the missing piece

My friend Anna told me about this video last night, while we were chomping on burgers and chatting about life. The last time I read Shel Silverstein was in elementary school, so I'm so touched by the fact that his poems are still as inspiring and instructive as ever. This one definitely made me a little schmoopy. Isn't it great?

a question of perspective

A little more than two weeks until Buenos Aires! (And bikinis and warm weather!) So, obviously, a conundrum:

Does that mean I should start exercising off everything I eat?

('Cause that ain't gonna be easy. Eep!)

tv crush

Seriously, this show is my new addiction. (Okay, I may have a teeny crush on both of the main characters, but that's besides the point.) I mean, the amalgamation of New York City, entrepreneurship (Ben and Cam try to start their own denim line = uh-mazing), a fantastic cast, and the "raw" photograph-style cinematography?

I'm totally hooked! Have you started watching yet? Get on it!

(I don't think the teaser does the show justice, but what can you do.)

inspiration: homes with character

Did I ever tell you about my CouchSurfing experiences in Berlin, Barcelona, Paris and Rome? Each one of my hosts' homes had a distinct personality, and it was so fun to live in a new surrounding, if only for a few days. Now, thanks to the amazing photos from The Selby, I get to continue exploring beautiful homes! (I'm so nosy.) This apartment owned by three very fashionable friends is my favorite. So fantastic, right? (Look at that amazing kitchen and all those accessories!)

OMG SHOES!

Get this: I'm in my living room doing some homework when two of my roommate's friends walk in wearing two of the most amazing pairs of shoes! I play nonchalant for a minute, but CANNOT resist any longer -- I must get pictures of those shoes! So I plead... and they're flattered... and I snap away happily like paparazzi. Everyone smiles. The end.

PS: They're Nine West and Michael Kors. I don't know what I would've done if these lovely ladies refused. Probably go all Kelly on them.

PPS: I gallivanted through Europe in a similar pair of black boots, but after the 12th city, had to let them go due to extreme wear & tear. I miss them.

a serious question

Since my last post had a picture of cat in it, I'm inspired to ask: The Catorialist or Hipster Puppies for the win?

Both are looking fierce.

inspiration: buenos aires

We've talked about mental congestion, but now I'm just plain ol' sick! It's frigid in New York, and recovering from cold after cold after cold seems to be a winter habit of mine. But I've been drinking lots of orange juice for some vitamin C, and every sip makes me think of sunny, balmy Buenos Aires, which is where I'll be staying for 10 days during my Spring Break come March!!! (I wanted to tell you earlier, the anticipation was just killing me... and you can see why from these gorgeous photos!)

I've never been to South America before and am literally crossing off the days. I have a feeling it'll cure me of my lack of creativity as of late (I haven't written a poem in ages, is it healthy to have writer's block for more than a month?). Buenos Aires, you're a godsend!

(photos via flickr)

the loveliest collection

Darlings, how was your Valentine's day? I usually scoff at this holiday for its commercial cheesiness, but I had an artsy, inspiring day with my Valentine/amazing friend Matt. We watched two movies -- A Single Man and An Education (which were both fantastic) -- ate delicious S'MAC macaroni & cheese, went to a crazy, Western-style "trailer" bar (The insides looked just like a trailer!), and then hoofed it back to a friend's party for the night. But onto the latest fashion news!

I am so pumped for the new H&M Garden Collection coming out next month! Not only is the entire collection made from organic and recycled materials, it's inspired by "chlorophyll-green gardens, sun-drenched landscapes and 70s hippie chic flower-power." (Um, love, love, and love!) If you like the sound of that, you'll adore the looks too. Take a peek:

I can't wait to pick up some 70's style dresses and funky tunics!
Thanks Ruby Press for the update!

film to see: a single man

Since I think Colin Firth is one of the most fascinating and flexible of actors, I am pining to see A Single Man. Firth has such an open and sincere face, so watching him is always so entrancing. I'm positive that his performance as a man coping with the loss of his partner will be unlike any other. And with Firth's Oscar nomination for "Best Actor" this year, aren't you curious to see for yourself (if you haven't already)?

“I like to try to do what I think people really do, which is emote their thoughts and feelings without indicating all over the place." -- Colin Firth

I am so intrigued by everything about film -- the complex relationships between four dynamic, emotionally-charged characters (including the gorgeous Julianne Moore); the directorial debut of Tom Ford, king of style and aesthetic pleasure; the film's incredible composition and cinematography; and of course, the acting. The trailer looks so great, I'm going to see it this weekend for sure!

inspiration: social media

You know what I'm really interested in learning more about? The innovative ways companies and brands are using social media to reach little old us. It's exciting to see huge, traditional corporations and organizations try their hands at new technology in order to make more connections with people. (Take the White House's Flickr account -- love this picture!) Social media has proven to be quite revolutionary, as you can see in this amazing, powerful video:

And the more I think about it, the more inspired (and impressed) I am. It's a vehicle for change and creative thinking, and more significantly, a vessel for any individual to be heard if they want to be. A container of millions of different perspectives, kinda like Wordle, a technology that helps put a creative spin on any normal document.

