You're so nice and you're so smart

Jacket - Urban Outfitters, sweater - TJ Maxx, brooch - made by me, skirt - Urban Outfitters, boots - Dolce Vita

And yet again I've unintentionally taken a break from blogging. School has been kicking my ass, and a few situations at home have turned very sour and have left me a bit upset and in an overall glum mood. I figure I'll be able to put that all aside once I leave for Scotland... in just twenty three days! It's totally overwhelming but just the thought of starting the new year - symbolically a fresh start, I suppose - in a different city and country seems like what I need.




On a more positive note, I made the brooch I'm wearing! It's two pieces of copper riveted together with a paint chip I've doodled on laid inside, then with resin poured over. I made a few similar pieces as well - two pendants and another brooch. For a while I was questioning whether I wanted to continue with jewelry as my concentration, but I've become more comfortable with it. I recently tried lost wax casting for the first time, and I'm very pleased with the result. It's a sterling silver ring - I'll post photos at some point, I promise.

Where does this time keep going?

xox Catherine

Vegan Japchae Recipe

I'm not really one for New Year's Resolutions unless food is involved - it was a goal years ago to go vegetarian and then vegan, which did happen. I want to post more recipes and food experiments on the blog, since I've realized how much cooking and baking (and then eating!) relaxes me. Plus it's fun.

My dad's co-worker gave him a bag of Dangymeon (Korean glass noodles made from sweet potato starch) before I left for London, and I then happened to try the dish at a vegan restaurant in the city. I fell in love with its colorful, comforting taste, so I prepared it for Christmas Eve dinner with my family based on a recipe from the aforementioned colleague. This time around I used whatever veggies I had on hand, thus I omitted a few ingredients, but I'll give the original, more authentic recipe.

VEGAN JAPCHAE - makes roughly two large servings

Ingredients:
-Dangymeon noodles (I used 1/3 of the pack)
-Olive oil
-Fresh spinach
-Two or three carrots, julienned
-One red pepper, finely chopped
-One yellow onion, sliced into long pieces
-Green onion, sliced vertically then horizontally
-Shiitake mushrooms*
-Two cloves garlic, minced
-Soy sauce
-Sesame oil
-Toasted sesame seeds
-A block of tofu, drained and pressed, then cut into cubes

*You can use fresh, dried, or canned mushrooms. If using dried, I'd recommend soaking these prior to starting cooking, since it takes a while. Then slice into smaller pieces. If using fresh, just slice them. If using canned, rinse.

1. Parboil the spinach, then drain. Put it in a large bowl, then toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
2. In a wok, saute the onions in olive oil until clear and fragrant, then add to bowl.
3. Use the same process for the carrots, red pepper, and green onion.
4. Saute the garlic until fragrant, then add mushrooms. Add to the bowl.
5. Mix all vegetables in the bowl.
6. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package, drain.
7. In a separate pan, cook the tofu in oil until golden on each side. Add soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, then cook a bit longer.
8. In the hot wok with a little oil, add all vegetables and the noodles, but not the tofu.
9. Heat thoroughly, then add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
10. Top dish with tofu, then eat!

I have modified this dish slightly from the original recipe, but I think overall the integrity remains intact. By no means am I an expert on Korean food or cooking, but it's pretty similar to the serving I tried at Itadaki Zen in London. Even if it's not entirely authentic, it's still pretty good!

What recipes are you eager to try this year?

xox Catherine

The only thing that matters is just following your heart...

Dress - vintage, cuff - antique, belt - from a dress, ring - made by me, shoes - Aldo

I'm listening to "In This Diary" by the Ataris, which I haven't listened to in ages... it used to be my "all-time favorite song." While my music taste has changed, it brings back memories and still feels relevant. Oh, how I remember sitting on the deck down the shore four years ago, smiling awkwardly with a can of cherry Coke.

So, my art classes concluded today with an exhibition. I was accompanied by my parents and two friends, one whom took these photos for me. For some reason, they ended up blurry. C'est la vie, right?



Anyway, I was saving this dress to wear for today. I would've worn it last month or so, but I've been busy and running around the city isn't exactly what I want to do in a white dress.

xox Catherine

Such is life.

