Embolden

There was a period during my undergrad years when I felt as if I were drowning.  Some self-imposed and invisible forces of pressure, serious academic challenges, and near depression made me insufferable and part of my college experience miserable.  Thankfully, this didn't last forever and I graduated at a much better place.  But because of this I feel extra cautious about balancing my workload.  I fear taking on too much might send me over the breaking point and I would prefer not to experience that again.  Erring on the side of caution sometimes makes me so afraid to fail I don't even want to try to prove myself wrong.  And that is unacceptable.

A few weeks ago, in the face of this new semester, I felt this fear.  Immediately ran a Google search because I was sure there was some sort of motivational quote floating around to fit my situation.  And there it is:  "Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try."

Because don't they say that you regret the things you didn't do more than those that you did?  For the most part. [To rant a little, I've always hated that one Star Wars quote "Do or do not, there is no try."  Every time I see it I think "What the hell do you know, Yoda?!" First of all, he's fictional.  But second of all, I think I know what he means but I do protest too much lol]

Anyway, cheers to the freakin' semester!  To the first six months of 2015! To doing life!

♥

About trying...I've recently realized that several of my 25 before 25 goals are not finite, not something easily crossed off a list.  Some are continuous and some are quite non-specific.  A consequence of last-minute brainstorming, I guess.  While January has already had more than two posts, I think I may have forgotten that I am a graduate student and posting at least twice a month might not happen...let's see.

*Cracked open the thesaurus for that title word, "embolden."  

That's a bold-faced lie.  Do regular people even own thesauruses in print for their personal use in this day and age?

Happy Tuesday!

Style On Public Transit

I was in New York City a couple weeks ago (for a reunion with my friends from college) and on the last day two of us took the bus back to our hotel to get our luggage and head to the airport after a whirlwind weekend.  

On this bus, we sat in the back but soon it filled up.  A group of tourists boarded, maybe six guys and girls.  One of them was wearing something so casual but well put together that I couldn't stop staring.  So simple and cute that I became the ultimate creeper and snapped a photo with my iPhone (trying to be discreet and pretending to be doing something else).  Just the outfit, minus her face and the shoes (to try for the shoes would have been too obvious).  She had a Fendi bag (out of my price range), but I thought that maybe I could try to replicate this outfit.  One day...

Inspired by someone else's kind of extraordinary I created my first Polyvore collage.  So that's how these bloggers make those outfit idea images!!  Mine is a little cluttered and a few of the item brands are too expensive at the moment (or forever), but the idea is there.  Now to go on the hunt! 

*There was also a really dapper man on this bus--suit, suspenders, hat, cane, everythang.  A lot of people in New York really know how to werk. 

girl on the bus

On Public Transit by smartuia

The Graduate

Let me start with this: This woman, my mother, is not the graduate.  My awesome little sister is, but during all the commencement festivities (from St. Louis to South Bend, Indiana), my mother claimed some of the spotlight through her impeccable and effortless style.  Although, I know for a fact it was not effortless.  Some serious planning went into the outfits for the weekend.  Don't you kind of have to when you're traveling and don't have full access to your closet?

I feel like I'm divulging secrets here (sorry, Mommy!)...but I think this is what draws so many people to fashion and style.  This is the reason this huge industry that has expanded from conventional, mainstream magazines to a proliferation of personal style blogs and YouTube channels and other websites.  Something so basic as clothing (meant to protect the body from the elements) can also be a form of artistic expression.  There's mutual appreciation of the way people put things together, the way they visually present themselves.  Inspiration is EVERYWHERE.  The cool thing is putting your own twist on what originally inspired you.  Another cool thing is adapting looks and trends to fit into your means (your finances, your tastes, your comfort level).

Here's the outfit inspiration: white shell top with a wreath of pearly necklace, a voluminous trumpet skirt in an interesting print, and a small boxy bag.  Breakdown of my mom's personal twist: a sleeveless white top with lace-like cutouts in the back (can't really see), a tamer pearly necklace, and a tailor-made ankara print skirt (those colors!).  Tied together with a white Fendi belt, a delicious-looking Kate Spade bag (again, those colors!), cut out heels, and sunglasses (because nothing makes you look as cool as sunglasses do).

Hope you liked this and feel inspired by other people's inspiration (lol) and to look your best.  Doesn't have to be so glamorous, just you.  Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Werk, Miley, Miley, Werk

When she isn't so heavily associated with twerking or creepy-looking teddy bears or sticking out her tongue, Miley Cyrus sometimes shows off some pretty cool looks.  I think this crumpled magazine tear-out is from People Style Watch.  Inspired by Miley Cyrus, my momma, with her magical shopping skills, acquired the skirt and the top.  All I added were the shoes, earrings, and purse.  And voila!  Something quite glamorous to wear for a beautiful wedding.

This woman next to me is amazing

Man, ain't this top nice!  I forgot about the 3.1 Phillip Lim Target collaboration from 2013 (eBay might be a reminder--where scalpers, after sometimes stripping the stores bare, sell the best items of Target Go International lines.  Yeah, I'm slightly salty...on principle).  It zips all the way down and has some sparkly detail on the neckline, which isn't easily seen in these photos...there was some temperamental lighting, shadows and movement in the vestibule (describing the area between the entrance of and the true inside of a building.  Something new!).  There were also some somewhat passive picture takers lol.  I mean, the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy whatever (and a point-and-shoot on auto) are supposed to take great photos with ease 100% of the time...right?

perfect blur

Outfit Details

3.1 Philip Lim for Target top

BCBG Max Azria maxi-mini skirt
Ruche black/silver/gold earrings

Guess spiky heels

The Michael Kors clutch (unpictured)

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother and to all the motherly women in the world!!