December 18th, 2011 White Christmas

All of my grandiose plans of posting daily as soon as school ended were shattered when I came down with a cold and fever on my first day of vacation. At least I got around to (mostly) finishing my Christmas tree, which is white, gold, and silver this year.

Something about Christmastime and bokehs always seems right. It’s been a while since I’ve experimented with them, so I figured now that my Christmas lights were up it would be as good a time as any. A couple of years ago I did a heart-shaped bokeh with my Miu Miu bag, but it’s doubtful many of you would remember it since it was so long ago.


9 comments
Posted in Photography.
Tags: ,

  December 13th, 2011 Moon Duster

Nothing cozier than a long, knit sweater dress with a slim fit and buttons running from top to bottom. I picked up this dress from Free People a few weeks ago for Thanksgiving parties and I’ve already worn it for countless other events (including a music video my friend is filming). All I need now is some sunlight so I can get proper photos of it! Worn here with a Noemi Klein necklace.

Also, I have Instagram now! My username is seecreatures, feel free to add me. I wore this outfit to work today: the above FP maxi dress, ASOS button-down shirt, J.Crew little boys’ lambswool sweater, and a One Language bag.


7 comments
Posted in Fashion, Outfits.

  December 12th, 2011 Season’s Greetings: Holiday Cards

I never send out holiday cards, but as a graphic designer, I really love looking at holiday cards from independent designers. Here are some of my favorites!

Holiday Christmas cards

Letterpress cards by Inhaus Press, $18 for set of 6 // ‘Twas the Night cards by Rifle Paper Co., $10 for set of 10

Holiday Christmas cards

Happy Holidays arrow cards, $17 for set of 6 // Winter cardinals holiday cards by Vandalia Street Press, $28 for set of 12

Continue reading this entry →


4 comments
Posted in Art.
Tags: ,

  December 2nd, 2011 Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet matte lipstick in La Furtive

Ever since the Chanel RTW Fall 2011 show, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of the limited edition makeup that they used in the show. The nude lips and smokey metallic eyes were beautiful and timeless. A couple of weeks ago, the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet matte lipstick in “La Furtive” (the shade used in the show) finally dropped online, and with the offer of a free shipping with a Chanel gift keepsake box, I couldn’t resist ordering it.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Furtive

I love the simple and sleek design of the Chanel lipstick; it’s one of those products that make you feel like a princess when you reach for it. La Furtive is a slightly rosy beige lipstick that on me, is almost invisible. I was a bit disappointed as I was hoping for something slightly darker, but I do like that it’s very understated, even demure. The more I wear it, the more I love it.
Continue reading this entry →


11 comments
Posted in Beauty Review.
Tags:

  November 29th, 2011 Gift ideas for the holiday season

Back when I wasn’t paying all of my bills, I used to love giving gifts to everyone. Now, I usually just buy for my younger siblings, parents, and boyfriend; my twin sister and I have a mutual agreement that our gift to each other is not to expect gifts from each other. Nonetheless, during the holiday season, I like to think about what I would buy my friends if I weren’t trying to save money all of the time. Here are some gift ideas that I’ve bookmarked on Pinterest:

Row 1:

1. A bottle of wine and/or tumblers. I loved the typography on this With Love bottle of red wine, but certainly you can find a much cheaper (and equally good) wine at the grocery store. And Gilt is selling these lovely tumblers in a set of 4 for $12, and Target has some nice ones for around the same price!

2. Madewell Foxtrot earrings, $18. Adorable and whimsical – perfect for Christmas, and stylish year-round.

3. A Faux Fur Collar with ribbon, $18 on Etsy.

Row 2:

1. Burt’s Bees. Friends don’t let friends have chapped lips. Perfect for stocking stuffers or small gift bags, everyone loves Burt’s bees – guys included (not to mention they’re a very affordable gift)!

2. A good book. 1Q84, the latest Haruki Murakami book, is available now at Barnes & Noble for $15. A perfect gift for a friend who loves to read, this is a book everyone is talking about right now.

3. Thick, warm, cheerful socks. Socks are one of my favorite things to get for Christmas, in part because they’ve usually disappeared by the same time the following year. (What is it with dryers eating things that come in pairs?) I love these fairisle crew socks from Sock Dreams, $12. Also, Sock Dreams offers free shipping all the time!

Row 3:

1. Tuberose scented balm pocket watch from Modern Alchemy, $35. Okay, maybe this one is on MY wish list. Still, it’s a beautifully-packaged personal scent “watch” that I think any woman would love to have.

2. Fuzzy boudoir slippers from Faire Frou Frou, $46. One of my philosophies about gift-giving is to buy things for people that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. And while I know many ladies who would love a pair of these slippers, I don’t know many who would treat themselves to a pair.

