Lilac Snow

Most people equate pastels with spring wardrobes, but to me it's always been more natural to wear them in winter. My lovely soft Anthropologie scarf arrived and I took the opportunity to wear it with my lavender leather oxfords, which turned out to not be the best idea since it started snowing lightly today! I finished up the look with a few swipes of Barry M Lip Paint in Palest Lavender.

 Anthropologie pink Misen Cowl
Cotton On white button-down placket front tank top
Cotton On star print grey cardigan
Cotton On black velvet leggings
Kimchi Blue Teen Dream lavender oxfords

Happy Monday!

Hello lovelies! So with the advent of the Internet, customary Black Friday sales have since bled over into all-or-nothing all-weekend Cyber Monday sales, and for many of us it's not uncommon to come out with our wallets and bank accounts significantly lighter.

I've been pretty frugal in the past years so this was the first time I went a little crazy! It's just once every 365 days right...and the discounts are pretty great. Here are the highlights of my haul!

 

 TYPO BUTTON ROLL WRAP | FOREVER21 PEARL BOW HAIR PINS | URBAN OUTFITTERS CHEVRON RUG 

ANTHROPOLOGIE MISEN COWL | MAGICAL THINKING ROUND PINTUCK PILLOW 

THE MOON AND THE SEA CICADA EARRINGS | COTTON ON BUNNY TOTE

001. I'll be wrapping my holiday gifts with this cute printed paper and some pink ribbon.

002. These pretty pearl-studded hairpins are the perfect finishing touch when I'm feeling extra dainty.

003. I found this 3x5 graphic zigzag rug to go under my desk at a steal for $20 during the UO Cyber Monday sale.

004. I actually missed the 20% off Anthro Black Friday sale so I wound up paying full price for this...but it's the softest, prettiest lavender-pink shade ever and I have no regrets.

005. I've been eyeing this cute velvet pillow to accent my chair for months but had trouble justifying it because it was slightly pricey. My patience was rewarded when it dropped to $19 for Cyber Monday!

006. As an insect lover, I fell in love with these statement earrings when I first saw the version done by Manhattan jeweler Erica Weiner, but felt the price was a little steep for me at $30. So naturally I was thrilled to discover Etsy seller Nuit Moore selling an identical pair for much less!

007. With the amount of tools and supplies I'm lugging around on a daily basis, I'm always in need of more things to carry them all in. This sweet and quirky bunny tote is perfect for transporting yards of fabric and my bin of sewing implements.

Breton Stripe Redux + Heart Flats review

I have this habit of fixating on a specific article of clothing that I'm fond of and wearing it in endless combinations, perhaps more often than is appropriate...I've thrown on this Breton striped jersey dress by Cotton On three times in this past week. While this probably makes me a bad fashion blogger to post two outfits featuring the same dress one after another, I think it's a great thing to have versatile pieces in your wardrobe.

Cotton On Colette Breton jersey dress
H&M dolman-sleeve slouchy cardigan
Printed Village Black Sheep scarf
Mel Pop Special Blush Heart flats

Let's take a moment to talk about these cute new flats I'm wearing, which I picked up from Modcloth for a modest $45. They're by Mel, the more affordable little sister brand of Brazilian brand Melissa who is known for their adorable vegan jelly shoes and amazing collaborations with popular designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Concept-wise these shoes are simple yet charming, a translucent matte muted mauve jelly flat topped with a shiny candy apple red heart. It goes without saying that I love the design which is right up my alley, no complaints there.

But what really hits it out of the park for me is the incredible comfort of these flats. I don't think I've ever had as much of a Cinderella moment as when I first put these shoes on because the fit was perfect--they molded to my feet like they were made for me, and not once did my heel slip out of the back as is common with many flats I've tried. I ideally wear a US size 5 shoe and am often forced to compromise on shoe sizing because most brands don't manufacture anything smaller than a 6, but Mel comes to the rescue again by actually producing my size! Mad props to them for that alone.

I was initially concerned about them rubbing or cutting into my heel with long wear because they were plastic, but I wore them out all day today and they are by far the comfiest first-wear I've ever had with ballet flats.

Possibly my only critique is that when I wore them with sheer tights today I noticed a small amount of sweatiness happening, which is unsurprising since they are plastic, but when I wear them barefoot (which I guess facilitates evaporation better) I have no issues, and since a bit of sweat is to be expected with any barefoot or close-to-barefoot closed shoe regardless of material, I think I'd rather have my shoes be easily washable.

TL;DR--Cutest shoes ever, fit is amazing, I want them in every color.

