Rugged yet soft at the exact same time. Imperfectly perfect.
Harper's Bazaar November 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Faux Fur, Mummified Scissors, and My Scoliosis
Shredded Sweater - Storets, Jacket - Zara, Faux Fur Collar - vintage, Jeans - Free People, Wedges - ModCloth, Belt - vintage, Scissors on necklace - courtesy of Roz from the blog Clothes, Cameras and Coffee
A casual outfit that I wore on Black Friday out and about. Dressed it up with a vintage faux fur collar that I found a few months ago. It really does the job of adding some glam and elegance to any piece. As many of you know, I am obsessed with shredded sweaters, and this is my third one that I picked from Storets. A little grunge and rock and roll never hurt one bit.
For this post, I wanted to feature the necklace around my neck. The scissors on it were handmade for me by the wonderful English blogger Roz from Clothes, Cameras and Coffee. Roz is extremely beautiful and reminds me of a young Elizabeth Taylor, has a vintage closet to die for, is a budding photographer, and has the most amazing way with words. She's only 15, but she is way wise beyond her years. Basically, she is the coolest and most intelligent 15 year old I have ever had the pleasure of talking to. We have been corresponding through email ever since I found out that she just had her scoliosis back surgery. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is curved from side to side (resulting in a S or C-shaped spine), usually due to deformities in the shape of individual vertebrae. It is a condition that the patient is usually just born with and can worsen throughout the years if it is not treated correctly.
The reason I mention this is because I had the exact same surgery over 4 years ago, in 2006 during my freshman year of college. I have known that I have had scoliosis since elementary school and I had to wear a back brace to keep my spine from curving even more. The brace basically worked to "push" my spine back into place (trust me, this was not a comfortable situation at all!). I was an active and rebellious child, so instead of wearing it like the prescribed 23 hours a day, I only wore it at night or when I was home and not playing. While the brace did help get my curve degree down into the mid-20's, after I stopped wearing it as a teenager to see if my spine would worsen or not, it quickly shot up to the high 40's. Surgery was an option that I was always too fearful to acknowledge, but I knew that I had no choice in the end.
The surgery that I had was the exact same surgery that Roz had just last month. Two lightweight titanium rods were placed along my spine with screws (no, I do not set off metal detectors at the airport). The rods and screws keep my spine in its newly straightened position, as well as keep in place the extra bone that was fused to my spine to reshape the deformed vertebrae (this is complicated stuff people). It was a 7 hour surgery. Totally major. The biggest fear I had was that I would be included in the 1% of patients who have complications, such as paralysis. I mean we're dealing with the spine . . . which connects with my brain . . . and all those nerves that keep me functioning right. It certainly was a scary and painful experience, but I was still young, strong, and healthy, and I recovered with flying colors. I even returned back to school after only 2 weeks!
I quickly came to realize that the surgery was the best thing to happen to me because I no longer have to worry about people looking at my back because of my scoliosis. In reality, though, nobody ever actually noticed it . . . only I did. I feel way more confident with my body than I did as a teenager, and I can finally wear all the kinds of clothes I want (before, I would never wear anything tight-fitted because I didn't want people to notice my scoliosis). I no longer feel trapped by my body or self-conscious about it, and it is such a freedom that I am so lucky to have now. It was so nice to be able to share my experiences with another blogger that I am so inspired by, and to discuss all the ways it has helped me now.
The scar running along my spine is no longer just the result of a long and painful surgery to correct a physical deformity, but it is an emblem of my strength that has helped me come to be who I am today. It is comforting to embrace this outlook on my experience and grow from it rather than get down on the fact that I have scoliosis and not somebody else. I had it for a reason, and I wouldn't be the same person I am today without it. I am grateful for that. It was a struggle in the beginning, but it was all so worthwhile. Roz and I share these same thoughts on our scoliosis and the aftermath of our surgeries, and I am happy that we are able to look at the positive side of things.
