Flashback Friday: London Fog

Sandro Leather Jacket // Helmut Lang Sweater // 7 for Mankind Jeans // Rag & Bone Boots // Chanel Mini Classic Flap

Remember that one time 4 months ago when I went to London? Probably not because I'm posting these now..

Cringing that I forgot I had these photos, but better late than never?

This is a real throwback for me because my hair is very short now. Looking at these make me miss my long hair, but with time I'll get it back. 

This trip I scored this beautiful peach/camel leather jacket. Originally I saw in the U.S. for about 1000. However, while I was in Paris for a few days I came across a Sandro outlet store in Les Marais a few blocks from the beautiful Place de Vosges for under 300 euros.

I loved the Hoxton area in Shoreditch where my good friend I was visiting lived. Also Camden was an experience and really good people watching. Overall, I had a great trip and plan to return soon.

London is too beautiful of a city not to see again and again.

Stay tuned for posts to come. I'm settling down in my house at school so I will have the privacy this year to do more posts. The dorm life will not be missed haha.

Enjoy your weekend.

Summer in The City: T-shirt and leather skirt

 

Project Social TT-shirt // UO Faux Leather Skirt // Birkinstock Sandals // Madewell Tote // TheMarket NYC Necklace //

You all know how much I love t-shirts. I don’t need to explain anymore just how versatile I think they are. This particular one from Project Social T has quickly become one of my favorites.

I took some inspiration from Sincerely Jules and tried pairing it with a dressier mini skirt for a daytime look. Hey, I was in New York and needed to look cute and effortless (which is my definition of a good plain t-shirt).

The outfit could easily be made into a nighttime look with a pair of heels and a jacket. The Birkinstocks keep it grounded and casual… and BONUS!—they’re comfy as hell.

How do you like to style the classic t-shirt?

Asaksua

American Apparel Romper // Superga Shoes // Madewell Tote // H&M Hat // Anthropologie Necklace // Ray Ban Sunnies

My second day in Tokyo was spent touring Asaksua to see the Sensoji Buddhist temple and the tallest tower in the city, Tokyo Skytree. It was the most touristy day filled with several stops and activities.

 I knew I had to be comfortable in the insane humidity and crowds, so I chose this American Apparel romper, my Supergas, and topped it off with a straw hat. 

I would suggest taking half a day to go to Tokyo Skytree to see the breathtaking 360 degree view of the city... then quickly see Sensoji. The temple was very grand and beautiful, but very crowded and chaotic. I much prefer the calmer secluded temples in Kyoto, nevertheless this was still a beautiful sight. 

Stay tuned for more Japan posts to come.

Shibuya Crossing

Topshop Top // Forever 21 Skirt // Madewell Bag and Sandals // Chanour Necklace // Ray Ban Sunnies

I’m back from the other side of the earth in one piece. My first time in Asia was spent in Japan with my two best friends. Staying in inner Tokyo was such an amazing experience. By the end, we knew our way around like locals.

On our first day we decided to go to the main shopping attraction-- Shibuya. This is the classic “scramble crossing” image most people get when picturing Tokyo. To say it was crazy would be an understatement.

I’ve never seen so many people in one place at one time. It was major culture shock being in the largest city in the world and at the center of over 33 million people.

We aimlessly circled department stores like the famous 109, where employees stand on a soapbox and shout at the top of their lungs to draw in customers to the 20-minute time sales. With my petite frame perfect for Asian brands, I was in heaven.

After shopping, we went to get Ramen at Ichiran were the noodles are ordered through a kiosk at the entrance and then delivered to you through a window at your barstool. Ending all interaction with wait staff.

The combination of culture shock and jet lag made the first day feel like a strange dream. However, as you will see in posts to come, I began to love the different culture Japan offers.

Soludos for spring

Splendid Top // Hudson Jeans // H&M Anorak // Soludos Espadrilles //  The Frye Company Satchel // Target Sunnies // Casio Watch //  Vintage Necklaces // 

Ahhh, spring is in the air. Well, there's still snow melting on the ground, but for the time being we have warm weather. 

Today was perfect for debuting my new Soludos. I bought them for my upcoming trip to France (which I am so excited about), but I figured I would wear them before to break them in. 

I think I'll need a shoe insert for them because they don't have much support for my flat feet. I do like how they are very casual and summery. I opted for the canvas derby model with the laces because I already have toms. They do come in some cute colors and prints, but I decided to leave those for my next pair.

I hope all my East Coasters and enjoying this nice weather. I can't wait for more days like this to come.

Breaking Fashion "Rules"

Now I don't know about you, but I used to think brown and black was the ugliest combination of colors ever to exist. Apparently it's common sense that there is a  rule about wearing the two colors together, which I followed religiously. 

I was already perpetually afraid of the color brown on its self, so I mostly just stuck to black. I just feel like a big, gooey fudge brownie when wearing the color brown. Weird. I know. I think it's because of the close color resemblance to my hair.. Do other people feel this way or am I just really weird?

Initially, it was the tan camel color of my boots that opened me up to pairing black with brown hues. It just felt easy and more relaxed. Then when I got this brown leather skirt many years ago I had no flipping clue how to wear it. 

