Out of Cortex

A New Closet for Spring?

Big news (well, to some): Club Monaco launched its online store! When I worked there a few years ago, I totally wished there was an online store at which to spend my money, because sometimes our store just ran out of good merchandise. And of course you'd rather sell it to the customers than buy it yourself so that you can reach a quota. 

One thing I love about Club Monaco is the slim lines. I actually don't think I can fit my fat self into their dresses anymore, or if I had to buy, I'd have to buy a few sizes up. I used to fit in dresses as small as a 00 or 0, and now I probably need to skip size 1 to a size 2! That's a lot of dress sizes to gain in just three years, even if Club Monaco runs small. But look at the motivation to fall back down to a smaller size. Aren't these lovely? I am diggin' the chambray...

Something else I want to try is to mix it up in terms of wearing more androgynous pieces. I have some rather girly dresses and such, but wouldn't they look kind of neat with a structured suit jacket or maybe a tie? I think J.Crew has the right idea from stylist Gayle Spannaus. 

Right now, I am also just in love with some of this awesome Katie Ermillo stuff. In the photo immediately below, I love the white dress to the very left as well as the navy (or is that black) dress right next to her. In the collage beneath, I am dying for the dress on the model sitting by the window. It's girlish, and flirty, while still have some stiffness and structure so that it doesn't just devolve into useless lacey fluff. I like the little sleeves (not hiding too much, but not too bare) and the layered skirt. Heavenly.

And some color for inspiration! I'm loving orange right now (ah, Club Monaco, you are right!). It's warm and bright, but unlike the spectrum of red, it's neither too bold (crimson) or too diluted (pink). Orange-rust colors go with light neutrals by brightening them up as an accent. And orange can be toned down when matched with muted, darker shades. Perfect for spring but also works for a transition into fall because orange doesn't have to be overly exhuberant. 

Finally, I've been kind of obsessing over Shabby Apple and their vintage-inspired, flirty but sophistocated dresses. But when I dropped by the site for some window shopping, I was taken by the beautiful blocks that have taken over the site! Aren't these lovely? Perfect for summer. And my closet definitely lacks patterns: I'm working on it, but I have a lot of solid colored items and I never know how to fit it all together. I think Shabby Apple has inspired me to take a chance and mix up some brighter hues for a look that pops.

Of course, these bright pieces are in addition to the other Shabby Apple dresses that caught my eye in the first place. I think dresses can be sexy and classy without being showy and I think the ones from Shabby Apple prove that point. Also, they have this feature on this website to help you shop for dresses that are flattering to your body type. Here are some of my highlights (the yellow cider one below is my favorite in terms of color and cut!):

I also really like the Seychelles Spring line. Some of them aren't really shoes I'd wear, but aren't they...well, springy? I really like the Pansy flats. I think they'd look nice with shorts, skirts (short or maxi) or jeans. Perfect for spring, and summer for that matter.

While not as feminine and flirty as the Seychelles shoes, Mike got me a pair of Whites Boots! And they are pretty cool. They're lady Packer Boots, and I had to get them stretched so that they wouldn't be so tight (Mike got a size 6, which just barely fit, so I had them stretched out more comfortably). I will take pictures and then make a before-after post after I wear them in a bit. But for now, I think this is how I'd wear them to keep them lady-like!

This all makes me want to curl up in a patch of sun, enjoying a cup of tea and biscuits. I think these cookies would be so fun to make! Honestly, if I had time to just lounge around and make crafts, take care of my dogs, volunteer at a shelter, and buy pretty things, that would be the life. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees so I have to work in order to pay the bills, which means little to no time to lounge /make crafts / cook tasty treats / do different but time consuming extracurriculars (like volunteering at a shelter or maybe picking up a hobby like rock climbing or hiking), and as I won't be making tons of money, I won't be buying pretty things often either. But a girl can dream!

And for no other reason than because I feel like it, here is a silly, disapproving seagull looking down at you (quite literally). Isn't he awesome?!

