My Top 5 Platform Wedges of The Summer

'Tis the season for shoes!

Summer is not my favorite season. In fact, I actually hate it. I hate the weird looking bugs that seem to come out of nowhere and I hate the frequent hot and humid days. However, I do like the summer for one reason: SHOES.

Summer allows a footwear fashionista like moi to pull out all the stops. Sandals and pumps, oh my! I'm so happy that one of the current shoe trends happens to be platform wedges. And as the self-proclaimed Wedge Wizard, I've decided to put together a list of my top 5 must-buy platform wedges of the season!

*The list is in random order.


1. Hoofkin, $69.98 Aldoshoes.com. What type of countdown would this be if I didn't have my beloved shoe store addiction ALDO?


2. Smith by Jeffrey Campbell, $124.95 Solestruck.com. All hail the platform wedge master maker Jeffrey Campbell. If you don't own a pair of JC shoes yet, then you're missing out.


3. Darneshia Sandal, $108 French Connection. The classic Espadrille! If you can only have one platform wedge this summer, make it an Espadrille. This material never goes out of style.


4. Enigma, $62 Lori's Shoes. I find that a shoe with cork material in the heel is usually light on the feet.


5. Daybreak, $89.95 Steve Madden. I love, love this shoe. It's a perfect combination of a shoe that is light on the feet and is on trend with zipper detailing.


XOXO

College Chronicles -- Courses

Aaand, I'm back to blogging regularly!

I've decided to write and reflect on the past 3 years and the next year of my life as an undergraduate college student in a new series on my blog called College Chronicles. I've been informally blogging about my college adventures, but now I've decided to log it -- story style. Enjoy!

Brr, it's cold.

It's always so freakin' cold in this classroom. Why are the windows open? It's the end of February!

I'm at my 5th and final class of the day, Italian Literature. It's 2:15 in the afternoon and I've been running on fumes -- pulled another almost all-nighter; I stayed up till 4am to finish writing a paper (I'm a slight procrastinator). How I made it to my 8am class on-time is still beyond me. Why I look like shit, is beyond me as well. Oh well, only 90 minutes until lunch. I can make it.

A sharp pain shoots me in my left temple.

No, I can't make it.

Frantically I search the front pocket of my backpack for a piece of gum and mumble to myself, "C'mon, I know I have a piece of Orbit Bubblemint lying around somewhere in here. A-ha!" I touch something that feels like a stick of gum. I pull out my hand swiftly and oops, that's a tampon. I hope none of my classmates saw that. I sift around in the pocket some more and finally pick up a piece, shove it in my mouth and shut my eyes as I savor the sugary mintness. I hope no one in my class saw that either.

My peppy preppy professor jolts into class. He's like a lightening bolt, always super charged about the day's lecture. I wish I felt the same way, but unfortunate for him, I dislike the literature for our class. And to top it off, I'm not a naturally deep thinker and Professor Pep loves to take it to that level.

"The virtue of the characters are tested in this story," Professor begins his rant on this week's reading. "As we see on page..." I zone out. Sorry Professor, you lost me at virtue.

The last time I was involved in a class discussion about virtue was the previous school year during the fall semester of my sophomore year in a philosophy course. Worst course decision, ever. That is when I decided that I was not a pointless deep thinker (watch: Annie Hall) and knew that it would take a large army within me to push through courses I did not like...

... Eh, that's all I've got for now...

Elephants in Fashion: June 2009 Vogue UK with Daria Werbowy

I don't know how I stumble upon these editorials with my favorite animal in the whole widest world (the last three words bring me back to childhood), the Elephant, but I'm glad I do! The image below is a snippet from an editorial with Daria Werbowy for the June 2009 issue of Vogue UK. It takes place in India and is appropriately titled Indian Summer. Check out the rest of the spread by clicking here.

Source: Fashionising.com



xoxo


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H&M's Style Eye Premiere Episode

Source: YouTube

Last week, H&M debuted the first episode in their Style Eye series. I LOVE H&M! I think the store has a lot of great items that will help someone young at heart hone their sense of style. The series follows three friends, who each have a different taste for fashion, shop around H&M and find  pieces that fit their personal style; showing, that you can define your style at H&M!

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: Forever 21 Rhinestone Elephant Ring

I usually don't do my Elephants in Fashion posts on anything other than editorials, but when I saw the ring below that Ria-Michelle from Withering Rose had tweeted at me, I just had to share it with all of you! It's a Rhinestone Elephant Ring from Forever 21 and I think it's to-die-for. I'd love to one day have a totally diamond embellished ring like this, but uh, that's a little out of my College kid budget and this F21 ring is just the right price. So, just look and be in awe of this precious ring.

