Garden

Rather impressed with H&M's spring Garden Collection. When thinking of spring clothing, my mind automatically thinks floral patterns, flowy silhouettes, and standing on a beach while wearing such items (and nautical inspired clothing... but that's another view). These make me want warm weather, with a slight breeze, and days that last longer. And what really gets me about this collection? Not only are the pieces budget friendly at under $60, but they're organic, sustainable, and/or recycled. Which shifts my thoughts to the project I'm supposed to be doing for my AP Environmental Science class...

There's about 70 days until spring, and looking back, around 70 days ago was my last hair cut and the day I went to my most recent concert. I'll survive, I'll survive, I'll try to survive...

Until later, xox Catherine

All images from H&M.

PS Went to the mall for the first time since probably November yesterday... bought a comfy oversize gray cardigan, a rose print body con dress, a silky black and white printed skirt, various magazines (I love browsing for hours in bookstores!), and some skincare items from the Body Shop. Growing further from my goal of purchasing a laptop, but sometimes retail therapy feels totally appropriate.

The only reason...

I'd consider attending prom. A pretty vintage dress, courtesy of my aunt, that looks like a dream on me, if I do say so myself.

Two problems: finding a date, and finding a suitable pair of shoes. The latter seems more difficult - I'm not too concerned about finding a date, the whole "prom date" thing is overrated.

Now I'm stuck in the web you're spinning...

Blazer - Silence and Noise, tshirt - Wildfox, jeans - Delia's, boots - Bamboo, bracelet - Tiffany and Co.

Introducing my new blazer and bracelet. I'll just let you all know - I'm in love with my bracelet. It's marked with Tiffany and Co., followed by the year 1909. Pretty sweet, huh? It was my "big" Christmas gift from my mom, and I love it to pieces. Seriously probably the best gift I've ever received... alongside with a trip to Disneyworld (I had always wanted to go, but didn't get to until two years ago!).

My day has been pretty good. I attended school, went to an appointment and my favorite used book store, and then had Chinese food with my best friend. It's just not exactly making me too happy that I have an AP Stat take home quiz to do... ah, whatever.

I think it's funny that "two-toned" hair is considered to be somewhat in style, mostly because my hair is unintentionally two toned. Faded auburn and whatever shade of brown my hair is, mmm... I don't want to dye my hair again though, I just want it cut.

Anyway, hope you're all well! xox Catherine

Describe the sky to me.

Cardigan - BDG, tshirt - Interpunk, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Deena and Ozzy

I'm exhausted. Four hours of sleep is really not enough... but I'm feeling oddly positive today. Not about school, though, that'd be way too far-fetched. For some reason I just want to visit a ton of colleges and whatnot.

This outfit is not the least bit creative, but it's comfy.

I'm due for a haircut, but that shouldn't be a problem, y'know, with all my free time that has magically appeared. Hopefully that'll also mean my posts will become more frequent again? I hope.

xox Catherine

Where?

I'm still here, in the dreary suburbs of Philadelphia. Christmas decorations still adorn numerous houses within view of my window - but soon enough, they won't. I'm nostalgic and sentimental. I'm constantly thinking of past memories, saying "aww, remember when...?" in my head or to whoever I happen to be with. And I'm a visual person. However, photography is not my forte. So, that brings me to the main point: Project 365.

I'm going to be taking a photo each day for the next year, not only to hone my photography "skills," if you'd care to call it that, but as a method of visually documenting what's going on, where I am, and where I'm going.

Care to keep track? Check it out here. (Flickr confuses me to pieces, so I'll be using Tumblr instead.)

Photo credit: Tumblr


And while I'm at it - how was your new years?! I've let today be a day of recovery and relaxation, but I thoroughly enjoyed bringing in 2010 with some amazing people.

xox Catherine

You won't be needing me tonight.

Cropped blazer - H&M, tshirt - AE, skirt - Target, tights - Whole Foods, shoes - Deena and Ozzy.

I think I can finally say I'm somewhat balanced. The holiday season at work has ended (good riddance!), I've been out of school for the past week, and I've been spending time with wonderful people. I still have some issues - of course, they're always present. But I do feel that I'm ending the year on a good note. Let's just hope this NYE is better than last year's (which involved sitting in my dining room, by myself, listening to my iPod, yeah.).

Today has been relatively un-busy... I slept in, went to an appointment, and basically just hung out. And I believe I will be going to my friend's house shortly, which means I'll probably change out of these clothes into something warmer. Philadelphia weather, you are far too cold for my liking.

But I thoroughly enjoy these shoes. They're comfortable, feel a little bad ass, and they're so cool. Anyway...