Cheers! And enjoy the spring sunshine! I don't think I'll be able to because my finals and papers are leering just around the corner. Better to face them now when I still have time to plan my attack. Otherwise I'll probably find myself scrambling to my doom at the last minute to finish two 25-page papers, study for a final, and prep as a witness for Mike's trial. Sigh.

Emerson Fry - a New Guilty Pleasure

Did you read my post a few days ago about shopping and how we should only buy more sustainable clothing? Well, I still hold by that. BUT, please excuse my weakness for window shopping. - shame - But look at these beautiful pieces!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These pieces remind me of the times I was a little girl and I thought about how I'd like to dress when I was an adult. Slim and elegant lines, without being too overtly sexy, in clean colors.  The outlines remind me of Audrey Hepburn. Right? Anyway, from the top down: 1) paper bag skirt - raspberry stripe ($228); 2) Ikat tunic - heather ($248) and FunGlasses ($58); 3) Tie Waist Dress - Orange ($388); 4) White Mod (arrive Mid-April); 5) Four Button Jacket - Ivory ($348); and finally 6) A-Line Mod Top - Zebra ($218). So lovely... 

 

Thanks for not judging me too harshly. Plus, although it's spring break, I haven't done much as of yet other than work on a brief for a client that is due soon and watch movies / play games with Mike! (We watched Paranormal Activity 3 and Real Steel, both of which were good, albeit very different.) Anyway, while I am not doing anything exciting, I hope you will buy yourself (you know, or you can gift me) something beautiful so I can live vicariously through you!

Springing Forward

Spring is coming! And you know what that means... Spring shopping? Or was it cleaning? Well, regardless, you can clean out your closet and fill it with some new must-haves. I have just fallen in love with neutrals, with little splotches of edgy blacks, shiny golds, and beachy blues. LOVE this. 

Pictured above: 1. Veda Max leather jacket ($825.00); 2. Club Monaco Fanny Clutch ($129.50); 3. Tom Binns Parure Last Laugh Shark Earrings (#132.00); 4. Adia Kibur Beaded Bangle Set ($54.00); 5 Brose Stacey Sequined Bubble Mini Dress ($484.00); 6. B Brian Atwood Consort High Heel Sandals ($325.00); 7. Feel the Piece Linen Blend Sweater ($162.00); 7. Ribecca Minkoff Beach Babe Strappy Sandals ($165.00).  

Strangely, what I want MOST out of all of these is the Club Monaco Fanny Clutch... Isn't it cute? It's professional but beautiful and casual at the same time. And the best part is that it's big enough for all your accessories while not being too clunky. It really goes with the purse Mike bought me for Christmas. I feel like they're almost a traveling pair... RIGHT?! I really want it... If your pockets are deeper than mine, you can get it here. I will live vicariously through you.

I also saw these shoes and instantly fell in love. These are much less practical, but aren't they fantastically springy? I would love to wear these to a wedding (ahem, Liz Jun's is coming up in April...). 

The descriptoin: a beachy palette of dimensional palms shapes a breezy sandal set on a recessed platform.

• Adjustable strap with buckle closure.
• Approx. heel height: 5 3/4" with a 1 1/2" platform (comparable to a 4 1/4" heel).
• Leather upper/leather and polyurethane lining/leather sole.
• Imported.
• Salon Shoes.

Oh my god. Perfect for spring, no? Unfortunately, this is $1,024.00 so just a bit out of my budget... Sigh, back to being a poor student, I suppose. I guess this is good though. A lot of women's clothing is cheap stuff, and the styles keep changing. But one side effect of this is that we perpetual shoppers leave a giant carbon footprint. Think about it: imagin all the factories you endorse, all the synthetic fabrics that you are demanding, imagine the terrible conditions that help you obtain the cheaper leather goods you buy. I think the right idea is to shop less but buy a few quality items that will last, are ethically made, and don't encourage animal abuse or environmental degradation. 

In other news, and for other ways to thin out your wallet, check this out! Cheers.

Our Last Barrister's Ball

 This Friday evening marked the last "school dance" I think I will ever partake in. I spent the morning writing another draft of my immigration clinic appellate brief, and then it was time! 

