Monday, October 31, 2011

FOOD HUNTING

Malaysian specialty: roti canai and fresh coconut juice
this weekend i went to my favorite malaysian food restaurant of all time, located at the borders of chinatown and little italy in manhattan called Nyonya. the food here is so authentic and mouth-wateringly tasty. the above is a thin crepe-like bread that you rip off and dip into the spicy curry sauce. if you're ever in the area, make sure to stop by and order roti canai, kang kung belacan, and char kuey teow. the people sitting next to us ordered the exact same meal as we did, which is always a good idea if you really don't know what to order.


also, couple years ago, i came back to the city to go to my beloved restaurant only to find that it was closed! i panicked, immediately wondering how in the world this restaurant could close down. but then, i looked across the street, and found that it had just moved to a larger locations :) that's just how good they are. the atmosphere of the place is also very contemporary and chic. ohh, and the desserts are always good too!


definitely, a nice break to a tropical culture from the recent prematurely frigid weather in new york. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

NEW YOU, NEW YEAR?

?


so, it's not the new year yet, but who says you can't start a little early? end of the year resolutions are good to try, since most of the time i fail to keep up with my new year's resolutions anyway. if you have the motivation, why not start now? 


on the list of things to improve upon:
1. less facebook, more blogging  
2. get a new haircut - i've had the same hair for far too long now, and change is good
3. spend time doing things i actually love - ie: writing and yoga {i didn't buy a yoga mat for nothing!}
4. read more books - i spend too much time caught up in my own thoughts, it would be nice to have some healthy distractions 
5. spend less money on materialistic things, more money on things that matter {which will be hard while going to a fashion school and being surrounded by essentially, walking and talking mannequins, aka students, from the likes of burberry, marc jacobs, michael kors, etc. not to mention a pair of heeled ankle booties i've been on the lookout for, below}


Rebecca Minkoff - Doll Suede Booties -  $340
what are your resolutions?
photo credit: "Happy New Year" - Kim Grabovsky
shoes found at: Shopbop

INTERN LIFE

pre-show run through


first update: i attended my first fashion show in early september! i'm interning now for the French denim line, Marithé + François Girbaud, and the brand presented their spring/summer 2012 collection during NY Fashion Week. Girbaud is relaunching in the US after being away for about a decade, so some of you may or may not have heard of it as is was a very popular denim brand in the '80s and '90s. all in all it's still pretty exciting stuff. it's a great introduction for me into the fast-paced environment of the industry, and being around mainly male models for the day didn't hurt either... 


check out some more pictures i took from my phone after the jump!

untitled.

hello again, so sorry for the absence. life has been pretty hectic lately - between interning, school, job-hunting, commuting and relationships, i've been pretty stressed out to say the least. but, i'm going to try and come back and keep this up because passion is where your heart is, and my heart is here. 


i believe that you always return to things or people that you love. it's just inevitable. your mind only has the capability to take you so far, but where your heart leads you, that's where you're meant to be.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

SAVAGE BEAUTY

a few weeks ago, i attended the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. i waited about an hour and a half just to enter the exhibit, but it was definitely time well-spent. the displays were all hauntingly beautiful. McQueen was truly an artist whose subject was dressing the female body. in fact, one of my favorite designs at the exhibit was this dress: 
No. 13
if you watch the video, his model comes out in a clean white dress, only to be spun around and around and spray painted by robots. his own designs were canvases themselves, waiting to be released to the world.

HOME SWEET HOME?

returning from vacation always leaves you with withdrawal symptoms. why is it that so many aspects of life seem to leave you with drug-like after effects? vacations, love, school even? just proves that you don't even need drugs to feel these kinds of things...

anyway, some of you asked for pictures of maui, which i will gladly share :) it was beautiful, but now it's time to head back to reality. sad. 






Saturday, July 23, 2011

HAWAII

summer! off to maui for the week! until then... i leave you with this, to make it easier for you to imagine me relaxing on the beach :D maybe i'll drop by and add some pictures during the week if internet access allows it. 




maui weather for 7/23 to 7/31: sunny and beautiful in the mid to high 80s - a nice departure from the heat wave on the east coast! alohaa <3

Monday, July 18, 2011

RIGHT NOW

for those lazy summer days when my toes aren't looking their best, these shoes are a great solution to hide their ugliness while still wearing heat friendly shoes. the ASOS MEX leather flats are also reminiscent of a pair of sandals i had as a child, which i truly miss. these are some classic pieces that won't go out of style and go with nearly any outfit {aside from the blue}. 
clockwise from top-left: BC Footwear Shipwreck - $60, Sigerson Morrison Birdcage Wedges - $385, ASOS MEX leather flats - $35,                  Sam Edelman Ireton Pointed Toe Flats - $112 

