The Spirit of Travel

I have written numerous times about my love for travel and places I would like to visit. I love Paris, and adore the sun. Travel is something that I find myself thinking about often. 

Louis Vuitton recently published a chapter on India on their website and entitled it "Louis Vuitton: L'ame du voyage", or "the spirit of travel".

Source: artnlight.blogspot.com.br via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

I love the phrasing of "spirit of travel." I made me start thinking just exactly what the spirit or essence of travel is for me. For me, the spirit of travel is about opening your eyes. Travel allows for the discovering of so many new things, not only at your location but also internally about one's self. The spirit of travel is about exploring, leaving one's comfort zone to gain new insight and new experiences from which to draw perspectives. 

The spirit of travel seems to be quite complex, varying from person to person; however, I believe it has a lot to offer. What is the spirit of travel for you?

Contrasting

Source: themanliness.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

I like the image not only for the fact that it is a Lamborghini situated under the Eiffel Tower, but also because of the editing. The photographer has created a contrast which I think it notably in important. I like at the broader implications of contrasting. A contrast is notably something that sticks out from the surroundings, something that is different. 

Think of adding contrast to your life. Whether it be in fashion, travel, profession, do not be afraid to stand out. Be the yellow Lamborghini juxtaposed against an all grey Parisian background. Whether its something simple such as my wearing bright, preppy colors in the streets of New York which is dominated by greys and blacks or something larger, it all makes a difference. 

We tend to conform to norms and forget about our uniqueness. While that picture may depict something quite glamorous, look more deeply at it, and standout. 

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Love Your City

Every city has its own special places, characteristics, vibe, and charm that make it unique. I am fortunate to love in one of the best cities in the world. One that has shopping, dinning, and cultural that cannot be rivaled by many other cities. When you love in a place, its easy to get distracted so to speak and forget how beautiful the place you call home truly is. The other night I had one of those moments that made me remember just how luckily I am to call the vibrant city of New York home. 

While rushing across 42nd street on the way to an event, I happened to glance up and see this:

photo: my own

Grand Central was looking beautiful as ever with the Chrysler Building shining in the background. My city is a wonderful place that I do love. Having a moment like this is a good thing every now and then. What do you love about your city?

Looking Back At 2012

I was never a fan of all the hype on New Year's Eve, however, I do like looking back after the past year and remembering all the things good and bad that can happen in 365 days. All in all I think 2012 was a very good year for me. So much as happened its hard to believe it has only be just one year ago since we we're all sitting here writing our little reflections on 2011.

2012 started with all my friends traveling to Europe for months so I was left to navigate Manhattan alone. It was a great time to try new restaurants and make some new friends as well. Summer came and went in the flash of an eye and it was already back to school in the fall. It was great to have everyone back in the city ready to have fun. This past semester has been great. This past year I really discovered who I am as a person

Here are some of the highs and maybe lows of 2012:

• February Fashion Week events such as Lunch with Alexandre Birman and attending the Moncler Grenoble Show
• Managing to eat at almost every restaurant in Meatpacking 
• Visiting LA in March
• Getting my first pair of Louboutins....now thats exciting
• Moving into my very own apartment! Perhaps the most exciting thing of 2012
• Of course new friends were made, but some old friends were also lost
• The start and unfortunately end of a relationship
• Going out on break in style at Beaumarchais

I hope your 2012 was filled with as many memorable moments as mine. Looking ahead, 2013 has the potential to be even more exciting. I see Barcelona in my near future for one thing. I do, however, want to vow to take things a bit more slowly in 2013 and not rush so much. 

Happy New Year!

May you Walk on the Edge

Source: nantucketyouth.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Many find safety in going through life with the same daily routine. We seek comfort in what we know best. I, at least, speak from personal experience. I came across this image on pinterest. While it may be a few people walking on the bow of a sailboat, I looked at it as walking on the edge.

It was a reminder that, sometimes, it does us good to walk on the edge, outside our comfort zone. 

Its the moments when we are slightly uncomfortable that help to define who we are and help to continue to build our personal character.

At some moment this week, I hope you may take a walk on the edge.

