Deconstruct the Girl

I Want Everything

2013-03-20T11:46:00.001-07:00

“I am awfully greedy; I want everything from life. I want to be a woman and to be a man, to have many friends and to have loneliness, to work much and write good books, to travel and enjoy myself, to be selfish and to be unselfish… You see, it is difficult to get all which I want. And then when I do not succeed I get mad with anger.”
― Simone de Beauvoir

Spring Scarves

2013-03-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again ... where we are ready to put our heavy coats back into the closet and retire the black and grey. I can't wait for spring to arrive, can't wait to try out new spring trends, styles, and colors. But while I'm excited for the weather change, I must say that I still want to cling to my light layers. That's where the perfect spring scarf comes into play - the definitive transitional accessory to go from winter to spring.

Here are a few other scarves that caught my eye:

image via Zuuzstyle

image via Scarves

image via Radar to the Scene

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Three Ways to Style Spring Scarves from Tadashi Shoji:

image via Tadashi Shoji

Waiting to Fill in the Gaps ...

2013-03-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

“It's no good trying to get rid of your own aloneness. You've got to stick to it all your life. Only at times, at times, the gap will be filled in. At times! But you have to wait for the times. Accept your own aloneness and stick to it, all your life. And then accept the times when the gap is filled in, when they come. But they've got to come. You can't force them.”

― D.H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterley's Lover

.......

Lately I have been plagued with little bouts of loneliness. They creep up on me and then pounce ... I never see them coming but all of a sudden I feel this heaviness come over me, attach to my insides, with a persistence that makes me think this extra weight will never relinquish itself. I know that everyone goes through periods of feeling alone - it seems to be symptomatic of being in your late twenties that you will feel lonely and unsteady as people come in and out of your life and your direction, your identity, seems to waver. I miss people all the time, even people that I see or surround me - miss the ease with which I can relate and miss the people that we once were and long for the adjustment to the people we are becoming.

Sometimes I try to force away this loneliness - use all my being to push it away - distract myself and divert my attention away from that cumbersome feeling of lonesomeness that flows through my body. But it's difficult - ever ever the persistent pest. Sneaky furtive feeling that needs to remain with me as I go about figuring out my life's destination - who I want to be, what I want to be, and who I want to be with. "It's no good trying to get rid of your own aloneness." It doesn't work that way - life doesn't work that way. "Accept your own aloneness ... and then accept the times when the gap is filled in."

"But they've got to come. You can't force them."

Currently waiting faithfully and patiently for the gaps to be filled in ...

Until then I will be dancing to Robyn's "Dancing on My Own" :)

Long & Lean Like a Ballerina

2013-03-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

I am so excited that spring is just around the corner, and with it beautiful weather and sunshine. Before we know it summer will be peeking its head out of the clouds, and bringing with it bathing suit weather. That perhaps I'm not ready for hehe!

To get spring and summer ready though I have been looking to vary my work-outs and focus on exercises that can transform my body into long, lean lines. That's why when I saw this video over at FitSugar, for tightening and toning with Ballet Moves, I thought I must share it on the blog!

This workout is so much for fun than traditional exercise routines, and ballet moves such as "pile, relieve, and arabesque, tone the legs and work the core." The most important thing stressed is posture ... something I definitely have to work on. The best part about this routine is that it is easily accessible and can be done almost anywhere. "Create your own ballet barre at home with a chair, press play, and get ready to bring out your inner ballerina."

I hope you enjoy this workout as much as I did!

Tighten and Tone with these Five Ballet Moves from FitSugar:

What are some workouts that are getting you into shape for spring/summer?

Knits for Springs

2013-03-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Excited to wear colorful light knitwear for spring! Below are some of my favorite looks ... hope you enjoy my selections!

image via Everwanting

image via Styled by Laura

image via We Love It

image via Goodnight, Day

image via ASOS

Row 1: RyuRyu loose top, Monki, Great plain, Rag bone print top, Juicy Couture long sleeve top
Row 2: VILA knit shirt, Topshop knit shirt, River Island backless sweater, Calypso st barth, IRO sleeveless tank top
Row 3: Mark Fast pin skirt, M Missoni scoop neck dress, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti three quarter sleeve dress, Alberta Ferretti winter white dress

C-C-Changes ...

2013-03-09T09:31:00.002-08:00

“What if you could pick one day of your life, and everything would stop changing, every day would be similar and comparable to that one day, you'd always have the same people with you? If you could do that, would you do it? Would you pick that day and make that choice?

We crave for things to stop changing, we wish that things would never change. But if we got what we wanted, there are so many things that are better, that we would never, ever know about. Sure, things would stay the same as that one wonderful day, but then there would be nothing else out there, ever.

