A Stylish World

Moving...

2010-01-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

Wordpress seems to be a better fit for me, so I am shifting gears and making a move. Join me at: http://sartorialselectivity.wordpress.com/. Thanks!

Gaga at the Grammys

2010-01-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

Predictably unpredictable - she looks like a bombshell fairy godmother, complete with wand. It's insane, it's intergalactic, and it's mesmerizing. I love it.

Photo Credit: Getty via Jezebel

Casual Kicks

2010-01-29T19:56:00.001-08:00

I have been focusing on my work-wardrobe the past several months and the casual portion of my closet has suffered. I just found a new website, www.needsupply.com, that has reignited my latent desire for casual-wear and am currently lusting over these shoes:

The atmosphere at my internship is fairly lax, but even still these shoes would not be acceptable. So, I would pair them with skirts or denim for weekend outings. The wedge heels makes walking comfortable and stable and I am still not over studs on accessories. Speaking of accessories:

I think I need this ring. $12! It is adjustable and perfect for throwing on for after work cocktails or weekend outings.

I really shouldn't browse shopping sites after 2 glasses of wine...

Chanel Couture Spring 2010

2010-01-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Collections like these are the reason that Karl Lagerfeld has endured as a fixture in the fashion world for so long. Not only is he the master of reinvention, nixing the gold buttons and dark colors that Chanel is known for, but every look was breathtaking. The whole collection was ethereal and practically glowing. A few select favorites:

Anyone who says fashion is not art after seeing this runway has to be crazy.

Photo Credit: WWD

SAG Style Stars

2010-01-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

The SAG Awards was round 2 of the runway spectacle. These four were my favorites. Diane Kruger bounced back nicely from that the Golden Globes gown, which I thought to be a rare fashion misstep on her part. She looks glamorous and stunning, as do...

Mademoiselle Marion Cotillard
Breast Cancer Survivor Christina Applegate
...and the ageless Kyra Sedgwick.
These gorgeous women all picked incredibly flattering gowns that, while exquisite, did not overpower them. I can't wait to see have they navigate the next red carpet event!

Dello Russo Rules

2010-01-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

Anna Dello Russo has killer style, and killer legs which she is usually showing off in something short. She looks no less fantastic covered up in capris.

She and her assistants somehow manage to look coordinated, but not 'matchy.' I'm coveting Anna's shoes, even though they are girlier than most of my wardrobe, and am lusting over the entire outfit on the right. They look effortlessly stylish, without falling prey to looking overdone. Jealous.

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

Golden Globes Glam

2010-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Golden Globes marks the beginning of awards season! This means that there will be red carpets galore in the upcoming months, with plenty of opportunities to drool over fab frocks. I know I am a couple days behind on the Golden Globes, but there were too many lovely dresses to ignore!

I have been watching Damages Season 1, so Rose Byrne is high on my radar and she certainly stood out in the sea of pinky-beige with this stunning gown by Lanvin. I love the detailing at the waist.

Ginnifer Goodwin's dress wowed on the red carpet, as well, and I love that she went with a short dress. The royal blue of her dress and her flawless makeup made her eyes stand out.

At first glance, I was not so sure about Marion Cotillard's gown. But, the more I looked, the more I liked. In particular, the color is fabulous and her hair and makeup are perfection!

She looks like a Grecian goddess with perfectly tousled locks. The geometric patterns on the bodice are incredibly figure flattering, although she really doesn't need help in that area, anyway!

Chloe Sevigny is perpetually able to pull-off gowns that are more fashion-forward than crowd-pleasers. This gown has just enough color not to blend into her skin and she made a wise choice with the sleek hair that doesn't compete with the folds of the dress.

All in all it was a glamorous night. I wish I had an occasion that called for a fancy dress, but with school and my internship, I am on a jeans and pencil skirt regimen. Not nearly as exciting. Who were your favorites?

Rouge Coco: Return of the Lipstick?

2010-01-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Are you a lipstick lady? It seems that Vanessa Paradis is, at least if it's Rouge Coco by Chanel.

With the launch of their new line of long-lasting, hydrating creme lipstick, Chanel is hoping to reignite the interest of consumers, particularly American and Japanese consumers for whom lip gloss now makes up 50% of the lip product market, in the lost art of wearing lipstick. This line will consist of mainly shades in the very wearable beige and pale pink range priced at $30.

I like the idea of lipstick. It feels sophisticated and grown-up, and I have images in my head of my mom leaning into the mirror so she could apply her lipstick that pop into my head. I have my go-to 'Dolce Vita' lipstick by Nars for work days, but on weekends I admit I am a chapstick and lip gloss kind of gal. Putting on gloss is quick and easy when you are out and about and don't have a mirror to ensure accuracy. However, in an effort to be more put-together this year, maybe I will try to become a full-time lipstick wearer, if only to put more ritual and thought into my process of getting ready. Unfortunately, I have lots of lip glosses floating around that I would feel sad to ignore, so that may or may not work!

Thoughts? Are you a lipstick lady or a gloss kind of gal?

Photo Credit: WWD

Combat Over Boots

2010-01-08T14:23:00.001-08:00

My particular interest in law school is intellectual property. I hope to make a career out of protecting designers', artists' and entertainers' copyright and trademark rights.* That type of practice would include bringing lawsuits against outright counterfeits, but also against designs and naming conventions that tread that line too closely. Case in point, Danner shoes have sued rag & bone for copyright and trademark infringement for creating a shoe that looks quite similar, but what really gives them a case it seems is the fact that they named the shoe 'Danner Combat Shoes by rag & bone.' The picture above is of the two shoes, Danner on the left and the rag & bone version on the right. What do you think? Did rag & bone merely take inspiration from Danner or did they cross the line? It's really difficult to make those determinations in the fashion realm where everyone is inspired by everyone else, but what are your thoughts?

Photo Credit: Ny Mag

*Disclaimer: I am a law student, not a full-fledged attorney. I have not passed the bar in any state and any speculation I have about the legitimacy of any legal claims is not a professional opinion and should not be construed as such.

Resolutions

2010-01-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

I spent New Year's Day walking the Brooklyn Bridge with hundreds of other tourists from around the globe. I lost count of how many different languages I heard being spoken. It was a beautiful day, crisp but not frigid, and by the end of the day we must have walked 10 miles exploring Brooklyn, NYU, Soho, Chinatown...Thank God for my new boots. They were warm and didn't kill my feet and slid nicely under my jeans.

I didn't come up with any resolutions by New Year's Eve. And only now, when I have spent the past couple days sick on the couch, have I given it much thought. So far, I have come up with the following:

1. Be More Healthy

General, I know, but I have been more sick in the past year than any other I can remember. I am not sure if it is the air in Philadelphia versus Portland, or if the stress of law school is just getting to me, but my immune system seems to be shot. In my quest for better health I will try to be less of a night owl, especially given the fact that I have to be in class at 8:30 every morning. I will try to tone down my caffeine addiction, switching from coffee to green tea. I need to eat more fruits and vegetables, not processed foods. Lastly, I need to start running again. Maybe more regular exercise will help as well. Hopefully those changes will keep me more healthy and energized in 2010.

2. Fine-Tune my Wardrobe

It has taken me years to figure out what works for my shape (short, tending towards muscular). I think I have been in denial about my height :) Now that I have finally accepted what actually looks good, I need to go through what I own and clear out lots of items that do me no favors. Once that is accomplished, I have to make another list of pieces that I need to add to my wardrobe. I have been filling my closet with work pieces, but I also need to focus on weekend wear. My shoe selection also needs some help. This will all be more easily accomplished once I have a job and a paycheck. Which leads me too...

3. Be Diligent About Job-Searching

I do not graduate until late May, but given the legal market I need to get a head-start. My goal is a mid-sized to large firm that has departments that specialize in either entertainment, intellectual property or employment law. That being said, I will take whatever job I can get! However, to obtain any kind of job I need to put myself out in the market and take advantage of any connections I have and to continue networking.

