Polka-block

Ezra/Pitaya polka dot asymmetrical skirt (S) (worn as top) // Faded Glory red tshirt (XS) //

H&M ruched bodycon skirt (Euro 4) // Taiwan brand teal opaque tights //

Forever 21 gold hummingbird chain necklace // Urban Outfitters double face watch //

DIY/Converse All-Star checkered sneakers (5) //

Photography: JJ

PUMPED UP KICKS. Outfit for 11.11.11 (yes, the whole internet picked this up too, some quite obnoxiously). This unexpected combination of asymmetrical hem and wearing my skirt as a top is about as creative as I can manage after rolling out of bed on a cold Friday. I tried to keep it relatively neutral and soft with an ivory skirt, but the length and shocking contrast looked funny, so I swapped it for a black bodycon. In my last minute scurry to not freeze to death in the 40 degree morning chill, my dark sheer dotted tights were nowhere to be found, so I pulled out this teal opaque pair from last winter. It constrasts quite well with the bright red and crazy dots.

• Scenario 1: Sitting in a French coffeeshop, drinking something even tastier than Starbucks' holiday lattes, reading all the books I've missed out on in the past decade.
• Scenario 2: At Kayak's coffeeshop, drinking something with the fun fern pattern on top, reading the last Millenium trilogy book.
• Scenario 3: At the library, drinking black coffee from a thermos, frantically reading my 10 lb stats book and doing problems until I pass out.
• Pop Quiz: Which one seemed most likely? .... D:

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City was a blast and I bumped into so many people from high school. Small world! Tangled is an adorable movie despite the implausible details (e.g. perfect unfrizzy hair, really?) that defy the laws of nature and physics. You don't question the Disney. I am pumped to finish off the remaining bits of this semester strong and have a happy Thanksgiving with my family back in San Diego. My last college formal is also this weekend, so the designer dress I rented will be featured for your eyes especially ; )

Readers - have you even worn a skirt as a top?

I'm Leukotriene My Best

Forever 21 teal button up shirt (S) // H&M grey cardigan (XS) (gift from Japan from JJ's mom) //

H&M brown felt fedora // Forever 21 black skinny jeans (26) // 

Pitaya/Wild Diva tan faux leather boots with heel (5.5) // Thrifted camel satchel handbag //

Photography: JJ

My hair desperately needs DIENE. So much brown making a comeback. Luckily these photos are over a month old and I finally went back to black. Bear with me as I work my way through this backlog, this is from the viewpoint of the relatively blissful days of September. Not much has changed, other than the fact that the busy-ness has gotten unbelievably busier to the point that I'm excitedly awaiting November 6th for the extra hour of sleep (DST).

"This was an impromptu shot of Wednesday's school outfit (9/14) and of how tired I have been from overworking and mostly Immunology. Big test today, crazy amounts of studying, lots of getting rained on in shorts and flimsy old flats. I changed into pants and boots (remember these $15 babies from my equestrian outfit?) before another student body meeting because it was freezing outside and even two top layers weren't enough (finally 60 degrees = FALL woot!). Went to a Barcraft event in St. Charles later at night. Can you believe people get together in bars to watch Starcraft tournaments? That is some pretty fancy schmancy nerding, represent.

I'd say there's the ever-so-slight equestrian feel I'm going for in this outfit. Honestly I just threw on some random pieces in the morning and headed off to more studying at the Law School courtyard, nice and peaceful with minimal obnoxiousness. My housemate/friend Patrick is crazy. And really really tall xD Now you can really tell how "fun-sized" I am."

I miss you, small bird.

Readers - how do you spice up a neutral toned outfit?