So can you remember the very first day when everything really did begin to change? Is there a thing that can remind you? Mine is a blue rose, and that's when everything began to change because that's the day I began to believe in things I never believed in before; the day I found three blue roses. Think about your first day of change, can you remember all the new heights you've soared since that day? All the new people? All the better things and times? Would you throw all of that time away?

I wouldn't. Instead, I want to finally accept all the things that I couldn't change, which led to me being right here, right now. Maybe we all carry around inside us one day we wish we could keep forever, something we wished never did change. It's time to let go of that day, and soar.”

― C. JoyBell

.......

I really love this passage by C. Joy Bell. I find myself sometimes wishing that time would stop - halt - and move more slowly, as I am hesitant about the ever pervasive changes that have been sweeping into my life. But it's nice having a passage like this to remind myself that as scary as change can be, as great as a period of time in your life can be, there has to be a remnant of understanding that change can bring its own excitement - soaring of new heights. Without such change, you remain stagnant, comfortable perhaps. But sometimes it's good to be uncomfortable - sometimes being uncomfortable allows you to find yourself. It's interesting the choice Joy Bell chose of invoking the image of a "blue rose." In history and literature a blue rose was the symbol of love and prosperity to those who seek it.

So here's to me seeking my own blue roses, heres to acceptance and letting go of not only previous times of remorse but perhaps also past times of joy that have been held too close to heart.

Heres to allowing my remorse and joy shape me in the present, but not hinder me in moving forward into my future.

Heres to change, to soaring to new heights!

Bring on Spring: Ruffles, Ruffles Everywhere

2013-03-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

I cannot emphasize enough how much I'm over winter and can't wait for spring - can't wait to put away my winter coat and sweaters and embrace some cute trench coats and a softer color palette.

One trend that I'm looking forward to embracing as spring moves in is tiers of feminine ruffles. This can be such a romantic look that can make any outfit transform from ordinary to extraordinary.

A great wear to wear this look is to have a dramatic ruffled top paired with streamlined trousers - the contrast of volume and clean lines provides the perfect silhouette. Or opt for a more expressive look with a ruffled dress that will add movement and flow to your attire. And if you feel that ruffles are too girly, create a more edgy look by pairing a ruffled skirt with your favorite leather jacket and a basic t-shirt.

Below are some of my favorite ruffled looks for spring. Hope you enjoy my selections!

image via pose/posh/post

image via stylebakery

Row 1: Emilio Pucci blouse, Blue top, Alexander McQueen ruffle blouse, Ruffle top, Sea New York pink top, Sleeveless top

Row 2: Preen cut out dress, Prabal Gurung layered dress, Miu Miu keyhole dress, Notte by Marchesa ruffle dress, Oasis ruffle dress, Chloé flared dress
Row 3: Nicholas Kirkwood suede shoes, Oscar de la Renta slingback shoes, Mix No. 6 bootie heels, Nine West peep toe shoes, Dsquared ankle wrap sandals, Hailey Jeans Co. stiletto high heels

What are some trends you are looking forward to for spring?

Reunion. What!

2013-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Every parting gives a foretaste of death, every reunion a hint of the resurrection.
- Arthur Schopenhauer

This past week I was fortunate enough to go with Keiko to the Desaparecidos reunion concert at Webster Hall. It is amazing to me that it has been over 10 years since their album Read Music/Speak Spanish came out.

I remember how much I loved that album back in the day. It was one of those records that I could have on repeat... listen to over and over again, rocking out my angst until I wore out my cd. And then, as quickly as they came into existence was as quick as their departure. Conor Oberst focused much more on Bright Eyes, leaving Desaparecidos to disperse as a group.

And as with all music I reminisce listening to from my past adolescent self, my Desaparecidos album began to fade into the background of my musical rotation, leaving space for some new music that would attach to other novel experiences. And with my crush on Conor Oberst dissipating and my anger towards the establishment lessening, like their cd a part of me faded into the background as well.

But this past Tuesday night at the reunion concert, the 19 year old me would have looked on proudly with a smile. There definitely was a resurrection of sorts ... a piece of me that had been hidden for so long as I play this role of adult came back to the surface. And once again I was reveling in a mosh pit, jumping up and down to Desaparecidos, trying to make eye contact with Conor. Once again I was lighthearted and careless - free - as my head bounced to the music and my lips sputtered out song lyrics.

I needed this concert ... more than I could have ever realized. It's true what they say "every parting gives a foretaste of death, every reunion a hint of resurrection." And a part of me had been laying dormant, just waiting to be reignited (if only for a night).

