Thursday, January 24, 2013

Transcendentalist Gray








In Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature, he states that nature can fit your every mood. Earlier this week I asked a friend how their day had been and he sighed, stopped to think, and replied with one word: melancholy. That really caught me off guard, because in that moment, I too, realized that melancholy just about summed it up right then and there. Friendships have been tested, and for the most part, everything is back to the way it was before. Seems like the natural world could tell something was brewing and turned gray before it all started. The heat and sunshine were nice while it lasted, just a taste of better things to come I suppose. The rain and clouds are here for a little longer, so I thought I might as well dress the part. I am really loving layering lots of cool neutrals, it is a more sophisticated departure from my adored autumn essentials, ivory and beige. These colors also give me a more solemn  and powerful attitude which I am going to use to take charge with in the new semester. The time has come to push my sleeves up and get down to work, and I am ready for it. In fact, I relish it. True success is the satisfaction you get with the work you have done. I am switching gears and investing in myself because I am one thing I can always count on.


American Apparel Jacket ~ Zara Shirt ~ 7 for all Mankind Jeans ~ Forever 21 Headband ~ Urban Outfitters Zodiac Necklace ~ American Eagle Ring ~ Report Boots


Photos taken by Nicole Duong

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

School, You Are The Reason I Will Have Carpal Tunnel





  Today I feel exactly like my naughty baby boo up there (he is most definitely not supposed to be on the counter): exhausted, too tired and lazy to take on the day, sadly looking out the window at this beautiful 75 degree JANUARY day. Did I forget to mention? It's Finals week. The cons of a block schedule is that you have two finals, one halfway through the year and then again at the end, but this year should be fun having to juggle two AP tests, the SAT, getting my license, and well just being a girl! Outfit posts should be up later in the week I promise, once all this hullabaloo has died down. I bought some great new pieces, and I have been saving some special ones to break out in amazing new outfits. Oh I can't even wait! I tried them all on today, in order to procrastinate of course! Hopefully this nice weather holds up because they all involve a bit of leg. Check back soon for new outfit tips from yours truly. Time to get back to vectors and studying for my math final, writing out my history terms, and researching for my in-class essay. P.S. I juggle on the side (sarcasm).

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Voir la ville









I know these are about two weeks overdue but better late than never right? I have been to Vegas so many times, but this time we explored the city a little more. The routine used to be stay at my cousins' house all day and play, then as we all got older we would spend most days at the mall and the buffets. This time however we went to some great tourist and local spots like the Cosmopolitan (definitely coming back, it is so pretty!), a local pho restaurant and boba shop, the Bellagio to see the decorations like we do every Christmas, and of course Planet Hollywood's Wicked Spoon Buffet and the Miracle Mile Shops (the Fashion Show Mall has no Urban Outfitters). Some places on my list to hit up next time are the Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian, Town Square Shopping Center, and Steak n Shake at South Point. I have been wanting to try Bouchon and Steak n Shake for ages, but I'll check 'em off my list soon. Anyway I have got to finish my math homework before swim practice, so I hope everyone has a great rest of their week! 


Sweater: Asos ~ Pants: Nordstrom, forgot the exact brand ~ Flats: Urban Outfitters ~ Bag: Juicy Couture

Monday, January 7, 2013

Sunny Side Up








I did not want to wake up this morning. But the Earth decided to keep on revolving, and my alarm went off at 6:40 a.m., leaving me with fifty minutes to get ready for school (I like to cut it close). Oh winter break how you will be missed with your 1 p.m. wake up calls and leisurely trips to the mall. So in the dark of morning I decide to don this ray of sunshine to help brighten my outlook on the day. Mind over matter right? The fact that I had a breakfast of a warm croissant and almond milk before going to school might have helped too, because when i don't eat in the morning I turn into a cranky/sleepy pessimist. The result not only made me a happier person, but I managed to make people smile about the brightness of my sweater. I was deemed "the sun in a sea of gray." What a great citizen I am, lifting peoples' spirits through my outfit choices. So a tip to those who aren't in the best of moods: put something extra special on that will bring a smile to your face, and it might do the same for others. Let's call it The Sunshine Effect. See whose day you can brighten even if you aren't wearing a citrusy sweater.


Sweater: Forever 21 ~ Jeans: Target ~ Boots: Vince Camuto ~ Bracelet: Urban Outfitters ~ Ring: Francesca's ~ Nail Polish: Rage by Orly

Thank you to my sister for taking my photos!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Pismo Pier














Sorry for the lack of posts in the last half of December! I got so busy with tests, Christmas shopping, and driving lessons. Whenever I am very stressed two things are bound to happen: breakouts and illness. History always repeats itself, and by Christmas Eve I was very sick. It seems like everyone came down with something this winter though so I don't blame my immune system, it did the best it could. So that put off our Christmas plans (I got half my family sick) to Vegas to visit family for a couple days, but we made the journey eventually. Finally we are back and everything isn't feeling hectic which I am very thankful for. Anyway, on New Year's Day, my family took a little trip up to Pismo Beach for a nice family outing. We have always passed Pismo in favor of Monterey and San Francisco, and it is about time we got to see it. The beach was so beautiful with wavy patterns on the sand where the tide washed up, and it was dotted with tiny white Pismo clam shells. It is illegal to take any from the beach unless you have a fishing license,so we settled for pictures. There were so many perfect pairs of shells and big sand dollars to marvel at, much appreciation to that law preventing them to be taken away from the beach. Later we went to an Italian restaurant just about 0.2 miles from the pier where we gorged on clam chowder, fresh bread, and lots of pasta. A great way to start off the new year with family, good food, and nature.