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

Rainy

Blazer - Urban Outfitters, necklace - thrifted, sweater - 3.1 Phillip Lim, cuff - antique, ring - self made, jeans - Madewell, shoes - Rachel Comey

This week somehow wasn't as bad as its predecessors; I suppose having classes cancelled three out of five days helped ease my anxieties about coursework, and I learned I've been accepted to study abroad in Scotland next semester! Which is such a huge relief, especially since it's something that caused seemingly infinite stress just two weeks ago.

Since I'm incredibly sentimental, the prospect of leaving the country (again) inspires me to reflect upon my experiences here over the past year that I've been home. I suppose it's been dull compared to my first set of European adventures, but I've made some important decisions and stuck to them. So, that's good. I think I'm ready to head off again.




Life works out in funny ways.

xox Catherine

Late October

Necklace - thrifted, sweater - TJ Maxx, purse - Lulu's, jeans - Madewell, shoes - Marais USA

I think this is the longest break I've taken from blogging since I've started - and I'll add that it's entirely unintentional. To summarize the past two months of my life in just a few words: I moved into an apartment, I've been incredibly busy with school, managing my coursework with my part-time job, a few awful events have occurred, my trial of Photoshop has expired, and so on. To illustrate that I've been busy/unmotivated to blog, I'll mention that these photos are from 2.5 weeks ago, and I have another set of photos from early September.




It's crazy how's time flying and it's already a month into autumn. Midterms week has passed, so I'm hoping the stress will temporarily halt. This semester is truly terrible, so far. Over the past two years I've questioned my dedication to and passion for art, and it's only worsening as of late. I'm not one for autumn, but maybe this crisp weather and infinite amounts of tea and baking will make everything better. I can hope, right?

xox Catherine

Last day in London (16/12/2011)

Coat - ModCloth, cardigan - sister's, dress - Asos, necklace - Etsy, tights - Target, boots - Doc Martens

I would have liked to have posted these photos while still in London, but I was busy exploring one last time... and packing. I went to the National Portrait Gallery, V&A Museum (my favorite!), Liberty, and Selfridge's one last time. My departure itself was chaotic and a tad bitter; I realized I forgot a handful of belongings in my room, I was running on literally no sleep, I couldn't sleep on the plane despite that fact. I cried upon seeing my friend Tracey, who accompanied my mom to the airport. I cried hysterically once we drove down my street and even more when I stepped inside my house and saw my cat. Tears of joy, obviously. There's no place like home!




I've been relaxing as much as physically possible, with my cat by my side, of course. I haven't felt like leaving my bed too much, but I did to bake Christmas cookies, see some friends, go to Target (yay!) to get wrapping paper, and whatever else. Unfortunately, I think I'm coming down with something. Perhaps it's from last week's lack of sleep.



In case you were wondering, my tea habit has only increased since touching down in the US of A... I seem to have forgotten I used to be addicted to coffee!

I'm so excited for Christmas. Normally I'm such a scrooge, but I am just so excited to give everyone their gifts! I think I did quite well this year with my selections, but perhaps I'm just being hopeful since nothing is returnable, unless the recipient cares to travel to London... There's just no place like home for the holidays.

xox Catherine

Eleven

Coat - Modcloth, jumper - Zara, necklace - thrifted, skirt - H&M, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

Dressing for Monday mornings = wearing tried and true favorites. Can't say I really anticipated the bone-chilling weather, though. Probably the coldest day in London I've experienced! It is December, after all. My hands were numb during this (very brief) shoot.




The days here are dwindling, with the countdown bearing just eleven days at this point. It's all final exams (and essays) and Christmas shopping now - maybe a few drinks at nearby pubs and perhaps the last trips to my favorite museums here. (Note: I visited the Victoria Albert Museum for the third time yesterday, and I have still not seen half of the collection on display.)

On an incredibly positive note, I couldn't be more excited to see my animals.

