This end is the beginning.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am not a fan of conformity, not in the slightest bit. I actually like that I have grown to be content with exactly who I am, and that I have come to terms with the fact that regardless of what people think, there is absolutely no reason to change what I look like, what I think, or what I act like. I feel like this is often overlooked in high school, the idea of being yourself. So many times kids are pressured into the image of what they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to want, and the cliche of "peer pressure" comes into play, as their surroundings mold them into someone they are expected to be. But sometimes, kids break from the mold and experience something else, something I feel I went through in high school. I started out conforming like everyone else, wearing unoriginal branding and fading into the crowd, but then I started to question why I wanted to do this. Why was it that I was acting and dressing like everyone else? Really, I had no good reason. So I stopped caring about what everyone else thought. It wasn't an all of a sudden change, it took time, but eventually it happened for me, I grew to be fully content with myself. Ultimately that made my life so much better because once you've found yourself, you find out what and who really matters to you, what is worth your time and love. The process amazed me, and I can say that I am truly happier now than I have been in a long long time. 


I graduate from high school tomorrow, on May 29th, 2010. This end is the beginning of so much more. 

Amongst the endless branches.

“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.”           Albert Einstein 

I love trees. I am not sure what it is, but they inspire thought. I think it is nature in general. There are so many aspects to this planet that we as humans overlook, and it is truly tragic. This summer I'm going to spend as much time as possible outside with my camera and my notebook, sitting endlessly by the river or up in a tree. It will be a time of exploration - figuratively and literally. I cannot wait. 

Across the Universe

I found myself watching Across the Universe, and each time I watch this film, I fall in love with it all over again. I not only dream of the "hippie era" - the fashion, the music, and the need to change all that is wrong, but this movie revolves around The Beatles most famous songs which just happens to be my favorite band of all time. This last performance was the perfect end to such a phenomenal film, and although the video quality is too wonderful (it's the best I could find with just his performance) it will do. I recommend to all of you who are fans of the time period and The Beatles to go and check out this movie, asap. I hope you love it as much as I do...

Days as a photographer.

My little farmland area has grown on me so much in these last few months; I love just getting in the car, and driving and just exploring. Today I actually drove to the forest preserve, and then explored beyond that, about 15 miles south, and although I felt lost at one point, I was at ease with the uncertainty the road held, a vast expanse, an never-ending road full of endless possibilities. 

Lovely, yes?

J.Crew came out with a new catalog, can you say l-o-v-e? I was absolutely smitten with the new range of pieces; some held a very dainty touch whereas others surfaced on the edgier side, and I adore a mix of the two. This picture not only was entirely provoking; the bib necklace is without a doubt one of the most beautiful ones I have seen in quite some time, and combined with the ruffled blouse, flushed pink lip, and messy hair - a cohesive yet contradictory look is created. 

And remember, like always, la vie est chic.

Any questions? Contact me at la.vie.est.chic@gmail.com

Black, White, and Red all over.

My very first outfit post. As I sit here typing this, I am thrilled about posting more outfits on here in the future...I feel like so much of the time, it is easy to shift from a fashion blogger to just typing away about whatever floats across my mind, so posts like these help me get back on track.

Contents:

Faux Leather Jacket (TJMaxx)

The Beatles tee (Salvation Army)

Scarf (gifted)

Silver flower ring (gifted)

Black Skinny Jeans (Macy's?)

Shoes (Chinese Laundry via TJMaxx)

The shoes I am wearing here, oh gosh, I love them. I am already tall (5'10) but with these killer extra four inches, I feel so sexy; I've been afraid and embarrassed about my height for as long as I can remember, but within the last year, I finally have learned to embrace it, or else I am wasting time fretting over something I cannot change about myself. So I challenge you all to come to terms with something about yourself that you have always disliked; it's a healthier way to look at yourself and will honestly make life that much better. 

And remember, like always, la vie est chic.

Any questions? E-mail me at la.vie.est.chic@gmail.com

"Music is the vernacular of the human soul."

As I rummaged through endless photos on the internet, I finally came upon this beauty. It's an old, diminished piano in a wrecked building in Detroit. Something about this photo sparked inspiration within me; it's separate from regular pianos in the essence that it is sad and curious and beautiful. I imagined this as a piano that soulful singers played on in some underground jazz club years ago, so ever since coming upon this wreckage, I have been listening to the music that makes me think of this piano, and it's been lovely; jazz is unlike any other kind of music, it sinks into your core and makes you think and feel in ways others genres do not because it contains so much thought, passion, and soul behind each note.


Here are some of my favorite songs of the week:


I Fall in Love Too Easily - Frank Sinatra
J'ai Deux Amours - Madeline Peyroux
Sweet Loraine - The Nat "King" Cole Trio
The Lady is a Tramp - Frank Sinatra
Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Bublé


And remember, like always la vie est chic.
Any questions, e-mail me at la.vie.est.chic@gmail.com