memorial. day.

I couldn’t let Memorial Day pass by without doing a spotlight on white pants. Hey, it is the unofficial start to summer after all! Ironically enough, I recently (ok, maybe it was six months ago) bought my first pair of white jeans from J.Crew.  It’s their signature toothpick fit and they were majorly discounted.  I pulled them out just in time for Memorial Day and can’t wait to wear them all summer long, and maybe even into fall.  Being a newbie to white pants, I put together a few never-fail top options that are each effortless and summery in their own right.       

memorial. day.

J Brand Zipper Ankle Skinny (Intermix) + Chambray Workbench Top in Blue Frost (Madewell) - This first pairing just looks cool. I kind of wonder though how well it would translate in real life.  Madewell’s models make it look too easy  I’m not sure if I could pull off a sleeveless chambray shirt this nonchalantly.      
1.  Double Layer Crop Top (Zara) - Breezy, a tad quirky and cropped.  See, crop tops are fun!  
2.  Bateau Tee in Stripe (J.Crew) - I know, so typical.  Stripes + white pants sounds like the perfect match, if you ask me.  To be fair, J.Crew’s bateau striped tee does come in a few unexpected combinations like ivory/watercolor blue, ivory/burnished citron and ivory/neon coral.  (I’m not going to lie though, I’m still pretty partial to my beloved ivory/navy or ivory/storm grey…)     
3.  Edalette Top (Joie) - If you can tie it, knot it.  Joie has practically perfected the art of silk blouses, and this one is no exception.  
Can you count the ways to wear white pants?  Just in case you’re stumped, I’ve rounded up a few more cute top options below:


What’s your favorite way to style white pants/shorts in the summer?

xo,
A

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vienna.


I can’t believe it, but today marks exactly three years since I embarked on my trip to Vienna, Austria.  In May 2011, I spent five weeks studying abroad (I use this term loosely as what I experienced was a deep immersion in design and architecture.  No classwork, no credits.  It was purely inspiration driven).  It’s interesting because when I entered college, I never thought that I would participate in a study abroad-type program.  It’s not that I didn’t want to...because I definitely did (London, Paris...anywhere in Europe sounded fabulous).  I simply didn’t think that I had time to travel abroad (I was a double major, so I had double the requirements to fulfill) and I quite honestly didn’t think there was a program out there that perfectly encapsulated my interests.  Not to mention that I wasn’t sure if I could handle living in another country for an entire semester or longer.  It sounds fun in theory, but what if I get homesick or don’t like where I’m living or can’t handle the stress of classes...I worry about these types of things.  And, of course, studying abroad certainly doesn’t come cheap, either.  Despite all of this, however, during the spring semester of my junior year, I found myself faced with a dare.  Even at this point in time, I still thought it was all kind of a joke.  I never imagined that I would be able to go to Vienna...it just didn’t seem like it was in the cards for me.  After extensive thought and what felt like a gazillion back-and-forth e-mails with my professor (I was afraid that the trip would involve bike riding and outdoorsy types of things, something which is definitely not my forte), I suddenly knew that I had to go.  There on forward, it was just a matter of convincing my parents that this spur-of-the-moment trip was relevant to my interests (they didn’t quite see the connection between fashion and architecture/design).  Thank goodness I came to my senses, because if I hadn’t then I would have missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime.  Sounds cliche, but it’s so true.

I’m not going to lie, each year as May/June approaches, I always begin feeling a tad nostalgic because I know that there’s nothing that I can do (or experience) that will even come close to being as inspirational as my time in Vienna.  The truth is, I’m not kidding when I say that I’m always in a Vienna-state-of-mind.  Every day, Vienna somehow has a way of making its way into my thoughts. Maybe it’s because I’ve set the background of every laptop and digital device that I own to a stunning photo of the Vienna skyline or perhaps it’s because I follow at least three Instagram feeds that post daily photos of Vienna.  Going beyond these subtle reminders, I wholeheartedly believe that Vienna has shaped me for the better.  These days, I strive to surround myself with inspiration and only do things with passion.  I can’t say that this is always true (sometimes there are things that I simply can’t be passionate about), but I fully realize that passion and inspiration are two non-negotiables that I can’t move forward without. Vienna has also taught me the importance of looking up literally.  Transported to a faraway place, I did what any other tourist would do:  I photographed everything with an artful eye.  Close-ups, extreme close-ups, framing shots...you get the idea.  One thing I specifically noticed was that you can’t just focus on what’s at eye level. You have to look up, because there are always going to be interesting angles and perspectives that are waiting to be captured.  If you don’t look up, then you miss out.  Simple as that.  While my current residence may be no Vienna, I still carry this mentality along with me.  Photograph to document, to remember and to inspire.

