Beautiful Places

My brother and my mom have amazing photography skills. I was convinced that I could develop them, so in my quest to be just like my older brother I took the same photography class that he did at our high school. I quickly learned that I have next to no artistic talent... I have since given up hope, and appreciate their great photos instead.

My parents went on another weekend road trip in New Mexico. They went to Bosque del Apache and Socorro, here are a few highlights from my mother:
Bosque del Apache

Snow geese at Bosque del Apache












This shot reminds me of the road I grew up on.












My brother took a motorcycle trip through Colorado and took some amazing pictures. He lives in Denver, where I used to live before I moved to DC for grad school. I miss it every day.

Isn't this shot amazing??

His bike and the mountains.

















The ski tracks in this shot just kill me. I miss skiing so much... Open mountain, untouched snow, it's bliss.

Sleepy Monday

I spent the weekend in New York visiting a friend from college. I had a fantastic time, ate too much food, stayed out too late, and caught up with old friends. I managed to get out without spending too much money too, always a plus. Downside: I forgot to take pictures.

Blazer: Banana Republic
Button Down: Ralph Lauren
Skirt: Old Nacy
Tights: Target
Boots: Frye

I can tell that I am getting older because recovery from a weekend like the one I had takes much longer than it used too. Class was a little rough today, my caffeine intake was unnatural. This skirt was insanely cheap from Old Navy. It is corduroy and has pockets. I haven't been to Old Navy in years, but my roommates went recently and got some great basics for less than $10 each, last time I was at the mall I stopped by. This jacket has great velvet patches on the elbows, it makes me feel a little professor-y.If you have never tried Poshe Super Fast Drying top coat you need to know. It is amazing. The product has a little thick after you have used it a while, but it dried so fast it makes DIY manicures much less of a hassle. When I went back to school, regular mani/pedis got cut from the budget, this is the next best option! I ordered this online last night because I ran out, can't wait till it gets here.

Photos that make me homesick

I am from New Mexico. It the most majestic, unique state in the union (in my humble opinion.) The views and endless, and the mixing of historic Mexican and Native American cultures makes it colorful, rich and delicious. I mean the food not the dirt. Although the dirt is red like the chili. My sweet parents still live in NM, and sent me some pictures from their weekend. They took a little road trip to Taos. I miss the fall at home, it smells like wood smoke and pinon nuts.

This is my mom trying to look rugged. I am actually quite impressed. (She is not the outdoorsy type. She is more likely to drink Earl Grey tea and read on the plaza at our house than hike anywhere.) Yes there are rivers in New Mexico, no it is not all cacti and dirt. That's Arizona.


The most beautiful churches in the world are in New Mexico. Rome has nothing on these. They are tough, forlorn, and dusty. They are made of wood and adobe with huge vigas in the ceilings holding up the towers. (A viga is a large circular wooden piece that runs across the ceiling, each about a foot apart for support. They are visible on the inside and make adobe structures feel very warm and earthy.)






A general store along the drive.

No trip with my mother would be complete without a least one activity involving wine. She is wearing the chicest drapey cardigan/wrap in this photo. Sorry it's so little!

The dried chilis hanging on this building are ristras. My mom picked one up for me at the Indian market and sent it to DC, I hung it in the kitchen. I think my roommates were a little confused by they obliged. :)









I love the wooden patios/porches. Just tell me somewhere is more beautiful than this. Actually don't, because I won't believe you.

School Days

Figuring out what to wear to class in grad school is a bigger challenge than one would think. I want to be sure to not look like an undergrad, but business casual is a little too much. General rules: No leggings as pants, nothing short/tight, no flip flops and hoodies are reserved for finals week.

Cardigan: Target

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Unknown

Tshirt: Madewell

Necklace: American Eagle

These jeans have a cute bow shape on the pockets, it's a nice girly touch for black denim.

I love this necklace. It was less than 20$ from American eagle, and it has a great fenton fallon feel.

