Duke Farms

Recently, my family and I went to the Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. It was great to be able to share a meal with my grandparents, parents and brother followed by some amazing natural beauty. Here are some of my favorite shots from the gardens. Aren't the flowers and plants just gorgeous? Nature is one of my favorite sources of inspiration. Enjoy :)

Have a splendid day! 

Senior Prom 2013

As promised, here are some photos from senior prom!

The weather that day wasn't great, but it was nice and cool. It drizzled a little bit but I braved it for these photos :) I was happy to be able to wear my favorite color, and I matched my earrings, hair clips, and the ribbon of my corsage to my dress. My earrings were the aqua, emerald and cobalt blue ones I wore here - I liked how they added a little bit of contrast to the dress. I think the grecian style dress and floaty skirt suited me well! My date's name was Todd and he's one of my friends from my high school. I had my hair done by my favorite hairstylist and I did my makeup myself. I asked for a side bun and my hairstylist added some gold glitter hairspray which made my hair sparkle with every move of my head. For my makeup, I went for a gold and black smokey eye with a neutral lip. The venue was gorgeous and it was so nice to see my classmates in their finest attire smiling and enjoying themselves after a long and stressful year. These photos were taken at my friend's house before the dance.

Outfit details: Dress: Jodi Kristopher via Dillard's / Shoes: Nina via Lord & Taylor / Earrings: Lord & Taylor / Corsage: Local florist / Hair clips: Store in China 

 

Jazz hands at my friend's house! Since it was raining, we took some group photos indoors.

This photo was taken at the venue by one of my teachers.

Hope you enjoyed your prom! It's really a great part of being a high school student - one that I'll miss! 

Blossoming with Contrasts

As the weather gets nicer, I'll be taking more of my photos outdoors! The first photo was taken in my school's courtyard, dedicated to one of our teachers who passed away two years ago. It has a wonderful waterfall and beautiful flowers. I love how it has tables and benches for students to sit, eat lunch, chat, and do some homework. 

When I planned this outfit, I wanted to pair the floral tank, a more formal piece that I usually wear with black blazers and pants for presentations or competitions, with my casual white pants. Since the top is sleeveless, I wanted to add another layer on top. I decided on a navy blazer, since the navy blue color pairs well with the cool tones in the top. I added a headband from LOFT, one of my favorite hair accessories. It's got green and blue stone details and matches so much of my wardrobe since I have a lot of aqua and blue! I love the cute lining of the blazer and how the striped pattern contrasts with the floral top. It brings unity to the outfit because it's light colored, like my pants. 

Outfit details: Blazer: H&M / Top: LOFT / Pants: American Eagle / Shoes: TOMS / Headband: LOFT 

In front of my school is a colorful garden. It's nice to walk outside and be able to see natural beauty all around me! 

My hairstyle is the same as the one in this post.

This was how the sky looked that day. Beautiful. It took my breath away.

This is a tree blossoming beside the Environmental Science Building (where I took the photos for this lookbook). I love it!

Hope you're having a spectacular day! 

I Love Spring Tag - Michelle's Turn!

As soon as I saw Xuewei's post, I wanted to write my own! That's why I was delighted to see that she had tagged me. Here's my responses :) I'll have to admit, there's a reason why Xuewei is the makeup guru of this blog...

1. Favorite spring nail polish?

Image from product-girl.com

I actually don't wear a lot of nail polish (I'm not so good at applying it), but my favorite color is aqua and my favorite nail polish color is aqua as well. I love this one, Butter London slapper. It's bright and fun! 

2. What is your must-have lip color this spring?
My go-to lip color is usually Classic Chapstick (I said Xuewei, not I, was the makeup guru!) but if I were to choose a color that I like, it would be Fresh Rosé Lip Balm. I got this in a Sephora sampler and I love it. It's moisturizing and adds just the slightest hint of color.

