New Years' Resolutions for 2015

It's hard to believe that 2014 is almost a thing of the past.  In my internet browsing earlier today, I came across a Buzzfeed list of "33 Williamsburg Hipsters' New Years' Resolutions."  Williamsburg, New York that is.

Taking a look back at my resolutions for 2014, I wanted to focus on my health and I definitely think I succeeded.  I don't want to get into the details of a fitness regimen or a meal plan, because I believe that it's simpler than that.  From what I've learned, these are the tenets of a healthy lifestyle: exercise often, eat well, drink lots of water, get sleep, be positive.  Now, resolution time.

Resolutions for 2015:

- successfully complete my Master's degree and join the millions of others in the workforce

- make the most of my free gym membership while I still have it

- be more impulsive, go on more adventures

Some of my favorites from the Buzzfeed article.

Currently listening to: "Uptown Funk" Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

Christmas on the Great White Way

Sadly, this post is not chronicling my time in NYC for Christmas.  There are no plans for a Broadway visit in the near future, but I'm not counting anything out.  This post was sparked by the release of a super cute music video for "I Got All I Need (This Christmas)" by Klendez, the dynamic duo that is Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena.

I tried to round up a few other holiday songs by our Broadway favorites.  Enjoy and let me know which of your favorites I've missed!

"I Got All I Need (This Christmas)" Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena

"Baby It's Cold Outside" Matthew Morrison and Kelli O'Hara

White Christmas" Idina Menzel

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone!

Yule Log Ceremony

Traditions are just another reason the holidays are so special to me.  The traditions at The College are no different.  The Yule Log Ceremony has come and gone, as has my first semester in graduate school.  Only a few more days until I'm home for the holidays, but there's always time to throw away the year's problems and listen to President Reveley recite "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

The Gentlemen of the College performing at the annual Yule Log Ceremony, flashback from 2011.

Music Monday: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

I've always been a big Andrew McMahon fan; from Jack's Mannequin to Something Corporate, even the brief songwriting stint he had on Smash (granted, I loved everything Smash).  McMahon's latest project is nothing less than amazing, creative, and unique.  They're the songs of someone who's fully experienced the widest range of human emotions and those experiences have been perfectly put to music and lyrics.

The songs are poignant and the lyrics are clever.  Please give the album a listen if you're going through a music slump, need studying music, or just find yourself surfing the web in silence.  Here are a few of my favorites.

"Cecilia and the Satellite"

"Synesthesia"

"Maps for the Getaway"

"All Our Lives"

Holiday Fashion Inspiration

The semester is winding down quickly, but sometimes not quickly enough.  I'm ready to head home and spend time with my family, with no worries about classes or lab work.  This post is about brilliant December outfits.  These outfits below range from lounging around the house Christmas morning to New Year's Eve outfits to everything in between.

Currently watching listening to: Peter Pan Live!

Something Wicked This Way Comes

I don't usually watch spin-off Project Runway series, and there are many, but there was one recent episode that I just couldn't miss.  Last week on Project Runway: All Stars, the designers had to made couture garments inspired by the two sides of Broadway's Wicked; "wicked" and "good."

Christine Dwyer and Jenni Barber, Wicked's current Elphaba and Glinda, even made a guest appearance in the episode.  And the best news, the winner of the challenge would have their design showcased at the Gershwin Theatre, the home of Wicked.

Here were some of my favorites from the episode.

Season 10's Fabio Costa designed his version of a dress, a strappy top with printed pants.  While the judges voted this one of the lower looks, I loved it.

Another Season 10 veteran, Dmitry Sholokhov's feathered dress was maybe not as wicked as he would've liked, but I appreciated his craftsmanship and his overall beautiful gown.

Season 10 must have been a good season, because Sonjia Williams won this challenge.  I loved the different fabrics she used and the structured dress underneath.

Jenni Barber (Glinda), Sonjia, and Christine Dwyer (Elphaba)

Currently listening to: "Lullaby" Kyle Dean Massey (Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen)

Holiday Party Wishlist

Let's be honest with ourselves.  Once Halloween passes, the holiday season is on.  Thanksgiving and Christmas is the wonderful time of year where you see extended relatives and are allowed to eat way too much food at all of those holiday parties.  Of course you can't wear the same thing to every party, right?

