I think I have strep throat and it's probably because I was busy pretending it was seventy degrees today when it barely breached the mid fifties... So if we're going to keep on pretending spring has sprung, then it means that Coachella is right around the corner and we're going. 

I went to a thrift store today in search for a denim dress and I kid you not, the first thing I put my hand on was a silk Isabel Marant Etoile Dress much like the silhouette of the one pictured, just with a much smaller print and in a deep maroon. I'm an idiot though - because I left without it. Every spring I find myself wanting to emulate this carefree girl that exists in my head - she has 101 different quirky vintage t-shirts and this Weekday Banana Tee  is 101% something she would own -  however this shirt is sold out and this website does not ship to the US, so that girl probably lives abroad. I go in and out of phases where I love a bold lip and I hate a bold lip and these Karen Walker sunglasses  seem like a good alternative to making a statement on your face without too much of a commitment. I'll be honest and state that I found this denim brand "Runawaydreamz" on Kylie Jenner's Instagram, that is also a "z" slapped at the end - likely so the brand wouldn't be confused with this. The Runawaydreamz shorts are a little on the high side, but look how beautifully faded and frayed. 

Once I think I've decided what I want from Zara, I find three more things the next week that I deem even better that the items from the weeks prior, most recently these fringy sandals. Part sneaker, part sandal, part loafer Phillip Lim got it right with these. This Lulu Frost Gold Code Moon ring, could be a moon, or it could mimic my first initial. 

If I glue pom-poms all over this jacket will it be equally as cool as this Phillip Lim embellished bomber?

This Opening Ceremony Sumi bag is charming in many ways, the electric hue, the cracked leather and the round little discs that make up the handle... it's the little things. The carefree girl that I mentioned earlier (the one with the t-shirts) also happens to have every peasant ruffle blouse you could not only imagine - but want...like this Isabel Marant one. This is really a sunglasses case, but I believe it has the power to pretend that it's the french-est of french minaudière. Why not bring a little bit of France to sunny so-Cal?

Okay see you at Coachella. Toodles.

Since I've worn wellies the last three days to tromp through puddles and wade the slight rivers flowing through the streets per melting mounds of snow - I see no better time than to approximate my spring lewk. I tend to do this thing where I obsess over a key item or element and then roll with it until I've collected so much of it that I never want to look at them again. (Last spring/summer for me was vests) Ready? You ready? It's fringe, which you probably could have already guessed. 

This fringe Junya Watanabe fringe tunic is everything + more. I'm still trying to construct my thesis on layering fringe - mainly because I've never delved into such ambrosial territory. These sandals are Valentino, they remind me quite a bit of Isabel Marant's Elvis Sandal, accept better because hey fringy fringe. Pair them with these silk Acne shorts. (I saw them in the flesh at FiveStory the detailing is impeccable) High-waist denim shorts they're a staple. Okay, let me explain this tunic - or more so the idea of the tunic. Two days ago I went to study at a coffee shop and ended up at my favorite vintage/consignment shop. How I ended up there is irrelevant, I found this sheer, faded, patch-work grey and navy tunic. It's hand made and label less, but it features this collar - more like floaty flap of fabric that can be folded down as a faux sleeve or folded up to moonlight as a scarf. I basically plan to wear it now until forever. It's a physical manifestation of the dress of my dreams.

 Any who, enough about me - more about my spring lewk. Other than fringe, I'm also loving mix printed paisley, this dress has a real ruffly skirt which I'm always about, it is Suno. I buy the same gold aviators every time I lose the same gold aviators, and I'm taking that as a sign to stop buying gold aviators. These floral sunglasses are semi-printed and from first glance I thought they were a pink speckled tortoise, they're not. I'm still romanticizing the idea of being a clutch girl and please picture this Shourouk clutch with the Watanabe fringe. 

The other day my dad instructed me to not spend all my money at Zara. This occurred right after I had spent all my money on vintage thrills, just kidding sort of. But his questioning me about Zara, only prompted me to refresh their new arrivals page and voila. These Zara sandals remind me quite a bit of Marni, with their wide fringe, and chunky soles. Perfect with point blank everything.

