Liquid Gold | NYFW Cosmic Kickback

Forever 21 gold lamé dress // Express nude and black pointy cap toe T-strap stilettos //

BCBG silver metallic foldover clutch // CLAWS Jewelry black stone necklace //
Forever 21 gold spike bracelet // Erin Wasson Low Luv aztec shield ring // 
Lancome red lipstick in Baroque Rouge //

Photography: Jae L, Jess Y, photo at event: Alexis

My friend Jess graciously hosted me in New York during Fashion Week and we went to Jenn Im's Cosmic Kickback party, hosted by Threadsence and Sugar & Fluff at the Lali Lali Gallery (9/7). There were fans and big-time bloggers everywhere, outer space ambience/lighting, and professional masseuses who worked their magic on my tense back. I was beyond flattered when I met my long-time supporter Toni and another gal I met outside Lincoln Center the day before. Toni is a darling girl who is studying pre-med at NYU and we chatted about how school was going for her and how to boldly use all her passions to help her realize her dream. What a small, wonderful world! By the end of the party I couldn't feel my toes at all, so we went next door to Urban Outfitters, where I picked up the burgundy patent leather oxfords from yesterday's post and ran around town. We had dinner and cocktails at Oficina Latina - they have absolutely amazing mango peppercorn caiparinas - and finished off the night celebrating with one of our WashU friends turned successful restaurant owner at his new swanky flat in Brooklyn. Then shuttle it to La Guardia at 3 AM and hopped on a plane back to Columbus!

This gold floor-length gown was a stunner I saw on display at Forever 21 and knew that it was something extraordinary. While shopping we frequently think, "I don't have anywhere to wear this to," but my philosophy is to seek out occasions that fit the dress, not the other way around. Though it is made of stretchy material and quite unforgiving of food babies, this was the time and the place to go "balls to the wall," as Jenn Im says. This dress features a sexy leg slit on the side to show off your shoes and a keyhole back that heightens the drama even more. Thanks to Jess and her roommates for giving me a whirlwind weekend experience of a lifetime in the Big Apple (and doing my hair!). It was wonderful to catch up and swap stories - how our passions for art and science curiously played out in our post-college lives. Left my heart there in that city and I can't wait to be back.

Batman! | Gotham City Hall

DivaNY black cutout slit maxi dress (c/o, only $36) // H&M leather biker jacket //

Jeffrey Campbell Soiree Spike (from Kathleencarla & Ashbury Skies) //

Forever 21 black triangle gem silver necklace // Layered silver hoop earrings (old) // 

Low Luv by Erin Wasson silver Aztec ring (exact) (from Suzy) // 
Wet n Wild lipstick in Wine Room //

Photography: JJ

The last time I visited JJ in Pittsburgh, we stuffed ourselves full of good food and did this photoshoot at a location I've been eyeing for months (5/27). These are the steps of the (Carnegie) Mellon Institute, which was Gotham City Hall in the new Batman movies. Crazy, right? Scroll to the bottom to see a collage of proof that I once stepped on the same ground as Christian Bale. I could take on Catwoman in this outfit, right? With all these spikes and leather, I might last a few punches.

I was so ecstatic when I won these head-turning lucite heel Jeffrey Campbells Soirees from Kathleencarla & Ashbury Skies' giveaway. Though these are sky high, the ankle support and backing helps me not twist my ankle since these are a size too big. When DivaNY offered me the chance to try out their trendy selection, I picked this dramatic black maxi dress with shoulder cutouts and a thigh high leg slit. While most of their items would be fit for a night out at the club or geared towards college gals, I found a few reserved yet edge pieces I that fit my personal style (like their dresses).

When I'm not being robbed blind by moviemakers and their steady train of superhero remakes, this last, last week of first year has come to an end. Mini rotations with ophthalmology and ENT left me gushing for the latter, and I am more stoked than ever about this field. Monday marks the beginning of summer research and a more routine day-to-day (you all know by now that won't happen to the Spontaneous Smasher of Schedules). Happy weekend!