 

Our 2012 Barrister's Ball was a CLas Vegas themed soirée shindig at the Lakewatch Inn, which is quite literally a barn. It was too cold (about 20-degrees) to explore the area, so I don't know whether we're really by a lake or not, which I wouldn't doubt. Obviously we didn't enjoy it. To celebrate our last barrister's ball, Kyle flew in sometime in the morning and we ate a hefty dinner of wings, corn nuggets, and pizza from the Nines at Sam's house. After stuffing ourselves to the brim with the addition of two mugs of exceedingly strong homemade drinks (Samantha!), we were struggling to mobilize ourselves to go to Andy's/Bob's house for the pre-game...

  

When we got out to the bus stop where we'd have to be transported to the Lakewatch, it was absolutely freezing. ALong the way, Adam shared his delicious concoction of chips and pretzels while Bob furtively sipped from his flask. The bus stop was, typically, a horror. When the bus came, people squeezed and pushed and beat their way on. But in the end, everyone fit just fine and I have no idea what the fuss was about. It was pretty rude and horrid as people from the back elbowed their ways aboard. Ah, law students. All class. 

Once we arrived, the venue looked very nice all decked out in lights. The dance floor was already filled with drunk people slipping and falling over spilled drinks that coated the ground, so I knew it would be a good night! Except there was a very annoyince instance where, as we were dancing, Mike and Kyle and I felt someone chucking sour patch kids at us. I looked on the floor and there the offending gummies lay. The two boys, with Justin taking up the rear, made their way up and told off some 1 or 2Ls about throwing stuff. Their defense? "It wasn't us!" But as Natasha astutely pointed out, if they weren't the ones, why 1) did they seem to know what Mike was referring to instead of asking "what are you talking about" and 2) did they eat the evidence after the confrontation if the candy didn't belong to them? It may seem funny and ridiculous to make a big deal out of this incident, but the salty coating could have easily scratched someone's eye or knocked a hard contact lens out. Seriously! Jerks.

SAM! One of my favorite people at the law school, hands down. When I think about how crappy the whole law school experience has been, what with the stress and horrible job search, I am glad to have made some good friends, Sam among the best. (And Mike too, of course!) 

 

 

 

The last few minutes of the ball ended in chaos, as the girls were looking for all their belongings that someone had unceremoniously shoved under the coat rack and trampled. That coat room was a complete mess. Anyway, while Mike doesn't usually like to dress up, I think he cleans up very nicely. I hope you had fun, buddy! And thanks for looking out for all my things. 

We all ended up skipping out on Andy Orr's / Chris Nenno's after party. We went to Sam's, ate some nachos and got too lethargic to do anything after vegging out so much so we just went home and played video games until three or four in the morning. Good wholesome fun! Cheers! 

Epitome of Restraint

Usually, I don't like to pat myself on the back, but today I will make a small exception. I think I deserve a high-five or at least a snuggle for my accomplishment: I haven't shopped since I've been in Ithaca! Well, that is, I haven't done more than window shop! And look at all the wonderful things that I would buy if I could! See some of the things on Edition01!  

Pictured above: 1) Ben Amun's Flower Vine Bracelet. ($415.00); 2) Bibhu Mohapatra's Satin Deco Gown ($3,575.00); 3) Peter Pilotto's Mar Dress ($1,620.00); 4) von Holzhausen's Periwinkly Furt Crocodile Clutch ($985.00); 5) Yigal Azrouël's Tissue Jersey Caftan (a more affordable $325.00); and 6) Reem Acra Lace Back Gown (ouch, for $2,860.00). Delicious.

Click here to win a $3,000.00 wardrobe! So if I win, and I go shopping, it still counts as "restraint" right? RIGHT?! Sigh. Well, I am off to enjoy some less expensive pleasures: i.e. watching a Knicks v. Heat game (I am feeling kind of bad for Jeremy Lin right now) and eating chicken wings with friends. Fair trade-off, I think, for wealth and beauty? 

