The only way to get through it is to get through it.

I've been trying to figure out a simple updo for my thick, layered Asian hair for an outfit I'd like to wear to an engagement party this Friday. Let me tell you, it is not easy. Every time I find a YouTube video of "simple updo," it's girls with beautiful wavy, not too thick, braidable, messy bunnable, hair. I can barely manage to do a messy bun that I like, and after getting a hair cut it's even harder. My "messy" bun always has the shorter layers sticking straight out every which way. Of course these pieces can't just look beautifully messy as they do on other girls. Oh, and another pet peeve about my hair? I'm pretty sure bobby pins are rendered useless in it. Either that or I'm just useless and don't know how to use bobby pins.

So ladies, if you have ANY suggestions for simple updos, please do share. I could definitely use some! So far I've learned how to do a waterfall braid (if you don't know what it is, Google / YouTube it.. they are quite interesting and gorgeous). Another updo that I learned from YouTube is a french braid with the bottom tucked in. This style works well for layered hair. Most of the time I can french braid my hair, but struggle when reaching the bottom and the normal braided area because my layers aren't actually long enough to just straight braid. Tuck the regular braid underneath the french braid, bobby pin, and you're good to go! With the right outfit, the tucked in french braid doesn't look too matronly.. though I can see why one would not favor this hairstyle for fear of aging themselves a decade (or two).

 Photos below are pre hair cut that I got 2 weeks ago. I've had to layer a lot like this lately because the weather has gotten cold again. It's great to be able to layer without looking too bulky. Similar to my post envying those who can mix prints.. I also envy those who can layer so effortlessly. Though I sometimes wonder if blogs give me a warped view of what it actually feels like to wear such clothes (i.e. bloggers wearing layers are either super hot and sweaty or freezing cold because despite the layers, they are not actually warm). One must remember that the fabulous clothing life that bloggers live in photos may not be true in real life. I have definitely been better at photographing outfits that are more day to day and functional as far as weather.
(top: StyleMint |hoodie: American Apparel |jacket: Zara |pants: Citizens for Humanity |shoes: Zara |hat & bag: Alexander Wang)

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel

I LOVE my new 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, it's small and compact but so adorable and goes with everything.  It's definitely the most structured bag I own at the moment.  The minute I saw the white one on Hanneli I decided that it was a must have.  3.1 Phillip Lim just launched their site a couple of weeks ago and offered  20% off, so I jumped on the deal.  I can't wait to use it!

Have you ever done a 99?I think that's a tax form?

Smoothies, polka dots, and leopard print.  I'm always jealous of those bloggers who can mix prints effortlessly and look so damn good doing it.  I'll have to learn that art some time soon..

I did my nails red and orange, for some reason they reminded me of skittles. 
(top: Zara|bottom: BlankNYC |shoes: Rag & Bone |bag: Alexander Wang)

Anything I can do to help? I'm pretty courtroom savvy. I mean, I haven't seen every episode of 'Law & Order.' Just, like 400 of them.

Saw this sweater on Wheredidugetthat and had to go out and try it on for myself. Searched the two H&M's near me and found it at the second. Unfortunately it didn't work out (it looks better in my snapshot than it did on me in real life). It's one size which doesn't work for my small frame / shortness. Otherwise I'd love this piece (as Karen says, it totally reminds me of Miroslava Duma's photos that I saw last year - why couldn't it be that size, then I'd fit it!). Note, if you go look for this sweater, it's REALLY heavy because of the beading. I didn't think about it before lifting it and was surprised by the weight. It'd probably be a work out to just wear it.

Would you line up around the corner if the iPhone was called "the slippery germ brick"?

My full Easter outfit, I have been loving printed denim lately and these Zara jeans are a great affordable pair that aren't insanely long on me. Can't wait to wear them with some heeled sandals!

That day a middle schooler walked past me while I was taking photos with my boyfriend and he said "nice pants.." My boyfriend and I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not but I thought, who the heck cares, I love them!!

(top: Urban Outfitters |pants & boots: Zara |ring: YSL |bag: Mulberry Alexa |sunglasses: Ray-Ban)

You're listening to the radio and writing with a pen? What decade are we in?

The weather during Easter was fabulous and I had a perfect Easter outfit (that I'll divulge in the next post). My boyfriend and I had a nice lunch outside consisting of salad and pizza. I couldn't stop looking at the dog that was a couple of tables over.. it was a Shar Pei / Retriever mix and it was so good and adorable. It was really windy that day and I told my boyfriend that eating a salad worried me because I was afraid all of it would just fly into my face (yes these are the types of things I worry about). He commented on how at least no trees were near us so we didn't have a bunch of petals flying into our food. And I was pleasantly surprised when the hostess complimented me on my pants. As you know, I truly believe that wearing semi out there items like floral skinny jeans get you weird looks from the general suburbia population.

You need to stop freaking out because you're not where you thought you would be, in life or in our business. It's real life, lower your expectations.

Color galore. Shot of the Zara color block sandals. What do you think?

Wouldn’t it be better to find a girl who you really care about to motorboat?

Spring has definitely sprung. I feel like I woke up and suddenly everything sprouted (even my boyfriend's herbs.. he's extremely excited about this fact).

I know I've mentioned this several times but I love having longer days. I feel like I'm able to get more time and get more done versus hiding out under the covers because it's dark, dank, and cold. The weather's been pretty nice in NJ lately as well. The time period to wear shorts/skirts with a top and a light sweater without freezing or sweating is short so I have to take advantage of it this year. However the last couple of weeks has been about comfort and laziness and I've loved every second of it. I'll try to up my game this weekend...

(tee: StyleMint |jeans: Citizens of Humanity |shoes: Rag & Bone |bag: Alexander Wang |sunglasses: Karen Walker)

You guys called the cops to get your frisbee out of the pond? Is this really a police matter?

Crochet shorts in every color from Zara. I'm prepared for summer.