Only You Can Be The Aching In My Heart

January 31, 2013

Only You Can Be The Aching In My Heart

My outfit has officially declared it to be the first day of spring. Like some of my co-workers pointed out, it seems like I was dressed for the wrong season today as the temperatures in the city dropped down to the low-40's. But when I received this beauty of a dress from Lendperk the other day, I couldn't wait any longer to slip it on. And guys, I finally found a dress that perfectly matches these heels! Huzzah!

Lendperk is a small, online business that is just getting started on its feet. Similar to Rent the Runway, Lendperk offers a service similar to Netflix but with dresses we know and love, from stores we know and love. Most of the dresses they offer are from boutiques including Modcloth, Anthropologie, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and more. I was actually lusting after this Modcloth dress ever since I started seeing it on the blogosphere a few months ago but the price tag scared me away. Trying out Lendperk gives me that opportunity to style it up and strut it around the city without having to commit to the price tag. (Plus, let me tell you guys, this dress swept in those compliments).

Forever 21 Denim Jacket
Jessica Simpson Heels c/o Lulu*s
Love Culture Orange Belt (similar)
Modcloth Dress via Lendperk

My favorite part of Lendperk so far is the service! Their shipping is super fast, their packaging is professional, and their team is so enjoyable to work with. I received two dresses and I can't wait to show you guys the second one, also from Modcloth. There's only one issue I had which was a tiny stain on the dress that probably couldn't be dry cleaned off, but it was so tiny that it's not even noticeable unless you're inspecting it (like me).

Be on the look out for a Lendperk giveaway in a few weeks as well. ;)

Read Post

27 comments

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

January 30, 2013

Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Topic of today's conversation? Leather skirts. If you told me three years ago that I'd be rocking one of those bad boys on my blog I would have said you were crazy. But today? I'm rocking a leather skirt with pride and I'm loving every second of it. I'm not a big fan of wearing leather in general and the last time I remember rocking some was when I had a burgundy leather jacket in middle school (apparently I thought I was a badass). But seeing how this one was made of vegan leather convinced me to give it another try.

My favorite part about the vegan leather skirt is definitely how soft and warm it is. I always imagined leather to embody the tough girl attitude but the fit of the skirt makes it somewhat romantic. Plus, in comparison to my flimsy cotton skirts, this guy can combat the winter winds perfectly.

Urban Outfitters Beige Sweater
Forever 21 Floral Belt, Cap Toe Heels (similar)
Vegan Leather Skirt c/o Lulu's 
Gold Bow Ring c/o Lulu's

If you're questioning my bare legs in the middle of January, I just wanted to inform the world that today is one of those days where Mother Nature says, "the hell with winter - let it be spring!" But then tomorrow Mother Nature will go back to conforming to the temperature standards. In the meantime, I'll enjoy her temporary PMS-ing and bask in the 55 degree weather. I hope everyone is having a lovely Wednesday! :)

Read Post

21 comments

The Turkey Diaries: Arriving in Malatya

January 29, 2013

The Turkey Diaries: Arriving in Malatya

After spending a few days in Istanbul, arriving in Malatya was a little bit of a shock, but it was also a really nice escape from being in such a touristy city. While Istanbul is located in the west of Turkey, Malatya is located all the way in eastern Turkey, which is known to be more conservative and religious. It was pretty funny being a tourist in Malatya mainly because they rarely get tourists, due to being a lesser-known city, so I stood out like a sore thumb.

Malatya is absolutely stunning though with snow-capped mountains in every direction you looked. I was just speechless looking at the beauty of the city during the cab ride to Inönü University, which is where Jeremy lives and teaches. That and the fact that I didn't know Turkish so I couldn't speak with the cab rider whose knowledge of English was non-existent.

Joe Fresh Cream Blouse (similar)
Forever 21 Denim Jacket
H&M Black Jeans  (similar)
First Boots c/o Jellypop

We kept it pretty relaxing during our first full day in Malatya, mainly because Jeremy had to teach a class that day. It was so much fun meeting his students and actually seeing Jeremy as a teacher. Jeremy even played show-and-tell with me and let his class ask me various questions about everything from my job to my race. I can't wait to share with you guys more about Malatya in the next post. :)

Read Post

12 comments

The Turkey Diaries: Bada Bing Hostel

January 28, 2013

The Turkey Diaries: Bada Bing Hostel

During our entire time in Istanbul, Jeremy and I stayed at the Bada Bing Hostel which his co-worker had recommended to him a few weeks prior. It's located in the Galata neighborhood so it was only a quick walk to the Galata Tower and to the Galata Bridge. It couldn't have been more perfect. We ended up getting a private room instead of rooming in the dorm-styled bedrooms but we still got to meet a variety of different travelers, especially on New Year's Eve.

This was my first time staying in a hostel and I adored my experience. Upon our arrival we were offered tea and coffee and I felt right at home within a few minutes. The staff was young and they were always willing to help out and give their travel recommendations for within the city. We met the owner, Volkan, during the New Year's party and his friendly energy was so contagious. If you guys are ever looking for a great hostel to stay at in Istanbul, with cheap rates, definitely consider Bada Bing. And check out that lobby decor! ;)

I wish I had snapped more photos of our room or the shared dining area, but they have a few more pictures on their website if you're interested!