While my birthday happens to fall in the later days of summer, and the early days of it's almost, fall it's all most fall excitement, this list could be taken either as 'Fall Favorites' or 'Birthday Must Haves.'

Conveniently they coincide with each other.

1. Comme Des Garcon Embossed Makeup Bag - I've taken a liking to using multiple wallets per bag, so throw in a pouch and it might really liven things up.

2. Marc Jacobs Honey -  I've yet to smell this, however Marc has never let me down before in terms of scent, and I can't resist another cute bottle to add to my collection.

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sono Mama (as you are) Tank - the beaded collar reminds be a bit of Dannijo, but once again much like Marc, Phillip can do no wrong.

4. Kurt Geiger Close toed slip on - These remind me both of my grandma, and my childhood seeing as the straps are reminiscent of those the mary-janes I lived in as a chid. They also act as the middle man that could ease me back into nude/neutral footwear after ruining a pair of nude Jimmy Choos a few months prior. (Rest In Peace)

5. Lulu Frost Halo Ring - I don't know if you knew, but Beyonce and I happen to share the same birthday so it's really no surprise that she's all about the Halo too.

6. Leather Jacket - The search for the perfect leather jacket seems to be endless. Either I don't like the hardware, the belt that might hang awkwardly at the bottom, the collar, the sleeves etc etc. Or the small voice in the back of my head that's telling me maybe I should just listen to my dad who said, "you should get something practical, like something lined with fur"

7. Opening Ceremony iPhone Case - the shape on this case is so unique, as I've never been a huge iPhone case collector, it makes it seem worth it to upgrade my phone for this case.

8. Penny Loafers - The penny loafers I've been finding all follow the same trends: either they don't come in my size, or they are Balenciaga. (Pictured above are from Etsy)

(NxS)/(ExW) 

No, we're not trying to solve some abstract algebraic equation, rather we are abbreviating the hemispheres,  which are colliding in multiple ways. We'll start off with East meets West, which is not only the theme of a project I'm working on, but the idea that is taking over my dreams. Sort of like ethnic ornamentation melded with the easiness and ruggedness of a cowboy.

 In other semi-related news, I find many people have a "back up plan" incase fashion ever fails them, due to my recent dream now I have not one, not two, but three back up plans.

One of which is a Specialty Potato Eatery which will serve all potato dishes ranging from baked potatoes to potato pie and last but certainly not least potatoes of the mashed and/or fried variety. Mainly, because who doesn't love potatoes.

Pictured is actually an Alpaca, not to be confused with a Llama

The second back-up is to become a llama farmer. Love them, and shorn them, and sell their delicate fibers to some high-profit knitwear producer. Not only would I be aiding the production of wonderful sweaters but I would get to hang out with Llamas all day erryday (which I've already given thought to naming: Mavin, Priscilla, and Chewy)

and lastly, my dream: who needs Citi Bikes when you could see and get around the city via Camel. Thus Citi Camels would be even more successful, profitable and how totally East meets West. Camel's roaming the streets of New York City? Can we also imagine a camel being done with its shift and taking the subway home? I just feel this would be such a Vogue moment.

(if you aren't picking up what I'm putting down: these aren't really incase fashion fails me, more as various things I think of at random)

And now:  North meets South as I've been experiencing inner-turmoil with my wardrobe all summer. Where all I want to buy are things for fall/winter and ignore the fact that it's summer and I have absolutely nothing to wear when its over one-hundred degrees outside. Let's touch on the fact that half of my wardrobe is missing me while sitting in my storage unit, in Manhattan. I've since developed a deeper aversion towards a good 3/4 of the clothes that currently inhabit my closet.  But furthermore, I'm recognizing my style is changing. I am a visual learner so obviously I made a collage with what I used to love and what I currently crave.

While I used to covet Zara blazers in only the brightest hues, with ripped and shredded denim in all shades, florals with frilly collars and graphic tops brighter than a full moon. Now I find my eye wandering else wear. (see what I did there) See this collage really is an exaggeration because this summer I've bought more than just black and white, rather add in a little leather, navy and denim. I've been driving my mind crazy telling myself I'm just "going through a phase." In some sense I think I'm right, and I believe I can discern between what I'll always love (textured things, jewel tones, things I cannot afford etc) and things I bought on impulse(graphic tops, frilly lace collared dresses etc). However thus far the only conclusion I've reached is this is providing to be much harder than simply abiding by my closet cleansing rules.