4. Finish Writing a Book

I have bits and pieces of books that I have been writing saved on my laptop and in notebooks strewn about our place. I want to finish writing at least one of them. Starting is easy, but the middle is hard, even if I already have an ending in mind. I think the key at this point is just to write daily and hopefully the writer's block will fade.

5. Blog More Often

When life gets hectic, this blog is the first thing to go, but it's an outlet I appreciate. I would put a specific goal number on it, like 7 times a week, but that is not realistic and, honestly, if I make at least one entry a month that will be better than my previous record!

Any resolutions on your minds?

NYE in NYC

2009-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow the husband and I are NYC bound! Living in Philly makes the trip incredibly easy - it's a mere 2 hour bus ride (we are city people without a car). We had a tremendously laid-back NYE last year, but this year we are making an adventure of the holiday.

We will arrive tomorrow morning, meet up with my dear college friend at her place in the financial district and then lunch somewhere tasty. Champagne will be bought and drunk in copious amounts and we will avoid Times Square and instead watch fireworks from her rooftop with the roommates and neighbors.

What to wear has presented me with quite a dilemma as I am feeling the Christmas indulgences all too well around my waistline, my thighs, everywhere! It has made the thrill of choosing an outfit altogether less thrilling. The accessories are fun to select, but fitted skirts are another story...I'm sure after a glass or two of champagne I will not give it much thought tomorrow.

We will be traipsing around NYC the next day and exploring neighborhoods we haven't yet visited, such as Brooklyn. Korean barbecue is definitely on the list in the Murray Hill area as Philly lacks the plethora of Korean restaurants that Portland had and New York boasts. Also on the agenda are Murray's bagels and the Shake Shack.

Hope everyone has a festive and safe New Year's Eve!

Holi-Daze

2009-12-25T12:27:00.001-08:00

Philly had a huge snowstorm last weekend. We made a snowman with the help of our landlord's little daughter who is so cute and smart. 'Herb the snowman' looks a little demonic because we had to use radishes for eyes. Unfortunately our snowman is more of a puddle today, but we almost had a white Christmas.

I had to work until 2 o'clock yesterday at my internship, but now I am free for 10 days! We started our Christmas break with cioppino last and garlic bread last night. This morning we lounged in pajamas with coffee and Bailey's while opening gifts. I got some lovely clothes for work from my parents and older sister and lovely baubles and BlueMercury gift certificate from my husband.

I received one of my gifts early because of the snowstorm last week: Uggs. Okay, but not the normal Uggs - they are a leather almost motorcycle-boot version. They have been a lifesaver this past week trudging through snow.

I am in a food coma because of a large breakfast, leftover cioppino for lunch and plenty of chocolates and wine. However, one I come out of this daze, I will take and post photos of my new favorite things.

Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday, or if you do not celebrate Christmas, then I hope you are having a lovely day anyway!

Balance

2009-12-17T21:05:00.001-08:00

As I spend more and more time at my internship, I find myself wearing the same combinations over and over again. It's deflating that my work wardrobe is so lacking. When I see combinations like the Australian stock-broker below, I long to re-stock my closet with more fashion-forward choices. It is a tricky balance to strike between being appropriately conservative (as required to be taken seriously when interning at a law office where I am the youngest attorney-type), while maintaining my own sense of style. I see so many law school students with the black suits, white button-up shirts and traditional pearls, and I do not want to be one more clone in the crowd.

Anyone else have to balance workplace demands and personal preferences? How does that work out for you?

Photo Credit: Sartorialist

Christmas Giggles

2009-12-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

I love Lady Gaga, but this made me laugh...

Oh Sister!

2009-11-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Natalie Portman arrived at the premiere of her latest film, Brothers, in this lively ensemble. I happen to think that she can really pull off bright color combinations, but I have seen some people commenting that on the whole it was a little too much. What do you think - too many colors or does she get it just right?

One Down...

2009-10-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

...Two more finals to go. My brain feels like mush, but I am relieved to have one out of the way. I don't get nerves before exams the way I did my first year of law school, but studying is still stressful and life-consuming. All my creativity goes out the door while I try to focus on whether using a company's trademark as a Google search term is trademark infringement. Try not to envy my life, I know it's hard :) I'll be back after next Thursday when my brain is no longer occupied with legal madness.

Photo Credit: IPMall.com

Wiiii!

2009-10-24T16:37:00.001-07:00

This will not do wonders for my studying for final exams. At all. Not only did we get Wii, but we got Wii Fit and MarioKart, which is my favorite SuperNintendo game of all time. Greg called it a belated birthday gift, but he is now glued to MarioKart while I try to ignore the enticing, bubbly music and sound effects that are calling me to the couch to play. On the bright side, according to Wii Fit I have great posture and balance - this is something you would never guess if you were to see me studying, hunched over like a gargoyle statue, nose inches from my laptop screen...Some classmates will be distracted by the Phillies playing in the World Series, I will be distracted by Wii. I guess it keeps things fair.

Any new distractions in your life?

Grumble, Grumble

2009-10-23T18:40:00.001-07:00

Vogue, I have been a subscriber for years and yet every month the magazine is out on the newstand for 2 weeks before you see fit to get it to my door. That's what I get for my loyalty? Annoying. 'Tis the weekend and still no new magazines to read...

A Lady Who Lawyers

2009-10-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

I love the way this woman puts herself together. According to the story accompanying her photo, she is an attorney by day, photographer by night. Donning a 3-piece suit isn't something I had imagined doing, but she pulls it off well, which makes me believe that maybe I could find a cut and fabric that works for me. I love the additional flourish of the huge, cozy scarf. It's a bright, yet slightly muted, yellow that really brings attention to her beautiful face. It's a tough balance bringing style into a workplace that requires your clients to perceive you as capable and trustworthy and she walks the line with ease.

Vices

2009-10-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get stressed, I find myself justifying any and all indulgences to soothe my nerves. Given that I am at my internship 20-25 hours a week, attending 3 classes and have my first final exam of the term in a week and a half, I am turning to every single one of my vices, almost unconsciously. Some of my top indulgences include:

Haagen Dazs:

Have you ever tried Rum Raisin? I hadn't until last week and it reminds me of the holidays - surprisingly tasty. Still, my standby is always coffee. I frequently try other brands, but none quite compare to the texture and the intensity of the flavor that Haagen Dazs creates using minimal ingredients. I can pronounce all the ingredients on the list and find them all at the grocery store, which makes me feel better about devouring half a pint.

Sleeping late on the weekend:

Normally I don't change my schedule drastically on the weekends. I still get up at 7 so I can stay in my routine and feel productive. Lately, however, 10am rolls around and I am barely rolling out of bed. I'm sure it's to compensate for the late nights of studying, but it makes adjusting to the week a lot more difficult.

Coffee, coffee and more coffee:

Even the smell of it perks me up. It can be from a street cart, I don't care, coffee makes me happy. Though, if given the choice, I prefer espresso made by Greg, a mocha from Stumptown complete with foam art, or any of Chapterhouse's creations - all are heaven.

Couch time with my dogs and a book or stack of magazines:

Pajama pants, a blanket, two small pups (one in my lap and one on the back of the couch practically wrapped around my shoulders), and a new, or well-loved, book or magazine in my hands is my happy place. I'm cozy, comfortable and my mind is getting a break from the barrage of legal language I face every day. And can you really blame me for wanting to cuddle with those pups! I'm a huge animal lover and my dogs are some of my favorite 'people' in the world.

Re-watching my favorite movies/tv shows:

This drives Greg nuts. He doesn't understand how I can watch something I have seen before again and again. I tell him, if I loved it the first time, why wouldn't I love it the second (or tenth) time? He must have every TrueBlood episode memorized by now because of me. Sometimes it is the story-line, other times it is the outfits that have me returning to my favorites. Currently on my rotation are TrueBlood, The Rachel Zoe Project, Amelie, The Princess Bride, Weeds. Netflix has been injecting my routine with a little variety, I highly recommend Sunshine Cleaning if you like dark humor or The Brothers Bloom. Otherwise, I keep going back to what I know.

What indulgences do you turn to when life gets rough?

27 and Counting...

