...What a glorious feeeeling I'm happy again.
If you didn't already know, California is facing a itty bitty storm: it's been pouring for about 4 days now. This may not sound too extreme to folks in other parts of the country, but to us San Diegans, 4 days of pouring rain is the equivalent of a hurricanes. But, we're running out of time, and we HAVE to go Christmas shopping TODAY. Tomorrow's my birthday (yay!) and then it's Christmas Eve, so we really have no other options. Oh well, I love shopping, and hopefully the rain won't be too bad. (And hopefully they opened up another way to get in the mall: I heard one of the entrances is flooded!)
The problem with rain in San Diego is that we really don't know how to deal with it. We don't own any real rain gear, we get in zillions of accidents on the freeways, and our roadways get flooded every time. I wish that I could say that I have a great load of rain gear, but I'd be lying. I have some leather boots that I usually wear when it's raining, along with a puffer coat that's pretty rain resistant. (I mean, I do have other rain jackets, but they're ugly and for camping, not shopping.) I really need some new rain stuff! Especially for tough situations like the one I'm about to face: shopping in the rain!
Still in the Christmas spirit, though, I'll say this: Whenever you get stressed out over the holidays, remember that some people don't have it as well as you. Some people don't have the luxury of having gifts to wrap, or stockings to stuff, or food to make. Some people don't even have the luxury of a warm, dry home to spend the holidays in. So cut that Salvation Army bell-ringer some slack and be a little bit generous this season.
Christmas song of the day: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Selfishness & Generosity
If you ever meet somebody who claims they are completely selfless, they are liars. Even if they truly think that they are selfless, they're wrong. Truth is, all of us are selfish. And I mean uber-selfish. When you donate money or time to a cause, you're really doing it for yourself. You either want the label of being a good person or you want the feeling that comes with making somebody smile. Even those of us who do good things just to see a difference in the world are selfish. They don't want bad things happening in their world.
Moral of the story is we're all just in it for ourselves, so why not embrace it? Be an individual. There are many ways to make yourself into an individual, and everything you say/do/wear affects the way that other people see you. So, why not wear something a little bit daring? Why not create ensembles with wow-factor? Why not wear clothes that make you happy? However, more important than the clothes you wear is how you wear them. Do you walk around awkwardly, or do you strut your stuff with confidence?
For those of you who are stuck in the "it's what's inside that matters" mind field, think about this: First impressions are everything. If you look good and carry yourself with confidence, people are definitely going to see you differently than if you looked sloppy and appeared self-conscious. We only live once, people! You have to play all of your cards on the table!
On a slightly different note....
Inspiration of the day:
Generosity. In a season full of joy and gifts, it's easy to forget about those people who aren't fortunate enough to have a Christmas tree or stockings or presents. So, while you're out shopping and having fun, spread your holiday cheer a bit farther by giving to those in need. Donate to the Salvation Army people outside of Walgreens or donate to your local food bank. Christmas is about giving, not getting, despite what Charlie Brown's little sister Sally might think.
Maybe listening to this (fantastic) Christmas song will put you in the giving mood:
Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John & Yoko and the Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir
Moral of the story is we're all just in it for ourselves, so why not embrace it? Be an individual. There are many ways to make yourself into an individual, and everything you say/do/wear affects the way that other people see you. So, why not wear something a little bit daring? Why not create ensembles with wow-factor? Why not wear clothes that make you happy? However, more important than the clothes you wear is how you wear them. Do you walk around awkwardly, or do you strut your stuff with confidence?
For those of you who are stuck in the "it's what's inside that matters" mind field, think about this: First impressions are everything. If you look good and carry yourself with confidence, people are definitely going to see you differently than if you looked sloppy and appeared self-conscious. We only live once, people! You have to play all of your cards on the table!
On a slightly different note....
