the exciting news

Alright friends, so at this I'm pretty much positive you all already know but if you didn't already know, I got accepted to the Fashion Institute of Technology for Fashion Design!!!! I've been super excited about it, planning away, thinking of things I need to see in New York City and friends I will definitely meet up with. I've also started forming a mental list of all the concerts I want to attend there, which is probably not the smartest idea because if I could, I would spend every last penny on music. Anyway, so I'm moving August 26th! It was originally supposed to be the 20th, but then the Twilight Concert Series was announced and my girl Grimes is playing on the 25th... I wasn't about to miss that lmao. But irl friends, we should definitely meet up before I leave!

I'm thinking I'll make a long post about my portfolio and the application process pretty soon because when I was starting the process I honestly could not find a lot of resources from current students and it was definitely stressful to feel like I didn't know what I was doing. I might also make a video because I actually found the few videos I did find on youtube were the most informative. Maybe I'll just start a series on FIT when the school year comes around.

Fashion Industry Studies: Cactus Twig Necklace

So as you guys might know, I've been working on and off on my Fashion Industry Studies course from Teen Vogue and Parsons School of Design. I don't actually have that much time left to finish it, so I've been working on it more than usual lately. Anyway, the other day my assignment was to create an accessory using things I had on hand and inspired by a collage of pictures I took off inspiring things directly around me, which I'll show you below.

For this project, I was particularly inspired by the cactus pictures, the lace, and the color of that lovely mint candle. For my found materials I used kitchen twine, a plastic grocery bag, acrylic paint, lollipop sticks, staples, and glue. The flower was definitely my favorite part because I just got to sit there and figure out how to make something beautiful out of something so terribly ordinary and I loved painting it.

For the second part of this project, my assignment was to figure out how much it essentially cost to make by hand vs. bulk production. I definitely expected bulk to be much cheaper, and I was right about that. The first graph below is the cost of it made by hand and using materials I had:

This other graph shows the cost of production if I were to buy materials in bulk and have it mass produced:

Festival Fashion

Okay so this story actually begins several years ago, when I was a senior in high school. There's really only ever been two times in my life that I've come close to attending a music festival, although it's been at the top of my bucket list since I crossed off meeting Taylor Swift. I remember one day, sitting in the library, the day after the line-up had been announced and declaring to my friend Sarah that I was going to go to a music festival that year, if I could. Well, it turns out I couldn't because 1) I only had one part time job and I really bad online shopping habit and 2) It was too much planning and I didn't even know where to begin. I decided I'd go the next year instead, and I'd plan better, but then that never happened because I went to New York instead. Now, it's not that I decided randomly to go to a festival, it's really been on my bucket list since I was 14 and I discovered tumblr, and then indie music in that order. I specifically wanted to go to Coachella, of all the festivals, although I always considered Sasquatch a close second. Honestly, it's probably a location thing. I've always been closer to the two. Well, I knew this was going to happen eventually, I was sure of it.

Well, I'm moving to New York City in five months and if there's one thing I have left to do on the west coast before I start calling the east coast my home, it's to go to Coachella, of course. So I took on the planning and I found a fun little group to go with and I bought some boho outfits and well, I'm heading to the desert this weekend! Before I go, I wanted to show you guys some of my outfits. I actually really bought six outfits because I wanted options and I have no self control when it comes to Free People and festival fashion. I eventually narrowed it down to four outfits and I'm just going to decide which three I'll actually wear when I get there.

O U T F I T   O N E:







I actually already had this dress. I'd never worn it until we went to take these pictures. I actually didn't even think I really liked it that much until a girl came into the little restaurant I work at wearing it with the cutest little straw hat and black booties. Her outfit was just so cute I had to recreate it!