Puddle Splashing

I hate rainy, humid, warm weather. I grew up in desert, and the nasty frizz inducing damp fall humidity (with high 70s temp) just drives me nuts. Here was my attempt to cope.

Sweater: Banana Republic

Button down: J Crew

Shorts: Anthropologie

Tights: Gap

Boots: Hunter

Watch: Target

I don't like wearing skirts with rain boots because I feel like the skirt is too formal, or trying to hard. Stuffing jeans into rain boots is too hot in this awful weather. Solution? Shorts and knit tights. I have actually never tried the tights with shorts thing before. I had no idea how comfortable it is! Plus I feel a little bit like a pre-schooler, which is always fun. It's not something I plan on rocking all the time, but I thought it worked alright with the high waisted dark denim.





I majorly struggled in my attempts to get a decent picture of this necklace. I got it from a jeweler in Boulder, it has a little pearl and a tiny heart with S's initials on it. It's a little cheesey, but I love it.

Fuzzy Wuzzy

AC had some old friends visiting Friday, AZ and I went to meet up with them after dinner for some drink at Local 16. There must be something I am missing about Local 16, I am just not a fan. Strangers are always talking to you (not in the fun, nice way, in the creepy, I'm talking too close to your face way) and it's always too busy. I did have one great night there, but that's because it was a friend's birthday. We quickly moved on to Wonderland, much more my pace. Vest-Fabulous Furs (Faux)

Shirt-Gap

Jeans-Banana Republic

Boots-Frye

Watch-Target

Necklace-Ross Simons

a) Yes, I cleaned my room the next day.

b) The vest is faux, I love animals too.

Everyone else was wearing dresses and heels, I just wasn't to in to wearing the expected that night. I did feel like I should have been carrying a shot gun or something though.

Closer up shot of the vest. Excuse the mess!

I love this watch. It was about 15$ from Target, and I wear it all the time. S has this awesome Gold Rolex that I want to steal, but it was a gift from his dad, so it's off-limits. The cheap-o Target version will have to sustain me.

The Best Place on Earth

I went to Denver for six days for my Fall break. I used to live there, and my boyfriend and brother still do. I absolutely love Denver and had a fantastic weekend.

I wore this out to dinner. I picked up the sweater from a consignment shop in Georgetown, Second Time Around. The gold sequins make me so happy! I love the idea of thrifting/consignment, there is something so romantic about breathing new life into forgotten clothes. Although in reality I don't have the patience, and the musty smell gets to me. Second Time Around is an exception, it has some great designers and you don't have to do too much digging.

Sweater-thrifted

Silk tank-Nordstrom

Jeans-James

Pumps-Zara

Bag-Foley and Corina

Ring-Rachel Roy

Every time I go "home" (aka Denver) S and I go to Stuebens. On the way home at the airport, I made him stop there so I get could one of their killing strawberry shakes. Stueben's is a modern take on traditional diner food. It is wonderfully updated and hip without being kitschy or too greasy.

They give you these awesomely vintage signs while you wait. Then you hear, "Kevin Bacon, party of 2?"

We went to brunch when I was feeling a bit... let's say sleepy. They fly in H&H bagels from NYC, and have fantastic lox. It's a great cure for whatever ales you, as is their banana bread french toast.

Sweater: Banana Republic

Dress: Asos

Boots: Frye

Headband: JCrew

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Purse: Cole Haan

(Still angry that Target made knock offs of these boots after I invested)

Glasses: Oliver People

Scarf: Ralph Lauren

Jacket: JCrew

Sweater: Zara

Button down: JCrew

Jeans: James

Boots: Frye

My friends from college, J and S, had a dinner party while I was in town. S made prosciutto wrapped chicken stuffed with goat cheese and figs and hand-made rosemary thyme pasta. J made tempura squash. My salad was very outdone by their culinary skill. Someone even made homemade baklava!

Now I am back in DC, back to the grindstone. I ran the Army ten miler this morning actually, it was a beautiful morning for a run!