Inspiration of the day:
Generosity. In a season full of joy and gifts, it's easy to forget about those people who aren't fortunate enough to have a Christmas tree or stockings or presents. So, while you're out shopping and having fun, spread your holiday cheer a bit farther by giving to those in need. Donate to the Salvation Army people outside of Walgreens or donate to your local food bank. Christmas is about giving, not getting, despite what Charlie Brown's little sister Sally might think.
Maybe listening to this (fantastic) Christmas song will put you in the giving mood:
Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John & Yoko and the Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
My Style Icon
Heidi Klum
To say I'm obsessed would be an understatement. I'm pretty sure that if Heidi Klum stopped hosting Project Runway, I would stop watching it. While watching last year's Victoria Secret fashion show, I almost teared up when she walked the runway. A couple of years ago, I cut my hair so it would look just like hers. (I'll try to find a picture for y'all. It was hot.)
If you don't like Heidi Klum, get out. Seriously. Without her, I wouldn't have a style.
But really, how can anyone not like Heidi? She's gorgeous, has a non-superficial marriage, has adorable kids, has the coolest accent ever, and is bold and daring with her style, unlike most of the other celebrities in Hollywood. She looks fantastic even when pregnant, and stays true to herself.
To say I'm obsessed would be an understatement. I'm pretty sure that if Heidi Klum stopped hosting Project Runway, I would stop watching it. While watching last year's Victoria Secret fashion show, I almost teared up when she walked the runway. A couple of years ago, I cut my hair so it would look just like hers. (I'll try to find a picture for y'all. It was hot.)
If you don't like Heidi Klum, get out. Seriously. Without her, I wouldn't have a style.
But really, how can anyone not like Heidi? She's gorgeous, has a non-superficial marriage, has adorable kids, has the coolest accent ever, and is bold and daring with her style, unlike most of the other celebrities in Hollywood. She looks fantastic even when pregnant, and stays true to herself.
If you view this picture and you don't think that Ms. Klum looks insanely cool, again, GET OUT!
Très, Très Jolie... Non?
Inspiration of the Day:
Anything French and fabulous. Today, ma classe de français took a trip to the San Diego Museum of Art to see the Toulouse-Lautrec poster exhibit. Before this field trip, I wasn't a huge T-Lautrec fan, but now, I see the beauty of his works. In his posters, he uses bright, bold colors - but sparingly. If you know me, you'd see how this appeals to me. I love color, but I don't go crazy with it. Usually I have a pop of color here or there and the rest of my outfit is neutral. For example, today's outfit consisted of black lace-up boots, black opaque tights, distressed denim shorts, a black belt, a hot pink tank top, a long white cardigan, and a black knit hat. If my outfits were made into paintings, they would closely resemble T-Lautrec's posters. (For your information: the reason I'm saying T-Lautrec is because he signs his paintings and posters that way. I thought it was cool.)
This is one of T-Lautrec's most famous posters, and shows his style very nicely.
While I half-listened to our French-speaking docent while looking at T-Lautrec's expansive collection of posters and drawings, I thought about how fun it must have been to be in France in the late nineteenth century. The girls (well, the dancers at the Cabaret) wore dresses that were tight across the bosoms and waist then pulled away from the body and flowed the rest of the way down. T-Lautrec showed them as being primarily white, as I'm sure they were. The girl's kicked like the Radio City Rockettes - high and in sync with the other dancers. From all of this exposure to the art culture of nineteenth century France, I was inspired to add a little bit of French fashion to my wardrobe. Modern French fashion is quite simply the coolest around: simple, gorgeous pieces put together in an unconventional way.
Anything French and fabulous. Today, ma classe de français took a trip to the San Diego Museum of Art to see the Toulouse-Lautrec poster exhibit. Before this field trip, I wasn't a huge T-Lautrec fan, but now, I see the beauty of his works. In his posters, he uses bright, bold colors - but sparingly. If you know me, you'd see how this appeals to me. I love color, but I don't go crazy with it. Usually I have a pop of color here or there and the rest of my outfit is neutral. For example, today's outfit consisted of black lace-up boots, black opaque tights, distressed denim shorts, a black belt, a hot pink tank top, a long white cardigan, and a black knit hat. If my outfits were made into paintings, they would closely resemble T-Lautrec's posters. (For your information: the reason I'm saying T-Lautrec is because he signs his paintings and posters that way. I thought it was cool.)