It has been over 4 years since my surgery, and I feel better than ever. It's like I haven't even had it in the first place. I still dance and have even taken up Tae Bo in the past year! Roz is also having a healthy recovery from her surgery. Cheers to being young and strong! My spine curvature right now is in the low 20's, but nobody can even notice at all that I even ever had anything wrong with my spine. This is the first time on this blog that I have gone into detail about my scoliosis. I thought it would be an interesting thing to share with you guys, especially for my readers who want to know more personal things about me. I could go into even more depth about my experience, but that would probably be the length of a Harry Potter book, and I don't want to bore you. But if you have any more questions, just email me! I love receiving emails from my readers :)
Now back to the "mummified" scissors that Roz made for me that I was speaking of. Roz came up with this "Mummy's Scissors" project over the summer to see other bloggers like herself wear and "market" an unusual yet easy to make piece of jewelery. Some bloggers made their own and some, like myself, got a pair that Roz made herself. It is a very interesting project that is meant to bring to life our creativity and individual fashion-sense. I probably never would have thought to wear scissors as a necklace before being approached to take part in this project, but I was up to the challenge and wanted to find a way to make the scissors fit in with my own personal style. When worn on a chain alongside my favorite charms with an outfit that is casual and modern, the scissors feel edgy and totally ME. It shows how easy it really is for one to mix the obscure with the everyday. I quite like the result. What do you think? The scissors even seem to fit into my scoliosis story, since I did have to be literally cut into during surgery. The scissors and my scar go hand in hand. Now I have two emblems of strength to show off and be proud of. It is the best way to think about things, not just for someone like me or Roz, but for anyone. What would be your emblem of strength? Oh, and please check out Roz's blog here. It really is amazing. The girl blows me away with each and every post!
Here is to the start of a bright week!
xoxo
A casual outfit that I wore on Black Friday out and about. Dressed it up with a vintage faux fur collar that I found a few months ago. It really does the job of adding some glam and elegance to any piece. As many of you know, I am obsessed with shredded sweaters, and this is my third one that I picked from Storets. A little grunge and rock and roll never hurt one bit.
For this post, I wanted to feature the necklace around my neck. The scissors on it were handmade for me by the wonderful English blogger Roz from Clothes, Cameras and Coffee. Roz is extremely beautiful and reminds me of a young Elizabeth Taylor, has a vintage closet to die for, is a budding photographer, and has the most amazing way with words. She's only 15, but she is way wise beyond her years. Basically, she is the coolest and most intelligent 15 year old I have ever had the pleasure of talking to. We have been corresponding through email ever since I found out that she just had her scoliosis back surgery. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is curved from side to side (resulting in a S or C-shaped spine), usually due to deformities in the shape of individual vertebrae. It is a condition that the patient is usually just born with and can worsen throughout the years if it is not treated correctly.
The reason I mention this is because I had the exact same surgery over 4 years ago, in 2006 during my freshman year of college. I have known that I have had scoliosis since elementary school and I had to wear a back brace to keep my spine from curving even more. The brace basically worked to "push" my spine back into place (trust me, this was not a comfortable situation at all!). I was an active and rebellious child, so instead of wearing it like the prescribed 23 hours a day, I only wore it at night or when I was home and not playing. While the brace did help get my curve degree down into the mid-20's, after I stopped wearing it as a teenager to see if my spine would worsen or not, it quickly shot up to the high 40's. Surgery was an option that I was always too fearful to acknowledge, but I knew that I had no choice in the end.
The surgery that I had was the exact same surgery that Roz had just last month. Two lightweight titanium rods were placed along my spine with screws (no, I do not set off metal detectors at the airport). The rods and screws keep my spine in its newly straightened position, as well as keep in place the extra bone that was fused to my spine to reshape the deformed vertebrae (this is complicated stuff people). It was a 7 hour surgery. Totally major. The biggest fear I had was that I would be included in the 1% of patients who have complications, such as paralysis. I mean we're dealing with the spine . . . which connects with my brain . . . and all those nerves that keep me functioning right. It certainly was a scary and painful experience, but I was still young, strong, and healthy, and I recovered with flying colors. I even returned back to school after only 2 weeks!
