Wear to Work: Tiered Ruffle Shell + Pleated Midi Skirt

Ann Taylor LOFT teal layered shell tank (XSP) (petite deal) // H&M khaki green cardigan //

H&M grey pleated midi skirt (similar for $8) // Charming Charlie coral and gold bauble statement necklace (similar) // 

H&M black bow flats // Claire's white ruffle purse //

Photography: Kristin

MONDAYS (are sometimes awesome). In between a cappella rehearsals for our performance this weekend and geeking out with heart and lung cases, this week has flown by. This Monday (4/22/13) was exceptional in how un-Monday it felt: a midterm conquered, more lectures right after, then an afternoon of clinical class, long rehearsal with choreo, phone chat with a new exciting blog sponsor, nice sit-down dinner with friends and free scrumptious veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe for Earth Day, making grown-up ice cream floats, blaring "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" as loud as we could at karaoke night. Thanks Kristin for taking photos of me nearly walking backwards into traffic as we stood in a long line of onlookers waiting for free dinner (the other two smiling faces are Emma and Kyle).

During lunch I went home to change out of my "ain't nobody got time for that" exam uniform of pocketed sweats and a comfy top to something more presentable, sticking with mostly neutrals and a pop of teal. This pretty LOFT shell has served me well in layering and hot summer days in the research lab. I like the asymmetrical tiers and how they contrast with the long flowing vertical pleats on my midi skirt - a classic yet romantic spring length. To finish off, accessorize with a berry lip and statement pink and gold chain bauble necklace. Happy spring!

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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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Mad Men-Inspired: Lilac and Sunny Yellow

Chicwish lilac sheer chiffon button down with pearl buttons and floral sleeves (c/o Chictopia Rewards) //

Escada Margaretha Ley yellow pencil skirt (thrifted from Scholarshop) // 

Forever 21 pearl and crystal bracelets // Claires black pearl necklace //

Predictions by Payless white low pumps // Wet n Wild Wine Room berry lipstick

Photography: DAD

LILACKING IN SUNSHINE. It's been really cloudy and cold (relatively) in San Diego recently, and today was especially windy. I haven't earnestly begun the daunting task of unpacking yet, so my camera remote was nowhere to be found and my wonderful Dad stepped up to the plate to play photographer. Didn't he do amazing?

This unique top is from Chicwish, which I redeemed from Chictopia Rewards. It's a chiffon lilac lightweight material, with long sleeves - perfect for SoCal summers - and features pearl buttons and a fun floral print on the sleeves only. This is a great way to wear the floral trend without being too overwhelming. To contrast the party on bottom, I kept it business on the bottom with a bright yellow pencil skirt I thrifted from Scholarshop for $17, which isn't bad for supposedly designer. It says size 8 but fits like a US 2. This would be a really fun summer work outfit, but this is a case of all-dressed-up-and-nowhere-to-go. I promised myself that I would wear pretty clothes every day for the rest of this summer even if just for sitting around home, no more of my lazy bum sweats that drag down my mood. Recently I have been inspired by Mad Men secretary fashion and threw up my hair into a messy high side ponytail for a modern twist.

The winner of the CLAWS Jewelry handmade designer necklace has been announced here!

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Coachella Bella | WUStock

Forever 21 grey button down (S) // DIY denim ripped shorts (Junior 3) //

H&M crochet fringe vest (4) // DIY/Converse All Star checkered sneakers (5) //

Forever 21 maroon felt floppy hat (steal) //

Erin Wasson Low Luv silver knuckle ring (5) (c/o Suzy) // Turquoise cluster ring (gifted) // 

H&M multicolor bracelets // CLAWS Jewelry turquoise and gold necklace (c/o WhitWatWear) //
Urban Outfitters double face watch // Silver inspirational cuff (gift from Alice) //
Claires feather beaded earrings (old) //

Photography: JJ

VIVA LA BOHEMIA. Okay, this wasn't Coachella but it's as close as we'll get in the Midwest excluding SXSW. I must be feelin' the Cali cool because I've been baring peeks of midriff more and more with my 90s knots, definitely venturing outside of my comfort zone (4/7). The Gym Class Heroes were swell at WUStock 2012, my college's spring music festival - they had a lot of energy and I enjoyed listening to some of their lesser-known songs. With our modified stereo heart signs and pumped up fists, we felt some of the hippie love comin' on hahaha. Free food trucks topped it all off with Korean BBQ tacos and an assortment of beautiful cupcakes (almond creme!). We spun shutter shades on wheels and splattered colourful paint on them, swung on swings and hammocks until the ground was the sky, and threw caution and care to the wind. These rare moments are the ones that stick with me while I'm blogging from home in San Diego, but home away from friends feels so foreign. St. Louis really has been home to me for the past four years - yup, the nostalgia is already kicking me.

