury even more? To spell it out in clichés : we all want what we can't have and the grass is greener on the other side of the field -- these platitudes are pretty accurate, don't you think?

Without the funds, and thus the ability to purchase a coveted item (like these Cole Haan pumps) luxury has become even more of a far away fantasy, not reality -- which is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the mission of the world's largest luxury holding company, LVMH, is to "kindle dream and fantasy," and this goal seems even more important, more crucial in these economically tough times. But what do you think? Does poverty encourage spirit, or, like Austen said, destroy it?

stylin' first lady

Michelle looked romantic and feminine on this monumental 44th inauguration day. Barrack, you weren't too bad yourself.

I love how Michelle has already made her own first lady style rules. Yes, Oscar de la Renta dressed Hillary and Laura for the past presidential inaugurations -- but Michelle sticks to her own, and traditional she is not! Michelle picked 26 year old Taiwan-born Jason Wu to design her dress. The result is glowing, lovely elegance. She's truly a breath of fresh air compared to Hillary and Laura's first tries, pre-de la Renta. I think Vogue sums up Michelle's fashion triumph pretty well.

PS: I saw this on postsecret today - hilarious! But true...

PPS: Totally out of context, I also saw this which resulted in this on postsecret, and I think she must've loved him a lot to say yes. That ring is not okay.

(photo by people)

bombshell manual of style

What does a bombshell wear? Diamonds, pink, and never pantyhose. The music she listens to? Classical, jazz, and but definitely not mainstream. What kind of food does she eats? Junk food, chocolate - anything she feels like eating.

I bought "The Bombshell Manual of Style" for my friend Anuja this Christmas mainly because the excerpt cracked me up. Now, it serves as a sort of inside joke, the ultimate guide in our "bombshell development". I was both dazzled by the habits of glamorous women like Brigette Bardot and Sophia Loren as well as amused by the author's worshipful, instructional tone. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die." It made me laugh and mentally take notes at the same time -- just fabulous!

a do or don't?

Jennifer Lopez at the Golden Globes '09

My friend Dana thinks she looks like "a fat cow with big hips (Mean!)." But I think J.Lo is just oozing with sex appeal. A mother of 11 month old twins? Say it ain't so!

What do you think of Jennifer's Golden Globes look? A do or a don't?

jeffrey mcdaniel

For my poetry workshop this semester, I'm reading Jeffrey McDaniel's's Endarkenment, which contains some of the most sensitive, organic, and witty poetry I've ever read. I love his work -- they are deliciously, unpretentiously down-to-earth and simple, and deserve to be shared with you all. Two of my favorites:

i send you this leaf

not because of its supreme beauty or uniqueness
not because the tree it came from looks like you
yawning in the morning
not because it would be a good substitute for lettuce
on your next sandwich
not because it's a page ripped from the book of my thoughts
not because i placed it on my tongue and tasted your earlobe
not because it's the lit-match color of your nipples
not because it's a remnant of autumn's confetti
not because it's shaped like your eye when you leaned forward
and blew out the candle
-------
Exercising My Demons

Tomorrow I will
exercise my demons.
I will rouse them
from their mink
caves and make them
run springs till
their long tongues
dangle like red flags
of desire. Oh, soon
my demons will be
in such good shape.
No one will call
them fat. My demons
will be the fittest
demons of all.

recessionista

After my success in finding a perfect trenchcoat and perfume last spring (Zara and Bvlgari Rose Essential, respectively), my next mission was finding a chic motorcycle jacket. I've wanted one for awhile - it's black, compact, and every bit as badass as I could hope (ahem, try) to be. I just got off the wait list and ordered this adorable jacket from Bona Drag, the same online boutique where I bought my beloved heels. Do you like it, my dears?

Oh, and it was only a cool $95. Sweetness!

(photos via bona drag)

countdown

You already know this, but Topshop is opening in March, and I'm excited! I literally cannot wait -- I walk by and can already envision the crowds, the people sleeping in tents in anticipation for opening day, the energy! And the humongous poster is such a tease...

