*compu-nerd

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Surprise!

It's me again! Took another brief hiatus, but now I'm back to provide you with all your fashion needs!

It's been a hectic past two weeks and, between applications and paperwork and baby-showers (oh my!), my creative energies have unfortunately been elsewhere.

But, no fear! I'm all here now...both with you and my internship (which is winding down now).

...and by winding down, I mean lots of computer work..which everyone knows isn't my favorite...

Alas, it must be done!

So, while I 'enjoy' some technology...you enjoy some Karlie and Daft Punk...which is sort of related right?? Cause they have that 'Technologic' song....

...no?

Karlie Kloss and Daft Punk for the August 2013 issue of American Vogue. Photographed by Craig McDean. Images sourced from Vogue. com

Karlie Kloss and Daft Punk for the August 2013 issue of American Vogue. Photographed by Craig McDean. Images sourced from Vogue. com

Behind-the-scenes footage?


Fierce model. Funky musicians. That should be enough to tide you over...

Till then...have a great day kiddies!
xx

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*[pride]

***

As most of you know [unless you've been living under a rock], yesterday was NYC's annual Pride Parade.

A celebration of community and equality, qualities that we should all aspire towards, NYC's week long of  festivities ends in a culmination of colors and love.

However, despite it's apparent beauty, one must always be mindful of the underlying meaning of Pride week. It is not only to celebrate how far we in the LGBT community have come in the fight for freedom and our rights, but also to recognize how much further we, as humanity, have to go.

I believe that the words of one of my very close friends aptly summarizes this ideal...

He says,

“PRIDE has meant many things to me in my life, but never has it just been about being a fag or not. It’s a celebration of us, of humanity no matter where we come from , what we look like, or what or who we do… this past month I have seen love and hate, People holding prejudice where you least expect it, and acceptance and tolerance from where you least expect it… this weekend I was able to celebrate with friends and strangers, gay, straight , black brown red yellow and blue all the same, in each and every party and place the breeze blew me… I was reminded of one thing though, the hope for a better world, belief in humanity and belief in a generation all come from belief in oneself… If we’re lucky and believe in ONE love and the effervescence of a generation, we will live to see a world that shines with more resilience than can even be dreamed of- a world for our children to grow, love and be loved in all the same…”

 Thus, in commemoration of this rainbow event [and what would pride be without some colorful fashion], here's a few fabulously fashionable and, better yet, colorful clothes.

                               “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” ―Heather Small.

xx

***

*in transit

***

¹com·mute verb \kə-ˈmyüt\

Definition of COMMUTE; 

:-transitive verb

1a : change, alter 

  b : to give in exchange for another : exchange 

2: to convert (as a payment) into another form

3: to change (a penalty) to another less severe <commute a death sentence to life in prison>

:-intransitive verb

4: to travel back and forth regularly (as between a suburb and a city) 

 So...while I am most definitely NOT a morning person [as you can tell from my previous post]...and the commute isn't the easiest in the world...I really do seem to be enjoying my internship. My perception about a few things is changing. I am learning a lot, not only about the industry, but also about myself; what I like and what I don't like in terms of working.

[par example:- I like interacting with people. I like having a variety of tasks to work on so, if one is monotonous, I can move on to another and then return to it. I do not like Photoshopping for hours on end. *womp womp* And I, without a doubt, do not like lugging 70 [seventy] lbs of "natural" river stones around New York...*long story*]

However, it is nice to be able to work with industry professionals who are down to earth and really seem to care about my career aspirations and even just me as a person! [after some of the horror stories I read].

What's even better is the lack of homework! #joysofsummer That means that even though the days are long, as soon as I reach back to my apartment in Jersey, I can flop down on my bed, watch re-runs of Modern Family and get all the sleep I want.

In fact, I am probably looking well rested these days, so I'll grace you with some glam shots of me riding the subway.

"The Vanishing Underground." Liya Kebede & David Agbodji. Shot by Mikael Jansson for Vogue Japan. April 2013.

...I look fresh and perky, no? And a little tanned too? #joysofsummer

Haha. I kid.

