New Purchases

For some reason, I've had this insane itch to shop lately. Granted, I could probably spend money like there's no tomorrow, it's actually quite a feat to get me to use my hard-earned cash to commit to a big purchase. So instead, I've been making several smaller purchases.
Firstly, I bought these gladiator-inspired sandals. After seeing everyone and their [figurative] mom donning them on my favorite fashion blogs -- everyone's favorite Rumi, Camille, Emily, Bear -- I decided it's time for me to join the masses and indulge in this trend. I can't wait to get them! And from overstock.com too! Who knew they had shoes? I surely did not.
Then there were these babies. I actually bought a pair at my local F21 about a week ago, but because the products there are (understandably) cheap in price and in quality, they broke the first time I wore them. I returned them and received store credit, which I promptly proceeded to spend at the online store to get the flat twisted sandals pictured over to the left here. I hope they fit well. But mostly, I hope they don't break on me! Come on, flats, I'm giving you a fighting chance here!
Lastly, but certainly not least, I bought one of these amazing pheasant feather hair clips, as per inspiration by Christina from Dreamecho. I posted her version of the clip earlier and I'm just so excited to be receiving mine in the mail soon.
So,I guess the government's tax incentive program has worked for me. There, struggling economy, I hope that stimulates you... now if only gas prices can go down...

"I work for tips"

Drunkenly, I stumble into the ladies' room. To no one's surprise, there is a line 10 girls long. I join the crowd and wait impatiently, shifting my weight from one leg to the other, hoping to get to break the seal ASAP. I finally get in and out of a stall with a huge sigh of relief.
But, as always, there's always some roadblock which makes the situation more difficult and less desirable -- I now have to deal with the bathroom attendant who "works for tips." In cash. Now, that's problem number one right there. When I go out, I carry a tiny little clutch (in some cases, I don't even have that!), so I rarely carry cash.
Problem number two consists of the fact that I can pump soap into my own hand without any assistance. I can also wipe my hands with paper towels I take from the dispenser without any assistance. The fact that there is a tuxedo-clad middle-aged woman at a hip LA club, handing me paper towels and offering me hairspray, perfume and cigarettes annoys the living ish out of me! I feel like they serve no purpose at all, therefore, their service does not warrant tips.
Sure, there are the handful of completely inebriated girls who need all the assistance they can get, but for them, I think the time they spend in the stall itself is more likely to require help. Besides, there aren't that many of those girls to begin with and if there are, they usually have their sober-ish friends to help them out.
So, that is my rant on bathroom attendants. Opinions? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to add to this discussion. It might prove quite relevant as there is a three-day weekend approaching.

Not So Entertaining, Not So Quirky

For once, I've been really tagged.
Thanks to Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere, whose blog I visit daily, I get to list my "six most unspectacular quirks."

1. I hum/sing/make noises along with guitar solos in my favorite rock songs.
2. I have a thing with my ears -- if you get too close, to where I can sense you but not see you, I freak.
3. I hate '80s new wave music. But I love hair metal.
4. Which reminds me: I'm a grammar freak. Difference between "it's" and "its," '80s not 80's (it's not a possessive!), inappropriate usage of quotation marks and apostrophes.
5. I think myspace is annoying. Bulletins especially. And when people TYPE LIKE THIS. CAPS LOCK MEANS YOU'RE SHOUTING. Duh.
6. I love sushi to no end. I think I could eat it for every meal, every day. That, and I have a slight obsession with the Asian culture -- everything from their food to their boys ;)

That's it! The only 2 people I can think to tag are my dear, dear friend The Blonde and my on-the-job partner in crime Chris, though I don't know how often either one of them updates their blog anymore. Also, if you want to do it, feel free!

