Thoughts for Tuesday: Knockoffs: Plagiarism? (on Chictopia)

En lieu of this week's Thought for Tuesday post, check out my latest article on Chictopia's Everybody is Ugly, concerning knockoffs in fashion.

xox Catherine

Chictopia.10: The Outfit

Cardigan - vintage, necklace - made by me, dress - Asos, bracelets - antique, ring - made by me, nail polish - Office (American Apparel), bag - Nich boutique, wedges - Forever 21

Jasmine from Transient Withdrawal was kind enough to take these photos for me... in the rain, nonetheless! I met her last February while in NYC, but we didn't have much opportunity to talk. We chatted a bit more this time - she's so cute!

The conference itself was incredible! I was a bundle of nerves in the beginning, since I was speaking on the first panel, but afterward, I was able to relax and enjoy what other tastemakers had to say. Naturally, the crowd was very well-dressed... so many different styles! So many covet-worthy pieces!



I opted to wear something simple (surprise, surprise) for my day-trip to New York. Look, I'm wearing a maxi dress! I suppose the fact that it's not dragging on the ground makes me look taller, but it's a petite size. But in all seriousness, I felt tall (despite the amount of heels in the room!)

I like to think that normally I appear put together, but by the end of the day, I was a tired mess... my feet were killing, I was toting a dripping umbrella, and my dress was being splattered with rain. However, I threw my Keds on after stopping to purchase a birthday gift for my mom, then headed over to Maoz Vegetarian (seriously, probably the cheapest food in NYC).

I have to admit, I fell in love with the Jeffrey Campbell 99 wedges last fall, but didn't have the money to buy them/the lining is leather. So understandably, I was thrilled upon discovering these at Forever 21... which means I caved. I haven't purchased much from there in a while. However: they hurt. Not blister-inducing, but they put such strain on my feet. Ow.




I'll be posting more on the conference itself once I obtain more photos - I have a few of my own, but I want my readers to see me speaking! Ha.

xox Catherine

PS I love this nail color.

Wardrobe Remix

I've not been feeling very well these past couple of days, but I decided upon submitting a last-minute entry to Chictopia/Teen Vogue's Wardrobe Remix contest.

Outfit 1:



Black dress - Volcom, white dress - Target, necklace - made by me, belt - vintage, shoes - Kohl's

So this is what I actually wore today. I had my classes in the city, and while I was in my second class my sandals broke! Luckily, it's an art school with a variety of materials that can be used to reattach such items. I wouldn't have worn these if it weren't for pesky blisters from wearing too-thin socks with my Doc Martens! Surprisingly enough, I think the extra layer kept me cool throughout the day. It's gross, but normally I sweat a lot when I wear belts over things. Not today!

Outfit 2:




Shirt - Olive and Olivia, necklace - thrift, dress worn as skirt - Target, bracelets - antique/gift, shoes - Aldo

This is probably one of my favorite outfits that I've put together. Unfortunately, it's much too hot for such a shirt, so I'll have to wait until it cools down to repeat this combination. And believe me, expect to see this again. I see this working well for a late-summer night.

Outfit 3:



Necklaces - antique, dress - Target, cuff - antique, shoes - Keds

Sometimes simplicity is awesome in its own. I must admit, my blisters made these shoes very uncomfortable to wear, but I could see myself wearing this on a day where it's too hot to wear anything complicated... everyday in my mind!

Anyway, my classes are going well. I've actually encountered a fellow blogger in one of my classes, which I think is awesome! I'm so excited to see what else this program will bring!

xox Catherine

Summer Simplicity

Necklace - antique, dress - Modcloth, shoes - Aldo

Hello, hope you've all seen my giveaway post! Yes, I posted it today, but I'll just tell you in case you haven't seen it.

I was actually wearing another outfit earlier, but I was extremely dissatisfied. Normally, I manage to suck it up if an outfit isn't anything special, but I didn't feel confident whatsoever in it. I felt insecure, which usually doesn't happen with my outfits.




So this is outfit number two. It's significantly more simple than the previous one, and I like it better. Coincidentally, I feel prettier and it seems that all of my photos came out better. The latter is probably due to me finally applying common sense to photography, but either way, I feel that this is more "me."

I'm going to throw in a little bit of opinion right now - am I the only one that's getting sick of Jeffrey Campbell shoes? Maybe it's a sort of bitterness since I refuse to buy anything made with leather (unless it's used, but no one ever seems to give them up!), but it's becoming a little repetitive. The latest style of heel is done eight different ways, then bloggers wear it in approximately sixteen ways. I certainly don't feel that I'm in the position to criticize anyone, nor do I intend to. But I just can't help but wonder if it's "indie brands" such as these that are taking away from some of the variety in the blogosphere. And then again, maybe Jeffrey Campbell shoes are well-made. I don't know.




As I might have mentioned, I'm thinking of setting up an online shop with pieces I don't want anymore for whatever reason... such as this cool vintage belt that I've never found a way to wear. However, I think I might just save vintage items for the ebay store I'll be setting up with my aunt and I'll try to swap other items on Chic Swap.



Speaking of Chictopia, I've been published again on the Uglies blogs! This time it's on TeenUgly, which is truthfully the column I feel more comfortable writing for. Check it out here.

xox Catherine

PS I'm trying to think of a way to revamp my layout. It's getting a little cluttered.

Almost-Nautical

Cardigan - vintage via my mom, tank - Anthropologie, necklace - thrifted, bracelets - (fork) Tiffany and Co. / (cuff) flea market, jeans - Levi's via Chictopia, shoes - Aldo

I like the almost-nautical vibe I tried to channel in this. But I feel that I look ridiculously/disproportionately tall (see photo #2). Today was not a good photo day for me. It's whatever, I'm not too worried. A bit of a chill this morning led me to putting on pants instead of my new 60's dress... expect to see it tomorrow. I've probably said this a million times but I'm so glad school is winding down.

Anyway, I'll try to rack my brain for some new and exciting tidbits - I have a giveaway with CSN Stores, my friend Tracey has started a blog, and there were no tornadoes. Satisfactory Monday? Sure.

xox Catherine

Short story.

Cardigan - Lux, tank - Macy's, skirt - Target, necklace - my mom's, bracelets - my mom's/antique, shoes - Dolce Vita

I feel that this almost has a sporty vibe to it... I've had this tank for three years and I decided to re-release it from my closet. I guess there isn't really a good detail shot of these bracelets, but the cuff I borrowed from my mom is so cool - there's a little palm tree on it surrounded by shell pieces.

Going to cut this short - it's later than I'd like to admit. In my defense, my city's hockey team is participating in the finals, and I'm half-watching it.

xox Catherine

PS I've been published on Teen Ugly on Chictopia. See my article here.

Cardigan - Lux, necklace - made by me, tshirt - H&M, belt - thrifted, jeans - Levi's via Chictopia, shoes - Aldo

Had off from school today so the first half/portion of my day was spent in a tank top and shorts while napping. Wore this for a trip into the city to see a friend's piece at an art opening. Ended up walking nearly fifteen blocks in these shoes... only to find the restaurant we planned to eat at was closed. So we walked back up and ate at Govinda's. Surprisingly, my feet are not screaming in pain. I love these shoes. I love these shoes. I love these shoes.

Decided to wear the jeans I redeemed Chic points for on Chictopia - they're so cool. Attached a chain to my necklace and decided to keep the rest simple so attention would be drawn to it. So it goes.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!
xox Catherine

PS Interested in this necklace? Leave your comments and you may see similar ones in the future!

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!