But while I've been doing a lot of #4 [see above], I've also been doing some #1a...and definitely none of #3 [sounds a little morbid to be honest. eek.]

Life changes happening kiddies. Gotta love 'em.

So if any of you see me on my commute. Don't be scared to say hi!...Be sure you say where you know me from though cause I'm a runner...

Have a great day. Always be inspired.

xx

“I'm not like most designers, who have to set sail on an exotic getaway to get inspired. Most of the time, it's on my walk to work, or sitting in the subway and seeing something random or out of context.”
― Alexander Wang 

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*perked | the return

***

It is I...the abandoner...

...but I come bearing amazing news.

I'm not going to complain about how busy I've been these past few weeks with finals and apartment hunting and all that..cause you've heard it all before...(and quite frankly I'm tired of saying it), so I'll focus on the positives...

I have an internship!!

So far it's been fabulous (thankfully). Long hours...but with amazingly nice people.

Officially, I'm interning for a blog called Fashion Elephant. Slightly different to mine, which is mostly about inspiration from my travels and funky fashion pictures, Marina's (who I work for) has the luck of being able to feature herself wearing amazingly fashionable (and totally out of my price range) clothing.

Unofficially, I am also helping her fashionable friends and family - which includes fashion photographer Ronald James (who has done amazing editorials for worldwide editions of Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Numero, Essence and Elite), Charles Philip (designer of Charles Philip Shanghai shoes), Lizzette Kattan (former editor-in-chief for Harper's Bazaar Italy, Harper's Bazaar France, Uomo Harper's Bazaar and Italian Cosmopolitan) and up-and-coming designer Bianca Allen - get through their own to-do lists.

And although it's only been three weeks, I've been exposed to so many great people and facets of this crazy whirlwind of an industry.

It has been such a humbling, learning experience...with much more to report. *blows dust of keyboard*

*eyes open, ears to the ground*

I mean...it could be worse...

...thankfully the only coffee I get is to wake myself up during that commute!

 

“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.”― Masaru Emoto, The Secret Life of Water.

xx

***

*fabulous London.

***

“If London is a watercolor, New York is an oil painting.” ― Peter Shaffer

[...different; not better, not worse]

The time has come for me to say goodbye to this wonderful country and return to the States.

But don't worry kiddies, I'll still be posting about the numerous English models and fashion icons that I haven't gotten to and my experiences in the UK and over on the continent! [still didn't do a post about Paris...and now I have to do one about Belgium!! #fallingbehind]

How about a 'see-you-soon' present to cheer myself you up?

'Fabulous London.' ft. Bonnie Chen. Harper's Bazaar China. July 2012.

Just think, while I'm stuffing choccies in my carry-on and getting searched at customs, you get to enjoy some fun and ferocious 'English' pretty...

...sigh..I miss it already.

Life is a journey, and I must remember that it may be one that I am not entirely in control of; just gotta enjoy whatever experiences are thrown at me, ya dig?

Am I sad that I'm leaving? Yes. But, I'm also excited to move on and continue growing and anxious for what experiences 2013 will bring. And of course I'll definitely be back...[maybe sooner than I know?? hehe.]

So, goodbye to 'The Swinging City' and hello to 'The Big Apple.'

Wish me luck kiddies!
xx

***

*explore.dream.discover.

***

hmm..*sips tea*...

I'm neglecting you again, aren't I?

Lo siento kiddies... spent the weekend in Bristol by the cousin. It was interesting to say the least...haha...

...and other than the wonderful Trini food my cousin cooked, she is super inspirational...following her own dreams and goals..

Sigh. But being on a 3 hour coach..and having to pack and unpack just reminded me of how many hours in these past six months I've been in transit...

...with more traveling coming soon! Haha....

Anyways, being a blog about finding inspiration in constant uprooting, here's some nomadic pretty to start off your day..

"Trail Blazers": Daria Werbowy and Lily Donaldson in Cuzco, Peru by Mario Testino for Vogue UK. March 2008.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
 

“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Sometimes I find myself complaining that world travel isn't as glamorous as it's cracked up to be, having to live out of a suitcase and slum it out sometimes [and look like a hot mess toting heavy suitcases through New York City]...but honestly, it's worth it...