^^Look at its cute butt!
Photo source: Forever 21

xoxo


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Alicia Keys' "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" Music Video -- Interracial Dating

Alicia Keys released her new video for Unthinkable (I'm Ready) today. It tackles interracial love. I'm a huge supporter of interracial relationships. The video is very powerful and covers the struggle between Alicia Keys' white lover (played by Chad Michael Murray) and her disapproving family. The video goes through different decades and showcases that hate towards interracial couples is still a problem today. Watch it below. This video comes out about a month before Loving Day, which is a day geared towards fighting racial prejudice.

Source: YouTube


xoxo

Channeling Jackie O

As I slipped on my sweet potato-colored shift dress, gold flower pearl earrings, bone-colored peep toe platform pumps, pearl/gold hair clip and elephant pin, I couldn't help but be astonished at the fact that my junior year of college was coming to a close. I thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm forgetting my ring and bracelet!" -- Ha. No. -- I actually thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm a summer away from finishing my college career (unless I decide to go to Grad school) and I'm preparing for my 2nd to last Student Government Association formal as an undergrad." Gallivanting around campus and basking in my new life venture as a "college kid" seemed like it was just yesterday. Freshman year, where did you go?

The formal was Friday and I decided to channel Jackie O. I've always considered my style to be inspired by the 1960's, so it felt right to don the orange frock to the left. The dress is from Target's Merona Collection, which I absolutely love. I've grown to be a big fan of the Merona brand from Target, especially the dresses. All the dresses are always classically chic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Anyway, I paired the tangy dress with mostly gold and light-colored accessories. I didn't want to look too Halloween-like so I made sure to sport bone-colored pumps from Aldo and my bag is from Zara. The only thing I regret about the outfit is not ironing down the creases from the dresses fold. But I kind of think it adds to the primp and proper look, no? Charlotte York would be very proud...

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: 1996 L'Uomo Vogue with Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah shot by Michel Comte for 1996 L’Uomo Vogue magazine.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrition

Look what I found while surfing the web, or uh, procrastinating my work. Who knew this eye patch wearing Kill Bill star could be so glamorous! See the rest of the photos from the photoshoot here.

xoxo

I'm Not Super Woman

Me mid dance at a Fashion Club event.

FINALLY. The Spring 2010 semester is almost over (one more day of classes!!). I can smell and taste Summer. This semester was by far the worst. It kick-started with some devastating family news, which I still haven't really dealt with because I've been too busy working to truly mourn; but, how do you mourn? How do you mourn for someone you loved unconditionally who died thousands of miles away not remembering who you were due to an illness? I don't know and that is what kills me every single day during my normal daily hustle and bustle. The semester continued with professors I thought I would love turning into head-nodding rendering speakers and a student body that made me want to rip out my hair because everyone seemed disinterested in everything. Anyway, enough of the extra deep stuff.

If there's anything I've learned this semester, it's that I'm not Super Woman. It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I'm a huge multitasker with a slight Type A personality who thinks I can do it all... at the same time. I've come to learn that yes, I can do as many things as I want, but it all comes with heavy sacrifices. I don't remember the last time I had a good night sleep. In fact, I am writing this post at 4 in the morning instead of sleeping (I mistakenly took a nap after class and screwed up my sleep clock.). Anyway, I've made a decision to stop devoting my time to things that I do not 100% care about. I'm over spreading myself ultra thin. I mean, who wants to eat a sandwich with a thin layer of peanut butter?! Not me. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I don't feel complete unless I'm trying to save the world while writing a 5-paged paper on Japanese Literature; but, I need to learn my limits because after all, I'm not Super Woman...

Yet.

xoxo

Angela and Vanessa Simmons' Baked Goods!

As a total food (specifically cupcakes) and fashion enthusiast and "good girl," I am a strong supporter of Vanessa and Angela Simmons. I think the two of them are awesome role models for young girls, and I see a lot of myself in them. They are young, fun, wholesome and hardworking girls. Some of their sneakers aren't exactly my cup of tea (then again, sneakers in general aren't), but I believe that Pastry is just-right for their targeted audience. The girls recently released a new shoe called Home Sweet Home. Inspired by Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Home Sweet Home heels come in a sparkly pink or black color and are paired with flats. Meaning, each pair of HSH heels you order comes with a matching flat--genius!