Read Post

13 comments

Young Soul In This Very Strange World

Young Soul In This Very Strange World

Just a quick warning: there is an over abundance of photos of myself in this post but I couldn't help but post all of the silly pictures as well (the silly pictures that I usually keep in my archives, away from the eyes of the blogosphere).

The weather is finally starting to rise back up to the 30's and I couldn't be more relieved. It was ridiculously painful just walking outside of my apartment or leaving work - hopefully the groundhog doesn't see his shadow next weekend. I wish the weather would just make up its mind though. This entire week is supposed to stay in the mid-30's except for Wednesday, who decided that life was too short for the 30's and wanted to be 58 degrees. What is that? I'm not complaining though since I'll probably rock some tight-less legs. Boo-yah. 

Forever 21 Dolman Coat (similar), Knit Top (similar), Bag
Modcloth Printed Skirt (similar)
Urban Outfitters Arm Warmers (similar)
DKNY Black Tights
India Boots c/o Blowfish Shoes

This past weekend was so chill and I couldn't have asked for anything more. One of my co-workers curated her first New York City art show on Saturday night so I grabbed a few friends and went downtown to photograph it. It was full of hipsters so I felt a little out of place but I still really enjoyed the art. Just not my scene, I guess. It makes me realize how much I miss painting - if only I had more time to sit out on my balcony and just spend an afternoon with my paints. As usual, the night ended up at the bars with a mix of new and old friends.

Early on Sunday morning, a few of my guy friends caught the matinee showing of Les Misérables with me and I couldn't have been more blown away. I've never read the novel or watched the musical live so this was my first time being exposed to the story line and the music. I have to say, the acting was phenomenal, especially during the close-up shots of Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman. Definitely a must-see before it's out of theaters!

Read Post

25 comments

The Turkey Diaries: The Basilica Cistern

January 26, 2013

The Turkey Diaries: The Basilica Cistern

About 500 feet from the Aya Sofya was the entrance to the Basilica Cistern so Jeremy suggested that we go check it out. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul and it was used by the Great Palace of Constantinople as a water filtration system that caught and stored rainfall. A great basilica used to stand in its place before it was destroyed and rebuilt as a cistern, hence the name it was given.

I didn't expect much when I descended the stone steps into the cistern but I was immediately blown away by how stunning it was with the hundreds of marble columns lit softly with orange lights. These pictures barely do it justice and it doesn't even capture the enormity of the cistern. It has the capacity to hold over 100,000 tons of water but now there are only a few feet of water lining the bottom, leaving it virtually empty. Apparently they used to have boat tours which has now been replaced with a raised platform weaving between the columns.

In the northwest corner of the cistern you can find two columns that use the head of Medusa as their base. My inner hopeless romantic adores the story behind Medusa and Poseidon. One of Medusa's heads is placed upside down while the second is on its side; to this day it remains a mystery to why they were placed that way. Many believe it was to avert her gaze that would turn others to stone, while others believe it was to reduce the evil forces living in the snakes upon her head. The world may never know, just like the mystery of how many licks it would take to get to the center of a tootsie pop.

Read Post

8 comments

Save the Drama for a Llama

January 25, 2013

Save the Drama for a Llama

Madewell Llama Tee (similar)
Target Gray Cardigan
Forever 21 Olive Pants (similar), Dolman Coat (similar)
Blowfish Shoes Jackie Boots (similar)

This outfit post isn't about how frumpy or manly I look. No, it's about the llama. Just focus on the fact that there's a llama on my shirt and everything else just comes together.

Read Post

13 comments

The Turkey Diaries: Blue Mosque

January 24, 2013

The Turkey Diaries: Blue Mosque

Right across from the Aya Sofya stands the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more affectionately known as the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles that adorn the interior walls. Unlike the Aya Sofya, which was turned into a museum, the Blue Mosque is a fully functioning mosque where you can find people praying at all times of the day. It's still a hot spot for tourists though so Jeremy and I made our way over for a few minutes.

I love the story behind the Blue Mosque's six minarets (even though my pictures only show a few at a time). The local's belief is that when the mosque was being built in 1609 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, he originally wanted gold (altin) minarets. However, his architect misunderstood him and built six (alti) minarets instead of the typical four. The only other mosque with six minarets was the Haram Mosque in Mecca, which is known to be the holiest mosque in the world. In fear of offending anyone, Ahmed sent his architect to Mecca in order to add a seventh minaret to the Haram Mosque. I just like to believe that Ahmed was feeling like a boss so just plopped down two extra minarets because YOLO. Because they definitely used the term YOLO back then, right?

When you first enter the blue mosque, you end up in the outdoor court area which is pretty much as big as the actual mosque itself. I made sure to bring along my larger scarf in order to use it as a head covering. Jeremy had given me a head's up about bringing a scarf before I arrived in Turkey and I was surprised to see that so many female tourists still ignored the guidelines to cover their heads. The mosque seemed to be pretty lenient though and ignored any violations (except for the rule to remove your shoes before entering the carpeted area).

Once we were shoeless and inside the mosque, I was stunning by how beautiful it was. It was much easier to appreciate the beauty of the stained glass and interior tiling since everyone was talking in whispers due to the ongoing prayers. I wish I had captured a photograph of the entire mosque but I only snapped a few detail shots that really intrigued me.

Read Post

10 comments