[edit]

Jeremy Lin was crushed by Lebron James throughout the night. It's tough to blame him though, considering the Heat are just so dominant and athletic as well as skilled. Oh well. Eating wings, drinking beer, and bemoaning the loss with friends made it easier to take. After that? We went to a party at Andy/Bob's apartment and watched the remainder of the Lakers v. Thunder game. Similarly defeated. Kobe did not look happy. Alas, we will rally!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Rind*

Today I walked from campus to my house in the sunny sun sun and it was beautiful. I went to go pack up all my junk at my house, or at least I had the intention to. But when I got there, I lagged and ended up watching Princess Mononoke, Superbad, and part of Brick! Productive, I know. I had to have some noise running while I packed. I got most of it done ...but eh. Mike walked over to pick me up so we could walk back together in the warm Ithaca air (finally! It's not cold anymore!). We passed by these brilliant flowers that made me smile. 

I forgot to mention that our neighbor's cat greeted us before we walked up to the Collegetown area. This little cutie has the most beautiful blue eyes to match the clear skies. Very friendly, but kind of skittish. I reach out to give a friendly head scratch, and *shrink*, the cat starts and runs a ways off to avoid it. But then sometimes I reach out to snuggle and the funny little thing rubs up right next to my hand. I guess I don't know much about this strange one and maybe abuse was part of the reason for such behavior, but I hope this kitty won't need to fear people anymore. Our neighbor seems pretty nice to her cats generally? 

And in other news, Mike got his Trickers! They are really quite orange, but I like them for summer and fall (probably not so much for winter, but I'm guessing they will fade to a more appropriate color). They're perfectly bright and happy for the sunny days ahead, though, and they add a splash of color to Mike's more earthy-toned and blue-toned wardrobe. Man, I was thinking, Mike has some really nice pieces... his sleek black jacket (skinhead and LGBT movement icon), his filson bag, his red oxx bag, his White boots, his wolverines, his awesome flannels, his pink and brown houndstooth button-up, his blue J-Crew fisherman's collar sweater... There are more that I love, but each piece is a nice addition to his closet. I think in the future I need to shop like that: with care and more caution. I guess my Rebecca Minkoffs are a start to that end! 

Anyway, the shoes are a weird addition to Mike's room, just because of their smell. To clarify, Mike's room usually smells like... a really springy, sweet, lightly flowery lotion or something. He has a natural fragrance about him that is really pretty (I know, so masculine...sorry for giving it away, Mike). Well, either way, I love that smell. He doesn't have that strong food smell that some people get after eating heavy fried foods (which Mike loves to eat), he doesn't smoke (which makes me very happy), and he doesn't have bad B.O. even after working out (ex: Natasha in class: "What is that smell?" Mike: "Oh, sorry, I must stink, I just worked out before class and didn't have time to shower." Natasha: [sniff sniff] "It smells like roses!"). This wonderfully fragrant man's smell mixed with the warm but breezy spring Ithaca air... and then these raw, musty animal hide smells joined the mix, not in an entirely bad way, but it made me feel like we were in the wild! Or something... Anyway, it was quite interesting to have all these interesting odors. In the cold, things don't have the same quality of smell, but in the spring and summer, when the days grow warmer, everything gets more interesting. I also like the smell after rainfall, but that's for another day... enough about my nose. 

On the walk home, we saw these beautiful red tulips hanging out in the traffic-dividing island thing by my house. It was getting dark really fast, but I had to run over and snap a picture. Angie told us later that she picked some of these beauties. I guess someone has to enjoy them! But I also think the city of Ithaca won't appreciate anyone plucking these tulips; the city probably sees each one as a $6 investment or something.  Either way, some of them were wilting, so someone might as well take a momento home to enjoy? They were tall and striking though...a burst of stark crimson in the daylight, and a minxy velveteen red at night. Anyway, we're almost back to California now...just a few more days!  

