Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Orange is the New Black.

It's finally starting to feel like fall round here.

The clouds came in today and offered some moody shade, and there's a noticeable difference in how quickly the darkness settles in round six o'clock.

Well it's about darn time! I always find it difficult to get into the Halloween spirit when it's seventy-five degrees and sunny, with zero yellow-leafed trees to be seen in this concrete jungle. Makes me appreciate seasons back home...

But I can bring the autumn look onto the streets because that's what clothes are for, silly. And I was talking to my friend today about tv shows and she mentioned "Orange is the New Black" and whilst I haven't seen it yet, I kinda puffed up because not only was I wearing orange, but I was wearing black. That's like killing two birds with one stone! Crushed it. 








What I wore: silver hoop earrings (used), black and orange SKAIST TAYLOR sweater (sale), vintage black pleated skirt (used), and orange MARCO SANTI pumps (sale). 

And the student council was conveniently having a bake sale today and I can't resist me some fine pumpkin cupcakes, or pumpcakes (what I like to call them). 



Check out this view from the library. Isn't it wicked?



Monday, October 26, 2015

My Tiffany Souvenir..

Tiffany! She went to Tiffany's. Whatever did you come out with?

Well, my friends, not much. 

I had to run an errand in there for school today and whilst I would've loved to come out with my own signature blue baggie with a little something special, maybe holding onto my lover's arm, the only thing I got from Tiffany was a picture.

But hey, I think it's kinda neat. I got to pose in front of their marble wall and I felt like Holly Golightly peering through their windows. 

Maybe next time...



I'm getting into the Halloween spirit.. who else is with me?


What I wore: gold bones necklace (used), plaid RALPH LAUREN top (used), high waisted MARITHE FRANCIOS GIRBAUD denim shorts (used), and olive over-the-knee FRYE boots (used). 

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Lunch and Then Some.

So I find that the best thing to do in boredom is eat.

And I don't say that in a way like binge watch Netflix with a bag of chips. I'm talking about going out.

I just so happen to live in a pretty thriving dining city, full of restaurants of every choice and ethnicity you could imagine (and more). Coming from Alaska, which has a totally different food scene (best if you eat what you catch and grow), I'm in heaven here.

On my walk to school, I probably pass fifty restaurants. And I've decided that eating out is a fine way to spend a day: breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or all three.

Take today! I was anticipating another slow Sunday, doing last minute homework, napping, maybe a visit to the grocery store, when I got a text from my friend Jackie asking about lunch.

I'm in!

She ended up taking me to the Blue Barn, located on Polk Street. 


We entered the bustling restaurant, took a look at their delicious gourmet menu, ordered, and then waited at our table, tummies grumbling all the way. 


I ordered a Ragin' Cajun sandos from the press..


It's a peppered turkey breast, artisan ham, sopressata, smoked gouda, pepperoncinis, pickles, arugula & cajun aioli on a ciabatta roll. 



Jackie went for a Truffle sammy: peppered turkey breast, brie d'affinois, balsamic onion, roma tomato, mixed greens and truffled garlic aioli on herbed focaccia. And a big ole mug of fries!


With tummies mightily satisfied, we then went on a walk around the area...


I decided that I should like to live here.






I also wouldn't mind living here..





Overall, twas an unexpected and swell way to spend a Sunday. Jackie says she's going to try and eat out less; however, my work starts on Wednesday and I cannot wait to go and treat myself to a new dining spot! 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Wild Saturday Night (Elan's Version).

Every Saturday, the Irish pub next door starts to blast it's tunes at about eleven. You hear people having a good time until well past one in the morning, you sing along as you lie there in bed, imagining yourself at said party spot.

Sadly, I'm still bloody underage and so I have to make to with my own little party.

It's still a lot of alone-time for this college girl. I've made some friends of course, but their schedules conflict with mine, and of course I understand the homework load, so there's a lot of Elan time. But hey, I value my alone time! It allows for you to discover yourself and be comfortable in your own company; however, if you start talking to Siri because you have no one else to talk to, it's time to go out and get a coffee and have a chat with a stranger!

So what does this crazy college girl do in her teeny tiny 10X10 room in the heart of the Financial District on a Saturday night? Tonight, seeing as how it's the official week before Halloween, I decided to have a night in with one of my favorite autumn films: Coraline.

I made myself a strong cup of french press coffee (with or without a splash of the Baileys), lit the candle for a little moody light, set out a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies (courtesy of Mom), pulled on my skeleton sweatshirt, and cuddled under the cozy blanket for a toasty night in.

