gorgeous one-pieces

La Perla Margaret Halter Swimsuit

Calvin Klein Push Up Swimsuit

Topshop Floral Print Swimsuit

Outeniqua One-Piece

(Photos via Refinery 29)

"college drama" haikus

Hate Sex

Last night I woke up
so frictionized over you,
I grew a blister.

Poor Losers

Talk behind backs to
just about everyone and
shiver when they smile.

relaxed and perfect

(Photo via the Sartorialist)

I need to find those ankle boots. Chunky but tall heels = comfy and fashionable at the same time. Also, I can't bring any stilettos to Prague because it's full of cobblestoned streets. Any recommendations on comfy leather boots with a hidden heel (like this) or other kind of sturdy heel?

not enough moolah

(photo via czech lands set)

Okay, so I know traveling is expensive, but now I'm starting to realize that preparing for travel is pretty darn expensive too! I mean, just applying for a student visa to Prague (where I'll be spending my fall semester) is $124 -- and then there's booking hostels and purchasing other travel necessities (and indulgences!). I'm planning on buying a nicer, more professional digital camera with a sharp focus to capture all of the details of my travels. Hopefully I'll get some super pretty shots of Prague, like these.

all that glitters

... may not be gold, but they sure are fun to look at! These sparkly sequined pumps remind me of the Miu Miu Dorothy shoes I coveted last summer. Kind of impractical and crazy, but then again, that's why I love them. Perfect for looking fierce on a night out. And, they're on sale!

(via Piperlime)

birthday poem!

toast to a new age

here’s to growing
our souls, year by
year, day by day

here’s to treating
our bodies like a temple
minds like a well
hearts like a bird

here’s to learning
the lessons unlearned
for the fortieth time
and seeing newer
perspectives in each

here’s to loving
each microcosm of
ourselves ever fiercely
even on hard days

here’s to believing
in our specialness,
like a spark to a flame.

(PS: I am drooling at this delicious cake)

unglamorously glamorous

Some things may seem common-day and even boring, but sometimes, in photos, when captured in the moment -- they look so fascinating! I love the simple tone in these pictures and the fact that things like drying racks and pots and scuffy flats can all be stunning in their own way. They are effortlessly, easily, sweetly, unglamorously glamorous to me.

(photos via 2or3things and thrush vintage)

my chapbook

My last poetry workshop of the semester is next Friday, so I'm working on my the end-of-year chapbook which contains all of my best works. My classmates and I are going to exchange chapbooks so that each can serve as a poetic yearbook of all the great memories and progress we've shared. So sad already! I'm going to miss this class.

Mine's called "Eccentric House" because it's a compilation of my most eccentric, special pieces, from crisp haikus to long autobiographical poems. I got the name from a line of a poem I wrote on yard sales. Let me know if you'd like a copy! (I have tons and tons of poems that I haven't posted on this blog, and a few that you've seen, though edited.)

Birthday at La Palapa

(photo via nymag)

Mexican food is my comfort food. And with my birthday coming up on Tuesday, my friends and I are having an early celebration tonight at a deliciously fun and intimate West Village Mexican restaurant called La Palapa. We thought it was time for a change from our usual haunt at Maracas. I'm excited to take advantage of this lovely day (80 degree weather!) and enjoy some quesadillas and margaritas with some of my favorite people.

---

Edit: It was soooooo fun! Awesome food, delicious margaritas, (free) champagne, and my best friends... I couldn't have asked for a better night.

ahhhhhhhhhh!!!

For a minute, I was tempted to use my tax returns to purchase these amazing Theory sandals. And then I remembered that unfortunately, I can't spend $400 on shoes. I just can't. :(

two haikus

On Engagement rings

More is not better.
Forget the little clusters --
I want a big rock.

***

Lost Uncle

Slightly tilted brown
eyes like my father’s moonshine
are my only clue.

in the details

I love this two-toned Valentino dress. Three-quarters sleeves are great, and black and white color blocking is so classic. Also, cute, quirky details at the waist! Very pretty.

(photo via gilt groupe)

POV: bittersweet without the bitter

(photo via joanna, by elisabeth dunker)

I used to be so change-averse, but along with some other things, I've been learning to embrace change with very little mourning. In two weeks, my time in NYC will be up and I'll move out of my beautiful Gramercy apartment to work back home in Philly. I'm sad to leave this huge part of my life, my New York friends, and my favorite City hangouts... but I'm making myself think positively!

