In my last post, I mentioned how summer is just around the corner. I did not realize that the week after that was already Memorial Day weekend meaning summer was literally around the corner. For those who may not know, Memorial Day weekend in the US marks the official start of summer. To celebrate this, my friend and I had planned to go to Chicago and despite the rocky start (our flight was delayed by 2 hours and we had a problem with our housing situation), the weekend turned out really great - wonderful in fact.
On our first day in Chicago, my friend really wanted to do all the touristy stuff from visiting the Bean to walking along the Magnificent Mile. It was such a beautiful day that we did not really mind walking. Besides, I bought really comfortable shoes for this trip.
Accessories Details: Lavender Oxfords - Cole Haan, Gold Grandfather Watch - Michael Kors, Gold Bracelet - J. Crew
These shoes are from Cole Haan and it felt like I was walking on clouds. They were so light and comfortable making them perfect for traveling.
Outfit Details: High Waist Culotte Shorts - Zara, Sleeveless Button Down - H&M, Mustard Anorak - Jack Wills
This was not my first time in Chicago but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Because it was my friend's first time, it felt like it was my first time too. We both tried WoNuts (waffle plus donut) for the first time and even went on an architectural boat cruise around Chicago River. When I first went to Chicago, I went with my mum and sister and we only took a tour bus and not a boat. Riding a boat around the Chicago River brought me back to when I also took a boat around the River Thames in London. Both equally gratifying.
P.S. Such a feel good song for the summer. I Got U by Duke Dumont.
There's no denying that Spring is definitely upon us meaning summer is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. I hate wearing pants and finally I can let my legs free. Don't get nasty on me now. I just really prefer wearing shorts, skirts, and dresses than constricting pants (unless they are sweatpants though). In order to not waste this beautiful spring day, my friends and I decided to have brunch in our favorite spot in Brooklyn - Iris Cafe.
The Iris Cafe is a hidden gem located in Columbia Place. It's so hidden that you would definitely pass it the first time around because they don't even have a sign outside. They are known for their avocado toast which is to die for. I am not kidding. For something so simple as avocado on toast, they make is taste so much more. I'm not exactly sure what else they put on it but I'm think it's not legal because it is just too dang good.
Kir Royale, Avocado Toast, and French Toast
After filling ourselves with good food, we decided to walk around my gorgeous neighborhood and even ride around in CitiBikes. Now, I'm not the best bike rider so this was tough. I almost fell so many times and I still have my bruise from last week to prove how hard it is. Actually...getting a bike was hard too. I had to get a new code five times because the code they were giving me was not working. I would definitely ride a bike around my neighborhood again but not a CitiBike. I don't think I would have the patience to try and get a bike again from them.
If I were to choose between biking or walking, I would choose walking. Yep. I prefer to walk because I feel like I get to appreciate my surroundings more when I walk. I get to stop and smell the roses. I get to notice how the leaves fall and how the vines stick on the walls of houses. When I bike, I need to concentrate on not falling and getting hit by a car. If I biked, I probably would not have noticed this lovely stoop and how much I want one for myself.
Accessories Details: Watch - Tag Heuer (from my mum), Bracelet - Henri Bendel (from my brother)
From brunching to biking, I'm glad I did not waste this beautiful day by just staying in bed which I have been doing a lot lately. I can't help it. My bed is my safe haven. Even my friend complimented on how comfortable it is.
On a final note, doesn't this red post remind you of a telephone booth in England? God, I miss it so much. :(
Last Monday, New York elites and worldwide celebrities climbed up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for their annual Costume Institute Gala honoring the irreplaceable couturier Charles James. For those who do not know who he is, Charles James is credited to be America's First Couturier for his highly structured and elaborate ball gowns that showed a woman's figure in the most elegant way possible. With that said, for a gala that is honoring a man know for ball gowns, you would expect attendees to honor that dress code. However, what I saw in the red carpet was a flurry of disappointing and unflattering dresses.
Seriously, this was their chance to actually dress up in a ball gown and they let it slip. What happened to wearing ball gowns??? It was hard to pick a favorite when there were just so many people wearing such hideous dresses. Here are just a few of the worst dressed attendees:
Alexa Chung - Nina Ricci
I know Alexa Chung has always been a quirky dresser but no. Just no.
Kate Upton - Dolce & Gabbana
All boobs. No brain. Next.
Kristen Stewart - Chanel
I maybe bias here because I absolutely hate her with my whole being but seriously. Your face plus the hair and the dress...I just can't deal with you. You're wearing Chanel for crying out loud.
Lupita Nyong'o - Prada
Lupita, girl, what are you wearing? You were doing so well in the red carpet. You looked liked a princess at the Oscars in your gorgeous cerulean Prada gown and now you look like a hot mess. Why? You were my favorite.
Shailene Woodley - Rodarte
Shailene Woodley is a pretty girl with an amazing talent. I honestly cannot wait for The Fault in Out Stars but this look has got to go. Her make-up is too harsh and I can't wait for her hair to get long again.
And now my favorites:
Arizona Muse - Ralph & Russo
YES. FINALLY. A BALL GOWN. Epitome of Charles James. Enough Said.
Bee Shaffer - Alexamder McQueen
Bee Shaffer looks more and more like her Mum every year and this pale blue half-ball gown by Alexander McQueen with the mermaid tulle cut is perfection.
Suki Waterhouse - Burberry
I am obsessed with nude gowns so I maybe bias again here but just look at this. It is absolutely exquisite. It reminds me of my all time favorite Oscars gown worn by Penelope Cruz when she won the award in 2008.
Reese Witherspoon - Stella McCartney
It's not a ball gown but she carries this dress really reeeally well. It fits her like a glove and everything about this look just works.
Despite the horrendous red carpet, I really hope this exhibit does Charles James some justice. He's one designer that has done so much for fashion but is never really credited enough. I'm looking forward to visiting it this weekend and to be blown away.
P.S. All photos are from British Vogue so please do not sue me.
P.P.S. Another post, another song. What I Would Do - Ben Pearce
I've been meaning to post this in a while but I always feel stuck. I know this is my excuse every time but it's really hard and I thank everyone or anyone who has been patient with this blog. Sometimes I stare at the screen and think of what to say. I go look at other blogs for inspiration but I don't want to just write for the sake of writing. I want to write something that would at least mean something but let's face it. I'm not going to shake the world with this....at least not yet. For now, let's stick to sharing a few nice things about this world of ours and one of them is seeing cherry blossoms..well...bloom.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be in Washington, DC to catch the Cherry Blossom festival. The last time I caught it was 4 years ago so I was really excited to see it again especially since we were promised a beautiful spring day and the weather report did not disappoint. It was sunny, warm and for the first time in a long time, I was able to wear just a dress and sandals. After such a long and harsh winter, this was a nice break from it all. As soon as we reached the mall, we went crazy taking pictures of the trees and flowers falling on the ground. We took too many pictures and videos that as soon as we got back to New York, I had to upload them all to my computer so I can have space again in my phone (not that it matters to anyone but bare with me). I wish I can share them all but here are just a few of them:
Outfit Details: dress - Zara, sandals - American Eagle Outfitters, bag - H&M, shades - RayBan, rings - ASOS
Being back for the second time around was amazing especially with good company. It was a much needed trip for my friend and I after having a difficult couple of weeks. Looking back at these images, I wish I can also go back to when the sun was shining bright and when I didn't have to worry about anything. *le sigh*
P.S. In the spirit of naming and ending my posts with songs, please listen to this one. It's been on repeat since I first heard it.
