it's Saturday, finally!

(photo via NY Times)

XOXO, my dear friends! How's your weekend going? Yesterday, I shopped for a bit (yes, a shocker!) before dining with friends at Choice Restaurant and stopping by Cafe 81 in St. Mark's and Shades of Green in Union Square. It was a fun and exciting night. (And the drinks were so cheap!)

Some weekend news:

• Do you wear red red lipstick?
• Tyra Bank's ANTM only casting short "models"
  
• We're all on the same boat with Twitter.
• Rhianna is back together with Chris Brown
• Would you wear a Snuggie? (I am not a fan)
• Slumdog Millionaire Remix with Pussycat Dolls
• Is handwriting an unappreciated art?
• Best of NY Fashion Week slideshow -- I love this!

DvF soiree

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to mingle with bright young women in media and communications at the Diane von Furstenberg showroom in the Meatpacking district. We sipped champagne, tried on clothes, and bit (not so) daintily into hors d'oeuvres and Godiva chocolate. Most excitingly, we listened to Candace Bushnell (author of Sex & the City and Lipstick Jungle ) speak on her experiences in the city and advice on careers and life. I was a little nervous at first, having arrived alone, but it was a great time and I met so many lovely girls (Facebook me!). I only wish I walked away with some DvF apparel! Tempting, tempting.

trendy in the city

Some of my style aspirations, depicted by the Sartorialist's February posts:

1. a bold collared coat. I would mix and match vintage accessories (like her belt) for a cultured look.

2. a tweed a-line skirt (with a bold collared coat!). I love the flexibility in this look, from sophisticated schoolgirl to modern day Mary Poppins!

3. long, wide-legged trousers. One of the best silhouettes. Put on your highest heels to elegantly lengthen your legs.

4. metal-studded accessories (except for bracelets). I would definitely wear these awesome booties with simple, neutral toned clothes, like below, to make them pop!

(photos by the sartorialist)

entrepreneur-mania

Today, I sat in on a presentation by the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Accessory Network Group LLC, Abe Chehebar, in my entrepreneurship class. ANG started in the 80's as a humble privately held manufacturerer and marketer of handbags, and now makes bags for Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Cynthia Rowley, Tahari, LeSportsac, and many other amazing brands. It grew from a little flea market table to one of the most successful luxury collaborations!

And yesterday at Entrepreneurial Exchange Group (EEG), I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mike Michalowicz (aka the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur) to learn about his "real story" behind the impressive numbers and labels. His equation (beliefs + focus = apparent action) really struck me like a hot flash to a menopausal lady. Take a look at his biography, it's fascinating, motivational stuff.

Two awesome entrepreneurs, I love it!

designer obsession: Balmain

(photos via style.com)

Ever since Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, and Lake Bell all wore Balmain, I've been a huge fan. Christophe Decarnin's designs are structured and classic with an edgy twist, elegantly rough and rock n' roll, and definitely show-stopping. I love the exaggerated shoulders, and as for sprinkles of sequins and stones on blazers and formal dresses -- what a fabulous idea!! Check out the Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection.

tweet is sweet

(photo via Twitter)

After reading and hearing (and now researching for work) about Twitter, I've finally decided to jump on the boat and create my own account. It's slightly less obnoxious than Facebook statuses (which I have no qualms updating) and allows for more spontaneity in subject matter than blog entries. A lot of my friends use it (shout out to Mishy!), and I love that I can be perfectly brusque in my opinions without elaboration or explanation. Hmm, reminds me of my diary in the sixth grade...

Oh, and also, I'm amused (and ashamed) to say, my 11 year old sister jumped on this technology more than a week before I did. She's twitter following everything from the New York Times to Ashton Kutcher, and has more followers than I do. Okay, I'm coming to terms with the fact that she might be cooler than me. Might.

a do or a don't?

Sometimes things grow on you -- the more you're exposed to it, the more you like it. For me, it's wine, twizzlers and Reese Witherspoon's Oscar's dress by Rodarte. At first glance, I hated her gown's abstract indecisiveness. Was it structured or flowy? But now, I just... can't stop staring at it. And after two days of deliberation, she's suddenly (unconventionally) stunning to me!

(photo via fab sugar)

What do you guys think? Is her Rodarte dress (and unique look) a do or a don't?

a post secret POV

(photo via post secret)

My friend Megan and I are addicted to Post Secret -- we check it as soon as a new batch of "postcard secrets" arrives every Sunday. The romantic ones make me smile, some strike a literary note, (a few are disturbing), but most are completely relatable and remind me that we all share some very human experiences in this twisty road that is life.

