The Coolest People I Wish I Knew.

Some people are just born phenomenal.

I am one of them. Just kidding.. kind of.

But really though, regardless if a person is born in a small town and becomes a local celebrity for just being around (Arrow Grantham::SLO) or someone has super ritzy parents who help pave a way for them to stardom (Lourdes::Madonna), being super cool isn't that easy.

Storytime.

In 2003, I was a Freshman in high school and in the prime of my awkward stage. Just to enlighten you all who (fortunately) did not know me, I had braces, wore a double zero jean, and was as tall as I am now, meaning I wore bell bottom high-waters. Not to mention I was motherless and had no direction as to how to put on makeup, so I just did what I thought looked good.. It turns out I should have searched out a self-help magazine. But hey, I thought I was cool.. Fake it til you make it.

I would like to begin my rant by saying I am scared of fashion. Whether a collection was created in Paris with love or in a sweaty FIDM design studio in Los Angeles, couture makes me nervous. The first fashion house to give me sweaty palms was due in large part to a man I'm in love with named Nicolas Ghesquiere, the creative director of Balenciaga since 1997.

✔

In the words of Shae Savin, Nicolas is fierce. What I love so much about him is that you can see his inspiration in each collection. Coming from a family completely unrelated to fashion (his dad wanted him to be a gym teacher.. those would have been some fun P.E. clothes), he comes up with the most crazy/fabulous designs.. Some of my favorites of his throughout the years are below.


From left: Fall 2009 RTW (sophisticated glamour girl), Spring 2003 RTW (my favorite collection EVER-it's like, scuba inspired!), Spring 2009 RTW (I love how he incorporates shapes into his designs; see the heart?), and finally this year's Fall RTW (totally geometrical but SO much more fun than actually doing geometry).

Despite the fact I couldn't even pronounce Balenciaga until a few years ago, I am still extremely enthused by every runway show, and it doesn't hurt he's the last person on the catwalk.. I mean, hottie McFrenchman yes please!

Secondly, I would like to give props to my favorite blogger: Emily, better known by Ellie and I as Cupcakes. Cupcakes? Yes, Cupcakes. Short for Cupcakes and Cashmere.. Dot com for you dummies who don't already follow her.

She's adorable, right?

There are very few bloggers out there (trust me, I've done some research) that can put together an amazing outfit from anything super cheap to super classy. It's such a relief to see great outfits that don't cost 2 million dollars (no offense, Nicolas, but I'm on a budget right now). Also, she basically has my dream life: work at Teen Vogue, blogging daily, and amazing success. If only I could have more than 20 followers... and a photographer boyfriend to take my pics. Love you, mean it, super jealous of you Em.

Last but certainly not least, one of the most interesting people in the world: Iris Apfel. Not only do I have an obsession with fashionable old people (I have two amazingly fabulous grandmothers who completely passed on my shopping genes... and my color coded closet), but I also enjoy people with ridiculous styles like Iris. Did I say ridiculous? I meant brilliant.

See what I mean? Iris is da bomb..

One of the many reasons I find Iris so interesting is that she is her style. In an interview with Peabody Essex Museum this summer (one of the many museums who have exhibited her unique styles), she explained that her ensemble is incomplete if it doesn't scream IRIS! Whether this Iris touch is a pair of heavy matching bangles (one on each wrist), or her thick, round-rimmed signature eyeglasses, her style radiates her eclecticism.


Before I kick the bucket, I want to be cool.

"Dress gives you the opportunity to express yourself: who you are, who you think you are or who you want to be. So, take advantage of it. I hope that Rare Bird of Fashion will encourage you to be a bit creative, a bit daring and have more than a bit of fun." - Iris Apfel

Celebrate Life

For the past 2 years when the calendar hits September, Pepperdine College Republicans spend hours and hours (I've literally watched them slave for days on end) perfectly aligning thousands and thousands of flags--one for every victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. September 11th, 2001 is a day that will never be forgotten; the severity of what happened that morning has changed our country forever. But as horrific as that day was, it has become apparent that since then, we as Americans have come closer together and are now more united as citizens of the greatest country in the world.

Having grown up with a Navy fighter pilot father and (now) brother as well as being so blessed to have the life i live, I love America and I believe in it, especially since one day in particular: the day my brother told me he would be honored to die for his country. I, of course, was voicing how scared I am of him going to war, and his intense patriotism caught me off guard. How can an individual believe in his or her country so much that they would actually die for it? I honestly don't understand, but regardless of my naïveté, his saying that truly made me proud to be an American, as cheesy as it sounds. Now, when I drive by the sea of flags that is currently taking over Pepperdine's enormous front lawn, it brings tears to my eyes. And as sad as it makes me to think about every life that was taken nine years ago, remembering them makes me proud and patriotic because whether they chose to or not, they died for our country.

