Reverse to Revamp

F21 Tank, Aerie Lace Bandeau, AE Jeans, UO Studded Belt, Zara Sandals, Ray-Ban Aviators

Fall semester officially began 2 days ago, and it's still hard to believe I'm a junior now. I've been on campus these last two weeks helping out with new student orientation (what we call O-Week), so I apologize for not updating. As busy as my schedule is, I'm going to try my best to stay consistent with the blog.

I've been a fan of the muscle tank silhouette for a while (college tanks are rampant), but I haven't been able to bring myself to purchase a more feminine version. I'm particular about the fit since the wrong cut can make my shoulders seem even wider than they already are. With some inspiration, I realized that if I just wore one of my tanks backwards, it would have the same fit as a muscle tank with a scoop neck in the back (which I'm loving). Pair it with a bandeau, and it's perfect for these warm summer days.

On Wednesdays, we wear pink.

It just so happened two of my friends were also wearing pink today at lunch (pointed out by another friend), so we couldn't pass up the chance to quote Mean Girls.

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)

Sleepyhead

Romper (last seen here), Sag Harbor Shirt, Zara Sandals, Charming Charlie Necklace, Ray Ban Aviators

Today was definitely a lazy day. After a sudden wake-up call from a false fire alarm at 9:30 in the morning, I decided to snuggle back into bed. The chances to just go back to sleep are slimming down since I'll be heading back to campus in a couple days and the semester begins at the end of August. I'm anxious about this upcoming year since I know it's going to take endurance. Here's to hoping there will be good memories made as well!

I wanted my outfit to be as least constricting as possible today, so I layered a t-shirt over my floral romper. Basically it felt like I was wearing pajamas! Remember this post? Well, I managed to pick up the Zara pair for more than half off. I didn't even think they would be marked down that low and have my size in stock. Lucky find, I guess. I'm really enjoying the slight height boost whenever I wear them. They'll probably be my favorite go-to sandal for school.

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.

Kaleidoscope Colors

Chevron Dress (similar here & here), LC Lauren Conrad Platform Heels, Ray-Ban Aviators

It's been long past due for a new post. I'll admit it; since summer school ended and taking a short vacation home, I've become a bit too accustomed to not taking advantage of the free time I have now. That will definitely change by the end of this week as I have to head back to school for freshmen orientation training. I can't believe the summer break is coming to an end; I'm definitely going to miss it.

Today is definitely one of those stereotypical hot and humid Houston summer days. All I wanted was to throw on a breezy, stress-free dress, and then I remembered this dress that one of my friends had nonchalantly gifted me simply because she didn't wear it anymore (I needed a dress to wear that evening anyways). It originally had a high-low hemline, but I realized the length just did not flatter my petite body, so I took a pair of scissors and chopped the bottom off! I'm loving the colors and boho take of the trendy chevron pattern, and I can already picture it as a swimsuit cover-up or something I'd wear out to lunch with a friend.

Before Sunrise

Last night my roommates convinced me to watch Before Sunrise (100% from critics!), a romantic drama about two people who meet on a train and spend a day together exploring Vienna and as well as each other's thoughts, quirks, and histories. I was very impressed by the movie; it's mainly conversation based with very little action, but the acting is terrific. It's definitely a deeper and more philosophical romantic feature and made me think about those taken or missed impromptu chances in life and where they (could have) lead. This is the first installment of a three part series, and the last part just released this past May. I'm definitely going to finish the other films when I have the time.

The film came out in 1995, and the fashion trends of that time are very obvious in the film. I hated Ethan Hawke's hair, but I understand that was probably due to the 90's. On the other hand, Celine, the French student played by Julie Delpy, wears a combination of a brown drop-back maxi dress layered over a simple t-shirt with a flannel button-up tied carelessly around her hips. Interestingly enough, I can definitely see women today wearing a modern version of her outfit. While I may not be tying shirts around my waist any time soon, I've definitely seen the trend on other bloggers and off-duty models. Personally, I would love to be able to rock a drop-back maxi dress (like the one below) as effortlessly as Celine.

Topshop Dress

Floral Flow

Romper (from overseas; similar), F21 Sweater

My aunt bought this romper for me as a souvenir/gift when I visited Taiwan a couple of years ago (where I also got this romper). It's funny that the only two rompers I own are both from Taiwan, and they're still some of my favorite pieces in my closet. I'm honestly surprised they've lasted so long through all the extensive wear  I've put them through. I decided to change it up this time and wear the bottom of the romper as shorts by knotting a sweater on top. As soon as I walked outside this morning, I was immediately thankful for wearing a sweater as the weather was slightly chilly due to the rain. In retrospect, I guess I was channeling the Zara flowing shorts (here and here) I saw while online shopping (can you tell I've been kind of obsessed?).