work attire, new hair cut and other things

I am making a new year's resolution: take more outfit photos (Lunar New Year because I work according to that timeline). This probably means I need to bring my DSLR to my office, but until then, I will be using my iPhone. I just downloaded the VSCO app so my life has been revolutionized (hyperbole: yes no maybe?). I had to ask my coworkers to take my photos and take off my winter coat so you know I'm really putting my all into this resolution. 

Other updates: I chopped off all my hair and donated it to Locks of Love. I wanted to grow my hair out long for summer, but I am addicted to the scissors and the awesome feeling of a fresh cut. Plus, I honestly don't think my type of hair works for long hair styles. Also, I realize there is a fear of short hair with women. Society has inculcated the belief that the length of one's hair relates to one's sexiness. The first time I cut off all my hair (up to my ears), I cried. Then after the initial week (or month...) of depression, I developed a better sense of self. I found my beauty as a person with a disconnected relation to my hair. So the second time I cut off all my hair, I forgot about it. I received surprised reactions from my girlfriends and I responded confused, then remember that my haircut must be shocking to most people. Your hair cut can add to your personal style and representation of who you are, but it can not take anything away from you. I look forward to cutting off all my hair every couple of years because it feels like I get to start over, become introspective about what makes me beautiful, then carry on with life. Anyways, I apologize for the rant about my walkabout into the wilderness of female insecurities with their image. 

Here are photos from today's outfit:

 Outfit details: Skirt H&M//Sweater Ann Taylor//Tights Target//Silk Scarf American Apparel

And my haircut! It is an asymmetrical bob. I literally copied Kina Grannis's current hair style. It is currently my second favorite hair cut of my whole hair-cutting experience (if anyone was keeping track...). 

XXOO

i dream of outfit

Winter can be gross with the grey snow and freezing temperatures, but a highlight for me is the color palette. Maybe because I am a Capricorn baby but I love wearing the muted colors associated with fall/winter, like oxblood red, forest green and camel. Besides the color, you also have wonderful winter materials like thick wool, leather and corduroy (materials that would make you very uncomfortable & sweaty in summer heat). I created a really cute outfit that I believe incorporates the best winter fashion statements.  

Every outfit begins with a thickly-knit white sweater...thus begins our journey.

And with every winter outfit, you must learn to master "layering". I love this green corduroy overall with its opening on the sides. 

To fight the shapeless-ness of your winter outfit, elongate your legs with nude platform heels. I enjoy nude heels because they match all your outfits. 

To finish your cute outfit, wear this light brown leather tote. The scalloped edges provide a youthful feel, because I personally dress like a 14-year-old girl.

XXOO

winter textures

This winter, I find myself craving leather pants and fuzzy sweaters to soothe my fears of the icy winds outside. Recently, I really appreciate leather pants and leggings. They fulfill the needs of my inner motorcycle badass that only developed after I watched Easy Rider. To soften the inevitable intimidation that ensues with leather accessories (because of course I am extremely intimidating, all 5'2" of myself), I add (with lack of a better word) fluffy white tops. Let the pictures speak for themselves about the compatibility of these two textures. 

I have been searching for the perfect angora cropped sweater since fall. One day, I WILL find you.

The leather skirt/pants are slimming and they refine your outfits because I know we are all trying to combat the "just getting out of bed" look.

For those of us who cannot get enough of leather. And have incredible bodies. 

If you haven't fallen in love with leather textures (or don't feel comfortable trying this new trend), then let this editorial inspire you. 

XXOO

Winter Trend: Thigh High Boots

I'm really excited for the return of thigh-high boots. I remember sporting this trend the winter of my 1st year of college and I have recently spotted them on two of my favorite bloggers Aimee from Song of Style and Olivia from Lust for Life. They have been the two bloggers that I have religiously followed since I was a young high school student. 

How do you wear thigh-high boots? I like to wear them with sheer black tights (and maybe thigh-high socks if you're experiencing a colder winter) and sweater dress. I feel like these shoes make all outfits more sexy (but not slutty) and more chic. I personally own a pair of black and dark grey boots. I find that they match with all my outfits and fit with the winter color palette. 

Song of Style

Lust for Life

XXOO

a moveable feast

I had the fortune of visiting France for 2.5 weeks (thank you work for freeing me & congratulations to my cousin and her husband on their wedding).

In my brief travels, I experienced both French summer (in Paris and southern France) and French autumn (in my last week in Paris). I loved the hot weather of southern France, but I thrived in the 60 degree, slightly rainy atmosphere in Paris. Street fashion was made for the temperate Spring and Fall. 