Asos expands to the US and provides some scalloped greatness

I have loved the UK retailer ASOS for a while. My college roomate E introduced me to the website. It's afforadable on a college/grad school budget, and you don't have to worry that you will see everyone else in it. It's less trendy than top shop (plus no Kate Moss, I can't stand her) and better quality than Mango. Although the weird UK sizing is really problematic when you have to pay astronomical shipping, so I was thrilled to hear in Lucky that they have opened a US website! My suggestion: size up.

Browsing the website,

I found the great light scalloped pieces. I love the femine prep vibe mixed with a little scale vibe, like Marion Cotillard's Oscar dress. (Or Blair Waldorf in that Marc Jacobs number on GG.)

I might grab one as a last nod to summer before I disappear into sweaters and boots.

Finals Time

It is the end of the semester here in MBA-land. This means no sleep, horrible diet, worse clothes, and so much stress that I thank I have morphed into a whole new person. A not very nice one. S took a picture of me studying, and made this with it. Kinda cool huh? I am wearing all his clothes, got to be comfortable! I promise I will really update the blog when I am not longer overwhelmed with finals.

Back to my Kentucky Roots

The National Association of Women MBA's had their annual conference this past week in Louisville, KY. My dad is from Kentucky, so I welcomed the opportunity to visit. I forgot to take any outfit pics, although I was wearing a black pants or skirt suit with a button down and pearls all weekend, hardly post-worthy.

I did find some amazing gems in Louisville. If you have images of rednecks and tiny town, you should visit. Louisville has amazing food, not just BBQ, just upscale modern takes on American and Italian that are fit for any east coast city. After stepping out of of our hotel, we immediately met a kind man who a) gave us the complete history of the city, as well as neighborhood descriptions b) invited us to dinner and insisted that his wife is an amazing cook c) tried to set up my friend with his cute son. Great city! Here were a few of my favorite things:

HillBilly Tea. Local, delicious, and fantastic pastries, food and tea.

I realize this tea looks like anti-freeze, but it is Macha, a Chinese Green tea. Very refreshing, and served with just the right amount of sugar. You have to love the mason jar, and the plate that looks like it is my grandmother's.

Lynn's Paradise Cafe This photo of the inside barely does it justice, it looks like a pastel garage sale. The food was authentic, delicous, and the only place I could find a "hot brown". My dad grew up on this open face turkey sandwich with gravy.

We started with fried green tomatoes (served with a sauce of just the right spiciness) and Jambalya as my entree. It was delicious! Although, if you are a purest, stear clear. It not the traditional stew, but fantastic all the same. The sausage was just a bit sweet, which added great flavor. I do not think it is physically possible to finish this whole plate, so if you go, share.

And of course, wash it down with some great beer.

Look at that Friggin Hipster

On me:

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Jumper: Nordstrom (not sure what brand)

Tank: American Apparell

Sunglasses: H&M

Vest: Mango

My roommates and I have an affinity for theme parties. It might be our sorority past. This is the four of us dressed up for our hipster party! (We look ridiculous when we try not to smile, because of course, hipsters don't smile.)

Everyone had a really good time. Here is a picture of all the girls (plus S) in our living room. We bought PBR and Natty Bo and hit up the Red Derby and Wonderland. I have some pretty fun friends!

I am headed to Kentucky this weekend for the National Women's MBA conference, so I will be posting some professional attire. Stark contrast from the fedora and jumper.

J wins for best T-shirt!

Feeling Fancy

As I mentioned in my last post, I went to a black tie event tonight. It was at the Four Seasons Georgetown, it was a fundraising event for Second Chance Employment. This non-profit does some absolutely phenomenal work, check it out: http://www.scesnet.org/ It's great to work for a company that is commitment to non-profts such as this one.

Dress: BCBG

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Kate Spade

I realize that this outfit isn't particularly exciting. When I am dressing for something where my boss is there, the first thing in my mind is appropriateness. Doesn't make for particularly stylish outfits, but I think it's very important to be conservative at the right times.

