Home sweet Prague

I'm here! And I feel right at home, although there are a lot of differences (like beer substituting water... they don't even ask if you want it, they'll just bring it to the table!). I'm sunburnt, tipsy, excited, and tired. More pictures over at the Prague blog!

PS: I will be updating Prague photos weekly -- check under the Prague Weekly label. :)

a dynamic duo

This made me laugh!

Marc Jacobs & Miss Piggy via People

PS: I'm leaving for Prague tomorrow morning! You can find travel-specific posts here. Next time I write, I'll be in Europe!!! :)

self portraits

via peonies and polaroids

Do you take pictures of yourself? I really admire graceful (and tasteful!) self portraits, it takes guts! Cara, from P&P bravely bared her tummy. I'm all smiles, but if I had to choose one body part to showcase, it'd be either the shoulder or collarbone. If they aren't shaking from laughter! (Or self-consciousness!)

yumminess

Almost too pretty to eat! Almost.

via cleavage confidential

don't remember where I found this, message me if you know!
edit: aha! via the soho

POV: I'm not happy with Urban Outfitters

some Urban Outfitters UK boots

I just finished browsing Urban Outfitters UK and found a bunch of amazing shoes not listed on the US stores and site. Actually, almost all the UK apparel is new to my American eyes and dare I say it, freaking expensive. Why is this?!

Unique markets is one answer. I understand every company should be cognizant of varying international consumer demands and tweak product lines accordingly (for example, McDonald's menus are different in China compared to US counterparts). But why the need to completely differentiate product selections when US and UK style demands are so similar? Who doesn't want quality, variety, and fantastic price? Not Brits and Yankees!

We all know things cost more in Europe. But I don't understand why the exact same wedge boots I bought from UO US cost $48 (its current price now), but are £120, or almost $200, on the UK website! Sorry Urban Outfitters, your on sale We Who See boots are the same product as your Faryl Robins, name change or no. As a Brit might say, "I'm not that daft."

So you slipped up, Urban Outfitters. There are some products in common between the two websites after all! But why are these knit booties £75.00 in the UK and (under pseudonym) $58 in the US? And these oxford wedges a whopping £170.00 in the UK when they're on sale for $99 in America? Why isn't product pricing standard all around?

I just don't get it, Urban Outfitters. Do you double European prices because customers are intimidated by international shipping fees and don't do their research anyway? Do you offer an expensive UK product line in order to conceal a thriftier American alternative? Do you change the names (and prices) of exact same products because we don't pay attention?

Tell me there's another reason. Every relationship -- boyfriend-girlfriend, consumer-corporation -- is built upon a foundation of trust. If I can't trust that you won't cheat me of my hardearned cash (because this name changing thing is bullshit), how can we continue this relationship? I think my British girlfriends would agree: we'd rather buy our shoes elsewhere.

BCBG inspiration

via style.com and poshbot

While packing (3 days left!), I felt the urge to revisit the BCBG Max Azria Spring 2008 collection. What can I say? I love clever draping, feminine silhouettes, and layering dresses with tees. (Because turning something formal into casual is fun!) The latter is my usual seasonal transition plan. Add some opaque tights and smart shoes, and we're ready to roll. Bring on autumn!

pretty watercolors

I try to live with this mentality...
such a cool, intriguing conbination

I love these watercolors by Kate Miss, from for me, for you. They're dreamy, aren't they? Check out her Etsy shop for more. She also makes necklaces! I adore.

hair = life

(for Samson, hair really was life. via flickr.)

"I’m always unbearable with my hairdressers the first time. But hear me out: They are all potentially about to ruin my life." -- Garance Dore

I got an awful, brutal haircut three days ago -- too short and choppy when I had just asked for a trim! It was such a terrible shock, I almost cried. Garance is so right!!! Glad I'm not the only one sensitive and dramatic about my hair. Are you the same? Meanwhile it's ponytails and buns for me. :(

badass

via Lolita

chocolate scented stamps, via Cup of Jo

Diesel sneaks for men, although I would slip 'em on in a heartbeat! via Ideeli

bunny and poetry

via peonies & polaroids

Hello bunny. I like your floppy ears, your solemn stares and twitchy nose, the way you chomp on my finger when I feed you carrots... You're super snuggly, and I wish I could keep you.

And to my dear Jeffrey McDaniel. I still read Endarkenment, it's my favorite poetic autobiography. I especially love your kiss poem, though the others are just as wonderful and earnest. Thanks for reminding me that I need to look inside myself to write. xo

fall is almost here

via fabsugar

I'm such a fall weather kind of girl, so I love cozy knits like this interesting piece from Topshop's Highland Fling collection. Too bad autumn lasts approximately two weeks in New York before winter begins (and takes over 'till April!). Prague weather is supposedly very much the same. Better bundle up!

haiku

taurus & co

I love-hate spooning
caution, passion, and bullshit
in the secret drawer

this is old news but...

