Homeward bound

Top - C&C California, necklace - flea market, skirt - Urban Outfitters, bracelet - thrifted, shoes - Topshop

I wore this on Tuesday - the day the thermometer hit 76F, the day I discovered Lush gives free facials, the day my trial of Photoshop expired, the day I finished organizing my portfolio (also on Tumblr, by the way) despite aforementioned expiration, the day I made fried rice at midnight... My spring break is going swimmingly. I suppose I'm not on a different continent (or hemisphere) like many of my friends at school, but I have been seriously enjoying time to relax, sleep, and frolic in the 70+ degree weather. I love that it's not officially spring yet, but it's so beautiful; I know it will probably cool down again, but I will not complain about this spring preview.




I've been really lazy these past few days, but I did manage to submit a transfer application (to my dream school) and begin a few others. And that counts for something, right? I'm in a good mental state right now; the stress of school isn't overpowering, I have time to spend with my family, I can cook whenever I please, etc. Even so, it'll be nice to be back at school, if only for the motivation to change out of my lounge wear and put shoes on when I go outside.

I hope all is well, and that all of you in the northeast have been enjoying this glorious weather - more to come, still!

xox Catherine

I'll just keep it to myself in the sun, in the sun...

Necklace - flea market, dress - H&M, cuff - antique, socks - Target, shoes - Topshop, lipstick - Revelon "Love That Red"

I went to the local mall with my sister the other day and found this lovely little dress at H&M and was set on wearing it today since the forecast called for 70 degree weather. Even with a little bit of wind, it was so beautiful outside - it doesn't get much warmer than this in early March in the northeastern region!




And it seems this isn't the last of the teaser weather, as there's a few 65+ predictions in the next week. Which, luckily for me, is my spring break! On one side it's hard to believe I'm halfway through the semester, but I've slowly been burning out. It'll nice to have a week at home to relax, spend time with my family and animals, see some friends, maybe take a trip up to NYC... who knows.

But if the weather does indeed end up nice, there's a high likelihood of more outfit posts. Which is nice, because I've only done a small handful this year - this is only my eighth! I also hope to have the time to read blogs and resurrect Weekly Favorites and Thoughts for Tuesday.




xox Catherine

Nothing seems as pretty as the past, though

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, jumper - H&M, cuff - antique, skirt - Lulu's via Beso.com, socks - Target, shoes - Marais USA

Winter here in Philly hasn't been so wintry - in fact, the end of February was quite mild, hence no pants again. Not to be redundant, but I'm so excited for warmer weather, frolicking, picnicking and whatever else.

I don't know why I don't wear this skirt more often. It's pleated, comfortable, and goes with everything. And in case it isn't evident, I'm quite fond of these shoes I purchased from Modcloth a few months ago. London definitely influenced my preferences in footwear...




I wore this last Monday to classes and such. I haven't really much to write about other than that I've been keeping busy with school, work, absurd amounts of naps, putting together transfer applications, etc.



Hope all is well!

xox Catherine

Currently listening to: Fluorescent Adolescent - Arctic Monkeys

I have dreams of orca whales and owls

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, collared shirt - H&M, sweater - vintage, cuff - antique, skirt - gift purchased in London, shoes - Marais USA




Here's some more pre-spring-but-feels-like-it outfit shots, courtesy of my friend Toby. This skirt was a Christmas gift purchased in London from my mum, and I realized I had yet to wear it on the blog. It's comfy, yellow, and has a print in aqua and navy.

Today was not nearly as busy as yesterday; I had a critique in art (with several cups of raspberry tea) and then just one more class. I've just been so busy with work out of class!



I'm very excited for tomorrow so I can just relax. There's a few events on campus this weekend which I might attend, but other than that, I haven't really any plans. Perhaps I'll do some drawing and painting, or maybe I shall catch up on blogs and do a few more runway posts.

Do you have any plans? Any shows you've fancied?

xox Catherine

London Fashion Week F/W 2012: Giles

The idea behind Giles Deacon's autumn collection was a narrative of sorts, depicting a scene in which a lavish estate is in flames. "It's burning down, and what are you going to take?" asked Deacon, offering insight into the concept behind his latest.

I like being forced to think; this collection did provoke thought. There's many elements to the formula: elegance, primness, disorder and disarray. But it isn't entirely obvious, even with burnt imagery present throughout.



xox Catherine

Photos via Style.com

Early spring

Necklace - thrifted, top - Monki, skirt - Urban Outfitters, shoes - Topshop

I'm honestly surprised that I managed to post 1. an outfit, 2. on a Wednesday, 3. while still wearing it. Wednesdays are my busiest days - 11am until 9:30pm - so please understand if this post is vaguely incoherent. I'm feeling much better, luckily, since the weather was quite nice today. I know it's a tease of actual springtime, but there's hardly a month left until the season commences. I know I wore this outfit only a few posts ago, but it was nearly two months ago! I'm absolutely dumbfounded at how I've been home for more than two months, and it is almost six months since I left the country and embarked on the biggest adventure of my life.




I've been enjoying my experience at university so far, but I would like to mention I had no expectations when arriving since my school is not known for its social life or wealth of activities. So naturally, I'm having more fun than I had anticipated. As I've mentioned several times, though, I'm very conflicted about what I want to do in the future. If I stay here, I think I would like to study abroad again, perhaps somewhere warmer this time... but then again, I don't know how I'd deal with being away from home (and my pets) for so long another time. Decisions, decisions.

xox Catherine

London Fashion Week F/W 2012: Mary Katrantzou

Mary Katrantzou is on fire. With her sold-out capsule collection for Topshop (released February 17) and consistently stellar shows the past few seasons she's been on the scene, Katrantzou shows no signs of slowing down. She's a personal favourite and one of the designers that really gets me excited about fashion, since her artistic vision is so clear. While these garments are indeed "pretty things," they're simply marvelous in terms of construction and perhaps delightfully wild in aesthetic.

The first few looks out on the runway were light in shade - not stark by any means - then canary yellow, red (which seemed neutral in comparison), aqua, and a soft green. Take note: this is the first time she's created garments that are essentially one color from head to toe.



There's a playfulness in this collection, with volume, materials, and even print. Look closely. The yellow look? Pencils. Red? A typewriter. Green? Grass, with lawn ornaments. See also: spoons (above!), forks, clocks, and telephones.

Along with a new approach to color and pattern, Mary Katrantzou experimented with different (voluminous, naturally) silhouettes - godet skirts, soft chiffon, and a corset inspired by Elizabethan England. While these facets could easily make a collection seem chaotic and incohesive, it's actually quite the opposite. Katrantzou did it again.

xox Catherine

Images via Style.com

London Fashion Week F/W 2012: Felder Felder

Daniela and Annette Felder came onto the scene as purveyors of rock and roll style, but in the past few seasons, they've been transitioning into something a bit milder. Though the rock influence is all but gone - perhaps this incarnation is more of the 1970s bohemian type.



The photo-realistic floral prints are trippy and psychedelic in the best ways possible, but I only wish there was a little more of a cohesive feel/common element. It's all certainly aesthetically pleasing and consumer-friendly, but perhaps a little too much in the latter direction. Nonetheless, this collection will be bookmarked in my fall inspiration folder (...come August). The gilded pieces are just too good to pass up.

xox Catherine

Photos via Style.com