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H&M Conscious Collection 2013 Fitting Room Review

Spring has finally replaced Santa in Ohio. Every year I check out the H&M Conscious Collection because of the unique print and shapes they design. All dresses were 25% off last weekend, surprise surprise at the register. With my life and laundry overflowing with clothing, I think it's about time to be much more selective about buying new pieces and making sure that they can be multitasked for work and play. Somewhere along this process I've become more concerned about fit, which leads to more head shaking and less wallet busting in the fitting room.

1) H&M Conscious Collection plant pattern white cropped pants $35, sz 4 
These pants fit my legs like a glove - now that's rare. Perfectly tapered at my ankles, cinched well at the waist with a little room for dinner in there. However, I knew the water lilies and greenery were too wild for work and I wouldn't rock these on a night out either - more of a leather pants or skirt type of gal. If only they made this in solids! If you're petite/around 5'3" with athletic thighs, these are the pair for you. According to the uber tall model, they're supposed to be well above the ankles but I think they look better on shorties like me. Photo cred: H&M
- Verdict: Passed due to pattern

2) H&M Conscious Collection rainforest tapestry sheath dress $20 (paid 15), sz 2 
Debated for a long time whether to get this dress - the print is impractical and the material very thin and quite sheer. However, since it's blazing 80s suddenly, I figure this could be more highbrow with a white blazer, more tough with my leather jacket, and cute to wear on its own in a park setting, the botanical gardens, Coachella. The fit is quite good on me - have to wiggle in but once I pull it down it sits well at the shoulders, chest area, hips, and gives me some booty.
- Verdict: Purchased but may return - what do you think?

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Let's Have a Kiki | Merry Christmas

H&M silver sequin and tulle dress // Aldo nude pumps // Silver beaded sequin clutch from China (gift) //

Wet n Wild lipstick in Wine Room //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

LOCK THE DOORS TIGHT. This dress would be the epitome of a tinsel-meets-ballerina holiday outfit. I wore this sparkly little number to our post-finals party with my pink blazer and burgundy tights, leopard fur coat reserved for the nightcrawling hours. Today it felt right to throw it on for a cloudy and dreary San Diego Christmas to pizazz some festivity back into the atmosphere. With nude pumps, a high pony, and classic wine red lips, everything feels more classy and sassy. But really, let's have a kiki.

The fire in the sequins comes alive with ambient lighting and unfortunately doesn't photograph well. Therefore my cheesy dancing as a human disco ball is reserved for in-person enjoyment. If anyone has any tips on photographing sparkles and sequins, please share your knowledge! I amused myself for a whole 3 minutes reflecting the rainbow with my torso standing in front our tree. I hope your holiday has been wonderful and close to the loved ones around you. Gift-wise, my brother went all out this year and got me the new apple EarPods which fit wonderfully inside my big earholes and produce some quality beats. Santa also left me lime green Play-doh which this 90s kid is freaking ecstatic about. Already I've made dumplings, a lopsided heart, and a bracelet with it while taking breaks to sniff the memorable scent.

Since starting break I've finished The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, a great analytical-but-engaging read to changing your bad habits into productive ones ... and howled with laughter with every page of Me Talk Pretty Some Day by David Sedaris. That I believe completes my goal of 10 books in 2012, surprisingly half of them read during med school. Cheers to two more weeks of exorbitant movie-watching and not getting trampled during after-Christmas sale shopping.

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Sweet Patisserie | Pistacia Vera

H&M mint green skater dress (buy) // Goodwill thrifted gold tip white belt //

Forever 21 black wool beret with stud detail // Predictions for Payless white low heel pump //

F21 gold spike bracelet and pearl bracelets // Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop //
Black faux leather purse (gift) //

Photography: Cassandra Morecroft King

Catching my breath after hours inside anatomy lab to bring you an outfit inspired by my favourite things: pastel mint green & kitschy French things (10/21). This beret my Mom gifted me two Christmases ago as part of a French-inspired outfit, my college graduation dress in my favourite shade mint green, white and gold accents. Committing "me time" is important to enjoy every day even if it's hectic, feel excited about discovery like watching my first DIY crystals grow in elementary school, be thankful for my supportive friends for propelling me forward after setbacks. The best revenge for the baseball cannons pelting you with lemons is to get up, add sugar to the wounds, and live a really good life. There will always be someone who you wish you could trade with because of their success, intellect, birthright, material wealth. But you will get to where you need to be by not forgetting who you already are.