Our Hearts Yearn Backwards ....

2013-02-28T15:53:00.003-08:00

“Our hearts yearn backwards. We long to be found, hoping our searchers have not given up and gone home. Do not follow me! Let's just be fabulously where we are and who we are. You be you and I'll be me, today and today and today, and let's trust the future to tommorrow. Let the stars keep track of us. Let us ride our own orbits and trust that they will meet. May our reunion be not a finding but a sweet collision of destinies!”

-Jerry Spinelli, Love, Stargirl

Oscar Fashion: Charlize to Perfection

2013-02-24T18:12:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love watching the Academy Awards. As a movie buff, I enjoy seeing stars who win for the most prolific films of the year. But alas, my favorite part as I have said before is the fashion. This year I enjoyed many of the dresses that came down the red carpet. But to me Charlize Theron in a white, clean Dior which a peplum at the waist and cutout "v" near the chest was pure perfection. She had minimal accessories and toned down natural makeup, which kept her look fresh and youthful. Below is my interpretation of Charlize's look for work and play outside of the red carpet. I hope you enjoy what I have put together!

Outfit #1: Cut it Out Peplum White, Farhi By Nicole Farhi wide leg pants, Stella McCartney platform high heels
Outfit #2: Motel cotton shirt, High waisted pencil skirt, Juicy couture jewelry. Dorothy Perkins stretch bracelet, Oscar de la Renta bootie heels
Outfit #3: Alessandra Rich floor length dress, Clear earrings, KORS Michael Kors high heel,
Outfit #4: Alexander McQueen peplum jacket, Nina sparkle jewelry, BCBG Max Azria summer sandals

But it wouldn't be awards season with out some runners up. I loved the three looks below by Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watt, and Jennifer Lawrence. I thought these ladies all looked lovely!

Who wore some of your favorite Oscar fashion?

Here's to the Crazy Ones ...

2013-02-20T10:39:00.002-08:00

I Want Adventure

2013-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

....

Every now and then I still get dreams about the day of my college graduation. The whole day was so surreal, and I can't believe how long ago it was at this point in time. Once you get out of college it just seems that time moves so fast, without recourse or thought for whether or not you are ready for the passage of time. I remember thinking on that day of graduation how I was on the brink of something new and great ... my life. How I had all these wonderful collections of memories that had somehow turned me into this young adult and would guide me seamlessly into the next phase of my life. But I also remember thinking, take this in - time please don't move by too fast ... I have so much that I still want to do, experience, and give.

Funny enough Sean Penn was at my graduation filming scenes at Emory for his movie Into the Wild - a story about an Emory graduate who tragically died while seeking out adventure on the open road. I remember getting a constant stream of text messages asking if I saw Sean Penn ... excited by the prospect of seeing such an amazing talent on my campus (at my GRADUATION!). Gosh, I had so many thoughts floating through my head on that day - mainly heartbreak at such a pivotal point in my life ending combine with frenzy of excitement that there was something new and different approaching. I made a promise to myself that day, a promise that I would really get myself out there in this big old world - exposed myself to all different kinds of things and people and places and advance myself through those experiences. I wanted to make every year, month, day different and distinct. Laugh, cry, smile, and scare - the whole garment of emotions - for I would have really seen and experienced things that would make me feel all of that.

Unfortunately, as I reflect back on that promise every now and then I feel as though I have somehow let myself down. But maybe that is just life being an adult - monotony and security moving in against the tailwinds of possibility and risk. I felt it as it was happening too, a closing off, a lack of openness that I remember having on that day of graduation. And I want it back, so badly do I want it back! I'm determined to have it back. Because really are you ever too old for adventure - for taking some chances, a little uncertainty, a new gamble? For after all "the very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure."

FitSugar's 10-Minute Supermodel Butt Sculpting Workout:

2013-02-12T15:32:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been extremely busy both professionally and socially. Not that that is a bad thing, I actually prefer when I'm busy (feel like I get more accomplished). However, when I'm busy it always takes a toll on my gym and exercise time. That's why I always like short and sweet exercise routines that in the long run add up and make a big difference, but are not very intrusive so that I can wake up in the morning and do an exercise set.

Below is a great 10-minute workout that I found at FitSugar to tone your "derrière" so to speak hehe. This exercise routine utilizes a resistance band to wrap around your thighs, however if you don't have a band the set will still work your butt without the additional resistance.

10-Minute Supermodel Butt Sculpting Workout:

What are some ways you get in a quick workout?

Get Janelle Monae's Grammy Look!

2013-02-11T07:27:00.002-08:00

Like any other awards ceremony, watching the Grammys for me was all about the fashion. I especially love Grammy fashion because it is more outrageous and showcases the artists personalities more than other shows. One of my favorite looks of the night was that of Janelle Monae.