FASHION FOR THE PEOPLE

inspired by this new york times article, i began to think about the power that your wardrobe holds. michelle obama, just as the darling jackie o did, uses her style not only to express her own personality, but also to make a statement to the american public. in michelle obama's case, the hope she has for the future is evident in the bright colors and in her decision to wear non-american designed pieces. a great quote from the article states:

"Michelle Obama’s impact on fashion extends far beyond the 'made in America' label stitched into her dress. The optimism, glamour and accessibility that she communicates through her style of dressing transcends cultural borders and economic boundaries. Yes, she is sometimes an ambassador for American designers, but more important, she is an ambassador for the self-possession that defines American style."

the first lady wearing non-american designed gown by Alexander McQueen with Chinese president Hu Jin Tao
she proves, along with many other influential women in this world, that fashion and style should be taken lightly in the sense that they should be fun and show who you are to the world. yet, at the same time they are serious staples in society that can greatly influence the perspectives of others. 

Thursday, July 14, 2011

LOOKBOOK: MARC by MARC JACOBS

i can't help but adore the current Marc by Marc Jacobs lookbook on shopbop this month. it's completely classic yet modern with a little bit of a retro feel to it at the same time. i've always had a weak-spot for marc by marc jacobs handbags, but now, i think the spot might have grown into more of a large, gaping, hole for all of its pieces... and i can't get over those ankle tie wedge sandals in the second picture...


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

TEA TIME

right before i left my college town, my boyfriend and i went to a local tea house, rightfully named TeaHaus, with the help of a coupon from livingsocial. the place was very cute and had the decor of a place i'd like to own someday. the food was also very good, so if you're ever in ann arbor, MI, make sure to stop by. we ordered an "English Sampler" that came with a few different english inspired sandwiches and Chinese "Dragon Well" green tea, which was good but wasn't brewed as strongly as i'm used to. still, it was a really great experience. a nice little gem that also had really friendly owners who know what they're doing - an extra plus. 
i love the teapot napkin and place holder (below). lovely little details.


english sampler - the sandwich on the left was my favorite. i think it's called the "coronation sandwich" or something like that...
dessert - swedish pancake (on left, which is very much like a crepe) with a scone and various spreads

ALL TOSSED TOGETHER

spaghetti, broccoli, tomatoes, and onions <3
baked onion rings!
how to? after the jump!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

this month's Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011 collections have a lot to show for themselves, which, i suppose is expected from something that is haute couture. but, just as the resort 2012 collections both soared and failed, haute couture isn't much different. take a look below: 

the good
Elie Saab
this dress, and the ones behind it, are absolutely stunning. i would wear them in a heartbeat. Elie Saab makes no mistakes when it comes to haute couture. my heart nearly yearns for these gowns!

the bad
Christian Dior
even the model doesn't look very happy. with haute couture, i think art, sophistication, and luxury - this dress however, makes me think of a 5-year old's costume gone wrong. the gown is completely unflattering to her body and she has what looks like fans growing out of the skirt. and that... hat? hairpiece? don't even get me started...

the ugly
Christian Dior
this is what i don't understand about fashion. the model looks like a train wreck with that hair and make-up. there is absolutely nothing attractive, to me, about this look. not only that, but i thought that a collection is supposed to be cohesive, telling one story... but Dior's collection is all over the place with random shapes, sizes, and colors. their pieces seem to come from completely different time periods. see for yourself here!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES

my last post really got me wanting a new bag, but as i'm a struggling, no-income student, i started looking for some cute alternatives to the cross body Coach and Marc Jacobs purses. albeit, the quality of these purses will never be that of a true designer handbag, it's not like people will be  running up to you and touching the material of your bag... and therefore, they will never ever know! :) how do you think i get by with my faux-LV's and Marc Jacobs... ahem... i mean, my faux-leather purses! anywho... luckily, i came across a few affordable choices at Forever 21, asos.com, and Nordstrom! {see below} i really love the chained purses, which give them an extra little kick aesthetically. 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

RIGHT NOW

i'm always drawn to cross-body bags. i have tried to stay away from them, but for some reason, i just can't. the majority of my purses are cross-body, and i think it's just due to their extreme conveniency {and no, that's not a word}. they're almost never too bulky, i rarely get tired of carrying one, and you always have two free hands. the following are a few that i'm obsessing over right now... i just wish i could afford one :(
Coach chelsea leather flap - $298

Coach kristin leather crossbody - $158

Marc Jacobs classic Q percy bag - $198

FASHION AS ART?

yesterday, a New York Times article asked this very question. it discussed the recent exhibitions of renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen and Chanel at art museums around the world, questioning the value of their work. are their designs really worthy of such exhibitions? and to be placed next to centuries-old artifacts and pieces? 

perhaps the value of these designs may not match up to works such as the Mona Lisa, but they are still to be admired and carefully looked upon from afar. for me, fashion is just another form of art. some artists sculpt, others paint, some write; fashion designers make beautiful pieces of clothing. furthermore, fashion is not just an art, but a significant portion of our own economy. i say, why not combine art and functionality, and make a profit out of it too? 

