Hot Seat

I like clothes. I like makeup. I take great care in how I present myself, because unfortunately, people make a judgement of what kind of person you are within the first 30 seconds of meeting you. I think this kind of visual awareness is just sort of the package deal with being an art student, because I have yet to see a shabby art student (or at least unintentionally shabby).

However, I'm finding it stressful to know that one of the major things that's going to make or break an interview is how I look.
Somehow I have to look fashionable and professional, so while the usual corporate suit isn't going to quite cut it, bleached jeans aren't the answer either.



interview by erind90 featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs


My interview uniform has usually been a nice dress or skirt and blouse with pumps. It's a pretty safe bet and you can't really go wrong as long as you aren't showing cleavage or your hoo-ha.

These couple weeks my go-to uniform has been my fabulously swishy pleated black Theory skirt, black tights and pumps, an oxford shirt, and my Lanvin silk scarf tied like a tie.
Hey, I can be a bit tongue in cheek for interviews if I want to. Sure I'll wear a suit and tie, except, you know, my way.
The finishing pieces are a nice clutch (I had a bad incident a year ago with a prospective boss's desk plant and my tote bag.... I'm really better off with a small purse.) my resume and everything else that says that I'm a competent human being, and to finish it all off a great big smile :)

Are We There Yet?

I have to say that when it comes to fashion shows and seasons I tend to think that the time and date is relative (of course, some people will of say that the time and date is always relative in my life). Whatever season it is, the newest runway shows are just a source of inspiration, not a layout of what we should wait and plan for.

So even though we just left fall 2009, please darlings, don't get freaked out. The pre-fall 2010 shows are already here.

I took a perusal at some of the usual suspects, and my two favorites were Burberry Prorsom (as usual) and Versace.

Burberry Prorsum is definitely more my style, and season after season I wind up drooling over their runway collection. A little masculine edge to feminine basics, classic, clean, utilitarian, with interesting details. *sigh* This season is set to please as well.

I love the big snuggly jackets, soft leather, boiled wool and that crazy faux fur that I just want to dig my hands into. Also the lean, leg centered silhouette (always a favorite of mine. A girl's got her assets right?) I'm not sure about the cropped leg, which is a bit stumpifying but I've been dying to try out a pair of slouchy trousers, aka the harem pants more studious sister.

While Burberry is a collection about comfort (or at least it is for me), you have to love a designer who is so unapologetically in your face, flashy and fun as Versace.

This collection made me want to go party in Miami, just check out the day glo orange and blue! Also while black leggings are a staple in my wardrobe, after my initial interest I'm feeling kind of meh about leather leggings. However, these wet vinyl leggings.... I think I could find some space in my closet for a pair.

It's Coming Together

The last week has been a bit crazy around here with school, finding work, some playtime, and life in general.
HOWEVER, let's talk all the fun stuff.

I went to a screening for the movie When in Rome that's coming out in January. We watched it, got free popcorn and free movie passes (yay!) gave our opinion (boo!) and generally had a pretty awesome time. All I've got to say is that this is definitely a fluffy rom-com and don't expect any substance. If you want to see it just for the man candy that is Josh Duhamel, that is a perfectly acceptable (and perhaps only) reason to see it.

mmm.... man candy

I also went and saw From the House of the Dead at the Met. It's an opera based off of Dostoyevsky's memoirs of a prison camp in Siberia, written by Leos Janacek and performed in Czech. Can't you tell that it's quite the romp?
Actually, this was worthwhile seeing. I wouldn't take someone who hadn't seen opera before, because it is certainly an avante-garde production, but it was pretty stunning if a little surprising.
For some more information you can check out this short director's clip

Last but not least I've been doing interviews up the hoozah (and for those of you not acquainted with that word. It means A WHOLE LOT) and I think the possibility of employment in the near future is looking pretty likely. WOOO!

So anyway, wish me luck, have a great weekend and I'm off to study for finals.

Do You Bento?

I would rather not talk about how many times I've wound up eating lunch on the subway (I really need to schedule my time better),

or to explain exactly how much I actually spend on food in a week (the decision process is usually "pay for opera tickets to Carmen, or buy groceries. Carmen or groceries.... hmmmm")

or how I've been trying my hardest to stay away from a diet of ramen and the dollar menu at McDonalds (you know what happens to a boyish figure when they get fat? It all goes into the gut, and we look like an apple with little toothpick legs and arms. Not good).


Thankfully I found inspiration on my grocery trip to Chinatown and the answer to this dilemma is bento.

While there are many types of bento, from some really gorgeous formal dinner makunouchi bento, to picnic style kouraku bento, to eki bento which is sold at train stations, as prepared meals for travelers (the kind I'm eating). However, basically bento is a meal in a box. You really can't get any more simple than that.