Wordle generates "word clouds" that give prominence to words that are used the most, while ignoring simple articles. So basically, wordles showcase expressions in a whole new and customizable visual context. (I'm a total word-dork, so I had to make a few myself! Above is a wordle of Obama's "Yes We Can" speech, and below is a wordle of my resume or essentially, me!) Wordle creates so many cool new, unique outlooks -- what a great metaphor for social media, no?

hair crush

I have a confession to make. Ever since I first watched Disney's "The Little Mermaid," I've wished and prayed for red hair. (In the summertime, my hair squeezes out some naturally reddish highlights and it's the best thing ever.) There are so many shades, from auburn to strawberry blonde, but I think they're all absolutely delightful. And redheads are supposedly known for their fiery hot tempers, which I think is so cute! (What are brunettes known for? Nada. Still can't think of anything. Bor-ing.) These girls are rockin' the red, don't you think?

(photos via Mr. Newton)

jewelry with character

This Love Ballerina Brooch by Steven Alan is so exquisite. I feel like I'd just put it on my desk and stare at it all day instead of wearing it!

I am obsessed with these two Burberry pieces from Gilt Groupe. Amber is one of the most popular jewels in Prague, so every day last semester these orange-hued stones seemed to follow me around everywhere!

And last but not least, this Avanessi "Love" bracelet makes me smile.

Not member of Gilt Groupe? Here's an invite. xo

inspiration: this weekend

My dears, I had such a fantastic weekend and am continuing on my hunt for inspiration, only this time with a camera by my side. I've found that the fun little moments in life bring forth so many other happy memories.... I guess pieces of inspiration connect seamlessly to one another, just like we do now via blog! (Now isn't that a warming thought?) Here's what I captured in the past three days:

Yellow

Pretty flowers in our apartment! (What kind are they? I have no clue.)

Yummy risotto and crème brûlée at Métrazur, a restaurant inside the gorgeous Grand Central Station

...which by the way has a magnificent ceiling of constellations, coincidentally reminding me of the song "Yellow" by Coldplay.

Tea

I often tell my friends that blogging and drinking tea are the most therapeutic things...

So I often do both at once! I think in the first picture, I was actually typing up my previous blog post!

Paper

My roommates and I are planning a fun trip to Brooklyn later this month. Think chocolate eating and thrift shopping fun.

I also met lots of college students at a beauty event this weekend. Our contact info packet reminded me of a high school yearbook! (Thanks for helping me pick my photo by the way!) I had a blast. Hope your weekend was swell too! xo

inspiration: beauty innovation

Is it just me or are new product innovations totally inspiring? I love looking through the websites of the top brands in the beauty industry and clicking to see what's new. (Or browsing through Sephora like a kid in a candy store!) Beauty products are so personal and emotionally dear to consumers, so we're lucky that every year, we have fresh new formulas and designs to choose from! I'm curious -- what are your favorite beauty products? (I can't live without mascara.)

Lancome Oscillation Powerfoundation | L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara | L'Oreal Paris True Match Roller

inspiration: baby days

Guess what guys -- I'm getting my mojo back! There's inspiration everywhere, what was I saying? (I guess I was just having a glum day.) I had such a great time today appreciating the simple lovely things -- an entrepreneurship club meeting, lunch with a new friend, and then dinner at Max Brenner's. (Portobello burger + hot chocolate, yum!)

I also found some pictures of me on my computer of when was I a kid -- so funny to look back! I definitely cracked up for a few minutes at my lack of teeth and super girly outfits. (Dress + bike? Wowsa!)

PS: Pictures of my first Christmas! Oh memory lane...

internal combustion

I have been feeling so blah as of late. What is up, dear brain? Maybe it's just due to my busy work/class schedule and job interviews and lack of my usual creative writing class, but when my friend asked me if I've been feeling alright, I couldn't even answer! I am so starved for inspiration, and not the kind that you just see, but the kind that you experience and interact with. Without a daily boost, I really am stuck in a rut! I certainly miss that feeling of internal combustion, of feeling truly, gloriously alive. Do you know what I mean? (Any helpful tips?)

(photo via style clicker)

the soho house

Is it possible to have a crush on a building? Psssh, I'm not going to second-guess my emotions. It is possible, it has to be. Because I'm absolutely smitten (read: borderline obsessed) with the Soho House in the Manhattan! It all started when I was invited to be part of a focus group for a company who shall not be named...

Well, that was yesterday morning, and I totally missed it. (I feel like a jerk.) Guiltily, I glanced back at the email invite, and the location sounded so familiar and posh, like I should know this place even though I've never visited! Five minutes later, input "Soho House" in Google and lots of ooohs and aaahs ensued. And then some "Oh nooo! Oh man!" I'm still feeling the pangs of regret as I type.

You see, the Soho House is aesthetically stunning, not to mention very exclusive. It's a private members-only club and hotel in the Meatpacking District that's so hip, it even made an appearance in an episode of Sex and the City. (Samantha wanted to become a member, go figure.) Only the fashionable elite hobnob in the Soho House's cowshed spa room, private screening room, games room, private dining room, library, and bar. And with only 24 unique, luxurious bedrooms between them, members feel more like family than guests at a hotel.

The best part about the Soho House, in my opinion, is its fully decked out roof with heated pool, bar, kitchen, and lounge. How indulgent would it be to polish off an oyster cocktail platter and glass of red wine, dip into a steamy pool overlooking the stars, say goodnight to Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Kelly Ripa, and other celeb friends, and finally cuddle up in a toasty bed with lots of pillows?

Amazing -- that's how it would feel. Le sigh.