Now that it’s been three years, I like to think about what I truly miss about Vienna.  Part of me misses the most ambiguous and odd things...like taking a trip to the local grocery store (there’s nothing like a SPAR), the route that I took every morning from my host’s apartment to the u-bahn station to the Institute (or St. Stephens or wherever we were meeting in the morning), getting ice cream at Zanoni & Zanoni (so. good.) or just sitting in the park (Burggarten is my favorite).  The other part of me longs for the extensive process of documentation that we practiced all the note-taking, sketching, photography, lectures, our studio visits with industrial designers, graphic designers, artists, etc.  While it may be true that inspiration is everywhere, sometimes I find it downright impossible to discover it here in the states.  But, I do try.  Creating this blog, curating my Instagram feed and re-blogging meaningful photos on Tumblr are my way of staying in tune with what inspires me.  Practicing good design never fails, either.

Anyone who’s studied abroad before can probably relate to this post.  It doesn’t matter if you fell in love with Italy, Paris or Egypt, there’s something about traveling abroad and becoming immersed in a culture that makes life a little more complete.  Put simply: you can’t imagine life without having met and traveled to  fill-in-the-blank-place.  I know that this is a longer, more personal post than usual, but I couldn’t let the three year mark pass by without commenting on how Vienna has (and continues) to be a constant guiding source of inspiration in my life today.


Vienna, I’m so glad I met you, and I hope we meet again soon.  Ja.


xo,
A


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target. style.

I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m an absolute sucker for Target’s dollar section.  I’m specifically drawn to their cute sticky notes, pens/pencils and random stationery goods.  

As if $1 wasn't cheap enough, I happened to be in Target a few weeks ago when these said items were discounted at 70% off.  SO, I basically ended up only paying 30 cents per item...and, no surprise, I came home with one of everything!  While I love all the goodies that I swooped up, I simply can’t get enough of these miniature clothespins.  I have no idea what I’m going to do with them, but I’m sure I’ll think up a fun DIY in the near future.

Being on summer break, I finally got around to snapping a few photos. All of the floral + polka dot prints and whimsical colors photographed so well together.


What Target dollar section finds have you uncovered lately?

xo,
A
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breakfast. with. bevan.

Originally, I was only going to spotlight Bee Schaffer’s (aka Anna Wintour’s daughter) latest appearance on Breakfast with Bevan, but then I got so caught up in the series...and here we are now!  For starters, if you haven’t checked out Breakfast with Bevan yet, then you’re seriously missing out.  The series, which you’ve probably already guessed from its title, is hosted by Teen Vogue style features director Andrew Bevan.  In each episode, Andrew meets up with his fave celebrity friends for breakfast (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexa Chung...love them!) and they chat in a low-key setting about anything and everything.  Besides the fact that Andrew is one of the most quirky, funny and all-around likeable people around, I’m also a major fan of Teen Vogue (and always will be!).  

Getting back to my initial inspiration for this post, I just had to embed the video of Andrew’s recent sit-down with Bee Shaffer.  In the episode, Andrew and Bee are like old-time pals just catching up.  Of course, one of the things they talk about is what it’s like being Anna Wintour’s daughter.  (Wouldn’t we all like to know…?!)  I won’t give too much away, but I thought it was just fitting how both Bee and her mom share a fondness for going to bed early and waking up early.  (Anna goes to bed around 10 and wakes up at 5, Bee goes to bed at 11 and wakes up at 6.)  In the video, Bee says something along the lines of how she thinks that people who wake up early have the privilege of feeling more superior and generally feeling like a better person because of it.  While Bee may have opted out of the whole fashion lifestyle, there’s no question that she inherited her busy nature and appreciation for promptness (she doesn’t understand people who are late) from her mom.  And, if you ask me, that’s not a bad thing at all!  