What do you think of the above secret? Does life "suck" now that you're older and more responsible, and things are more complicated? I'm not sure if I can completely agree, because a big part of myself likes my "grown-up" side a lot. It's a tough call, don't you think?

Oscars and etcetera

(photo via flickr)

Somebody get me a cupcake. I'm exhausted after six hours (from 6pm to midnight) of Oscars watching and wine drinking. But it was a great time, and Hugh Jackman was quite an entertaining host. And yay to Slumdog Millionaire and Kate Winslet! I have lots to say about the Oscars, but I think the Observer's commentary is pretty accurate. Hope you all had a delightful Oscars night!

Other morning news:

• I gasped when I saw the gorgeous Nicole Kidman last night
• This rose champagne sounds decadent
• Three "lighthearted abstract expressionists"
• Rice-stuffed chicken!? Mmmm...
  
• Madonna and her 22 year old boyfriend, damn girl!
• NY Mag Picasso slideshow
• Chinatown facials -- would you get one?
  
• A cute and sheer teddy, and it's on sale!
• PS: this is my current poetry professor -- isn't she cool?
  

for my sister, jessica

(photo via flickr)

you bright young thing!
with smooth sprite limbs
and propped up books
and trendy nooks!

you bright young thing!
with flashy shoes
and movies news
and forgetting the blues!

you bright young thing!
with big big dreams
and crisp fresh looks
you beauty queen!

you bright young thing!
you bringer of glee
you make me love
your bright young things!

Quick updates and a pic!

As promised earlier, here is my $3, crazy ribbon & rhinestone covered 80's sweater! I like it a lot -- it's loud and fun :)

Other fashion-related news:

• I adore the material and shape in this shirtdress
• The title of this blog post, and its subject, cracked me up
• Jason Wu is living up to his reputation -- his line is feminine and well constructed, and the models wear tiaras!
• Little baby Harlow and her fur coat -- cuteness overload!
• Betty's blazer-and-dress look is gorgeous
  
• I love James Coviello's Fall '09 collection, so funky-aristocratic!
  

Have a lovely weekend, my dears! I am wishing my friend a happy birthday tonight, and hope not to stay up too late. Eek, I think I may be catching old lady syndrome, with crazy sweater symptoms and all!

old(ish) poem

of mundane importance

sporadically
not even a call
you text
i text
waiting for a call
sporadically

---------

note: I wrote this a while ago, but just realized I never posted! I only remembered because my poetry peers went nuts over this rondolet with a twist... my professor also absolutely loved its simplicity and structure. Huh, funny how some simple, rather unimpressive pieces are received so well!

(poetry via glamour, by istock.com)

a POV poetry exercise

(photo by ruby press)

Joseph Brodsky’s Woman

These nights we meet again in your afterthought.
You dreamed I was pregnant, a longing
faceless and nameless, the imaginary offspring
of regretful past and monotonous present.

In the secret stairwell of your mind,
we fumble in experience: your one hand
grazing light switch reality, the other
pinching pouty nipple, a cherry

waiting far too many nights to be plucked.
Our vows lay unrestored even in bittersweet
slivers of sleep. And only in wistful
dreams do you touch me, like man

searching for his. We are fleeting in remorse,
fluttering with curiosity (at the pluses
and minuses of your safety light). Lying
swathed in the darkness of your

mental incantations, your ruminating pen
traces breast and immortal word. What’s left
of swollen shadow becomes muddled,
a tired subject forgotten in daybreak.

--------
Note: I always loved Joseph Brodsky's poem "On Love", and was especially intrigued by his subject, so I decided to write my own take on the woman's perspective. What do you think -- do the two pieces work together?

have a wonderful friday!

(photo via smitten)

My dolls, how are your Fridays going? I have been all over the place this week, from catching up on hourly updates of the NYU student riots (which did not end well), to secretly visiting the Salvation Army across the street for some shopping downtime. I just purchased an outrageous 80's style Christmas sweater with ribbons and sequins. It was only three bucks -- I'll have to take a picture to show you later.

Also, the Oscars is looming, and I'm excited to see glamorous dresses! But I'm still recovering from last week's midterm angst -- it's strange to feel so lighthearted and have time for a social life again. What recommendations do you have for things to do over the weekend? (This couple got engaged on the Brooklyn Bridge!)

e.e. cummings: "If"

If freckles were lovely, and day was night, 
And measles were nice and a lie warn't a lie, 
Life would be delight,-- 
But things couldn't go right 
For in such a sad plight 
I wouldn't be I.

