E 13th st

Topshop motorcycle jacket, Necessary Clothing chunky asymmetrical sweater, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Urban Outfitters watercolor knapsack + jegging, Uniqlo heat tech socks

Jacket on or jacket off? Took my fav moto jacket off long enough to snap these pics in order to show the asymmetry of this chunky knit sweater I found for a great price in SoHo. Then quickly threw the jacket back on due to NYC's winter chill. Took my new Jeffrey Campbells out for a spin today, which are surprisingly comfortable, minus slight pinky toe squishing, but it could just be the way I was walking.

caught on film around SoHo

Topshop headband & leather moto jacket with detachable fur. thrifted Doc Martens & sunnies

Playing around with a film camera in one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC -- SoHo. Cobblestone streets, endless boutiques, street vendors selling everything from eclectic jewelry to art created out of NYC subway maps, the perfect mix of both designer + affordable shops, impeccably dressed people...need I list more reasons why I am completely enamored with this neighborhood? These photos were taken on a warm day (40 degrees!) last week. Had you asked me five months ago what I thought of any weather below 50 degrees, I would've responded with a shiver & a simple, "that's freezing!" Never did I think I'd ever use "40 degrees" & "warm" together in the same sentence.

I believe it's safe to say I've adjusted to the weather here...

Happy New Year from NYC!

MinkPink faux fur coat, Topshop headpiece, American Apparel chiffon button-up, Forever21 leather shorts, Uniqlo tights & socks, H&M boots

It's been a few months and a couple of season changes since I last posted, hasn't it? (these photos were taken on Christmas Day in Central Park!) My apologies, dear readers. Life in the Big Apple has been a dream. Every day offers something new to see and experience. New York food, New York subways, New York shopping, New York sights, New York energy, New York state of mind -- I'm madly in love with this city. I'm exactly where I want to be. Oh & speaking of seasons...having lived in Hawai'i all of my life where the temperatures fluctuate year-round between 60s-80s, moving to New York City where four seasons exist was quite a change! Never in my life has seasonal dressing become so relevant! At times it poses a bit of a fashion challenge when temperatures dip below 20 & I'm scrambling to assemble an outfit that won't a.) cause me to suffer from hypothermia (my hands are usually the first to freeze!) and b.) cause me to resemble the Michelin man in horrid puffer coats (sorry, North Face). But hey, I love a challenge, specifically fashion-related ones. heheh.

Granted, I miss blogging terribly but life has been so fast paced lately that I'm hardly home & find little time to sit down and blog properly. I made a New Year's resolution about a month ago to make more of an effort to blog -- I promise to post as frequently as possible. I have been taking a multitude of photos since I moved here, however. I'd say I've filled up about three SD memory cards or so...

I really want to get back into the swing of blogging & sharing my personal style & snapshots of NYC life with all of you!

Greetings from New York City!

In SoHo


The view from the Empire State Building







Bleecker street wanderings:





Outfit 1: Asymmetrical button-up blouse - Wasteland in San Francisco; American Apparel shorts
Outfit 2: American Apparel shorts + belt

Hello, lovers! I know, I know. I've been incredibly inactive here. My apologies! I moved to New York City for school on August 20th. Since then, my life has been jam-packed with excitement every single day, to say the least. The energy in this city is electrifying. I love how there’s something new to see and experience everywhere I go. The subways, the buses, the hustle & bustle — I’m completely enamored with this gorgeous city and consider myself unbelievably fortunate to be here. Have you ever wanted something so badly & dreamed about it for years upon years then finally had it grasped firmly in your plum-manicured hands only to be overcome with a pleasantly overwhelmed sensation every night? It's been difficult to fall asleep on certain nights due to this inexplicable excitement (and from late night/early morning escapades around Manhattan lol).

These photos were taken back in August when I first arrived here, on several sweltering-hot summer days in the city. I've got many more photos to share, so stay tuned!

& the countdown begins

American Eagle Outfitters sweater courtesy of Logan; American Rag lace skirt; Target wedges; F21 purse

Here's a simple, seemingly breezy outfit I threw together in the early morning, before the weather hit mid-80s, which was about the temperature in town when these photos were snapped. Needless to say, I was melting in this unforgiving sweater!

I have two weeks left in Hawaii before my big move to New York City. Many preparations are still in order before I can step foot on that plane. Starting with packing of course, which I have yet to begin. I'll be staying in San Francisco for a week en route to New York City, so please feel free to recommend any and all notable places I must visit in both cities, as it'll be my first time in both the City by the Bay and the Big Apple!

self-made skirt + rings

Self-made skirt; Michael Kors sandals; Self-made & Material Girl rings

One afternoon while cleaning my closet, much to my delight, I found a bag of unused fabric. Another afternoon of cutting, sewing, and stitching yielded this floral skirt, a welcome addition to my summer wardrobe. The seashell bar and purple stone rings were designed by me and assembled with the help of a crafty friend. I also have my friend Jill of Oh My Manicure to thank for my super cute nails, the color of which I'm obsessed with! I must purchase a bottle of my own.

blush

Self-made floral headpiece; William Rast x Target shirt; Levi's denim; Target wedges

Thought I'd take the floral headpiece I made last Halloween for a spin today. I took flowers + a hot glue gun to my old broken crown from senior prom and voila! A little something to channel my inner flower child.

here i am

Chanel sunglasses; random leopard scarf; American Rag shorts; F21 purse; Jeffrey Campbell wedges; Willow the puppy, making her worldwide debut

It feels great to be blogging again! Two weeks ago I finished up my toughest semester yet and last week, began summer school (just one class!). Today was a lovely afternoon spent catching up with my best friend and her new puppy! We hit up Goodwill and our other usual spots around town. I'm starting to feel like myself again - relaxed, enthusiastic, and hopeful (a few traits that somehow manage to get lost between the mountains of studying, papers, and exams during the semester). Summer vacation tends to have this calming effect on me...but sometimes an anxiety-inducing effect as well if I feel unproductive. Luckily this summer I am taking a Career Development class and have much to prepare for in the coming months.

And now for the exciting news I mentioned in my last post...I will be moving to New York City in August to continue my college studies as an exchange student! This process is still in the works as I have many things to do in preparation such as registering for classes, securing my finances, etc. etc. etc. But I can honestly say that I'm incredibly optimistic for the future. And as always, thank you, dear readers, for your sweet comments!