Hosting

(mimosa with mint leaves and mixed berry ice cubes)

At my current stage in life, I know I'm far off from properly  hosting guests for an evening, but that doesn't mean I can't improvise from a college student standpoint or take in inspiration from events I've attended. Since I seem to be moving residences every year, I have neither a consistent amount of kitchenware to count on nor standardized dishes and silverware. Honestly, I'm getting ahead of myself since I can barely cook, but a girl can dream! One day I'll be able to grill chicken without it sticking all over the pan...

This past year in college, my roommates and I managed to host two get-togethers at our then-aparment. We kicked things off college style with a Halloween party, which we not-so-cleverly named "Monster Bash," and provided candy and punch. Costumes were mandatory (obviously), and we even gave out a Torchy's Tacos gift card for best costume of the night. It was pretty successful save the police scare, but I learned not to worry about every small detail and just made sure to float around to talk to everyone who attended since I wanted everyone to feel welcome and included. We also hosted a dinner party for Galentine's Day, and while it was nothing fancy, it was nice to just celebrate quality friendships.

I had the opportunity to attend a farewell party for a dear friend a couple of weeks ago, and there was a gourmet hot-dog station that was both eye-catching and delicious. It made me think about how the most basic foods can be made into something exciting with just a few extra touches. I hope I remember to start simple next time there's a chance to host a gathering.

(decorative display of hot dog toppings)

 (hot dog buns with rosemary sprigs and assorted relishes)

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)

Dress Smart

Derek Cardigan Glasses, J. Crew Tee, James Jeans Denim (on sale!), Zara Sandals

It's a constant battle between my contacts and me. Maybe it's because I have monthly prescriptions or generally dry eyes, but contacts are rarely completely comfortable for me. That's why I'm so grateful for the rise of trendy prescription glasses. Glasses are no longer just for vision correction but also for self expression. Companies such as Warby Parker have really set the standard on "hipster" glasses or fashionable eyewear, and the glasses are pretty affordable! A friend of mine referred me to Coastal, an online retailer for prescription eyewear, since they have a first pair free deal. All I had to do was pick a pair of glasses, pay shipping and handling (less than $10), and I've been happy with my purchase from day one.

I like to correlate glasses with intelligence and sophistication since, back in the day, people mainly wore glasses to help them read. I can only hope people think that of me when I wear mine. Honestly, I wear glasses whenever I'm in a rush or want my eyes to breathe, but it's nice to know glasses can double as a stylish accessory! I love the combination of glasses, a classic ensemble, and a bright lip. I know, I know; how much more J. Crew can I get?

(photos courtesy of my roommate)

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)

Warm Me Up

Zara Romper, Ann Taylor Blazer (thrifted), Lauren Conrad Sandals

Houston has finally started to warm up again. I think we had a high of 80 this week! Nothing deters me more from crawling out of bed every morning than the cold, so I fully embraced this weather change. I even started riding my bike to school again.

My friends and I decided to take advantage of a lighter workload week as well as great weather to explore a new restaurant in town. I took this opportunity to finally rip the tag off this romper I scored at the Zara winter sale (I'm not sure why there were rompers on sale then...). I'm in love with the pattern and color scheme as well as the fit. It can definitely be dressed up or down and work well as a swimsuit cover-up. Gotta love the versatility of a good romper!

A Series of Glasses

 (an adorable bottle of moscato c/o of a dear friend)

 (Galentine's celebration toast)

 (perfectly petite collins glasses at Mongoose vs. Cobra)

This past weekend was absolutely delightful. I had a completely packed week of school before I could unwind at our second annual Galentine's Day celebration. Last year we went out to a restaurant to celebrate, so this year we decided to make it more low-key. We planned to have a pizza + wine tasting at our apartment and invited a great group of ladies to celebrate with us. The dress code was to wear something that makes you feel confident, and it ended up working out pretty well. It was the best ending to a long week.

I realize the more I go out and explore restaurants and bars, the more I pay attention to the glassware they use. It's gotten to the point where I'm making a mental checklist in my head of all the assorted glassware I want for my future home (I'm planning way into the future here). Hopefully solo cups will be a thing of the past by then!

On the Town

(Second floor of Hearsay Gastro Lounge )

(Dining area of Mockingbird Bistro )

(Delightful s'mores platter + wine at 13 Celsius)

When I said I hoped to become Yelp! Elite by the end of this semester, I wasn't joking. I've gone out and explored Houston exponentially within the last month compared to my whole time in college. Feel free to follow my adventures here if you're from the Houston area and love to eat!

My main criterion when exploring restaurants and eateries is whether it's a good deal or not. As much as I like fine dining, I definitely cannot afford to feast like a queen weekly, so the next best thing to fine dining is happy hour at reputable restaurants. I won't lie; I've definitely been on a happy hour binge the last couple of weeks. When school gets you down, blow off some steam at happy hour. It's somehow working out for me so far.

When It Gets Cold...

1 2 3 4 

... whip out your boots!

The weather in Houston has been extremely crummy. I know, I know -- how bad can weather get down south? Well, not only has it been abnormally cold for Houston, we've also been getting a large amount of rain. I'm just glad flooding hasn't become an issue.

I discovered a love for boots in high school, and I honestly don't know how my feet (and ankles) survived the cold for so long without them. For the chilly temperatures, I have four pairs of boots on constant rotation (as shown above). I'd consider these four options staples to a college student's wardrobe since they pair with just about any outfit and can be dressed up or down.

