all grown up.

so in the event that the new harry potter movie comes out on friday... my inner harry potter nerd is in full bloom from here on out. i can't help it. not only have read the books (multiple times), but yes, i own all the movies, and have see each one countless times as well. having said that, i would like to bring up one my favorite characters, hermione granger, played by emma watson. emma watson has completely done a 180 and has grown up from this cute, innocent, pre-teen girl, to this mature, edgy, fashion forward adult. i love the risks she takes, both on screen & off screen, love her style, and she always remains a classy lady.

some of my fav pics of her through the years:

never afraid to take a risk - love the short hair on here in the last few photos.

pairing up with fashion designer alberta feretti - their organic clothing line will debut just after christmas and i will continue to expect great things from this one.

happy harry potter!

xx.

a timeless classic.

for someone who has timeless, impeccable style and one who has really kept the classic image of a true beauty, audrey hepburn immediately comes to my mind. not only was she a fabulous actress, philathropist, mother, and loving wife, but she was also definitely seen as a style icon. through her years of fame and giving, even through today, the same fabulous image of her remains with us. she has produced a number of great films over the years including the classic, breakfast at tiffany's, roman holiday (my favorite), and funny face, but what i most admire about her is her style and charm. on screen and off the screen, the woman is a true beauty.

don't know what i like more in this photo - the knee high boots, the fur coat, or the LV speedy.

my audrey wall at home.

whenever people ask me, "if you could have dinner with any 5 people, dead or alive, who would it be?" she always makes the list. easy as that.

xx.

simple chuck.

for quite some time now, my go-to, never-fail pair of shoes has always been a pair of chuck taylors. i love that the shape, design, and the colors go with anything. they really complete any outfit, no matter your style. these shoes originally were used in the 50's as workout/basketball shoes, but in the present day seen in streets all over the world, these shoes have proven to be timeless in every way. the design has never changed, and converse has been so creative to expand in colors, designs, textures, and shapes without steering too far away from its originality. if i could have them in every color and style, i probably would. but for now, i'm completely content with my 3 pairs.

sometimes all you need is the simplicity of chuck.

xx.

my projects.

in the midst of this crazy GMAT period of my life...i realized i needed something to keep me sane and busy and NOT thinking about data sufficiency, critical reasoning, and algebraic functions. after taking one of my practice tests a little while i go, i meandered into barnes and noble and headed straight for the fashion/design section (as i normally do). not only are there hundreds of books on designers, but there are instructional guides, how-tos, and an a-z library of anything and everything related to the fashion industry. and you wonder why i am drawn to it?

so i came across this book, 200 projects to get you into fashion design. i started flipping through the pages and realized it was the perfect purchase for me. whether i want to actually get into fashion design or not is another topic, but the thought of giving myself projects to focus on that are not GMAT related would be perfect. and so the purchase was made. this book is really incredible. it has so much to offer including bigger projects in there like 'adding pockets, collars, and details to an existing garment' or 'lining a pencil skirt' to simple ones like 'how to start a sketchbook & what to include in the first pages'. after flipping through these pages, i realized that i have already completed some of the projects on my own. i can't wait to work on these and share them, all with you!

so inspired...!

xx.

slacker.

my apologies for not writing as often as i usually do. my life has recently been consumed by the beast known at the GMAT. this test, much like the MCAT, LSAT, or GRE, takes lots of time, effort, patience, and concentration. all of which have been extremely difficult to do while maintaining a 53-hour work week. i have been attending class twice a week for three hours after work, and then studying every chance i get during the week and on the weekends. i know it will pay off in the end, but these next couple months will be in full GMAT mode. (just sucks it happens to fall during the month of my birthday). i know it will pay off, and hopefully with the right mindset, i will be where i want to be by the time fall 2011 comes around.

wish me luck!

xx.

holy moly.

if i had to choose one appetizer or dip to be my favorite, it's an easy answer: fresh guacamole. i learned a few years ago what really goes into the world's BEST guacamole m=from mom herself. and i kid you not, it really is the best. something so simple and so delicious. my mom taught me how to make the concoction a while back and it has stuck with me through endless holiday parties, bbq's, get togethers, and just as a topper to complete the meal. everything about it is delicious.

necessities:

avocados

tomatoes

cilantro

red onion

garlic

jalapenos (or serrano chilis)

fresh lemon juice

salt to taste

cut the avocados in halves - take out the seeds, finely chop the onion, cilantro, tomato, & garlic, add freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt to taste, combine all in a large bowl and it's easy as that. so easy and so satisfying. perfect for any occasion!

nom nom nom.

xx.

halloween 2010.

halloween has quickly come and gone. sad to say it all went by so fast, but i had a blast celebrating this year. this was the first year that i dressed up for work - quickly threw something together which ended up totally working - thanks to some goodies from my roommate my nerd outfit was complete. then on saturday i went out in newport beach with a couple of the girls. i recycled one of my older outfits only because i was saving my ballerina costume for sunday's event: HARD halloween. the music was phenomenal, the dancing was outrageous, and everybody's costumes were great. good times were had by all, and here are some pics to recap the halloween weekend.

dress up fun @ work 10/29.

newport beach 10/30.

ran into the hulk.

the main event: HARD halloween. 3rd year in a row.

until next year when we can all dress up again..

xx.