spring, where'd you go?

Still waiting to break these in...

Steve Madden Dynemite Leopard Heels, Prada Suede Bow Sandals (similar here)

style files: mini from' skins'

In addition to shoes, bags, macarons, and life's other frivolous offerings, I have a penchant for young adult entertainment. (It's a shame, I know.) One of the longest running obsessions is the British TV show, "Skins," which is currently in its 6th season.

While the cast has changed three times, my love has only grown. The first troupe was great for all of its potential stars - Nicholas Hoult and Dev Patel later became breakout actors. While the plotlines in the second were forgettable, I'll never be able to erase Luke Pasqualino's beautiful face or the great styling of Kaya Scodelario's wardrobe. With its third round of cast members, I feel as if the show has come full circle with its plot and its costuming. Each character can be classified as a certain genre - Nick is prep; Grace is princessy and pink; Alo and Matty are Haight Ashbury thrift; but none is as captivating as Mini.

1. Iro Sequin Baseball Jacket, 2. Topshop Fluffy Daisy Cami, 3. Nars nail polish in 'Schiap', 4. Dior Diorshow Mascara, 5. Chanel Rouge Allure in 'Hyde Park', 6. Isabel Marant The Who Earrings, 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Ring, 8. Topshop Moto Coral Hotpant, 9. Rebecca Minkoff Flirty bag in neon yellow, 10. ASOS Beaded Pastel Coil Bracelet, 11. Forever 21 Cat Eye Sunglasses in mint, 12. Aldo Dagraca Wedge Heel

Everything about her should make me want to hate her. She wears every single color combination imaginable and seems to have a particular liking to anything neon. She uses accessories as multipliers and has a tendency to match articles of clothing (i.e. pink sweater and shoes). Despite her desire to dress like Rainbow Brite (or maybe because of), she's become my favorite character.

1. Aqua 'Bruni' dress, 2. Swell Caroline 'Sugar Land' drop earrings, 3. Topshop Animal Petal Scarf, 4. Essie 'Mint Candy' nail polish, 5. Geneva White Three Dial Watch, 6. Sam Edelman 'Sophie' Low Wedge Sandal, 7. Topshop White Perforated Crossbody Bag, 8. ASOS Cat Eye Sunglasses with Mix Frame, 9. bunny iPhone case

In the season's title episode, she traipsed around Bristol in a designer dress, sequin motorcycle jacket, and a colorblock mini dress. But she wouldn't be Mini without the accessories. While last season had her in lots of bows and flowers, this season has her opting for bold, chunky neon bracelets and rings. At the same time, you see that her dress is a facade - when she tries to fit in with her father's swank lifestyle, you see her opting for a longer hemline and more demure accessories. In the end, her outlandish style is an oxymoron to her true personality. Though her colors say otherwise, she's not the boisterous, popular girl but rather the girl who's always on the outside, looking in.

the virgins at le baron nyc

"Prima Materia" by The Virgins from Nowness.com
shot by Ryan McGinley

and the blogger repost begins.... now.

mint green - day 3

I barely celebrate holidays, but these mint green Zara pants came into my closet last week just in time for St. Patrick's Day. I'm glad to have as part of my 15/30 collection, as it's an seamless way to incorporate a color into the mass of black that's my wardrobe.

I rarely run into other people who are wearing the same thing as me, but today, a woman walking in front of me was wearing the same backpack. It was strange. A part of me wanted to start walking in the other direction. The other part of me wanted to run up to her and shout, "Twinsies!"




Wearing: Spicy Color peter pan collar blouse (similar here), Zara mint green pants, Balenciaga cut out boots (similar here), Raf Simons x Eastpak backpack, Tom Ford Nikita sunglasses

*I spent day two at home, lounging in my PJs. That's not cheating, right?

brunch: 44 1/2

Brunch is a funny affair. It most often follows a sometimes humiliating night out or an even more humiliating night in. There's a 50% chance that you're still wearing clothes that clearly belong to the night - sequin skirt (which you can style for the day like this), see thru mesh dress (even if it's by Alexander Wang), but that's okay because there's a 50% chance that the table next to you are all wearing sunglasses and can barely see through their post revelry haze.

But above all, it should be fun. And 44 1/2 in Hell's Kitchen is putting the joy back in brunch (and simultaneously trying to revive my affection for all things pink). With a creative drink menu - Britney's Breakdown is vodka and orange Tang, your table will be chuckling. After a few sips, you will be boisterous. And at the end of your meal, brunch will be an extension of last night.

Blueberry Pancakes - there's honey on the bacon!

Gruyere Omelette

44 1/2
626 10th Ave.
(between 44th and 45th)
(212) 399-4450

15/30 project

Fashion is a complicated topic for me. As someone who was very much on the verge of becoming a fashion student, it's an industry that could've been, a place where corruption seems rampant, and where beauty is the most actively celebrated. I've grappled with the issues of fast fashion and still battle with the ethics of my obvious (arguably) extreme consumerism.

The fact that the fashion industry needs change is obvious, but I'm also aware that my own lifestyle needs evaluation. When Sam of 'Sam Is Home' approached me to participate in the 15/30 Project, I agreed - in part for selfish reasons (shopping ban is necessary for me right now) but also to have an opportunity to evaluate the trappings of my own closet. For 30 days, I must rely on 15 items of clothing. Accessories (i.e. shoes, scarves, jewelry) do not count for the 15, and DIY on the existing items is permissible. But there is absolutely NO SHOPPING.