Dress: Free People // Booties: Steve Madden (from 2014) // hat: American Eagle Outfitters // Chain Belt: American Eagle Outfitters // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Socks: Free People // Bralette: Urban Outfitters

O U T F I T   T W O:







This dress is also one I already had. I usually only wear it in the Fall, but I figured the bell sleeves would be perfect for the occasion. As for the sneakers, they're the comfiest pair I own AND they also glow in the dark, which the 6-year-old in me thinks is the coolest thing. (oh and sidenote - the flowers were just for the picture lmao I probably will not have flowers in my hair at the festival)

Dress: Free People (from 2014) // Sneakers: Alexandar McQueen x Puma // Socks: TopShop // Bralette: Free People

O U T F I T   T H R E E:







This copper dress is definitely my favorite! It was one of the last dresses I bought for Coachella, and I originally wanted a little mustard one also from Free People, but then I saw this one and I loved it so much more. The statement necklace was an impulse buy lol it's entirely different from the sort of necklace I thought I was going to wear with this dress, but I really liked how it has the tiniest little almonds dangling from the ends and I also loved the yellow with the copper. As for the sandals, I LOVE how they sort of look like booties from one side and sandals from the other. They're made of the softest material too, so they're definitely comfy and perfect for walking around all day.

Dress: Free People // Sandals: Miz Mooz // Fringe Necklace: Free People // Bandana: Urban Outfitters // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters.

O U T F I T   F O U R:





Okay so, I should probably explain the two pictures above. It was actually about 40 degrees when we took these pictures, like all of them, except it was actually even colder when we took the pictures with the aqua dress and the copper one. That's why I was wearing a cardigan in these. So, with that said, I might actually bring the cardigan though because I've been hearing it gets cold at night in Indio and we're camping so it might be prudent. And while we're on the subject of outwear and warm weather articles, I'm also bringing a denim jacket, a fringe linen kimono (the same one, but in white) and this pair of bell bottom jeans for when it gets cold later.



And the following picture is of another outfit I was considering wearing that I decided not to bring. I wanted to show you this picture anyway because the jewelry is exactly how I plan on wearing it with the white dress outfit!



White Dress: Free People // Feather Necklace: Free People (from 2013) // Chain Belt (worn as necklace): American Eagle Outfitters // Tied Necklace: my sister actually made it! // Bralette: Free People // Halo: Serefina // Sandals: Miz Mooz
Second Dress: Jodiful

Thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day!

Autumnal Photo Shoot

And just like that, my blog is back from the dead! Hi friends, followers, acquaintances. I haven’t truly used this blog as I originally intended since May, unless you count my post about meeting Taylor, which I don’t. Mostly because it was copied directly from my fangirl tumblr. Anyway! I spent the entire summer working on my portfolio for my FIT application. Well, not entirely. I mean, I also spent a great deal of time working on sewing techniques, working on personal projects.. and I got a cat. My little Daisy Maire, my siamese baby cat. I’m actually still not done with my portfolio, but I’m almost done. Like I could probably finish in a week if I really wanted to, but then I'd have to lock myself in my room and be productive ALL DAY. and I'd have to stop showing up to school and work, and we can't have that.

I also started my first class of the Fashion Industry Studies certificate program that Teen Vogue is doing in partnership with Parsons School of Design!! I started on the 15th of October and it’s an 8 week program, I believe. I’ve been having so much fun with it! For one of my assignments, I had to make a mood board on Pinterest and then style an outfit and photo shoot based on the mood board. That’s actually what this post is about! I chose pictures that were laden with plaids and simple solids, simple center compositions, short dresses, brick walls, etc. My mood board is very seasonal and classy, hence the name Upscale Autumnal. I love the look of a plaid dress with simple black tights. 

It’s incredibly classy. So yesterday, when Hannah and I went to Salt Lake City in search of the book mural, which we did find.. I also took some quick pictures of her against the wall next to it, which was actually better for the outfit pictures. The simplicity of the brick wall helps the outfit stand out even more, I think! And of course, Hannah has gorgeous red hair which, contrasted against the red of the dress, gives the outfit even more dimension. Honestly, red heads can wear just about anything and look sophisticated.

Alright, so I’ve been fascinated by the Fashion Industry Studies program, and I absolutely loved taking pictures yesterday! I’ll need to take more soon, so if any of you locals are willing, I’d be so happy to have you model for my assignments!

Have a lovely Sunday!

Worn: ME - Plaid Shirt (Madewell) // Skirt (Zara - similar ) // HANNAH - Dress (Urban Outfitters) // Tights (Target) // Black Booties (Urban Outfitters) // Bag (Kate Spade - similar)

That time I met Taylor Swift in Denver

 I wrote this post and put it on tumblr a few days ago, and I wanted to share it with everyone here in case you didn't see it on tumblr. and here we gooooo...