Basically, I now want to be BFFs with Andrew Bevan so that I can join him for his next breakfast date...can that be arranged?!

xo,
A
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may. the. list.


Well, it’s official...I am DONE with finals (and actually have been done for a few days now)! Thankfully, my final projects this semester were rather enjoyable – they definitely could have been a lot worse. After a few days of unwinding, I’m ready to get back at it again. As we’re almost halfway through May, much to my dismay, it seemed like the perfect time to share my current favorites and must-haves for spring/summer. Without further ado, here they are!


1. BP Perfect Polish Nail Lacquer (Nordstrom) - Truth: I have yet to find a yellow shade of nail polish that I like. Whether it’s too sheer for my delight or just isn’t the “right” shade of yellow, I can’t say that I’ve been overly impressed. I do, however, see hope in “dandelion,” and while we're at it, "sugared mint" isn't half bad either...
2. Scalloped Pajama Short Set in Liberty Theodora Floral (J.Crew) - While I’m not one to get all excited about my PJs, I think this floral printed set from J.Crew may be the exception. Scallops and Liberty floral are one combination that is sure to set any girl’s heart aflutter...not to mention that they’d be great to lounge in on lazy Sundays.
3. Stripe Leather Travel Wallet (J.Crew) - J.Crew’s seriously killing it in the accessories department. I have my eyes set on this stripe leather travel wallet, this magic wallet and this passport cover. The question is, can I have them all?
4. Meriel Dress (Joie) - The best way to celebrate the arrival of warm weather is with a new dress. This print-tastic chevron is a winner on all fronts: youthful and fun it is!
5. Striped Silk Refined Tank (Tibi) - Repeat after me, it’s not summer until you show your stripes. And by stripes, I specifically mean those of the navy blue + white variety.
6. Ceramic Jewelry Tray (J.Crew) - The perfect tray to put all of your favorite nail lacquers of the moment on display. #springcleaning
7. Splendid Catina Flat Sandals (Shopbop) - I love how utterly minimalist and simple these black sandals by Splendid are. Truth be told, every girl needs a pair of wear-with-anything, wear-anywhere sandals.
8. Jade Watermelon Flats (Kate Spade) - Always be picnic-ready with these watermelon flats by Kate Spade. To be worn with a cute gingham button-down shirt and white chino shorts...
9. Garden Girl Flower Cocktail Ring (Forever 21) - I’ve been waiting for Forever 21 to offer free shipping, so that I can snatch up this “garden girl” cocktail ring. It’s under $4 and is reminiscent of Kate Spade’s witty and charming designs.
10. Sandrine (Clare Vivier) - If I were to dream up the ultimate summer bag, then it would resemble this Petit Duffle by Clare Vivier. The white leather: perfect for summer. The polka dots: as quirky as they come. Enough said.
11. Acrylic Straws (Kate Spade) - There’s something about summer (perhaps it’s the endless supply of lemonade, slurpees and smoothies that I will surely consume?!) that signals the need for a collection of straws that spans from simple to downright fancy. This set of acrylic polka dotted and striped straws from Kate Spade are all the more reason to sip, sip, sip!

One of my goals this summer is to become more involved in the blogging community. That said, if you’ve done a “currently loving” or monthly “I-need-it” type of post recently, feel free to link to it in the comments section below. I’d love to check it out! :)

xo,
A
0

may. day.


I'm a few days late, but I figure it's better later than never!  After the downpour we received early last week, I was super stoked when the sun decided to show up on May 1st. Of course, my handy dandy KSNY x Lifeguard Press agenda had the same idea.  Pops of color and a rather charismatic swan, pretty perfect if you ask me!

Please excuse my absence while I finish up with finals week.  #projectsonprojects  The May edition of "the list" will be posted soon-ish.  Until next time...  


xo,

A
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