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JennifHsieh is a space for my rambling thoughts and snaps of my everyday style. I'm based in Astoria, Queens and I share a home with my two derpy cats and my equally derpy fiancé.
The Turkey Diaries: Battalgazi

February 27, 2013

The Turkey Diaries: Battalgazi


Jeremy and I had planned on taking a day trip to another city during our stay in Malatya; however, the impending snow storm got in the way of our plans so we decided to visit Battalgazi instead. Battalgazi is another town in the Malatya province. Named after a legendary warrior, Battalgazi is currently a small town with various remnants from the past. One of Jeremy's friends, Mehmet, lives in Battalgazi so he generously offered to take us around and show us the sights.

We caught a mini-bus from downtown Malatya (in the first picture) and made the fifteen minute drive over. Along the way we passed numerous apricot groves, which Malayta is particularly famous for.


The first place that Mehmet took us was the Caravanserai (Kervansaray) which was only a few blocks away from the town square, where the bus dropped us off. Since Battalgazi used to be on one of the major trade routes back in the day, the Caravanserai served as chambers where exhausted travelers and tradesmen rested while their horses were fed and cared for. Now it occasionally hosts local carpet and trinket exhibitions.


We continued to walk around the streets of Battalgazi and every time we ran into local kids they would start laughing and yelling "Hello"! Even though Battalgazi isn't a touristy location, even less so than Malatya, I couldn't help but snap a million pictures. I could see Mehmet grinning from time to time when he noticed me taking pictures of ordinarily mundane things like garbage bins.


Our next stop was the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) which was my favorite mosque out of all the ones we visited during my stay in Turkey. Yes, that includes the beautiful Blue Mosque. There was just something about the cozy and intimate feel of the Great Mosque that appealed to me so much more. It didn't feel like it was trying so hard to impress and there was a more genuine atmosphere.

The green and blue tiles that line parts of the interior date back to 1224 and they are absolutely breath-taking. Together they form various geometrical patterns as well as very delicate Arabic calligraphy  The three of us had the mosque all to ourselves that day and Mehmet took a few moments to say his prayers while Jeremy and I did some exploring.


To end the day, in typical Turkish fashion, Mehmet invited us back to his home for a few cups of tea before heading back to Malatya. Most of his family lives in the same building, with each generation living on a different floor. They were actually raising a cow (and her calf) in a stone shelter, who provided the milk. I'm not going to lie, it made me want a cow of my own. I can always raise one on my New York City balcony, right? ;)


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The Time I Got Excited By Beer

February 26, 2013

The Time I Got Excited By Beer



Forever 21 Denim Jacket, Jeans, Scarf (similar)
Topshop Rose Crochet Sweater (similar)
Classic Moc c/o LAMO Footwear

Well, in regards to the title of this post, I am pretty much always excited for beer. This case was just special because it was 10 AM and there were plenty of kegs behind me. Can't you sense my excitement in these pictures? I love when bars stock up on their supply, except for the fact that I know I'll be pulling out the dolla dolla bills for their liquid gold when I venture out into the city. It's a tough world out there! ;)

Lately I've been feeling pretty exhausted due to a lack of sleep and stress coming at me from every which way. I keep forgetting that I have to take care of my body first and foremost, otherwise everything else will fall down with it. I used to rely on my mom to watch out for me - she'd cook me nutritious dinners, healthy lunches, and prepare two servings of fruit a day. Now that I'm living on my own, I tend to be stingy when it comes to buying groceries, always going for the cheapest option instead of the healthiest option. I guess when it comes to taking care of yourself, it doesn't hurt to spend a little more.

Also, these shoes. Let me talk about these shoes. I used to have a pair of mocassins during my freshman year of college and I wore them out until they were unwearable. Ever since then I couldn't bring myself to fulfill the mocassin void in my life. Well, until this year. LAMO generously offered up a pair of mocassins to review and I jumped at the opportunity. They were promoting their new Footcandy mocassins but I knew the classic mocassins were more my style. I can't get over how comfortable they are and they always make me feel like I'm still in bed, even when I'm at work. New love affair, begin!


