Throwback Thursday- Beach Bliss.

It's strange to imagine that only two weeks have passed since I was in paradise. A time where I lazed the days away aimlessly staring out at the ocean blue, feet curled tight in the sand, special adult drink by my side, luxurious walks on the beach.

And yet here I am! It's hard to really ever pick a favourite part of a vacation, and to this day, I still can't. So I'm going to share some snapshots with you these next couple of weeks, some of my favourite bits, even though the whole trip was my favourite.

I want to start with a special dinner we had, a dinner exclusively on the beach. It was one of the nicest meals I've ever had. Yes, part of the reason was the fact that we were literally dining on the beach, but the main reason is that I was surrounded by family, whom got to share this special experience with me.

Our dining table..

So we hadn't even been seated for more than ten minutes before we were interrupted to check out this turtle releasing. I guess this time of year is the birthing time, so we got to witness these little guys being safely released back into the ocean. 

Have you ever had baby turtles swim over your feet? What a feeling!

Like something out of a fairy tale.

The most important start to any proper meal- BREAD.

A la romantic, si?

Remember that time when the Krull kids tried to smoke breadsticks on the beach? There's nothing like a nice breadstick smoke.

Dinner was coconut shrimp.

Dessert drink was my favorite- Kahlua.

And the finish.. chocolate cake!

My brother never misses an opportunity to photobomb.

Tom Ford, Ladies & Gents.

Today was all about Tom Ford. Inside and out. It was the last presentation in my 20th Century Designers class and I wanted to give it my all. Our current designer of choice was the one, and the only Mr. Tom Ford.

 

Now before starting the research, I knew nothing of this designer, except for the Jay Z song Tom Ford. But that's what this class is about- learning. And boy did I learn. I went all out in my research and learned everything I could in the amount of time that I had. Some interesting facts:

 

- Tom Ford created his multi-billion dollar brand with a degree in architecture. Started from the bottom and worked his successful way to the stop.

 

-He believes in every woman of every color and size should be able to wear his clothing.

 

-He's a perfectionist, and an incredible designer with a dedicated drive to excel.

 

- He directed the $7 million film A Single Man completely out of pocket and went on to win over twenty-five awards.

 

Just to name a few. You could say he's my new favorite designer.

 

But it's not just him I'm so inspired about. I'm constantly surrounded by inspiration, whether in class or not. In class, I got to learn about Elie Saab, Tory Burch, Alexander McQueen, and Monique Lhullier. But outside of class, I was inspired by the well dressed (and incredibly handsome) man in the Starbucks line, and by researching online for my Ted Baker project. Inspiration is everywhere.

 

Tom Ford though. Check him out. Pop a listen to Jay Z's Tom Ford, if you mind the naughty words, or check out his incredible men's suits and provocative and sexy womenswear. He's a keeper!

 

Homage to Tom Ford in dress today!

 

 

What I wore: black PURE blazer (used), red gingham top (used), Marvel Bowie (used), denim MARITHE &FRANCOIS GIRBAUD shorts (used), black tights, and black DOLCE VITA pointed loafers. 

Orange is Aglow.

It's really starting to sink in.. Christmas! And after a long weekend of studying and typing on screens, my friends and I decided that a break was much needed. A break that involved waltzing through cheery Christmas streets, shopping, and goodie tasting. And what better place to do so than in the Circle at Orange?

It is truly one of my favourite places in the world. It's downtown Orange, and there are antique stores and restaurants filled on every corner. It would take years to get through all the cute shops and restaurants there! And from their Christmas tree lighting just last night, there thrives Christmas spirit around every street corner.

It was an evening aglow, indeed.

But first, coffee.

And then there came lavender mint gelato, something I simply couldn't resist. 

Isn't this just lovely?

A Song for Sunday- I'll Be Home For Christmas.

So it was during my jaunt down in the Orange Circle with my various aunts, uncles, and cousins for the Christmas tree lighting, that I got sudden homesickness. Looking around at all the families, with Dad's twirling little girls, and families holding hands, I wanted nothing more than to be home with my family in Alaska.

Now also contributing to this problem is the fact that its winter here, yet its Southern California's version. So palm trees, seventy degrees, and not a lick of snow. I still can't process these thoughts, and so I'm anxious now more than ever to get home to some real snow and to my family.

Sigh. The college life. But at least I get to see them, for I have friends staying here for work and I just can't fathom that.

Anyway, I thought it fitting to do a Christmas song, seeing how it is the holidays and all. Plus, this particular song is fitting for my current situation.

Now there are many versions. Many. But I find Michael Buble's to be incredible. If I could marry his voice, I would. In a heartbeat. So masculine, so rich and smooth, so old-fashioned, so bloody sexy. Back to the spirit of Christmas! So here's Michael Buble's version, everyone.

"... I'll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents by the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas 

If only in my dreams

If only in my dreams..."

I certainly got more into the spirit once we took a walk through the neighborhoods though!

Schiaparelli Inspires.

So it was during my twentieth century designer's class that one of my friends brought to me the realization that I was dressed in the styles of 1920's surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Looking down at my vintage ESCADA lips sweater and ankle length boots did I see that indeed, I had taken inspiration from one of my new favourite designers! Well I don't know what spurred me then and there, but it reminded me that it had been awhile since I last posted to you.

What has been up? How were all ya'll's Thanksgivings? My goodness it has indeed been some time, has it not? I have only just returned myself from one marvelous week in Mexico, and have come back to the throws of the end of quarter year of school. It's a busy time for everyone! To me, it's still October. Christmas? Here? Soon? Nah.

Anyhow, I give a shout out to Elsa in thanks for reminding me that one mustn't neglect something that brings happy distraction in the next couple of whirlwind weeks just because I'm "busy." Always got time to talk to you. And it's not that school is stressful, it's not. There's just.. a lot of (good) stuff going on.

And I found that Elsa and I have some things in common! We both rock the "E" names, and she shares a common love for food.

So for those of you out there who find youselves in stressful situations, my advice to you would be not to worry, find positive outlets that take your mind off the (seemingly) stressful situations, and eat. The last one is the most important. 

And if banana pancakes with Kahlua butter and coconut syrup doesn't inspire you.. find something that does! This is my favouite food pleasure and from Mexico too. Mexico posts to come soon!