I Could Be the One to Set You Free

April 4, 2013

I Could Be the One to Set You Free

The weather is still pretty chilly in New York City but there will be random days, here and there, where the sun decides to come out and play. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather this past weekend, I woke up early to venture out to my little sanctuary on Ward's Island. It's been a while since I crossed the bridge behind my apartment and spent time sitting near the rocks that lined the island. Either the winter winds and snow kept me indoors or the tide rose too high and swallowed the rocks in its embrace.

H&M Beige Sweater
Joe Fresh Gray Gingham Top (similar)
Express Denim Shorts (similar)
India Boots c/o Blowfish Shoes

I've been really stressed these past few weeks, both in my personal life and at work, so this mini-adventure was much needed. Taking self-portraits always brings me back to my first summer as a style blogger. It was the first time I didn't have my college boyfriend (at the time) to snap my daily pictures; I was also too shy to ask my family or friends to be my photographers. I grew to love those moments where it was just me, my camera, and my tripod, and I could escape the outside world, if only for a few minutes.  I could be anyone I wanted to be in front of the camera and sometimes that's exactly what I need. A moment to just be myself - truly myself.

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I Wanna See You Work Out For Me

April 2, 2013

I Wanna See You Work Out For Me

You guys, just thinking about writing this post is cracking me up. I've never been into exercising and my idea of working out was clicking the remote control or reaching for an extra handful of snacks. In my younger days (I know, I know, I'm still young), my fast metabolism had my back and I never had to watch what I ate. All my friends knew that one day it would catch up to me and hey, look at that, it's starting to slow down.

Now that I'm living on my own, I often sacrifice eating healthy for eating cheap. Living in New York City means the majority of my paycheck goes towards my rent and public transportation; what I eat and how much I eat is the least of my worries. So this spring is the first time I found myself in the "beach body" mindset. For the most part I'm not focused on losing weight - my priority is just to feel good about myself. Knowing that I'm taking care of myself helps me stay in a positive attitude, especially when things gets really stressful at work or in my personal life.

Forever 21 Sports Bra
Authentic Shorts c/o Soffee
Champion Sneakers via Payless ShoeSource

I set aside an hour every evening to do some simple exercises using my trusty YouTube videos. Being on a budget, I'm extremely reluctant to join a gym and I trust in my own determination to stay motivated. Since I'm only starting to get into an exercise groove, I take it easy by starting with a Zumba Class led by a guy with an Australian accent. Let's be real, the accent sold me within the first few seconds. After cooling down for a bit and rehydrating, I'll top it off with a 10-minute ab workout which leaves me pretty exhausted (and hungry).

When I first started to work out, I have to admit I was excited to invest in some decent gym clothes. And as that thought entered my mind, the universe turned into J. Cole and was like "I wanna see you work out for me, work out for me", and Soffe offered up a pair of gym shorts for me to review! Let me tell you guys, I love Soffe. I remember when I got my first pair in high school and I decided for everyone else that I was officially the coolest person in my gym class. Did anyone else associate popularity with Soffe shorts? Just me? Probably. But I know I'll be rocking these during my YouTube work out sessions. They will always remain the most comfortable and affordable gym shorts known to mankind (aka me). Who else owns a pair?

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Just Remember to Fall in Love, There's Nothing Else

November 18, 2012

Just Remember to Fall in Love, There's Nothing Else

DKNY Trenchcoat (similar)
Chambray Shirt c/o Sammydress
Zara Skirt (similar)
H&M Belt
India Boots c/o Blowfish Shoes

It's the end of a weekend well spent and I'm so ready to crawl under my sheets and pass out. I went out Friday evening with two of my college friends. One of them lives in midtown and she just bought a hamster who she affectionately named Rumple, after Rumpelstiltskin from the infamous fairy tale.  I'm pretty sure I obsessed over him for a good hour while he tried to escape the wrath of my hands.

