A warning to everyone before I start this post — I have just spent the last four days back home on the West Coast and I am feeling introspective. It’s spring break, and I have been looking forward to this time off because every part of me has needed it. Not because I feel physically overworked or burnt out, but more because I have no idea what happened to the month of February. In January, I was in the starting blocks, waiting for the gun shot to indicate the start of the race. February was my 400 meter dash — I don’t think I was even racing against anyone but myself and maybe time. I was always on the move, updating a never ending list of things to do and places to be. There were a lot of joyful moments in the month of February, but also a lot of times when I wouldn’t know what day of the week it was or what I had eaten for lunch. During this time, I would always recall a line from one of my favorite movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:

“Life moves pretty fast — if you don’t stop and look around every once and a while, you could miss it.”

Spring break couldn’t have come at a better time — I have the chance to stop, reassess and take a cold hard look at where I am, the state of things. Going home for a few days was a good start to this. I road tripped to California with my parents, and while there were still times when my head would be moving in eight different directions at once, I had some chances to stare out the window and watch the giant windmills spin in the sky. Something about the movement of these giant mechanisms quieted the spinning in my mind.

From a sartorial standpoint, my trip home was also very good to me. Ever one to pursue a shopping adventure, my mom pulled off the road in Palm Desert at the first sight of a thrift store. It was there I picked up a sequin rainbow mini-dress (it is even cooler than it sounds) and some vintage Prada flatforms that will be a staple in my wardrobe this spring/summer. Looking forward to previewing both of these purchases on SLB in the coming weeks.

I also had the great fortune of inheriting my grandfather’s vintage Burberry trench coat. There is something so cool and authentic about owning an item passed down through the generations, especially something as timeless as a Burberry trench. This coat will stay with me through every major milestone in my life, until one day I can hand it down to a grandchild or niece or nephew who can appreciate it just as much as I do.

I also had the chance to visit a super groovy vintage shop in Palm Desert. The Fine Art of Design almost felt like a museum, there were so many fabulous designer pieces from across the decades, a collection that was clearly lovingly curated with just the right amount of whimsy and eccentricity. Enter fabulous Todd Oldham jacket that I referred to as “the technicolor cube-y jacket” when my mother picked it up:

When I get my first real grown up job out of college (with my first grown up paycheck), I will make plans to come back here so I can stock my wardrobe with a few more whimsical goodies — maybe this Moschino top will wait there faithfully for me…

I am writing this post on the plane en route back to DC. My break is only half way over and I plan to make the most out of these next few days, savoring every moment when I can silence that chatter in my brain. I have written out a manifesto for myself, similar to Emily’s — maybe at some point soon, I can post it, but for now it will remain tucked away as a reminder of all the beliefs I hold near and dear to my heart. It’s easy for me to lose sight of these things when I start running my race, but I’ve realized that it doesn’t need to be a sprint. I am hoping to finish off this semester slow and steady — it’s less about that moment you cross the finish line, and more about the moments that get you there.

More adventures and musings to come.

♥

I spent yesterday compiling a playlist of my friends’ favorite unconventional love songs to share with you all. Valentine’s Day is now a full year away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate love all year round.

Happy Friday readers! More adventures to come, for now I am off to enjoy the first night of spring.

♥

Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Here we go, a nice big post filled with photos of puppies in baskets, children dressed up as baby cupids and old couples holding hands next to a scenic lake or mountainscape.” Now everyone utter the obligatory collective groan and give me a chance to explain.

None of the following will be included in tonight’s ramblings. I will, however, try to point out the redeeming qualities of the holiday. First of all, let’s all remember this: it’s a holiday. A time for celebration. Sure, you may not get the day off of work, and maybe you don’t have a “valentine”, but this is no reason to keep yourself from having fun. From the wise people at Parks & Rec, you gotta treat yo’ self:

Valentine’s Day is as good of a time as ever to treat yo’ self — I mean, it is a holiday all about love, so who better to love than yourself? Sounds good, right? Right. In case you need a bit of inspiration, I have come up with a little list of my favorite day-to-day indulgences…

but first, you’re required to listen to this India.Arie song:

Now, on to the list:

1. Bake something decadent — then share it with friends!

2. Wear something wild

3. Wear mustaches for the hell of it

These things stray from the standard treat-yo-self collection of massages, mimosas and fine leather goods that seem popular around this holiday. When I think about treating myself, it’s less about the material and more about what will make me feel the best… and let me tell you, there is no better feeling than sporting a fake mustache for a night. What do you do to treat yourself? I hope this post will spark your desire to celebrate yourself and those around you — it’s Valentine’s Day guys, might as well just spread the love.