I quickly came to realize that the surgery was the best thing to happen to me because I no longer have to worry about people looking at my back because of my scoliosis. In reality, though, nobody ever actually noticed it . . . only I did. I feel way more confident with my body than I did as a teenager, and I can finally wear all the kinds of clothes I want (before, I would never wear anything tight-fitted because I didn't want people to notice my scoliosis). I no longer feel trapped by my body or self-conscious about it, and it is such a freedom that I am so lucky to have now. It was so nice to be able to share my experiences with another blogger that I am so inspired by, and to discuss all the ways it has helped me now.
The scar running along my spine is no longer just the result of a long and painful surgery to correct a physical deformity, but it is an emblem of my strength that has helped me come to be who I am today. It is comforting to embrace this outlook on my experience and grow from it rather than get down on the fact that I have scoliosis and not somebody else. I had it for a reason, and I wouldn't be the same person I am today without it. I am grateful for that. It was a struggle in the beginning, but it was all so worthwhile. Roz and I share these same thoughts on our scoliosis and the aftermath of our surgeries, and I am happy that we are able to look at the positive side of things.
It has been over 4 years since my surgery, and I feel better than ever. It's like I haven't even had it in the first place. I still dance and have even taken up Tae Bo in the past year! Roz is also having a healthy recovery from her surgery. Cheers to being young and strong! My spine curvature right now is in the low 20's, but nobody can even notice at all that I even ever had anything wrong with my spine. This is the first time on this blog that I have gone into detail about my scoliosis. I thought it would be an interesting thing to share with you guys, especially for my readers who want to know more personal things about me. I could go into even more depth about my experience, but that would probably be the length of a Harry Potter book, and I don't want to bore you. But if you have any more questions, just email me! I love receiving emails from my readers :)
Now back to the "mummified" scissors that Roz made for me that I was speaking of. Roz came up with this "Mummy's Scissors" project over the summer to see other bloggers like herself wear and "market" an unusual yet easy to make piece of jewelery. Some bloggers made their own and some, like myself, got a pair that Roz made herself. It is a very interesting project that is meant to bring to life our creativity and individual fashion-sense. I probably never would have thought to wear scissors as a necklace before being approached to take part in this project, but I was up to the challenge and wanted to find a way to make the scissors fit in with my own personal style. When worn on a chain alongside my favorite charms with an outfit that is casual and modern, the scissors feel edgy and totally ME. It shows how easy it really is for one to mix the obscure with the everyday. I quite like the result. What do you think? The scissors even seem to fit into my scoliosis story, since I did have to be literally cut into during surgery. The scissors and my scar go hand in hand. Now I have two emblems of strength to show off and be proud of. It is the best way to think about things, not just for someone like me or Roz, but for anyone. What would be your emblem of strength? Oh, and please check out Roz's blog here. It really is amazing. The girl blows me away with each and every post!
Here is to the start of a bright week!
xoxo
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wild Flower
Top - vintage courtesy of Calico, Jacket - Zara, Scarf - H&M, Jeans - James Jeans, Shoes - vintage, Purse - Melie Bianco courtesy of Chou Chou blog's giveaway
Hope you all are enjoying yourselves so far this week! The past two days have included a lot of eating, walking around the shops, more eating, and movie-watching for me. Life is good and my tummy is full. What more can I ask for? I saw Love and Other Drugs, Burlesque, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. I must say, I now have a total crush on Jake Gyllenhaal. Apparently, so does my mom! We did get a very good view of his perfectly muscular rear, so that may be why! HA! And it was nice to be reminded of Christina's amazing set of pipes in Burlesque. The girl's not the best actress, but once she belts out a tune you forget everything else. The Harry Potter movie was thrilling, but nothing can top the original books and all the magical ways you imagine things the first time reading them. Still, I liked the movie and am just itching for Part 2.