Saturday was full of errands with my roommate, Crystal, since we had some apartment necessities to pick up. She rented a Zipcar and we traveled to this huge shopping center about fifteen blocks away from our apartment that had a Costco, Marshall's, and Target. It was pretty much shopping heaven, to say the least. Now we finally have a lamp for our living room (it only took us three months). The last thing on our list is a cheap dining room table since our dining room currently houses Rob's bike.

After a busy day running errands, we let off some steam and headed downtown to Phebe's with a handful of friends for a few drinks. Phebe's ended up being much wilder than we expected with biddies everywhere. We managed to make it out alive (although Crystal hurt her knee) so I would call it a successful night overall.

I spent my Sunday filling my stomach with delicious foods. I met up with a few co-workers to get Dim Sum in Chinatown. We went to Golden Unicorn (it was my second time there) and I would highly recommend it if you're ever craving some delicious Asian food in the city. The wait is a bit long if you're there during prime lunch hours, but it's so worth it! Then after Skyping with Jeremy for a bit, which always puts a smile on my face, I caught up with an old high school friend over four-and-a-half star Thai food.

But the deliciousness doesn't stop there. My roommate Rob and I are about to whip up a batch of Pumpkin Squares for my company's Thanksgiving potluck tomorrow. I posted the recipe on my Facebook page the other day to remind myself to try it out. If they're a success you'll probably end up seeing them on my blog later this week. ;)

P.S. I am aware that I wrote an essay about my weekend, as if everyone wants to read an hourly log of my life.

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We're Dynamic Even Miles Apart

November 12, 2012

We're Dynamic Even Miles Apart

On Jasmine:
Nordstrom Blouse
Gap Cardigan
Urban Outfitters Skirt
Topshop Belt
Aldo Shoes

On Jen:
American Apparel Infinity Scarf
Topshop Sweater (similar)
Urban Outfitters Skirt (similar)
India Boots c/o Blowfish Shoes

Another Dynamic Duo? Why the hell not. Since we're both on tight budgets, Jasmine and I decided to remix one of our favorite items - our mustard skirts from Urban Outfitters. My love affair with mustard always resurfaces when the colder weather comes around. There's something about the fall/winter seasons that screams, "Why aren't you wearing mustard? Wear it!" Taking these self-portraits was quite challenging mainly because I chose a semi-secluded area that had low hanging branches, making it very hard to stand without having ten branches in my face. Not only that, but right when I had decided to set up shop, someone came and set up his fishing pole only a few feet away, creating a very awkward situation. Oh, and to top it all off, when I did stand and make myself visible to people walking by, one guy decided to start yelling racist statements my way. We made eye contact for a good ten seconds as he yelled at me before I decided to run away and hide.

But on another note, I love that I'm wearing a sweater and scarf combo while Jasmine is rocking the bare arms. It's always fun seeing how different the weather is on the east coast versus the west coast. It reminds me of our Dynamic Duo post from almost two years ago where I'm standing in a snow-covered forest while Jasmine is next to a beautiful, sun-filled pond. If you're new to our Dynamic Duo series, Jasmine has a Dynamic Duo page explaining our history and what it is. :)

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Snippets of My Election Day Morning

November 6, 2012

Snippets of My Election Day Morning

H&M Cardigan (similar)
Love Culture Leopard Print Tank (similar)
Forever 21 Jeans
Rocket Dog Boots (similar)

I took these pictures before I left for work this morning while I was still Skyping with Jeremy. I'm sure he found the entire process very amusing (aka boring). But in other news, it's election day (as if your Facebook newsfeed wasn't already polluted with "I voted!" statuses)! I sent in my NJ absentee ballot last week and I hope everyone is voting if they're able to. Go out there and vote!