2009-10-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday I turned 27, which means I am now in my late twenties...I think I am okay with that. I feel very grown-up, actually, so it's probably a good year to graduate from law school. To celebrate, my husband and I went out to dinner at Supper, conveniently located a block away from our place. Prior to heading out, we took advantage of a new outfit, bag and the good lighting and took some photos.

I assure you, my chihuahua does not normally spend him time outdoors being carried in a bag. He is much more of a 'paws on the ground wreaking havoc' kind of guy. He just happened to fit in the bag, the first of my purses he could actually ride in, so it's more of a joke than a daily occurrence.

The bag is a 'vegan leather' carry-all by Shiraleah. I found it randomly at a small shop that we went to just to pick up chocolates and cut-flowers. It works perfectly as an alternative to my regular school bag, fitting my lap top and large legal tomes. Because it is a polyurethane blend, rain simply beads off of it, unlike leather, which would be devastated by Philly's inclement weather. There were several more neutral colors available, however, as I tend to gravitate towards a neutral palette in my outfits, I opted for the bright raspberry shade and it has been a fantastic offset the blacks, grays and browns that I don almost daily.

As for dinner, it was a tasty mix of small plates enjoyed in the company of our hilarious neighbor, who reminds me of my mom in best of ways. Had I not been 3 sheets to the wind, I might have remembered to take photos of the food or bugged my husband to do so for me, but as it was two cocktails later I was too giddy to be bothered with the details. All in all a fine birthday.

Spring 2010: United Bamboo

2009-09-13T09:53:00.001-07:00

I wish I had cocktail events galore to attend. If I did, I would wear each and every one of these outfits. Love love love...that is all.

Spring 2010: Yigal Azrouel

2009-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am more familiar with the gossip surrounding Yigal Azrouel and his "friendship" with Katie Lee Joel, Billy Joel's soon to be ex wife. However, after this collection I will more interested in the clothes than the gossip. I am in love with the first white dress and I adore the texture he creates with with cutouts and crimping.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Spring 2010: Luca Luca

2009-09-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

There have been many times I wished I was taller. Seeing this collection makes me renew that wish. Swishy, dramatic pants just do not work on my frame, but how I wish they did! This was a very feminine collection, even the pants, but it did not go so far as to be saccharine, which is a great balance.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Spring 2010: Nicole Miller

2009-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I think what I like most about Nicole Miller's collection are the backs of the dresses and tops, and then the fitted jackets. It's a glam and sleek look that she has put out this season and I love it.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Spring 2010: Jason Wu

2009-09-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Honestly, the first couple looks that came down the runway, particularly the suits, underwhelmed me. But, as he returned to his forte - beautiful and glamourous gowns - I became captivated. I am now lusting after the white jacket towards the end and in love with the feathery looks that punctuated the show.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Fashion Week

2009-09-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

It's on its way! Check out the Mercedes-Benz Fashion week site here for schedules and more. I desperately wish I lived in NYC at times like these so I could have easy access to all the fashion goings-on. If you are lucky enough to get to check out the shows, enjoy them for me! During the week, check out all the headlines coming out of the shows on fashionweekdaily. I cannot wait to see what is inspiring designers for Spring 2010 and to report back here with my favorite designers, looks and models.

Life As I Know It...

2009-08-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

In a word...hectic. My last year of law school has begun and, because I was a transfer student, I have to take the maximum amount of credits to graduate on time. In addition, I am doing a co-op program in a mid-sized firm, which I love (!), which takes up 25 hours a week. So, between classes, co-op, my pro-bono commitments and reading/preparing assignments for class, trying to exercise and spend time with husband and pups, I am not sleeping. Caffeine is my close friend and I am tempted to wear sunglasses indoors to hide the dark circles.

But, I'll tell you a secret, I love it. Honestly, truly, I love being busy. It makes me a more productive person and I feel like I am contributing something to the greater good by not sitting on my lazy ass. I do adore a lazy Sunday afternoon with a late brunch then watching reruns of my favorite show while wearing pajamas and being surrounded by small dogs. However, as I learned this summer, I go stir crazy and get depressed if I have too much time off. So, being back to my crazy schedule is a huge relief.

Am I insane, or is anyone else happiest when they are busy?

Style Crush: Diane Kruger

2009-08-20T17:39:00.001-07:00

Diane Kruger always seems to kill it on the red carpet. She knows how to work neutrals in a way that is far from boring and has the confidence to pull off high-fashions flourishes without letting the garment wear her. I have no red carpets in my life, but if I did, I certainly would follow her lead!

Photo Credit: Just Jared, Popsugar

Ashley Olsen: Neutral and Nice

2009-08-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ashley Olsen is featured on Marie Claire's September issue for her involvement in the fashion world. First of all, what beautiful shots. She looks sexy, but not trashy, even with the exposed bra. Second, I love the makeup and clothing color palettes - smoky neutrals that completely flatter her skin tone. Third, I want her hair. Mine needs to grow about 3 more inches, but I am slowly getting there.

Photo Credit: Marie Claire

Behind the Scenes

2009-08-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

One website that I regularly visit is Refinery29.com. It's got a great, clean but jam-packed layout and showcases trends and sales. Well, behind the site is this couple:

Philippe Von Borries and Piera Gelardi are the adorable husband-wife duo whose teamwork results in the highly visited site. They are featured in this month's Glamour in an article about happy marriages. I love getting behind the scenes and with all the sadness and divorce in the world, I love hearing about people who are making it work. Check out the article and the rest of the couples over at Glamour.com.

Oh, Really?

2009-08-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Would you trust this man's fashion advice? Well, apparently he thinks he has something to teach young women with regards to fashion. Perez Hilton of the gossip site fame is launching Coco Perez, a style website targeted at 20 something females. I have to say that I am not a fan, which is why I am not linking to it. I don't know what he possibly thinks he can contribute to the fashion world. According to this interview with Shine.com, he already seems to think he is going to be bigger than Vogue and that Anna Wintour should fear him...and that he is entitled to front row seats at fashion week. Not effing likely. This clown pretty much hates women, as evidenced from many of his blog posts (Jezebel does a good job of dissecting this phenomenon), so why he would try to cater to this demographic is beyond me.

I'm not saying that everyone who writes about fashion has to have an academic background in fashion, or even be the most stylish person out there - I wouldn't qualify if that was the criteria. But, Perez Hilton dresses like an ass most of the time and is disrespectful to women and in my book that doesn't mean that he has any rights to any respect in the fashion world. So, for him to try to waltz on in and tower over the industry's greats and have such a sense of entitlement is ludicrous.

Obviously I am a little (or a lot) disturbed by this newest development. Will you be following his new site?

Heartstrings

2009-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books of my childhood is being made into a movie and I am thrilled to see from the preview that it is in good hands with Spike Jonze at the helm. It looks just as it should and made me smile.

Change is Good

2009-08-09T17:41:00.001-07:00

In 3 weeks I will once again be moving. This will make 8 moves in about 8 years. We are hoping that this next place will be our home until we decide we like Philadelphia enough to buy something, or we decide to leave the city. So many perks come with our new place, like having a park right out our front door, not sharing any walls with a neighbor, 3 coffee shops and 2 grocery stores within a 3 block radius, no homeless shelters on the block...We moved to Philly without already having a place to live, spent a week in a hotel and signed a lease on a loft that was great, but in a less than great location. Not unsafe - but more than slightly dirty and deserted at night. We are moving to a much livelier neighborhood with more trees and people and dogs, which I think will help me to like the city a lot more than I currently do.

The next couple weeks will be spent throwing out/donating anything we don't need, packing up all the loose items and trying to recruit friends into helping with the move. I'm hoping that promises of good Belgian beer and pizza will be enticing enough to do the trick. After we move, I am looking forward to picking out some new artwork and perhaps getting a new bedspread and rugs to make our current furniture mesh with the flooring and cabinets.

Anyone have any handy packing tricks?

Sorry

2009-08-01T22:18:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's been so quiet. There was some unexpected (at least on my part) family sadness that is weighing on me. Not really feeling inspired to blog. Apologies. Hope to be back to it soon.

