Collar

Lovelies,

Forever 21 Dress, J. Crew Belt, Henri Bendel Bracelet.

J. Crew Cardigan.

Forever 21 Collar.

Dooney and Bourke Purse, Sam Edelman Flats.

The next stop on our vacation was Vienna, Austria. I didn't know what to expect Vienna to be like, except I knew that the pastries would be scrumptious (I love that word). I was completely surprised to waltz into a city filled with absolutely spectacular buildings, gardens, and landscape very similar to Paris. Although the weather was hot and muggy, it was easy to escape by visiting the numerous art museums Vienna had to offer. These photos were taken outside the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Although the museum's grandeur was quite impressive, I have to say my favorite art museum was a tie between the Sucession Building (The museum that houses Gustav Klimt's Beethovenfries Mural), or the Belvedere, which houses Klimt's The Kiss. I wasn't necessarily a big fan of Klimt's art beforehand, but after my visit to Austria, I definitely have a more respect for his work.

My outfit was inspired by the oh-so famous 2012 Louis Vuitton S/S show, which featured a sugary sweet combination of pastels, feathers and metallics. (I previously posted some pictures of a few looks  in my window shopping post!)  Lately, I've been really infatuated with the entire collar trend, as it's incredibly impractical but extremely stylish. I bought one at Forever 21, just to join the pack and experiment with the versatility of the piece. Surprisingly, the collar has been one of the best bargains I have ever found (In case you're wondering, it was only $7. (: On the same trip, I purchased the creme dress. I bought the mint cardigan from J. Crew before I traveled to New York back in April, as well as the Sam Edelman flats. I purchased my bracelet from the flagship Henri Bendel store in NYC. I promise, if I end up going to college in the city, I'm going to find myself broke from spending too much time in 712 5th avenue. :)

XOXO,

Em

Old Town

Lovelies,

So begins the documentation of my summer vacation to Europe!:)  I was really looking forward to this trip because I saw it as a way to expand the content of my blog; while continuing to post outfits, I want to start focusing a bit more on the things I experience while exploring a new country. Luckily, my first stop was Prague, a city who's vibrant and artistic community faced communism and World War II several decades ago. 

 We arrived at the airport after spending around 24 hours traveling to our final destination. IT. WAS. EXHAUSTING. I somehow always think I'm going to miraculously outsmart jetlag and feel happy as a clam when I get off the plane...but unfortunately, it never works out. :/ The combination of policeman riding segways all over the airport (ONLY in europe!) and the unreadable Czech signs made my brain swim just a tad. After finding our luggage, we drove into Prague's city square. The buildings, although somewhat shabby on the outside, are absolutely dazzling on the inside. (Think chandeliers, rare woods, pastel colors and gorgeous lighting.)

These photos were taking outside of the Jewish Cemetery, located just a few blocks away from the city's square, known as the Old Town Square. Prague itself is divided into five sections- Josefov (Jewish Quarter), Old Town, New Town, The Castle of Prague and Malá Strana. The Jewish Quarter is also home to the oldest Synagogue in Europe, which is rumored to hold this mythical creature known as the Golem in its attic. Mysterious? Definitely.

I really liked the atmosphere around the Jewish quarter in contrast with my choice of clothing. I bought the shirt on a Forever 21 run with my dearest girl, Elsa. To me, the construction of the sleeves and the collar seems to reference the 50's. I increased the femininity of the outfit by adding the J. Crew necklace. After a year, I finally wore it! :) I topped it all off with my vintage Dooney, Ray-Bans, Henri Bendel Bracelet and J. Crew flats that I bought in San Francisco.

The pants? They're a story in themselves. Originally, I bought a pair of ripped tomato colored jeans while I was at Forever 21 with Elsa. Just as my heart set on them, I realized the zipper was broken...but, being me, I wouldn't put them down. I told myself I could just sew some hooks and eyes on them, turning them into wearable and ridiculously fantastic pants. With the bonus 5% discount Forever 21 gave me, I felt like I was getting them for a bargain. (Insert LOADS of sarcasm here). Unfortunately, my three hours of sewing while Elsa watched Midnight in Paris didn't exactly work out so hot. The fly gapped strangely, and I felt really awkward in them. In panic mode, I flew to Gap and found these. They're not exactly what I'm looking for, but they'll look great in Winter. (You bet I'm going to find a way to make those pants work, though). (:

XOXO,

Em

The Ferry Building

Lovelies,

Oroton Bag, Gap Henley (under sweater).

Steve Madden Oxfords, J. Crew Matchstick Chords, Mango Pullover.

Forever 21 Necklace, Henri Bendel Charm Bracelet.

This weekend, my family and I stayed overnight in San Francisco. It was such a fabulous and restorative stay, even though we only spent about 24 hours in the city itself! The photos were taken outside the Ferry Building, a small indoor marketplace with my favorite cupcake shop, Miette. (More on that store here.)

I've decided that my favorite pastime has to be searching through my mom's closet, as I scored yet another vintage handbag recently, from the Australian company Oroton. I think it's my new favorite accessory!

XOXO,

Em