The Hair Diaries

Recent comments that I resemble the lovely Nicole Richie have spawned an obsession with her look. Most notably, her hair.
You see, I've been thinking about cutting mine recently as it is quite the hot mess. I have naturally blonde, fine hair, and growing it out too long just doesn't seem to fit its nature too well. It looks good for a while, but then the combing and the blow-drying take a toll on it. And I have to blow dry it since it's fine and it doesn't like to hold shape/volume on its own too much. Coming across Nicole's pictures online is always an inspiration, but it's even more so now that I can use her image as my goal! Take a look at these and tell me what you think.






Ok, the fact that she's hot definitely helps. But onto the actual topic. I don't think I want to cut it too short because that requires too much styling. I also have stick straight hair, so obvi, the hair in the first photo would be achieved with my trusty curling iron. And I was thinking of making my bangs a little heavier.
Comments are greatly appreciated!

It's the weekend yet again and I have finally caught up on some sleep. I will still take several naps tonight and all through the rest of the weekend, but at least I'm no longer running on adrenaline fumes. With that, I am happy to update today!
First of all, Palm Springs was so much fun! Of course, what happens in the desert, stays in the desert, so let's leave it at that. Instead, I have compiled several shots of what my second night outfit looked like... I don't have any full body shots, but I did do my best to represent each piece.

Top & shorts: Forever21 (what else is new?); Shoes: Victoria's Secret; Sunburn: Courtesy of the overpowering desert sun.

---

On another note, I finally bought the gray skinny jeans I'd been searching for. Urban does a great job of supplying me with trendy yet cheap clothing options.
I ended up getting these cigarette babies that are quite fun to put on and take off. Imagine, 11" foot opening. Fun!

I've also been making a list of other things to buy. I'll compile images and post them as a separate entry as I'm at work right now and should really get back to the office fun. But TGIF, that's for sure! Hope you all have a great one!

Today's links: Mahalo Fashion|Love Aesthetics|imtheirishone|Cate|ღ mey ♥¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨♥ღ|bear|Jenny H.

Quick Update: The Fan!

The newest addition to my accessories roster is this Spanish-style fold-out fan. I am in love with it and I cannot wait until it arrives in the mail! And to top it off, it was only $8, shipped! I feel like I've accomplished so much.
Now, to decide when and where I will "wear" it...
Off to Palm Springs tomorrow! I don't think I can communicate how excited I am! My BFF is going with and I can just imagine all the trouble we'll get ourselves into. Yay for summer!!

Sun, Swim and Sangria in the 'Springs

This upcoming weekend is my long-awaited trip to Palm Springs! Yes, I know, I'm a weekend late what with Coachella happening last weekend and all (to be honest, I wasn't stoked on any of those artists. Now last year is a different story. My husband Anthony Keidis was there, but I didn't get a chance to attend. Oh well). Either way, I am completely excited to pack my bathing suits, sun dresses and wedge sandals and do some skin damage to my already fair complexion. Obviously, I'm kidding. But I do look forward to the abundance of Mojitos served poolside.
Anyway, as I don't have photos of the outfits on hand, I will simply leave you with some links. I will post pictures once I come back, if I remember to snap any in between body shots ;)

Being ridiculously obsessed with dreamecho's feather hat/pin accessory, I was stoked when I found this link in my Daily Candy.
How adorable are these two in particular? I think I have to make a trip out.

More fun links: because i'm addicted | fashion chalet | wendy b | emily | she's dressing up | imtheirishone

I'm a huge fan

I have a new obsession and it's just in time for the warming weather here in LA.
Step inside my head for a moment: pair the airiest dress with a pair of chunky sandals or metallic flats, an over-sized hat, a canvas bag with a tropical feel and a fan. Yes, that's right, a Japanese-inspired fold-out fan. This, my friends, is my latest obsession. Ebay has some great finds at very reasonable prices, so I think I may indulge.
Check out these potential fan looks I've created. Let me know how you feel about this new obsession of mine.

First, potential fan candidates from eBay:



The sets, all created on Polyvore.