I am grateful for spontaneous giggling fits about wishing our arms were 6 feet longer to avoid smelling eau de formaldehyde, childhood best friends still being here for each other even as we traverse into the daunting new chapters of our lives, JJ coming to visit this weekend and share more adventures, catching up with an inspirational old friend with hovering mustaches and laughter, late night reliving the 90s kid experience of Power Rangers/Ultraman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shenanigans with the best faux-bro I could hope for (conspiracy theory blood relation pending). Cassandra's selflessness and good company, taking the time to drive up and put up with me and my fanciful ideas that usually involve pointing a camera in front of every half-decent tree, house, fire hydrant, younameit. I had been wanting to check out a French pastry shop in German Village called Pistacia Vera to try out their macaron selection, and boy were they tasty! My favourite flavour was their namesake pistachio, sweet but savory. My goal by the end of this first year of med school is to make my rounds in the coffeeshops around town, portals to my happy place.

Laughter, singing, writing are powerful healers.

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High Tea | SugarLips Royal Inclinations Dress Review

Sugar Lips Apparel Royal Inclinations Dress w/ scarf print and sweetheart neckline detail (S) //

Merona for Target dotted sheer black tights // Mossini for Target black suede ankle boots (get it here) //

H&M segmented gold necklace // Thrifted Goodwill vintage belt //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Sugar Lips welcomed me to my new place with another little number to style, Royal Inclinations Dress.  The sweetheart neckline makes this dress special, aside from the interesting "vintage scarf print." It features a horse drawn carriage? Horse saddle? Golden pipe? Golden lion head pin? Not really sure but it's mighty pretty (and no, I do not condone smoking!). I chose to style it with my "military jacket" to fit the theme of the prints. This is my first time ever doing milkmaid braids, so be nice. I'm actually quite impressed with myself since I never ever do anything to my hair besides wash it (I may or may not even comb it ... :P) Bobby pins are a brilliant invention. After jumping around for nearly an hour trying to figure out how my new official Canon remote works, I kind of favour the old $3 bootleg Chinese version I got off some weird site. The distance is very very close to my tripod which is terrible for prime lens users and i found that it has trouble focusing too close and too far unless I throw it in auto mode (fine by me as long as it's crisp). Eh ... not worth the $23 and the trouble. Or maybe my lens is just bust from humidity for real :(

The material is a lot thinner than I expected, almost like a satin scarf but with less sheen. From the pictures on Sugar Lips' site, it looked like a sturdy cotton fabric. Still, I was adamant this morning to wear it because I have been looking forward to getting dolled up post-exam for class and I froze my butt off. It was below freezing last night and when I left my apartment it was 41 degrees F and my derrière was not happy in this thin summer piece and sheer tights. Where did the end of summer go? We went from giving our sweat glands a workout to sudden polar bearing without a memo. Shakin mah head.

The bust area on this dress was very loose, and fit more like a usual Medium (or the occasional S at Forever 21) so after fiddling with flimsy double sided tape and hiding this hot mess under my jacket, I finally pinched and pinned with a safety pin. Fixed! So basically, this dress runs big. Next time I would go with an XS, which they do have. On their page they suggested styling this with a trench coat and white pumps - can do! That will be my next outfit with this, and I'm going to try throwing a lightweight sweater or chiffon top under it too to save my poor arms in this chilly weather. Finished off my day with kickboxing my guts abs out and tomorrow I will once again not be able to climb stairs without screaming every step of the way. Exercise, baby - make that fat cry.