European Nostalgia

As the majority of my friends begin their departures over the next 2 weeks for semesters abroad, I cannot help but feel nostalgic for Europe and have regret for not doing a semester abroad as well. Why did I make this decision? It was part incompetent academic advisers and large part fear of living in another country alone so soon. Reflecting on this now, it would have probably been good for me to have the experience.

via

I would have gone to Paris, and finally become fluent in French. After studying it for 6 years one would think that he would be fluent, but that just does not seem to be the case! Paris me manque. J'y suis alle deux fois et je suis tombe en amour avec la ville. There is just something about Paris that you can only sense if you have been there. It would have been my home for 16 weeks, and Im sure it would have been filled with amazing experiences, not to mention all the other traveling I could have done.

So as all my friends prepare to embark on European adventures, Im just preparing to return to normal school. It will be weird without them, however, I hope amazing experiences will happen here so I can feel less regret about my decision.

I have come to this conclusion: I must try my hardest to make an appearance in Europe this spring. Looking at flights for spring break has already commenced...now i just have to get the parents on board!

Take A Step Back

Go, Go, Go.

Rush, Rush, Rush.

To get caught up in the craziness that is life is to live.

Taking a step back from this for a moment is to live life to the fullest.

As a new year unfolds, take time to reflect on your goals, friends, and those things most important to you.

Attempt to shut out those voices harping in your ear and find the simplicity in life. 

When you feel lost, ground yourself. It does wonders.

Take the beauty of nature as an example.

Few Words

The loss of a friend is not something that can be described. No one deserves to abruptly have their life taken away especially someone so young. Just beginning to live their dream.

Source: weheartit.com via Janet on Pinterest

I had plans for Christmas recaps and sharing everything new, however, its hard to express anything at the moment. I may be taking a personal break from here for a short time.

Another Chapter Closed

I still haven't accepted that fact that another semester has finished. Its so true, it just keeps going by quicker and quicker with each semester. Although my workload seemed to quadruple this semester, I would not trade this semester for another. I met so many amazing new people that filled the space left by those who drifted apart from me.  There was lots of studying to be had, but there was also a lot of fun to be had as well. Here's a small look back at the fall semester.

It started out with Fashions Night Out, and I was very, very, close to Rachel Zoe

It was quite the party at Intermix Meatpacking

My life tended to revolve around dessert

A plaid-themed Tommy Hilfiger houseparty was hosted

I wore fur

Holiday parties were had by all

We donned Burberry

and in the end studied our lives away

Reflecting on 10 years. 9/11

As we all know, today marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It's hard to believe its been 10 years because I can remember exactly where I was 10 years ago:

If I'm not mistaken, it was a Tuesday. I was sitting in my 4th grade class when suddenly all the TV's in the school were turned to CNN. We sat and watched, mostly in silence. Upon arriving home, my parents had the news streaming as well....I did not really understand the impact. I was only in 4th grade.

I was able to snap the following picture of the construction of the new building while dashing by in a cab:

The streets have an odd quietness to them today. Never Forget:

Take Me Back to Paris

Approximately 2 years ago I traveled to France. It was the first time I was out of the country, and I fell in love with Paris. I felt so insecure and lost in a foreign city, yet I felt comfortable enough to explore on my own- caught up in the culture and vibe of the city but still the timid American on the street all the same.

After realizing I was short on time, I had to gather up the courage to tell the nice waitress nous n'avons pas de temps pour manger maintenant. Was my accent ok? Could she even understand me?

I want to return to Paris for the food, the culture, the fashion, the art.

La mode me manque

La culture me manque

Paris me manque, J'espere que je te verrai bientot.

**Today is the last day to enter my Anchored Style giveaway...dont forget to enter!

We Perceive the World Through Filters

I was sitting at the pool yesterday with the current book I'm reading: one of those not-well known murder mysteries that someone published because it was a goal in their life probably....you know which ones i'm talking about.

In this little book, however, I came across a few lines that I went back and read for a second time. They were the following:

"Always, the eye sees more than the mind can comprehend, and we go through life self-blinded to much that lies before us. We want a simple world, but we live in a magnificently complex one, and rather than open ourselves to it, we perceive the world through filters that make it less daunting. Complexity implies meaning. We are afraid of meaning."

