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

Rain? Spring? Nah.

Blazer - Silence and Noise, top - FCUK, necklace - antique mall, jeans - Delia's, boots - Dr Marten, dog - free.

Just had to include my dog in my description! The weather today was mostly rainy and miserable... and just as it seemed to stop, there was a huge downpour, only to be followed by the revealing of the sun. Reminds me so much of spring... yeah, it's quite an obsession.

I can't believe I'm approaching the "birthday" of my blog! I'll make sure to have a special post of some sort.

About my outfit, perhaps? I've been wanting to wear this top and blazer together for the past week, so I decided to pair them with jeans and my trusty ol' DMs because as I mentioned, it was pouring this morning.

I took some photos that I thought were kinda pretty:


Amateur, to say the least, but I love how drops of water look.

Hope you're all well! xox Catherine

Friday, I'm in love.

Cardigan - H&M, dress - Volcom, belt - flea market, necklace - antique, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Dr Marten

Shall I pretend I didn't have a few weeks straight when I'd listen to this song on repeat on Thursdays and Fridays? Eh, who cares. I'm a nerd and I know it. I'm so tired - you see, there's this thing called sleep, that I try to think isn't completely necessary every night. So I stay up late, and wake up early... it's a great combination. I'm so glad it's the weekend and that I have the ability to stay in and do nothing, I've been looking forward to this since Tuesday!

Hope you're all well, and enjoy your weekends!
xox Catherine

Gray and printed.

Sweater - thrifted, skirt - Forever 21, bracelet - Tiffany and Co., tights - Whole Foods, flats - Kimchi Blue.

Including the last photo because my dog's lurking in the window, and I think lurkers make photos complete. Today was yet another long day, and I'm so glad I have only one midterm to go! Tomorrow's going to be such a waste of a day, though. And it's so strange, because a year ago I would've been itching to do anything during the upcoming weekend, but I'm actually looking forward to keeping it as low key as possible - though I do have work on Saturday morning and a Stat project to do. Involving 25 bottles of soda that have yet to be purchased... gotta love procrastinating.

I'm tired, but trying to avoid a nap. I've just gotta think of something to do to occupy all of this free time - it's only 4:30pm and I'm trying to avoid studying as well. Perhaps I'll try to go to the art supply store and get something to experiment with.

Hope you're all well! xox Catherine

Just you and me, punk rock girl.

Cardigan - Silence and Noise, dress - H&M, tights - BDG, shoes - Kimchi Blue, necklace - antique via my sister, cuff - flea market.

Despite my two hour nap, I'm ridiculously tired. The week's halfway over and I've finished all of my really tough exams - Stat, Environmental and Spanish. Tomorrow I have history, but that's balanced by a decent amount of time in the art room. I'm almost done the self portrait I started last week, but I've "taken a break" to do a painting of inside of my fridge. Yep. I choose weird subjects.

Anyway... about my outfit. I'm wearing this cardigan yet again, I'm pretending most of my items in this did not come from the same place, and I'm trying to ignore the run that formed in these tights. First time wearing 'em... not too pleased. I'll probably wear them again anyway. They're relatively comfy (compared to other tights), but they're just not practical. I've just felt stuck wearing jeans all the time so I figured I'd run with the tights thing for a while.

Hope you're all well!
xox Catherine

Review time.

I'm not talking about midterms! I was contacted by the CSN Stores PromoTeam, asking if I'd be interested in reviewing one of their products from a store in the 200+ store umbrella. The products in their stores range from mailbox accessories, to shoes, to contemporary home decor.

I'm not going to disclose too much information just yet, but I now have a review to look forward to that doesn't involve filling in a multiple choice sheet. I'm excited - the product I'll be reviewing is from Allmodern.com. Stay tuned!

Rainy and wicked day.

Cardigan - H&M, dress - vintage via Punk Rock Flea Market, belt - vintage, tights - Forever 21, boots - Doc Marten.

I need to think of better titles. Anyway, I'm really not trying to do the whole girly-dress-with-badass-boots thing. It was very rainy and windy today, and I had to do a bit of walking. Functional. I kept my outfit pretty simple - I didn't feel like having jewelry compete or anything. I saw Wicked, and I loved it! I'm personally not musically inclined whatsoever, but it's amazing to imagine how much work and time goes into such productions. After the show, my mom and I went to a vegetarian restaurant that was (somewhat) nearby. The food was delicious, and I'm glad my mom will accompany me to "weird hippie vegetarian places."

The rest of my day consisted of sitting in bed reading magazines I picked up yesterday, falling asleep in the middle of reading Elle. Oops. But it's always there.

Hope your weekends went well, and to those that have off tomorrow - enjoy it! xox Catherine

PS I'm thinking I might celebrate the once again "nice" weather tomorrow by dressing in clothes that aren't sweatpants. Outfit post, perhaps?

PPS I'm going to try to reformat my layout and whatnot... I don't know where to start!