Image from fresh.com

3. Show us your favorite spring dress!

I have so many dresses, it's actually really hard to choose! I'm liking the longer lengths this season, and I think this one will be my go-to dress this spring. I got it in the fall but I think the lace and neutral color will make it a wonderful layer. I wore it here: 

4. What's your favorite flower?

Hmm, this is a good question. I love flowers, and nature in general, but I've always loved the variety and color of tulips. They come in so many colors and their shape is just beautiful.

Image from theflowersavenue.com

5. Favorite spring scarf/accessory?

I think we all know what the answer to this question will be! My scarf, gifted from my grandmother, which you can see here, here, and here. 

6. What spring trend(s) are you most excited about this year? (Makeup, fashion or both!)
I am loving the intricate braids for spring and summer. As someone who loves to wear her hair long, sometimes it can be tough to keep it out of my face. Braiding it (and finding braid inspiration on Pinterest) is super fun. Here's my Hair and Makeup Pinterest board, where I'm constantly pinning my favorite looks. 

7. Favorite spring candle?
I'm usually not a candle user, but I really like this candle that we have at home. After reading what Xuewei had to say about the relaxing abilities of scents, I think I might give it a try! 

Image from pcfallon.com

8. Favorite body spray/perfume for spring?
My flute teacher recently gifted me Viva La Juicy, and I love how it's got a little hint of floral. It's not too overwhelming, and it's youthful. Although I don't usually wear perfume, I might use this more in the spring. Spring is always a great time for change! 

Image from juicycouture.com

9. What is spring like where you live?
Spring is like a refreshing breath of air after a long day. Although I like the winter, I find spring to be a pleasant change. However, my allergies have made it difficult for me to enjoy the start of spring. I hope this year I'll be able to enjoy it more! 

10. What's your favorite thing about spring?
I love how the weather gets better and warmer, but there are no pesky mosquitoes that plague me every summer! 

11. Are you a spring cleaner?
I don't mind organizing and I find myself doing it all the time, but there is something satisfying about cleaning in the springtime. In short, yes, I am a spring cleaner. A clean, neat and sunny room - that's what I love to see coming home from school.

12. Any plans for spring break or an upcoming vacation?

I had spring break a few weeks ago and I spent most of my time at home getting some well-deserved relaxation. 

I think this post was fun to write (thanks for the tag, Xuewei!) and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season :) 

Flowers in the Snow

I took these shots outside today when it was snowing! The snow was falling all around and it was pretty but a little chilly. It looks like temperatures are supposed to be rising next week, so I think Winter is just deciding to go out with a bang. Today's outfit incorporated some pieces that I usually don't wear. Sometimes I tend to fall back on the same outfits over and over without trying new things or older pieces. Reincorporating them into my outfits helps me realize how versatile my wardrobe is!

Outfit details: Blazer: Lush via Nordstrom / Shirt: Delia's / Pants: Ann Taylor / Boots: Luxury Rebel / Belt: Ann Taylor LOFT / Necklace: Forever 21 (gifted) / Earrings: Anthropologie (gifted)

Admiring the snow! 

I've always been really impressed by bloggers who challenge themselves to remixes, like Kendi of kendieveryday.com (check out her 30 x 30 remixes!). Maybe I'll try one?

Hair: 2-inch sections braided back and clipped in the center (as usual - maybe I should experiment more?)

As much as I like the snow, I can't wait for sun and warmth! I feel lucky to be able to experience all 4 seasons though. Have a great day! 

Nature's Healing

These outfit photos were taken in my school's greenhouse, a wonderfully rejuvenating center of growth and nature. I loved being in there to soak up the sun and smell the plants growing. My outfit features another scarf from my ever-expanding collection!

Outfit details: Sweater: Gap / Jeans (one of my favorite pairs - super comfortable): Gap / Scarf: Gifted (from China) / Boots: Nine West / Earrings: Pandora

Hair: Washed, then Dutch braided when almost dry and left in overnight. Two 1-inch braids on each side and clipped in the center. 

I love being around nature. I feel like my most natural and relaxed state is when I am surrounded by water and plants. Just the sound of running water or the feeling of a breeze is enough to relax me. My school got a courtyard a few years ago and I can't wait to start eating lunch there when the weather gets nicer!