Thank you for all your sweet words throughout graduation and in my last post. Many of you have asked if I plan on continuing this blog during med school. The short answer is ... "helllll yeaaa!"

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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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JADED + Armour Mag Launch

H&M mesh lattice sweetheart bodycon dress (tucked in as top) ($5!) // 

Pitaya/Ezra jade green open kimono top // H&M faux leather pants // H&M black bow ballet flats //

Photography: JJ

GREEN SHEEN. I wore this outfit to the Armour streetstyle magazine launch (4/12) at Happy Hour a few weeks ago. Crazy for anything leather and it is my uniform from daybreak to night. I met a new friend who makes balloon animals. Yeah, wicked balloon animals. His name is Sanders and he has a blonde mohawk. He made us an alien hat, sabre, and pregnant balloon poodle whattt. Check out his site because he does wicked parties and is all around one of the most interesting people I've met in a while. I got to meet Chantal, Jacob, and Felicia and they are soooo sweet. When I cracked open the magazine I was beyond-impressed at how professional and visually pretty everything was. You can see my feature and the rest of the magazine here :)

Live blogging from Meshoggah Cafe on the Delmar Loop, gosh I love the hipster vibe of this place. The coffee's pretty bitter but the dark mood lighting with the angsty can't-decide-what-to-do-wtf-st.louis weather makes a tasty combination. I just enjoy the idea of this whole place, the mismatching hodgepodge tables and chairs, the upstairs tiny space that can't fit all the hipsters comfortably. I'm going to come here every day until I leave this city. Actually hipsters can be quite saucy. It feels like a place where I can write my Kafka-esque novel. They even have a bigass dictionary on a music stand for no reason. At 7 there was a reading by local writers/poets.

Just earlier today, the sky turned black at 3 PM and it started storming. Good ole St. Louis. Of course I was sweating my pits off at the research symposium, trying to avoid my PTSD of the days of organic chem and effed up experiments in that building. Packed 10 leftover chicken caesar salad wraps and cookies because I'm a starving almost-graduated senior and biked to the Loop to explore stores I've never given a second glance at. Now the sky turned green and it started hailing golf balls outside and I was nearly hit craning my neck out the fire escape behind the cafe. And it's flooding just this second.

Started reading Buy-ology (haha realized the pun a little late for a self-proclaimed punmeister) by Martin Lindstrom today and watched Thor and The Incredible Hulk last night after having fits of anger at losing my purse and all my IDs and cards in it. AND my new fave spike bracelets :( I think I'm more upset about that than anything else. Add onto it a metro fine for not having my pass, ID, let alone anything, then being almost-late to my ridiculous cardiology/physics exam (462 points in 1 hr, really!?) and we had ourselves a really shitty Friday aka last day of college classes ever. See this gif for a more concise way of how I felt. Blogging/reading for catharsis. And YES to Flickr's new upload system and "searching for more Vespene gas" and "YAY! You uploaded 23 photos" a la Picnik (r.i.p.). Maybe pretty soon my photo hosting service can replace real human interaction, okay okay < /snarky ranting >

Cut nails feel soooo good. I can type without feeling like a provoked cat.

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Neon Florals

Thrifted @Scholarshop lightweight sheer mint button down blouse //

H&M neon floral pencil skirt (S) // Aldo nude pumps (35) //

Urban Outfitters double face watch // Forever 21 gold and silver spike bracelets //

H&M gold chain segment necklace //

Photography: JJ

TRIPPING ON ACID ... BASE TITRATIONS. Fresh off the hanger! My outfit for today (4/19): a mint lightweight blouse paired with a crazy neon floral print pencil skirt. Since one of my college bucket list items is "study in the Law School Library," time is a-tick-tocking and today felt right, so JJ and I put on some nicer outfits to try to pass for faux law students. It worked haha. With stern expressions and reverent library study etiquette no one threw us out suspecting we were undergrads. At first I felt the neon flowers were too bold but then I decided the knee-length shape was probably more important than the pattern craziness going on. I love the soft stretchy cotton fabric that makes sitting, walking, even biking in this pencil skirt a comfortable breeze. Well, the biking was more of a struggle and equated to me flashing everyone while dismounting ... there must be a more elegant way of doing this.