My "I ♥ America" rant might seem a little unnecessary for my (primarily) fashion blog.. I just felt a little insensitive for taking really cool pictures at such an emotional place. But although the flags bring up tons of emotion, it's crazy how much the flags make me want to celebrate life and celebrate being an American.

And so we celebrated.

♔ Perfection ♔

Chloe Cohen... duh.

So artsy.

"Which one do you think is best?" - Me
"Ummm maybe the one where I'm facing the camera.." - Chloe

☆

My favorite look book shot

My beautiful baby sister Chloe Cohen.. I love you! ♡♡♡

Go Tri Delta, Whaddaya Say?

Recently, Tri Delta had the honor of hiring Houston Costa (my new favorite person) to take chapter pictures for us at El Matador beach in Malibu. He is amazing, to say the least, and his pictures speak a thousand words (or maybe that was just us chattering girls, gaining attention from every individual on the beach). Anyways, this was one of the most fabulous bonding experiences I've ever had with my sisters, and it's that much cooler having photo evidence.

Here are some of my favorite shots...

My Bests

Our babies... Soon to be not babies...

♡♡♡

Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Rho Chapter

☼☼☼

Loveys!

As you Pepperdiners know, we are currently undergoing the most stressful (but fun) time of the year as a sorority: rush. Even though we (me especially) want to pull our hair out and give up at times, it's nice to know there is a support system of 50 girls who have your back... no matter what. I could never have had the college experience I have had without these girls. I love being a Tri Delt!

Let's rock rush girls!!!

Simply Delicious

Although lately I have been far too busy to sit down and have a truly nice meal, I would still say I eat well. Well as in healthy? I try, but well as in absolutely scrumpdidaliumptious? Absolutely. Whether it be on my way to school, when I'm home at night and have a free half hour before True Blood starts, or even traveling to somewhere wonderful, I have discovered some of the most amazing things to stuff my face with.

If you haven't met me, don't think because the food I occasionally eat may be high in caloric value or fat content, I am overweight or advocating it. I believe in living an active lifestyle (even though I am highly uncoordinated.. the elliptical works just as well for me as, say, a salsa dancing class), and not constantly being full. It has worked for me so far, and as long as I refrain from having 2 fruity cocktails with dinner each night, I am fairly good at "maintaining."

And now to the good stuff, or should I say delectable?

A few months ago, I was introduced to my new favorite snack. I might be a bit strange for feeling inclined to choose fruit at the grocery store instead of a candy bar, but regardless, this MY blog and I will write about what I find appetizing. So fruit: cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are all very delicious this time of year (in fact, I feel like they're delicious all times of year, but maybe I'm mistaken) and I have eaten more of these three super fruits this summer than in my whole life. Why, you ask? A little thing called Chile Powder. Sounds gross, I know, but it's not--just a little sweet, a little spicy, a little salty, and a lot of deliciousness.

My second favorite food ithis summer was made by my beautiful step mom, Kelly. Visiting my new "home" in Missouri a few weeks ago was made 110x sweeter thanks to the frozen fruit salad she had waiting for me when I got off the plane. Although I enjoy normal fruit salad, with Missorui's 105 degree weather and abnormal humidity, frozen fruit salad was that much more scrumptious. Gold star for you, Kel!

Finally, I would like to give a tribute to my ultimate comfort (or maybe just hangover) food. In a little town called San Luis Obispo, at a little grill called Firestone, my all time favorite snack is created, perfectly I might add. Instead of sticking with making myself come off as a fairly healthy person, I am caving to describe the yummiest most amazing french fries in the world: perfectly seasoned, thin enough to be crunchy without being too crunchy, dipped in bbq sauce then ranch (yes, in that order), and finally, never ending. Lucky for me, a basket of fries supplies more than enough greasy goodness for the whole table, leaving me with plenty to take home!

Needless to say, my stomach has been plenty happy this summer, and now that I've mentioned it, I just might go raid the fridge!

Raindrops on Roses

If Julie Andrews can sing about her favorite things, I think I should be able to as well.

Tory Burch everything,
really high heels,
elephants, jewelry, beamers on wheels.
Soft leather jackets and two finger rings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

I'm pretty funny. But really, these are in fact a few of my favorite things. That was just a shortened (and musically inclined) list. I have noticed, however, that I tend to be brand loyal to a few more than a few brands.. The following are those sweet somethings.