A new bag is much like a newborn baby: You spend months pondering your purchase, literally pregnant with desire for the bag. Once he is delivered, typically via Fedex, he arrives in a carefully taped and packed box, just yearning to be unwrapped. You let him free, and he wants to be held, he wants you to carry him around. He never wants to leave your side. This two way train of over the top affection only lasts so long, and then he wants you to show him off, "Instagram me, feed me, take me to dinner, take me shopping" And as a proud owner of a new 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Satchel, I could only do those things. 

 So upon Phil's (so fondly nicknamed by my mother) first day of living, we headed to the park. 

 You have to keep him safe by your side. You have to worry about what he's touching, what he's sitting in, what he may or may not be allergic too, when you have to change his diaper shoulder strap...

(From left, Marc Jacobs, vintage,  Lulu Frost, watch - from BP at Nordstrom,  and two skinny vintage cuffs)

And then, Phil got a little tired and decided to plop down on the swing to take a rest. He whined about how hot it was and then wanted me to push him. (He wanted to feel the breeze through his handles as he held on for his dear life via his zipper pulls.) 

In addition, I've always been intrigued by the timing it takes from obtaining a new bag, treating it like a precious gem, and then becoming so familiar with it that you throw it around as if it were never a small child. Is this truly the lifespan of the bags childhood into adulthood ? Or in a more realistic sense, I suppose we become so accustomed to it that it no longer seems to need any special treatment? 

I'm wearing a black tee from Target, Zara faux denim linen shorts, Forever 21 sandals, and an H&M leopard scarf (that I DIY'd by sewing pom-pom trim on the edges)

Phil is wearing a 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel c/o Otte NY

"In Commemoration of my 1/2 Birthday" 

I titled the email to my mother, in which I included the following collage, despite the fact that my actual half birthday would have been over a month ago. She pointed out the fact that I was late to my own celebration by stating "don't you mean your dyslexic half-birthday?  (9/4 versus 4/9?)"

 But in all actuality, I was late to my own celebration or early depending on how you look at it.

I also appreciate the fact that my mother thought I was celebrating the reverse date of my birth, mainly because I'm surprised society hasn't picked up on that idea. (Half Birthdays, Reverse Birthdays, and Actual Birthdays YOLO right?)

Does this serve as a belated celebration due to the fact I am 1/2 a year older than I ever have been before? yes.

 Is this really just a premature list of tentative things I want in celebration of the day in which I am a whole year older than I ever have been before? absolutely yes.

But most recently my mother has pointed out the fact that by the time my birthday comes I will "no doubt have found some more lovely things to have :-)" She knows me too well.

Accessorize Hamptons Perspex Satchel, Alexander Wang shoes (or boots), Zara Combination Jacket with Zips, Lulu Frost Beaded Yellow Bracelet, Equipment printed silk top, Dannijo Mona Li Ring, Tibi Baroque Print wrap skirt, Chloe Sevigny for OC Ruffle Short, (another) Equipment printed silk shirt, Dannijo Umbilical Bracelet, Tibi Daisy Converse, and sunglasses,

As Florence says, "The dog days are over, the dog days are done, the horses are coming"

Are the horses coming? Well certainly not in Manhattan.

But seeing as the next four days have forecasted mid seventies... Can you say island living? 

Either way Florence was right. 

 Snapbacks  No. just snaps.

  Molly:(left) Kanye Sweatshirt from Etsy, American Eagle Denim shirt, Old Navy Necklace, Joe Fresh Pants, American Eagle Flats.

Emily: Abercrombie & Fitch denim Jacket, Lady Gaga T-shirt from H&M, Rihanna x River Island skirt, Zara Wedges

Zara Jacket,  Florence + The Machine t-shirt, Genetic Jeans, Jimmy Choo kitty heels

When in doubt, Wang run it out

 Hashtag Wang Wave

Be sure to check out  Musings of Molly for more on how to 'Kick it with Kanye'

Grimes, Local Natives, Passion Pit... Lets all just play along and pretend I have Coachella passes. 