Florals for...Fall

Since dressing seasonally appropriately is not something I always do...today's outfit was florals. I had a chance to take my new canvas satchel out; it's the perfect size for my sketchbook and pencil pouch, and the clasps are easy to undo--a must for breezing through subway stations and college campus security.

Cotton On Colette Breton jersey dress
Forever21 boxy pink alpaca sweater
Doc Marten Victorian Flowers combat boots
Typo Taylor pink floral satchel

Fairytale

Surely I'm not the only one who, especially since the advent of blogs and Pinterest, found myself in envy of the apparently charmed lives of others. I'd like to do tons of cute DIY projects, make adorably photogenic meals, and sit down in my picture-perfect apartment too! Even knowing that what is portrayed in blogs may simply be a facade of arranged and rare photo-ready moments in someone's life doesn't stop me from yearning for it, since my daily life is so chaotic. Maybe I'll get there someday? For now, a few October buys to prettify my life...

TYPO MY PET BUNNY CASE | PRINTED VILLAGE BLACK SHEEP SCARF 

HARD CANDY GLOW ALL THE WAY LUMINIZER IN DOLL FACE | BIORÉ UV AQUA RICH WATERY ESSENCE SPF 50
 NERDY LITTLE SECRETS PEBBLES BONE HAIR CLIP | HOLIKA HOLIKA BULGARIAN ROSE EYE CREAM

AMERICAN EAGLE EFFORTLESSLY CHIC BABYDOLL DRESS | EFFIE'S HEART CLAUDIA COAT

001. This bunny pencil pouch by concept shop Typo is too cute for a life of being tossed into the bottom of my school bag! It'll have a nice life on a shelf holding my makeup tools.

002. A is a huge fan of this cheeky scarf with its lone black sheep, and likes to prance around our studio with it tossed dramatically over his shoulder. Its pretty turquoise shade is a fresh accent to my cream, blush, and black wardrobe.

003. I'll be relying on this icy pink highlighter to impart an effervescent glow to my insomnia-ridden cheeks.

004. I confess, I'm not the best at remembering to apply sunscreen before going out every day, and even the Neutrogena Dry Touch makes my usually manageable skin incredibly greasy. Cilu over at Spaz & Squee recommended this Japanese sunscreen for its lightweight texture and absorbency, so I have high hopes!

005. I've had this kitschy cute hair clip by Nerdy Little Secrets in my Etsy wishlist for a while, and finally decided to buy it on the last day of their 15% off code! Of course no sooner than I did, did they decide to lower the price...oh well.

006. Korean Brand Holika Holika has always drawn my attention for its pretty packaging; I've bought several new skincare products recently so hopefully I'll have a review of this up soon!

007. I love low-back dresses so it's no surprise that I jumped on this cute AE babydoll when it reduced in price for a short while. It was hard deciding between black and ivory but I went with the ivory in the end since I've been gravitating toward lighter colors lately.

008. I fell in love with this unique printed coat by indie designer Effie's Heart at first sight! Finally I bit the bullet and bought it right before it sold out.


It's not good to dream too much, but I'm enjoying a little time with my feet off the ground...

Opening Week

Unless you attend a school that enforces a uniform, most students are faced with the task of appearing presentable before their teachers and peers every day in a different set of clothes. I don't know about other people but usually what happens with me is that I make a cursory endeavor to be well-dressed the first few weeks and then the attention put into my clothes slowly declines over the months as the workload piles on, until I'm showing up to class in leggings and an over-sized men's button-down. So while I'm still up to making the effort, here's a week of outfits from September:

click to enlarge!

Monday - H&M dolman-sleeve slouchy cardigan, asymmetrical crepe chiffon tank (over Forever21 cami), Charlotte Russe trouser shorts, Lucky Brand Covela sandals.

Tuesday - Forever21 criss-cross back swiss dot dress, Zara skull print scarf, Wild Diva Timberly combat boots.

Wednesday - Forever21 draped cardigan, Silence + Noise scoop back tank top, Charlotte Russe trouser shorts, Kimchi Blue ribbon tie flats.

Thursday - Piko1988 faux fur drape jacket, Silence + Noise mesh cami, Black Milk Mechanical leggings, Aldo Flomace hi-top sneakers.

Friday - Forever21 boxy alpaca sweater, Line and Dot bird-print silk blouse, ASOS burgundy corduroy skinny jeans, Doctor Marten Victorian Flowers combat boots.


Nothing fancy, as always most of my wardrobe is composed largely of inexpensive pieces from common high-street shops as I lack both the restraint and the patience to entertain the idea of a "capsule" wardrobe composed of a few well-edited pieces. Thus the majority of what I buy tends to be from stores that cater to what is generally considered "fast fashion".

