300!

(photo via le love, by sandra freij)

This is my 300th post! It's incredible looking back at the many thoughts I've poured into this blog -- little and big, serious and frivolous, fun and heartfelt. I love sharing with you my passions, inspirations, and (many) opinions. Thank you, my dears, for reading and being a part of this piece of my life. :)

winter elegy

Trees can only grow so tall
in a graveyard of saps because

learning how to love
the snow and cherish
hail is a lonely thing.

Many never make it through stormy
weather; survivors always lose

something, especially
in the wisdom of living
another year of growing

solitude. The most beautiful sight
is a sap in Spring, birthed in

old soil. Later, they join
the other trees who shed
their leaves in remembrance.

POV: let's talk skirts

(photos via acrimony)

Fact: Pencil skirts rock. They are so chic and fun to wear to work. (I love my colorful linen ones -- so summery!) But there are some super form-fitting skirts I know I could never wear in the office. They're pretty, but not at all pencil-like! Yikes!

Honestly, guys have it so easy sometimes. We ladies have to worry about things like panty lines, stretchy fabrics, and strangely placed slits. (See above: what the heck?) While women have been crushing that corporate glass ceiling for decades now, we still have to keep our femininity in check at work. But we've come a long way since the days our moms donned boxy blazers and baggy pants to blend in a male-dominated office! Nowadays, thank goodness, we have options!

So it's okay to look cute and smart, to show some leg and individuality... Just, maybe leave those sexy skirts for nights out with friends. Do you agree?

remember this?

I love driving to/from work because I get to listen to awesome, feel-good music. This Five for Fighting song came up, and gosh, it's a heart-tugger! (And the video is lovely.) I may have gotten a little teary eyed in the car... Okay, so I'm a sap. Give me any cheesy song on love and life, and I will totally dig it. ("Love Story," anyone?)

some eye candy

These stones remind me of jelly beans! So colorful!

(pade vavra bracelet via ideeli)

strange dream

The spider is still
staring at me in the shower,
asking to be the mint
to my chocolate chip

while I stomp in slingbacks
on wrings of generic brand
paper towels shaped in
the wings of dragonflies

that do not move ever.
Eight billion invisible
spider eyes scare me to
self-consciously avoid

blinding or drowning.
I wish I were not so green
with paranoia, or shy about
the seasick in my own hair...

kitty!

(Photo via field guided)

It's telepathically telling me that we should cuddle. I sincerely agree. Talk about communicating with your eyes -- so cute!

PS: Adorable puppy, and some more pups in the West Village!

funny pick-up line at the gym

Strange Older Man: "That's a lot of smoke."

Me: "Where?!"

Strange Older Man: "From the machine you were on."

Me: "Oh."

And then he winked!

I thought it was hilarious, and I felt like a jock! :)

Mmm...

(photo via glamour.com)

This looks so yummy. I adore sweets and cannot live without tea! It's calming and soothing, like a hot shower and a good book combined. And caffeine is always welcome in the early hours!

a poetry exercise

dolls likely hold hands
like eyelashes entwined

like string cheese unraveling
like a bloom of black eyes

or tulle skirts in a likable breeze,
likely free and translucent

like my first white hair:
open like a blank canvas

and bare like a newborn
to an unlikely mother

with an artist’s eye like
an outstretched hand, likely

holding a doll.

Heartless

I love when artists cover songs by other artists. (Remember Alanis's amazing take on "My Humps?") Lately, I've been obsessed with The Fray's cover of "Heartless" by Kanye West. I know Kris Allen's version is super famous, but I think this one is by far the best. (Don't hate, American Idol fans!) There's so much more emotion, don't you think? I just love to sing along...

AHH!

(photo by the Sartorialist)

These are the freaking black leather wedge boots that I've been looking for!!! And talking about for the longest time! (See here and here.) Where can I find you, pretty boots?

PS: Will you be hitting up the Memorial Day sales tomorrow?

Philadelphia!

Some scenic/architecture pictures from my visit to the City of Brotherly Love yesterday! I had a great time catching up with friends and eating lots of yummy food: Middle Eastern for lunch (had baklava for dessert -- so amazing), Korean for dinner, and an iced latte at Lovers and Madmen and gelato from Capogiro. Sweet!

Oh. My. God.

I am so in love with actress Paz de la Huerta's shoes. They are killer! What a standout! I think the subtle beading is perfect, and the minimalism in her outfit is...hot! Nice work, lady!

(photo via fabsugar)

Happy Friday!

(photo via imdb)

I just watched this tear-jerker, knee-gripper of a movie. Angelina Jolie (wow, this is really her week) was fantastic -- she definitely deserved that Oscar nod! It was a nice little after-work treat, and now I'm off to the gym for a quick run, aren't you proud? (Working full time is great, but sometimes it makes exercising a difficult habit to keep up!) Also, I'm super duper excited for this Memorial Day weekend! I'll be in Philly all day tomorrow to catch up with old friends. What are you doing? :)

rainbow flowers

(photo via abby)

My new laptop wallpaper -- isn't it colorful? I've had this artist's desk as my background for so long, I thought it was time for a change. (My wake-up technique is looking at bright things... always works!) If only I could remember where I found it to give the photographer credit... But it's very lovely, don't you think?