Lots of frills, lace, flow-y fabric, Hamptons-inspired pieces such as hats.

Clothes credit: Forever21, Steve Madden.

Did Someone Say Goodie Bag?

So, I know I've been gushing about last week's PopSugar/Tech Crunch Geek Goes Chic party like none other, but all my sweet talking has finally paid off (in the form of luck!). And remember the almost-fictional goodie bags I was referring to? Well, I happened to win one! Check out all the awesome stuff PopSugar hooked me up with! So exciting!
So, a huge huge huge thank you goes out to the Sugar team!

I'm a little sick right now, so I have to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I'll do my best to catch up soon. In the meantime, please visit the latest links.
Jen - Mahalo Fashion, [My Favorite] Blonde, JuliAM, Emily, Because I'm Addicted, Stilettostiteco

What is it with you people?

Twice in one week. Nay, twice in one weekend!
What is it with you non-single guys acting like you're single when out and about? I bet your girlfriends would be very upset if they knew you were playing these dirty little games. And for the record, if I hadn't used my insane stalking skills to find your profile and see your relationship status, I'd be interested in you creeps.
And so it continues...

Night [Re]cap

Last night, the party turned out to be quite fun. Aside from the mini Chinese take-out containers full of noodles (mmm, my new weakness) and the open bar (hello, wine!), there were some interesting characters.
First and foremost, Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction DJ'd the night away. I really wanted to take a picture with him, but apparently, I was too drunk and I wasn't thinking rationally. What-ever! I'm sober now and I still think he would have taken a picture with me.


Other than that, just met some cool people. Geeks & hotties from LA to NYC and San Francisco. Overall, a good time.
To see pictures of the entire night (including a couple of yours truly and the hot friends), click here.

Why, yes, I do come here often...

Looking for something to do this weekend? Oh, you're in LA? Why not join me and my art-savvy friends at LA Art Weekend? (Just to clarify, my friends are way savvier than I, but I do act the part pretty well -- mostly by donning my dark-rimmed glasses and wearing my hair in a bun.) Either way, looks like there will be plenty of interesting exhibits and events, most of which are by LA for LA.
Also, I know it's not quite the weekend, but Thursday night is shaping up to be quite amazing too. PopSugar/Tech Crunch party anyone? I'm not sure if tickets are still available, but if they are, I would highly recommend going. You'll meet the people behind the Sugar franchise whilst sipping cocktails, flirting with hot geeks, juggling goodie bags and taking pictures. Well, at least that's what I'll be doing.


And out of sheer boredom, I decided to consider myself a "budding list maker" and took this little survey/list from Miss Woo at Cheapskate Chic.

8 Things I am Passionate About
1) Good times with good people
2) Los Angeles
3) New York
4) Trying new things
5) Music
6) Relating to others on non-obvious levels
7) Teaching (math in particular)
8) UCLA

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die
1) Have a child, ideally 2
2) Make a difference in someone's life, even if that is my own
3) Pay more for shoes than I would for rent
4) Learn about art
5) Own an original piece of art
6) Live in New York
7) Skydive
8) Buy a house, make it a home

8 Things I Say Often
1) Oh hai there
2) Bb
3) Awesome
4) Hot
5) Srsly
6) Dude
7) I don't know
8) Hello?

8 Books I Have Read Lately
1) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
2) Scar Tissue
3) I Love a Firefighter
4) Tuesdays with Morrie
5) The Five People You Meet in Heaven
6) The rest are text books (hah!)and/or really old. Plus, those mentioned above are not even finished, so I never really read them.

