Graffiti Appreciation

Hello, everyone! As I've mentioned in my last post, I'm currently in New York to take some college classes. I'm absolutely in love with this city because of the fast-paced urban vibe.

One of the things I love most about the city is its art community. I get so inspired by all the creativity in one city alone. Whenever I walk around, there's always an example of art in the streets. I particularly love seeing graffiti. It's a great way for artists to permanently leave their mark in the city.

Naturally, I couldn't help but take pictures of all this cool graffiti. Enjoy this photo dump of street art by talented New Yorkians.

All of these photos were either from Queens or Brooklyn.

That's all for this post! How do YOU feel about graffiti?

SoHo Haul

Hello, everyone! Today I'm writing to you from New York because I'm staying here for a couple weeks to take some college classes.

Anywho, I spent my afternoon having a shopping spree in SoHo! It's a great place with tons of designer stores. I had trouble NOT spending money; I wanted to buy everything! This isn't that big of a haul since I wasn't really looking to splurge.

Let me share what I bought (because we're obviously friends, and that's what friends do!).

 Forever 21: I got this cute overall skirt for $19.50 and some socks for $5.

French Connection: This was my first purchase from here! I got this short-sleeved flannel.

Lesportsac: I got this little make up kit on sale for $28

Victoria's Secret: Now for some unmentionables! I got these 5 panties for $26.

That's all for this post! Stay tuned because there will definitely be more hauls coming soon!

An Ode to the Beach

Today, I visited one of my favorite places in the world: the beach! It's one of the best aspects of living in California. I'm really going to miss it when I move back east!

There's something about watching waves crash and pull back that I find so therapeutic. I love seeing the sun shining brightly in the midst of a perfectly clear blue sky. The sound of the water, the salty smell in the air, the feeling of warm sand under my toes... It's enchanting.

"How much virtue there is in simply seeing!"

There's also nothing like reading on the beach. It's such a calming experience. Currently, I'm reading Mr. Emerson's Wife by Amy Belding Brown. I just got to the Transcendentalist chapters, and they were so appropriate for where I was that day!

This photo basically sums up my feelings about the beach.

And, last but not least, some outfit snaps!

 

 

Hat: Reflection

Shirt: Zara

Shorts: Vintage

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Do you enjoy the beach as much as I do? Tell me your favorite beaches!

Petal Perfection

Greetings, all!

Today, I wanted to share my favorite piece from my portfolio so far: a white tulle dress with hand-sewn artificial flowers. The under pieces are a bandeau and pencil skirt made out of white polyester.

I was so excited while making this garment that I finished it in a day! It's a labor of love. The beautiful model you see here is my friend Sarah! I did her hair and rainbow-colored makeup.

To see more of my upcoming and current pieces, follow my portfolio on Tumblr!

Hope you enjoyed my self-promotion.

July Lifestyle Challenge

This summer's going by so quickly for me! Is anyone else feeling the same way? Slow down, Father Time!

Anyways, today I want to revisit why I started writing these Lifestyle Challenges. I'm working on changing myself in effort to be the best person I can be, and I want others to do the same! Basically, these challenges are monthly things we can do to learn to love ourselves. Overall, I'd like to be confident, at peace with myself, and I want to learn to be really happy to be alive.

Most self-help books will tell you that one of the key points in achieving happiness is carpe diem: live for today, Viva la Vida, etc. Essentially, we cannot postpone or put off happiness. Have you ever found yourself saying "I'll be happy when (insert event here)"? I used to do that as well, but we have to try to be happy now. To quote an Incubus album: if not now, when?

That being said, this month's lifestyle challenge is:

      list your favorite things about yourself.

It doesn't have to be long. Even if you don't believe it, write it anyway! Maybe people see something in you that you don't see yourself; write it down. If you don't think you're a good artist, or a nice friend, or a smart student now, here's to the hopes that you will soon! 

You can also make a list of positive adjectives that describe you (or adjectives that you'd like to describe you). Take a moment and appreciate yourself, even if it's only for one day this month. 

To anyone reading this, know that I believe in you. You deserve to love yourself.

New Blog URL!

Hello, and good morning to those of you on the west coast!

I just wanted to make a quick update: my blog URL has changed from aesthetic-inclinations to aesthetricia. It's a mix of one of my favorite words and my first name. The old URL was a bit long, no?

My blog layout has been revamped as well. Have a looksie!

The Fashion Tag!

Well today I'm doing something a little different: the Fashion Tag, which I got the idea from on Anna Saccone's blog. It's basically a bunch of fashion-related questions that I'm going to answer because I have nothing better to do for your reading enjoyment. :)

1. How would you describe your style?

     An era-hopping ball-jointed doll gone wrong; my style is fashion lived as an art medium. Is that pretentious enough?

2. What are your wardrobe staples?

     Necklaces, black combat boots, and black dresses.

3. Most expensive item in your closet?

     My latest pair of Doc Martens, which set me back $90. Well worth it, and cheap for Doc Martens!

4. Most wanted item?

     Oh gosh, I have to narrow it down to just one? Well, probably anything from Christian Dior's 1960s line of dresses!

5. Favorite designer?

     Besides myself, Vivienne Westwood, definitely! She's my queen!

6. How much do you spend on clothes?

     Depends on the item, really. Most of my clothes are around $20 apiece, nothing too grandiloquent. Some of my more ~glamorous~ pieces run for $60+ but for the most part, I frequent thrift stores and department store discounts. I'm always hunting for a good bargain, and many of my clothes are handmade, of course!

7. What are your favourite places to shop?

     Vintage markets and thrift stores are my temples. I also like Forever 21, H&M, and stores like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. 

8. Favourite fragrance?

     I'm nothing without my Fame by Lady Gaga and Honey by Marc Jacobs. 

9. What's your favourite way to do your hair?

     Comme ça--I sleep in tight braids, and once I loosen my hair, it looks like this frizzy mess that I adore!

10. What is your go-to outfit when you have no idea what to wear?

     This is my go-to lazy dress, which I pair with a kimono/cardigan/jacket and boots.

11. One fashion trend you wish would come back or stay?

     Circle dresses/skirts! I don't mean those tiny jersey ones, I'm talking the huge ones worn during the 50s with layers and layers of petticoats. These changed my life, seriously. 

12. Show us your most prized possession in your wardrobe.

     Aside from the pieces that I've made, these babies are my everything. Take a second to bask in their glory. Thank you, Jeffrey Campbell.

13. Tag some people.

    I tag all of you reading right now! Go do this tag, go go go!

Well, this was fun. I think I'll do more of these when I find more!