Yesterday's outfit was a "remix your style" look, today is a "this is a bunch of new stuff that I haven't worn yet" ensemble. The mint/aqua blouse has a cute peep elbow feature as well which allows comfortable limb-bending. Surprisingly it just fits me well. The power of thrifting! $7 at Scholarshop :) The spiked bracelets are going to be a new arm party fave (for now it's more like an "arm small get-together") - they just came in the mail yesterday. Thanks Ore for your giveaway! Can't wait to wear all the other spring fling things.

Yesterday JJ and I relaxed on the Loop, chilled at Starbucks, did some spring clothes-ogling at Pitaya, finally FINALLY got to try the avocado milk tea, watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi at the Tivoli (a beautiful photography-orgasm of a film), tried a new hard cider and caught up with an old friend. Mischief managed!

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Polka Dot Mod Squad

Forever 21 chambray button down shirt (S) // Pitaya polka dot asymmetrical hem skirt (worn as hi lo skirt) (S) //

H&M black bow flats (5) // Covergirl LipPerfection lipstick in Rapture // OPI teal and red nail polish //

Photography: JJ

Remember my chambray top + polka dot asymmetrical skirt combo from the summer? With a twist (literally), I turned this exactly combination into something fun for the spring (4/4). Instead of tucking in my top, I tied a "90s knot" at the bottom and swiveled the skirt around so that it's an instant hi-lo skirt instead of asymmetrical to the side. Yay for reworking pieces that are already happily living in my wardrobe!

Working on catching up on all these fun outfits to show you. Life is moving so fast, blogging keeps eating the dust haha. Snapshots of this week: Sitting outside under the gingko trees, suffering allergies, sharing poetry. Relaxing at Starbucks on the Loop and idly browsing clothes at a local boutique. Screaming for joy at my bike gears/chain finally working smoothly after a free tune-up thanks to BigShark (going to ride EVERYWHERE now). Updating my research poster, learning about the crazy cool things animal brains do. Watching Mission Impossible IV (first one I've seen) and long calls back home. Life has been chucking lemons at me for the past two months and oftentimes I get hit. But you get up the next day and try again and again. You try for the people who can't try anymore. You try to save up those second chances for your future self. No matter how much your day sucks, and if your lemonade tastes unbearably sour, just dump some sugar into that shi*.

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Dark Chocolate & Banana Yellow

Forever 21 chocolate brown romper (S) // Jewelmint Astoria brass chunky statement necklace (c/o) //

Xhilaration yellow strappy wedges (5.5) // Bracelets: H&M multicolour, silver cuff (gift from Alice)

Urban Outfitters double face watch //

Photography: self, tripod and remote; JJ

ROMPERS MAKE PEEING QUITE THE SCENE. Another eventful (Easter) Sunday, brunching and running around in slouchy outfits (4/8). A friend came over to our place for the first time and we drove the Cherokee Street for authentic Mexican tacos and burritos at La Vallesena (2801 Cherokee Street St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 776-4223). Their Spicy Shrimp Quesadillas are omfg-amazing ... I want to eat 6 more right now. Since it's a primarily Hispanic neighborhood, we handful of kids merited a few curious looks. I shyly used a bit of my Spanish to remark on how "todo es muy sabrosa" but my brain couldn't churn fast enough to say anything else besides "gracias, gracias."

THE MOST AWESOME MOMENT: discovering that they carry half liter Coca Cola in glass bottles - how freaking awesome is that?! I'm even convinced it tastes better since I'm no frequent soda-drinker. It feels like playing a clarinet every time you take a sip haha. On the way back we were going to stop at the donut shop that opens at midnight (Jon Donut), but of course it was closed since it was the middle of the afternoon ... boo. The rest of today was spent lounging about, watching ANTM/New Girl and being moody, then finally hopping on my bike to the library where I got some writing done. Now it's 2:30 AM and yawns are ringing through the house. Happy Monday, y'all.

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