Joyeux anniversaire à moi

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, top - Monki, belt - vintage, bag - Aldo, jeans - Madewell, shoes - Rachel Comey

My birthday was swell - my second class of the day was cancelled which allowed time for a proper nap, I saw most of my friends here, and I went to Chestnut Hill for dinner with my family. Most birthdays end up entirely underwhelming for whichever reasons, but this one was quite relaxing, low key, and nice. Of course, nineteen is a relatively insignificant age, but it is the last year of being a teenager - which is very odd.



This outfit is simple but made me feel (very) vaguely Parisian, if only for the marine stripes on my shirt. I've always admired the casual elegance that they possess - it's what I generally try to aim for, but achieving that is far more difficult. I miss Europe, sometimes.




Only thing that hindered me from enjoying my day to the maximum capacity: weather! I guess not everyday in March can be above 70F and sunny... C'est la vie.

xox Catherine

Last of the Heat Wave

Sunnies - Marc by Marc Jacobs, dress - Camden Market, cuff - antique, shoes - Topshop

I wore this Friday for my last classes for the week and then lounging on the lawn. I love the spontaneity that seems to accompany this warm weather; I ended up going to the Cheesecake Factory with a big group of friends. Unfortunately, it's gotten colder and rainier since then, but that hasn't stopped me from celebrating.




On Saturday a few friends and I went on an (somewhat spontaneous) excursion to a semi-nearby hookah bar. I like the atmosphere of such places; music, dimmed lights, chill vibes. Until I get a headache, it's nice. Hookah is so aesthetically pleasing, and we ordered bubbles to add to that fun. It was simply delightful.




Here's to hoping the sun returns somewhat soon!

xox Catherine

PS It's officially my birthday!

To the castle

Necklace - thrifted, shirt - H&M, skirt - Forever 21, shoes - Marais USA

The weather is still warm and sunny here in Philly, so I took advantage of it and picnicked outside on the lawn with some friends and somehow forced myself to go inside for class. I would like to thank my friend Toby for taking these photos (only after I tripped down the stairs of my dorm, camera in tow - I'm very clumsy) in front of our school's castle.




Today in my studio arts class we were given the task of making stencils and creating mud graffiti on campus. It was lovely and sunny and I ended up with an oddly shaped (but mild) sunburn on my back.




Haven't much else to say other than: 1) I don't want this heat wave to end, 2) I think it's time for a haircut even though I want to grow my hair out, 3) I'm so glad this week is almost over, and 4) my birthday is on Monday!

Happy weekend!

xox Catherine

Here is wishing you the bluest skies, hoping something better comes tomorrow

Tshirt - Wildfox, skirt - gift via London, cuff - antique, boots - Rachel Comey

I'm not sure that I'm satisfied with these photo effects - my trial of Photoshop ran out, thus I'm left without my saved presets. Oh well. Instead, I've been using Pixlr.com, which has curves but not the ability to save them. Or maybe it does and I just don't know.




Today was absolutely gorgeous - surely, we had similar days last week, but I actually bothered to get dressed this time! Today was one of those days where I feel better by dressing nicely, but this outfit is actually comfort clothes in disguise. Tshirt+shorts+a skirt with a nonconstricting waistband? And a tshirt with a smiley face? My break ended a bit roughly and I needed to keep my spirits up. Luckily, the weather aided in that and temporarily solved all of my problems. And more nice weather ahead.

xox Catherine

I recently created a blog showcasing my portfolio. I intend to add more pieces as completed.

Please check it out - Portfolio

xox Catherine

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