I started thinking about what this said, and realized that it his very true- in my life anyway. I know I am very guilty of having these "filters." In fact, I probably have a very large number of then. I simplify my life based on what I feel safe with. I tend to pick the expected because the unexpected is that-I do not know what to expect from it so I feel nervous, uneasy.

I also make my world less daunting by making up excuses for many things....sometimes that seems to make things better and less complex. This means usually placing the blame for certain things on myself. "oh the reason they no longer talk to me is probably because they're just too busy, have other things to do....no way its their fault."

I must have missed the memo on this one, but not responding must be the new "it" thing to do. That text message sent 13 days ago...still waiting for a reponse. But dont worry about getting back to me, I wasnt expecting it *sarcasm*

I feel that we tend to pick and choose things that we know will produce good things (or so we think) because we are afraid of other things that we do not feel comfortable with. 

It might be an #EPP (Every Person Problem)

The other week Little Miss Cant Be Wrong from "How I Met your Father" did a post which she called An #EGP. I read the post when she wrote it, and read it again last night. I feel like this is not just an every girl problem, but an every person problem (#EPP).

The following image is the basis:

via

I cannot stop re-reading this. It is so true as I look back on the past 4-6 months, especially. Im sure we all have, or perhaps, had people in our lives that complicated it, hurt you, took advantage of you, ect. We didnt realize it at the time, however. It was only after the fact did we realize what exactly was happening.  Then the feelings of "i wish i never met you" begin to arise. 

Perhaps, wishing you never met one is a bit radical. Maybe wishing you never got as close as you did with one may be the actual problem. Going out of your way, sharing your life because you felt a sense of trust with this person. And then suddenly you are, in a sense, cut out of their life. Confusing, right? It's things like this that cause one to not be able to sleep and wake up at 5am every morning for no reason.

Looking back on certain situations, I am filled with regret for my lack of insight and thinking ahead, among other things. As LMCB stated, can someone cut things like Facebook out of my life?!? haha. It seems to add (negatively) to certain things. 

LMCB I hope you will agree that this may be an #EPP! :)

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On a side note, I am thinking about only doing my Monday and Wednesday posts, and possibly Fridays during the summer. Would this greatly upset anyone?! haha. Of course I will be tweeting all summer long.

It's Like a Bad Breakup

As I sit here and write this, my room is a complete and utter mess. Approximately 5 bombs have gone off in it. I am waiting for my mother to arrive, but shes of course stuck in enormous amounts of traffic.

Dear New York,

We first got serious about 9 months ago. Things started off pretty well, but then got a little rough- I considered breaking up with you about 3 months into our relationship, but we worked things out, luckily. I have gotten to know you very well, and know that we are the perfect match. Although you are quite lovely, you can be a total bitch sometimes- it gets to be a little too much to handle at times.

You have taught me a lot about myself and who I am and what I want...all things one would want in a relationship, correct? I've especially enjoyed our time together over the past 4 months....no words can really describe them. Looking back, I cannot believe 9 months has flashed before our eyes. I can vividly remember when we met, that hot, humid, August afternoon. I was exhausted.

New York, you have been about 90% real and 10% fictitious. This good bye is more like a "see you later" and we will get through it just fine, I hope. Did you plan this dreary, gray weather for my departure? The mood seems quite fitting.

Yours truly

Oscar Wilde Knows Best

It's time for a mini rant....

If there is anything I dislike (actually I dislike quite a lot of things) it is non-response from someone or being obviously ignored. When this is a good "friend" it makes it that much worse because we begin thinking are we actually friends or aren't we?


From past experiences, I noticed that when this behavior becomes noticeable its a foreshadowing of whats to come- a slow separation and drifting apart. Obviously this is something that can be semi difficult to come to terms with, especially when you aren't the one initiating this ignorance.

It's even easier to catch someone doing this because of Twitter, Facebook ect. Im a pretty smart person, so one's stupidity slyness is easily caught. This issue characterizes people of today, namely they are too afraid to say anything in person. If you want to drift apart- just tell me. I will initially, most likely, be offended but I'd rather you just tell me than kill a friendship with painful, slow, death.