Best fashion in France? Hands down in Paris. It was like New York City (primarily Bedford Ave, Williamsburg), but these young, fashion-forward Parisians were superimposed on the beautiful, architectural city of Paris. 

How did I pack for the trip? I confronted the challenge of packing enough outfits for 2.5 weeks (and a wedding) in my small suitcase by packing clothes that all matched each other. My suitcase was a mix of port, cream, grey and black plus leather and lace texture. I had to dress to the nines while being economical with space. Challenge met!

Best experience in France? I was vintage shopping in the Marais neighborhood (my favorite place in the city - best vintage shopping, best falafel, and best park-Place des Vosges), and I spotted Kelly Wearstler. She was wearing a denim-on-denim outfit, looking picture-perfect. I immediately ran to her (even though this store was the size of a glorified closet) and shakingly introduced myself as an avid fan of her blog. She was chill to talk to but unfortunately I was a melting mess and could only muster the courage to ask for a photo (she said yes!).

Check out my photos!

 On my list of "Greatest things that happened to Kate"

Musee de l'Orangerie, painting by Henri Matisse. Great museum that carries Monet's Water Lilies painting collection as well as other impressionist pieces.  

I discovered the beauty of head scarves on my trip. This scarf added a pop of color and design to my outfits (whether around my neck or head). Best accessory for when it's raining and you have no umbrella also. 

 Favorite museum: Musee Rodin. I loved the classical sculptures found in the Lourve and Musee d'Orsay but the dark, sensual themes found in Musee Rodin's sculptures (that led to what we now consider modern sculptures) blew me away. Also, the man was a boss.

Louvre in front a painting of a fight between David and Goliath. Wearing my usual head scarf, slouchy sweater, clock necklace, port pant combo.  

What regular streets in Paris look like.

Place des Vosges. Don't get me wrong, I believe the Jardin des Plantes, Jardin du Luxemborg, and Jardin des Tuileries are all beautiful gardens, but there was a certain intimate, je ne said quoi about Place des Vosges.

Jardin des Plantes

I loved the Nasty Gal dress I wore for my cousin's wedding. Form-fitting, classy and stylish :)

I have always loved French culture, admiring it from afar in my high school French language classes or through Godard's lens, but traveling there really confirmed something for me. I really want to live there. 

So here begins a promise to myself to really follow through with this dream.

XOXO

P.S. I won free tickets and meet&greet with Surfer Blood. I'm in love and I can't stop.

dinner in little italy

Friday evening, I went to an Italian dinner with my sister, Anne. We went to our favorite place Giacomo's (please try their butternut squash raviolis and pumpkin tortellinis). I arrived there at 5:45 PM confronted by an hour-long line outside the door. I immediately considered leaving, but my sister pushed me to stay.  During the wait, I took the opportunity to take outfit photos. Honestly, I am still uncomfortable about outfit photos. It feels self-adsorbed and I become insecure with a camera aimed at me. Plus, I never carry my DSLR on me--too heavy and inconvenient--so I resort to Iphone photos. Resolutions: I need to get over my insecurities and be less lazy.

 Instagram-edition: Posing on the Long Wharf like an Asian tourist.

XXOO

P.s. I am so excited to see Chvrches tommorow.

govenors ball

I had the great fortune of going to the govenor's ball music festival this past weekend in NYC. I got see some of my top favorite bands, from The XX, Yeasayer, Animal Collective, Beach House, Grizzly Bear, and Kanye West. The music was great, but there were downsides. With the tail end of a hurricane flooding Friday's events and Randalls Island transformed into a mud pit for the next two sweaty days, finding the right outfit was difficult. I was  forced to wear rain boots for the duration of the festival to maneuver the muddy pits of questionable brown slop, but I still attempted fun and summery outfits for the event. 

 Day One: Found these vintage Salvatore Ferragamo loafers at Goodwill. NYC always kills it with its thrift finds. 

Day One Outfit: Rain boots are still clean in this early shot before the festival. I doned the plaid, cropped shirt to match the farm-like manure smell of the island. 

Outfit details: Backpack Fjallraven Kanken//Boots J.Crew//Shorts Brandy Melville//Shirt DIY//Plaid Shirt AA//Sunglasses Ray Ban

 Day Two Outfit: Found myself in this beautiful rooftop garden. With the mixture of hot weather and sweaty dancing, bathing suits are ideal for music festivals. Also, I wore a sheer shawl to protect my back from the sun rays. 

Outfit Details: Bathing suit AA//Shawl Thrifted//Sunglasses Thrifted//Everything else the same as above

I got to see Grizzly Bear -- Life goal complete. 

This past weekend was an incredible experience. I can't wait for more music festivals!

XXOO