misterpretations

"I don't want to be your friend. I just want to be your lover."
-- Radiohead (In Rainbows)

green-eyed, long-lashed
melting coffee & cig crooner

huffing he & she healing
rituals, de(relax)toxing

long-limbs, lusty loose-backed
skateboardsmooth-talk, screwing

unsavory stragglestrewn
struggle, libidokempt denial

and living in your last straw: one man
down (to staying misterpreted).

free yourself

(photo by krisatomic)

My dears, how are you? The past few days for me have been consumed by textbooks, highlighters, and scratchy eyes -- yep, it's exam time. I'm always sad and grumpy when I'm cooped inside studying, especially when the weather is so nice!

A big phobia of mine is feeling chained down and not free to do what I want to do. So to de-stress and regain my personal freedom during busy times, I rely on the little things that keep me sane, like taking lots of fun study breaks (which usually involve food: Indian dinners and 2 a.m. ice cream snacks), thinking of exciting future events, and making spontaneous phone calls to my friends, just to catch up and hear about the good things that are going on in their lives. And soon enough, I feel invigorated again to hit the books.

What makes you feel "free" in stressful times? Reading interesting books? Watching cute videos on youtube?

a lovely, lippy look

I wore my new very red lipstick in public for the first time today (okay, only for a quick trip to Duane Reade). I'll admit, I was terrified at first of looking too different or having smudges on my teeth (what a nuisance!). Thankfully, nobody gave me strange looks; instead, I felt quite sophisticated -- exactly like the last time I tried it on. I like this new lippy look so much, I can totally relate to Gwen Stefani! Here are some silly lipstick-modeling photos:

Would you ever wear red, red lipstick? If so, here are a few more lipstick suggestions. If not, I hope you change your mind -- it's simply lovely! (And makes your teeth look whiter too, ha.)

spring in a bag

I was never a big fan of Coach and its rigid, old-lady bags emblazoned with C's. But then, Coach surprised me with its Spring '09 "Bonnie" collection, inspired by designer Bonnie Cashin, and created these quirky beauties. I mean, the little flowers are separately attached to the bag! How perfectly appropriate for Spring! I guess you can say I'm a Coach convert. :)

PS: If you're a fan of these fun illustrations, check out Daily Candy. You will love Ruben Toledo's wonderful sketches. I know I do!

Lily Allen

I love Lily Allen, all of her songs are so catchy! While they're mostly about pretty typical things -- dissatisfaction, celebrity, relationships, or a combination of all three -- her music videos come in a rich variety of styles. Check out "Not Fair" (which is reminiscent of "Not Big" -- hilarious lyrics, by the way). It's about problems in the bedroom (ooh la la!), but I'm more fixated on the costumes, makeup, and her hair!

welcome to the lipstick jungle

(photo via self magazine)

Last week, I bought the perfect red lipstick. It's bold, bright, and ... kind of a big deal to wear! I usually never put much on my lips other than chapstick (which I'm addicted to) and sometimes a light gloss, so lipstick made me feel like a billion bucks: put-together, grown-up, and glamorous. My lips looked fuller and poutier than usual too (aka, awesome news!). I'm curious, my dears -- do you wear lipstick? I can't believe I just started!

city, sushi, and bro-ing it out with the guys

(Sushi from Friend House via salty savory sweet)

Today was one of those days that drags on with work, class, and group projects... but it just made me appreciate even more, after last week's Spring Break respite, the city's wonderful energy! Even being productive and busy is enjoyable when I'm constantly surrounded by this infectious and inviting pull, despite today's non-stop rainy weather. Maybe that's why this week has been so glorious, like that first bite of chocolate or steak (yep, clearly I'm a woman and a carnivore)! Being back has skyrocketed my optimism and happiness as of late, and I feel so grateful to be where I am. Right here.

Anyway, ending the tangent -- after I finished all of my work around 9pm, I had dinner at Friend House (one of my favorite places to eat Japanese food) and devoured a delicious combination of sushi, seaweed salad, and miso soup (stealing a few morsels from my dinner companions Perry and Dan -- I was so hungry!). Later, we caught up with more of our friends, and continued to hang out until midnight, listening to music, sipping a delicious combination of gin and pomegranate juice (so yum!) and reading poetry -- yes, I'm serious, poetry reading! Such a relaxing, fun night!

a drop of calm

&
nose-deep
in the tub, you are
a sea star dozing sweetly
in sudsy waves of aqua and,
lavender; a mermaid strangely,
liberated; a strand of coral swaying to
beats of soft jazz, your chin bobbing up
like a buoy among the bubbles, & down
with the flicker of one big red candle;
hair drifting like lilypads and empty
thoughts, you dwell like rain in the
warmth of water, sinking
ever so slowly…

a guy's POV: she's so suit-sexy!

(photo via garance dore)

Because I go to business school, I own a couple suits -- a few blazers, pencil skirts, and slacks in sets of navy, cream, and lots of black. The thing is, I hate dressing so conservatively and try to avoid wearing suits as much as possible. But what I've recently realized is that men love the look of a woman in a business suit. They think it's powerful and sexy -- frankly, they go nuts!

Well! What an interesting concept, right?! You dress in your cutest, girliest outfits, but it's the boring black suit that they go crazy for. Go figure. But now that I know this, I find myself standing straighter and feeling more confident and comfortable in a suit. I'm definitely learning how to work it, how to own the look. It's a win-win!

My dolls, do you feel sexy in a business suit? (A pair of high heels definitely helps.) And guys, do you agree with my friends and love a woman in a suit?

tasty tuesday

(photo via food vagabond)

What an awesome day! Sometimes, you just wake up with the best attitude and good things happen. I debuted my quirky blue wedges with black tights (because even though it's officially Spring, it was cold!), accepted a summer internship offer for marketing at Johnson & Johnson and met up with Perry and friends at Cafe Reggio for a delicious dinner of icecream, yogurt, strawberries, and cappuccinos -- a silly mix, right? You could say I have a sweet tooth. How was your Tuesday? Did you indulge in anything yummy like me?

Other sweet news: Topshop is opening April 2nd! Will you go check it out? My friends from Philly have already planned their weekends up to visit me, but mostly shop! (And I don't blame them.)

ahh I needed this.

Don't you just want to crawl right into this photo? It made my morning -- simply beautiful!

(Photo via Cup of Jo, via Abbey Goes Design -- by Francesco Lagnese)

confident in paris

I love the way this French woman wears her clothes -- such devil-may-care confidence! I'm picturing her with a swagger-walk and a gravelly voice. Yes, I have an overactive imagination, ha! She just looks like such a tough girl and a cool person to know!

(photo via the Sartorialist)

do or don't: free people rings

These "Flower Garden" rings by Free People are on sale for $9.95. They're certainly bold and eye-catching -- but are they even pretty?

What do you think -- a do or don't? Would you wear these rings?

On a sidenote:
- NYMag article on Little Boots! As you know, I love her!
- Lauren Conrad's fashion line is dissolved. Thoughts?

katie and suri

(photo via people)

How adorably Parisian Suri looks! Stripes, polka-dots, patent shoes, and leggings! Mother and daughter complement each other quite nicely in their blues and whites. They're a striking pair, don't you think? So pretty.

let's get cheeky

Last time, I told you guys all about my "Style File," but I forgot to mention that I also have an Inspiration folder -- an idea I stole from an old friend. Want to take a peek? These pictures, for me, inspire life and living my best. They make me think and smile, bringing out my so-called "happy cheeks."

This art student's beautiful desk. Love the flowers.


A more natural look at the Eiffel tower. I like this less-glamorized version better.


To remind us to dress for our own happiness.


... and to love fully and wholly.


I love neat, cute little trinkets: tiny notebooks, postcards, boxes to hold secret things... artsy clutter!


And this combination: wide door-like windows, delicate little gates (what are those things called?) and that egg-shell blue... just perfect.


Proof that there can be a classy, lovely picture of the morning after. So sweet.


Also sweet: hot chocolate, with a snowflake and an etching of a crown! Fabulous!

(first and last photo by krisatomic, the rest are various)

Dear X,

You are like a natural
disaster, and I just want to
X you out of my life.

But after X, follows O.
An instinct to mark you
there, there --
O, O, O.

I am,
paradoxically yours,
xoxo.

little black dress and friends

Too sophisticated to shop at Forever 21? Think again. (This is what I do when I'm procrastinating...)

DRESS:


GLASSES:


HEADBAND:


UNDERWEAR:


BAG:


(photos via forever 21)

ring the alarm

...because I'm obsessed with Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry. It started out as a fascination with his famous flower rings -- they're very bright and loud, but in a coquettish way. And they're reminiscent of Samantha Jone's extravagant diamond flower ring from the Sex & the City movie. What's up with women and their flowers? Even I can't explain it. I adore them, and I'm terribly allergic to pollen!

And some eccentric pieces in turquoise:

Maybe one day, I'll join the ranks of Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn and own a piece of Kenneth Kay Lane myself? Ah, that would be a glorious day! PS: Can't afford the real thing? Here are four cheap alternatives: uno, dos, tres, y quatro!