We'll pretend I'll be hittin' up Indio, CA in t-mius seven days, and will hopefully return a few shades darker than my current 50 shades of pale. 

 SO, what am I going to wear?

Uniqlo Paper floppy Hat, Denim & Supply Paisley Bandana Dress,  ASOS Backpack, ASOS 'Pretty Tough' Necklace, Zara Ethnic Vamp Shoe, Mother Of Pearl Decoy Flowers Top, MSGM Geometric Skirt, Zara Minnie Tee (Hello, Minnie's all about Coachella), Le Specs 'Badman' Sunglasses, 3.1 Philip Lim Ripped Skinny Jeans, Zara Linen Tee, Loop for Andy Warhol bag, Zara Closed toe Strappy sandals (still loving these) 

I've been mulling spring trends this week. I was expecting this week (aka spring break) to have me leaping into spring spirit, but I'm just not quite there yet. The weather was not warm enough for spring, but too warm for winter dressing. Upon shopping I kept asking myself

  "what am I even looking for? I don't know what I want"

After careful thought/consideration I can say my Spring Top 5:

1. LOVING Denim everything. (well thats pretty basic... I said to myself) Patchwork, overalls, crop tops dresses etc. particularly with black and white pieces, along with some various pop of color. Also leaning toward lighter bleached denim, which I normally don't favor. This was basically my wardrobe combo for the entire week.

2. Coral and Baby Blue, partially because I fell in love twice with a pair of pale blue linen Acne shorts that would have rang up <$40.00, turns out they were three sizes too big and I was just too excited to check the size.

3. Dainty and not-so-dainty collars. Yes, both. I can't make up my mind (The Khai Khai 'Cloudy With a Chance of Rain, and Lulu Frost Demeter Collage Necklace are my reigning favs)

4. Cut out boots, I feel like the pair I recently purchased completely transformed my wardrobe.

5. Overalls, especially vintage, or of the Zara silk variety.

Kenzo Belt, Lulu Frost Demeter Collar, Simone Rochas Neon Embroidered Organza T-Shirt, 3.1 Philip Lim I Love NY T-Shirt (Nueva York, I love you), Zara Denim Patchwork Top  Sea NY Cotton Linen Stripe Shorts, Zara Printed Bermudas, Rachel Comey Acker with Holes, A Piece Apart Agnes Tank, Boticca Unicorn Ring

MiH Scalloped linen blend shorts, Alexander Wang Marti Bckpack, Olympia Le Tan Blouse, Lulus sunglasses, Zara neon flat sandal, Rebecca Minkoff Heart Stack Ring, Rebecca Minkoff Woven Box Bag, Zara beaded shorts (shout to Philip Lim), Lulu Frost code ring, Prada Sunglasses, Scotch & Soda Linen Safari Playsuit

ASOS Leather Flat Sandals, Topshop Kaboom Crop Tee, ASOS Chunky Blue Necklace, Topshop Moto Acid Wash Denim Jacket, ASOS Necklace, Opening Ceremony Blouse, Topshop Advance Cut out Boots, ASOS Metal Top Keyhole Round Sunglasses, ASOS Round Sunglasses with Pearl Highbrow, Opening Ceremony OC LA Perforated Bag

Recently I've been infatuated by the idea of warm weather. Today it's cloudy with a chill in the wind and it's like last weekends wonderful weather was only just a dream (sing it Nelly)

I've also come to the conclusion that Spring in the city is not the same as spring in TX. 

ex: I'd already be wearing shorts and sandals. 

So spring time....

Topshop Bead Facet Bracelet, Topshop Aristole Chuncky Tassle Boot, Prabal Gurung x Target Drop Waist Dress, Marc By Marc Jacobs Rolled Slim Polka dot Jeans, Fashion Union Black Floral Skirt, Topshop Jewel Absail Bracelet, Keds Champion Dot Sneaker, LOST Wallice Vest,

 Sarah Aghili Flip Bar Sunglasses

And Summer. In sweltering heat and days spent at the lake, you want easy to throw on pieces, typically looser, and things that can even double as a swim suit cover up.