Top - borrowed from sister, necklace - mom's, skirt - H&M, belt - thrifted, cuff - antique, ring - made by me, sneakers - Keds

Yes, I suppose this is a simple little ring... but I'm quite proud because I made it! I was at school until 6pm finishing up a few projects because I don't have class on Friday and everything has to be done. I still have a self-portrait to do... yikes? I'll be able to do it!





I raided my sister's closet this morning upon deciding I had nothing to wear. Fair enough, all of my clothes need to be washed and she does the same thing. It's so weird that she's leaving at the end of the month for college. She's pretty much my best friend, so understandably, I'm a little sad. But c'est la vie! I already have expectations for this upcoming school year - some good, some bad. Frankly, I just can't wait to get through the year and move on. But I've still got some growing to do here in my hometown. Or so I say.

xox Catherine

6.27.10

Necklace - antique, gray tank - Target, floral dress (worn as tank) - Forever 21, cuffs - antique, jeans - Delia's, shoes - DIY

Nevermind that it's been nearly a week since my last outfit post... and nevermind that it's disgustingly hot outside. I must have gotten bit/stung by something at the beach, so my legs have some sort of rash. I've been covering it when possible, hence the long pants in nearly-100-degree weather. But alas, I can't be bothered to wear anything intricate - summer makes it okay to dress simply. Right?




Actually, I wanted to post today to catch up a little bit/debut these shoes. I've been experiencing summer relaxation for the past two weeks, so I'm thinking it's about time to start some projects... mainly making more necklaces and setting up an Ebay shop with my aunt. We'll be selling high-end vintage goods... but more on that later!

xox Catherine

DIY: S/S 2010 Miu Miu-inspired Printed Platforms

By now I'm at the beach, but I couldn't resist leaving this post! I might have mentioned a DIY the other day... my mom was at a flea market and came across black platform clogs with a fabric upper. I was half-asleep when I received a message asking if I wanted them, but I instantly thought of the Miu Miu platforms from this season. I've been on a creative spree lately, so I decided to customize them!

Inspiration:


(second image via thefashionpolice.net)

Step 1:

Gather your materials. I used white fabric paint, but acrylic paint might work if you have some laying around. Be sure to follow instructions on bottle for drying times, etc. Also get a paintbrush (preferably on the smaller size), a paper plate, a pencil, and shoes.

Step 2:

Draw the birds in pencil. I didn't draw too many - you get the hang of painting the birds after a while. However, if you're a little nervous, it wouldn't be a bad idea to practice on paper first.

Step 3:

Pour paint onto the plate, and begin to apply to the shoes.

Step 4:

Apply a first coat of paint... it can be kept pretty rough for the time being. It was very helpful for when I was doing the second coat.

Step 5 (not shown): Repeat step 4 more carefully to prevent mess-ups.

The finished product:

Top - H&M, necklace - made by me, shorts - DIY, cuff - grandma's, shoes - Target, sunglasses - H&M

Feel like this top is perfectly large enough for a beach cover-up. Then I imagine wearing it for a night out after a long day on the beach. I think it's pretty clear where my mind is.

It's getting late so I'll cut it short again. I don't think I've fallen asleep before 12am at all this week... yeah, not so good. Sleep will do me well.

xox Catherine

An Expedition?

Top - Victoria's Secret, necklace - made by me, bracelet - grandma's, skirt - Retrospect, shoes - Sweet Life by Dolce Vita

I'm going to tell you something that is generally not the opinion among fashion/style blogs - I despise shopping. I hate trying items on, I hate florescent lights, I hate when the sales girl stares me down while I'm wearing sneakers. Chain stores are too generic, but most boutiques I've been in tend to be a little snobby and uninviting.




Anyway, I went to a semi-nearby town today, only to discover shopping can be fun. It's a quirky little college town, but I wasn't expecting much when my sister asked me to accompany her. Through this outing, I encountered two shops in particular that I'm still thinking about - Green Eyed Lady and Malena's Vintage. The first is a cute mix of vintage accessories with some new clothing items, while the latter wasn't even spotted at first. However, I met some pretty 1950's dresses that made me swoon - and they weren't super expensive! Granted, I have no income, but I could deposit my tax return check... basically, I fell in love.