It certainly is not a spring or summer skirt because of the color-- #skysoutthighsout is not an option. "But, but, but what do I wear with it?" I thought as I stood in front of my full length mirror. Sheer, skin-colored pantyhose never keep me warm in the chill winter days and I don't really like how colored tights look on my body. So I had to try the black. 

Well it actually doesn't end up looking to bad. Right? As long as you make it a point that you are clashing black and brown on purpose by incorporating it more in the outfit, I think it's great.

I can't even tell you how many compliments I got on this outfit today-- normally I never get compliments so it was a nice surprise. So I guess the brown & black was a hit. 

What fashion "rules" do you break?

Outfit Details: 

Turtle Neck- BCBG Max Azria

Leather Skirt- Abercrombie

Tights- H&M

Boots- Sam Edelman 

Watch- Casio

Bracelet- World Market

Necklace- Zara

Dressing up or just styled well?

"You always dress up and look so nice so for school," was said to me the day I wore this ensemble by an underclassman. "But, but, but- this isn't even dressing up," I though in my head while thanking her with flushed cheeks. A semi-panic set in as I walked away. "Am I over-dressed? Do I look too grown up? I hope other people don't  notice my outfit," I thought.
It is not like me to question an outfit, but the compliment coming from an underclassman blindsided me. I knew she was genuine, but it sounded less like a compliment and more like a comment-- not a good one at that. I rushed to the bathroom to examen the evidence at question. To my surprise, when I looked in the mirror, the self doubt quickly disappeared once I saw how chic I looked.

But really-- to me this is not dressing up. This is just another outfit I wear to school, not to a fancy dinner or even church. Why is it that putting in effort and trying out new looks is considered "dressing up" at school?

I view this outfit as one that is put together well and possibly chic. Looking put together is my goal for every outfit. With them, I want to show that I am presentable and on my A-game. If you asked me to give a presentation that day, I would be ready, because my outfit says "I'm ready." I let my outfits speak for me, showing the world (well, my school) that I'm on top of things-- at least on the outside.

Outfit Details:

Top- Urban Outfitters
Under shirt- Banana Republic
Vest- H&M
Trousers- American Apparel
Boots- Urban Outfitters
Watch- Casio
Bracelets- Anthropologie, Etsy, Juicy Couture, Vintage

James Blake Concert

Last night my friend and I decided to go see James Blake perform at the 9:30 club. I'm not a die-hard James Blake fan, but I did know most of the songs played. 

What I didn't realize from listening to the album is how much electronic music is in his songs. I thought it was going to be him singing with some music is the back, but actually his voice supplemented the music played. 

I've never been to a show like that since I mostly like organic music, but I thought it was enjoyable. I only wish he sang more because his voice is beautiful. 

It was cold and we took the metro, so I wore something only semi revealing.

Again, sorry for the poor camera quality- I can't lug around my DSLR to concerts and night outings. I'm trying to figure out a solution for this problem.

James Blake performing "Life Round Here"

Outfit Details:

Jacket- H&M

Pants- Bebe

Top- American Apparel

Necklace- Zara

Boots- Urban Outfitters

Leather Jacket

Last week I finally spent my birthday money on this lovely lambskin jacket from BCBG Max Azria. I chose this blackberry color since I already have a black, brown, and grey leather jackets. I love the smell and the soft buttery texture of this jacket. 

To keep this fall outfit simple I paired it with some basic jeans and a tight turtle neck. Topping it off with this felt hat to give it some more edge. 

The leaves have started falling and the air smells crisp, which means autumn (my favorite season) is here.

Outfit Details:

Top- BCBG Max Azria

Leather Jacket- BCBG Max Azria

Jeans- Zara

Bracelets- Coach and Juicy Couture

Hat- Urban Outfitters

1 year Anniversary

This past Tuesday was my 1 year anniversary with my boyfriend. We actually didn't plan anything until last minute because our schedules have been so hectic with school and other activities. I had a gift card to a Brazilian steak house in D.C. called Foco de Chao. We have both been to Brazilian steak houses so we knew the interesting dining experience already.

This outfit was totally last minute, but I think it worked out well. All black is easy for a event or dinner where you don't have time to plan an outfit. Sorry the photos are poor quality and uncreative. There was no little photo shoot that night, so these were the only pictures I had.

Outfit Details:

Leather romper- Zara

Blazer- BP Nordstrom

Coat- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Bag- Philip Lim for Target

Watch- Casio

Lip- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in Crush

Senior Homecoming

Last night was my senior homecoming. The weekend started with the homecoming game, which we won 33-20. Then on Saturday was the homecoming dance. 

I wasn't too excited for homecoming after my amazing time at prom last year. I find homecoming dances just aren't as fun. However, I did have a great time this year. My boyfriend is the best date for a dancing event because he boogies down the entire time.

The theme  of the dance was "Midnight in Paris." There wasn't much Parisian charm in the gym, but the strings of Christmas lights added good ambiance.

For the dance I wore a lambskin leather French Connection dress I found at Lohmans. I'm pretty proud of the find because it retailed for $500 and I got it for $130 and it fits like a dream. I decided not to get it shortened because I think the length is good (hitting me right above the knee) for a professional environment for the future.

Outfit Details:

Dress- French Connection

Shoes- Calvin Klein

Bag- Phillip Lim for Target