There's a certain stigma in shopping at such stores, namely the notion that clothes from these stores are trendy, shoddily made, and disposable. Often this is true, but it doesn't have to be if you choose and treat your clothes with care--several of the garments I use in these outfits are ones I've owned for years, and I enjoy wearing them and incorporating them into my daily outfits just as much as some of the more expensive things I own.

“Never use the word 'cheap'. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans — it’s up to you.” -Karl Lagerfed

School is in Session

Sorry for the long silence! For those of us still in school, classes start up again soon so I hope you've had a nicely relaxing summer vacation because it's back to the grindstone. As disappointing as it is that I can no longer spend the entire day playing video games if I want to, there is a certain excitement in picking out all new notebooks and erasers. Also, naturally there is the thrill of back-to-school clothes shopping. All I have to say is that my shoe collection has grown...but best of all, each pair actually came in my proper size, which is hard to find.

WILD DIVA TIMBERLY FLORAL LACE-UP COMBAT BOOTS | H&M VELVET SKULL HEADBAND 

FOREVER21 DOUBLE BOW HAIR CLIPS | NYX EXTRA CREAMY ROUND LIPSTICK IN BRUISED

 BP SIDNEY OXFORD | QUPID PUFFIN PLATFORM BOOTIES

001. I live in my 1460 Victorian Flower Dr. Martens, but these calf-high boots with ribbon laces are a dead ringer for Dr. Martens 1914 Triumphs with a brighter, cherry red color.

002. Hairbands are one of my favorite accessories due to my ineptitude in hair styling, and this oversized velvet bow reminds me of a macabre Minnie Mouse.

003. These pink crepe bows for when I'm feeling extra girly.

004. Although high-maintenance goes against my preferred makeup style, I love the look of a vampy lip.

005. I've admired these adorable leather oxfords from afar for a year now, and I finally managed to snag them during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for a sweet discount!

006. I rarely stray from flat sandals during the summer, but once it gets cooler these pretty pink boots will be getting far more attention.

 

Good luck in the new semester guys!

 

Bambi

So despite all my moaning about the heat, it's actually cooled off a bit in the past few days, due in no small part to the endless rain we've been getting. I'm dreading it getting warmer again, because as the temperature climbs my productivity level inevitably drops...the past month all I've wanted to do is laze around and catch up on Season 3 of My Little Pony (yup, I am....a Brony *screams internally* O u O ).

Anyway, enough banter. A couple weeks ago I posted this deer-print dress. I adored the look of it, and could only hope that the actuality was just as cute. Items from Chinese Ebay sellers are very hit-or-miss--sometimes they look nothing like their photo.

Pardon the mess, I've just moved to a new apartment!

Rest of the review after the jump!

VAILLA

Today I'd like to show a presentation that I made as one of my final projects. We were given the instructions to create our own brand and brand identity, and design 2 looks for a capsule collection. This is my creation.

I hope you enjoyed it! I look forward to showing more of my work here in the future (after all, it is what I originally started this blog for).

Love Always,
Artoo

Confessions of an Online Shopper

Okay, so it's terrible, but...since I spend quite a bit of time browsing the Internet, unsurprisingly I come across quite a number of "pretties" and all this cool shit that I want. I'm not immune to the charms of materialism...however, I actually rarely make immediate purchases, which is significant in terms of cutting down my impulse buys. Let me divulge to you how I cope with my shopping urges: I save the links to all these things in a folder on my browser, and periodically open them to look at them and ponder if I still want that item. Sometimes my desire for a particular thing wanes, and then I can delete that item from my folder, or perhaps it will be sold out or discontinued, in which case I alternately feel satisfied (because I can no longer spend my hard-earned money on that item) and sad (because if I *really* wanted it and it was expensive and I was just holding out on it...damn).

Eventually though my list boils down to a number of items that have been on there for months, and if they're in my affordability range, or otherwise something else triggers me like it suddenly goes on sale...well, it's time for a shopping spree. The great thing is that I don't feel super guilty (just a little...) about it, since I've "proven" to myself that I genuinely like and want those items, and am not just buying it because I felt a bit sad and wanted to shop to make myself feel better.

I confess an extreme weakness for the China-based sellers that hawk their mass-produced, flimsy garments on Ebay. All the sellers seem to share a similar stock of merchandise, so it's easy to compare prices and color options (size often not being an option as they are more often than not one-size-fits-all!).