If earth was heaven and now was hence, 
And past was present, and false was true, 
There might be some sense 
But I'd be in suspense 
For on such a pretense 
You wouldn't be you.

If fear was plucky, and globes were square, 
And dirt was cleanly and tears were glee 
Things would seem fair,-- 
Yet they'd all despair, 
For if here was there 
We wouldn't be we.

-- e.e. cummings
(photo via glamour)

"does the bottom of my latte have a hole in it?"

(photo via flickr)

I'm back at the always lively ad department of WWD after a study-filled President's day weekend (just completed a dreaded midterm!) -- how was your three-day break? Mine was packed with awesome people, heavy books, and sore muscles, due to my new weight training regimen (finally keeping up with my resolutions!). I'm also still groggy, so let's wake up together!

Morning News Blitz:

• I'm definitely rethinking breakfast -- this pizza looks delish
  
• Lit fix: an excerpt of "The Thin Man"
• Men's fashion trends are getting girlier and more high-maintenance
  
• The beauty and talent that is Meryl Streep
• Edwardian influences in couture, I like it!
  
• Ah. The Shopaholic movie (for me) is complete.
• I love this silk crewneck sweater
  
• A frilly babydoll slip, do or don't?

POV: ageless style

(photo via advanced style)

I always feel so lucky to live in a city of such diverse, interesting people. It certainly makes for a lot of fun walks and runs -- how could I ever get bored? Fashion in the city is altogether on another level too, sometimes even more individual and inspirational than what's mandated in those glossy magazines. (No offense meant for such magazines -- I work for one!)

Since I've moved to NYC, my closet has swelled with vintage and thrift store bargains, and I've found myself less drawn to retail stores, more to things I'd find in a grandmother's closet. Some of my friends think it's weird to wear clothes that have already been worn by other people, but I just love the rich history of vintage. I feel honored to be part of the lifespan of such a treasure, like the YSL skirt I found for $20. (To think that it's made its way from some wealthy owner to a poor college student!) Anyway, whoever said old was uncool?

Maybe that's why when I see fashionable senior citizens on the streets, I can't take my eyes off them. I love their eccentric clothes, their individual styles and cuts. Sometimes, I see ladies go all out in their furs and lipstick, and I can just imagine their youthful selves in the 40's, looking ever so glamorous. I can only hope to look so wonderful at their age -- or even now!

v-day, part 2

On a happier note:(photos by design*sponge)

- Heart-shaped paper clips, found by Joanna!
- Gorgeous (and pricy!) lingerie from W magazine. I want all of them.
- And Things-I-Love-About-You boxes! Such an adorable idea :)

a not so love-y poem for v-day

commercial love is in manhattan

in svelte form, commanding
like stilettos stalking down soho
eyeing their pray on
prowling hot pavement and

what will you do?
as thick as eyelashes
masking unshy fears
mispronounced in subways:
a womanly gloom and
independence unproud.       
O new york!

city of desperation, of
glamorous, refined animals
petrified in silent heat
perforated by
the
          stench
                           of          it 
                                 all.   
 and you think that:
 the chubby mexican boy
who never gets it right

the sad asian waif
eating chocolates alone
            candy hearts
 the thin man balding
to nobody’s attention --
are the only singular
longing souls?

(photo via glamour)

small delights, part 2

Just wanted to report -- the list really works! No more PMS! Earlier tonight, I chatted with my closest girlfriends (they always cheer me up!), went for a run, and listened to awesome, upbeat music. One of my favorite artists is Little Boots (hailing from London) -- she's a musician and a composer, and I just love her voice. Listen to her live above!

small delights

Yesterday and today's warm weather have been so great -- good-bye coats, hello almost-spring! But I have been feeling a little under the weather lately, although a big factor is probably PMS. Don't you just hate those moody days?

Anyway, to cheer myself up, I'm remembering life's simple pleasures. I mean, even the temperature being a few degrees warmer made me a little happier (and I got to wear my beloved trench coat). Some other small delights are:

• long bubble baths and scented candles
• settling into a cozy bed after such baths
• good hair days (when it's all wavy after being let out of a bun)
• that first bite of chocolate mousse cake
• being near romantic-looking flowers
• listening to classical music (it's so calming)
  

See, better already! What are yours?

(Photo via the Paper Planes)

our first lady on the cover of...

Vogue! She's only the second First Lady to ever grace its covers, Hillary being the first in 1998. Michelle is wearing Jason Wu again -- lovely!