I turn to one of my favorite authors, Oscar Wilde. His novels have amazing messages, and even more inspiring quotes


He writes, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; other whenever they go" - perhaps this is true...we may be better off without someone, but facing that fact often proves to be very difficult.


and the best thing that Wilde ever wrote, in my opinion:

 "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about"

I try to keep that in mind whenever you hear things about yourself you would rather not know was being said- at least im giving them something to talk about right??

A Tribute to You, Mom

Mother's Day is sunday- seems like its extra early this year? Anyhow, i'd like to pay an early thank you to my mom. Many of you may think this post will be completely cliche, but im not really concerned with that.

Mom,

You are an incredible person. I feel as though i have too much to say, and im going to forget to  say the most important things- please forgive me :)

You have been an incredible source of not only inspiration, but also support through out my life.  Starting at a very young age, you taught me the very immense value of education and the results that hard work provide.  Because of you, I had the motivation to excel in school, and I did. I was never the kid in high school to go to very, very, stupid parties on the weekend. Instead, i kept high grades and spent time with you  guys on the weekends.  Looking back at the day of graduation, i could feel how proud you were of me as  I was sitting on the stage and giving my commencement speech-  30 years after you had given yours  for the same high school.

I am so thankful that you have taught me the value of hard work. I got a job as soon as I  was old enough, and although you may foot my bills (thanks! :) ) I know the value of everything I have.  The  long hours you put in make the lifestyle  I have possible, again thank you. I feel like you understand some many things that other people, like fathers, cannot understand.  Thus, i guess you could classify me as  a "mommas boy" growing up? I always turned to you for answers if I was looking for something, or wanting something. You worst things I could hear coming out of your mouth was " you'll have to check with your father." Thank you for all the support during the many rough times of growing up  and going to a school where   I was considered "the stuck of person" Clearly, you and everyone that matters to us knows that is far from true- you have taught me to be generous and supportive of others.

Whenever I need to complain about something, talk about people, ect. you are always ready to listen and get in on the  gossip :). The text messages you send me such as :

"good luck on your test. Take your time and dont panic. Give the bitch what she wants" 

are completely amusing. Yes, that professor was quite a bitch wasnt she??

As I sit here and write this little memo, I know that you support every decision I make, namely coming to school here in New York. While it may seem like im never going to come, dont worry- ill see you in 11 days. :)

All with love,

Your son.

Recap: EXPO "The Butterfly Effect"

EXPO 2011 

The Butterfly Effect

April 29, 2011

If you have been following me, you know that this past Friday was the EXPO benefit fashion show in which all proceeds went to the Hamilton Madison House here in New York. The event was a huge success...show was completely sold out! I know a lot of you were interested in seeing a few pictures (sorry for the quality- taken via Blackberry). 

Make-Up was professionally done by NARS cosmetics and hair was done by Arrojo Cosmetology.

The list of designers showcasing collections included

• Vena Cava
• Lieber
• JNBY
• Vilebrequin
• Charlotte Ronson
• Nicholas K
• Sophomore
• Onassis (new obsession. you must check them out)
• Kai-aakmann
• Cushnie et Ochs

if you followed expo on twitter, you might recognized some of these photos, as I did social media :)

Wordless Wednesday: Mixed Feelings

Sorry for a lack of post yesterday. I had a midterm (number 2 in the same class to be exact) even though its the end of the semester in like 3 weeks (cannot believe/dont want to think about it).

Today's wordless wednesday: Mixed Feelings....thats how i feel right now. So many deadlines, expectations, confusion with people, people's opinions of me, leaving new york, ect.

A Snapshot of Timeless Covers

Im sure everyone knows the renowned "New Yorker" Magazine. It was started in 1925 and has had many well known writers submitting work for the publication. Perhaps what is the most well known is its covers.
I was looking through the archives and just selected a few that I liked.


all photos via New Yorker archives.

And perhaps one of my favorites: Saul Steinbergs' "View of the World From 9th Avenue"

Its true- New York seems like its own little world, and its easy to forget about anything west of the Hudson River......but I do miss it.