To-Do List for Life: Language Edition

2009-07-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have a running list of things that pop in my head that I want to accomplish at some point in my life. Most recently I have been on a language kick. I speak English, obviously, quite a bit of Spanish because I studied it in high school and majored in it in college, and I understand bits and pieces of Korean because of my husband and having spent 6 months abroad in Seoul. Still, I wish I knew more languages so that I could travel and be confident in my ability to communicate. I hate to be the stereotypical American who goes abroad and expects everyone to speak English. I think it's so elegant when you can converse in a person's native tongue and really understand the nuances of the exchange - it's something to which I aspire.

In my lifetime I would love to become passably fluent in a language from each region of the world. For example, I have the romance languages of Europe covered with Spanish, though I would actually love to learn French. For the Scandinavian languages, I would probably choose Swedish even though I am part Danish, mostly so I could converse with Alexander Skarsgard in his native tongue if we ever met! (Sorry honey). I keep trying to get better at Korean, but it's tricky for me. I would also want to learn Arabic, Swahili and Russian. Obviously that wouldn't get me everywhere, but between all of them I could probably make some conversation in most places I want to go.

Any goals on your minds lately?

Photo Credit: Fanpop.com

CFDA Newbies

2009-07-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

The internet is abuzz with the announcement of the new inductees to the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Among the prestigious 31 invitees were: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Alexander Wang and Jason Wu. I would say that Wang and Wu were not surprising, but I am a bit taken aback by the inclusion of the Olsen sisters. However, unlike many other 'celebrity brands,' they seem to have been welcomed into the fashion world with open arms and really do appear to have a lot of hands-on involvement in the process instead of merely lending their names to an established brand.

What are your thoughts on the new members? Do they deserve to be included amongst the special few?

Photo Credits: Olsens Anonymous, Teen Vogue, Glamour.com

Not So Mellow Yellow

2009-07-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Love love love this yellow blouse. Normally I am a neutrals kind of girl, but something about this just grabbed at my heart. Mirco Giovannini, where can I buy your wares?!

Le sigh.

Photo Credit: Garance Dore

Wants: Kitchen Edition

2009-07-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

During my time off from school this summer, I have completed many baking projects. I like whipping up muffins or brownies or any other assortment of baked goods when the mood strikes. Most of the time the ingredients are easily mixed by hand, however, some of my favorite desserts require a little extra. Sadly, I do not have an electric mixer. Instead I grab my trusty whisk and set to frothing egg whites by hand. Unsurprisingly this causes me to become weary. With each project I find myself wishing more and more that I owned the classic KitchenAid mixer.

My older sister is an amazing cook and has every kitchen gadget known to mankind, including this iconic mixer. If it wasn't so heavy, I would have stolen it and brought it along when we moved to the east coast! I'm not looking to accumulate too many kitchen tools, but this makes sense. Some things are just too hard to whisk by hand (i.e. cheesecake) and some dishes just don't turn out quite like I want. My tiramisu never quite looks like this:

I simply cannot achieve that stiffness in the mascarpone mixture that is required. Infuriating!

Paying hundreds of dollars for a mixer just isn't in the cards right now, but I think I will hold off and won't buy a cheaper one. I'd rather wait it out and then get the one I really want, which may be a year from now when I am graduated and (hopefully) have a job. Until then I suppose I will just have to buy my tiramisu, which isn't really so bad after all.

She's back!

2009-07-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not ashamed to admit that I love Rachel Zoe. During the days when she was everywhere in the tabloids I was skeptical about her, but after season 1 of the The Rachel Zoe Project I am a believer! She's a lot funnier and more self-deprecating than you might expect. But as much of a character as she is, her assistants totally steal the show. Taylor annoys at times, but I adore Brad! The bickering between the two of them cracks me and up and I am excited for season 2.

Will you be tuning in when The Rachel Zoe Project returns to Brave on August 25?

Photo Credit: Bravo

Style Crush: Emma Watson

2009-07-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that there are 3 trajectories for the transition of child stars to adults: those who sink miserably, those who experience a rough patch, but who then recover (think Drew Barrymore and Jason Bateman), and those whose transition is seamless. Emma Watson, like Natalie Portman and Dakota Fanning, is of the last category. But not only is her life seeming to fall into place without disaster, her sartorial choices are following suit. Rarely does Ms. Watson miss a step when it comes to her wardrobe - she dresses impeccably for her age; her clothes are playful but not childish, mature but not matronly. See exhibits 1-9.

To be fair, 2 of the photos are from photoshoots, and she might have a stylist. Nonetheless she seems very at ease in her skin and I think that would show through in any outfit. Her parents certainly did something right to raise such a poised young woman. I think I need to raid her closet now.

Photo Credit: WireImage via Harper's Bazaar

Burton's Wonderland

2009-07-15T18:04:00.001-07:00

I love the story of Alice in Wonderland with all its twists and turns, so I am looking forward to the upcoming movie. If the photos being released are any indication, Time Burton's take on this classic story promises to be enchanting.

I have never seen Mia Wasikowska (aka 'Alice') act before. But, if the casting directors were impressed enough to think she can hold her own in a cast of so many other amazing actors (Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman, Michael Sheen, etc...) then I have no doubt she will shine.

Per IMDB, the release date is March 5, 2010, so we have a while to wait. That's fine, I'll just stare at the photos until then..

I die...

2009-07-15T07:37:00.001-07:00

Hilarious. I love celebrities with a sense of humor.

My Mother's Red Hat w/Alicia Silverstone & Alanis Morissette from Alicia Silverstone

Creatively Sluggish

2009-07-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

The past week's sickness seems to have sapped my creative energy along with my physical energy. To try and regain some strength I took up Bikram Yoga and have made it to 3 sessions. I am learning slowly and getting my ass kicked in the meantime. I love the way I am forced to focus on the poses for 90 minutes and forget everything else. I have never practiced yoga outside of my own living room, so looking awkward and sweaty in front of other people is not my forte.

To combat my embarrassment of being a beginner, after my first session I went on a mission with the goal of at least dressing the part of a practiced yogi. Along the way I picked up a new yoga mat, some shorts that will never see the outside of a yoga studio and am in the process of obtaining a few new tank-tops that are appropriate for 105 degree weather.

I really love my mat. It's by Nike and has great traction, even when I am absurdly sweaty. The shorts, however, are just a necessity. I tried the first class in a pair of running shorts and the loose material kept sticking and getting uncomfortable, so I swallowed my pride and bought a pair of insanely short lycra yoga shorts. The consolation is that no one pays attention to anyone else during class, so no one is ogling my pasty, white legs that modesty usually keeps safely tucked away.

I am getting progressively more accustomed to the near-naked state of most of my classmates and am trying to get comfortable revealing so much of my skin. Honestly, the less you wear the easier it is to do the poses and deal with the sweltering heat that defines Bikram yoga. I feel myself getting addicted to it and the detoxed feeling that I experience after each class is enough to keep me coming back.

Anyone else do yoga? Are there any particular brands of yoga wear that you prefer? I'm new, so I would love any suggestions.

Sick Day

2009-06-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ever since I returned from Portland, I have been battling sickness. It's a sore throat/head cold combo that has knocked me out. Methinks that it is either my body rejecting the Philly air or the nasty recycled air on the airplane blasted someone's germs right into my face. Ick.

On days like today, when my energy has been sapped and I feel quite low, it's almost a relief to lay low and be self-indulgent. I play catch-up on reading my favorite blogs and fashion websites.

Keeping me entertained today:

21 Days to Better Skin from Elle.com

Lovely collages at Boubou Teatime

Hilarious mini-models at Jezebel.com

Finding out my Myers-Briggs personality type here. I'm an INFJ, anyone else?

Hope all you out there are feeling much better than I am today.

Think Happy Thoughts

2009-06-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day for the world of entertainment. Two legends, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, have died. I always find it amazing how the passing of people who I knew only through the media can affect me. Though my personal life changes in no way, I feel an odd sense of loss. To counteract this sadness, I want to take a moment to create a list of the things that make me happy.

