NYC Part 2: 2/14 - photoshoot in Bryant Park and lunch Spice Market

Day 3: 2/14/2010
My day started waking up 45 minutes late, but still managing to be relatively on-time. We then walked over to Bryant Park for our photo shoot, which was really cool. Despite managing to take my own photos pretty frequently, I'm very camera shy. So I'll admit, I was a bit nervous when a real photographer was taking my picture...'

But beforehand...


Above: Lydia's awesome purple boots... and a little bit of her neon green tights. I really admire how she puts together colors.
Below: I was kind of lurking on Erin from Calivintage having her photo taken, how cool is that dress?



Above: Brittany having her photo taken in a breathtaking dress that her friend made, isn't it incredible?
Below: Annie with Lydia in the background... this was entirely candid.



Above and below: standing around in Bryant Park



Below: photos from Spice Market, the restaurant we ate at for lunch, planned by the girls at ModCloth. I literally fell in love with everything there - the decor was lovely and the food was so delicious. I always worry a little bit before going out to eat because of my veganism, but they were really cool about it and had options for me (finished with the best sorbet I've ever had - definitely trying to go back if I ever have the chance).





And my last photo from the trip...

Street art in the Meatpacking District (right across from Spice Market). I really did fall in love with this area - a little ironic, I guess, because one would think that the name of the neighborhood would indicate meatpacking takes place there.

I still have outfit photos to post, but this basically wraps up my observations of the trip. It was so much fun, and as I mentioned before, all of the people I met were really awesome. I definitely hope that this won't be my last trip to NYC for fashion-related events (during fashion week).

A huge, huge thanks to Chictopia! I feel that this was such a positive experience, and I really wish they continue this in the future for other bloggers.

xox Catherine

PS If you're in any of these photos, feel free to snag them (while giving me credit of some form, I'm not too picky about how you do so)! I do have more saved on my computer that I'd be delighted to send if you think there were some that I missed, so just ask!

NYC Part 1: 2/12 to 2/13 - Chictopia10 conference and after party

Day 1: 2/12/2010

Only photo I have from the day, which consisted of lounging around and reading magazines then deciding to leave my hotel room to go on a journey since there were so many pieces in the magazines that specified were available in "NYC."

I didn't go shopping... instead I took the subway down to Greenwich Village (I believe) to go to the vegetarian restaurant Red Bamboo. I definitely would have taken some photos, but I didn't take my camera.

After I arrived back at the hotel, I waited around until we all met in the lobby for our orientation. It was kind of surreal - seeing "computer people" in one room! Any bit of nervousness I had disappeared once I talked to everyone - they were all so sweet!



Day 2: 2/13/2010
I started the day by going to a diner to get breakfast with Annie and Pauline, which was followed by me running back into my hotel room to get changed for the conference. So we all headed over to the conference together...


Above: Lydia, Pauline, and Brittany; Below: Annie and Lydia



Above: Taghrid, Liz from Late Afternoon, and Danny from Igor+Andre (I developed a crush on him! He's so cute!)
Below: Rebecca from the Clothes Horse and Judy Alridge from Atlantis Home



Above: Annie while taking her outfit photo; Below: Jasmine (the first prize winner!)



Above: the crowd at the event!


Models from JCheikh... all of the clothes were so wonderful, not to mention the gorgeous models.



Alexandra Greco (below) and her model (above). Her designs were so pretty - I'll definitely keep an eye on her!



Alyssa Nicole from Alyssa Bird... she was so cute and I fell in love with the dress her model was wearing! Another designer I'll make sure I watch!



Above: 41 Greenwich Ave; Below: a few shots from the party (I didn't get that many good ones, though I'm sure my flash did blind a few people... sorry!)

Having all the answers, still failing the test.

Blazer - Silence and Noise, lace cardigan - vintage courtesy my mom, tshirt underneath - Pacsun, jeans - H&M, sneakers - Keds via Chictopia







Check out these sweet Keds that were in the gift bags at the Chictopia10 conference. I can't even tell you how fabulous my time was - such a fun experience! I'll have a lot of free time in the near future (I'll be posting the pictures soon!), considering I got fired from my previous job. And there was a huge lack of respect in the process from higher ups, but I'll move on. I just need to find a new place to work now! Any suggestions?

I took a peek in my mom's closet before and came across this pretty cardigan, but didn't take it... though I asked her on Monday if I could browse through her closet, and came out with a cardigan and a vintage Yves Saint Laurent belt. My aunt used to work at the boutique that used to be in Philadelphia, but it has since closed. So yeah, there's pieces hanging around in my mom's closet!

I'm thinking I'll spend my weekend baking delicious vegan treats to soothe myself, and I get to go to my art class on Saturday morning! Despite yesterday's problems, I'm trying to keep my head up. 31 days until spring!

xox Catherine

NYC Preview

I had a great time in NYC and I'm kinda bummed I couldn't stick around for the IFB Conference today. However, my weekend was really awesome and I met some other cool bloggers!