Also, the Simmons sisters have redone their website! Check it out at LovePastry.com.

xoxo

The Sequined Beanie

I'm a huge fan of hats. On days when I roll out of bed with no time to do my hair how I want, I plop on a hat. I'm currently searching for a medium sized fedora in a neutral shade. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I was at a photo shoot back in October for my school's magazine and I paired one of the models with a royal blue sequined beanie. Truth be told, prior to the shoot, I never saw such a sequined head accessory. And up until Wednesday's airing of Ugly Betty, I was convinced a sequined hat, specifically the beanie, was a piece that should be worn by someone young.

Take a look and tell me your thoughts!




Christina (Ashley Jensen) from Ugly Betty in a black sequined beanie.
Photo courtesy: Modeny.com


Royal blue sequined beanie on a student model.

xoxo

In It To Win It: TFLN Book Giveaway on College Candy

TFLN -- The four-letter acronym that's synonymous to most students like "FML." If there's anything I've learned as a college kid, I've learned that a student's life is prone to procrastination. I've made many attempts to "break-up" with procrastination as it is a time consuming habit, but I've come to accept that the desire for at-the-moment distractions is a part of my life for the next year and a half. And in the past, one of reasons I sometimes stayed up late was because I was busy browsing through Texts From Last Night. Stupid? Yes. Addicting? VERY. I guess the reason I find TFLN so interesting is because I've never had any of the crazy moments like depicted in texts on the site (I'm a slight Goody Two-Shoes).

Moving on, the creators of the hilarious site have put together a book and College Candy will be giving away THREE copies! To enter, head over to TFLN, find your favorite text of all time, copy it and then paste it into the comments section in this post on the College Candy website with your full name.

Would you buy this book?


xoxo

I AM Ugly Betty

My friend Chrystina was Lady Gaga on last night's episode.

Sometimes I'm pretty sure Ugly Betty mimics my life, sort of. I feel that every time an episode airs, it correlates with my thoughts and wonders about my life and my place in the fashion/journalism industry. I've realized one thing; I am Ugly Betty. I have life goals, and I must let life's unexpectedness transform my paths but remain true to myself and my aspirations. Ugly Betty is coming to an end soon and I will miss it. Every single episode has made me shed a tear and I've watched each character grow into someone beautiful. Oh, and the styling is absolutely inspiring and to-die-for dahlings.

xoxo

What I've Been Up To

Books that rule my life right now.

It's no secret I've been slightly missing in action from the blogosphere. A recent conversation with my girl Christina from Candybox made me aware that I have been neglecting my blog. Truth be told, my life has been super busy; school + Star Intern status = exhaustion. March Madness doesn't only refer to basketball, but also college. It's midterm season and I have been so busy with my extra stuff that I've put my studies on the back burner and now I am backlogged on things I need to study and papers I need to write. Any other college kids feel my pain?

Spring break is next week and the school year is almost over. May be once things calm down, I'll figure out a normal blogging schedule...

Until then, follow me on Twitter!

xoxo

Jumping On The Clog Bandwagon w/ Jeffrey Campbell

I'm not really sure what makes a shoe a "clog." But if it includes a wooden heel, then I'm all for it--slightly. I guess you can say I already own a pair (See: Recent outfit post). I recently spotted a pair of Jeffrey Campbell platform wooden-heeled wedges that are next on my must buy list. What do you think?

xoxo

P.S. Thanks for featuring me on your site JC. I love you guys!!

Giambattista Valli is Red Hot!

Earlier this week, Giambattista Valli showcased his Fall 2010 collection. I'm in love. From the camel coat to the sheer red dress, I loved every single piece. I will say that this one was slightly different than his previous winter collections. There was something airy about it; the others were heavy on material. Needless to say, the one thing I have noticed is that Valli has a love for red. It's like he knew that I, who is arguably his number one fan, loves the color red. Red must be the staple color for a Valli girl! Oui ou non?

The proof is in the pictures:





Photo source: style.com

xoxo

My Problem With Dressing Like A Slob To Class

Photo courtesy: VSPink.com

The other day I overheard a conversation amongst students that made me scratch my head. I was at an unnamed office on campus at around 7PM filling out paperwork, with my back turned to the door. A girl who may have been wearing heels or something else flashy had walked passed the door. One of the Student Aides in the office looked at the girl who walked by, rolled her eyes, sucked her teeth and made the comment, "Some girls look like they wake up at 6AM to get dressed." This then sparked a conversation between two of the Student Aides in the office about getting dressed/ready for class. They all raved about how they take 10-20 minutes (???) to get ready. One said, "I usually wake up and just put on whatever is on the floor of my room." The other, who happened to be a girl, said, "It takes me 10 minutes to get ready. I don't have time in the morning to do all that extra stuff." They then went on to talk about how it's okay for college students to dress a little messy or slob-like to class...