The Riding Boot // These boots add another level of sleekness to anything that you're wearing. They're extremely comfortable (I can wear mine for 7+ hour standing work shifts) and are classic. Invest in a good pair, and they'll last you for at least five years. Personally, I love them in cognac or black.

The Rain Boot // These are a college student must-have for those days when the rain is pouring, and campus is filled with mud and puddles. Whether you choose tall or short rain boots, just make sure they fit your feet well. They obviously won't stretch with wear since they're made out of rubber, so fit is crucial! I love rain boots in bright and rich hues since they add a pop of color to those dreary wet and cold days.

The Military Boot // These are the perfect casual boots. They add some edge to anything you wear and are great for those days where you feel lazy but still want to look like you tried. Wear them with a dress + stockings, jeans, or leggings, and they'll still look great! The only downside is that these do take some time to break in depending on how stiff the boots are.

The Ankle Boot // These are my favorite for this winter. They're so versatile, whether you want to look casual or polished, and they give you a boost in the height department. Tip: find a pair with a heel and sole that are comfortable to walk in; there's no point in buying painful shoes that you want to wear everyday but can't. I prefer a pair in black since most winter clothes are dark. This way my legs look more streamlined.

Transition

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Muscle Tank, F21 Leather Shorts, DV by Dolce Vita Ankle Boots

A new post has been long overdue. Shame on me for not keeping up with updating! I'll definitely be reviewing the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target pieces I purchased a couple of weekends ago. In fact, I'm wearing one of them here.

I bought this top because it seemed like a more elegant version of a muscle tank, combining a masculine feel in the front with a feminine touch in the back. The back is sheer with a high-low hemline, and I think it will pair well with a pair of leather leggings. Since it was still warm, I paired it with my handy leather shorts instead and black ankle boots, which I snagged for $60 on sale and will probably become my favorite shoes for the winter.

The weather in Houston is finally cooling down, and it's been a beautiful past couple of days. I just won't be too happy when it's actually cold.

Commuting Comfort

AE Top, Zara Shorts, Zara Sandals, Ray-Ban Aviators

Even with the long weekend, I've already had my fair share of the week. Blame it on the humidity and heat or my alternating between biking and driving to school, but I'm ready for the weekend!

To keep up with the weather while walking around campus, I've stuck to sleeveless tops and breezy dresses all week. I particularly loved this outfit because it felt like I was wearing silk pajamas (with pockets!) the whole day. To prevent myself from looking like I rolled out of bed in this getup, I wore my trusty Zara low-heel sandals to dress it up.

Dog Days

Nollie Tank Top, AE Bandeau, Banana Republic Shirt, Zara Sandals, Ray Ban Aviators, Kate Landry Crossbody

My foodie friend and I took a chance and tried out James Coney Island's latest gourmet hot dog of the Chefs and Show Dogs series, the Mutt Barkus, created by Eatsie Boys chef Matt Markus. I missed out on the previous gourmet hot dog (which was apparently amazing), so I needed to see if this next one was just as good. In addition, Eatsie Boys offered free ice cream to anyone who brought in a receipt for the Mutt Barkus, so we couldn't pass that up. While I wasn't entirely impressed by the hot dog, the dulce de leche ice cream I had was delicious.

To balance out our indulgent meal, my friend and I originally planned to visit the James Turrell exhibit at the MFAH but found out, to our dismay, the museum is closed on Mondays. We then set our sights on the Glassell School of Art and the Rice Gallery to replace our afternoon plans. I guess I'll just have to find some other time to visit the Turrell exhibit before it leaves Houston.

I wanted to dress as comfortably as possible since I knew I'd be eating a hefty lunch and doing a bit of walking. I've had this dress for such a long time and worn it countless times. It's probably one of the best $5 buys I've ever made. It's actually an XL tank top worn as a dress since I'm so small; just one of those petite perks!

(Photos courtesy of my friend)

Lunch, Laughs, & Lace

Zara Dress, Zara Heels, F21 Sunglasses

I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with a childhood friend over lunch at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge (courtesy of Houston Restaurant Week). While we chatted and laughed about our experiences this past year, the chef himself was nice enough to come over to our table and greet us! I realize as I get older, the relationships I've developed over time are priceless. When a friend and I can go months or years without contact yet still be able to catch up over coffee or a meal like we never parted, that's when I know we'll be lifelong friends.

I thought this lunch reunion would be the perfect occasion to wear this beautiful lace dress I scored from the Zara sale. I love how it has a classic sheath shape but with an open back and that the lining is sewn to the dress, so I don't need to worry about it riding up (does anyone else ever have this issue?). There's something about shirts (like in this post) and dresses with open backs that just reel me in. I guess if I want to show some skin, I'd rather it be my back than anywhere else.

Something To Look Forward To

Gianni Bini Dress, Kate Landry Crossbody, Fossil Watch, Vince Camuto Bangle, LC Lauren Conrad Platform Heels

I've never been in the habit of having brunch (I actually can't remember the last time I had brunch), but for this week, my friends and I decided on a brunch outing at Benjy's as something we could eagerly anticipate. What better way to explore the city of Houston but through food; you really can't go wrong with trying out new cuisines and enjoying the ambiances of each restaurant. Ambiance has become a much bigger factor for me when choosing restaurants just because many restaurants in Houston do a fantastic job on making their places unique. The restaurant experience has turned into a feast for both my taste buds and eyes!

Here's to the rest of summer and a little something to look forward to each week.

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!