A huge thank you to Chictopia for giving me and 9 other contestants to attend the Chictopia10 event.

I have a ton more pictures - mostly candids, but expect a huge post sometime this week.

Until later, xox Catherine

RIP McQueen

Image credit: Harper's Bazaar

Such a sad loss. Surely not one to be forgotten.

RIP, Alexander McQueen.

My aunt sent me this card as a congratulations for winning a trip to New York. I'm getting really excited - I can't believe it's in two days!

Places I want to go in NYC:
- Red Bamboo
- Magazine Cafe
- Uniqlo
- Stella McCartney... just to look (though I'll have to avoid drooling all over everything)
- Moo Shoes

And other than that, I'm clueless.

All you have to do is sing...

Cardigan - BDG, necklace - antique, tshirt - Forever 21, belt - vintage, dress (worn as skirt) - H&M, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Doc Marten

I've worn this dress twice before - once to a friend's house over my bathing suit, and then on here with my leather jacket. I really do wish the weather allowed me to wear it sans tights/leggings! But soon enough. I wore a bright coral top with it though, just to add some color.

New York is seriously the only thing I can think about! I'm so excited... beyond belief. I do remain a little nervous, but I'm sure it'll be fine. I really want to check out the vegetarian restaurant Red Bamboo while I'm there.

I feel like I have a million things to do by the end of the week, but not enough time. I have work tomorrow, and everyone's talking about another snowstorm Tuesday and Wednesday... perhaps giving us a day off? I desperately need my haircut, and I want it done before Friday because I'm sure there's going to be a ton of pictures being taken! I really want a pair of kickass shoes to wear, but I'm not sure I'll have time to go anywhere to obtain said shoes.

I'm ranting. Sorry.

Hope you're all well!

xox Catherine

Image credit: Tumblr (I forget which)

I really hope this won't count as my big celebratory 1 year post. But frankly, today was boring - spent time on the computer, ate, took a nap, etc. Nothing too exciting... but I feel that the foot and a half of snow has something to do with that. I'm inexplicably excited for NYC, to meet other bloggers, to have a good time, to go shopping, etc. It's probably all I'll talk about for the next week, but that's how I am.

I remember last year... what I did on this day. I went to Target with my aunt, wearing an American Apparel zip up hoodie with a vneck, jeans, and Converses. I'm not saying I'd never wear that now - I wear that hoodie every once in a while, but I just don't post on those days. So, what all has happened in the past year (that's relevant/somewhat relevant to my blog)?

- my shoe collection has grown
- I've developed an addiction to antique jewelry
- I found a job
- I've stepped out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion
- I now have fifty followers on here, which isn't that much in comparison to others, I guess, but it still blows my mind that even one person would have interest in following my blog
- my Nikon D40 has become a new friend
- I've made more friends
- skirts have become a part of my wardrobe
- I've found other blogs that I adore
- I've made connections.

I'll reiterate - I don't want this to be my one year anniversary post! I'm very sentimental, so I'm trying to brainstorm some cool ideas.

But until later,

xox Catherine

What?

Cardigan - BDG, tshirt - H&M, dress (worn underneath) - Forever 21, necklace - antique mall, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Doc Marten

I'm ridiculously excited for NYC. This whole thing is totally ridiculous - in the best way possible. It would've been enough to go to NYC for fashion week. It would've been enough to have been randomly selected to attend. But I won. It was me. I love writing - especially when it comes from inside. And it did. I wasn't expecting to win. I didn't even expect a chance. Who am I to win such a wonderful thing? I'm me. And that's perfectly fine.

I can't even explain my reaction. I was in entire disbelief (even more so than now). I finally told my family about my blog/blogging habits. It's not that I've been embarrassed about it, but most times it was irrelevant to what I normally discuss. However, as much as I hate to admit it, I always have a bit of self-doubt. I told a friend while a little... ermmm, on New Years, and I've just come to terms with it being a part of me. I've had this blog for almost a year, but my Chictopia account is what got me into the whole "blog scene."

Anyway, this outfit was from yesterday, which involved school, ceramics club (and encountering a certain someone I used to have a huge semi-secret crush on...), trying to rest, then going to a coffee shop with some friends to see some local musicians. A good day - pretty busy, but very satisfying!

It's now very, very snowy where I reside... probably not leaving this weekend! I intended to get a haircut, but I'm not sure that'll be possible...

Thank you, all. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

xox Catherine

My big news...

Check this out, eighth name down...

In case you don't feel like clicking the link, I'm a winner of the Chictopia10 contest! So next weekend I'll be heading to NYC for the Chictopia10 conference and some other activities arranged for the winners. I'm so excited! And truthfully, I'm very surprised that I won! I must say, receiving the email yesterday morning made my heart skip a beat.