I love browsing little shops in the city, but items are overpriced and the selections tend to be pretty monotonous. Basically, don't be surprised if I show up on here wearing a pretty little 50's dress.



Oh, and I've made another pendant. This time I used nut beads - the color is more magenta in real life. While in town, I also came across a bead store... so yeah, don't be surprised by what may ensue.

That is all, hope you're well, xox Catherine

PS I'd like to thank you all - I've reached 100+ followers! Expect a little surprise (or maybe more than one) in the near future ;)

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!

What I've Been Doing

Cardigan - thrifted, dress - Billabong, necklace - DIY, bracelet - antique, shoes - Aldo

Oh, look, I'm wearing my favorite dress and my favorite-as-of-late shoes. So it goes. I don't have school tomorrow and I'm so glad about that and there's less than fourteen days I have to wake up. Let's see, I haven't posted much about my life lately, so I'll just mention that I tried out to be a presenter at next year's talent show... it's sort of a big deal at my school. To be honest, the presenters last year weren't that funny, but I hope that I do well at call-backs and that I can provide some ideas.

Other than that, I've pretty much been just napping. Oh, and working on this:



It's a first-time beading project, so of course it's not "perfect." But I just have to find a chain and then it's good to go! I must say, I like how it's geometric but just earthy enough. Which brings me to a question: if I made more pieces like this, would you be interested in buying?

Happy Thursday to all,
xox Catherine

Cardigan - my mom, necklace - DIY, dress - LA Made, bracelet - grandma, belt - thrifted, shoes - Sweet Life by Dolce Vita

Finally got around to fixing/super gluing these shoes back together. So, I'm going to take a second to complain about the heat here - it's hot. And if you're wondering why I'm wearing a cardigan, that would be because my school enforces a no shoulders rule. So naturally, I must respond with angst. Most of the time, I don't think shoulders are distracting - but with flowery things? Perhaps.

I love this dress, though I've only worn it once. I like to think this outfit would work well for a dinner somewhere nice in the city. Because restaurants around here are either franchises or crappy diners with absolutely no vegan options. So it goes.

Today is a mock Thursday for me, 'cause I have off on Friday. I have minimal homework and then I'll be free to work on the necklace I started! Which, by the way, I'll get a picture of soon - but I might make some with the intent of selling them. 'Cause you know, I'm broke, but I will have access to metal and ceramic studios this summer... Perhaps some commission pieces in the future?

Hope you're well, xox Catherine

Tshirt - Forever 21, necklace - DIY, bracelet - flea market, skirt - H&M, sandals - Target

Keeping this very brief since I spent a little too much time working a necklace project I decided to try. It's coming along... yeah, I'll just say that.

This past weekend was good, but it left me exhausted so I allowed myself to take a day off. So today is pretty much like a Monday for me - but since we have off on Friday, it's also like a Wednesday I guess. Cool.

Didn't feel like wearing anything too intricate today. Just wanted to wear this skirt!

xox Catherine

And the simplicity that accompanies it

Dress - Billabong, sunglasses - H&M, bracelets - antique store/flea market, belt - thrifted, shoes - Keds

It's hot out. And I'm a fan of it. I don't know, call me strange that I insisted upon walking probably over a mile - but I love this weather and the simplicity that accompanies it. All I want to do is drink lemonade (or iced green tea) and sit outside and watch it get dark.




I actually haven't worn this belt before - so it's making a debut, on a Sunday! Imagine that... normally my Sunday attire is extremely casual. Jeans, tshirt, sneakers, and I'm good to go. I've had it for about a year, it was $1 at a little thrift store nearby. It's just so cool and there's similar ones at Urban Outfitters for $18+. Once again, the thrifter wins the battle against chain stores!



This weekend, instead of going out and being a crazy suburban teenager (I kid, I'm very low-key), I painted flowers on my wall. I'm not sure that I'm done yet, but I'll try to clean up my room and take some nice photos and then post them on here. I'm just far too lazy to clean my room to the point where it's actually presentable!

xox Catherine