Up Close With Gaultier

Lovelies,

Madewell Shirt, Gap Blazer and Pants, J. Crew Crystal Necklace, Longchamp 'Le Pliage' Tote.

Soon after I returned from Europe, my French exchange student Marie arrived. I met her parents last summer while staying at their château in Normandy. Her mom had mentioned she had a daughter who was eager to visit the United States, as she had never been. Over the course of the year, we exchanged emails and things just fell into place. Before I knew it, she was on her way to my hometown. I had an absolutely wonderful experience (I'll discuss more about it later) :)

While Marie was here, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show her the best of the best in California. Our first stop? San Francisco. While in San Francisco, we visited the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the deYoung museum. I'd read about it previously from a plethora of online bloggers who promised that it was an incredible and insightful exhibit. After visiting, I'm SO glad I took their advice! Besides the chance to view some pretty extraordinary couture pieces, the exhibit shed light on how Gaultier incorporated modern culture into his collections. Although this was similar to the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit I saw at the Met in June, 2011, Gaultier's exhibit had it's own personality.

I shot most of these photos with my iPhone, since I didn't have my camera with me. Although the quality isn't the greatest, I feel like the softness almost mimics several themes seen through the collection. I took most of the photos up close, as the detail and craftsmanship was mind blowing and, for lack of a better term, EPIC. The leopard dress (above) required, if my memory serves me, 1,008 hours of construction. It's one of the best examples of the quality of haute couture I've seen. Besides the beaded leopard dress, I admired the cream colored chiffon dress (above) as well. I later read that it was Gaultier's first haute couture gown.  Pretty impressive, right?

If you have the chance to visit, I would highly recommend attending. The exhibit runs thru August 19th, so hurry! :)

XOXO,

Em

P.S. Gaultier even signed the wall at the entrance to the exhibit (last photo). Did I touch it? .....yes.... :)

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

True Prep

Lovelies,

Betsey Johnson Sunglasses.

Polo and White Jeans, both Ralph Lauren.

Tiffany Key.

I'm finally BACK! 

It's been a wild two months, and I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while. Between school, volunteering and orchestra, I have barely had time to sleep.... definitely noticeable due to the bags under my eyes. ;) Although I took a brief leave from blogging, some amazing opportunities arose! I was featured in my school's newspaper, The HUB. You can read the article here. ( click on expand, I'm on Page 5)


These past few weekends, I've avoided doing my homework by throwing lots of spring outfits together, but never posted photos of them (this is one of the outfits). I picked up both the polo and white pants at Ralph Lauren last time I went shopping. I absolutely adore the combination of the two pieces together.... Although I look like I'm headed to a polo match, I still feel super sophisticated! The Tiffany Key was a 16th birthday present from my parents. I had a chance to pick out which key I wanted, and this was, by far, my favorite design.

By the way, even if the über-preppy lifestyle isn't your forte, True Prep by Lisa Birnbach is definitely a fun read. (:

XOXO,

Em