8 Songs I Could Listen To Over and Over
1) RHCP - By the Way
2) Incubus - Love Hurts
3) Britney Spears - Toxic
4) Van Halen - Drop Dead Legs
5) Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water
6) The Darkness - I Believe in a Thing Called Love
7) Rihanna - Don't Stop the Music (I feel this might be temporary, but it gives me my dance fix)
8) Incubus - Wish You Were Here

8 Things That Attract Me to My Best Friends
1) Their genuine care for those close to them
2) Their ability to make me laugh
3) Their gratuitous chuckles at my "hilarity"
4) The fact that they don't judge me
5) Repeating things that make me feel better over and over and over
6) Two buck Chuck + Sex and the City
7) Don Antonio's and The Arsenal
8) Drunken nights that turn into drunken mornings that turn into strong bonds (I'm not an alcoholic, I swear)

I'm going to tag The Blonde, Jen, Dreamecho, Kristin from K-Line and Because I'm Addicted. Also, if you just want to fill it out like I did, feel free! It's kind of fun talking about yourself ;)

Madden Love

Xs and Os to: The Blonde for everything, but mostly because when I'm with her, I don't need a mirror :P, Jen from Mahalo Fashion for all the support and sweet comments, Because I'm Addicted because, well, she's addicted and she has an amazing blog, ChiliLady because her style is gorgeous & she's linked.

After indulging in uh... libations all week, I have decided to take the Saturday night off. I did something more productive with my time and played with PhotoShop. Enjoy the next few outfits/looks and feel free to comment. I enjoy constructive criticism.


This little look was inspired by the skirt, obvi. My mom brought it home from Old Country last June.
Top & cardigan: Forever21, Skirt: Bulgarian boutique, Shoes: BCBG, Necklaces: Claire's & Forever21, Purse: Dooney & Burke, Sunglasses: DKNY.


Apparently, I like sweater vests so much, I advise all my friends to buy them. Also, don't you love it when your skinny jeans are slouchy? Ugh...
Sweater vest: Wet Seal, Tank & necklace: Forever21, Jeans: BDG - Urban Outfitters, Jacket: gift from aunt, Shoes: Steve Madden.


That Lucille Ball dress. These pictures don't even do it justice! It's so frilly and girly and perfect. Plus, I tried to rock the shiny, wavy hair.
Dress & cardigan: Forever21 (are you seeing a theme here?), Shoes: Steve Madden, Clutch: Express.


New shoes, new scarf. These sandals were $10! I had to have them. Mind you, they kill my poor little feet like none other, but what can you really expect with such a great deal? Also, these ginormous sunglasses are not mine.
Scarf, sandals and tank: Forever21, Cardigan: Express, Jeans: Bulgarian boutique.

I liked the contrast of the navy blue of the shoes and the orangish/pink of the nail polish.

Randomly

I bought a membership to LACMA. Pretty exciting as I've been a pseudo-art freak since my return from New York. Hopefully I'll utilize it this weekend.
Also this weekend: UCLA plays Memphis in the West vs. South Final Four game of the NCAA basketball tournament. GO BRUINS!

Newish Skirt

This is kind of an old picture, but it's what I wore to work one day about a month ago. I swear, I'm not this short in real life.



Sweater & skirt: XXI, Tights: H&M, Boots: Cathy Jean

Moving this weekend! Will post pictures once the entire room is set up.

These Boys Make It Worth It

Links: Jillian, The Always Lovely Jen, Dreamecho, E.Jay, Maveri_ck<3

A fallen hero: LAFD Firefighter dies. This strikes close to home on several levels. Blocks from my work, 2 days ago, there was an explosion. An LAFD firefighter died. My sentiments go out to his family and to all the firefighters out there (including my very own boyfriend).
Now on to the fun stuff.

One of the main reasons I ♥ LA so much:





Steel Panther, formerly known as Metal Skool, performing in Redondo Beach. These guys let me live out my fantasies of being an '80s hair metal groupie. Gotta love them. They play at the Key Club on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood every Monday night.

Unfortunately, I do not have my images uploaded on this computer, so I can't post outfits right now, but I have at least 3 different ones to post. I'm moving this weekend, but hopefully I'll find some time to put together a short post later on tonight.

