couple favorite things

 UO mineral amethyst necklace,  UO raven skull necklace, UO tribal rings, Topshop Antique boots

Here's a few items that I find myself resorting to before anything else. I simply can't get enough of Urban Outfitters "flair". Whenever I drop by a store (which has developed into a weekly basis), my first stop is its jewelry section. Crazy affordable things that I wear constantly. I also couldn't overlook posting these Topshop boots. They're by far the MOST comfortable everyday shoes in my closet. And the next best thing: they go with literally every outfit I throw on. I consider these to be one of the smartest purchases I've made in footwear, since most of my closet is composed of platform five-inchers, which at times make it impossible to hussle for a cab or the subway. They're also a bit like the Isabel Marant boots, which have been on my wish list forever, so that's a definite bonus.

harnessed

left to right: Dolcetta by Dolce Vita boots, "Balenciaga-esque" eBay score, Forever 21

Recently purchased three pairs of chunky boots after being weirdly fixated on anything involving black leather, harnesses and heavy metal hardware. After scanning through my previous rack of shoes, I noticed that virtually every pair I owned were silent killers to my feet after a good two hours. But after giving each pair a full day test run, I realized that they are all shockingly comfortable. 

Cool everyday boots + each under 100 bucks = guilt-free shoe scores

peace is its own reward

ph. by Lucas

(UO military jacket, BCBG distressed leather jacket, American Apparel interlock asymmetrical dress, Primark studded purse, Zara clogs, H&M rings)

Just touched back in NYC after a glorious little road trip to Harvard University (my smarty pants bf had to take his final exam there). I must say...after a full day touring pretty much the best and brightest campus in theee universe, and scouring the lovely, quaint boutiques (esp their very spacious goody-filled LF store) and restaurants (like yummy Oleana!) through Cambridge, MA, I was so bummed out to jump back on the 4-hour Bolt bus ride and wave good bye.

Although I'll always have a soft spot for NYC, sometimes it's nice to immerse yourself in slower-rhythmed, serene environments. I mean even the mere sight of a little bird perched on a chair next to me as we sipped our lattes put me in a good mood. Seriously loved every second. I'm now thinking about pursuing my Masters degree in journalism at Harvard. Pssshhh...in my friggin dreams!

sweetheart denim

Urban Outfitters' collabs just seem to be getting better and better. I've been on a little hunt lately for some cool, slip-on-and-go dresses, and one of my current faves is this strapless jean dress byCORPUS. I love this piece for its sweetheart neckline and high-waisted cut. But also because, for some apparent reason, I feel like I'm channeling the '80s (like Rick Springfield mixed in with a bit of Madonna and George Michael) when I wear it. Haha! Yeeeah. I'm a weirdo.

next on the summer list:  

(floral pansy-ish tea dresses and bustiers, beige platform wedges, and a pair of "Rachel Comey-like" super chunky clogs)

cut it out

Ever since Wasson debuted her RVCA collection for Spring '09, which I must say (again) was completely rad and very much what I would wear on a casual every day basis, her clothes weren't the only pieces that left me insanely gaga and fixated. They were also most certainly the boooots! At the moment, my fashion loves all seem to shift towards "the cutouts, the bleached-outs, the worn-outs, the meshes, the zippers, the frayed," and basically anything that exudes age, character, with some added edge and a definite broken-in vibe. And Wasson's models are rocking one of the coolest cutout footwear I've ever seen, which is right on point with the effortless, chill style of her designs. 

Adding to what seems to be an unending Springtime wardrobe wishlist, I'm really feelin' these cutout boots (very similar to the RVCA gals) by UO's Colonial Madness. This line is from an exclusive collabo with UO and designer Tiffany Tuttle (from the hip LD Tuttle), so it comes as no surprise on just how retail-enticing her shoes are! I only wish that the boot zippers were on the sides rather than the back because I'm really liking how the models are sporting their version. Hmm...to buy or not to buy? 

slow and steady wins the race

      

Sooo, just thought to share with you guys that I was feeling a bit "retail impulsive" the other day, and dropped in to my trusty Urban Outfitters on 14th St. to check out what goodies they had in store. Happily, I came across Mary Ping's collabo line with UO called Cool, Casual, by Slow and Steady Wins the Race, and completely fell for this mesh sweatshirt/tunic piece with cutout shoulders. 

I checked this out on the website beforehand and wasn't that impressed, considering I could just buy a cheap Hanes oversized sweatshirt or go to American Apparel and do some DIY to copy this design. However, when I saw it up close and personal, it was definitely better than I thought. The black mesh layer over cotton feels soft and a bit luxurious, and at the moment, I love anything with black mesh...quite sexay! It's also extremely cozy. I could curl myself into a ball in this oversized thing and have a good nap..haha. All in all, a very satisfying purchase. Now I must resist all forms of retail temptation and SAVE what little moolah I have (back to closet shopping for moi).

wearing the UO tunic with Zara gladiator platforms, H&M den tights, and a mix of silver rings, bracelets, necklaces (some vintage, some Forever 21)