Indian Summer

Lush/Pitaya abstract cocoon cardigan (S) // Forever 21 maroon floppy wool hat // 

Forever 21 magenta tank (S) // DIY/Union Bay distressed denim shorts (Jr 3) (old) // 

Merona faux calf hair leopard print flats (5.5) // H&M wood and gold bead bracelets //

Urban Outfitters double face watch // Charming Charlie pink bauble gold necklace //

Photography: JJ

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE BACK. In the middle of October, one week in the 50s, then rare days like this (10/25) in which it's flaming 80s with a strong wind. Just hopped off the plane from Ohio, rubbed the 10,000 vertical miles of oxygenated cabin pressure from my eyes and slipped on something comfortable and reminiscent of summer, summer, summer. Boy do I wish I had a whole three months to lie out in the grass and write poetry, read Murakami and Sacks, paint the sky with oil pastels. But no, it was all day in the lab, studying to wits end, writing my life story. Still, in times when life speeds past, you have to be like the Clockstoppers (remember that movie from 10 years ago!?) and just hit ||.

We took these photos right before the sun went down in Brookings Quad, on the Stage. An alternative name for this outfit was "Bohemian Rhapsody" since there is such flow in the deliciously boheme pieces fluttering in the wind. Finally! I found my maroon floppy wool hat that I've coveted ever since I saw those Free People and Urban Outfitters catalogs. There was a navy and brown one at Nordstrom, but it just wasn't maroon, and luckily at F21, there were 2 left. For some reason fedoras look funny on my head so I tried to stretch this one out by stuffing a sweater in it overnight xD This abstract cocoon shawl/cardigan is the coolest piece I found during my Labor Day Pitaya sale spree. It's so comfy, soft, and effortlessly stylish. However, I do get caught on doorknobs and chair handles a lot xD Still.

I've noticed that many petite ladies have been buying the Ann Taylor calf hair leopard pumps. Personally I think the spotted pattern features too small dots and it doesn't quite look right but these flats from Target haven't failed me yet. If you look closely, they have the calf hair too, which makes them feel more luxurious. Beware, these run small and they squeeze the feet, leaving blisters on the sides of the toes and on the ankles :( Pad, pad, pad!

Readers - what would you wear on a very warm day in the fall?

I See Right Through You

Pitaya sheer pleated maxi skirt (S) // Pitaya cutout sweetheart dress (S) (worn as top) //

Fioni for Payless cutout zip up heels (5) // Calypso necklace (c/o Jewelmint) // Claires chain ear cuff //

Urban Outfitters double face watch // BCBG silver metallic foldover clutch (c/o ReallyPetite) //
Aldo snake coil ring (5) // H&M black red trim blazer (Euro 4) //
Makeup: Wet n Wild Vanity E/S Palette, Stila eyeliner, Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer

Photography: JJ

JUST DANCE, GONNA BE OKAY. This was my outfit for St. Louis Fashion Week @ Macy's (10/12). I aimed for a classic yet interesting look - sheer pleated maxi worn over a cutout bodycon, accessories silver and snazzy. The sheer and long silhouette made me want to dance and sway and I'm happy to say I got a lot of looks during the party and show. Threw on a blazer for the sake of modesty and staying warm. The dress works as a great miniskirt kind of slip too.

Jewelmint recently contacted me and had me choose two pieces from their collection to try out. I'm wearing the Calypso necklace here - it's really pretty and has three stones that match pretty much anything. I like the shape and length too. A more thorough review coming up soon (I also got the Astoria necklace).

Notes: Yes, I look slightly possessed in the first photo. I had a Photoshop adventure removing plugs and a big black light cable out. CS5's content aware removal is pretty good but not perfect, so a lot of it turned out to be manual clone stamping. Not much else to add, other than I have so much to post about Fashion Week and so little time. This week is exceptionally busy, with multiple exams, papers, prepping for a med school interview, adoption season. When will there be a breather? Notice: stress levels and amount of blogging have a strong positive correlation. Bee tea dubs: You NEED to go see Monet's Water Lilies. It was the highlight of my Fall Break! I was lost in the colours and got super emotional when I saw Agapanthus. Yeah, world's biggest dork award goes to me.

Readers - how do you wear sheer pieces?