Edit: Found it! It was taken by Abby.

Hot Couple at Cannes

(photo via people)

First of all, I want those shoes. (I've been looking for nude satin pumps for ages!) Secondly, how hilarious is Brad Pitt's expression? I can just imagine him saying, "Yea, I know -- my Baby Mama's on fire!" Oh Brangelina... I wish I were at the film festival too!

Bottega Veneta...

Has an amazing Resort 2010 Collection. Maybe it's because I'm working so much that I'm really getting into the chic-simple-and-professional look? Oh, who am I kidding, I've always been a fan!

(photos via style.com)

haiku

Sometimes we all have
a gnome’s smile: full of magic
and a little sly

let's take five...

(photo via nymag, via marni)

To catch up on some fashion/culture news:

• Poor Rachel Bilson
• A lovely office-friendly floral skirt
  
• I'm liking these Karen Walker looks!
• Funny video, don't you agree?
  
• People got married so young before!
• Skinny belts = my favorite summer accessories
• Would you wear "jeggings" ?
  
• Cute tan wedges

so grown up

(photo via fine little day)

I've been remiss! I started my marketing internship at J&J this Monday (yesterday), so I've been super busy! I'm immersed in such creativity and am already learning so much -- too much to explain in one blog post (so call me, and we'll chat instead!). This is my first corporate job (and I'm the baby of the internship class -- my colleagues are MBA students), so it's a lovely chance to learn. I love new experiences! :)

cuter than tinkerbell

(photo via Lord & Taylor)

What a pretty yellow dress! Isn't it super unique, with its one-shoulder detail, ruffles, and banded waist? I know for a fact this would make me look taller. (Sorry, blame a short girl's intuition...) Also, I am silk obsessed -- silk dresses are too awesome for words. They make me feel like I'm wearing nothing!

PS: Check out this cool closet layout. It's probably a hotel closet, but I think I would prefer hanging my clothes this way...

PPS: Awesome portrait. And more flowers (I am becoming my garden-obsessed mother, oh God)!

a poem about change

new identity

unfeeling our feelings from pills
at night we put our eyes in a case

as often as a girl sleeps with man
like stale words fed by machine

mistakenly lips collide with needle
while you grow your hair from a can

our babies arrived not by stork
but the personalization of science.

feeling bookish again!

(photo via amazon)

I've been meaning to read this memoir for awhile, and I finally got a chance! The Glass Castle is a spectacular story. (I'm dying to use a bajillion exclamation points, but my need to be serious overrides that!) So, yes, seriously, go read it.

Next up, I'm hoping to finish White Teeth by Zadie Smith and Animal, Vegetable, Mineral by Barbara Kingsolver. What are you guys reading these days? Do you like to read before going to bed like me? :)

shirt-dresses and tunics

One cool thing about being petite (I'm 5'2'') is that some long tops work perfectly as dresses. I love when I can just grab a belt and make a little DIY project out of sweaters, tunics, or men's shirts. Fun and funky, right? Some "dresses" from Toast:

darling

(photo by the Sartorialist)

I love this look -- so chic. And her hair is so cute! I haven't had short hair in so long, I really want to give it a try!

the most gorgeous color

Purple was never a favorite color of mine... but then I attended a college whose school color is violet. It grows on me. These lilacs are beautiful!

(photos by Lena)

Criminal

I love singing along to this Fiona Apple song -- it's so badass!

Fiona Apple - Criminal from Andrew on Vimeo.

little baby poem

Under fleece blankets
our eyes melt like
ice cleansing itself

do or don't?

I always said I love bold jewelry, but this bracelet made out of bullets might be too bold for me. I'm sure it looks really bangin' on (literally), but artillery inspired accessories kinda give me the spooks. What do you think? Are you daring enough to call this a "do?"

(photo via refinery 29)

men and shopping

Pretty accurate. :)

(via Lily, via Men Style)

a spring pallet

My work clothes are so aggressive! Lots of business suits in black and navy, but honestly, they are kind of too serious! I'm starting work on Monday, where the dress code is very business casual, and I'm desperately in need of more summery pieces! Khaki dresses, soft blazers, colorful blouses and tunics that I can tuck in my trousers, and pastel cardigans -- basically a softer (but still professional) look. I'm excited to dress up (or should I say, down?). Some inspiration for my wardrobe re-do...

(photos via J.Crew and Banana Republic)

hello pretties

My mom came home with these snakeskin stunners today (faux, no worries!). I told her I thought they were a little too scandalous for a conservative, Church-going woman like herself, and better suited for an in-her-twenties, modern woman like her daughter. Don't you agree? (Haha!) They're a size and a half too big on me, but hey, that's what the ankle straps are for. Hello, sassy shoes!