Here I am rocking my vintage floral blouse from the amazing online vintage shop, Calico. I think the colors on it are so autumn, and they look divine with all my dark-toned clothes. It is one of my favorite pieces at the moment! As are these vintage ankle booties that I borrowed/stole from my mom.
I'm going to kickback and take things slow this weekend. How about you?
xoxo
Here I am rocking my vintage floral blouse from the amazing online vintage shop, Calico. I think the colors on it are so autumn, and they look divine with all my dark-toned clothes. It is one of my favorite pieces at the moment! As are these vintage ankle booties that I borrowed/stole from my mom.
I'm going to kickback and take things slow this weekend. How about you?
xoxo
Friday, November 26, 2010
Frida for H&M / Black Friday
Happy Friday! Today I visited the shops today for the Black Friday super sales, but I didn't really buy anything spectacular clothes-wise. I did head over to Best Buy with my family at 8 A.M. because my sister and I wanted to get new smartphones. We decided to go with the Samsung Fascinate. I am totally addicted to it, and as a blogger I really appreciate how easy it makes social networking. It's also really pretty and sleek. It's basically my new best friend. It took us forever to get our phones, so it was already too late to snag the other good shopping deals (even though it was not even 10 A.M. yet), but we still wandered the stores afterward. I didn't see anything I really liked, but I did pick up a pair of black velvet leggings for a few bucks. For those of you who were brave enough to tackle the crazy-ass crowds today, did you find anything worthy enough to take home?
At the H&M store today (I was looking for those fair isle leggings . . . but they were sold out) and got the latest H&M Magazine. Totally fell in love with the editorial inside with Frida Gustavsson rocking some classically chic looks (see above). It's everything I want to be wearing right now and even next season. A sweet and romantic mix of masculine and feminine that stands the test of time like a pro. Not only that, but Frida makes anything and everything look AMAZING and so EFFORTLESS.
Right now I am snuggled up in bed with The Wizard of Oz on the television (brings back wonderful childhood memories). I am officially beat after this long day out, and so happy that I still have the entire weekend to relax and rejuvenate myself. The holidays aren't even close to being done, and I need all the energy I can muster so that I am able to enjoy every second of it!
Tomorrow is the last day to enter the Tilly Boutique MINKPINK Basket Case Jumper GIVEAWAY! So enter while you still can!
At the H&M store today (I was looking for those fair isle leggings . . . but they were sold out) and got the latest H&M Magazine. Totally fell in love with the editorial inside with Frida Gustavsson rocking some classically chic looks (see above). It's everything I want to be wearing right now and even next season. A sweet and romantic mix of masculine and feminine that stands the test of time like a pro. Not only that, but Frida makes anything and everything look AMAZING and so EFFORTLESS.
Right now I am snuggled up in bed with The Wizard of Oz on the television (brings back wonderful childhood memories). I am officially beat after this long day out, and so happy that I still have the entire weekend to relax and rejuvenate myself. The holidays aren't even close to being done, and I need all the energy I can muster so that I am able to enjoy every second of it!
Tomorrow is the last day to enter the Tilly Boutique MINKPINK Basket Case Jumper GIVEAWAY! So enter while you still can!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Earthy Rainbow
Sweater - Anthropologie, Sheer Blouse - DKNY, Jeans - James Jeans, Boots - vintage, Beanie - Forever 21, Purse - Jigsaw
HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY FELLOW AMERICANS! Let's all celebrate and appreciate everything that we are lucky to have in our lives, like family, friends, and a roof over our heads. That goes for everyone all around the world, as well. I feel so grateful to have all those who are dearest to me right by my side today.