A Heart Divided

First and foremost: Addicted, Jen, Aficionada, Mira, Gloria, The Stiletto Effect, Miss Vogue, Wendy

I can't deny it: I left a piece of my heart in ol' New York. I don't know what it is about the place, but there's something that just drew me in. At first, I hated the cold and the hardness of the city. There were tons of people, all in a rush to get somewhere (granted, it was Thursday morning). The subway stations were jam-packed and there was a buzz in the air.
After a day out with my friends, though, I couldn't help but want more of it. There's an unspoken friendliness. Since everyone is constantly in contact with each other, there's this amazing flow of energy. I sound so hippie right now. Just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Click images for larger size.

Modeling in Central Park.


Rockefeller Plaza.


Atop the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking over to get some amazing pizza.


International Pillow Fight Day - Union Square.


Amazing graffiti.


There were plenty more, but I'm not sure how cool my friends would be with me putting up their pictures.

I still love LA. Especially after watching The Hills tonight. I know, a lame reason to proclaim my love, but it just substantiates my feelings. I'll be moving this week, so I don't know how much I'll be able to post. I have a couple of fun ideas, I just need to sit down and edit the images. PROMISE. I will post. PROMISE. Hold me to that!

If I Can Make It There, I'll Make It Anywhere

I got back from New York today. Exhausted. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for all the comments. I'll link you next post. Too tired to type. But I leave you with this:


Neekoh in New York

Update: Sorry for the Lack of Posting!

First of all, let me apologize for not posting lately. I have so much going on that I barely have time to sit down and put together a decent post. So, I believe it's time for a little update.
First and foremost, I'm moving! Since I graduated college in June of last year, I've been living at home to save money, as any young, broke recent grad would. It's been great being able to put aside much of my paychecks, but living at home comes with the price of annoyance. I love my family; they're not hard to live with, but as many of you may know, once you've lived on your own, coming home to mommy and daddy is just difficult. There's rules, sharing, cramped space... I can put up with it for only so long. So by the end of this month, I'll be moving in with a couple of girls into an apartment near the beach. This means many things, the most exciting of which is the home shopping! I don't think I can express how exciting it is for me to decorate. It's like dressing up an entire room! I will definitely take and post pictures of the before and after.
Secondly, to make this month more hectic and exciting, I'm going to New York this week! I've never been and it has always been a dream of mine to go... I know, I live in the country, but you have to understand how hard it is to take time off work and get the money together to travel often. Small trips are easy (like visiting my friend in the Bay Area last November), but cross-country trips are a different story. Anyway, after changing travel dates and flights, I am finally visiting the Big Apple! What I long to do most while in the city is be captured by the coveted camera of Scott Schuman aka The Sartorialist. Not that I think my style is amazing or anything, but, seriously, how awesome would that be (Although, I'm pretty sure he'll be in India when I visit, so I'm not really holding my breath)!
And thirdly... MARCH MADNESS! Did you guys fill out your brackets??? I'm having UCLA win the whole thing, for obvious reasons (Alma Mater). We came so close these past two years that it's almost our destiny. OK, I shouldn't say that, but you get the idea. Go Bruins!

I'm sorry that this is such a boring post, but I am currently at work and I don't have the time to put together collages of interior decorating images and ideas for my new room. I promise I'll get some stuff up soon, hopefully before I leave for NYC on Wednesday.

Burberry The Beat

I was leafing through my sister's Glamour last night and this ad caught my eye.

Click for full size
I was never particularly drawn to Agyness Deyn; she was always a recognizable face, but nothing I stopped to look at for too long. This ad, however, really changed my perspective. There's something so androgynous and sexy about her! Maybe it's the fact that her hair isn't matted down to her head anymore, or maybe it's the contrast of her platinum locks against her tanned skin. Whatever it is, this girl is now on my list of favorite models.
And I wonder if the perfume smells nice. Anyone tried it?
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