3. Sleep mask by Hopeless Lingerie, $20. These beautiful sleep masks by Hopeless Lingerie (one of my favorite independent brands) can be ordered in custom colors. And for crafty gift givers who don’t want to shell out $20, this could be a great DIY present idea!


8 comments
Posted in Fashion, Lingerie Lover.
Tags: , ,

  November 23rd, 2011 First Flannel

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve had Twin Peaks on the mind lately. It just seems so appropriate for fall/winter; it has the right amount of suspense and hilarity to bring people together in a warm huddle when it’s cold and dreary outside. Needless to say, it has influenced my tastes quite a bit, and I’ve found myself gravitating towards flannels, wine-colored dresses, and shoulder pads. Last week I featured this flannel shirt on my Pinterest, and soon after I caved in and bought it. I have never in my life owned a flannel shirt; 12 years of Catholic school scared me away from plaids, and it took me this long to recover. We’ll see how much use this gets.


Flannel shirt by American Eagle (in “red light”), oversized cable knit sweater by Free People

For everyone celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, have a great holiday and travel safely!


10 comments
Posted in Fashion, Outfits.
Tags: , ,

  November 22nd, 2011 Dreary

French Connection Jumpjack Twill Classic Coat and Theysken's Theory cross-strap wedges
Jumpjack Twill Classic Coat by French Connection, wedge platforms by Theysken’s Theory

The past few days have been chilly, overcast, even rainy – and I’m loving every minute of it. After a record-long, record-hot summer, it’s nice to finally get to break out my coats. This wool French Connection one is a favorite of mine! It’s a bit too big so I have to belt it, but other than that, I’m totally smitten.


3 comments
Posted in Fashion, Outfits.
Tags: ,

  November 17th, 2011 Lingerie Lover: Agent Provocateur “Love” bra

By now, I’m sure most of you are aware of my Agent Provocateur addiction! The latest addition to my collection is the red Love bra, which I purchased from the site on sale over the summer (and somehow I’ve delayed posting it until now). The Love range is one of Agent Provocateur’s classics; they have been carrying it consistently for years in a variety of colors and styles. This balconet bra, worn by Lady Gaga in her Bad Romance music video (in black), was at the top of my lingerie wishlist for YEARS. It wasn’t until the red style went on sale, though, that I was able to snag one.


Agent Provocateur bra, Noemi Klein necklace, ASOS sheer button-down shirt

All of the bows on the front and straps make this bra a bit impractical for a smooth and seamless look, but for the more adventurous dresser, it looks beautiful under a sheer tee.


21 comments
Posted in Fashion, Lingerie Lover.
Tags: , ,

  November 11th, 2011 Cozy dressing

I’ve just started knitting my first scarf of the year: an ultra-thick ivory wool blend scarf using double the yarn. The 16-gauge wooden knitting needles are also good for those of us who require a bit of instant gratification; I started my scarf last night and I’ve already made an insane amount of progress. (Twin Peaks and Shiner Cheer are also conducive to knitting productiveness.) Texas has been unusually warm this year, so only during nights have I really had an opportunity to bundle up. Nonetheless, I’m definitely in the mood to start preparing for colder weather!

I’ve been using Pinterest to keep tabs on some of my favorite warm wardrobe items, on a new board I created called “Winter Wear.” Be sure to follow my boards – I have a much larger selection on there, and I’m always adding stuff! Below are a few of my favorite things:

Row 1: American Eagle flannel shirt, $39.50 // Minnetonka suede shearling boots for J.Crew, $168 // Gobi faux fur coat from Nasty Gal, $88
Row 2: Chunky hand-knit alpaca cowl on Etsy, $80 // TNA Varsity Jacket from Aritzia, $198 // Faux fur cossack from TopShop, $45
Row 3: Motel “Freya” coat in forest from Karmaloop, $150 // J.Crew marled socks, $16.50 // Cheap Monday cropped leather lined gloves, $75


9 comments
Posted in Fashion.
Tags: , , , , ,

  November 9th, 2011 Keeping busy


Idolatry, oil on canvas

My painting studios have been occupying (is it possible to say this now without making a Wall St joke?) most of my time, and it doesn’t look like my load will lighten up for at least another month. Nonetheless, I finally feel as if I’m getting closer to defining my aesthetic, especially as it reflects the concepts my art is primarily concerned with. Here is one in-progress painting that I’ve been working on. The black is a bit streaky due to lighting.

And here’s my uninspired go-to outfit when I have to get dressed in a hurry: a lambswool little boy’s sweater from Crewcuts (J.Crew) and a Zara skirt. I need to teach my boyfriend how to focus the camera!


11 comments
Posted in Art, Fashion, Outfits.
Tags: , ,