What a Wonderful World

The world is full of so much beauty. I often admire dancers, writers, photographers, musicians, anyone who is capable of capturing the world's beauty, even for a second. Beauty is held in the eye of the beholder, and those who are inspired by it can make beauty itself. It's a rather amazing cycle when you think about it. So World, I applaud you and your beauty, as well as the artists who capture it, and I invite others to appreciate it.

This was taken at the beginning of November 

Today, was windy as well as rainy, but that didn't stop me from taking pictures. Sometimes I find that outfits are best when you first put them together, which is somewhat of a bummer. This is the case with this outfit. I think it looked a little better yesterday, maybe my outfit was just having a case of the mondays.Anyway, lately I've taken to not writing, I don't know when or why this started but I've decided that is going to change.

this one is my favorite:

 

 

 

 Since this post is about beauty here are 10 things I love:
soccer fields; the grass just smells better when you're out on the field catching your breath.trees; i wish there were trees in my yard that i could actually climb.books; the smell of old books is captivating to my nostrils.water; it can be so beautiful and refreshing -- it's a shame that i'm a terrible swimmer.animals; this is really broad but i find most animals intriguing, i could never pick a favorite.autumn leaves; they're crunchy like Frosted Flakes, i go out of my way to step on the crunchiest.notes; recently i went through old notes from my friends and boyfriends -- some interesting stuff.mountains; they're beautiful in every single way.being barefoot; it may be disgusting but i love the feel of the textures we walk on.life; it's a grand adventure. 

what i wore: modcloth dress, abercrombie undershirt, kohls cardigan, payless tights(they're checkered), American Eagle shoes for payless

Home, where I wanted to go

Dress: from Macy's, altered; Sweater: unknown label, Camp Rainey Mountain cabin find, circa 2004; 

tights, boots: Target; purse: Louis Vuitton, gift.

Listening to: Coldplay, "Clocks."

  A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire. 

- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

I'm in a really great mood after seeing one of my bridesmaids and dearest friends (almost sister, really) in the world, Liz. We have known each other for almost a decade and even though she lives up north now, when we get to see each other it's like no time has really passed. She's smart, beautiful and even has a sweet fiance to boot... I have so many nice things to say about her and I don't have to make any of them up.

Throughout high school, with our dark skin, hair and taste in clothes, we resembled each other so much that people often mixed us up or thought we were sisters...it was a running joke to us that our Latin teacher would always call us by the wrong name. I got a bit of the old twin vibe today because when we met up, we both were wearing a trenchcoat, tights, and knee-high boots but in our respective colors. Great minds think alike? Getting to see her was a great way to end the weekend.

I'm in an even better mood because there seems to be a "What Not to Wear" marathon on TLC. It's been one of my favorite shows (besides 30 Rock and Mad Men) but there haven't been any episodes or reruns on in a long time. Now that "J and K +8" is officially over, I hope TLC will put more focus on their style shows because it is a great form of escapism. Even though they may get criticized for a tough love approach, I miss watching Stacy and Clinton and I think they genuinely care about their contributors' transformations. Plus I like watching modern-day Cinderella stories, even if they are a little sappy at the end.

Seen a lot of things in this old world

 

 

Shirt: Old Navy; Vest: H&M; Jeans: Hand-me-downs; 

Sandals: Shoe Carnival; Necklace: gift.

Nikki came to visit me and I took her photo. It's ok to let other people take your photo, Nikki. I annoyed her by singing the "Sister, Sister" theme song but made up for it by taking her to the Salvation Army and Target.

- J

My sister is goofy and can't take pictures.

Also, I like to center things, even though Jo doesn't like it.

I love you sister, don't hate me.

-N

 

 

 

Dress: from Secondhand Rose (now closed); Undershirt: LEI; 

Necklace: from Philippines, gift; Sweater, tights, boots: Target.

Listening to: Stevie Wonder, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

i fear no fate, i want no world.

 

Dress: Anne Taylor Loft ($5!!); 

Sweater: Unknown label, found circa 2004 randomly 

in a cabin at Camp Rainey Mountain;

Shell necklace: Aloha Stadium Flea Market, Honolulu, HI; 

Belt: Fossil; Tights: Target; Boots: Nine West, gift.

 

 

 

I finally got to play in the gazebo at the back of our neighborhood. Usually it is occupied.

I remember when I used to spend all my time outside -- hiking mountains, playing in lakes. I want to go camping or hiking soon and enjoy the changing red-amber-purpleness of autumn leaves.

I'm trying to keep this Thanksgiving gratefulness in my thoughts even past the holiday. I went shopping today for family/friends and really tried to put effort into what I thought they would like, instead of being tempted into things for myself. Two weeks into the personal shopping ban and I'm realizing that I don't want much this Christmas except time. Time to play, time to hang out, time to laugh and time to love and be loved.

"here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)"

- ee cummings

O let’s get together now and we can feel alright

I like this outfit, it's like pumpkin pie topped with whip cream and strawberries.  

I'm thankful for all that I have:

I have a whiny dog, who I love.

I have a fridge full of food.

I have family and friends who care about me.

I have a roof over my head.

I have all of that and I don't need much more :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Listening to One Love by Jason Mraz

what i wore: thrifted h&m dress, h&m vest, horse necklace: gift, anne taylor loft belt, target cardigan

You know what they say about the young

Dress: from Dillard's. Sweater, boots, tights: Target.
Orange tank (underneath dress): Urban Outfitters, six years ago.
White trenchcoat: Banana Republic.
Listening to: Rusted Root, "Send me on my way." (aka from Matilda)

The structure in the background of the first picture, and one that you often see a glimpse of in Nikki's photos, is the treehouse our father built 13 years ago. I love it to death and it is sadly deteriorating but I do not want to tear it down. My childhood wouldn't have been the same without being able to spy on the neighbors from the second level, jumping off from the fence and inviting the neighborhood kids to marvel at its size. We were lucky kids.
Nik kindly took my style photos --- she is almost up to feeling all the way better. The backyard was quite the scene when I came to visit -- Billy (our brother) plans on a camping trip soon and had set up one of the family-sized tents to air out. He decided camping in the backyard would be so much fun that he set up for the night -- complete with a space heater and Internet. That juxtaposition of home, camping and modern comforts makes me smile. I will try to take photos tomorrow if he still has it up in the afternoon.

So excited for Thanksgiving!

The way you move ain't fair, you know.

Dress: Some random store in Soho, NYC; Black cougar bracelet: vintage;
Silver poncho (worn as scarf): Burlington Coat factory, long time ago;
sweater, tights, boots : Target, remixed.
Listening to: Train, "Hey Soul Sister"


Today was a good day. My trivia group won second place tonight, so hooray for $20 in house cash. The last round bonus question: What capital city has the largest population (34 million) in the world? Answer: Tokyo.

I bought this dress in Soho (I don't remember the name of the store) and was a little iffy on the combination of purple and lace. But then a woman visiting the store fell in love with the dress too (it was the last one) and that was enough to convince me to buy it. This dress was much longer (about ankle-length) and more formal-looking but I got it hemmed last year. I tried to find a good before photo of it, but apparently I never wore it out enough to make it photo-worthy. But once it got altered, it became my summer staple. The silver poncho was actually my shawl for senior prom and it's too pretty to sit in my closet.

I'm really excited about Thanksgiving -- I'll be splitting time at the in-laws' and my family's dinners (luckily they live 30 minutes away). I am looking forward to relaxing, hanging out with the family, eating and doing regular outdoor style photos.
Nik is feeling pretty sick but she'll be getting back to posting pretty soon. Feel better, Nickers!
Have a great one, wherever you are.