(Photos via Bag, Borrow, and Steal, and Shop Style)

sad little poem

Cleaning pineapple remains
is a solemn task on such a day,

though its prickly crown retains
its usual, timeless grandeur

even in an unnatural habitat.
My hands on the kitchen sink,

I am filled with discomforting
awareness. There, it sits silently

resplendent under the lamp's dull
glow, like a true Queen Mab

of dreams, more terrifying and
beautiful than any other conceivable

headdress; the graceful owner,
one whom I hardly knew.

guac-temptations, not-so-hot sensations

It looked more green than this, I swear.

My relationship with guacamole has really been quite a rollercoaster ride of emotions. For one thing, I completely adore the wonderful concoction and after years of practice, I absolutely rule at making it. It takes a pro's intuition to mix in the perfect amount of salt, pepper, dried tomato, sour cream, and lemon juice. And sometimes, I add some salsa to give it just the right amount of zest. My guacamole is creamy and tangy, and very aesthetically pleasing too. It was a hit on New Year's. On breaks at home, my family always encourages my avocado-chopping, guacamole-making tradition. I'm just that good.

But (and here it gets uncomfortably personal) -- after consumption, I never feel quite so good. Don't get me wrong, the preparing, mixing, and eating parts are great! Lots of finger-licking deliciousness. It's just afterwards, my skin feels a little itchy and I get a bit queasy and... (ahem) gasy. So yes, I get sick -- could I be allergic? I can't imagine giving up my one true culinary talent and favorite food! So there, I said it. Out in the open. Just like any other relationship, my guacamole and I have its ups and downs. But, no big deal -- it's love!

workin' it out

One thing nice about being back home on break (besides driving and free food) is the YMCA. No joke! There is only one word to describe my local Upper Main Line YMCA -- hot! Half of it, including the cardio room and random sauna in the girl's locker room, is brand new. NYU's gym is great, but when I saunter into the Y's sexy black and red "Wellness Center," I feel like a rock star.

And of course, Lady Gaga always helps set the tone. Girl is fierce!

Thoughts on...

Lent:

I refuse
to give up
anything.

feminine and bold

Two words to describe my tastes. Two examples:

Freida Pinto's Chanel frock. A white sheath with necklace attached. Brilliant!

J.Crew charmeuse pencil skirt

*Actually, the entire J.Crew spring lookbook is perfection. Quick peek: this gorgeous casette-tweed marcel jacket.

home, but not homely

I'm home in Philadelphia for a week of Spring Break -- kind of sad, right? While almost all of my friends are toasting in Miami, I'm saving money (for Prague) and chilling at home. So far, I've been devouring guacamole and watching movies like it's my job -- chips and Roman Holiday, anyone? But I really want this week to be about maintenance, about edifying the body and mind. So, I made a few goals for the next few days, including completing my list of impressive (and not so impressive) reading, getting some new trousers tailored, getting a trim, working out, etc.

Yet Spring Break will inevitably be about pleasure too. And it should be! I love indulging in the little things that make me feel good, like taking bubble baths (with the best playlist ever: classical and dance-pop) and purchasing (at 30% off!) this gorgeous pair of Nine West wedges I've been obsessing over for awhile. Early birthday present? I'm excited to wear these sandals when the weather is warmer (or just pair it with some black tights for a winter-chic look).

My friends, what do you love to do in your downtime? Have you indulged in some retail therapy lately?

(photos via piperlime)

a glamorous photo

I love the intimacy of this series of photos. I never realized how many movements were involved in putting on a gown! Just lovely. The photographer, Mark Borthwick, is also Maria Cornejo's (of Zero + Maria Cornejo) husband. No wonder he's so attuned to women and their relationships with clothes!

(photo via style.com, by Mark Borthwick)

cups and tacos

The coolest ad ever!

So I'm walking back from my friend Perry's birthday dinner at Agave Restaurant (stuffed with Mexican food, sangria, and tequila, might I add), and I see this amazing ad from Tylenol. The plastic encasement is literally stuffed to the brim with coffee cups -- how wonderful is this?! Coincidentally, I'm interviewing with Johnson & Johnson for a marketing/brand management internship next week. So cool to think that I could work on creative projects like this :)

Steak tacos for dinner, mmm.

april lady

(photo via garance dore)

This picture reminds me of April, with its rainy yet beautiful days. I remember feeling sad when I was kid because my April birthdays were always accompanied by allergies and thunderstorms. But now, April looks lovely and shy... like pastel and rainbows.

a sweet surprise

My roommate Emily's boyfriend (who's visiting for the week from from Oregon) bought Magnolia cupcakes for us tonight! Random sweet gestures make me happy. Yum.

men's wear

I love men's wear for women. In fact, I am obsessed. Some comfy-looking goodies:

(Photos via WWD)