As of now, I still have a couple things I have in mind that I want to round on my spring/summer wardrobe (blush ballet flats...), but with this recent haul I'm hoping I won't be needing to make any more big shopping expeditions for a while.

001. I stumbled upon this confection of a dress on SheInside.com, but upon reading that the site was based in China, got the bright idea to search Ebay for the same dress at a better price..."Deer print dress" revealed, TA-DAAA! Indeed, several sellers carried the dress, in two colorways, no less--you can also get it in navy blue.

002. I also have been searching for a pair of good flat summer sandals for a while, and finally found these two-tone metallic ones by Lucky in Nigori Rose. Always curious about interesting product naming, I searched "Nigori" to discover that it is a term used to describe sake (Japanese rice wine) when the sake is unfiltered and cloudy.

003. An unabashed knockoff of Urban Outfitters exclusive brand Truly Madly Deeply's skull-back shirt...I thought it was the coolest thing ever, but it was like $40 and I was all "LOLNOPE".

004. I currently have a teal and gold ziparound checkbook wallet, which is gorgeous but a bit large, especially since now that I'm out of class and will no longer be toting around huge bags. This smaller one by Kimchi Blue is much more convenient and the delicate blush-pink is one of my favorite colors.

005. This top comes in 7 colors and I wanted ALL THE COLORS but I contented myself with just the white one, for now.

006. I've been craving colors that deviate from my usual palette of blush, white, and black lately...like amethyst and mustard. I've been sewing up a sunny, golden-yellow sundress, but this satiny drop-waist minidress by Silence & Noise is great for a lazy day.

And that concludes my Spring Haul :D

Saturday is Haul Day!

I'm getting paid today and I've been feeling pretty blues-y. Even though on the whole my life is on the fast track to getting way, way better, there are still some major kinks to work out before that happens...I usually handle stress pretty well but for me that just means not freaking out all over the place, so unfortunately it gets internalized and if there's too much of it for weeks and weeks I start to get really bummed out.

When I feel myself on the cusp of getting inconsolable, I have two knee-jerk reactions: to eat, or to shop. "How very girly of you," says NBF (New BoyFriend) A. I assume A is referring to some of my, um, less ladylike habits when he says this, the topic of which is a constant running joke among us. Regardless, with swimsuit season coming up in just four short months the ensuing guilt over pigging out is just not worth it to me...so clothes it is! Off we go to UrbanOutfitters.com.

Kimchi Blue Back-Stitch Cardigan | Staring At Stars Plush Spacedye Convertible Gloves | Kimchi Blue Teen Dream Oxfords

 001.The original price on this cardi is $69, but I got it for $9. Woot for deals! I got mine in a size L because I prefer a super-long oversized fit. That's just how I roll.

002. I've always liked the overall look of oxfords but in general I prefer something simpler than the classic version--the perforated edge has always just been a little too much for me. Luckily with their recent resurgence of popularity, there are a lot of styles to choose from. With their comparatively feminine silhouette and the pretty soft lavender shade, these leather oxfords were a no-brainer.

003. I had a pair of really nice wool convertible mittens from Muji, but in the recent move one seems to have wandered off. I bought a pair of cute striped gloves to replace them, but it's really inconvenient to have to whip it off each time I want to use my iPod. Convertible handcoverings really are the way to go. I managed to nab these on sale for $9.

And there you have it...almost as good as a huge bowl of pasta.

Casual Sunday Brunch

Really simple one today, I am really tired and grumpy from a slow-healing burn and just not in the state of mind to think about it. I went out and got some really delicious fish and chips and lemon pie, which improved my mood significantly.

Geri C New York charcoal button down sweater
Truly Madly Deeply cobalt 3/4 sleeve fitted open-back tee
Blank NYC Big Melons pale pink jeans
ALDO black leather sneakers

Winterization

So basically nearly all my clothes year-round are more or less the same clothes. I just layer everything or shed layers as needed to suit the weather. Since NYC had its first snow day yesterday, I bundled up when I ran out to mail a package this morning.

J. Jill black drawstring cardigan
E&You ivory sweater
Forever21 sheer white high-low blouse
Forever21 pale pink shorts
Sock Dreams Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks in grey
Wet Seal combat boots
Random Grey Ebay Scarf from China
Me&City white tote

Study in Knits

Nothing fancy, just staying home and working on sketches. It's been getting chilly and my heating hasn't come on yet, so a sweater + beanie keeps me cozy.

Indus+ry sweater
Piu by Celapiu teddy bear beanie
Blank NYC Big Melons pale pink jeans
Deena & Ozzy multi-strap wedge sandal
Random white ruffly dress from China


Will probably go get McD's later. Klassy.