This is the jewelry I wore. In my house, it's a tradition for a girl to get her first strand of real pearls on her 18th birthday. The ring was my mother's. She never wore it and I love it, so she surprised my on my 21st birthday by having it re-sized and gave it to me. My mom loaned the earrings to me for my debutant ball, and I just never gave them back. Basically, my mom gives the best gifts ever.

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Today was not my day. Fortunately I have great friends, a boyfriend who listens to me forever, and a very kind and forgiving manager.

This picture is a result of me being a rush, I'm sorry I will find a better place to take pictures. The weather was 90 degrees in DC today, but our classrooms hover slightly above freezing. Makes dressing difficult, and a little schizophrenic.

Scarf: JCrew

Dress: JCrew

Belt: Target

Jacket: Anthropologie

I made an attempt to get a more up close picture. The necklace has my name on it, it's the same style as the one that SJP wore on Sex and the City that said 'Carrie'. I feel like the S&tC hysteria is over enough that I can wear it again. (In my defense, my mom bought this for me when I was a kid, way before SJP was anyone besides the gawky girl on Footloose.)

I bought these shoes last week and I have been wearing them non-stop. The are super comfortable, and not the ballet flats that everyone has been wearing (including me) for the past five years that I am sick of. Plus, I can't wear flip flops to class (I'm not an undergrad...) so these are a great alternative. They are just Steve Madden, nothing fancy, but I love them.

My manager invited me to a black tie fundraiser event tomorrow night! It's at the Four Season's in Georgetown, I can't wait! I'll post the outfit tomorrow.

New York, this is what dreams are made of...

I have an embarrassing statement to make. Up until last week, I had never really been to New York. I went for work, but pretty much only saw the inside of offices, ate bland catered food, and almost got run over by a million cabs. I also went as a child, but remember little besides the statue of liberty.

My mother and I went to New York last weekend for a girls weekend. It was fantastic. I love really inspired food. I used to work at a restaurant with a top chef winner (he is also from New Mexico, major points if you know who I mean) and that spurred a life long appreciation for quality and love in food. We went to Esca for dinner the first night. I will admit, I was skeptical. I assumed that any celebrity chef would be overrated, but it was wonderful. The food was delightfully simplistic, so that the quality of the ingredients was apparent.

Dress: Cynthia Steffe

Jacket: French Connection

Necklace: Max and Chloe

Shoes: Donald Pliner

A friend, who is also a native New Yorker and food lover, recommended Balthazar's. Their roast lamb sandwich was amazing. The tables are tiny, getting in and out is extremely awkward, but it was worth it. We were seated immediately without a reservation which apparently is a rarity. The cafe around the corner is great for pastries, soups, salads and coffee without all the to-do.

The next day I took a long run in Central Park (got a little lost) and we went to the Frick. I have one recommendation if you are going to New York, VISIT THE FRICK. Henry Clay Frick was an industrialist from Pittsburgh (where my mother hails from, she is in this picture). He built his mansion, which sits one block north of Central Park, with the intention of it serving as an art gallery. It was the epitome of calm and beauty in a dirty over-populated city. It was exactly what I needed to escape being overwhelmed by the city.

The Frick boasts Velasquez, Turner and many other great artists. (Velasquez is a personal favorite, I visited Las Meninas in the Prado at least weekly when I lived in Madrid.)

Tickets are 5$ for students with ID, another perk.

Wandering around the upper east side and 5th ave.

Top: Velvet for Uniqlo

Jeans: James

Bag: Cole Haan

Shoes: Steve Madden

Studying in Bryant Park

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Blazer: Zara

Tshirt: Madewell

Belt: Hand me down from Mom

Skirt: Jcrew
Bag: Cole Haan

Shoes: Steve Madden

I grew up around horses, seeing them daily. Although for some reason, when I saw one in NYC, I got excited and needed a picture!

We also went to BD Bistro for dinner then Jersey Boys. I got to meet my childhood friend's fiance, he is in the show! It was great, very lively.

I will definitely be returning to New York this year, especially now that my friend R has moved back to the city!

She has an amazing blog: http://loveatfirstshop.blogspot.com/