I met Taylor for the third time on Sunday, as some of you may already know. That night was so chaotic and wild, both in real life and on here, and I was so overwhelmed by all the asks and dm’s and texts I had waiting for me when I left the arena that I really didn’t feel like posting the whole conversation until I had digested it all. I did, however, tell two of my closest friends exactly what I said and what Taylor said in detail and then I just saved that in a document until I was ready. I feel like there were some assumptions that night and a couple things I would like to clear up as well. Honestly, I have never had a more perfect encounter with Taylor and I don’t think I would change a thing about how it went down.

After Erica and that one guy from Taylor Nation took me backstage, they put me in the catering room. It was just me and three little girls with their mom and dad. I think they said they had something to do with the arena, but I don’t quite remember the details of my conversation with them. I couldn’t stop crying and shaking and I had honestly never felt such bad anxiety in probably my entire life. I was trying to compose myself though because I mean I needed to remember this, it could very well be my last time with Taylor and there was so much I needed to say and I needed to highlight the fact that I’m so grateful for everything she has done for me. So then, they took us out into the hallway and the guy who had brought me backstage told me to stay back with him because I would be last and then another guy came up and told me to stand against the wall so she wouldn’t see me til the end. It was soon after that that I saw Taylor and her mom and Erica coming out, and she was in her WTNY outfit and I started crying again and then while Taylor was saying hi to the little kids, her mom came over and started talking to me. And she said she remembered me from the other day and that she saw me in the Swiftmas video and that her and Taylor cried watching it and I told her about how I spent the morning waiting for my mom and then we cried and I felt so happy and loved. And she told me to come sit with her in the soundbooth when Taylor was singing at the bstage area, and I asked her in Hannah could come too and she said “Of course!”

And then I looked over at Taylor and I saw that family was leaving and next thing you know, she’s approaching me with her arms outstretched, all like “CECIIIIII!!!! I’m so glad you made it!!” And she gave me this huge hug and at that point I had still been crying, so it was especially perfect and I needed it so bad. Side note, SHE IS SO TALL and beautiful and her makeup is on point and HER EYES HDJSHDJSHDJ ANYWAY, I was like “TAYLOR!!!!” when I first saw her and then as I was hugging her I said “Thank you for the presents thank you for everything thank you for making me feel loved,” and I was still crying and she looked at me and said, “aw, you ARE loved!” and I’ll never forget her saying those words to me. She said, “my mom and I watched the video together and we both cried” and Andrea said something about it being cute and I said, “I cried that whole day!” and she was like aw in her cute little way. And then she said, “I really didn’t know you were in salt lake I’m sorry we missed you!” and I said, “OH don’t be! It was more fun like this!”, and she said, “That’s good!” and I said, “I got to go on a road trip with HANNAH!” And without missing a beat taylor goes, “I love her!” and then I started talking fast and I went on my little rant of nervousness lmao. I said “I was crying after the show for like two hours cause I thought you forgot me and Hannah was so selfless. She sat there with me outside making me feel better and we decided to randomly try this” And then I kept going, I told her about how when Taylor Nation called we thought we heard one thing but we didn’t because I was screaming and freaking out and we didn’t make out what they said right so we got our hopes up for her, but then it was a mistake and I felt bad that I couldn’t make it better for Hannah after all she had done for me and I ended it with, “I am just so sorry” and I can’t believe I didn’t stop crying that entire time. And It’s amazing because when you talk Taylor, it’s just so evident that she cares so much about everyone. Just the way she paid attention to everything I had to say, and after I was done she looked at me and she said, “Ceci, it’ll be okay, I see her all the time!” and she talked about Hannah for a little bit and then she said, “I just wanted to meet you!” and I hugged her and she said, “Tell Hannah that I see how much hate she gets and I don’t want her to get more hate and it would get worse because people would be mad and it’s just not worth it. Don’t worry about it!” and I said, “I’ve never had a friend in real life that would do so much for me without asking for anything in return like her” and I don’t know what Taylor told her mom, but I took the moment to pick up all the presents I had brought in for her from friends and random people that I had set on the floor before she got there and I said, “I brought presents! They’re not mine though! We drove forever and got here at like 4am and we stayed with this random girl from tumblr, LAURA!” and taylor was like “WHAT NO WAY!” laughing and I was like “AND THEN SHE MADE YOU COOKIES!” and taylor was like “You guys are crazy!” still laughing and I was like “HONESTLY we almost died like ten times on the highway just trying to make it over here and one time at a gas station we left the key in a I ALMOST exploded Hannah” and Taylor started looking through the pile of presents and the first thing she saw was the drawing of Scott Borchetta with nothing but a “music has value shirt on him” and a sticker of Hannah’s polaroid as his loin cloth lmao and she bursts out laughing and goes “OH MY GOD MOM LOOK AT THIS!” and Andrea goes and looks at it and she was all like WHO MADE THIS ONE and taylor pointed at the sticker and she’s standing there laughing and I was like “HANNAH AND CAILIN MADE IT” and I was like “TAYLOR wouldn’t it be funny if I got a picture of you with it for them” and Taylor goes, “OH NOOOO he’ll be so mad!” and then we just laughed and Andrea was like “I was telling Ceci she could come with me when you’re on the bstage. During what song do you think it would be the best view?” and they argued about the setlist for a while and then they decided on a song and I forgot it right then and there lmao I was still in shock that TAYLOR was right there in front of me.

