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...}


Monday, June 20, 2011

PEANUT BUTTER LOVIN'

what's better than baking? not having to bake! 

peanut butter bars <3 
extremely addicting.


with extra crunchy peanut butter - hence the peanuts


how to? after the jump!

RIGHT NOW

weekly obsession two: kimono-inspired pieces. the japanese knew what they were doing when they invented the kimono. much like the DVF signature wrap dresses, kimono-inspired pieces flatter nearly every body shape. with some simple elegance, these pieces are a must for every wardrobe.
left: YMC Kimono Print Silk Playsuit - $168, right: Elizabeth & James Stella Kimono Top - $245
ASOS Kimono Sleeve Playsuit - $36


SLIGHT VARIATIONS

what a difference some changes can make in a dress. aside from the same material and colors, i'm almost surprised that these both came from the same line. which outfit would you prefer to wear? 

left: Ashley Greene wearing Michael Kors, right: Michael Kors mini

Sunday, June 19, 2011

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

me and my dad circa 1996

LIGHTEN UP

i've been looking around all year for a pair of affordable cream/white/tan colored jeans/pants that fit me well, but alas, without any luck. light colored pants are perfect to lighten up outfits with those dark colored tops during the summer. while online shopping, i found a few, but only those which were out of my college-student price-range, or ones that didn't fit well when i tried them on. quite tragic. 


and, while i love clothes, i refuse to spend more than $30 on a pair of jeans. yes, quality is always good, but sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to change it up a little. and, if you take care of your cheap forever 21 and h&m pieces, some actually have potential to last far longer than their price tags suggest {although this is greatly dependent on the fabric used, ie: cotton blends - good, rayon/polyester/etc. - bad}.


anyone know where to find a pair?

Banana Republic Heritage Natural Skinny Jean - $98
J.Crew Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean - $98
Gap 1969 Legging Jean - $40
Forever 21 Belted Twill Pants - $23

SCUBA SUITING

i'm surprised this was never a trend earlier. it seems pretty logical: scuba diving -> swimming -> swim suits! anywho, i love the jason wu and the chanel; the michael kors though, not so much. is that supposed to be a long-sleeved swim suit? with birkenstock-looking sandals? and what is that fanny-pack? pepto-bismol for old people anyone?

T-Magazine - Jason Wu; Michael Kors; Chanel

nothing out of the ordinary

just sharing the wealth of daily cuteness i spot around campus :)

TEES & TREES

summer is the perfect time for shopping and spending time outdoors. i love combining nature with man-made creations. after a long walk in the local arboretum, i decided to pick out a few of my favorite t-shirts from two of my favorite stores. simplicity with a little extra detail is always something i look for in any piece i own, and what i find so beautiful about nature itself.



J.Crew Ledger Strip Tee 


Gap Raw Cut T

Gap Flutter Sleeve Crewneck T



Friday, June 17, 2011

CHEESEY LOVE

my boyfriend just had a heightened interest in making grilled cheese sandwiches after a recent visit to the local farmer's market. so, after some creamy havarti, 2-year aged cheddar, some ham, black pepper, lots of butter, and bread, dinner was served:

the creamy havarti cheese
all the ingredients ready to go
on the frying pan
yummy end result

p.s. adding fresh spinach to the sandwich doesn't hurt, and it makes it healthier! ...slightly

Thursday, June 16, 2011

SUMMER TRAVELS

weekends in the summer are always great for traveling. a quick escape is sometimes just what you need from the dreariness of routine; short and sweet are exactly what weekends should be. so, to help us get away from it all, i found some cute weekender bags that can not only be used for short trips such as these, but also during those monotonous times, which we call the weekdays :(
Kate Sheridan Pocket Tote - $232.73

Love Moschino Beige & Gold Charming Jewel Print Bag - $232.73


ASOS Trim Canvas Shopper/Across Body Bag - $60.34

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

i don't know if it's because i haven't exactly studied the art behind fashion yet, but some of the 2012 Resort Collections do not appeal to me, whatsoever. perhaps someone could explain to me just what these designers were thinking? still, not all was too bad, as seen below:

the good
Burberry Prorsum
i love how Burberry Prorsum maintains classically chic pieces but add that extra little detail that make them their own, ie: see the stitching along the trench coat. also, lovely color palate.

the bad
Acne
there were interesting ideas behind the look, including combining the youthful jean miniskirt with the mature billowy trousers. however, i think some looks should stay separate.

the ugly
Rochas Resort
frumpy, frumpy, frumpy. when i see this outfit, all i see is a little girl wearing an oversized dress with poorly fitted pants, both made out of her mother's tablecloth. 

SPICE IT UP

i was tired of buying bottled salsa from the standard chip brands and "garden fresh" salsa is getting a bit pricey these days, so i thought, "why buy it when i can make it?" 


fresh homemade salsa? yes, please!

how to? after the jump!

Monday, June 13, 2011

RIGHT NOW

while i've never been much of a jewelery person, i've never been able to stay away from House of Harlow's designs. i love their simplicity, which is still never too simple. gold jewelery, when worn correctly, is such an easy way to add a little pop of color and give a little character to almost any outfit. below are a few of my favorites, right now: