Summer Festival Style: Floppy Hat + Velvet Fringe Skirt

Thrifted cream mesh sheer zebra stripe top // H&M burgundy felt floppy sunhat //

Black velvet maxi skirt with fringe (gift) // Target black suede booties //

Forever 21 gold spike bracelet, H&M wood and gold bracelets //

Revlon lip butter in Lollipop // Delia's mint green nail polish //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

What I actually wore to ComFest 2013: Columbus's summer city festival is known for the food, endless tents of vendors, and an amusing lack of dress code (aka topless women). I opted for a more covered-up Coachella-vibe with my trusty felt sunhat, festival fringe on my velvet skirt that my Grandma gave to me a long time ago, and thrifted $1 top with a sheer white zebra stripe pattern (from Volunteers of America). Since the top was a little oversized, I bunched into a tie knot for a more fitted and cropped look. The skirt also has a embellished Greek pottery design that is semi sheer. The fringe got tangled in leaves and my sandals, so it was a better idea to switch to my trusty heeled booties.

The weather's been bipolar sunny-rainstorm for the past week here, so this outfit was too hot when the sun was out but just right in the rain. I roamed around the park and checked out some cool local jewelry and art and snacked on a chocolate Ho-Ho cupcake. Afterwards, our group stopped by Jeni's for some gourmet ice cream action and had udon and pork katsu. Off to trivia night before a half week of work and 4th of July celebrations!

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It's the Day to Switch to Bloglovin

The day we've all dreaded is finally here - Google Reader is shutting down tomorrow, July 1st. That means that most of us will have to find a new way to follow our favourite blogs. I used GR to browse my blog subscriptions without having to deal with fancy layouts slowing down loading time, sorted into my faves and other categories, etc, but after the sad announcement a few months back I gave Bloglovin another try and found it similarly useful with a favourites folder, blogs by subject, and popular posts of the day. It does force you to open up the full blog page, but it benefits the bloggers (like you!) with pageviews. Another opportune feature is the "import from Google Reader" page which allows you to automatically transfer all your subscriptions to Bloglovin so you can pick up where you left off.

Please continue your support by following pandaphilia on Bloglovin !

Blue Collar, White Coat

Ann Taylor white fitted blazer (00P) // 

Thrifted Ann Taylor light blue button down blouse with tiny pinstripes (2P petite) //

Thrifted cobalt blue skirt // Payless white low heel pump //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Long time no see! My summer research job with pediatric plastic surgery turned into a lot more than I bargained for, and that's a wonderful thing. So far in these past two weeks I have been in cleft palate clinic thrice, watched two surgeries, dug through stacks of literature, tinkered with new tech, and met some awesome kids (and adults, too). Every single day is a new adventure that I'm juiced for.

Working at a hospital and clinical research means no blue jeans or tshirts, so I have to find a way to dress for the baking humid commute and the chilly air conditioning. A button down and skirt are standard for me by now - simple to throw on and professional. A couple of weeks ago I went to a Goodwill near campus and was pleased to find a big variety of on-trend small pieces. Downside was a slightly higher price tag ($7 for a sundress) for a thrift shop but the never-before-worn or designer items made it worth it. This top was a welcome teeny Ann Taylor discovery in 2Petite that fits me well. It is of a thicker soft cotton material and has tiny vertical stripes for a whole $4. The cobalt blue skirt hits right above my knee and fits at the waist, also for $4. It has side slits but my coat covers it. The white blazer is going to simulate my white coat and the whole look reminds me slightly of flight attendant.

Off to late night life on the town and catching up with friends! Warm nights, firefly lights, maybe a sip and a munch in hand too. C'est la vie!

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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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