Yes, it'll be seven months until I'm back permanently (due to summer + a semester abroad in Prague), but there are also so many wonderful things to look forward to in the near future. I'm excited for summer's simple pleasures: art or sewing or spinning classes (or all three), running in Valley Forge, beach frolicking, quality hangouts with friends, and lots and lots of time for picture-taking and writing. I'm excited for my awesome classes in Prague on art, architecture, and Czech language. I'm excited to work in creative design, product development, and brand management at my internship. I really feel so lucky and blessed.

Leaving for summer break is always bittersweet, especially if your graduation clock (or other scary date) is ticking louder than ever... but I think any kind of change can be all sweet without the bitter if we continue to remind ourselves that our life's adventures aren't truly reliant on where we live or how old or young we are -- but rather on our willingness to put 100% into living our best, with no regrets. On making time for our priorities, especially ourselves. My friend Anuja put me at peace tonight by reminding me, "We shouldn't have regrets. We for the most part, are quite bold." Do you think like that too?

tech savvy

Not that I need this... but the Amazon Kindle is just so lovely and useful! (And pretty and thin and modern...)

(photos via ideeli)

POV: Business (NOT) as usual

This sleep mask was a gift... but I look silly when I wear it!

Not so fun fact: sleeping with an elevated leg is next to impossible. I tried for hours last night, in an effort to reduce the swelling on my ankle, and then just gave up to finally catch up on those precious Z's. It was a necessary sacrifice. Also, my cast is ridiculously ugly and useless, so I wore sturdy boots today and still felt totally secure in my step. I think I'm almost all recovered! But onto more interesting news (because my ankle is probably boring you to tears already)...

Today I met this amazing entrepreneur, Peter Bregman, who really inspired me (as have many) to further develop my passions. He does everything: CEO and founder of a consulting firm for Fortune 500 companies, Outward Bounds leader, CNN journalist, and public speaker. I told him all about my plans to publish a book of poems (I already have a title! Will update later.) and pursue other projects in marketing and producing... and he said that juggling my passions was the smartest plan. Here's his astoundingly logical advice:

Basically, being an entrepreneur or freelancer is actually the least risky occupation in times like these. Think about it. When you have one job, you have one client to answer to. And if that client fires you, you're screwed. But as an entrepreneur with many clients (aka, not putting all your eggs in one basket), if one client fires you, you're still fine. It's just a percentage of your overall revenue, and you can always easily find new clients with that go-getter spirit of yours! So basically entrepreneurship is all about creating a different game to guarantee that you can win -- which is why it's reliable as well as fun and exciting. Awesome advice!

on celebutards

your pregnant glow is a makeup artist
your business-savvy is arbitrage
your self-confidence is google counts
your jen ne sais quoi is a lie.

***

your philanthropy is your publicist’s check
your nonchalance is valium
your friendship is social pawning
and your personal branding is a whore.

classy lady, classy outfit

I am so loving Halle Berry's dress! Very understated sexy.


I would wear it with my black patent Steve Madden pumps...


But no high heels for me for the next week! Boo :(

(photos via people and steve madden)

ouch!

(photo via smitten)

I am a huge klutz. Yesterday, on an evening run, I tripped on a super huge pothole in the middle of the street, twisted my ankle, and made a huge scene. Yes, lots of huge-ness. Fortunately, I was able to slowly limp back home (albeit excruciatingly painfully so).

I got X-rays today, and thankfully it's just a sprain -- but now my ankle is as swollen as an egg and stuck in an "air cast." Ugh, I hate feeling helpless and weak. (Although all the cute boys have been opening doors for me, which is nice.) And rainy days are scary for a girl who can't walk right! This is when it would be really convenient to be able to fly, like the little bird in the wallpaper picture above.

like the french

I have been mixing a lot of my business, tailored pieces with the grungier half of my wardrobe lately -- trenches and blazers over loose cardigans and linen men's shirts down to my knees, sometimes topped with a scarf. And sky high espadrilles. I'm really digging the eccentricity in pairing very casual with very proper. It makes for such interesting, carefree looks. Yep, I may have been influenced somewhat by French style. Take these Isabel Marant ready-to-wear Spring looks. Cool pants!