Went into the city on Monday and found this cool thing. I much prefer cities to boring old suburbs.

Hope you're all well, and in case I don't post before then - HAPPY NEW YEAR! xox Catherine

If you want to...

Check out Giltfuse's magnificent sale they have going on. $400 dresses for $40? I wishhhh. But sadly I lack access to a credit card.

So I'm encouraging you!

Merry Christmas

to all, if you celebrate it.

I'm in a crappy mood, hoping it'll improve by tomorrow... oh gosh, I hate holidays.

Desiring...

1 - Aldo, 2 - Topshop, 3 - Oasis, 4 - Modcloth, 5 - Vegetarian Shoes, 6 - BB Dakota, 7 - Oasis

Nevermind that Christmas is in less than a week and surely gifts have been purchased for me.


Where I'd like to be:




But instead, if I choose to venture outdoors, I'll be greeted by a foot and a half of snow and dim Christmas lights. I hate winter, I need to get out of here. And I hate mentioning stuff like this, but the most excitement I could think of right now would involve a few drinks and sleds...

Credit: Flickr, Tumblr.

Since my previous post, I have baked approximately 6 dozen cookies. Go me. But it's still not enough for all of the activities I've promised cookies for... haha, again, go me!



Tell me these are not awesome. I tend to associate Vans with clunky sneakers worn my freshmen, but these are plain sweet. I think I know of at least one pair of shoes I'll be purchasing this spring!

Image credit: Highsnobette

Well I Still Love to...

Been wearin' 'em since I got home and saw a package arrived for me. Still overpriced, but they're great. I'm ignoring the comments ("are those really yours?" from my mom) and just letting it go. I'm far too occupied with my own stuff to worry about what anyone else thinks.

On another note, I think I'm going to make a ton of cookie dough so I can bake some cookies later. xox Catherine

I just...

Ordered these:


From Spanish Moss Vintage. A pretty hefty price tag for a pair of beaten up DMs (came to $71.33 altogether), but there's no way I could buy new ones and I need some boots I can do stuff in without worrying about damaging them. I know they're on their way out of being in style probably, but they seem quite practical for me at the time being. So there.

Spreading Holiday Cheer...

I feel like this title is a joke because I'm such a scrooge. Christmas music drives me insane, I find all decorations to be tacky, the scent of pine makes me feel nauseous. But this year I've been quite fond of shopping for other people because I finally have a job and my own funds to purchase gifts for them.

And listen, I've been sick since Thursday. I stayed home yesterday and I called out of work today. Within this time period, I've completed some serious shopping that I simply don't have the time for. Let's just say Visa gift cards are the best thing ever. And I've enhanced an obsession: online sample sale websites.

I've ordered from a few, including one from which I bought my sister an awesome perfume that we've never been able to find anywhere.

I know that all of you probably have accounts on numerous of these websites already, but in case you don't...
Rue La La - get a $10 credit when you click the link!

HauteLook - one of the more popular ones, but I'd highly recommend it (this is the one I bought the aforementioned perfume from; the Lollia sale has since ended, but Pixi cosmetics, anyone?)

Beyond the Rack - I've never purchased from here, but I'm definitely checking out the Ray Ban sale tomorrow (you know, to buy a gift for myself? haha).

Ideeli - they're wonderful. There's a current/elliot sale going on right now and I'm so tempted to buy myself a pair of awesome jeans. But I'll resist...

Gilt - the famous Gilt Groupe... shall I mention I'm anxiously awaiting 12pm (three minutes) to see the holiday beauty sale? (And Gilt Fuse isn't too shabby either...)

Reverse - the less expensive spinoff of Revolve... not as much as a flash sale, but quite wonderful.

I think that covers the invite-only super sale websites. And I'm just wondering how the holidays are kind of affecting me to be this cheerful...

The blossoms of spring fall, leaving only winter's naked branch.

Blazer - H&M, tank top - Target, jeans - H&M, shoes - Target, necklace - Forever 21

Sometimes I let everything get me down. Not lately. Part of it could be that I simply lack the time to let little things affect me, and part of it could be my outlook right now. Anyway, I'll be blunt: I've been dicked over in the past week. But that's that, it's not my fault, and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm not sure I even care to. I'm just kind of in awe that people could be so low (not that I didn't know that), while others just bring me up.

Anyway, I'll go on about what I'm wearing - cheap cropped blazer from H&M that's super comfy, tank tops, my comfiest jeans, and these heels = comfy. It's become less of a foreign concept to me to wear heels regularly.

I cannot, cannot, cannot believe it's the last month of the decade. I was six ten years ago... these ten years don't even seem relevant to each other. But I'm hoping I'll find a fun way to bring in the new year, for once, since it's actually something I feel is worth celebrating.