I am loving these wedding pictures

(photos via smitten)

Cute couple and sweet balloons! I think both color and black & white work so well, but my favorite's the first... I like seeing the different-colored balloons, the blue sky, and the groom's tan suit. Dreamy!

the search is over!

Just scored a pair of PF Flyers on eBay for a very reasonable price. They're blue and brand new! (Okay, they may not be as cute as my friend's pink ones, but I still like them!) Excitement!

the fab three

(photo via fabsugar)

This is one helluva stunning picture! I love everything about each of these ladies' outfits, from Kate's silky blouse to Stella's and Liv's delicate lace. Talk about modern day bombshells! Stylish friends are the best -- meet two of mine!

"boot"-iful!

Today, I woke up and consulted with my friend on boots. (Even before eating, showering, and brushing my teeth. Now that is devotion.) I'm still looking for my ideal classic, durable pair of boots: black leather, wedge or hidden heeled, mid-length, sexy and comfy. Yup, yet another investment for Europe. (Well, that's just one of my excuses these days.) But there are other questions that still need answering, like... slouchy or not slouchy? :)

(Camper Boots via endless)

perfume ads...

Are usually so amazing! And I've seen a lot because I was actually in a perfume branding competition last year! Here's a commercial for Chanel No. 5, featuring Audrey Tautou. The colors and cinematography are stunning, and Audrey is the most beautiful woman ever! I wish I was French...

"I'm blue..."

Some pops of blue via the NYTimes Home & Garden section (which I sometimes stalk):


My family is planning on painting our kitchen and living room this summer. Some homes have color themes, but we're pretty eccentric in our tastes. Right now, our dining room is magenta, my sister's room is bubblegum pink, our other living room is yellow, and my parents' room is a distinguished gray-green. Only my room is white. (I know, so boring.) But since I'm home, I think I'm going to paint it this summer! Right now, I'm liking blue -- but there are so many shades! Any recommendations? Do you have a colorful room?

Have a lovely Mother's Day!

(photo via smitten)

5 random reasons why I love my Mama:

• She works out every day (I know, she's a superwoman!)
• She is gracefully, naturally stylish
• She drives better than my Dad (defying stereotypes!)
• She's the best cook ever
• She introduced me to high heels in middle school (and I've been rockin' them ever since!)

moving out

I officially moved out of my swank Gramercy apartment today -- another year completed at NYU! Not much to share except that packing, hauling, traveling, and unpacking can really take a toll on a girl! I was absolutely exhausted and ended up taking a five hour nap until now.

(photo via gilt groupe)

Also, a personal observation: luggage is a priority investment! I had only two suitcases, so when those were filled, I was forced to dump the rest of my stuff in huge trash/laundry bags. Not very chic. I need to go luggage shopping pronto (for Europe in the Fall)! Some inspiration: this Samsonite McQueen traveler bag for my business suits. Classy!

PS: A summer back home in the 'burbs of Philly means trying new things. My friend Amy and I are planning to try Bikram yoga -- a major step up from my sporadic yoga trips. I'm excited! (And kinda scared...)

another silly sidenote

(photo via PF Flyer)

For the two and a half weeks I was a disabled person (well, healing from a sprained ankle), I couldn't wear heels. So I trudged on (bravely) with my cast and a pair of bright pink PF Flyers, borrowed from my roommate. I thought I looked like a little kid, but you will not believe how many compliments I'd received, how many whistles from strange men! I'm a heels woman through and through -- I wear them pretty much every day. But now I find myself borrowing those PF Flyers again and again. Maybe I look like a nicer, more down to earth person? Or maybe guys just like girls who seem vulnerable (and clearly clumsy)? I'll never know... but I'm looking for my own pair now! :)

just a sidenote

(photo via fabsugar)

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are hot. Power couple! Oh, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona was amazing.

ayo technology

Speaking of things I have to buy this summer, I need a new laptop. My HP is dying and soon to be delegated to my lucky little sister. So my question is: should I take the plunge and get a Mac?

(photo via apple)

Pros are, it's compact and light with a long life expectancy, and I would look really cool toting around a cute little Macbook (I know, so vain). Also, the aluminum design is so sleek, though I probably won't chalk up $300 extra for the newest style. Cons: I'm not at all Mac savvy (repeat: not at all) and need almost every PC function for schoolwork. Also, would it be wise to take a new laptop abroad? But then again... it wouldn't be smart to bring my old one and have it fizzle out in the middle of the term, right? What should I do? Help!

Geez!

Gilt Groupe is getting much too crazy. Everything my size is sold out in half an hour! Today's Abaete sale was killer. I was eyeing the yellow blouse below, but it's all gone... and I'm contemplating the white blouse, but it's see through. I could pull a Carrie and run with it, but I think I have enough sheer blouses to satisfy my risqué side for now. But silk blouses are really special, don't you think? So comfy and luxurious!

(photos via gilt)

Want to check out Gilt's sample sales? Here's an invite!