Since I linked The Uniform Project in my last post, I can't help but elaborate! One of my daily addictions is checking out the newest outfit by Sheena Matheiken, who vows to "wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion." Check out her fabulous accessorizing and wonderful cause here. As for the outfits, these are my favorites -- although you'll have to see for yourself!

POV on home decor

My father just bought a very professional-looking L-shaped desk, which got me thinking about how furniture can be such an accurate reflection of our very unique personalities. Styling a home is like deciding on one dress to wear everyday for a year!

I like comfy and vintage-y furnishings, mixing antiques and modern pieces, and the color white. Proof? My night stand, which I love. What's your home decor style?

It probably has nothing to do with hanging shoes on the wall, but this picture makes an abstract art-loving girl smile! :)

photos via etc

I've been tagged!

The lovely Trishie, from Under Lock and Key, passed along the Honest Scrap Award to me. Thanks so much for thinking of me, Trishie! So the rules of the award are:

"'The Honest Scrap' award is not one to hold all to yourself but it must be shared! The recipient has to tell 10 true things about themselves in their blog that no one else knows. The recipient has to pass along this prestigious award to 10 more bloggers."

Well, here goes! 10 true things about me:

1. I'm spending my next spring break in either Buenos Aires, Budapest, or Singapore (as part of a class trip), and I find out where soon!
2. My favorite places to shop are vintage, thrift, and antique stores. Especially this one.
3. I am a champion hula-hooper. I've won contests and prizes... yeah, seriously!
   
4. I feel weird if I don't eat fruit every day. I love fruit.
5. I also love my three M's: magazines, museums, and mail.
6. I am unreasonably flexible. I never took ballet, but I can do a split!
7. I adore exotic foods (Ethiopian, Indian, yum!), but I will never refuse a good burger.
8. I'm very passionate about entrepreneurship, so I'm very proud of my friends here, here, and here.
9. I'm an adrenaline junkie -- rollercoasters, hang-gliding, sky-diving, sign me up!
10. I leave for a semester abroad in Prague... in 9 days!!!

Now, I'll pass this lovely award to: Her name was Lola, The 4L's of London, The Southern Hostess, Pia Jane Bijkerk, Alpha Beta Glamour, The Swatorialist, The Rockstar Diaries, PeaceLoveTamar, La Muse Poétique.

Can't wait to read your lists! :)

no pumps for prague

via badgley mischka

Starting to pack for Prague today was really bittersweet, but only because I won't be bringing any heels with me! Prague is covered in cobblestone streets, which we all know are the arch nemesis of stylish stilettos (even if we're only familiar with the brief cobbly blocks of SoHo). I'm going to pack a pair of 2-inch leopard pumps for emotional support, but I'll have to rely mostly on moccasins, flats, and boots. I will miss you, my pretty high heels!

lovely scarf lady

via the English Muse

I adore women who wear headscarves -- so sophisticated (i.e. Audrey Hepburn wearing hers in Breakfast at Tiffany's), but also incredibly demure and sweet. Always elegant, don't you think?

haute dog!

My stomach hurts from laughing so hard at these cuddly gifts from Haute Diggity Dog (found via Style Redux). I wish I had a little dog, so I could give her some "Pawda" and "Manolo Barknik!"

camera & me

Today was so gorgeous and sunny, so I took my new camera out to play. I felt very lady-like, I think mostly because of my new shoes...

This tiny, but powerful Canon nicely captured my love for color, although I do love a black and white contrast here and there:

As I was learning all the technical knick-knacks, I snapped a few shots of "the girls" -- my mother (who looks stunning at 47), my sister, and me -- just as the sun prepared to set.


Oh, I love my camera!

I'm a "bargain-aholic"

You know how some mothers-to-be find themselves "nesting" before their baby arrives? Well, that's me, and my baby's name is Prague, due on August 28th. In all seriousness, I'm going crazy trying to pack for my semester-long stay. There's so little room, yet I keep getting the urge to shop, egged on by sales and bargains. Ugh!

At first, I obediently followed my must-buy list, stocking up on necessities like v-neck white T-shirts, thick winter socks and tights, Havianas flip flops that were half off, and a laptop case + mouse combo for my new Sony Viao.