(photos by NYT)

a do or don't?

Ginnifer Goodwin stepped out in this ruffled, tiered Chloe dress for her "Big Love" season premier. I think the mix of a nude dress with black tights is wonderfully modern, but what about all those ruffles? And the floral pattern underneath? Look closely --

Too home-on-the-prairie, or just the right mix of sleekness and romance?

You decide: a do or a don't?

(photo by fabsugar)

something to think about

(photo by my friend, Amy W.)

A question of preference: to lead by our thoughts or by our feelings? And which is more right, more superior - when both depend on each other to survive? Obviously, the best situation would be for both to be in harmony. But personally, in thought, I am safe, philosophical, and strong; in feeling, I am weak, passionate, yet never wrong. I wonder, if you had to choose one, and only one - which would you choose? And why?

What does each mean to you?

monday night favorites

Yesterday was a great full day back in the city. I worked from 9 to 5, but indulged myself for the rest of day, starting with lunch with friends at Cafetasia, a great Thai places near campus. After work, I revisited my favorite bar/restaurant Maracas for some frozen margaritas and yummy Mexican food. The place is always so fun and twinkling with year-round Christmas lights, and the drinks are festive too!

Later, with Emily, Mark, and other friends, I visited the Belgian beer bar (also known as Vol de Nuit) on West 4th, a place that is always cozily lit with dark red lights - but not in a tacky brothel manner, I swear. We had some framboise, or raspberry beer (which was delicious!) and after a nice walk back to my apartment, I felt absolutely euphoric. Mix yummy drinks, fresh air, and good friends together, and I'm pretty sure you'll find the utmost happiness. Ah, it's good to be back!

There's a zoo in my drink!


Enjoying some framboise with friends.

Reese and Jake

My favorite celebrity couple. Even Angelina and Brad cannot compare. I think Reese is so beautiful (her hair is gorg!), and Jake is so handsome (and silly!). And they look very much in love, which is all that really matters, am I right?

(photo via people)

tomorrow. TODAY.

I am leaving for New York City in T minus 9 hours! So pretty much "today," except I haven't gone to sleep yet, so I'm still considering it as "tomorrow," because Today just sounds too explosive and urgent and the type of word that distracts me from sleep. Oh, geez. I'm just excited to (almost) be back!

I can't wait to hustle on over to my little apartment, put all my stuff back in order, and start the new semester - there's so much to do! I have missed you, my dear Manhattan, my lovely friend!

form

(photo by haluca)

I love e.e. cummings's works to death, but sometimes, his form can get a little... haphazard. And definitely abstract. Sometimes, it's hard for me to grasp the full meaning that he's trying to convey. His work below looks more like an artful sketch rather than a poem, right?

But tonight, with cummings's "selected poems" book in hand, I flipped to this piece, and it just clicked! I have an intepretation (which you can see in the comments section) and it may not be correct, but at least it's mine. Like I just unfolded a secret, sensual purpose. Happiness!

n w
O
h
S
LoW
h
myGODye
s s

- e.e. cummings

a do or don't?

Bow Earrings...

Kenneth Jay Lane Antique Silver Bow Earrings, $31 (were $77)

What do you think? Too ornamental, or just right ? I think I like the look of it - but whether it will look good on me is another question.

12 aspirations

I love making lists of things to do in the future, but am oftentimes too preoccupied to write them down. But not today! A random cumulation:

1. Write a column for a magazine/newspaper or publish a book
2. Compose a song, a la Once (a great movie)
3. Fall hopelessly in love with a mysterious European man
4. Take pictures of architectural wonders of the world, especially in Eastern Europe (Turks, Caicos, Prague, Russia, you name it)

Not too exotic - Philadelphia's City Hall

5. Purchase vintage treasures at great e-bay shops
6. Eat lots of Greek food (...and while I'm at it, visit the country)
7. Be more than proficient in a team sport
8. Go on a roadtrip/backpacking trip
9. Attend a film festival
10. Swim with dolphins
11. Live abroad at least once (Paris, my friends?)
12. Take a wine tasting class

What are some life aspirations on your own list?

