Pumped Up Kicks

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Urban Outfitters Dress; J. Crew Cardigan; Juicy Couture Wedges

THREE MORE DAYS LEFT UNTIL SCHOOL IS OVER! Ugh I am so ready for summertime, and this dress is going to get a ton of use this summer. It is the perfect warm weather dress, and the Mexican fabric is so cool. I love it. Plus, the back is cut out. Super awesome!

To The Max*

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*I apologize for that cheesy title, but alas, it was all I could think of.

So I finally got around to getting a super cool navy knit maxi skirt from Splendid the other day and I am seriously so excited to wear it, but I don't know quite how to go about wearing it without looking like a crazy old boho lady. So naturally I drew some inspiration from fellow fashion enthusiasts and I've decided to share my favorite maxi looks with all of you! Yay!

I love the foresty hue and the juxtaposition with the soft skirt and the tough leather jacket.

 The metallic color and the accordion pleating are just wonderful and I love how it flows
 The bohemian dress is so sweet and I love the ivory tone, but those sandals make it hip, not granny-chic.
 The orange and grey work perfectly together, and the gossamer skirt gives the outfit a bit of sex appeal.
 Sometimes I fear a maxi might drown me with fabric, but this loose off-the-shoulder style makes it effortlessly chic.
The prairie skirt against the rich green is gorgeous, but my goodness, those shoes make this outfit amazing.


What are your favorite ways to style maxi skirts and dresses?
(all images from stockholmstreetstyle and streetfsn)

WANNA ASK YOU IF YOU LOVE ME, BUT I DON'T WANNA SEEM SO WEAK.

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I am tossing pennies into the rain, listening to your breath when you fall asleep next to me. Like you always do. It's only the rythm of raindrops and your cute snore that I'm able to hear. Smallest things which unexpectedly comforting me. I remember it was also raining when you laughed at me after I told you that I didn't like pennies, because they might be such worthless.
Then you said I was too ridiculous, someone who someone could love, like those pennies. The sunrays peeking through my iris, slowly erasing up the dull taupe sky. And I knew if there were anyone capable of loving me that way, it would always be you. Because it may be true that I'm the pennies in the lint of your pocket-- a little worthless, but you'll never throw them out. Glad that I didn't get lost in the ditches before you took me into your life.
I just finished the first day of my final examination! *sigh* See you on the next 2 weeks (oh why I've been MIA this much) And for anyone who is also fighting for exam, all the best for you guys ^____^

PS Thank you for the kind wishes for my daddy and this blog!
PSS Just fyi that my friend offered me to be the model for his next photo hunting, GOSH I'm so nervous! *looking down to my huge tummy+thighs+calves trio* And I've been thinking for the theme/concept. Do you have any advices or ideas? Please share if you do, I'll appreciate it so much ^____^
Stay fabulous, bloggers!

Fanning the Flames

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So yesterday I finally bought The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and the girl at the bookstore and I got into a conversation about how we love Sofia Coppola and that led to talking about Elle Fanning and how cool she is and how freaking jealous I am of her. She is seriously the luckiest girl ever- her and Hailee Steinfeld. It's like, she's a teenager in these cool, serious movies (not a crazy overexposed Disney kid) and she gets to wear high fashion stuff. I really hope she continues to be a presence on the red carpet and on the silver screen because she is a truly chic girl.


She is just too cool.

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My grandmother recently gave me the book Parisian Chic: a Style Guide by Ines de la Fresssange in preparation for my return to France, and already it has become one of my favorite nonfiction books. From the staples of sleek Parisian chic to rules you should never break to how to properly throw a dinner party, the book has it all down. And of course, it got me in the "Oh my god I need the staples of Parisian chic!" mood. Then I started dreaming about the clothes I would like to obtain this summer in general. I've been on the prowl for several items for the past few months now, but hopefully this summer I will get those major items I've been dreaming of (perhaps at some of the stores Madame de la Fressange talks about?).

THE Parisian Staple

Perhaps the most-known Parisian style staple (other than the beret, but no one actually wears those) is the striped sweater. After all, the best time to wear one is all the time* and they are rather versatile. I mean, THE French fashion icon herself, the great and powerful Coco Chanel, was the one who made them popular, and ever since women everywhere -including me- have been searching for the perfect striped shirts.

Coco Chanel in a striped sweater
Some of my favorite sweaters out there, all in rather patriotic colors. I love them all!

It's Been a Long Time

I've never been one for ultra-mini skirts and the whole bare-as-much-of-your-body-without-being-illegal thing. I don't mind showing off some skin, but there comes a point where it's a bit too much. So I was absolutely ecstatic to notice a shift from baring it all to leaving more to the imagination, and nothing epitomizes this "less [skin] is more" trend like the maxi skirt.