Speaking of celebrating, my wishlist is still in development. But please tell me I'm not the only one who wants more than three circle scarves. It's so funny how I've become super stingy with my money, even though my bank account is better than it's ever been... but that's what happens when you work, eh?

xox Catherine

I will just let you know that I am absolutely exhausted. I've worked the past three days - and I worked on Black Friday. This is the first year in so many that it actually feels like Christmas. Thanks to working in a toy store, I suppose... anyway, I've been focusing so much on what to get other people, and I have no idea what I want. But expect a wish list... the next free time I get.

I want some cool wedges.

I've been so busy with work and actually trying to pay attention in school. Three weeks until winter break... trying to hang in there!

This past week has been something else. I'll give it that much.

Meanwhile...









All from Weheartit.

Until later, xox Catherine

Where I go, I just don't know.

Sweater - Hollister, skirt - H&M, tights - American Eagle, shoes - Target

Yeah, all items from common stores. And I'm absolutely exhausted. I think I'll take a nap then proceed to scrounge up little morsels of food that might be hidden around my kitchen and watch Across the Universe.

This outfit was for a presentation. I'm not so sure if other people consider a tight knitted mini skirt and lace tights to be "career-like," but that clearly didn't stop me this morning.

Anyway, just going to rant a little: I'm tired of people and the disappointment they inevitably give me. Sometimes I know I have my hopes up too high, and I acknowledge that. But there's an extent at which I know it's not at all my fault. 'Cause I tend to blame myself frequently... and it's not that I'm looking for who I should point fingers at. But I did not set myself up for this, even though I probably do set myself up for disappointment often. And I know I don't deserve this. Repeated apologies and admittance of guilt aren't changing anything.

Doesn't make it better that people keep entering and exiting my life in irregular patterns. Doesn't make it better that I want to trust them, but can't.

Hope you're all well and possibly enjoying fall - can't believe it's late November! Where did the time go?!
xox Catherine

Free at last.

Blazer - Silence and Noise, tshirt - Pacsun, necklace - via my mom, jeans - Pacsun, flats - Charlotte Russe.

I look exhausted, no? I'm glad today has been better overall than the past couple of days... thinking part of it is that I'm finally free from whatever obligations. Until 8am tomorrow morning, when I'll have to drag myself out of my house and to work... but that's beside the point. I think I want to bake some chocolate chocolate chip cookies (recipe here - they're soooo delicious).

My mom bought a huge bag of jewelry from our favorite thrift store, and this owl necklace was one of the necklaces contained in it. I know they were "in" a couple years ago, but I happen to like it, so I'll wear it.

And this blazer/blouse hybrid is the perfect alternative to a cardigan. It's lightweight enough that I can push the sleeves up without feeling trapped, and it's comfy. Now I'm wondering why I've worn it only once before.

Hope you're all well! xox Catherine

Don't Mess With...

Basically slouched over as I'm writing this. I arrived in Texas this afternoon and I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon. I'm more than ready for some good sleep - it's been quite a while since I've been able to get more than seven hours in with school and holiday hours at work.

I wanted to go to a vegan restaurant but it was closed by the time we were set to go. Bummer, it's closed on Mondays. Not that this is related, but my head is so silky and soft right now.

Going to pass out right now? Probably.

Hope you're all well, xox Catherine

Dancing in the moonlight...

Cardigan - H&M, tshirt - H&M, skirt - Target, leggings - Forever 21, heels - Deena and Ozzy.

About the title, I wish. But such summer moments have faded and I'll have to wait until late spring before I can dance freely outside at night without freezing my butt off. I live in the past or future... never the present. No wonder I'm not a fan of fall, summer's behind me and winter looms.

These shoes aren't as comfy as past wearings due to blisters at my ankles. Ouch.

I really should begin to do my homework, but my mind's just circling around weekend plans and what may or may not happen.

Hope you're well, xox Catherine

PS Trying to get a haircut soon. Possibly getting highlights or something as well... we'll see!

Feels like forever.

Cardigan - Urban, dress - Volcom, belt - flea market, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Modcloth.

Dude, I love these boots. I've worn them a few times this fall so far, but I suppose this is the first time wearing them on here. By the way, I'm so sorry about that. Two weeks without an outfit post? Damn, I'm lacking. But in my defense, I had a skin problem that limited me to ultra comfy clothes. Not that they can't be stylish... but my skin itched like hell and I've been disrupted.

Anyway, I am now obsessed with the show Dexter. If you haven't watched it, I advise you do. It's becoming so addicting. And I'm not a fan of television!