1. Cupcakes.

2. The smell of coffee in the morning (and the taste).

3. Coming home from work and having my pups greet me ecstatically.

4. Magazines.

5. Artwork and lyrics in cd cases.

6. Champagne brunches.

7. Snuggling with my husband during a thunderstorm.

8. Watching movie trailers online.

9. Giving myself a long overdue manicure.

10. Discovering new and inspiring blogs.

What makes you happy?

Photo Credit: National Geographic

Mmmmm...Cotillard

2009-06-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

I am loving this photoshoot of Marion Cotillard in BlackBook magazine. The looks are sleek and I like the somewhat monochromatic nature of the outfits. In particular, I am drooling over the Versace dress in the second photo. The makeup is also flawless and she somehow makes red lips look very natural. It might even be enough to send me, once again, on the hunt for the perfect red shade. Her hair only strengthens my commitment to growing out my hair so that I might also achieve that slightly tousled, but not overly 'done' look.

Photo Credit: BlackBook

Because they are lovely

2009-06-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

First of all, they both have great smiles and just look happy, which made me happy. Also, the woman's outfit has amazing proportions and is just so perfectly balanced and coordinated without being too matchy. The man plays it cool with a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, but keeps it interesting with the wide-neck of the shirt, the 'not your average baseball cap' hat and those substantial boots. They both look hip and it is apparent they put thought into their sartorial choices, but are obviously not fashion victims.

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

...And I'm Back

2009-06-23T18:44:00.001-07:00

I spent the past week in Portland, Oregon, my former home, visiting friends and family all the while trying not to die from the allergies.

For those of you not familiar with the city, I highly recommend visiting. The city is really beautiful, the air is immaculately clean and the people are friendly.

Highlights:

Stumptown Coffee. Best coffee on the planet - try the Hair Bender espresso blend. My husband and I toted 5 pounds of the beans back with us, but you can order some from their site.

The Rose Garden. Rows and rows of gorgeous blends of roses, so picturesque and peaceful.

Ping. New restaurant by the owner of another Portland favorite, Pok Pok. Great flavors and interesting combinations of textures.

Portland City Grill. Sit in the bar and enjoy their extensive happy hour menu, fantastic martinis and brilliant view of the city from the 30th floor.

This is the first time we were ever tourists in the city, and we stayed at a friend's condo, but I hear good things about Ace Hotel, The Nines and the Paramount.

Back to regular posting soon...I promise.

New Shoes

2009-06-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

New shoes with new blisters to match! These Aldo pumps have a great sturdy heel and I can practically run in them with no problems other than the expected friction that occurs when you shun pantyhose. I love the silver sections. They add something interesting to basic black without rendering them inappropriate for office wear, which is key.

Backstage: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2010

2009-06-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Elle has provided its online readers with a glimpse of the backstage and runway of Oscar de la Renta's Resort 2010 show. I always love seeing the inner workings of a fashion show. Even after all the looks and models have been selected, the hair and makeup is another monumental task, even when the themes are relatively subdued, as in this show.

My favorite look is the suit. I struggle to find a balance between professional and stylish and often feel confined by choosing a profession in which I will have to wear a suit. Oscar de la Renta's version is gorgeous, playing with the texture, color and undergarments to achieve a look that has classic lines, but feels modern.

Photo Credit: Kelly Stuart for Elle

Movie Moment: Away We Go

2009-05-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

There have been several previews that have captured my attention so much that after viewing them on television, I run to my computer and look them up on the internet to watch again. 'Away We Go' was just such a preview. The cast is full of people I love to watch. I am excited to see Maya Rudolph in a movie that is not a full-on comedy, though it seems that there will be funny moments. I can't wait until this comes out!

Sounds of Summer

2009-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Every time summer rolls around, I feel my music cravings shift from indie rock to full-on, no holds-barred, pop. This week has seen me dancing shamelessly around our loft to the likes of Kylie Minogue and my new guilty pleasure, Girls Aloud, the U.K. pop group. I save the tunes for when the husband is away because pop is not his cup of tea. But, my dogs seem to enjoy the tunes, so I am in good company. They indulge my inner pop star fantasy without so much as rolling their eyes!

Some favorites:

Sandal Season = Blister Season

2009-05-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

There are times when I wish I lived in California. During the transition from winter to summer shoe options is definitely one of them. My feet punish me for living in a place where winter requires keeping them cooped up in boots and closed toes and away from strappy sandals. Even my most comfortable and broken-in shoes are causing massive pain and blistering. I will spare you a visual, but suffice it to say, wearing any kind of shoes right now is incredibly uncomfortable.

I always seem to forget the pain that comes with this time of year. And every year I promise myself that the next time I will take preventative steps instead of remedial measures. This was another fail.

Were I a smarter girl, I would have reached for this before putting on my first pair of flip-flops. Hopefully all of you were smarter than me!

Photo Credit: Glamour

Biking with Style

2009-05-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

Though my husband is an avid cyclist, I only hop on my bike to head to brunch or some other similar (and fairly close-by) location. Still, I can guarantee that I never look as chic as this young woman. My husband once told me I looked like a tourist on my bike in my shorts, tank top and, yes, tennis shoes. In my defense, we had just arrived in Philadelphia and most of my clothes and shoes options were in boxes en route from Portland.

Ever since that comment, I am paranoid about my biking outfits, though I feel limited by my sense of decency. I would love to throw on a chic dress to pedal, but I don't like to expose myself to pedestrians and drivers. I think I might need to invest in my first pair of spandex shorts since my middle-school volleyball career ended.

Photo Credit: Sartorialist

The Devil?

2009-05-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Were Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a man, she would not be subjected to probably 90% of the criticism that she faces. She's cold, she's demanding, she's difficult. In other words, she's a bitch. Those same attributes would be dismissed in a man holding a powerful position because no one needs powerful men to be warm and cuddly. And yet, Ms. Wintour is somehow expected to wield one of, if not the most, influential positions in the titanic fashion industry and still coddle people and put up with people who waste her time all the while with a smile on her face. But, Ms. Wintour is not smiling.

Nor should she have to.

It is probably apparent that I am a fan. Not to say that American Vogue couldn't use some spicing up in its photoshoots, but overall I am quite in awe of this woman who has been at the helm for 20 years.

It thrills me to see powerful women. As I have one year left of law school, I often ponder the workplace that is waiting for me and it will likely be dominated by men. I hope to find some female role-models, though, and I won't be looking for a mother figure - I already have a fantastic mom and she is who I will run to if I need to cry. Instead, in a work setting I want to find someone who will show me how to get things done. If sometimes that means leaving your smile at the door, then fine. Hopefully at some point within my career being strong won't mean that a woman is labeled a bitch. But until then, I am fine with choosing the route of Ms. Wintour and focusing on getting the job done.

Anna Wintour is the subject of this Sunday's 60 minutes and I am excited for the behind the scenes look at her work and her philosophy. Below is a clip of Morley Safer talking about Anna Wintour and the upcoming segment.

Video Credit: CBS News

Decisions...

2009-05-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

My little sis is getting married in just over a month. The dress above is what I will be wearing as one of the bridesmaids. Overall, not so bad as far as bridesmaid dresses go. What I am still unsure about is what shoes I should wear. The wedding is going to be outdoors, so stiletto heels are out of the question unless I want to get stuck on a lawn. That means either a thick/substantial heel, or a wedge. That still leaves me pondering what color I should choose. The wedding colors are latte (as on the dress) and cream. I don't really want to buy shoes in either of those colors, but I don't want to be disrespectful and choose something too far out of the spectrum. I'm running low on inspiration, so any suggestions?

Ginnifer Goodwin in W

2009-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Looking to shed the giggly, good girl image, Ginnifer Goodwin is posing in this month's W in a decidedly different light. Raw, tough and provocative, the shoot is a great departure from Margene, her character on Big Love.