On an unrelated note, I've been updating my Tumblr to the point of obsession. Must have something to do with finals quickly approaching...

xox Catherine

To Give Thanks

Coat - ModCloth, necklace - antique, sweater - 3.1 Philip Lim, skirt - Missoni for Target, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

I wore this last Thursday, during the American holiday of Thanksgiving. I ran a few errands with Christian before heading out to dinner, at which point I switched these shoes for my Rachel Comey booties. I probably would have celebrated by making some stuffed squash and baked goods if I didn't have visitors, but of course, I did, so naturally we went to an Asian-fusion restaurant called Spice Market (owned by world-famous chef Jean-Georges). I had been to the New York branch as had my aunt, but I was incredibly excited to share it with my family. Since vegan food can be hard to come by in many classically British restaurants (and even those in the States...), this was an excellent compromise for everyone.



We left the restaurant entirely stuffed, though not from our ordinary American Thanksgiving fare. I'm still in a state of disbelief that I am so fortunate to have been able to spend this holiday with my family, and similarly that the week flew by and everyone is back in the States at this point. Even more shocking is that I've less than three weeks left here in good old London Town.




I would like to note that I am still feeling quite ill, and when I'm sick there's nothing I enjoy more than cuddling with my cat. My mind is already home.

xox Catherine

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport..."

Coat - ModCloth, top - Monki, skirt - Monki, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

These were taken last Monday... I'm feeling a bit under the weather now. I wore this to the airport to meet my friends and family! The reunion was so nice; I didn't expect they would already be waiting by the time I arrived, but I spotted the group and my brother saw me. My friend Lauren ran to hug me, then I dashed over to the rest of the group, almost slipping on the airport's smooth floor.




I do enjoy London in many ways, but the visit made me realize how excited I am to return home, especially in time for the holidays. Seeing these people makes me want nothing more than to be in my house, cuddled beneath a blanket with my cat on my lap, eating edamame and watching a movie with my sister. It is bittersweet that I will be in the air twenty one days from now, en route to Philadelphia... but it's becoming increasingly sweeter.

My aunt and my friend Christian (who took these photos) are still in town, so I shall spend time with them over the next two days. It's nice having companions in London, which can often feel quite impersonal.

xox Catherine

17.11.2011

Coat - ModCloth, cardigan - H&M, t-shirt - C&C California, dress (worn as skirt) - Camden Market, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Spring

I realized I haven't worn all of the shoes I brought with me to London, so I decided it's about time I utilize my many pairs. It's essentially winter here, which I normally refuse to accept back in the States until December hits. I'm just in disbelief that I've been here for nearly three months now, and in a month's time I will be back in Pennsylvania. It's bittersweet, most definitely.




On an undeniably positive note, my family and a few friends will be here in London this upcoming week! With the exception of briefly seeing my aunt before she had a connecting flight back to the States, I haven't seen any of these people in three months. I couldn't be happier that I get to see them, spend time with them here in London, and celebrate Thanksgiving with them.



This is my first weekend in London since October since I've been traveling so much! I want to relax and do some school work, but at the same time, I want to do exciting things because I have only a month left here. Decisions, decisions.

xox Catherine

Fui a Barcelona

Cardigan - sister's, top - C&C California, necklace - Etsy, skirt - Urban Outfitters, socks - Target, shoes - Topshop

So... I went to Barcelona! Here I am in Park Guell, an amazing outdoor space designed and landscaped by Antoni Gaudi. The weather was beautiful - 72F in November! We strolled through the park, climbing its stone steps and marveling the amazing view of the city. Everything was so beautiful! I loved seeing some Gaudi's work; we stayed in a hostel on Passeig de Gracia, which includes Casa Battlo and La Pedrera. I didn't take the opportunity to go inside either of these, but the following day, we did visit La Sagrada Familia.