*The title of this post is a reference to this Digg thread about movie names and how changing one letter can make a huge difference. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Rind); Jaws (Jews... that was bad!); Saving Private Ryan (Raving); The Green Mile (Tile...a Expose of the Flooring Industry); 28 Day Later (Gays...oh my). I think it's fine to find offensive things funny, as long as you laugh with the understanding that your laughter isn't malicious, if that makes sense. Today, too many people are too sensitive to "political correctness," don't you think? That's why kids don't "win" at sports anymore, and dodgeball is banned on elementary school campuses and stupid stuff like that. Lame. How will kids ever learn healthy competition and such now?  

Cinco de Mayo 2011

Cinco de Mayo is a strange celebration to me, not because it's a celebration of Mexican pride and heritage and of America's freedom (wiki), but because it's manifestation on campuses is really just an excuse for people who know nothing about Cinco de Mayo to get shit-faced, wasted, hammered, plastered, sloppy, sloshed, or whatever the slang term it is nowadays.

Anyway, to celebrate the fifth of May I would have liked to watch a foreign film or something while sipping a homemade margarita, but alas I didn't really do anything too out of the ordinary. But  that doesn't make my day any worse because I celebrated in a quiet, different way! The sun was streaming into Mike's room in the afternoon so I had to pull up his blinds and look outside.  I want to get a mat or something so that I can sit out on the rooftop of his first floor/on top of the balcony type thing. But unfortunately, it wasn't warm enough and also Mike was worried that I'd go crashing through the roof on to the frat guys who live down below. Oh well. Regardless, Mike could tell I was feeling restless, so he suggested that we take a break from studying take a walk to our spot on campus. I really appreciate that he was willing to get some air, because I always get this weird feeling (like a mini anxiety attack or something) when I am cooped up for too long. I have to make it outside or I have to do something productice once a day NOT in a room.   The moment I stepped outside, I felt like I had a spring in my step.  And I guess it doesn't hurt that Mike and I got to be friends on our walks to various libraries to study together last year. And as the year wore on, and we were freed of other obligations, we grew closer on these walks, sitting out in the warm sun or chilly wind by the Uris, Olin, and White Libraries. I guess there is just an element of nostalgia, and even though I am glad to be away from Ithaca, meeting Mike has made me grown (to some degree) attached to our campus haunts.  
Unfortunately, when we made it to campus, all the best lookouts and walkways were gated off! I guess it's in preparation for Slope Day (featuring Cornell Haynes Jr., a.k.a. Nelly of the infamous "Hot in Huuurr"). Man, I should have gotten tickets. Either way, our spot was blocked by these ugly gates put up by campus admnistrators so that people couldn't freeload and sit on the grassy knolls to drunkenly listen to music without having to pay for entrance tickets. Wow. Talking about spending more money than you'd "lose," I'm telling you, Cornell has got its priorities straight indeed. At least they couldn't take away the beauty of the sun or the day, or the (obvious) joy of walking around with Mike instead of studying for finals/trying to write my last paper.    



And the best part is ... everything is blooming! I love seeing the new grass and such. Ah. Lovely. It makes me happy to see. I hope Mike had fun taking a walk though, because I can tell he is pretty stressed out from finals and he seems a tiny bit grouchy (which is really rare for him). 

   I love the colors of spring and summe in Ithaca. It makes me a tiny bit sad that I'll miss the fall semester here next year (but I'm happy to be in San Francisco!). The worst part is that Sepe probably isn't going to be there in the Spring!  

 Regardless, today was a good day. I am happy we got out to breathe the fresh air and see the beautiful sights. Thanks Mike! Keep truckin' on those finals. I know you'll do fine, as always. And at least you had most of the semester to just chill out.

 

Closing the day off, I've just been listening to Strings of Nashville - Pavement (acoustic version). See also, Cat v. Piñata. Happy Cinco de Mayo to everyone (except the loud and obnoxious neighbors partying like there's no tomorrow)! 

