dealing with inbetween weather

A sunny, mildly warm day spent in Boston. Right now, the weather is perfect for pairing your dresses/skirts with a bulky sweater or light jacket. 

Dress Anthropologie//Sweater AA//Necklace Target//Shoes Old Navy

XXOO

styling yourself when the going gets wet

The one thing you need to know about Boston: its spring weather is marked by heavy rainfall with random sprinkling of humid, sunny days that make you forget the deluge only because anything is better than -10 degree weather. I have come to terms with the capricious weather by investing in a proper rain jacket and umbrella. Now waterproof shoes that aren't ugly ... that is an ongoing project. 

Umbrella Walmart//Jacket Buffalo Exchange//Jeans AG//Chelsea Boots Old Navy//Purse UO//Hat H&M//Shirt AA

My style typically incorporates darker tones, mostly because it makes matching easier and I thoroughly enjoy being able to throw on anything with ease. Also, I'm moody and black really captures that je ne sais quoi about myself (ha .. ha). But I LOVE this yellow umbrella, especially the way the duck handle peeks his head out of my purse/backpack. And yellow adds a pop of sunshine on these dreary, wet days.

I found the jacket at a consignment shop and bought it reluctantly because I own too many jackets that I rather not disclose. Fortunately, it has become my most useful jacket. Thank you to whoever discarded this jacket. 

My $12 chelsea boots have not let me down yet in this rainy weather, but I plan on investing in Dr. Martens eventually. Throughout college, I borrowed my friend's Dr Martens and they are the sole reason I survived monsoon/blizzard season in Boston. 

Thanks for reading my ramblings!

XXOO

un citron

Salut tout le monde. Aujourd'hui, le mot prefere est "de citron".

This post will be a little bit different from previous because ... not all of them will be iPhone quality! My slow progress toward becoming a legitimate fashion blogger. Maybe I'll start posting individual outfit posts instead of my summarized version--very unlikely. 

This week's outfits!  

Skirt Nordstrom Rack//Shoes Gap//Top From France//Locket Necklace Thrifted//Jacket Thrifted

Beginning the summary with the least interesting outfit. The only highlight is that I was able to savor the 50 degree weather that day.

Shoes Marshalls//Tights Target//Socks Express//Dress H&M//Sweater French Connection//Necklace Gifted from China

 I prefer wearing dresses and skirts over wearing pants, but I can't do it as often in winter. I do a tights-knee-high-sock combination when I feel dangerous and want to bear my legs to the weather. I'm your typical bad girl, what can I say. Also, I love this dress. The design is a funky tribal print and the colors are neutral so the dress matches everything. Lastly, it was a $6 find. Call me the bargain queen (but seriously, please do). 

Dress Anthropologie//Tights American Apparel//Shoes Shoemint

I work in essentially a green house. It's so funny unless you're the guy who has to rake the floor (not a joke). The top floor has beautiful lighting because of the glass ceiling (it's real, ladies). My favorite outfits during the winter is an over-sized sweater dress and tights. To lessen the frump, I added these lace-up booties. I waited a year before I discovered my ideal pair on Shoemint. I am really particular about the shoes I buy. I have a clear idea in my head about the style of shoes I want (from color, material, and style) and I only buy a pair of shoes until they're perfect. This extensive process does not minimize my vast shoe collect (I need help).  

Hat H&M//Dress & Shoes Old Navy//Necklace Brandy Melville

Has anyone checked out the amazing clothing selection at Old Navy? I had the lowest expectations walking into that store, but I ended up with a shamefully huge haul. This photo does not truly capture the beauty in this dress. I had my Anthropologie coworker quickly snap this shot despite an onslaught of customers surrounding her (merci Nicole!). Also, the shoes are not seen in this photo, but they're ankle-high Chelsea boots. Bought these babes for $12. That's right! 

 Jacket Thrifted//Purse UO//Shoes Old Navy//Pants American Apparel//Ring F21//Top Marshalls//Belt Thrfited

Non-phone photos! The main reason I don't carry my DSLR around is because its bulky. It is a pain to lug around and I don't want to be that person who wears it around their neck. This bag is great. It's just big enough to hold my camera without being too over-size or cumbersome (thank you, Jen). I love the last photo. My friends and I had great timing in catching the sunset over the Longfellow Bridge. 

MISCELLANEOUS:

CHECK OUT THIS BABE'S MERMAID HAIR! I immediately asked for her photo. She needs to be famous. Can someone get on that? 

Today's wonderful photographer, my lovely Kelly.  

XXOO

Thanks so much for reading!

une abeille

I abhor dealing with creating unique/quirky journal titles so today will be my current favorite french word. Just say the word--une abeille. Sounds like your mouth is on a trampoline. I am doing a similar thing with my Chinese coworkers. I aim to teach them a hardy English vocabulary term every day (in realty, not so often). I started with "rapacious". 

And this week's outfit summary!!!!!

Sweater Marshalls//Shoes BCBG//Skirt F21

I enjoy wearing high-waisted fitted skirts to work because I like the sleek feminine shape (aka swagger) and showing off the lady curves I have put a lot of work into at the gym. Also, most of my tops are cropped so high-waisted is the only way to incorporate my extremely unprofessional clothing into daily outfits. The truth. 

Turtleneck Top Brandy Melville//Clock Necklace Gifted//Belt Thrifted//Skirt Thrifted//Bag Karmaloop//Hat H&M

My outfit for working at Anthropologie. I enjoy working there for many reasons, one of them being: I can wear whatever I want (and people appreciate it!). Also, I wanted to show off this skirt that I searched long and hard for in the Garment District $1/lb piles. It's hard work being this fashionable, seriously.

This is a typical go-to outfit for me: high-waisted skirt, crop top, and cropped jacket. I am boring, I apologize. But I am jumping on the lip stick train, sporting this dark red. Just like with head scarves, I am a late disciple. Next goal? Finding my signature scent. Stay tuned.  

Sweater American apparel//Hat H&M//Necklace Brandy Melville//Skirt H&M//Bracelet Thrifted

Work outfit. I still don't know what work casual means! The struggles of being an ex-American Apparel employee. Also, why am I wearing a hat again? Is it because of the frigid 10 degree weather? Is it because it matches the outfit? Nope, I just had a bad hair day. I wake up with the worst cow licks on the back of my head every morning. Hardships that only short haired girls know (and guys?). 

XXOO

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