---
Edit: #'s 4, 5, 6, 8, and 11 completed by January 2010!!! Hooray!

McFabulous! ok, that was cheesy.

A sweater jacket from McQ

So, I don't really shop at Target much, but I'm positive that will change. The main reasons for my previous neglect were because (a) there are no Targets in Manhattan (I know, I was surprised too!), and (b) the designer collaborations never really caught my eye (Isaac Mizrahi? Ha, okay). Until now.

With Thakoon and Anya Hindmarch collaborations released this past year, the brands are only getting better and better. Up next to debut in March, much to my eager anticipation, is McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, which is a version of the designer's McQ collection. I've always loved McQueen's tough and edgy details on feminine fabrics. Studs and zippers on silk and jersey? Yes, and yes please. I'm just astounded by my luck - way to go Target!

For more information on other Target designer collaborations, click here.

(Photo by WWD)

explosions!

Super cool pictures taken by Sean Higgins for his Apocrypha exhibition. The lighting is spectacular! (click to enlarge)

(photos by sean higgins, via cup of jo)

glove love

Last week, I lost a favorite winter necessity. Well, actually, my major fault was lending anything to my forgetful sister - she left my white wool and brown leather long gloves at the ice skating rink! I was so upset, I went to the rink the next day to look for them... but they were irrevocably lost.

And with freezing temperatures these days, I know I need to start hunting for a replacement. So that brings up the question: which style should I look for?

cool, motorcycle-esque leather gloves


traditional cashmere long gloves


or a pair of funky knit fingerless gloves?

Help me make a decision!
(Photos by Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Dooce.com)

some dickinson

(photo by krisatomic)

I have no life but this,
To lead it here;
Nor any death, but lest
Dispelled from there;

Nor tie to earths to come,
Nor action new,
Except through this extent,
The realm of you.
---

Nature rarer uses yellow
Than another hue;
Saves she all of that for sunsets,--
Prodigal of blue,

Spending scarlet like a woman,
Yellow she affords
Only scantly and selectly,
Like a lover’s words.

- Emily Dickinson

art and poetry

Wouldn't it be neat to just sit in an art exhibit, and in the moment, jot down a few verses? That's exactly what I did (mentally) at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Ilium exhibit today. It was refreshing. The best kind of break.

2009 resolutions and thoughts

America Ferrera's lady-like dress will be my new inspiration.

I've never really been fanatical about new year's resolutions because they always seem a bit fake. People make resolutions, but after a few weeks, they may completely forget whatever they had so ardently pronounced to commit to. Yet, a slave to tradition, I always end up making resolutions. And sure enough, I completely forget about them until I read back to what I wrote the year previous. My 2008 resolutions were: to read more serious and thought-provoking books, be more daring and risk-taking, and lastly, do what feels right, and never half-heartedly.

Looking back, they seem impossibly heavy, don't they? And definitely ambiguous - how could I tell if I fulfilled the resolution? In a way, they were lovely (though forgettable) affirmations, but I think resolutions should be more specific and measurable. So, this year, I'm proposing a change:

1. Instead of "be more lady-like," I will wear more dresses.
2. Instead of "get toned shoulders," I will do yoga and weight train 2 - 3 times a week.
3. Instead of "make more memories," I will do brunch /dinner/ drinks (and then follow with resolution #2) with my best girlfriends at least once a week.

That sounds better, I think. What are your resolutions? Are they more specific, or less?

toasts to a new year!

I'm sneaking a break from my friend Brian's party to wish you all a wonderful, blessed new year! 2009 will be full of opportunity and excitement - I can feel it!

Enjoy your champagne (and in my case, gobs of delicious, homemade guacamole), good friends and loved ones, and first moments of the new year. I'll be back with more updates on fashion, poetry, and the city soon!