[edit] 

I forgot to mention that today is also a momentous day because... I bought some new work shoes. Okay, okay, I know they're pricey but they're also quite beautiful and I think they will serve me well in my professional endeavors? What's that? Are you insinuating that I have no willpower when faced with breathtaking beauty (shoes)? I am insulted.... and ashamed, because it's probably true. No more shopping for me for a looooong time. Promise.

Wishlist #whatever and Visiting Mari

Want it. MARLA Flower T Bar Pumps from Topshop, $55.00 in Taupe. 

Want this too. Black Paisley Print Maxi Kaftan from Topshop, $70.00 in Black. 

And other beauties galore...mix of work, play, sass, and summer. Beautiful.

  Sigh...... Back to work. 

[edit]

Went to visit Mari today to drop off some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and homemade chocolate bars (~1/3 milk chocolate, ~2/3 dark chocolate...and one spoonful of creamy peanut buttery goodness melted together and stirred on low heat... yum!). Along the way, I snapped some pictures of the coming of spring time. Love the beautiful weather, but Ithaca is pretty hesitant to let go of winter it seems. Alas, the Commons (and near Wegmans) is flooded here and there. The petals are struggling to cling on to the branches as winds threaten to rip them off, and sometimes a sudden downpour of rain drenches delicate flowers until they wilt. Sigh. Will it never be truly warm again?

 

The Bralet

INTRODUCING...  

Yay or nay? I want to say yay. I think bralettes are so cute! Add a cute bralette, not one that is too lingerie-like, over a highwaisted skirt? You can either go immediately to summer mode, or have a cute but sexy night-out look. Thoughts? 

Honestly, I really wouldn't wear one with a suit or anything, unless it was worn under a more conservative top, but I really do like the idea of throwing one on for a casual picnic or dressy for a night out. So starting with the individual bralet features: the black strappy Savant bandage bralet from idontlikemondays (sold out!); the Lilac Floral Button-Through from Topshop here ($45.00); the 70s Denim Dungaree from Topshop here ($44.00); and the Mustard Crinkle Gingham from Topshop here ($40.00).  The one I want most, the Cream Zip Embellished bralet also from Topshop here ($80.00), and shown below, isn't available in my size anymore! Isn't that the story of my life??? What a sad, sad day.

PS: The best thing about bralettes/bralets? They look best with people with thinner frames and smaller busts. You do not want your cup to runneth over in this case, because it'll just look trashy or tacky.  Also, I know how different this post is compare to the one below, but hey. The nature of blogs, right? Free flowin' thoughts, my friends. 

Celebratory Purchases!

I saw this adorable two-finger ring and I had to get it (only $14).  I named him Peanut (I was between that and Sausage).  He sits next to Mike's tv when he's not with me and we put another ring around his neck like a collar.  Not quite a substitute for a running, jumping, playing pup, but I love him all the same! Isn't he cute?!  

I also decided to get this maxi dress (Threadsence, $48) because I need something summery that is flowy, comfortable and somewhat printed/patterned [because I own so many black dresses] but also not too short so I can throw a light jacked over it on slightly chillier northern-Californian mornings.  I like the little belt it comes with, although I'm not sure of its quality. Either way, love the length of the dress (50'' from the shoulder), the elastic waist, and the v-cut in the back.

While I was shopping for a nice summer maxi, I also came across this Lamixx skirt  ($42). Now, I've gotten a dress-skirt (black) and a t-shirt (white) from Lamixx before, and I've seen this skirt on her Etsy shop before, and I remembered how much I wanted it...so, I got it for myself on whim! I know, I need restraint, but I just finished a hellish week, so I'm thinking of it as a treat. Plus, there that whole asymmetric, front-to-back, high to low, tail hem thing that's in for the spring. I'm not so sure if I like it in extremes, so I thought it was a nice skirt that I would still like even if the trend goes out of style in a general sense (yes, even though the skirt is black!). And I didn't get this frog ring, but isn't it darling? I love it. It makes me smile everytime I look at it. Speaking of other things I wanted to buy (but DID exercise restraint for)...see below: a beautiful LBD, and a cute fringe top (which is totally something missing from my wardrobe), both from Lulu's. Ahem-ahem, anyone?