Besides being a good career move for Ms. Goodwin, the shoot is quite bad-ass. W Magazine always seems to take bigger risks than the standards, like Vogue, and this is no exception. The shoot flirts with sexual tension between Ginnifer and the male models, and between the male models themselves. But mostly, I love the smokey makeup and the wild hair; it makes me want to play 'makeover' in my bathroom like when I was a little kid. All I need are a few more bottles of hairspray and I just might be able to recreate the volume achieved by the stylists on the shoot, though obviously (and sadly) not the length.

Photo Credit: W Magazine

Feeling Childish or How I Miss my Mother

2009-05-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I feel fairly grown-up; I pay my bills on time, I haven't lived at home for almost 9 years, I'm married. Get me on the phone with my mama (or my dad, but it's Mother's Day...), however, and I feel like a little kid. We live about as far apart as you can and still be in the same country. When I hear her voice on the phone I get nostalgic and wish that my husband and I lived just down the street from her and my dad so that I could sit on the couch and put my head on her shoulder like when I was a little kid.

When I was perusing photos for this post, I realized how few great photos I have of me and my mom together. I chose, instead, a photo from one of my favorite childhood books. When I see my parents next, in June for my little sister's wedding, I fully intend to remedy the situation. My mama is incredibly camera-shy, which is part of the reason for the lack of photos, but I will force her pose even if means bribing her with the promise of a shoulder massage.

Almost everyone out there will say the same thing, but my mom is one of the most special people in the world. If you are lucky enough to live close enough, be sure to give your mama a big hug.

Wishing I was here...

2009-05-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

...on a beach in Seychelles

...wearing this Cosabella one-piece
...drinking this tasty caipirinha!

It's actually quite rare that I do put on swimwear of any kind for any reason, let alone because I am on a tropical vacation. But the next time I have the opportunity to lounge in the sun, which will likely be my classmate's roofdeck right here in the city, I will try to find a one-piece as lovely as the one above. I usually go for the two-piece option, but I find myself wanting to change it up a bit this summer.

What I won't be giving up is my favorite summer drink, the caipirinha. It is limey and refreshing and perfect for a hot day. I also adore a great sangria, red or white wine, but many places make it way too sweet. Only 4 more days until I am through with finals and can indulge without guilt!

Met Costume Institute Gala

2009-05-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

There are days, particularly days spent studying, when I wish my life was a tad more glamorous. Rubbing salt in the wound are the beautiful people who attended last night's Met Costume Institute Gala. A few of my favorites:

Mini-Movie Moment: Chanel No. 5

2009-05-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Audrey Tautou in the new Chanel No. 5 commercial:

Makes me want to jump on a train and have a cross-country adventure. Though mine might end up a little more like

Carrie and Samantha's trip of horrors rather than a glamorous and sexy adventure.

Temporarily Unavailable...

2009-05-02T16:59:00.001-07:00

...aka I am studying for my last set of final exams of my 2L year. My mind is occupied with Evidence and ECommerce, though I would prefer to be pondering much lighter things.

So, until the time that I may return, I suggest you:

- Check out what makes people happy over at rockstar diaries

- Peruse Gennie's sweet story about strawberry umbrellas, plus enticing photos of Korean food and cupcakes at Maison de Reveries or

- Join Penny in her excitement over Vancouver's awesome architecture

- Try to memorize the Federal Rules of Evidence, but only if you need something to put you to sleep immediately.

Here's to hoping you are having a much more exciting weekend than me!

Taste of Summer

2009-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

I am officially addicted. Try some....right now. You will not regret it.

Movie Moment: 500 Days of Summer

2009-04-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to like this...

Music Moment: Goldfrapp

2009-04-28T18:14:00.001-07:00

With the sudden onset of summer, I find myself gravitating towards lighter music. Today I have been particularly fixated on an old favorite, Goldfrapp. I love the music, and I find that it makes me want to jump around my place while dancing and playing dress-up. Not only is the music incredibly mesmerizing and pretty, but the videos are oh-so glamorous.

Below are a couple of my favorites, enjoy!

The embedding was disabled on another one of my favorites, Number 1, but you can check it out here.

Craving Change

2009-04-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Every 2 years or so, I get restless and I cut my hair. The 2 year timeframe is usually just enough for my hair to grow long enough for me to realize that I just don't like dealing with long hair. At that point, I chop it off and embrace how free I feel. 9 months ago I did just that, and I am already feeling the itch to do something different. The problem is, I continued to trim my hair and keep it short instead of just letting it grow. So, short of shaving my head, there is not much I can do to scratch the itch. Truth be told, I am craving extra-long hair a la Rachel Bilson:

Sadly, I am years away from that length and I don't know that I have the patience to stick it out or that I will still want the long hair by the time it grows that long. I am fickle. But for today, I really want a magic wand so that I can tap my head and sprout long, thick hair.

Classic Style: Rita Montalcini

2009-04-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are some women in this world who make me excited about getting older. Rita Montalcini is one such woman. At 100 years old she is still working as a celebrated neurologist whose discovery of the mechanisms that regulate the growth of cells and organs won her a Nobel Prize in 1986. Her notable quotable: "At 100, I have a mind that is superior - thanks to experience - than when I was 20."

Every passing year I think I grow more and more sure of who I am and what works for me, not only on a personal style level, but also my values and work habits. Hearing that this evolution continues well beyond your 20s is comforting. I have never subscribed to the theory that high school or college are supposed to be the best years of your life - how sad that would be if true. Ms. Montalicini is evidence that your experiences continue to enrich your mind and life and that aging doesn't have to be a traumatic process if you approach it with grace and look forward to learning every day.

She truly is inspirational for her accomplishments, but her personal style is not lacking in the least either. I love her high-necked blouse, elegantly coiffed hair and the gold-cuff bracelet. She is incredibly well put together, but the confidence and self-possession are the finishing touches.

Photo Credit: Yahoo! News

Model Envy: Liya Kebede

2009-04-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Standing out from the crowd of ubiquitous 14 year old eastern Europeans, this Ethiopian beauty has risen to the top of the modeling world. Not only does she have killer cheekbones, but also compassion and works through her foundation, and as a Goodwill Ambassador with the World Health Organization, to raise awareness about the dangers surrounding childbirth, both for infants and mothers, in the developing world.

She is one of only a handful of black women to be featured on American Vogue, having graced its cover twice, and the first black woman to be the face of Estee Lauder. She can tackle a runway and print editorials with equal ease and a constant aura of self-possession. In a world where more people are becoming famous for losing their underwear, staggering out of nightclubs and conducting screaming matches with a lover in front of the paparazzi, Liya shines as a model and humanitarian for her classiness and determination to use her good fortune to improve the lives of others.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Style Crush: Audrey Tautou

2009-04-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

I adore everything about Ms. Tautou in this photo. She keeps a floral and feminine dress from being too sweet by pairing it with a sleek leather jacket and substantial heels. She seems to have an innate sense of proportions and balance whenever I see photos of her and this is no exception.

I cannot wait for the Coco Chanel biopic in which she stars to premiere in the states. The preview looks fantastic, even without understanding French! I was horrified by the Shirley MacLaine made-for -tv version and this appears set to blow it out of the water. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a date for when we might expect it stateside, though when it does get released here I sincerely hope that it is subtitled and not dubbed. As much as I love the kitsch factor in old kung-fu movies where the words do not match the moving mouth, bad dubbing irks me in any other genre. Though, honestly, I probably do not need to know exactly what is being said as long as I am staring at the outfits on the screen!

Nothing so nice...

2009-04-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

...As the first sip of coffee in the morning. Especially when it's a delayed gratification that has to wait until after your first law school class of the day. Americano with half and half, I missed you.

In the Shade

2009-03-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

As spring slowly rolled in, the increasing blue skies and bright sun signaled the need for a new pair of sunglasses. One trip to Macy's later, I am the proud owner of pale purple Calvin Klein aviators.

I have another pair of basic black rectangular Marc Jacobs shades I bought last summer. Sadly, I am constantly pushing them back up my nose as they slide down every time I move my head or look down. This pair is quite the opposite: lightweight, colorful, stays in place and has great coverage from all angles. Another consideration was the fact that the lenses do not squash my eyelashes as many others do, which is a definite deal-breaker.

