Sound Of the City

(view of the Houston skyline)

This post is about a month overdue, but better late than never!

I decided to volunteer for my ticket to Free Press Summer Fest this year since I wasn't as impressed with the lineup (in terms of artists who I wanted to see). Last year's lineup just set the bar too high. Regardless, I still had a fantastic time learning how to work ticketing (more like wristbanding) while still getting to enjoy some of the festival. The crowds were just as big this year, and the energy really made the infamous Houston heat bearable. On the down side, I got pick-pocketed at the festival, but thankfully, I didn't lose too much and cancelled my debit card right away. Note to self to be aware of my surroundings and periodically check my belongings. Nevertheless, I can't wait for next year's tickets to go on sale, so I can snatch them up early!

(at the Neptune Stage trying to catch a glimpse of CHVRCHES' Lauren Mayberry) 

 Floral Romper (last seen here), Banana Republic Chambray Shirt (similar), Leather Backpack

(my roommate and I celebrating after volunteering)

(Childish Gambino ruling his set) 

(the roommates and I taking full advantage of this sign) 

(ending the first night with Zedd)

Whirlwind

I'm back again -- 3 months later. Spring semester has ended, and I'm relieved and happy to be on a real summer break (no summer classes this time!). Instead, I'll be spending my days studying for the PCAT and working, but I'm not complaining. In terms of events, I have very high hopes for this summer; highlights include Free Press Summer Fest, my cousin's wedding + family vacation, and my dream trip to France to learn about its culture of wine and wine production. I still can't believe the last part is happening -- already booked my tickets!

It's crazy to think I only have one more semester left of undergrad. After attending the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2014 (shout-out to two of my dearest friends for graduating), I know I'm going to be in tears when it's my turn. My friends and I are already planning on making senior year as exciting and meaningful as possible; got to go out with a bang.

Just to recap on my hopes from the beginning of 2014, I'm proud to say I'm officially Yelp Elite!, and my Alternative Spring Break trip to the Everglades National Park in Florida was nothing short of exhilarating and rewarding. I'm pleased that I actually accomplished goals this year instead of just setting them. A great score on my PCAT would be icing on the cake... crossing my fingers.

Here are some snapshots from the past couple of months

(waking up to breathtaking sunrise in the Everglades)

(the best Cinco de Mayo celebration)

(Yelp Elite! event at Texas de Brazil; I also opted for a shorter haircut for summer)

(relaxing in Destin to celebrate the end of junior year)

 (fantastic firework show at the 101st Commencement)

Weekend Recap

My lovely roommate and me

Passion Pit greatly exceeded my expectations

As close as I could get to Calvin Harris

Free Press Summer Festival was exhausting but such a great experience. The weather was actually bearable (particularly the second day). I'm already looking forward to the announcement of next summer's artist line-up!

What I wore (unfortunately not pictured):
Day 1
Cami: Aerie (similar)
Shorts: Levis (similar; mine were a thrift store DIY)
Bandeau: Gilly Hicks (similar)
Sunglasses: F21 (similar)
Shoes: Gap x Keds (similar)

Day 2
Top: F21 (similar)
Shorts: AE (similar)
Bikini: Victoria's Secret
Sunglasses: F21
Shoes: Call It Spring (similar)

Music Under the Sun

credits // 1 2 3 4 

The school year has ended, and I'm on summer break! Work and summer school have not begun, so I'm taking advantage of my free time by getting accustomed to the apartment lifestyle, working out, and doing some poolside reading. As the days go by, one of the highly anticipated events this summer slowly approaches. Houston's annual Free Press Summer Festival is coming to town June 1st and 2nd, and the lineup is pretty terrific (and eclectic!). Just to name a few, I'm particularly excited to see Passion Pit, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Calvin Harris.

In addition to providing great music, music festivals also give us the opportunity to have some fun with fashion (not that we can't do that everyday anyways). I've definitely been brainstorming hot + humid weather-friendly clothing, and here are my top options:

1 // I'm absolutely in love with basically anything Olivia Palermo wears. She manages wear outfits that look effortless but completely put together. Her breezy tank top + maxi skirt are great options to beat the heat. I would also advise wearing comfortable shoes as well since music festivals require quite a bit of walking and standing as well as a pair of sunglasses.

2 // I really love the crochet pattern on the cropped tank, which is both aesthetic and practical for keeping cool. The patterned high-waisted shorts give her outfit a dash of fun, and the crazy sunglasses scream fun in the sun.

3 // This outfit seems to be a classic in music festival fashion. You can't go wrong wearing high-waisted jean shorts, a bandeau top, and a cover-up!

4 // I would not advise wearing a long-sleeved blouse in Houston during the summer, but switch it out with a sleeveless blouse, and you're good to go. Jean shorts pair fantastically with any sort of white top. While wearing short boots may seem illogical in the summer, they may save your toes from the countless people that may step on them; they would also incorporate some edge into an outfit.

I won't lie; I'm probably just as excited about dressing up for FPSF as I am for the performances!