1. I am in love with Laura Mercier makeup. I use the tinted moisturizer (you can use either oil free or original.. I don't think the original is very oily at all), thickening and building mascara that works better than every "hype" mascara I've tried, eye liner in black and brown (I lucked out and got an amazing limited time collection at Sephora), and last but not least the eye colour (they have great colors to accentuate blue eyes like mine). Even after trying more expensive makeup brands such as Dior, Mac, and Chanel, I've stayed true to mon amour Laura Mercier.

2. Ok, so it's not such a surprise, but I can easily say my favorite handbag brand is Tory Burch. (Read another one of my Tory rants here.) I've become addicted to the soft leather, vibrant colors, and gorgeous accessories. I continue to carry bags I bought over a year ago and still receive compliments on them.. My favorites are a bright red hobo with a HUGE tassel, an off-white tote with gold hardware (it can also comes with a shoulder strap--love), and my gorgeous tan shoulder bag with a gold link strap.

3. Who doesn't enjoy super-soft Michael Stars tops? My go-to for any basic tank or tee is always Michael Stars. Not only do I enjoy not having to search for my size (every item is one size fits most) but I also can't get enough of the uber comfy, perfectly clingy fits each style seems to have on me. Years ago I began wearing the shiney fabrics (mostly camisoles, I was skinny back then), but since I have began wearing more of the jersey knits. I'm not going to lie, though, I still own multiple camis and they still fit.. no shrinkage. Another plus? I literally have never owned a Michael Stars that has faded (knock on wood).

4. I have a slight obsession with Jeans.. Whether I was crazy for flare in middle school, a little more mellow in high school with bootcut, or nowadays with jeans as skinny I can find, Seven For All Mankind is my #1 brand. Sure, maybe they're not as trendy as jeans with excessive shredding or too much acid wash, but they do their job well, and I can't seem to stray far from them. Even though I've taken a liking to J Brand and Rich and Skinny in the past few years, I will still vouch that Seven are the most comfortable, complimenting, and trusty jeans on the market.

There they are.. They might not be brown paper packages tied up with string (that seems so not fun to me..), but these are a few of my favorite things! :)

Metal Detecting

Things I like that are shiny:

buried treasure

safety pins

sparkles

jet planes

quarters

necklaces

mirrors

fashion trends

Wait, trend? Yep. My shiny fetish is about to get way more interesting according to multiple designers' Fall 2010 ready to wear collections. Some include Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Alexander Wang (although he goes about it in a very funhouse/emo sort of way), Malandrino, and Alice and Olivia (duh). Although you probably won't catch me in a floor length shimmery silver Marc Jacobs gown, you just may find me baring more subtle hints of glimmer.

My favorite runway look was from Alice and Olivia. Where in the past they have focused on full coverage sequin frocks, Fall shows more subtle peeps of sequin. Love it mean it.

Zac Posen does partial shimmer equally as well layering a metallic silver long sleeve under a classic (and really cute) camel dress.

So I may have seemed a little harsh on A and O's use of solid sequin fabric.. I don't dislike it, but I love the extra touches (it must come with the extra zeros on the price tag) Balmain makes on this sexy mini..

I wasn't being too harsh, however, when I called Alexander Wang's Fall line a funhouse. Seriously. So many textures, bold fabrics (a lot of velvet), and shine. The title that comes to mind would be Beetlejuice Couture.. but it perfectly encompasses the metallic theme that is oh so amazing with fun twists!

Enough rambling. I'm just excited that sequins are here to stay (for now) and I will be able to wear metallics without looking like an astronaut! Can't wait for Fall!!

The Next Chapter..

Things to do before I start the real world (t-minus 260 days until graduation AND my 22nd birthday, yikes!!!):

1. Master tamale making

2. Travel to Canada

3. Do something scary that involves heights

4. Read a book at a bar

5. Get my boating license

6. Learn how to knit (well)

7. Watch every episode of Sex and the City in a row

8. Have one playlist on my ipod of just country music

9. Go to the beach by myself (not just once)

10. Create something wearable out of a dusty item in my closet

11. Actually find a good lipgloss shade

12. Ride on a ferris wheel

13. Be able to take Vinyasa Flow level 3

14. Save money (for good, not just until my credit card bill needs to be paid)

15. Make a vodka watermelon

16. Find something absolutely amazing at an antique store

17. Figure out what my favorite flower is

18. Purchase a fur

19. Try a snow sport (shopping and drinking don't count)

20. Visit St. Jude

"Many people worry so much about managing their careers, but rarely spend half that much energy managing their lives. I want to make my life, not just my job, the best it can be. The rest will work itself out." - Reese Witherspoon