When its rainy and really cold, like during this past weekend, it can be hard to get into an even remotely dressy mood. Sometimes I just want to lounge around in sweats all day and not give a single thought to what I look like. But you won't find me in sweats outside of the house. It's just not my thing, probably because it reminds me of those girls in high school who made pajamas pants their daily uniform (and these were the "popular" girls). Thank goodness for pretty knits with intricate designs to add a little flair to even the most laziest and gloomiest of days. I picked this one up from Anthropologie last month after salivating over it for a few weeks beforehand. It was finally on sale, so I snagged up one of the last pieces. Its earthy colors and layered corset back paneling made it too hard to even think about passing up. I was going to wait until my winter vacations to wear it, but it just started getting excruciating cold where I am at, and this sweater made the perfect cover up. What do you think?
I will be spending the day watching new movies at the theater and having a Mexican-style Thanksgiving dinner with freshly made tamales and all the Mexican trimmings. We all felt a little tired of turkey this year, as you can tell. I myself am not a big fan of the big bird. But we will be having lots of pie, of course! Now that's something I'll put on my plate anytime of the year :)
Have a beautiful day!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY FELLOW AMERICANS! Let's all celebrate and appreciate everything that we are lucky to have in our lives, like family, friends, and a roof over our heads. That goes for everyone all around the world, as well. I feel so grateful to have all those who are dearest to me right by my side today.
When its rainy and really cold, like during this past weekend, it can be hard to get into an even remotely dressy mood. Sometimes I just want to lounge around in sweats all day and not give a single thought to what I look like. But you won't find me in sweats outside of the house. It's just not my thing, probably because it reminds me of those girls in high school who made pajamas pants their daily uniform (and these were the "popular" girls). Thank goodness for pretty knits with intricate designs to add a little flair to even the most laziest and gloomiest of days. I picked this one up from Anthropologie last month after salivating over it for a few weeks beforehand. It was finally on sale, so I snagged up one of the last pieces. Its earthy colors and layered corset back paneling made it too hard to even think about passing up. I was going to wait until my winter vacations to wear it, but it just started getting excruciating cold where I am at, and this sweater made the perfect cover up. What do you think?
I will be spending the day watching new movies at the theater and having a Mexican-style Thanksgiving dinner with freshly made tamales and all the Mexican trimmings. We all felt a little tired of turkey this year, as you can tell. I myself am not a big fan of the big bird. But we will be having lots of pie, of course! Now that's something I'll put on my plate anytime of the year :)
Have a beautiful day!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
$100 Shopbop Gift Card GIVEAWAY!!!
I am partnering up with Shopbop to give away a $100 gift card to one of my readers. Just in time for the holidays! Shopbop is one of my favorite online retailers because they have an amazing selection of . . . EVERYTHING! From Rag & Bone and Marc by Marc Jacobs to Tibi and Joie, every brand on Shopbop has something I am totally lusting over. Check out the website to see all the chic jackets, knitted tops, sweater dresses, and print dresses. There is even a huge designer clothing sale going on right now! I am always on the website browsing my designer dream wardrobe. And now one of you have the chance to not just browse, but also shop!
This giveaway is open to all of my readers worldwide! Here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment below with a link of one of your favorite items from the Shopbop website, as well as your email address
2. Make sure you are following me on Twitter, Facebook, and Bloglovin' (if you use these websites)
This giveaway will run for a week. I will choose a winner next Wednesday and the winner will be emailed his/her gift card code! Good luck!
CLOSED
This giveaway is open to all of my readers worldwide! Here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment below with a link of one of your favorite items from the Shopbop website, as well as your email address
2. Make sure you are following me on Twitter, Facebook, and Bloglovin' (if you use these websites)
This giveaway will run for a week. I will choose a winner next Wednesday and the winner will be emailed his/her gift card code! Good luck!
CLOSED
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hearts On My Legs
Velvet Hearted Leggings - Someday New Yorker, Cashmere Sweater - vintage, Sheer Blouse - DKNY, Booties - Kate Spade, Rings - Forever 21
The amazingly creative and talented Jessica, the designer behind her own line and Etsy shop called Someday New Yorker, made these totally lust-worthy velvet leggings splatted with cutesy hearts for me. I adore them to Reese's Pieces, and they kept my legs so warm during the rainy weekend. I feel like I spread love and happiness with these babies just by wearing them down the street!