I loved her embellished tuxedo look, with the blazer having a gold brocade pattern. She adds feminine touches with a high open toe pump and black and gold clutch. Below is my interpretation of Janelle Monae's Grammy look. Hope you enjoy it!

Row 1: Topshop, Topshop, Maison martin margiela

Row 2: Rag bone tux jacket, A l c, Alexander mcqueen

Row 3: Ileana makri, Alexander mcqueen, Pelle Moda strappy heels

Saturday Words of Wisdom

2013-02-09T14:00:00.002-08:00

Happy Saturday!

9 to 5 Chic: Shirt + Blazer + Trousers

2013-02-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

image via Zara

image via The Terrier and the Lobster

image via Honey Kennedy

image via Zara

image via Because I'm Addicted

image via The Terrier and the Lobster

Beauty Tip of the Day

2013-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Pea Party Dance Party

2013-02-01T09:34:00.003-08:00

I found the artist Rose Blake through one of my favorite blogs, Miss Moss. I love the whimsy of Blake's artwork. But the best part of her artistic venture is that with each painting she creates, she matches it with an accompanying music playlist. One of my favorite pairings from her sight is her painting "Pea Party" below. Not only is the painting adorable but the playlist that goes with it is great. You can find the artists from the playlist and the link to the playlist on spottily below. Hope you enjoy this post as you are going into your weekend. Check out other Rose Blake pieces!

Happy Friday :)

FIFTEEN

The Beach Boys- Keep An Eye On Summer, Prefab Sprout- The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Matumbi- After Tonight, Darondo- Didn’t I, The Jam- Saturday’s Kids, Lee Dorsey- Sneaking Sally Through The Alley, Rod Stewart- Mandolin Wind, The Psychedelic Furs- Pretty In Pink, Scritti Politti- Asylums In Jerusalem, Friends- Mind Control, Faces- Debris, Haircut 100- Favorite Shirts, Pretenders- Don’t Get Me Wrong, Ambitious Lovers- Copy Me, Stevie Wonder- You Haven’t Done Nothing, Ronnie Lane- Harvest Home, Nick Lowe- What’s Shakin’ On The Hill, The Clash- Bankrobber, The Beach Boys- With Me Tonight

Jump Rope Work-Out

2013-01-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have fallen into the winter blues a little bit and neglected my normal exercise routine. Even purchasing a gym membership has not gotten me back on track the way I should be. However, I love when I can find really challenging and exerting work-outs that take up a minimal amount of time in your day.

As schedules get really busy and the weather remains cool, exercise sometimes ends up taking the back seat. That's why I love this 20 minute jump rope exercise routine I found over at Shape Magazine. I love the idea of incorporating a jump rope into my exercise - it shakes things up and makes it a little more fun. Also, "jumping rope burns more than 10 calories a minute while strengthening your legs, butt, shoulders, and arms. And it doesn’t take long to reap major rewards. You can burn more than 200 calories in two, 10-minute sessions each day." I love having a work-out that makes such an impact with a minimal time commitment. This is definitely my new morning workout!

Shape Magazine's 20 Minute Jump Rope Work-Out Plan:

5 minutes: double-leg jumps

Jump continuously at a steady pace. Keep shoulder blades down and back, chest lifted, and jump softly. Swing the jump rope with wrists, not arms.

45 seconds: plank

Bring elbows directly under shoulders, nose directly over thumbs and feet shoulder width apart. Draw belly button up and in. Keep legs engaged the entire time. Take deep breaths.

2 minutes: single-leg jumps

Jump continuously on one leg for 30 seconds. Switch to other leg for 30 seconds. Repeat one more time, 30 seconds each leg. Keep leg that is lifted in front of leg that is jumping. Try to switch feet without stopping.

2 minutes: double-leg jumps

Jump continuously as fast as possible. Make sure feet are not pounding on the ground and chest stays lifted.

45 seconds: opposite arm/leg extensions

Come onto hands and knees with wrists directly under shoulders and knees under hips. Extend left leg only up to hip height as you extend right arm up next to your ear. Come back to center and switch side. Lift right leg up only to hip height as you lift left arm up next to your ear. Come back to center and continue to alternate for 45 seconds. Make sure to keep core engaged and shoulders down and back the entire time.

Repeat the entire circuit one more time (2x total).

SAG Awards Pink

2013-01-28T07:15:00.002-08:00

Frazer Harrison, Dmitrious Kambouris/Getty Images; Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

I love awards season ... for the FASHION! Watching the Screen Actors Guild awards last night, I was not too impressed in many of the fashion choices the nominees made. However, a trend that I did really like from last night's red carpet was the assortment of pink and fuchsia gowns. They were striking and feminine, having an alluring appeal that catches the eye.