Read more on WSJ

morning poem

Advice for girls:

i like myself.

myself and i
have struck a deal:

when i am hurt
myself i have

i like the boys
myself likes i

myself is strong
and i am glad.

(photo by glamour)

delicate camis and (cringe) panties

My dears, what do you think of the word panties? I can't help but flinch when I say it -- it can be an awkward word to pronounce, and I always feel silly using it! Blargh. So... let's take a look at some "undergarments," shall we?

I love sleepwear like these cozy, neutral basics -- comfortable and not too showy. Would you wear these matching sets to bed?

(photos via apparel news)

costume jewelry and look-alikes

(photos via "costume drama," apparel news)

One thing I've learned is that costume jewelry never disappoints... maybe because they're often statement pieces, both quirky and bold, intricate and refined. If they're vintage, then they've already proven to be durable (unless you choose to purchase broken/rusty pieces. Please don't). I think they're very much worth the investment and absolutely timeless (and appropriate for nearly every occassion), don't you think? Also, they've spawned more inexpensive mainstream imitations. Love the mesh necklace!

(photos via urban outfitters)

morning glory

It's 9:30 a.m., and I'm at WWD researching market share... and looking at artsy beach towels at Works on Whatever (WOW), from the Vanity Fair Agenda Shops. Internship = shopping tease. I would never spend $50 - $250 on a towel, but they're still pretty cool looking, right?

Raymond Pettibon Towel, $50.


Richard Phillips "Spectrum" Towel, $250

PS: This HP, Vivienne Tam edition laptop is adorable.
PPS: Cashmere lingerie from Victoria's Secret is absolutely indulgent.
PPPS: Last one -- now this is a show that I would watch.

it's prolific poetry night:

"Cut": two poems

i say oh
i say oh
i say oh
i say oh

baby’s gotten good
baby’s gotten good
baby's gotten good

i say oh
i say oh
i say oh

mama’s gonna come
mama’s gonna come

i say oh
i say oh

cut the shit.

------

cut in the tender

which wrong my eyes
most mischievously

a violent red
swoons

spontaneous
and bright.

(photo from... I forget)

wisdom from caroline

letting things unfold:

will time whisper
theories which dwell within
organic development,
a ticking bomb?

or to work for it to work --
making moves, displaying
actions profound yet
difficult. and they say:
it takes effort to avoid
superficial, cement
everlasting.

what of
my own
ticking bomb --
everlasting?
superficial?

(photo via smitten)

interesting concepts

I'm so picky about what I buy, especially when it comes to shoes. And though I don't really wear sneakers (except for when I work out, intermittently at best), I'm fascinated by the company Ryz, whose business model is to let anybody submit graphic designs and vote on which sneakers should be taken into production. Thus, every product is already approved by its customers, and the designs are always original and unique:

"We're familiar with the model's benefits: by creating and voting, the community decides which products to sell, which means no guessing what customers want. No design staff, either, and no sales force since both designers and community promote the items they love. One to continue to be inspired by?"

I'm writing a business plan for my entrepreneurship class today, and it's all so fascinating to think about!

Source: Springwise

fruity delights

guava

prickly pear

papaya

feijoa

Aren't these exotic fruits delicious looking? They're so pretty and colorful too...

I'm a huge fan of fruit -- my family stocks bags of them in the fridge 24/7! -- but I haven't eaten much of late. It's just harder when everything is so fast-paced and busy, making healthy eating barely an afterthought. Today, I had dinner (with an NYU friend from home) in Chinatown. We chowed down on Vietnamese noodles, spring rolls, and curry chicken at Pho-Bang's on Mott Street. It was the first and best authentic Asian food I'd had in a while, and reminded me of all of the goodies I used to eat at home. I especially miss the fruit! I'm absolutely craving blackberries, kiwi, and mangos...

(photos via glamour)

a girly friday

Yesterday was a great Friday, and I'm finding myself back to my normal, happy mood. Last night I went out to Mont Blanc restaurant with friends and devoured plate after plate of fruit and chocolate fondue. My favorite kind of dessert -- it was so delicious!

Then, Anuja, Irene, and I went to see the much hyped new release, He's Just Not that Into You. (I actually read the book last year!) We had a great time, laughed and cried -- the typical girls' movie night. The female characters reminded me so much of my friends and I, prone to discuss and dissect every detail of a man's behavior; also, all that office chic wardrobe was crisp and sexy -- loved it! Ginnifer Goodwin was adorable, and again, I find myself wishing for Scarlett Johansson's body. Well, a girl can dream!

update: Check out this WSJ film review

(photo via fabsugar)