I especially am digging the neutral and pastel colors for maxis right now a la Chloe. Like a pretty ballerina!

Walking Shoes

Boots are a must for me -comfortable on my stupid feet and very versatile- but during the summertime it gets tricky. The short boot, then, is the perfect solution! Perfect for traipsing around Europe or hitting the festival, a calf-length boot with a tiny heel is perfect for the summertime -and beyond!
I especially adore the Rodarte for Opening Ceremony boots, but unfortunately they are a bit beyond my price range. Oh, well, a girl can dream!

What are your summer must-haves?

*I love you forever if you understand this reference/don't judge me for it :)

Just a Girl

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Tara Jarmon Cardigan; No Doubt concert Tee; J. Crew skirt; Nine West Tights; Anthropologie Shoes; Vintage Scarf

Today's outfit was an homage to all of Gwen Stefani's styles combined into one outfit, I suppose -from the 90s grunge scene to her harajuku obsession. Was one of those "throw on whatever you see first and go from there" kind of outfits, the ones that just continue to grow and grow, and they are usually my favorite outfits.

And apparently, or at least according to the uneducated kids at my school, this was a total "hipster" outfit.

Now the term "hipster" has been a hot commodity lately, and I don't know how everyone started using it all of a sudden, but many of the kids at my school find the whole concept of a "hipster" rather amusing, but I do feel as if they misunderstand the concept a bit. (Or a lot)

I will be the first one to admit that I am most definitely not a hipster. Hannah Montana is one of my fashion idols and just because I choose to wear blue lace tights instead of Uggs like the rest of the student population, I wouldn't consider myself to be hip. I've heard the word a lot lately and more often than not it is being used incorrectly, so I decided it was time to get to the bottom of the meaning of the word and why we insist on using it and just really what is a hipster?

According to Urban Dictionary, a "hipster" is defined as:

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women ... that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter... Although "hipsterism" is really a state of mind,it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Such styles ... are usually too "edgy" for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer. The "effortless cool" urban bohemian look of a hipster is exemplified in Urban Outfitters and American Apparel ads which cater towards the hipster demographic. Despite misconceptions based on their aesthetic tastes, hipsters tend to be well educated and often have liberal arts degrees, or degrees in maths and sciences, which also require certain creative analytical thinking abilities. Consequently many hipsters tend to have jobs in the music, art, and fashion industries. It is a myth that most hipsters are unemployed and live off of their parent's trust funds.
Hipsters shun mainstream societal conventions that apply to dating preferences and traditional "rules" of physical attraction. It is part of the hipster central dogma not to be influenced by mainsream advertising and media, which tends to only promote ethnocentric ideals of beauty..

 In a nutshell, hipsters are those who are against the cultural mainstream, usually thought of as cutting edge and very hip. They know the cool songs before they hit the radio, they know the movies before they get nominated for Oscars, etc.

And of course, know that hipsters are NOT those who simply wear flannel shirts and thick-rimmed glasses.

But of course, mention the "H" word and people immediately conjure up some scrawny twenty-something guy wearing a purple plaid flannel and converse. I think that if people must resort to using labels to define people they must at least use those labels somewhat accurately and not just point out the most blatant stereotypes of a certain subculture.

For example, I would consider myself to be "preppy" not because of my clothing, per say -I mean, if we are using stereotypes to define labels, I most certainly do not wear Lacoste polos or tennis skirts or pastel argyle sweaters- but rather because of my personality as an optimistic, cheery person with dreams of marrying a prince and living in Paris. I believe that this same method of sticking labels onto people must also be applied to "hipster" because seriously, if we need to narrow people down to one word, shouldn't we at least try and make that term meaningful?

Basically what I'm trying to say is that there is more to being a "hipster" than the fashion side of it. Actually, if you look at it merely on the  basis of fashion, you are actually getting a very distorted view of what hipsters really are. The majority of people who claim that they embody the "hipster" style listen to just as much Katy Perry and Usher as the rest of us, and plenty of legit hipsters wear normal clothes.

Furthermore, it is difficult to stereotype someone based solely on their musical, artistic, and cinematic preferences. I mean, even I could be considered "hipster" if someone blindly scrolled through my iPod and saw all the artists that they didn't know (I do pride myself in the fact that I've had Florence and the Machine on my playlists since 2007) but I won't be so ignorant as to label myself something I know I am not.