Maybe I'm being totally existential right now, [blame the impending return to the US] but the experiences that I have had in the past few months are ...I dunno.. live-changing, priceless, once-in-a-lifetime...and have certainly impacted me and inspired me in ways I could never have imagined *tear* ...cliché, I know.

And, while I am somewhat excited to return to the States, I will definitely, DEFINITELY miss this gloriously cultural country... [and, of course, will be back!]

ah well.. "The only thing constant is change..."...a concept that I am slowly understanding...but, as one very amazing friend rightfully said, it's not the end..just a new chapter...something new to get used to...to keep me on my toes...life does that...

...and hopefully I look amaze doing it! Ha!
xx

***

*Halloween:Aftermath

***

What do a Hindu Goddess, a primate, and a skinless corpse have in common?? They've all been Heidi Klum's Halloween costumes!

With hurricane Sandy ravishing the East Coast of the US, many of the Halloween festivities had to be cancelled. Most notably, the New York Halloween parade, which was cancelled for the first time in 39 years, and Heidi Klum's annual Halloween party! *sad face* due to the hurricane dubbed "Frankenstorm."

Thus, in honor of Ms. Klum's dedication to the holiday, I have decided to feature the past 12 of her elaborate costumes, including the one she would've worn this year, as today's 'Daily Pretty!'

Top Row L-R: Lady Godiva, Betty Boop, Sexy Alien, Red Witch, Black Witch, Eve's apple
Bottom Row: Black Cat, Goddess Kali, Crow, Transformer, Skinless Corpse, Cleopatra

What's your favorite? I personally LOVE the Transformer from 2010. #amaze

*p.s. If any of you are reading from the East Coast, or have friends or family there, I hope everyone's alright. Stay safe. Stay warm kiddies!

***

*London vs. The Big NY [so far]

***

Apologies for taking such a long break from posting. I was, in fact, spending a few days traveling around and feeling most out of place (from a fashion perspective at least).

At first, I held the opinion that Brits, and Europeans in general, do not seem to dress up much...whereas, in New York one is bombarded by many-a budding fashionista..or fashionisto? lol..

As a result, after having to compete in the Big Apple environment, my first few outings left me feeling just a bit overdressed.

To say that the Londoners weren't as dressed up may have been a bit biased and unfair. I quickly grew accustomed to their dress sense (although I settled on the idea that they just dress a lot more maturely and comfortably than I do, and that maybe due to the unpredictable weather, it was just better to wear a simple outfit, maybe a tee and jeans, and just throw a large, comfy-looking sweater over it).

Even in the city, which I expected to be a little trendier than the 'burbs where I am staying, most people were still dressed casually, with lots of separates, as literally one minute it was hot and sunny and the next it was overcast and chilly.

Now don't get me wrong, while NY style is still quite comfortable, the fashion seems less "pretty" as compared to the classic/vintage English dressing style, with a hard and playful edge to it (which I love). So I've made some mood boards of MY perception of the variations in fashion...

                             *New York*                                       *London*

...with some celebs on the street who I think best represent these distinctions...

#teamNewYork: Blake Lively:

   

#teamNewYork: Sarah Jessica Parker: 

 #teamLondon: Kate Moss:

#teamLondon: Alexa Chung:

And don't even get me started on the male fashion...Sigh.

Now, I have read a post similar to mine, done by an English girl spending a semester at an American university in Minnesota (quite almost the reverse to me actually). Her opinions seem to differ from mine somewhat, describing American style as lots of denim and plaid....hmm..which I could see, as Minnesota isn't exactly a fashion capital in the States. We did however seem to agree that Americans don't seem to care too much about trends, often dressing how they want, and that Europeans don't aim to look too polished, with lots of layering due to the fickle weather.

Maybe I've just become more acclimatized to the bright and colorful cosmopolitan than is New York City? Maybe I haven't gone to the right fashion locales in London? Maybe I prefer the fast-paced, pavement pounding lifestyle that is New York? Who knows? But I'll definitely keep you updated as my perception changes...

***