I have another outfit to display as well:



Cardigan - Forever 21, top - FCUK, skirt - H&M, tights - American Eagle, flats - Charlotte Russe

From last Friday. Only including the second photo because it gives you a better view of my new dot tights from American Eagle, of all places. I also got a pair of cute lace tights from there, but I decided it was too soon to wear tights because my skin is still a little itchy and tights always itch. And there's some other new items lurking in the background as well... brown cutout booties from Forever 21 and brown zipper boots by Blowfish. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to show them sometime soon!

And while I'm at it and have lurking on my mind, I'm being Waldo (as in Where's Waldo?) for Halloween. I'm still not sure what I'm doing for the shirt, but I am determined. I'm not even sure if I'm going out for Halloween, but the following week my friend is having a party and I get to lurk in the background. Then the next day I'm going to Texas for a junior initiative project... except I'm not really supposed to be leaving the state or anything. But I can, so I will. I'll just keep it a secret and try not to be too tired the day I return (I'm only going for one night, how crazy!). I just never travel so this is exciting.

I'm so sorry I haven't updated lately. Hope you understand and that you're all doing fabulously, xox Catherine.

Faux leather jacket - Silence and Noise, cardigan - Forever 21, tshirt - American Apparel, necklaces - various, belt - mom, dress worn as skirt - H&M, half-footed leggings - Forever 21, heels - Target.

Finally broke out my (faux) leather jacket... it's finally hitting me that the weather is only going to get colder. Oh, the joys of living in a temperate climate. In case any of you remember, I hate winter and any weather that forces me to cover my limbs completely. But I must admit, it's kind of fun running around stomping on leaves while wearing this jacket. I don't know why, but it just is.

Anyway, today was kind of a downer, but I ate some comfort food so it's okay. Let me tell you, not everything they sell at Whole Foods is healthy, contrary to what some believe. Tofutti Cuties? Delicious (and adorable).

I'm so excited that I don't have to work at all this weekend... basically by chance. I rarely do anything exciting over the weekends, but it's just nice to be able to relax. And I may head up to the Renaissance Faire - there's some AWESOME jewelry there. And I could really go for watching the Nightmare Before Christmas curled up with a warm drink. But sadly, it's on VHS, and even if I did have it on DVD, my player is broken. Hmph.

I've realized that it's been a while since I last posted. I know I keep saying this, but I'm really going to try to improve and get some sort of routine in place.

Hope you're all well, xox Catherine!

PS I'm trying to dress up as Waldo for Halloween... anyone know where I can find a plain longsleeved red and white shirt?

Cardigan - Forever 21, tshirt - Forever 21, jeans - H&M, shoes - Target.

Finally, an outfit post! These jeans are so comfortable. No stretch, but they're not stiff either. They don't fall down my ass and it's glorious. These shoes have yet to prove they're as comfortable as my other black heels, but I'm sure if I wore them with socks I would be able to avoid that.

Anyway, I ended up going to Ikea today and it was wonderful. I'm adding red accents to my room and I'm so excited for it to be a "real" living space - two years after I've redone it. And I'm in the process of finishing up my art project (see below!), but I'm so excited to start my next one. I'm doing my own interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, hopefully on a huge canvas in oil paints. I know it's kinda cliche, but it's going to be so fun.



And an outfit from last week, which I never had the opportunity to post:

Blazer - Urban, tshirt - Heritage, jeans - Delia's, shoes - no name.

The day I wore that was fun... that's what I love about clothes, they hold memories and they don't waste space like old ticket stubs (yes, I have quite a few). Went to a random trampoline in the woods with one of my friends, and it was a nice Tuesday adventure.

Possibly tomorrow I'll post about some of the S/S 2010 collections, if I have time. I probably will since I have no other plans, but it's all a matter of whether I want to be lazy or not.

xox Catherine

More apologies...

I'm really, really sorry. But I'm feeling much better. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll have an outfit post, and I'm certainly anticipating Stella McCartney's S/S 2010 collection. And hopefully I'll finally respond to all of your comments.

But this is all subject to change considering my mom told me tomorrow might be a good time to go to Ikea (I've been begging her all weekend).

Anyway, here's a not-so-new picture of Rachel Bilson:


And even though this isn't new, she's been dressing very well lately, comparable to her old style (anyone else notice a decline once she was with Hayden?)...

I forget where I found this, oops. I just happen to have a folder on my computer with photos of her outfits, so I really don't recall where this came from.

October.

Can't believe it, it's the tenth month of the year. I'm home sick today, but I've been completely busy for the past... however long it's been since I have posted. Apologies.

Anyway, Alexa Chung is fabulous (even if she is looking scary-skinny lately...):


Cred: Weheartit.

Hope you're all well! xox Catherine