Here are some items on my wishlist for the holiday season.  The more forgiving pieces, I'll wear to the all-you-can-eat family gatherings.  The short and edgy, for the parties with friends.

Easy red dresses.

I guess you've gotta have a little sparkle at some point.

Rompers dressed up with some statement accessories.

Beautiful mixed media dress in blue.

Currently listening to: "I Stand Corrected" Vampire Weekend

Breaking Ground: Photography Exhibit

Before lab this morning, I visited the contemporary photography exhibit at The College.  I've been meaning to stop in to check it out ever since I failed to attend the opening reception.  Today was the last day of the exhibit, so all's well that ends well, I guess.

I took a few iTouch photos of some of my favorites.  The quality's not amazing, but here are a sampling of some.  I think I'm a really big fan of people.  Because everyone has a different story, one that needs to be showcased.

 

 

Currently listening to: "Synesthesia" Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Project Runway Season Finale

The season 13 finale for Project Runway was last Thursday and the four finalists presented their collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  Sean, Kini, Amanda, and Char presented collections that were very much a physical manifestation of their style and fashion point of view.  Sean Kelly came out on top, his chic and clean aesthetic working very well with his signature fringe.

Here are some of my personal highlights from the season finale.

Amanda Valentine's gorgeously patterned maxi dress and exquisitely designed jewelry.

Kini with, no surprise, a perfectly executed denim dress.

Char's printed romper with an open back is perfect for the urban city girl that she designs for.

Char's printed crop top and pant outfit shows that this summer pairing isn't out of style yet.

My personal favorite: a beautifully draped white dress with a pop of fringe at the back.

And last but not least, Sean's elegant, black fringe dress.

Fellow finalists Fade Zu Grau, Sandhya Garg, Emily Payne, Alexander Knox, and Korina Emmerich also presented collection at NYFW.

Currently listening to: "Take Me to Church" Hozier

The Return of the White Button Down

Who doesn't have a white button down in the back of their closet?  Just waiting for business meetings and class presentations.  Judging by the buzz in the fashion world, these classic pieces will be making their way into the everyday wardrobe this fall season.  Here's a little inspiration.

Sean Kelly's street chic look on Episode 12 of Project Runway.  He got rave reviews from the entire panel of judges for his crisp look and innovative cutouts.

Olivia Palermo pairs her button down with a printed maxi skirt for classy perfection.

Julie Sarinana of Sincerely Jules shows some skin and pairs this classic piece with black skinny jeans and ankle boots.

Megan Jedlinski of Stylish & Scatterbrained keeps the summer going, pairing her button down with denim overalls.

Streetwear seems to be creeping into everyday wear and this pairing shows why it's so effective.

Get inspiration for a cuffed button down and white maxi skirt combo with this clean outfit.

Currently listening to: "Call Me in the Afternoon" Half Moon Run

Fashion in Film: Looking Good in the Real World

The idea for this blog post came from a blogger I follow.  She listed some of her favorite movies for fall fashion.  I've been wanting to showcase a few favorite movies of mine as well, so I decided to do the same.  But I chose a few movies with just general fashion goodness, regardless of season.

1. That Awkward Moment

Imogen Poots is my favorite type of New Yorker; edgy, chic, and dressed for the weather.  Also, all the beautiful tailored suits.

2. Definitely, Maybe
I've definitely got a girl crush on Isla Fisher.  I think what really did it for me in this movie were the New York lofts and rooftops.

3. Like Crazy
My college roommate would disown me if I didn't add this beautifully crafted movie to the list.  Ah, Felicity Jones.  What more is there to say?  She absolutely captures the simple chic.

Currently listening to: "To Kiss a Girl" Ben Fankhauser

Transitioning Dresses to Fall

Fashion inspiration for the colder weather.  Sleeved dresses are a quick and easy way to wear dresses in the fall. Once the schoolwork leaves me time to go thrifting, these are definitely on my list.

Currently listening to: "Belief" Alexander Sage Oyen