(photos via WWD)

PS: I'm also obsessed with this dress that can be folded into a dozen looks. See the video!

dVb ad

Victoria Beckham's style is fierce, her dVb line is classic, and her commercials are... surprisingly sweet! Check out the dresses in dVb spring/summer collection, watch the adorable ad below, and tell me what you think!

red posters

I think this is so funny. (via nevver)


Lovely movie, rad poster. (via joanna)

Sunbathing in Washington Square Park

A slap of sun on coral tongue
and my complaints are swallowed

I will not cry anymore in cold
but swish my skirt and lose the shoes

Trees and buildings blush
at my brazen unbuttoning

People of the park, beware:
I’ll melt like a football to the face.

triumph and nostalgia

(photo via smitten)

I just finished reading this wonderful feature on NYMag that is pretty much a long love letter to New York written by many authors. Among the notable New Yorkers are James Franco, Chloë Sevigny, and Rachel Dratch (of SNL), all of whom I've bumped into in the past. (James Franco again as recently as last week in the Washington Square Starbucks!) It's so fun reading about other people's wonderful experiences in the city -- an inspiration for us all!

yes yes yes!

I think these girls have such stunning features. That hair, those eyes! I love their unique faces, looks, and styles. Here's to celebrating individuality and being proud of the person you are.

(photos via garance dore)

earnest, spunky, and chatty

(photo by nicole)

I'm always asked what three words best describe me (in interviews, orientations, and silly get-to-know-each-other games). But choosing only three is so hard -- just like sticking to only three topics to blog about. So, since I'm so "chatty," I plan on blogging more about my favorite, loveliest words. They change all the time!

Today I'm in love with "winsome." For example: I like your winsome smile, your dimples and freckly nose. I like your whole fresh-faced package, your childlike expressions. I like the little wrinkles around your eyes.

POV: the "go-to outfit" turned uniform

(oxford shirt via gap)

As I've grown older, I've developed a kind of "uniform" that I always go to for those get-ready-in-five-minutes days, aka, almost every day: black or dark blue skinny pants/jeans, a black tank top (I own dozens), a bright cardigan or white/blue collared cotton or oxford shirt (with sleeves rolled up), and maryjane heels. Give or take a watch or chunky cuff, or a necklace if I'm lucky.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with these same-looking outfits... but my uniform makes me feel confident, neat, and in control. I totally understand why Carolina Herrera has cultivated her look -- crisp white shirt, skirt, scarf (usually silk), and heels -- and stuck with it for years, decades even. Sometimes, our go-to outfit becomes our uniform and in turn becomes our best outfit. Our signature look, and our personal brand.

So, my dears, do you have a go-to outfit or uniform? Or are you too much of a creative butterfly to stick to one look?

opinions

Sometimes I feel like
my body is just some looney
cartoon bin of dismembered nerves
bumbling around blindly
in the dark.

***

I really don’t give a shit
about dramarama nonsensicalities
and sentimotional breakdowns
except my own.

sweet treat

Chocolate is my weakness. Especially chocolate and fruit mixes. Yum. I totally demolished this sweet gift from a friend today. White chocolate + strawberries = so good!

I really shouldn't be blogging right now

...but I just wanted to note that Net-a-Porter makes really great outfit recommendations! Like this classy Single dress and its matching "Wear it With" section pals: Miu Miu blazer, Jimmy Choo strappy sandals, and Kara Ross clutch. Le sigh. How chic... and unattainable (for now). Okay, back to work!

and we're creative again!

(photos via forever 21)

My schedule has been pretty hectic, as I've been busy preparing my student visa (for study abroad in Prague), pitch proposal (for my producing class), business plan (for my entrepreneurship class), and tons of economics and poetry reading -- the list goes on! Since I've been spending so much time at school, I've noticed my dressing habits have been much more conservative as of late. I love business-chic, but I have to admit that black trousers and collared shirts don't make for the most creative attire...

That's where spring scarves come to the rescue! I like bright colors in peaches and raspberries, and funky textures like linen for a more casual, crisp look. Creativity problem solved! Now let's start shopping.