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Princess Bumblebee | Neon Nails

H&M yellow ruffle dress w/ black belt // From China black bead and crystal detachable peter pan collar //

Thrifted Ann Taylor/Goodwill strappy ankle wedges // Bracelets: Forever 21, H&M, Poshlocket (c/o) //
Forever 21 white and yellow floral headband //

Rings: green amethyst from medieval fair, owl from F21, mosaic from Claires //

NYX dark red lipstick in Snow White // Island Girl neon yellow nail polish in Aloha Color (from Hawaii) //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

TIERED YELLOW CAKE. Today I stared at my chipping neon highlighter yellow nails (which I bought in one of Hawaii's bajillion ABC stores to match my now-soiled-after-rainforest-hikes neon Nike running shoes) and threw open my closet doors, picking out my ruffly yellow cake costume dress, aka bumblebee dress, aka never-know-how-to-style-this-disaster (7/30). After considering doubling up on black skinny belts, laziness won out and the sash that came with the dress stayed. I can never seem to break free of the yellow and black colour template when I wear this dress - it's as if my past life as a hive-dweller won't let me break free of that particular mind mold. Suddenly I remembered my ultra-cute detachable peter pan collar I got in China for something like $7 USD that would perfectly accessorize this otherwise frumpy frock. I know, making dramatic molehills out of getting dressed. It's like us fashion-obsessed who beat our pillows in frustration because we have "nothing to wear" though our closets are bursting at the seams and carpets littered with clothing in various states of distress.

(Sunny + highlighter) yellow. So when I was shooting these photos tonight, a random dude on his phone walked up to my then-secluded area and stared at me while I'm trying to pose in front of my tripod. AWKWARD o_o. He wouldn't go away and kept expecting me to continue as if he weren't there so I chased him off with some excuse about being shy. Self-photographers know that tripods double as self defense weapons and my mind was definitely wandering in that direction. Then a granny with a Slavic accent jogged by and complimented me on my dress, to which I blushed and uttered thanks. Gramps also with a Slavic accent sauntered on by ten minutes later, noting that I seem to always be there fiddling with my camera during the sunset. Most likely with a confounded expression and furrowed brows as I try to tinker with Manual (deargod). That concludes this chapter of #iknowishouldbeinstitutionalizedforthecrazyshitidointhenameoffashionblogging - a hashtag that will never fit into your allotted tweet space.

Something I ate must have made me extra snarky today. *burp*

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H&M Fitting Room Review: Conscious Collection 2012

After a filling Russian feast, courtesy of JJ's professor, my friend Sherraine and I went graduation dress-shopping at the mall. It has always confounded me why people even bother wearing pretty dresses underneath their (ugly) graduation gowns, since most of your pictures will be taken with the hefty things on. Our university's grad garb is a kind of jade green with black accents. We found our respective "yes"es at H&M. So here's a quick review of some things we tried on; sorry about the crummy phone pics.

1) H&M mint green vintage flare dress w/ nude belt (M), $30
This dress is the perfect spring colour and is made of a sturdy/thick yet soft cotton material. It flares out beautifully in the skirt part and comes with a skinny belt. The conservative shape will ensure comfort and propriety when the hot gown comes off (this thick material will still make it blazing hot). It's a bit roomy on me since it's a medium, but there were only 3 left in the store and this was the smallest. The belt was wayyyy too big so I grabbed the pencil skirt that had the same belt and swapped it out for a small belt (naughty, I know). Sherraine got the same dress but in a completely different print: grey with white polka dots with a light pink belt. It's super cute on her.
- Verdict: Purchased. Graduation, here I come!

2) H&M strapless eyelet white and peach dress (4), $20
I tried this one on first and it looks cute! The size 4 was a little tight on me and didn't zip up all the way in the back (almost there). I can't decide if I like the way the skirt poofs out but I have my beef with straplesses. They irk and you do the unsightly pull-up-on-your-bosom-every-3-minutes thing, which will be infinitely more awkward underneath a graduation gown. The price was enticing though. Image credit: hm.com/us/
- Verdict: Passed, reluctantly

3) H&M khaki trench cape (S), sale $20
You all know I have a thing for capes. Add a trench vibe to it and I'm sold, except since I lost my purse I only had enough on me to get what I came here for. The buttons are cute and cinch at the right places. Arm movement is a little hindered and the size Small feels a tad big. It's very light so basically useless in cold rainy Ohio days, but this would be nice raingear in Cali. Plus: looking like a flying squirrel every time you reach for something.
- Verdict: Passed, will probably go back for this

