weekly outfit summary

My resolution to take outfit photos has really encouraged me to dress better for work - for that, I am thankful. It pushes me to use all the clothing I am continually buying. If it weren't for this blog, I would be wearing the same jeans and baggy sweater combination that I find myself throwing on at 6AM in cold winter mornings. 

Work outfits. My office does not have a strict dress code which is great. I think these two photos show the range in professionalism I aim to portray through my style i.e. sleek business casual to relaxed urban wear.

Pants 7 for Mankind//Shoes BCBG//Jacket Thrfited//Top Ann Taylor//Necklace F21

Shoes Marshalls//Tights Target//Dress Topshop//Sweater Marshalls

I visited Amherst, MA over the three day weekend. It began with the usual northeast snow storm. I ended up not changing my outfit the entire time I was there because the weather was so cold. Layering is cool, right?

Shoes Marshalls//Jeans Anthropologie//Socks Express//Sweater Ann Taylor//Bag Karmaloop//Jacket Goodwill//Scarf F21

Photo shoot with my friend Cassandra. I am truly fortunate to have friends who can understand my insanity. Not many people will stand outside and take photos for you. I also secretly believe that maybe we're all getting resilient to the weather to the point that standing outside with no jacket isn't so bad....

 I really love the skirt in these photos. It's a cashmere, maxi length skirt with a slit on the side. I discovered it at a thrift store in the middle of the summer. It was love at first sight. I am afraid to wear it in public though. It seems too luxurious for a research laboratory and too man-repelling for a first date.

Top Ann Taylor//Necklace F21//Skirt Buffalo Exchange//Shoes Shoe Mint

I will end the post with an adorable photo of cupcake treats for your cherished animal friends.

Kickass Cupcakes

XXOO

fashion, technology and music

New York Fashion Week starts tomorrow. I am really excited to watch the art, fashion and music emerge across the internet. Though to be honest, I get uncomfortable with the concept of social media, primarily over the gluttonous, self-propagating bullshit that floods our news feeds. The selfies, the fake interactions ("networking"), and the plethora of hashtags. I enjoy the witty hashtags with the playful puns that sound gut-cringingly cheesy said aloud. When I see hashtags, I see shameless self-promotion and lack of originality. I see people selling themselves for the sake of a "like" on a loveless platform where people (and maybe I mean women) are waiting for make snide internal judgmental comments. But that is the cynic in me. I also love social media because it lends every individual a voice. It lets everyone be an artist. It lets people see a side of you that you normally hide in public because the public is scary with strangers who have the potential to be judgmental pricks. Through social media, you have the safety net of the internet, where the people who follow you are usually your friends or like-minded people who enjoy your commentary on life. There are your ups and downs to technology, but I think it ultimately has done something amazing for the art world. 

Why this rant? I found this video showcasing technology, music and fashion, culminating into this loud artistic expression. Coco Rocha performs interpretative dance in these formless gowns with apocalyptic beats in the background and holographic images that blur the lines between reality and fiction. But during the whole show, it is hard to miss the bright screens of people's phones, trying to "capture" the moment. Whatever, the ups and downs right?

DESIGN DISRUPTED - Lexus, LEGS, Giles Deacon and Coco Rocha (Full Performance) from Coco Rocha on Vimeo.

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.