But then I found the perfect retro one-piece bathing suit at the perfect price. And these very on-sale bowtie canvas wedges. And the Sex & The City movie for only $6. And a stack of pretty cards with birds and flowers on them. And an adorable, teeny yellow saddle bag. And new earphones. And a Liz Claiborne wallet (because I really, really need a new one). And finally some strawberry kiwi tealights, 'cause they smelled so yummy.

Ahhh! I felt so guilty carrying my loot home. My whole plan this summer was to save, save, save so I can travel as much as possible in Europe, and here I am deviating from the list! (Did I mention I just bought a new camera too?) I know I'm not bad enough to be a called a shopaholic, but gosh I can really be a "bargain-aholic" sometimes. Are you the same way?

how lovely

via words to inspire

cynthia rowley teaches sewing

via gawker

Yep, Cynthia Rowley is teaching sewing classes to little girls at the New York Public Library. I don't care if it's for publicity, I think this is darling. (Am I too old to join? The last thing I sewed/made was a pillow shaped like a dog in the seventh grade. Um.)

getting ready...

a view from Machova (my future residence hall!)

The Charles Bridge, one of the most romantic landmarks

via lyndsey matthews

Two more weeks and my address will be Machova 12, Vinohrady, Prague 2. I've been reading the orientation week schedule over and over again -- a Kafka tour, ice hockey game, Carmen (the opera) at the National Theatre? It's just too good, and too me. And these gorgeous pictures by an NYU Prague alum are so artistic and inspiring, no? (I wish I had her Nikon D80!)

streeeetch!

via boy.

Okay, I admit it, I was definitely the queen of extravagant stretching at work. (It's hard sitting at your desk all day!) But I never felt this liberated. Still, wouldn't it be so fun to twist and turn whenever we wanted to? In the middle of the street? Before a presentation? Napoleon Dynomite did it. :)

steven alan

Some old and new goodies over at Steven Alan I'm coveting (oh that red coat!). I love online window shopping... I find it more calming than actually purchasing. (Safe for my poor wallet!)

PS: The plaid reminds me of this NYU dude.

amazing gadget

I just ordered a Joy Mangano mini-steamer in "desert rose" and am feeling unreasonably giddy about it. It weighs less than a pound, so it's perfect for travel. (Thank you Glamour for the tip!)

POV: DKNY

via Models.com

Okay. DKNY's Fall '09/Winter '10 ad campaign just blew my mind. I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the last few seasons (too off-base from the essence of the brand in my opinion), but these ads are so much more classic, iconic DKNY. (You know what I mean? NYC backdrop, stylish girl stepping out of yellow taxi, bright lights?) Anyway...

DKNY, welcome to the ranks of Guess, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs (AKA, my picks for campaigns that are always spot on)! Thanks for going back to your roots and understanding that strength comes in numbers (of models in amazing outfits, I mean). I dig all the designs. I'd wear every single one.

trying to keep a normal sleep schedule but...

via Lola

via ms. muse

I wish I were nibbling on a red velvet cupcake and looking at pretty clouds instead of sweating in bed, despite the fan being 3 inches from my face. It is so humid! Sleep, come quick!

postcards and stamps

While browsing Betty's blog, I found...

via betty

A poster of a Michael Jackson stamp! What a colorful, fun tribute (especially the "Neverland" detail -- cute). Speaking of stamps, I'm excited to send each of you a postcard from Prague ( email me your address if you'd like one!). T-minus 18 days! Yippee!

thoughts on you and me

I was really touched by this short film (completely shot from a cell phone!), and am feeling pretty ashamed of how we New Yorkers are such a hardened crew... but I think we all try to make up for it in our own individual ways, right? Watch the message:

Doesn't it make you wonder...

Wouldn't we all be a little kinder and more empathetic if we asked ourselves this more often? I know I would. :)

(video and photo via the English Muse)

camera envy

I'm heading over to Best Buy to pick up a Canon SD780 (because I'm an idiot and got sand in my old powershot... why are cameras so delicate?!). But what I really want is a Canon EOS 5D, aka, the camera The Sartorialist uses. Oh well, I need to be practical, right?

artistic inspiration

After today, I have two weeks of free time. Yup, it's the last day of my internship! Though getting to the office at 8:30 AM was tough, I'm sad I won't be working anymore (at least not until after Prague). Which is why I need some inspiration to be productive for the rest of summer. Like, make jewelry... or take a sewing tutorial... or... well, do something I haven't done before! (Any ideas?)

Miriam Haskell jewelry is so bold (via gilt groupe)

This mama is the best seamstress -- she makes all of her kids' clothes, and they're beautiful.

an old Kate Spade ad (via the English Muse)

fashion with a sense of humor. love it! (free giveaway! via ideeli)

xo