I'm super excited to meet all of the other bloggers - I know it's going to be a fun time!

xox Catherine

Cardigan - H&M, tshirt - American Apparel, jeans - H&M, boots - Doc Martens

Yeah, comfiest sweater ever, basically. I've never even realized how delicious garlic and olive oil couscous is - but oh wow, is it! I've had a good day. My morning was very exciting... I'm not going to disclose too much just yet, but it involved finally telling my family about my blogging.

Today's Wednesday, thus halfway through the week! Ah, just two more days. I'm really looking up right now. Possibly one of the coolest things to ever happen to me... but I guess it makes up for "past incidents."

I think I might just have to wait for the news to be announced so I can share it with all of you.

Hope you're all well! xox Catherine

Me and a tree.

Blazer - Silence and Noise, tshirt - old, skirt - H&M, cuff - Amrita Signh (courtesy of Ideeli), leggings - Forever 21, flats - Kimchi Blue, tote - Thomas Paul (courtesy of AllModern.com)

I guess this is an alternative to cardigan+vneck+skirt+leggings... blazer instead of a cardigan. Groundbreaking, I must say. Just kidding. Today wasn't that bad, despite my insane tiredness. I need to manage my time better. After school I took a nap, then hung out with a friend and watched Garden State. I rarely watch movies. But I really enjoyed it!

Not going to lie, I thoroughly enjoy taking this bag to school. Don't get me wrong - I'm really not a fan of the process of going there. However, this past week I've been toting this and carrying a cup of blueberry green tea. But the tea's beside the point. I've never really "reviewed" anything before, but I want to thank CSN Stores for giving me this opportunity! So, without being biased, this tote is really cool. It's super-sturdy canvas, and the design on it is quite awesome in my opinion. It was shipped promptly - I was really excited when I received it... I wasn't expecting it so soon. And I was sent a cool lookbook from Thomas Paul, only to find myself inspired by the wonderful illustrations. Pretty great in my book.

xox Catherine

Did I ever mention I can't wait for spring?



Image credit: Tumblr (I forget which - saved onto my computer a while ago)

Did I ever mention I want to get a tattoo of a cherry blossom branch on the side of my torso when I'm of age and have sufficient funds? Seems so cliche but as I'm sure you know, I hate winter and count down for spring (47 days!) as soon as it gets cold. At first, it's still cold. But then the trees turn pink... to me, the branch would symbolize that sadness isn't forever. The things that are truly wonderful in life will return.

My weekend was so-so. Had a good time on Friday, worked Saturday, and slept virtually all day Sunday. I really can't complain - seems that most of my issues and problems from last week have fizzled out.

In a week I will be "celebrating" the "birthday" of my blog. Technically, I started it on February 6, but my first post was the following day about an excursion to Target and my excitement for the McQ for Target collection to launch.

I'm thinking of starting a Tumblr aside from my 365 one to post images such as these. I haven't been able to update my 365 in the past two days - my card reader isn't working! So, as soon as it works, I'll add them. I've stuck to it for one month! Let's hope for eleven more.

xox Catherine

How Simple Life Can Be.

Cardigan - BDG, top - Asos, skirt - Target, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Doc Martens, necklace - thrifted

Today was pretty dull... not much going on in school, but I had detention after. I'm not even going to vent about that. And tonight's my school's variety show - basically the only event I'd bother paying for.

Anyway, I thought it was supposed to rain today so I wore my Docs. Of course, it didn't. It's not really nice out, but the sky is still nice and blue. I'm really tired. I totally need to find a way to get more than 5 hours of sleep each night. It just doesn't seem possible! Can't wait until my high school days are behind me.

I'm sick of everyone being motivated by their own selfishness. Including me.

xox Catherine

Nobody ever told her.

Cardigan - H&M, tshirt - Pacsun, jeans - H&M, boots - Deena and Ozzy

Today consisted of my lingering anger from yesterday (if you follow me on twitter, you might know why...) and not going to school. However, I submitted my application to take a spring Saturday class at a nearby art school - I'm going to take a jewelry and metals class. So cool, I'm really excited.

I'm really happy to say I've been interviewed by Terra over at Stylish White Female... a fellow Pennsylvanian, however she resides in Pittsburgh. Check it out!

And I don't believe I've ever mentioned this, but I was on the ModCloth blog a while ago talking about my favorite find. Wonder what it is? Hmmm...

I've appeared to have gone link crazy! Hope you're all well - halfway through the week! Whew.
xox Catherine

Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards

I've mentioned Ideeli before, yes? Anyway, they're running a couple polls in partnership with Style Coalition. There's seven total (the Innovator Award and six other) - basically asking which designers and labels use the available forms of social interactions websites the best. It's undeniable that social networking websites are huge for everyone... so vote away!

xox Catherine