Facebook actually has an awesome live map of Facebook users clicking the Vote button! Can't wait to see what it looks like by the end of the day. Oh, technology. You are a beautiful thing. :)

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The World Smiles in the Same Language

November 5, 2012

The World Smiles in the Same Language

American Rag Coat (similar)
Forever 21 Scarf
H&M Sweater
Gap Ankle Jeans
c/o Pink and Pepper Ruffle Loafers
OASAP Purse

These pictures were taken outside the public school that's smack dab in the middle of my apartment complex. Passing by this mural always makes me smile but I had no idea what the spanish phrase in blue meant until recently (my post title). I always feel like a dork in my glasses but I decided to give my eyes a break from my contacts for once. There's nothing wrong with embracing your inner dork. Speaking of which, Star Wars VII? What? Disney?

I feel like October just flew by and November smacked me in the face out of nowhere. This might be because it seems like we skipped over Halloween, thanks to Hurricane Sandy, which usually marks the end of October. Now my mental calendar is just utterly confused as my Halloween costume sits in my closet, looking a little depressed. But with all the Hurricane Sandy aftermath, there really isn't that much room to be upset about something as silly as Halloween. Oh well! November has always been one of my favorite months anyway, so bring on the colder weather and turkey! :)

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The Time I Pretended It Was Bare Legs Weather

November 3, 2012

The Time I Pretended It Was Bare Legs Weather

So before you ask me, the answer is yes. I was cold. But what's worse than taking outfit pictures in the cold? Taking self-portraits in the cold. Constantly running back to the camera after every shot, catching the camera before the bitter wind knocks down the tripod, and manually focusing for each location change - it's pretty tough. And also pretty silly. But all in all, no matter how close my fingers come to falling off, it's always therapeutic to take self-portraits and really have more control over how my pictures turn out.

c/o Tulle Stand Collar Toggle Coat
ASOS Cropped Sweater (similar)
c/o Lulu*s RVCA Charming Dress
Aldo Black Wedges (similar)
Urban Outfitters & Forever 21 Rings

It's really nice being back in New York City after having been trapped in New Jersey with no power for a week. The city is slowly picking up all the pieces as one united community and it's so heart warming to see all these volunteers come out. A bunch of my friends from home are also driving down to south Jersey to lend a hand to those who have lost their homes and to beaches that need to be cleaned. I know I'll be searching for volunteer or donation opportunities as well. If you guys are interested in donating from afar, be sure to check out Red Cross. :)

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Getting Ready to Brave the Hurricane

October 28, 2012

Getting Ready to Brave the Hurricane

Yesterday morning I ventured out bright and early to take self-portraits on Ward's Island once again. I looked to my normal spot right by the edge of the water and it had disappeared. The water level had risen and completely engulfed the rocks. Looks like the risk of flooding this week really might be serious business. I decided to make my temporary home underneath the Ward's Island bridge itself which led to a few awkward encounters with people giving me weird looks. There was one man who walked underneath the bridge, stood facing the wall for a good five minutes (as if waiting for me to leave), and then left. Then again, I'm sure I look just as strange as him prancing around in front of my tripod. Alone.

c/o Lulu*s Good Day Sunshine Orange Dress
DKNY Trench Coat
ASOS Socks
c/o Jellypop First Boots

I'm loving my new boots courtesy of Jellypop. They're perfect for those autumn days where it's beautiful enough to leave my tights at home, but not warm enough to wear sandals. I also remember seeing one of my classmates wear similar boots a year ago (with the brown at the top) and I craved them. Check out Jellypop's adorable video look book - I wish I had that girl's entire closet!

I'm not sure what to expect with Hurricane Sandy over the next two days. The neighborhood right below mine got evacuated and all the subways and buses in New York City shut down just a few hours ago. Since my one roommate was trapped in Washington D.C. and my other roommate escaped to her friend's house in upstate New York, I decided to take the train back down to New Jersey to be with my family. I didn't feel like being alone in my apartment during the hurricane. Plus, I was definitely getting a bit homesick to be honest.

To all my east coast readers, stay safe and be smart! Don't get in the way of danger. :)

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