♥

Something about today — maybe the way I started it with Mushaboom by Feist — made me face these cold weather challenges with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

A big thank you to my roommate Mica, who gifted me with this nifty sweater yesterday…

Style Rule #382938: There’s nothing better than a striped sweater.

I find when my day starts with a solid outfit choice, it usually continues on positive trajectory. Today was no different… I found Cava and Cava found me. Enter excessively beautiful photo of my gyro…

My taste buds are singing and my heart is dancing and even though it’s winter, life is wonderful.

More adventures to come.

♥

1. An epic pep talk from an unexpected source

2. A beautiful song for a grey day

3. My new favorite website for design inspiration

4. A postcard that speaks volumes

5. Planning meals for the newest addition to my kitchen

The best part about the start of a new month is the opportunity to hit life’s refresh button and get back on track — I have always preferred starting something at the beginning of a new week or month — February will be all about getting back to balance. I miss little habits that seem to have fallen through the cracks so far — carrying my camera around with me 24/7, baking for the hell of it, weekend render-vous in DC and seeing my family that lives here. So, with this post, I want to raise a virtual glass to the little steps. To the reminders and the efforts that come out of them that keep me moving forward. It’s hard to see the progress when life goes whizzing by you, sometimes you just have to stop, turn around and look at how far you’ve come. Then keep moving. That’s my plan at least.

A wish of sweet dreams to all of my night owl friends and a good morning to all of my early risers. More adventures to come.

♥

As soon as my plane touched down in DC, I hit the ground running — there were old friends to see, back from faraway adventures, and new responsibilities to prepare for. The past two weeks, I have been attempting to fall back into some semblance of a routine, while still trying to hold onto the clear and calm mindset I gained while I was home.

When I envision this upcoming semester, I see a world of possibilities and dreams just waiting to be actualized. In keeping with a tradition I started when I was young, I made an epic list of resolutions for the new year. A few of them include:

Finally, I have been meaning to post this video on SLB for a few weeks now. The weather in DC has turned cold, wet and grey since I’ve been back, and this music video has picked me up and gotten me moving during my haziest winter days.

The lyrics match perfectly with the friendships I have made over my past two and a half years living in DC — this song is a sweet reminder of how lucky I am to have people who will keep me looking towards the future.

Many more adventures to come, looking forward to sharing with you all!

♥

This morning I finally completed a long anticipated DIY project. What feels like eons ago, I wrote about a gorgeous floral camera strap that I spotted at Fashion Week. I wanted to add it to this year’s Christmas list, until I showed it to my mom — she pointed out it could be easily recreated with some festive trim and the strap I currently own. So, after a bit of Googling, I ordered trim from this Etsy shop and got to work. Here’s the result:

An added bonus? The left over trim makes the coolest floral headband.

On my schedule for the rest of today: pinning, sipping of tea, and perfecting the art of lounging. With only 72 hours left at home, I am soaking up all of the down time I can get. Hope you all enjoyed this weekend’s edition of “Selfie Saturday” — maybe I can actually make that a thing? Or better yet, “Mirror Pic Monday”? Ahh, I can just imagine the hash tags.

♥

As I ventured across the state, skiing for the first time, diving into late night hot springs, going on hikes, and staying in some wondrous places, a soundtrack accompanied my travels.

It’s safe to say I’m ready to plan my next Colorado adventure, but for now I will reflect on the beautiful memories made during my time there. Simply the best way to ring in the new year.

♥

Welcoming the new year in Denver, more photos to come. Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful evening!

♥

A bicycle ring from my big brother

Vintage crystal perfume bottles

Derek Lam leopard print slippers from the Neiman Marcus for Target collection

Not a Christmas present, just one of my very favorite prints hanging in my room

Prabal Gurung wool cape from the Neiman Marcus for Target collection

A couple fabulous design books

Voluspa candles

Hoping everyone is having a very happy holiday! I am so thankful for life’s gifts, both the material and intangible. Looking forward to sharing more photos from this beautiful new lens on SLB soon!

♥