Jade & Belle Piper Lane Striped Crop Top, Zara multicolored Ethnic Necklace, Mini Rodini Flamingo Tee, Runwaydreamz 450 Vintage Frayed Studded Shorts, Topshop Moto 'Tommy' vintage overalls (@Nordstrom), Zara Ethnic Evening Bag, Zara Woven Bracelets, House of Harlow 1960 Abra Sandal

Moral of the story: Accessories are everything.

If you ever found yourself wondering, "Why bother reading this, when there's actual fashion websites reporting from inside the shows, rather than outside..." well let me tell you, I can bring you inside the Fall 2013 Tibi show BEFORE Style.com. Which I'll admit, even I find a bit absurd.

Granted my pictures may not be of professional quality but hey, you have to improvise when your camera starts doing this right when the show starts... 

Front Row at Tibi.

The show overall was phenomenal. From bright blue and green neoprene jackets and blazers, to causal cool black and white knits, I found myself loving every bit of it. This blurry blue leopard pony hair pullover and skirt were among my favorites.

 While I am aware my pictures are blurs-galore, the attendees next to me also were complaining that the models were racing down the runway, so it was not just me. These were also all shot on my iPhone due to my unexpected camera issues.

Bomber jacket made by moi, T By Alexander Wang Sweatshirt, Zara Leggings, Hunter Boots, ASOS Turban Beanie, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Steve Madden Scarf, American Apparel Gloves.

Also major shout out to Uniqlo Heat-Tech.

Update: Style.com now has the Tibi show.

The final part to my Bomber Jackets posts (unless the one I ordered from Forever 21 begs for a photo) This is by far my favorite trend of the moment, they can be worn now or later with pastel jeans and sweaters for spring. Be sure to check out Who What Wear's video on different ways of styling bomber jackets.

Sharing a laugh and nod of approval with some conspicuous characters.

Theres actually a brief story behind these pups. I've had them since I was in 5th grade, when Converse were the latest and greatest craze, circa 2005. I grew up in a Nordies household, aka my parents seemed to only shop at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack. Neither of which carried Converse, so I chose the closest thing I could find, which happened to be these Marc Jacobs suede leather sneakers. At the time I had no idea who Marc Jacobs was, or that almost a decade later I would continue to praise my ten year old self for her superior selection.

And yes, I'm still the same shoe size as I was when I was ten.

Then I said, "Why don't I go laugh and be jolly by that dumpster"

Jacket made myself with fabrics from Golden D'or, Zara Sweater (bought awhile ago, similar here), See Thru Soul jeans found at Nordstrom, Alexander Wang Donna Bag, Marc Jacobs sneakers (similar here and these are just really rad). MAC Lip Cream Color Base in 'Movie Star Red'.

One of these things is not like the other.. (sung to the reminiscent childhood tune of Sesame Street)  

As seen through many of my own past experiences, its highly habitual that I always seem to want what I can't have. Its more desirable, and you just seem to long for it constantly... sort of like that Red Rocco that I spoke of previously or the Purple Haze Alexander Wang bag.

These shoes, much like me, beg to be worn with anything contradicting to what is expected of them, rid them of their grungy-clunky selves. Throw some white embroidered flowing shorts on, with some polka dot socks, or maybe even a floral velvet tunic paired with opaque black leggings."Dress me up, wear me out, and let me be seen to my full glory!" the Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane Boots desperately shout. The opportunities for these little guys are endless.

But can we first back up a hot second and talk about how IDENTICAL these look to the Balenciaga Buckle Ankle Boot? (which can be spotted in the middle of the bottom row) The Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane boot sings a soulful melody to my bank account, seeing as the Balenciaga Boots would clearly be in the "things I cannot afford have category"

(From Left to Right) 

Zara Floral Velvet Dress

Happy Sock Stripes and Dots Sock

Zara Embroidered Shorts

*Edit: Since originally posting this the Purple Haze bag has drastically gone on sale, thank the Barney's angels

**Edit 2.0: The Coltrane's really just aren't the same as the Balenciaga Boots. No. Not at All. The Balenciaga Boots are beauts, and now I just think of them the same, seeing as the girl that lives next to  stomps around in the Coltranes in a grungy lonely girl way, and not in an exciting yellow motorcycle boot kind of way. So needless to say I'm proud of my ability to withstand the draw of the boots.