They brought a little bit of spring into this grey winter weather. I hope to incorporate some bright charismatic pink into my winter wardrobe, and carry that into the spring with me.

What are some trends that you want to incorporate into winter and bring into spring?

The Rest Is Just The Madness Of Art ... Happy Friday!

2013-01-25T13:23:00.004-08:00

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Right Wrong Person

2013-01-17T10:55:00.004-08:00

image via Marc and Angel Hack Life

“We’re all seeking that special person who is right for us. But if you’ve been through enough relationships, you begin to suspect there’s no right person, just different flavors of wrong. Why is this? Because you yourself are wrong in some way, and you seek out partners who are wrong in some complementary way. But it takes a lot of living to grow fully into your own wrongness. And it isn’t until you finally run up against your deepest demons, your unsolvable problems—the ones that make you truly who you are—that we’re ready to find a lifelong mate. Only then do you finally know what you’re looking for. You’re looking for the wrong person. But not just any wrong person: the right wrong person—someone you lovingly gaze upon and think, “This is the problem I want to have.”

I will find that special person who is wrong for me in just the right way. Let our scars fall in love.”

― Galway Kinnell

Obstacles ....

2013-01-16T16:02:00.002-08:00

Golden Globes Outfits Reinterpreted for Work and Play

2013-01-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the Golden Globes Awards Ceremony, and I was thinking to myself that I can't believe awards season is upon us once again. I'm a huge film and TV person, so I like to watch the awards to see if my picks in each category win. But lets be real - the most important thing for me with awards season is the FASHION!

This year I really enjoy a lot of the fashion choices that were on display. I felt that people took risks, and even the ones that played it safe really styled their looks well.

My two favorite looks of the night probably aren't the ones most people would choose. I really loved the soft retro look of Sienna Miller in Erdem. She is getting some flack for her choice, but to me she was 1960's modern perfection with natural makeup and slicked back hair that complimented the feminine floral appliqué details of her outfit. The second look that I really enjoyed was Nicole Kidman's gold and black Alexander McQueen dress. The structure and regal nature of the dress really suited her stature. I thought it would be fun to reinterpret these two globes looks in a more real world, approachable, and functional way. So here are my interpretations that can give off the effect of each actress's formal look but would be suitable for work or a weekend out.

Outfit #1: Metallic top, ruched patches floral print pants, A2 by Aerosoles strappy shoes
Outfit #2: Lela Rose knit top, Forever new, ASOS platform high heels
Outfit#3: Coast glamorous dress, Mollini flower shoes
Outfit #4: Florales Spitzentop Nude, BCBG Max Azria flower jewelry, Chloé elastic waist skirt, Mollini floral print shoes

Outfit #1: Dorothy Perkins striped sweater, Witchery slim pants, Black heeled booties

Outfit #2: Miss Selfridge lace camisole top, Quiz pvc pants, Tory burch shoes

Outfit#3: Altuzarra, Myla, Topshop, Marni platform heels

Outfit#4: True Decadence peplum dress, Giuseppe Zanotti lace peep toe booties

Art Deco Fashion

2013-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

I keep watching the trailer for the new Great Gatsby movie that is coming out, and all that I can think about when I watch it is how much I love the art deco fashion of the time period.

Geometric lines, abstract shapes, and exotic design elements encompass the art deco movement of the 1930s. Such design details are being wonderfully brought back to life with a more modern interpretation as designers are getting inspired from everything from art to architecture.

Below are some of my favorite "art deco" pieces. I hope you enjoy my choices!

Row 1:Biba, True Decadence art deco dress, Biba knee length dress, A Wear black mini skirt, 100 Party dresses under 100 1920s flapper girl, Chan Luu embellished top
Row 2: Poupée Couture red handbag, Topshop, Enamel earrings, Vince Camuto art deco earrings, GUESS by Marciano metal belt, Mimco, Hair accessory, flapper headdress, Chesca black shawl, Onyx necklace
Row 3: Triangle earrings, Art deco earrings, Alexis bittar jewelry, Kenneth Jay Lane leopard jewelry, Alexis Bittar bangle bracelet, Statement ring, Delsey gold bangle, Ben Amun long necklace, art deco necklace,
Row 4: Marni platform high heels, Michael Antonio black high heels, L.K.Bennett suede shoes, 1920 1930 Art Deco brown velvet Mary Jane flapper Charleston vintage, Charlotte Russe suede booties, Surface To Air heel sandals