So... here goes day 1.



Wearing: T by Alexander Wang dress, BCBG jersey jacket, Sam Edelman Pax boots

your denim defines you

What's everyone's thoughts on low rise jeans? I've suddenly discovered that I can no longer wear them without feeling as if I've forgotten to wear clothing that covers some of the crucial parts of my body. They say that as you get older, everything starts to get lower. Well, not your jeans. Or your underwear. I can testify to that. Coverage is key, if not everything.



ph. by Shannon

Wearing: Zara Leopard shirt, J Brand 620 jeans, Zara leather jacket (old), Aqua fur vest (super old), Sam Edelman Pax boots, Tom Ford Nikita sunglasses, Celine bi color pouch, scarf from Korean market

brunch: cornelia street cafe

A few weeks ago, the brunch club met at Cornelia Street Cafe for our weekly pow-wow. For a prix fixe of $20, you get an entree, chocolate biscuits, an alcoholic beverage, and coffee or tea. I'm so in love with this flat rate brunch rate that's popular for Sunday brunches in NYC. It gives you the false comfort of having options while deluding your calculations with the promise of libations. I suppose my joy was further fueled by the (re)discovery of the Greyhound, which has now replaced the mimosa as my go-to brunch drink.

The brunch fare is fairly typical here. Almost all of my tablemates ordered the eggs florentine, and there were no complaints to be had. The standout for me were the chocolate biscuits, which were so soft and warm with the chocolate perfectly melting all over my hands. Yum. I wish I'd had the sense to photograph it before devouring it, but by the time they arrived, all notions of propriety had gone out the window. The seating can be quite cozy, so I would recommend getting here early.






Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 989-9319

high museum atlanta x KAWS

Over the weekend, I went to see the KAWS exhibit at the High Museum. I've been a bit impressed with the exhibits coming to Atlanta in the past few years, and I'm glad to see that they're picking up more of the contemporary/modern art.

Originally a street artist, Brian Donnelly, the man also known as KAWS, had his humble beginnings performing guerilla art in NYC. After graduating from SVA, he spent some time in Tokyo, which later proved to be instrumental in his career. You can see the influences of Japanese street art and brands (i.e. Futura, Nigo from A Bathing Ape) in his work, especially the large sculptures. (I can't be the only person who sees the similarity to the Bearbrick toys in "Companion (Passing Through).")

Jinah from Bonjour It's Jinah

Running through May 20, head down to the High to get your dose of high octane colors. You can still catch the Picasso to Warhol exhibit, which ends April 29.

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St., N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309

style files: shut up, flower boy band

Guy liner. Questionable acting skills. Fresh faced, young cast. All of these elements are the makings of a TV show abhorred by the general public and loved by me. Recently, I've become addicted to watching the Flower Boy series from tvN. What began with an obsession with Jung Ilwoo in "Flower Boy Ramyun Shop" extended to watching "Shut Up, Flower Boy Band." And I'm beginning to realize that as much as I gripe about boy bands, they are a stylist's dream.



The liberty given to stylists in Korea to dress band members really runs the gamut. On a television show about a fledgling group, you have to keep continuity in mind, which means that Eye Candy (the name of the band on the show) have to maintain a lot of the same textual elements. While much of their offstage outfits reflect their individual personality (i.e. dressing Hyun-soo in black to reflect his broody, emo personality), their unity really comes together in the coordinated outfits, like in the scene from their debut on a music show.


Although all the main cast members are male, many of their looks are unisex - a testament to the gender blurring metrosexuality that's highly advocated in Korean television, perhaps?



1. Reiss 'Lauren' Quilted leather jacket (cheaper alternative here), 2. Zara Black Shirt with Applique Collar, 3. Retro Leopard Print Skinny Tie, 4. J Brand 901 Leggings in Glitter Wax, 5. Melinda Maria Spiked Cuff, 6. ASOS Leather Stud Cuff, 7. Zara Ankle Boot with Studded Toe




I loved the shearling jacket that Kwon Ji-hyuk wears and couldn't resist styling it on my own. I put a little femme twist on it with the floral corset, but you could keep the look as close to his by replacing it with a black T by Alexander Wang shirt.



1. Stylestalker Rebellion Parka, 2. black T by Alexander Wang shirt, 3. Topshop Fluro Floral Corset, 4. J Brand 620 Skinny Legging Jeans, 5. Cheap Monday Mulplex Necklace, 6. Topshop Pack of Cards Ring Set, 7. Topshop Athlete Wedge Heel

*There are two female cast mates who have a decent amount of airtime, but one of them dresses like a slob and the other is constantly in a school uniform (as she's a high school student), so I've conveniently decided to opt out of analyzing their costumes.

brunch: urban pl8

*As part of a new feature on the blog, I'll be reviewing and giving brunch recommendations every Friday. I love brunch.

Located in Atlanta's west side, Urban Pl8 prides itself on fresh, local ingredients and its dedication to environmental sustainability. I focused more attention on their $15 bottomless mimosa. I can count on one hand the number of places that serve decent brunch drinks in Atlanta, and one finger on one that has a bottomless alcoholic beverage. While their brunch fare was typical, I can appreciate a restaurant that offers options for my vegan and vegetarian friends. When the weather gets warm, the patio would be a great seating option although you would be enjoying a nice view of the asphalt parking lot.

Paleo Frittata 

Steak and Eggs

Urban Pl8
1082 Huff Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 367-0312