Sugar Skulls

I was supposed to meet a friend in Midtown but he bailed at the last minute because he had a train to catch...it's starting to get pretty chilly up here in the North East.

I wore my new Zara Skull Print Scarf for the first time, and I really adore it. The pattern is reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls. They're currently out of stock on Zara's website, but are marked as being restocked, so there's still an opportunity to pick one up.

Piu by Celapiu Teddy Bear Beanie
Zara Skull Print Scarf
Asos Navy Wool Coat
Romwe Backless Nude Dress
Sock Dreams O Chevron Black over the knee socks
Jeffrey Campbell Back Offs

Sun Faded

I'm really not a fan of flip-flop stye shoes, I feel uncomfortable wearing any sort of loose shoe out of doors--I prefer something firmly attached to my foot. Pretty much the only time I ever do is if I'm just running out to pick up something from the drugstore or a forgotten dinner ingredient.

E&You ivory Sweater
Forever21 white racerback tank top
Forever21 pale pink shorts
Deena & Ozzy Multi-Strap Wedge Sandal

Opening Fall

My outfit for an IKEA run--breezy top and comfy flats.

Everyone in the world has IKEA furniture, but I don't think popularity always signifies a bad thing despite the trendy thing right now is small companies, local farms, and indie brands. I like IKEA's simple, sleek styles and some of their designs are actually pretty clever. Until I can afford my more expensive love, MUJI, I will be sticking with IKEA.

White tiered spaghetti-strap dress
Neue grey open back T-shirt with silver stars
Gomax Days 01 black suede pointy toe flats

The Final Stretch...

Final projects, that is. I've been working on them since 5 pm Saturday night. Yes, you counted right, for fourteen hours straight (the last three hours listening to Adam Lambert on repeat--don't judge, a friend sent me the music video and it's maddeningly catchy. And between you and me, really hot. Leather leather leatherleatherleather).

It's now 7 am. As you might imagine, I feel like vomiting. Insert quip about bulimia here.

Here's what's on my table currently:

2D: 5-page picture book based off a poem. I chose "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". What, you thought it was only a song? 'Fraid not!

The Star
Jane Taylor

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark:
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye
Till the sun is in the sky.

As your bright and tiny spark
Lights the traveller in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Medium: watercolor.
Progress: 80% 5 watercolors done, still awaiting scanning & editing in Photoshop, printing, and mounting. This will all be done today, because it's due Monday and it has to be completed perfectly and photographed before my 9 am class.

3D: life-size plexiglass corset. That's right. Because my last experience with plexiglass wasn't an utter, hair-pulling, banshee-wailing disaster. Hopefully this time will be better. This project is supposed to represent tension and compression, which will be demonstrated (hopefully) by the lacing of the corset. Wish me luck it doesn't splinter into a million shards.
Materials: plexiglass, sheet metal, screws, grommets, lacing. Must go to Ace Hardware today.
Progress: 0% It's not due until Wednesday. Yes, I know I'm mad. I have to be to attempt this, though, so it's all good.

Drawing: 3-piece series from imagination. I'm doing Alice in Wonderland--I know, totally original choice, right? Our teacher even showed an Alice piece in her collection of example works. Oh well. I started out with Repo! the Genetic Opera, but after doing the first piece twice (once in graphite, once in watercolor) and the second once and having all three be thoroughly unsatisfactory (ensuing meltdown), I let go of my Repo dream and stuck with good ol' fashioned Alice. At least she's easy to draw.
Medium: watercolor.
Progress: 15% Inking is done, and the background and Alice's dress are painted. Working on it now, so hopefully be tonight I will have not fucked up the first piece and it will be finished because all three are due Friday and I don't have enough to to have another meltdown and start over.

Not to mention I have my final test in Perspectives in World Art and Design (aka Art History) on Tuesday morning. My Monday schedule will probably be as follows:

9:00 am-12:00 pm: 2D class
12:00 pm-Godknowswhen pm: work on corset, make satisfactory progress. Hopefully get pieces cut out and shaped, holes drilled, etc. If I'm not a blubbering mess by that point I'll try to assemble it.
??:?? pm-1:00 am: study for Perspectives class.

Yes, I know, bedtime at 1 am, wimpy wimpy. But seeing as I certainly haven't gotten any sleep tonight (morning!) and very likely might not be getting much the following night, I choose not to hallucinate during my Art History final.


Update tonight. Back to Alice. Maybe food/coffee break later. I could really go for a corndog.