Reasons to Bento?
1. Eating at home is always less expensive than eating pre-prepared food. You pay for labor.

2. The small box size and little dividers helps with portion control. People always seem surprised by how small portions actually are supposed to be.

3. I'm more willing to eat my veggies when they look pretty. Please don't ask me to explain the phenomenon. It's my inner kindergartner talking.

4. You could also throw in the "No plastic bags! Good for the environment!" schtick.

5. It's kind of fun. Reminds me of a grown up version of elementary school brown paper sack lunches, except prettier. And you know, Asian.

So without further ado, here is some of my inspiration

Of course they don't have to be as elaborate as these (I do aspire though).

My bento is usually just brown rice, steamed pea pods or broccoli, maybe a little chicken (or more veggies and fruit, depending on the budget situation), a little container of plain yogurt and honey, and some dark chocolate (come on, a girl needs her dessert).

If you're interested in jumping on the bento bandwagon, some good places to start are:

Just Bento for recipes and getting started and I Love Bento for supplies and inspiration.

It's All in the Bag

Everyone knows there is nothing quite like the relationship between a woman and her bag. Boys know never to touch a woman's purse, children know that they are pretty much bottomless and hold all sorts of goodies, and other women will remark on how tasteful/stunning/lack-luster another woman's bag is.
Luxist.com would also say that what kind of bag you carry says a lot about your own personality.
If for nothing more than entertainment I thought this was a pretty interesting (but then again, I'm the girl who always takes the "Is he really that into you?" quizzes in the back of teen magazines. That probably says a lot about me doesn't it?).

What does your handbag say about you? According to Luxist:

Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags denote a thoughtful, practical nature and careful decision-making.

Designer Label Women that carry expensive, designer handbags enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).

Knock-Off Carrying a knock-off bag can say that you're putting a fake front to the world and not always being true to yourself. But at least you have good taste.

Clutch Those who carry a clutch or very small handbag on a daily basis don't need to have their entire life with them at all times and give off an "I am a jet-setter" vibe.

Over-sized Large hobos and tote bags say that you don't want to ever have to go without. They say "I am prepared" and "I can take care of myself."

Flashy Bright, bejeweled, sequined, or otherwise very flashy bags denote confidence and a desire to be noticed.

Neutral Soothing, comfortable, neutral bags often belong to women with open, personable, friendly demeanors.


I personally carry a clutch everywhere just because I'm a klutz and anything larger than an envelope under my arm will cause destruction to delicate or unstable things nearby.

While "jet-setter" isn't the first thing that springs to mind when I describe myself, I do enjoy a gorgeous clutch to add a pop to my ensemble. Nice thing about clutches is that they're small enough that you can get a little wacky with the embellishments or color and it doesn't seem over the top, and they're usually relatively inexpensive so you can keep a couple in rotation.

I would love to add these little beauties to my closet (and btw all of them are under $50. WOOO!).

Lori's Shoes Sondra Roberts clutch

Nine West Gabby clutch

Liz Clairborne From Isaac with Love Clutch

My Christmas Wishlist

Every year my family complains that I'm "SOOOOO picky" and it's "SOOO HARD to shop for you". So every year I wind up making a idiot-proof wishlist at the beginning of December for them. It usually consists of those things that I really, desperately need or just can't justify buying for myself.
So Santa, since I've been such a good, good girl this year....

Wanted Pops black ballet flats
I wore a hole in the heel of my BCBG black flats and am in desperate need of another pair. I honestly have never heard of anyone wearing through a pair of shoes before... I must walk really hard or something.

Candle Bay Lavender and Gardenia reed diffusers
Mmmmmm.... gardenia.

Tretorn Skerry Vinter boots
Rain and snow boots. If you haven't heard yet about why I hate buying practical shoes, please check out this.


Stars for Sydell double finger ring
Okay, so this doesn't qualify as a "need" really, but I do really, really want it.

Winona Dimeo Ediger's book: Closet Confidential
I love this blogger, if you haven't heard of her go check her out right this second. I'm also endlessly impressed by anyone who can write a book and according to the reviews it's just as hilarious as her blog.

Passes to my Bikram yoga studio
Because although $20 a class can eat up a wad of cash, sometimes you just need some help to get your zen on.

Gift certificate to my favorite spa back home
Sometimes during the winter I like to play the game that "if I can't see my disgusting, calloused, hang-nailed feet, they don't exist". Unfortunately that doesn't work too well.
So if you live anywhere on the North Shore of MA, check out Nails & Spa Co. They are super cheap and do an awesome mani, pedi and facial.

photos thanks to Princess Cy and Eric Lon

Rub A Dub Dub

Someone's got bubbles on the brain...


Michael Kors RTW 2010

Bubble Fascinator

Bubble Necklace