I am having a blast seeing the items some of you got a hold of from the H&M + Lanvin collection, even though I didn't even try to head to the stores to check it out myself. I don't even know what stores in Southern California are selling it, actually! Bad me. hehe. Well, I'd rather save my money for the after-Thanksgiving sales anyways.
Thanks for reading. I heart you all.
xoxo
The amazingly creative and talented Jessica, the designer behind her own line and Etsy shop called Someday New Yorker, made these totally lust-worthy velvet leggings splatted with cutesy hearts for me. I adore them to Reese's Pieces, and they kept my legs so warm during the rainy weekend. I feel like I spread love and happiness with these babies just by wearing them down the street!
I am having a blast seeing the items some of you got a hold of from the H&M + Lanvin collection, even though I didn't even try to head to the stores to check it out myself. I don't even know what stores in Southern California are selling it, actually! Bad me. hehe. Well, I'd rather save my money for the after-Thanksgiving sales anyways.
Thanks for reading. I heart you all.
xoxo
Monday, November 22, 2010
How I Want To Wear . . .
Oh, how I love looking at pictures of extremely well-dressed people. I get most of my inspiration from peeps off the street, and I am always intrigued by the unexpected styling choices that I come across. Sometimes, it is the smallest of the smallest details that make all the difference. All these girls shot by Stockholm Streetstyle have caught my eye not just because of what they are wearing, but how they are wearing it. They definitely have a permanent home in my inspiration folder. Fall and winter are my absolute two favorite seasons for getting dressed because there are so many options, and with these girls I now have so many more thoughts on how to wear things!
Look forward to an outfit post tomorrow morning!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Mixy Matchy
Shredded Sweater - Storets, Skirt - ModCloth, Purse - Melie Bianco, Boots - vintage from Crossroads Trading Co, Bracelet - vintage gifted to me by my mom
There is no way I could get away with wearing this outfit out today without looking like a crazy person. I was actually bundled up in a scarf today because it was freaking cold! I wore this last week back before the freeze and rain came, when it was actually warm enough to frolic around in bare legs. It was like a mild summer just a few days ago and now it's like the dead of winter. Crazy how quickly the weather changes around here. I didn't really put too much thought into this outfit and just threw on what felt comfortable. Things tend to get a little mixy and matchy looking on days like these. Crushed velvet and brown shredded knitwear. And they actually worked together, I think. Whodathunk? These are my new vintage boots that I picked up at Crossroads Trading Co. last weekend. I have been living in them ever since. I love boots that are already perfectly broken in for me. Best vintage find evaaaaaaaaaa.
How were your weekends? I am so happy it is finally the week of Thanksgiving. I have been waiting all year! Bring on the festivity people. I'm already hearing Christmas music blasting everywhere I go and I'm totally loving it!
And make sure to enter the MINKPINK Basket Case Jumper giveaway below!
There is no way I could get away with wearing this outfit out today without looking like a crazy person. I was actually bundled up in a scarf today because it was freaking cold! I wore this last week back before the freeze and rain came, when it was actually warm enough to frolic around in bare legs. It was like a mild summer just a few days ago and now it's like the dead of winter. Crazy how quickly the weather changes around here. I didn't really put too much thought into this outfit and just threw on what felt comfortable. Things tend to get a little mixy and matchy looking on days like these. Crushed velvet and brown shredded knitwear. And they actually worked together, I think. Whodathunk? These are my new vintage boots that I picked up at Crossroads Trading Co. last weekend. I have been living in them ever since. I love boots that are already perfectly broken in for me. Best vintage find evaaaaaaaaaa.
How were your weekends? I am so happy it is finally the week of Thanksgiving. I have been waiting all year! Bring on the festivity people. I'm already hearing Christmas music blasting everywhere I go and I'm totally loving it!
And make sure to enter the MINKPINK Basket Case Jumper giveaway below!
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