Overall I am hugely happy with my new purchase, particularly because they match my nail color of the moment, though I will continue to adore them long after my polish has chipped away.

Style Crush: Caroline Sieber

2009-03-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

Caroline Sieber keeps popping up on my radar these days. However, until yesterday I never knew her name. As it turns out, she is an Austrian born stylist who lives in London. She runs with the European socialite crowd and was 'discovered' at Jemma Kidd's wedding by Anna Wintour who gave her a post as a contributing stylist for Vogue.

She knows how to rock a dress and chooses pieces that, even when they have classic lines, have detailing and embellishments that prevent them from being too safe. For example, if you click on the last dress you can see in the larger photo that it is actually covered in feathers. Though photos of her in casual wear are few, she seems to favor slightly androgynous, but edgy, silhouettes, which appeal to me as I am definitely not girly. All in all she has an enviable style and a confident air about her that allows her to pull it off exceedingly well.

Photo Credit: Style.com, Solarpix/PR Photos

Reconsidering: Boyfriend Jeans

2009-03-10T17:49:00.001-07:00

This photo may have converted me to, or at least has me reconsidering, the boyfriend jean. I love the heels, the well-tailored blazer, the way the jeans are slightly fitted at the thigh but straight towards the calf, and the pop of color provided by the bag. She does proportions very well, which keeps the pants from looking sloppy.

When this trend first emerged on the scene I was utterly opposed. Something about the peg-leg example found on Katie Holmes instantly turned me off. I think she wears the pants too loose, which results in a balloon-like form, and that the roll of the pants hits at an awkward point that is too low and unflattering. Additionally, pairing the jeans with flats, even though she has long legs, makes them look bizarrely stumpy.

I am still debating whether or not this is a look I can attempt. I top out at almost 5' 4" (if I stand very tall) and if Rachel Bilson can't rock this look without looking schlumpy, then I probably can't either. But, I see now that the boyfriend jean can be done well, which restores my faith in humanity a little bit :)

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

Style Crush: Michelle Williams

2009-03-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Michelle Williams knows just how to do casual cool. From the plaid shift dress to the coordinating but not matchy-matchy boots, this outfit just screams low-key weekend wear. I was in NYC, for the very first time (!), this weekend and bummed that I did not catch a glimpse of any of my favorite celebrity style stars, but hope to return again soon and perhaps I will be lucky enough to catch one and have my own photos to post.

Credit: Jezebel

Verdict

2009-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

I love my new Frederic Fekkai hair mask. I have used it twice this week, per the recommendation on the packaging, and have loved the result. I have noticeably less flyaways, my hair feels softer without being weighed down, and the ends of my hair are smoother - and this is with blow-drying my hair every day and often using a straightener. I definitely recommend it to anyone suffering from brittle hair, especially if caused by chemical coloring or heat damage from styling.

Grim Times

2009-02-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that I am still in school and will not have to look for a 'real' job until next year. I am job searching for a summer position, but times are tough. Big firms that hired numerous summer associates either cut the number of positions, or cut their programs altogether. Now, top-tier students are competing for lower paying summer jobs at mid to small firms, which were typically the domain of the non top 10% students. Needless to say, people are stressed.

The fashion industry is probably even more competitive; it's hard to get the experience needed to even begin to qualify for a job, and many people want to somehow get their foot in the door to the glamour that the industry represents. So, at this year's WWD Career Expo, 2000 people were competing for only 20 jobs. But that doesn't even mean that the employers represented at the Expo will be hiring from that pool of people. Many of those jobs will probably be offered to a friend of a friend, or someone who has some other kind of connection to the people doing the hiring.

This leads me to the point that networking, whether you work in the legal field or fashion, is so important. The few people I know who have secured jobs for summer got an interview because they knew someone in the firm, or had a former boss who knew of a person who needed a clerk. Being new to Philadelphia definitely puts me at a disadvantage in this respect. I'm not discouraged just yet, but I am feeling that I need to continue to meet people, so that when they hear of something coming available, they just might think of me.

[NYP]

Goodies

2009-02-23T19:26:00.001-08:00

Today while on my hunt for some of the items on my wardrobe wishlist from yesterday, I got derailed. MAC called my name and I could not resist! To be fair, I did need the Prime Eye eye base. I have been piling on moisturizer to combat the dry air and wind that attack my face, leaving it parched. This effort has resulted in my eye makeup creasing and slipping, which I hate. I blink and my eyeliner leaves a line halfway up my eyelid! I have yet to put this to the test, I'll try it tomorrow and report back.

Less necessary was the SPF 15 lip conditioner in 'Pink Fish' from the Hello Kitty/MAC collaboration. It was too pretty to pass up. I am feeling ready for spring, and it was a fresh color that will brighten up an otherwise light makeup day.

I also hit up Sephora in search of a deep conditioner. I had never colored my hair, with the exception of those drugstore colors that wash out in 12 shampoos that I tried in high school, until 3 months ago when I decided to get highlights and have since gone for a couple touch-ups. My previously fine, soft hair has taken a beating and has become more brittle and dry than I have ever experienced. One advantage is that it gives it more volume than I would normally have, but I still don't like running my fingers through damaged hair. While I am debating whether or not to get them touched up once more, or whether to go with lowlights and try to grow it out, I still want to keep my hair looking shiny. I decided on this Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Hair Mask and I think I am pleased. I left it in for 25 minutes and my hair is feeling soft, but not too fine or weighed down. I will know for sure when I blow-dry my hair tomorrow and actually style it, but as it air dries at the moment I am liking what I see. Also a plus, it smells great!

Oscar Worthy

2009-02-22T18:50:00.001-08:00

I just saw Natalie Portman present several awards, alongside Ben Stiller, at the Oscars and had my breath taken away by her choice of dress. In a sea of black and white, she had the audacity to stand out in this striking pink number.

Honestly, the photo does this dress no justice. Under the lighting of the Oscar stage, the bodice was incredibly striking and the shade of pink was much deeper. I will have to look for a better, closer, photo to hit the internet. Still, she looked fantastic in the color and it suited her frame so well. Definitely my favorite look of the night.

Hello Emily

2009-02-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

I have been dreaming of a new pair of shoes for a while now, but have held back because I was not sure exactly what I wanted. I need professional shoes because I hope to have a job for summer and therefore have to re-build the workwear portion of my closet. However, I also want shoes that are just fun and can be paired with tights and worn now, but also transition into summer. I think that I have found a pair that will satisfy the 'fun' category from Frye. Meet Emily:

I love the color; I tend to go for basic black or brown, so I need something that 'pops.' It also comes in a lilac, but I prefer the navy. I also adore the thick heel, and at 4.5" it will put me at a lovely 5' 8" tall, which is a plus.

In Need: Workplace Edition

2009-02-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

When I moved from west to east coast, I did a major cleaning of my wardrobe. I keep it pretty sparse anyway, I like to only have items that I actually want to wear and throw out things that I haven't been worn in a year, but my closet is far too lean for even my taste. Things I discarded include many basics that simply had seen better days and were not worth hauling cross country as I was leaving my job and becoming a full-time student anyway.

At this point I don't even have a good pair of office appropriate black pants. I also lost several pairs of shoes leading up to our move, but those were due to our pomeranian being a puppy and going through a 'chewing phase' that also claimed a pair of yoga pants, one of my favorite navy/cream striped tees and a purse handle. Now I am looking for a summer legal job and to that end, I need to begin rebuilding. It will be slow going though, because I am supremely picky; even the reality that I have few things to wear isn't enough to spur me into spending money if I am not in love with an item.

On my list of needs:

- Black pumps: The heel must be substantial, both in height and in width, and it cannot be patent leather - I hate the way it scuffs.

- Wool black pants: I actually need 2 pairs, one slim-cut and another more swingy, but not too wide-legged as I am not tall enough to carry it off well.

- White button-up shirt: The material cannot be too flimsy and I like a bit of embellishment, but not too froufrou.

- Silk camisoles: I needs something to put beneath a suit coat, but I feel too constricted with a long-sleeve collared shirt. Needless to say, they cannot be too low-cut or look like they are supposed to be lingerie.