This is one of T-Lautrec's most famous posters, and shows his style very nicely.
While I half-listened to our French-speaking docent while looking at T-Lautrec's expansive collection of posters and drawings, I thought about how fun it must have been to be in France in the late nineteenth century. The girls (well, the dancers at the Cabaret) wore dresses that were tight across the bosoms and waist then pulled away from the body and flowed the rest of the way down. T-Lautrec showed them as being primarily white, as I'm sure they were. The girl's kicked like the Radio City Rockettes - high and in sync with the other dancers. From all of this exposure to the art culture of nineteenth century France, I was inspired to add a little bit of French fashion to my wardrobe. Modern French fashion is quite simply the coolest around: simple, gorgeous pieces put together in an unconventional way.
Perfect example of French-inspired street style. Heidi Klum, here with her daughter, sports modest, simple clothes in an interesting and effortless way. (For my opinion of Heidi Klum, stay tuned.)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Book Worms & Holiday Cheer
Inspiration of the Day:
My English teacher told us today that we need to have a book by Thursday that's on her list of favorites. So, today I took a trip to Borders. The vibe in book stores is so cool! Some people casually browse through the book shelves, while others sit in cozy chairs and read for a few minutes. Throughout the store, I noticed quiet, conservative people who mind their own business and just scream "book nerd." The idea of the book nerd is so inspiring to me. Sometimes, I wish I had to wear glasses, just so I could pull off the whole book nerd thing. Book nerds are great style icons in that they don't have a style. (I'm generalizing here, there are some book nerds who have great style!) There wear clothing that is comfortable and modest, and for some reason, it makes them look all the most mysterious. The loose-fitting sweaters and casual jeans is such a cute combination - but it seems that you have to be slightly nerdy to pull this off.
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
-Will Ferrel as Buddy the Elf in Elf, for all of you unfortunate people who didn't know that.
I love December. There is Christmas music playing everywhere you go, so I can blast holiday jingles on my car radio shamelessly now. Sparkling lights are hung on the rooftops of many of the houses throughout the city. ABC Family plays Christmas movies every night. Family members want to know what to get me this year, and I try to get gift ideas for my friends and family. Puffy jackets with furry hoods are seen frequently. A layer of snow coats the - oh, that's right. San Diego never has the luxury of a white Christmas. I truly am "dreaming of a white Christmas."
Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Enjoy.
My English teacher told us today that we need to have a book by Thursday that's on her list of favorites. So, today I took a trip to Borders. The vibe in book stores is so cool! Some people casually browse through the book shelves, while others sit in cozy chairs and read for a few minutes. Throughout the store, I noticed quiet, conservative people who mind their own business and just scream "book nerd." The idea of the book nerd is so inspiring to me. Sometimes, I wish I had to wear glasses, just so I could pull off the whole book nerd thing. Book nerds are great style icons in that they don't have a style. (I'm generalizing here, there are some book nerds who have great style!) There wear clothing that is comfortable and modest, and for some reason, it makes them look all the most mysterious. The loose-fitting sweaters and casual jeans is such a cute combination - but it seems that you have to be slightly nerdy to pull this off.
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
-Will Ferrel as Buddy the Elf in Elf, for all of you unfortunate people who didn't know that.
I love December. There is Christmas music playing everywhere you go, so I can blast holiday jingles on my car radio shamelessly now. Sparkling lights are hung on the rooftops of many of the houses throughout the city. ABC Family plays Christmas movies every night. Family members want to know what to get me this year, and I try to get gift ideas for my friends and family. Puffy jackets with furry hoods are seen frequently. A layer of snow coats the - oh, that's right. San Diego never has the luxury of a white Christmas. I truly am "dreaming of a white Christmas."
Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Enjoy.
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