Laundry List of Resolutions

It's a new year and a renewed blog! Since it's a little late for New Year's resolutions, I made a list of personal goals to kick off my last semester of college (which starts in a week, eek!):

1. Alterations.. doesn't everyone have those few pieces lying around that would get so much more wear with a little hem and sew? It's about time I shorten that oversized Madewell button-up and those jeans that have been cuffed for months.

2. DIY makeup tray.. I've always wanted to spray paint a cheap tray gold and white, and recently I've realized the perfect excuse to do so. Scattered beauty products take up half my desk space, so organization is much needed.

3. Set up clothing rack.. my sister gave me a clothing rack, which I can't wait to find a place for in my room. Great photo-op too, right?

4. Watch Oscar nominees.. something I resolved to do last year and almost achieved. This year, I want to get through at least all of the best picture nominees before the awards ceremony!

5. Write more.. even if it seems silly or pointless. It's way too easy to find excuses not to write, but I'm always glad when I finally do.

Finally, a general resolution for the year (because it's never too late). Be more gutsy.. like this girl!

(Photos from my Pinterest)

No Regrets

I recently read an interview with fashion designer Emerson Fry on The Everygirl, which left me thinking about dedication and living with no regrets. Her work ethic and perspective on life is inspiring, and she just seems like a pretty cool person overall. My favorite parts..

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Not sure. Perhaps that, other than Ryan, I prefer complete solitude. When our sweet buyers come up to me in public, I am actually quite shy, albeit very honored and always taken aback by how beautiful our women are. But in life I generally love the runner’s wave. You know the one? It’s an unspoken and meaningful gesture of mutual appreciation while traveling swiftly on.

What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?
I try not to look backwards, since there is not much I can do about that. I would just watch her.



On the note of inspiring women, 101-year-old Bel Kaufman is just that. Her article in Vogue covers her career as an English teacher (a title that she still very much holds, mind you) and the obstacles that she had to overcome to get where she is today. It's a must read!

 "I've lived a long time, a very long time, 101 years, and I'm still here. I'm done with the doubts and struggles and insecurities of youth. I'm finished with loss and guilt of regret...I had many problems and disasters in my life; fortunately, at my age, I don't remember what they were. I'm glad I am 101."

Got Sole?

It's easy to take fashion a little too seriously at times, so seeing designers have some fun with their creations is pleasantly surprising. Everyone could benefit from a little wit and whimsy in their wardrobe, which is why I had to share these unique finds. The A.N.D bag is undeniably cute to boot, and BONUS, it can stand on its own! And who wouldn't want a cute keyhole or domino dangling from their wrist?

Capes and Converse

It's safe to say that, in this new digital fashion era, fashion closet photography is rivaling street style photography for the spotlight. With many similar high fashion shots of posh clothing and accessories and luxe interiors cropping up (it has really become a formula, hasn't it?), it's extremely refreshing to see a small glimpse into the life of the very stylish yet humble 12-year-old. This well-spoken, oh-so charming girl just so happens to play Sally Draper in Mad Men. After hearing her say "petticoat" and learning that she wears Chloé Kids, trust me, you'll want to be her best friend.

Link Love

I wish I had the new Mac OS almost solely because of its Reading List feature. One of my favorite things to do online is click on link after link, feeding my brain highly intellectual information, such as The Cut's witty remarks about fashion editorials. Other noteworthy links...

Le Look Du Jour: 24 Modern French Muses
I can't recall ever not feeling intrigued and enthralled by French people.

All the Fall 2012 Campaigns, So Far

Studio Tour: Derek Lam's Weekend in Soho

Too Sincere for the Internet? How the Web Journal Thought Catalog Sparked an Online Firestorm
I'm still trying to figure out the reason I didn't get into Thought Catalog sooner. Laziness, I suppose? In any case, so many of the articles resonate with me and make me say, "that's SO true" (aloud in exasperation), as I'm sure they do with countless others, considering the site's impressive popularity. There is a certain satisfaction in reading things that so deeply apply to your own life, your own thought process, etc.

Six Industry Vets Share Their Tips For Success
Great advice from the likes of Cynthia Rowley, Alexis Bittar, and others. As an intern myself, I love reading sage advice from successful people.

Rich Kids of Instagram
Maybe you've heard of it? Pages of shallow, yet oddly addictive.

The Bandit Beauty

This lookbook for The 2 Bandits has a Western glamour to it that makes me want to wrap myself in a worn denim shirt and take a walk somewhere away from city static. I love The 2 Bandits because it's not wildly expensive like you initially think it is. The jewelry is just so good.

White Out

(1 & 2, 3, 4)

What a Betty

Happy Weekend!
I can't wait to decompress from this week by going to the beach and spending time with friends. Hopefully it's sunny enough to get a little color! What are your plans for the weekend?

In honor of summer and having somewhat of an excuse to be lazy, I've decided to share some links that I love...

+ TED Ed is an interesting site from the popular TED, for those searching for some enlightenment, inspiration, or motivation (so.. everyone?)

+ If you haven't heard of DJ Mike D, then look no further for a new summer playlist of great remixes

+ Australian Sarah Wilson writes one of my favorite blogs about living healthier and being happier, among other interesting topics.

+ Kimberly Snyder is my favorite nutritionist, mostly because she's the only one I know of. She ahs written a ton of articles about eating for health and beauty, as well as a book that I'm pretty smitten with.. not to mention she has worked people like Hilary Duff, Jenna Dewan, and Channing Tatum. Need I say more?

Tie Dye High

If this lookbook for LF doesn't make you giddy for all things summer, what will?

Brights in Sight

To state the obvious, I've been on a little hiatus from this blog. Now that summer has arrived, though, the creative spark is back and ideas are floating around in my head. A lot has changed in the past few months, and it has been a whirlwind since I came back from Paris. I'm happy here in Los Angeles, with so much culture right at my fingertips. I have so many places that I want to explore here, and this blog is the perfect place to document them. Although The Soph-isticate is fashion-focused, I hate to label it as a fashion blog, simply because I have various interests and plans for this blog.

That said.. I thought a summer post should warrant a summer wish list. In my effort to stray from the neutral basics that I am so devoted to, I made sure to include plenty of brights!

(Mara Hoffman bikini, Paige jeans, Elizabeth & James denim shirt, Warby Parker sunglasses, Kate Spade clutch, Topshop sandals, Tucker silk blouse, DVF wedges, Thakoon for Nars nail polish)