Madame Grès exhibition at the Musée Bourdelle in Paris

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

CLEAN AND SOPHISTICATED

if you've been following my fashion posts, you might be able to tell that i really love simple pieces. looking at the resort collections again, i love the sleek and sophisticated looks that Gucci, Versace, and Valentino are putting out. i truly believe that you can't go wrong when dressing simply but sophisticated with a little extra detail. 
Valentino Resort Collection - detail: striped sandals
Versace Resort - detail: hot pink pumps
Gucci Resort - detail: metallic skirt

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

NESTING

as a college student, i have been subjected to the typical college dorm room furniture sold at targets and walmarts around the country, that is ever so comfortable, ie: sphere chairs {see below}. thus, one of the things i'll miss the most about living in my college apartment is the sphere chair my roommate has. this chair essentially engulfs you as a nest would, but in chair form. nearly any way i sit/slouch/lie in this chair is comfortable.

still, once i have an apartment of my own, i don't want to furnish it to look like a college dorm room. the "grown up" versions of these chairs are papasan chairs, which typically, also are not very modern looking. 

old-fashioned but comfortable or comfortable chic?

SPAGHETTI A LA OLIVE OIL

forgive me for the horrible italian. i don't speak italian, nor do i claim this to be any sort of italian dish. i do however, claim this dish to be pretty yummy and pretty easy to make. i didn't know what to call it, hence the uncreative name... but it has chicken! and any time i actually include it with my meals is exciting for me, since i hate dealing with raw meat. still, this is my favorite way of cooking chicken because it's so simple! 




how to? after the jump!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

PURE LUSH

on a recent trip to toronto, i discovered UK based cosmetic company, lush. perhaps you already know about the brand, but this was my first time hearing of it, even though their stores are pretty widespread throughout the US. upon entering a store, you become overwhelmed by the scents of their fresh handmade products, many of which look good enough to eat. i love how the company works to be ethical and environmentally friendly, while providing their customers with quality products and service. when i went in, the sales people were very friendly and didn't pressure me to buy anything. i'm tempted to go back to one of their stores and try out more of their products. they are a bit pricey, but i think some are still within reasonable price range for the quality they offer. below are a few i found interesting and a few i want for myself:
dirty toothy tabs (solid toothpaste) - $4 for 0.3oz
ocean salt facial cleanser - $19 for 4.2oz

h'suan wen hua hair moisturizer - $19 for 7.9oz

sexy peal soap - $6 for 3.5oz

Friday, June 24, 2011

SIMPLY CHIC

net-a-porter always has interesting and aesthetically pleasing magazine issues on their site, even if you, like me, sadly cannot afford anything they sell. i love their summer in the city issue that contains lovely colors, patterns, and trends of the season. it proves to show, again, that simple with a just a little extra detail can go a long way. here are a few of my favorites: 
detail: orange sandals and necklace
detail: diamante studs
detail: strappy sandals and neon dress

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

STORMY WEATHER

in the state that i live in, the weather changes quickly and drastically. literally, five minutes ago, it was pouring rain. now, a cool breeze is blowing, the sun is shining, and there are blue skies above us. this is the best kind of rain. and, i am lucky to have a nearby art museum with an outdoors sitting area, comfortably sheltered from any rainy weather that comes our way, allowing me to experience the craziness of this weather while sitting outside. 

so, it reminded me of how important umbrellas are and that even umbrellas can be used to complete an outfit. also, nothing like bringing a little brightness to a dreary day: 
Totes Yellow Bubble Umbrella - $17
the classic umbrella with bamboo handle - $45


now hopefully, it doesn't start raining again soon, because i forgot to bring my umbrella with me today... 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

STIR FRIED AND READY TO GO

my version of lo mein noodles with leftover jalapeno chicken from yesterday's dinner


how to? after the jump!

LITTLE BITS OF CHARACTER

i love anthropologie for their great selection of houseware items. each little trinket they sell, has the potential to add a great amount of character to any room. when i move back home next month, i'll be looking to make my childhood room a little more grown up with small details like changing my dresser's knobs: 



another thing i'd like to start is collecting mugs from all over. anthropologie is a great place to begin with their endless variety of unique-looking designs. i feel like collecting mugs would be fun and useful {albeit, only upon moving into my own place...}