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Gotta Push It to the Limit

Gotta Push It to the Limit


When I first decided to pair together a mustard skirt and a green cardigan, I thought I was a genius color mixer who wasn't afraid to take risks. Then after I put them on and looked in the mirror, I thought I looked like a five-year-old dressing herself up for the first day of Kindergarten. Then I thought, what's wrong with that? Over the past few months I've definitely been experimenting with color more often and I'm surprised that I'm having so much fun with it. I used to be scared of using bright and bold colors but I've learned there's nothing wrong with being silly from time to time, especially when it comes to fashion. There's nothing wrong with going a little crazy and sticking out like a sore thumb. Also, living in New York City means there's always someone crazier walking around to remind you that you look way more normal than at least one other person.


Modcloth Green Cardigan (similar)
Urban Outfitters Mustard Skirt (similar)
White Sleeveless Blouse c/o OSAP (similar)
H&M Brown Belt
DKNY Black Tights
Ruffle Flats c/o Pink & Pepper


20 comments
Why Don't You Play the Game?

February 22, 2013

Why Don't You Play the Game?


Forever 21 Red Cardigan (similar)
Modcloth Pixel Dress
DKNY Black Tights
Bakers Shoes Black Heels (similar)

I'm so, so, so, so, so incredibly glad that it's Friday. I feel like as the week went on I just got grumpier and grumpier until I woke up on Friday feeling crabbier than Mr. Krabs (and we all know how crabby he can get). Now I'm just thankful that the weekend is just a few minutes away! I'm spending yet another weekend in beautiful Jersey and I'll be attending the NJ Circle K District Convention as an alumni. I figured since it has only been a year since I planned and ran last year's convention, I'm not too creepy showing up to lend my support and see people that I haven't seen in months.

What do you guys have in store this weekend?


21 comments
Watch Out for the Boys in Blue

February 21, 2013

Watch Out for the Boys in Blue


Blue Floral Dress via Threadflip (similar)
Forever 21 Sheer Blouse (similar)
DKNY Black Tights
Ann Marino Bow Oxfords (similar)

This is one of those outfits that just doesn't quite feel right, especially on camera. I had won a $100 gift card to spend at Threadflip so I snatched up this beauty of a dress. I got it in the mail two days ago and it was so beautiful I couldn't resist not wearing it yesterday, despite the open back which would leave me feeling like a snowman by the end of the winter day. I thought I would be clever and layer a shirt underneath it to make it weather-appropriate; turns out I just ended up looking like an edgy version of Maria from The Sound of Music. I almost didn't post this outfit on the blog but then I decided, fuck it, YOLO. Because that's what YOLO means right? Right?

Also, please appreciate the bitch face below that my friend caught on camera:


17 comments
TACO TUESDAY

February 19, 2013

TACO TUESDAY


Target Chevron Dress (similar)
Forever 21 Black Motorcycle Jacket (similar)
HUE Burgundy Tights (similar)
Bakers Shoes Black Heels (similar)

It's Taco Tuesday! I'm still finishing up a few things at work right now and then I'm grabbing two of my co-workers and heading to Wahoo's for $2 Tacos, $2 Tequila shots, and $2 Coronas. Tuesdays just got a million times better. I figured I would adequately prep for a networking event later in the evening since I can be horribly awkward and timid when meeting new people. A few drinks never hurt when it comes to confidence boosting. ;)

How is everyone's week going so far? Can you believe February is almost over already? I'm pretty sure it just started.


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You Ought to Love Someone

February 18, 2013

You Ought to Love Someone


I know what you're thinking. I've been wearing this jacket in almost every single outfit post lately, but trust me, I have a really good reason for it. Actually, no I don't. The main reason is that it's the longest coat I own and it's freaking cold out there so I need something that covers my bum. It's also torturous to remove it during outfit photos outside and there's no way I'm taking pictures within my office. That would make for some awkward conversations.


Forever 21 Dolman Coat, Sweater, Navy Trouser Shorts (similar)
ASOS Heart-Printed Tights  (similar)
Gabrielle Rocha Abarne Boots (similar)

Lately my main photographer has been my co-worker, Chy. The best thing about having her take my photos? She used to be a fashion stylist so she's always tucking and adjusting my clothes, making sure that they look right on camera. I have rips all over these tights since I've had them for almost two years, so she walked me into Duane Reed to sneakily put some clear nail polish over the runs. Genius? I think so. I hit the jackpot with her.


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