Now. My problem here isn't so much that these students would rather get up as late as they can in the morning, throw on whatever piece of crap they please and rush to class. My problem is that they seemed to think less of the girl who decided to put a little more effort into her looks that day. What's wrong with caring about what you look like? Nothing. Just because you make the decision to put less time into your morning routine, doesn't make you a better person, nor does it make the girl a better person for putting in the effort. I was more annoyed that they thought it was okay and the "norm" for college students to look like a mess. I don't think it's okay for anyone to look like a slob. We all have our days where we decide to dress down and be a little more comfortable, but falling into the habit of not looking presentable is NOT okay in my book.

Personally, I don't wear sweats to class. Something my English cousin said to me once stuck in my head. When he came over to the United States for school, one of his first comments to me was "I don't understand you Americans and your collegiate sweats." And he's right. What is our big infatuation with wearing sweats and pajamas outside our homes? I used to do it as a teen, but now I see how gross it is. Let's face it, the way you present yourself, is the way people will perceive you.

If you choose to dress like a slob, fine. I won't judge. But if I choose to take the extra time to look cute, you don't judge either.

xoxo

Outfit Post: Barbie Pink Nails, Jeffrey Campbell & Jeggings

It was unusually warm in New York yesterday, but HEY, I'm not complaining! I was able to go outside in just my long gray sweater and cropped black satin jacket. And as promised, I said I'd be doing more outfit posts... when I have the time. It's midterm season and I took a break from studying, grabbed one of my best gal pals who's a photographer (she snapped this photo of me) and had a mini photo shoot. Oh, and did I mention I like jeans again? I know I ruled them off, but after going through two pairs of American Apparel leggings in 4 months, I decided it was time for me to suck it up, enter the denim trenches and find a good pair of jeans. In fact, I found FOUR great pair of jeans thanks to American Rag from Macy's. My dears, jeans aren't a lost cause! I also painted my nails Barbie Pink. I don't know the exact name of the color (it wasn't on the bottle?), but the pink nail polish is by POP Nail Glam and the glitter is from Nicole by OPI. I became obsessed with glittery nail polish over the summer. It's a growing addiction that I am proud of. I love working in an industry where my crazy nail color is appreciated!

WHAT I'M WEARING: My jacket and sweater are from H&M, my jeggings--yes, I said JEGGINGS--are from American Rag, my shoes are Jeffrey Campbell (<333!!!) and my sunglasses are Chanel.

Kicking it in the unusually warm weather!


Pulling up my jeggings!


Return of the jumping picture!


Woo! Super Secretista!


Super excited about my nails! Childhood is calling.


A closer look at the nails.


Jeffrey Campbell, Je t'adore.


Oh, it is love.

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard.

xoxo

No Laptop Charger = No Blogging

My laptop charger is broken. After dealing with one inaudible non-English speaking Dell Representative and then a super helpful one, my charger should be arriving very soon. Hold tight my lovelies, I'll be coming back with more posts than ever. WOO!

My Open Love Letter to ALDO Shoes

Trying to carry a third of my Aldo shoe collection.

It's no secret I am an Aldo Addict. I own at least 11 pairs (and counting) of Aldo shoes. From a mix of sky-high heels, to platform wedges, to flats and my favorite knee-high boots, I LOVE Aldo. I also own one of their handbags. Almost two years later, and I am still a devoted customer. One of the main reasons I love Aldo is that the shoe selection is always delectable and fashion forward. I can honestly say that I have never spotted someone else wearing one of my shoes. The prices are reasonable and they always have my size (I'm big-footed, remember?)!

My growing obsession with Aldo began in the Summer of 2008. Heading back to school and starting my first fashion internship, I wanted a pair of shoes that would make a statement. I headed to Aldo because one of my friends worked there and suggested I give it a shot. When I entered the store, I spotted the most incredible pair of platform wedges--aka Roadtown. It was the combination of comfort and chicness that made me pour over with love and adoration for my new purchase--springing my current addiction to wedges.

Impressed by my first Aldo buy, I decided to head back to the shoe haven for a new winter-ish boot. That's when I bought my over-the-knee leather boots (!!). Always ahead of the shoe curve, Aldo had me looking like I just walked off the runway with the soon-to-be boot trend.

At one point, I even started a website devoted to Aldo Addicts. I knew I had a serious addiction when I found myself typing "aldoshoes.com" into my browser before Facebook and Twitter. Yeah. I know. I'm sick.

And as I type this post, I can't stop thinking about the shoes I want to buy. Aldo just unleashed their Spring 2010 collection and there are so many pairs I want, that I can't decide which ones I want! Oh, life decisions...

So Aldo, I have three words for you: I LOVE YOU.

xoxo

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