SO then I was like “TAYLOR HOLD ON I have this close friend on tumblr Arlette and she loves you so much” and idk how but we had like slowly migrated closer to where it was darker and I was like “She loves you so much you have no idea but you always used to like her posts AND-“ and I remembered I brought my favorite polaroid from the ones that came with 1989 and I took it out and I was like, “would you sign something for her please!” and Taylor said, “Of course!” and she was like, “You gotta help me out with this one” and she wrote “arle” and then she didn’t know if there were two t’s or just one, and then she wrote the “I *heart*” and her name and while she was doing that part I said, “SHE CALLS YOU TDAWG ON TUMBLR!” and Taylor laughed lmao  and then we almost took our picture in the dark area but Andrea was like no, you guys need to take it by the white wall, so we moved over there again and they took one without flash and then another one with flash because he said the first one looked bad, but I actually like that one best lmao and then I was like “Taylor, I love you!” because I wanted to make sure I remembered to tell her and she said, “Itt was so nice meeting you! Love you!” and I said, “I love you so much!” and she said something about how she hoped we both have the best time and I was shaking  and then I went out with that guy from Taylor Nation and I ran back cause Taylor was about to go on stage.

 Okay, so, I need you all to know that I didn’t spend my time with Taylor “whining” about Hannah, as some anons kindly put it. And I didn’t beg Taylor or Andrea and neither did Hannah. In fact, I would go as far as to say this was my best experience with Taylor because I got to spend it telling her about these beautiful people that mean a lot to me and I got to surprise Arlette with her autograph later and I was able to give her Cailin’s letter and Laura’s cookies. And I got to see how much Taylor really, truly cares about us. She’s a beautiful soul. And yes, I didn’t get to tell her everything I had originally wanted to tell her, but those were all unimportant things. I wouldn’t change this conversation for the world. A little while after I met Taylor, when she was on stage, she pointed out and sang to Hannah and I think that was her way of trying to make things better and I mean, she didn’t have to do that. It was just so genuine and kind of her. And then of course Hannah met her after the show and that was even better (see picture below) !

So that's the story of how it all went down! Have a lovely Monday morning :)

Thursday Thoughts

It has been a whole month, but the Thursday Thoughts are finally back! This week has been a busy one. I've been working extra hours, like I said. It was also the pan sale at the hospital gift shop, where I volunteer, so I ended up buying a ton of nice things for my cooking endeavors. Also, I'm finally done putting together my Mother's Day gift basket for my mom. I got her a couple things she was talking about needing, some pretty things she wanted, and something she has never seen but will absolutely love. And this weekend is going to be so exciting! I'm going to the James Bay concert at The Depot tomorrow with my sister. Before that, we're gonna go to a friend's party. On Saturday, I'm having a cheat day and I'm grabbing dinner with my family for Mother's Day. And finally, I'm just very excited to see my mom's reaction when I give her her presents. I absolutely adore putting together gift packages for loved ones, as you know. I mean honestly, one of my close friend's birthday is coming up in July and I've been collecting presents to send her since January. Anyway, here are your links for the week:

   - "‘There is not enough time for hating yourself. Too many things to make. Go.’" - Tavi Gevinson
   - One of things I'd most like to sew is lingerie, because since it's transparent, more effort has to be put into making it look beautiful from both sides.. similarly, these sheer wedding dresses look like a dream.
   - A 32-year-old woke up feeling 17. It's so cool I texted this to all my close friends.
   - The Sedentary Death Machine (of doom).
   - Do you ever celebrate May Day? I never do, but after reading this article, I want to.. and I think I'll save this for next year.
   - Why aren't women having children? Because they don't want them.
   - The Humans of New York guy photographed the Met Gala and added a new level of depth to the event.