Cardigan - vintage, necklace - Etsy, dress - Asos, socks - Missoni x Target, shoes - Topshop

As usual, I feel I didn't have adequate time to explore the city. However, I'd love to return sometime in the future - perhaps when the cathedral is completed (estimated anywhere from 2025 to 2040).

I had wanted to visit Spain for ages, since I've been learning the language since I was eleven. My speaking didn't really extend past a seventh grade level, but I thoroughly enjoyed being able to put it to use.

Unfortunately, I didn't really get to experience any typical Spanish food, but I did buy some rice with which I intend to attempt a vegan paella dish. It's too bad I didn't find any saffron there...

I still have to post photos from Cardiff, Copenhagen and now Barcelona. I think I shall round up a few photos to show my favorite parts of each city!

xox Catherine

I somehow see what's beautiful in things that are emphemeral

Cardigan - H&M, necklace - Etsy, top - Asos, skirt - vintage, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Rachel Comey

Somehow this is my first time wearing these booties on the blog... I've worn them out a few times, but I suppose I didn't take photos because it was nighttime. They still have yet to properly mold to my feet, but they're getting there. Today's wear might have a little something to do with wanting to wear them this weekend. I'm traveling again! This time, it's somewhere much warmer. I think I'll keep it a surprise, but it's somewhere I've wanted to go for quite some time, so I'm very excited. I know I'll be taking lots of photos!




These next two weeks are looking wonderful - an excursion this weekend, the following will be spent here in London, and then that week a few family and friends are visiting! I've been having dreams about reuniting with them. Whenever I think of meeting them in the airport, the final scene in Love Actually starts playing in my head, Beach Boys in the background and all. It's very safe to say I love life, as of late.




It's a bit funny to me that London is already in Christmas-mode: Liberty (and every other department store) have had their Christmas shops up and running for the past month, the lights on Oxford Street were illuminated last week, and there will soon be ice-skating rinks in various spots - including Somerset House, where fashion week takes place. Somehow, I'm not so bitter about the approach of this time of year as I normally am. Maybe there is something magical about London at Christmastime. Or maybe I just watch Love Actually too much. I'm giving a vote for the latter.

See you when I return from holiday!

xox Catherine

Hilsener fra København

Coat - ModCloth, necklace - thrifted, sweater - H&M, skirt - TJ Maxx, bag - vintage, shoes - Topshop

Greetings from Copenhagen! I write this from the lounge of a hostel, exhausted from a long day of walking and sightseeing. It's so beautiful here. If it weren't so cold (at the beginning of November! it feels like January!), I'd consider studying here. It's odd how soon I've managed to fall in love with the city, but each excursion from the treacherous streets of London has been quite magical. The pace of life here seems much slower, with time for smiles at passersby and no need to push others out of the way on the Metro. It's not spotlessly clean - there's rubbish on pavement, there's a plethora of wheat-paste posters and brightly colored spray paint. But I like this. It makes it feel free and less part of a system, if that makes any sense.



I've long had an adoration for things Scandinavian - Ikea, Norse mythology, the word itself - and this trip has reassured that crush. If only it didn't get dark at 4pm, and if it were summer... I feel like I didn't allow nearly enough time to explore thoroughly (somehow I missed the concept store Weekday, which I'm now longingly stalking online) and I would very much like to see cities in Sweden and Norway.





I really can't explain why, since there's no logical reason, but Copenhagen vaguely reminds me of Philadelphia. Maybe it's the quiet, charming side streets or the abundance of simple graffiti. Even the color of the pavement seems familiar, and it's been months since I've seen cars drive on the right side of the road! Perhaps it's my perception that I cannot get lost in both cities, whereas this does not hold true in New York City or even London. The size is manageable, but not small.

On another note, I tried to channel hip European twenty-somethings in this ensemble. Also, please be incredibly surprised that 90% of my hair stays up in a low bun (as illustrated above). This hasn't happened in quite some time, probably two years. Again, be amazed.

xox Catherine

PS Thanks to my friend Kate for taking the photos of me!