Another question I have is why do people outside of the hipster culture seem to use the term so negatively, as if it were a bad thing to be a hipster. The irony is that it is usually the "LAX bros" and Forever 21- wearing masses who use the word so negatively. Is it just because they are different? I don't get it. But what bothers me more than the negative connotation is the way the word is thrown around so inaccurately. Many of my peers seem to believe the term is derived from the term "hippie"
 and while there are some "hipsters" who could perhaps be seen as modern day hippies I believe they are two completely genres of attitudes. Hippies are about peace and are generally considered a historical culture popular throughout the late 60s and early 70s, whereas the hipster genre is an ongoing term. It is more of an umbrella term and while I do understand where people get the whole "pretentious" thing from I really do not get why everyone is hating on/fascinated by the hipster culture.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the hipster culture is that it changes over time. You cannot stay ahead of the cultural curve forever, and of course the masses will always eventually catch up with whatever phenomenons you've already been obsessed with for years (see Vampire Weekend, street art, thick-framed glasses, etc.). Once the rest of the world catches up, you must be forced to move on to an entirely new cultural finding, and the cycle of forward-thinking continues on forever.

With all that being said, it is time for us to stop assuming that all hipsters shop at Urban Outfitters and listen to obscure experimental indie-rap or whatever the hottest unknown music genre is, and understand the true meaning of a term we seem to be wayyyyy overusing as of late.

People who are truly "hipster" are first and foremost ahead of the cultural curve. If you want to call someone a hipster or any other sort of label, you need to know what it means.

*And all this over a pair of blue lace tights. They can't be too obscure. A nine-year-old complimented me on them.

**While we're out it, check out these cool sites that totally mock the hipster stereotype. Because let's face it, we must make fun of the hilarious labels we instill on others every once in a while:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleybaccam/a-collection-of-the-best-hipster-disney-memes
http://www.latfh.com/
http://www.hipsterhandbook.com/
http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/home/uploads/2007/09/hipster-bingo.jpg


Feeling Inspired By...

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I apologize for not being so constant with my blog posts lately, but I'm working on a long, thought-provoking one that will hopefully make up for my lack of posting. In the mean time, summer is only a few weeks away (for me, anyways) and I'm certainly feeling the summer vibes. Here's what's on my mind right now:



 Yes, eclectic, I know, but that is my style! These romantic/hippy/beachy/preppy styles are all me!

Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da

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Elizabeth and James Dress; Anthropologie Belt; Kate Spade 'Scout' Bag; J. Crew Shoes; Ray Bans

I love outfits like this where I feel crisp and clean. I went for a summery white and caramel color combo on one of the nicest days we've had in a long while (it makes me sad to know that on Wednesday it was 90+ degrees and today it is raining). But this is definitely a favorite outfit that I've created.

Yacht Rock

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Urban Outfitters Top; J. Crew shorts; Steve Madden sandals; vintage scarf

Total yacht club chic. Which is ironically fitting because I actually did go to the yacht club on that day. So it was fitting.

It's a Celestial Fountain

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^See PROM (the movie) it will be the best decision of your life


So now that my pesky AP chemistry exam is out of the way I am free to focus on the important things in life- like PROM! So our school had its prom this past Saturday and it was so much fun! It did not live up to the expectations Disney had left me with the night before, but regardless it was a good time and so fun to see everyone get dressed up and excited over it. For one night everyone was dressed to the nines, which was a refreshing change from the sweatpants and T-shirts most people at my school usually wear.

A few weeks a go I showed you guys my prom dress but since then I altered it and here's the final result!


I hemmed the dress -taking off ten inches in total!- and adjusted the bodice so it was fitted perfectly to me (an issue I always have with strapless dresses). The result- a cool and modern spin on my fifties prom dress and a dress that was not a hassle to deal with all night.

So of course I went all out getting ready for prom. Well, actually, not as all out as some would think. I got my nails done but my mom helped me with my hair and makeup, not a professional, whereas some girls were getting super elaborate hairdos and fancy makeup. I don't know, prom is a big deal but it isn't that big of a deal, I feel like. Maybe for my senior prom I'll get my hair done, but we shall see.



Anyways, I just curled my hair and gave it some volume. And I wore my new Ray-Bans because they are so sweet.


Then there was the makeup. I'm not usually a big makeup girl but I decided to put some on and spice up my look a bit. I tried to make my eyelashes as visible as possible with a ton of mascara (my eyelashes are basically translucent) and I got this cool eyeshadow pallet (on the left) from the drugstore and so I but purple and orange eyeshadow on and it actually looked cool. Sometimes I feel like me with makeup looks like I'm just trying way too hard, but this time it actually worked out.

And now, for the big event, the grand finale, here's me after all the hair and makeup and general stressing over what to do about that pesky prom...



 I'm so happy with how everything turned out. I was nervous about the dress at first because you never know how vintage stuff will work out, but this time the risk was definitely worth it. And the best part is, no one had the same dress as me!

Hooray!
 
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