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.

DISfunkshion Magazine Feature!

I'm excited to be featured in the latest issue of DISfunkshion Magazine alongside other lovely fashion bloggers! I'm not gonna lie - I was tempted to purchase every issue on the stand at Walmart, it being my first magazine feature and all, but decided against it, hehe. On the cover of this issue is none other than Alyssa Milano, the stunning actress after whom I was named.

The quality of these scans don't do the vivid colors of this beautiful spread justice. Regardless of that, thank you, DISfunkshion - I'm honored to have my style featured in Hawaii's premiere fashion, lifestyle, art, and women's issues magazine!