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The Brunch Bunch

H&M mustard yellow cropped sweater (XS) // Forever 21 blue chiffon dress (S) (old) //

Forever 21 gold chain wrap turquoise necklace // Merona faux calfhair leopard print flats (5.5) //

From Taiwan mint Longchamp dupe mini tote (gift) //

China Glaze nail polishes: Hunger Games style (post coming soon)

Photography: Self, tripod & remote

I have no clue why I look so tan in these photos, but the recent amazing spring summer weather in St. Louis has gotten me ahead in my new goal to bake as much as possible into a well-browned turkey by the end of my last real summer break. Threw on a cozy lazy sweater over an old semiformal dress for double date Sunday brunching with friends at Pappy's Smokehouse for BBQ and The Fountain for dessert (3/24). It was actually way too hot but just the right amount of flow and slouch. Foodie pics tomorrow because it's too juicy and delicious to fit all in one post.

Last week was cray in all the fun ways (paying for it dearly this week haha): spontaneous biking to the Loop hunting down JC Litas only to reluctantly turn away when they restocked on Nordstrom, watching V for Vendetta, trying escargot and veal for the first time, enjoy my friend's lyric opera senior recital, learning a bit of Korean to thank her parents for the wonderful meal at the fanciest schmanciest Italian restaurant, winning a free cup of Froyo from Chill's twitter contest. And it was 90+ degrees Sun & Mon ... *makes the "Y U SO ___" face* Explored the Kemper Art Museum for the first time yesterday with my poetry class and appreciated the newfound inspiration. There were downs too but we don't like to dwell on them, now do we? Today: so much coffee, not enough sleep, exam done, started tinkering with Instagram and Pinterest. Off to shower and a meeting!

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First Time Thrifting: Scholarshop

Location: Scholarshop in Clayton, 8211 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117 (314-725-3456)

I've already lied to you in the title as I now recall that I've been thrifting a number of times in high school, but never with the intention of actually buying clothes and mostly just to look for cheap trash to tinker with at Goodwill or something for swordfighting. I remember getting a cute mini Hello Kitty backpack somewhere for $3 and that red knit beanie for 75 cents. Avalon Exchange barely counts as thrifting, since the Loop location is liable to jacked-up prices from tourism and college students. So this is my first intentional act of thrifting for fashion's sake. And boy was it long and memorable.

As most of you might remember your first time walking into a thrift store: like a Forever 21 filled with strange smelling, unique things gathered in about just as organized a fashion (my mind's already screaming with claustrophobia). Overwhelming. Well, the best way to view it is treasure hunting, as "one (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure." After a harrowing hour or so, I had it narrowed down to about 8 items for the fitting rooms.

The cool thing about Scholarshop is that all the profits go to fund scholarships for St. Louis kids. If there's anything I want to give back to this city that's housed me during these four years of college, it's a firm education future for the children. I don't just say this in a sappy first world problems sort of way ... there's a lot learned from doing community service for their families, the ones that can't even scrape together enough to pay for electricity and hot water, let alone dream of sending their six kids to college. So, you bring together shoppers with unquenchable thirsts for new thrift finds at affordable prices and voila, it's a start for helping.

What was I hunting for? Mint. Pastels. Clearly in the mind for spring, and mostly mint. I grabbed anything that looked pale-ish green or blue haha as you can see from the nice array hanging behind me in the fitting room. Clearly distracted by the beautiful dresses and gowns and heavily beaded numbers. Thrift stores are a great way to dive into a trend without spending much money at all - this mint blouse and I are MFEO and it was only $7!

Here's the quick breakdown of the Scholarshop experience: the customer service left me alone for the most part, which was nice since I snapped so many pictures (thanks!). The clothes were all in great shape and man were there a lot of racks. The hours aren't that long so they close promptly at 5 PM on Fridays, which is when I went with two of my friends, Alice and Jessi (thanks Alice for taking the photos of me!). The fitting rooms were spacious and the lines are pretty long sometimes towards closing time. Children's and men's sections didn't yield much to me upon first glance. And luckily quite the pick of small-sized pieces if you look hard :)

Would I come back? Definitely!

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