- Dresses: I used to hate dresses, opting instead for pants. However, I have come to love the simplicity of a dress, it's an entire outfit and there is no mixing/matching dilemmas to confront. I have a few cocktail dresses, but I need more everyday dresses that can be paired with a cardigan if necessary or worn alone. I also want to be able to dress them up and down so that they can take me from day to night if the need arises.

If I had one of each of the above, I would be in a much better place than I am now, both for interviews and for everyday work wear.

J'adore

2009-02-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

I am currently in love with the idea of moving to Paris upon graduation. I have this daydream that I become an attorney either directly for, or with a firm that represents, any number of brilliant French designers, whether the 'big' names or young start-ups. I could work with people whose work I admire and have a reason to wear fancy clothes (to show my respect for their style, bien sur) instead of boring, conservative suits.

Things to know about this fantasy:
1. I do not speak French (well, unless you count the words 'croissant' and 'pain au chocolat').
2. I have no connections to any legal people in France...actually I have no connections to anyone in France. Period.
3. My day dreams do not involve me having to do any work; I merely prance around the streets of Paris in pretty dresses, eating croissants and attending fashion shows.

I obviously have an active imagination. But, I do love having a goal, no matter how inconceivable it seems in the moment I dream it up. My lovely husband is even on board with this plan. I believe that part of our tax refund will be spend on Rosetta Stone so we can at least cross off number 1 above. 2 and 3 still need to be worked out, so if anyone has a brilliant idea that will help me never to have to actually work, or will put me in touch with legal/fashion bigwigs in Paris, I would adore you forever. Merci!

Matt & Nat

2009-01-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of love for animals and for brands that manage to make products without hurting animals; I also own leather shoes and handbags and find that many cruelty-free brands make items that are horrifically ugly. It seems paradoxical, I know, so when I find a company that manages to make gorgeous pieces, thus allowing me to feel both aesthetically satisfied and ethically virtuous I am a happy girl: enter Matt & Nat. Their innovative materials and both classic and edgy designs will satisfy many different palettes and cater to people who are looking to save the wolves, as well as those simply looking to find the perfect bag for their outfit. My personal collection of items includes this lovely (source: Matt & Nat):

It goes with so many different types of outfits, holds a million items and gets lots of compliments. On my light class days, I will throw my laptop right in the bag along with one casebook and avoid having to lug my backpack to school.

My only concern? This vegan leather 'Japanese Paper' bag is not the most durable of materials when facing the elements. I was unexpectedly caught in a downpour and my mini umbrella did little to protect my bag from the forceful showers of Mother Nature. After that, I noticed some wearing on the side exposed to the rain. As it is not a practice of mine to make my handbags endure inclement weather, this will hopefully be the only extreme exposure that it suffers. Overall, this bag in particular and the brand in general are definitely worth perusing.

Neither Hair Nor There

2008-12-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

My last haircut was a mildly traumatizing experience, and I am still dealing with the frustrating results several weeks later. Previously, my hair was styled in an angled bob, longer in front and slightly stacked in back. All I wanted was a trim that followed the lines of the last haircut. I should have re-scheduled the appointment when the salon called to say that my stylist would be out of town for a family emergency and that a different stylist would be assisting me, but my hair was annoying me, so I went against my instinct and okayed the change.

I knew it would not end well when I asked for 1/2 an inch to be taken off and then, after my chair had been whirled away from the mirror, I felt my hair suddenly brushing against my cheek, well above my chin and at least 3 inches shorter than before. I took deep breaths and managed to not burst into tears when finally I was spun around to face the mirror. Though I was entirely unhappy with the non-angled, non-stacked, too-short cut, I said nothing. At that point it could not be fixed and I wished to preserve whatever length I had remaining. I should have mentioned how much I hated the cut and demanded that I not be charged, but I did not. I was in shock and instead I paid and even tipped.

My hair is finally starting to grow out and put on some of the length that was taken from me the last go-round and I am contemplating how best to proceed. If I take it short to give it an actual style, I might opt for the look that Nicole Richie was sporting in the January 2007 issue of Allure magazine.

That would keep my hair approximately the same length it is now, but give it style and some layers that I could work with. Alternately, I could continue to grow it and just get trims to keep it even until it reaches a length like Nicole's haircut below (from People.com):

I am leaning towards the shorter haircut. After playing with my hair and trying to make the best of the situation, I also noticed the the right side is shorter than the left, except the very front part, which seems to be longer than the left. These inconsistencies are driving me crazy and I really want my regular stylist to work her magic and give me back a head of hair that I can work with so I can feel confident when I leave my place.

Resolve

2008-12-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

I used to be a terrific pack-rat. Bits and pieces of things would collect on my shelves and I could not bring myself to part with even a random button or rock that had particular sentimental value. That tendency has faded as I have grown and I now prefer a much more sparsely decorated living space than my previous cluttered existence. However, I still manage to collect stacks and stacks of magazines, a habit that drives my husband crazy. I excuse this particular behavior because I honestly do re-read many of the articles and will go back to browse photographs.

I resolve in the new year to de-clutter that area of my life as well. My plan involves a 3-hole punch, a 3-ring binder and a full day of free time in which to rip out pages that I want to keep for future reference. Non-noteworthy pages shall be tossed to the recycling bin, thus making my place look miraculously more clean.

Also helping the purge is the fact that several subscriptions recently expired, so I will have less piling up each month. Allure, Vogue and Glamour - a magazine to which I had not previously subscribed but will apparently be receiving as a gift from my younger sisters - are all that will haunt my mailbox on a monthly basis. These 3 magazines cover the beauty and fashion/style basics, so I should not feel too deprived. If another magazine happens to have a favorite actress or interesting article I will certainly grab it, but those purchases will be evaluated monthly and will have to be fairly compelling.

I have many other resolutions, not all of them relating to fashion or beauty. One relevant resolution is to keep my closet tightly edited to pieces that I really truly love and wear. I recently moved, which gave me the opportunity to expunge all outdated and unwearable pieces from my wardrobe. Looking at my closet is much more manageable now, but there are items that could disappear without causing me to grieve. In the upcoming year I really want to be particular about what ends up in my closet and be less impulsive when I shop.

I could go on, but that is enough resolutions for the time being. Ciao.

Champagne and Magazines

2008-12-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

My perfect way to relax during an evening typically involves good reading material and a glass of wine, though recently I have rediscovered the joy of cheap champagne. Lucky for me, both of the magazines for which I have a subscription, Allure and Vogue, arrived in my mailbox at the same time. Furthermore, I just happened to pick up a couple of bottles of cheap bubbly on my way home, setting myself up for a cozy night at home.

Perusing Vogue, I noticed the article "Seeing Red," which documents the transition of model Coco Rocha from her natural brunette head of hair to a fiery red.

I am not entirely sold on the hair color for her. The shade itself looks beautiful and more natural than most red dye jobs I have seen. However, her skin tone does not seem to mesh with the hair. The makeup in that photo might not do her hair justice...If she had more colorful lips and cheeks it might not wash her out nearly as much. I think these ladies do a bit better with balancing fair skin and red hair with the appropriate makeup:

Okay, so Nic0le's hair is not exactly red in that photo. But these fair-faced ladies use makeup to their advantage and warm up their complexions enough so that the red hair doesn't overwhelm their pretty alabaster skin.

Thoughts? How does Coco compare to these ladies? Can she pull-off the red hair?

Bienvenue

2008-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

Fashion choices are made each day the across globe by people heading to work, to a social event or simply out the door to fetch groceries. What they put on is informed by culture, weather, what's appropriate for the setting and personal style. I love searching for inspiration in images of people in other cities or countries and figuring out which pieces of an outfit will translate best to my life.

As for me, my style depends on my mood and whether I am being a pre-lawyer (aka a second-year law student) or existing in the world outside of school. I am still figuring out how I can make those worlds collide once I graduate, both on a stylistic and professional level, as they are my two passions and I hope that they will not forever be mutually exclusive.

On a final note, a technology whiz I am not, therefore, I hope to eventually get better at incorporating images and other effects.