Maybe it's not the college life I expected. Maybe I imagined parties, and dancing, and drinking, and boys, but as of now, this is what I've got. I've never been the typical college girl anyway, and I chose to come to San Francisco for a unique experience.

And I know it'll get better through the year. I'll start working more, school will get more intense, and my routine will change. It's a rather exciting prospect, not knowing what the future is going to hold...




Someone's eyeing my cookies... hooot could it be?




What have you been doing on your Saturday nights, ya hooligans?

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

ExciTED to Announce..

You've probably been aware of my recent love affair with Ted Baker. 

If not, let me recap it for ya real quick. Ted Baker London, a 'no ordinary designer label' company has been my favorite brand for a little over two years. I first discovered it whilst doing a scholarship project for FIDM and since then, it has been my goal to work there.

Back in April, when Mom and I first visited San Francisco, we popped into the Ted Baker location on Grant Avenue and made quite a connection with a gal named Chelsea. Well last Monday, I popped in there and guess who was there? Chelsea! We chatted and caught up, and coincidentally, they were hiring and the manager was there. 

Well, the rest is history. I interviewed there last Thursday and had quite a connection, and then a second interview today, where I was told officially I was now part of the Ted Team!

It's a dream come true for me, really. And things just connected so well, and the opportunity came together so smoothly. 

I'm very pleased. There was celebratory coffee consumption, a long girlish chat to my mom, and lots of smiles. 

My day began with a proper That '70's Show episode, one that coincidentally featured Red Forman and his interview tactics:


Pumpkin Cheesecake Latte beforehand to calm my butterflies..



And of course, my favorite part of the day: dress up. I probably spent hours in there trying on over a dozen garments, having fun with the staff and getting a feel for the fit. It's all part of the job!





I ended up buying a lovely dress and necklace.. Again, it's for the job! And here, Chelsea and I share smiles. 


What a day!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Shooting for the Stars.

There's been a lot of thought lately as to dreams, and making them come true. Now that I'm here at my dream school in my dream city, the realization that I'm actually in the process of pursuing my dreams is finally sinking in.

I didn't realize it at first, but as most of our classes are geared towards snagging that dream internship at that dream job, I can't help but shake my head in wonder.

There was always imagining me in the future, of course. I would write in my journal and tell people about where I wanted to be when I grew up, but to actually be walking on the yellow brick road to Oz is quite a feeling.

I recently wrote an article about it, actually, that your dreams are attainable. And the time is now, my friends. Take it from me, sitting here in San Francisco, in my tiny room listening to Disney's When You Wish Upon a Star. Dreams are beautiful, but they're so much better when you turn those dreams into a reality.





What I wore: rhinestone necklace (used), white vintage striped tie top (used), vintage polka dotted high-waisted shorts (used), and gray NINE WEST ankle booties (used). 




Monday, October 19, 2015

Working Business Chic.

There is only one class I have on Monday, but that class is probably one of my favorites so far.

Titled "Promotion in the Merchandise Environment", our Florida raised epic teacher keeps the class interesting and always on our toes. But what's cool about FIDM is that we get opportunities to directly experience what we're learning in the classroom.

Take our quarter opportunity: our class, combined with the visual communications class, has been "hired" to re-style and promote the gift shop at the San Francisco Symphony.

What.

I know.

When I first heard about it, I couldn't quite believe my ears. But today, instead of taking notes from some boring lecture, we hopped the bus from Union Square, zipped over to Van Ness, and got to do an on-site visitation.

Questions were asked, tape measures came out, history was told, numbers and statistics were given, and we each brainstormed new ideas as to how to get the traffic flow better in the store, make it noticeable, and how to increase profitability.

That being said, I wore my chic business attire, for any occasion to dress up is an opportunity to express your style! We asked the proper questions, we gave the proper handshakes, we nodded, took notes, and we certainly looked the part of professionalism.

It's rather neat, this opportunity we've been given. I'm especially passionate about the arts and so this occasion to do something for the arts is especially exciting for me!

Can't wait to share more details!


Apologies for the mirror selfies, but I'm improvising and in search of a photographer!







What I wore: J CREW rhinestone statement necklace (factory outlet), 100% silk floral DVF blouse (used), high waisted khaki SALVATORE FERRAGAMO skirt (used), blue TED BAKER business bag (used), and blue VINCE CAMUTO loafers (used).