Have a lovely Thursday!

picture credit goes to the ever so talented, Leigh Kendell.

Met Gala 2015

Hi, so right now, as I'm typing this, I'll probably fall asleep. It's not because I don't care, I mean I really do. I love the Met Gala. I look forward to it every year. The thing is.. I came down with a cold, I have two jobs, I'm spending like three hours a day cooking for the sake of eating healthy, and then I'm also trying to be productive and work on projects. Plus Taylor Swift just started her world tour and you know I had to be aware of all the details. It's exhausting. And guess what? I got another job. But don't worry, that doesn't start until the end of June. I'm actually going to have a whole three weeks of no work except on Tuesdays in June. It's gonna be exciting. I'm gonna spend it making art. As for right now, I'm going to have to make do with late-night blogging. Onto the actual topic.

The Met Gala was yesterday. The theme was China: Through the Looking Glass, which was actually a really interesting theme. Last year's theme was pretty bold too. It's always exciting to see who will follow the theme and who won't, and if they do, what they'll wear and how they'll incorporate it. I got home from work at 3:45pm yesterday and the first thing I did was get online to see the beautiful pictures and decide which looks I liked best. I'm just going to talk about a few of my favorites right now!

from top left: Diane Kruger in Chanel, Poppy Delevigne in Marchesa, Anna Ewers in Balenciaga, Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier

Of those four, my absolute favorite has to be Diane Kruger's two-piece ensemble. I mean... those pants. They're flawless with the sheer lacy fabric, and it's just nice to see someone in pants at the Met Gala. Her look is just so effortlessly beautiful. My second favorite would have to be Anna Ewers in Balenciaga. I love the skirt of her dress, and how that's sheer too. She looks like a dancer in that dress. Her crown is very delicate and feminine too.

from top left: Wendi Murdoch in Oscar De La Renta, Kate Hudson in Michael Kors, Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy Haute Couture, and Gabrielle Union in Kimberly McDonald

Of these lovely looks, Kate Hudson's was my favorite. I just love the simplicity of a sparkly, gold dress.

Finally, I decided to narrow it down to my top four favorites and that was a huge struggle because I actually have at least a dozen top favorites. Some of the ones I absolutely adore but didn't include in this post (because I mean I don't want you to feel like this is ginormous novel of a post) are Lorde, Anna Wintour, Vanessa Hudgens, Allison Williams, and Alison Brie.

In my opinion, the most gorgeous look of the night had to be Rihanna in her stunning yellow gown. I mean if you haven't see that train, you have to scroll down right now. She was wearing Guo Pei.

Amal Clooney was wearing an equally beautiful gown, although less extravagant. She was wearing Maison Margiela. I love the ruffles on her dress and the different textures between the bodice of her dress and the skirt layers. Also, the deep red hue was a favorite of mine. And can we talk about her hair for a second? Oh my god, those perfect waves.

I was actually looking forward to seeing what Kendal Jenner would be wearing. I saw the sneak peek on instagram and I got really excited because green is my favorite color, as you know, and I wasn't sure what the strings would look like on the dress. When I think of strings, I tend to imagine an outfit with a very boho, beachy vibe so it was quite the plot twist to see what the dress actually looked like. It's definitely a favorite of mine from this year's Met Gala. It's Calvin Klein Collection, by the way.

Finally, I love the very regal look that Brie Larson, Courtney Eaton, and Annabelle Wallis were sporting. One of the things I love most about fashion is when designers go all out, very heavy with gold and jewels as well as with references to art history in their work. I feel like these Dolce and Gabbana looks exemplify this sort of style. The classic cuts of the dresses are also stunning, along with those headpieces. These ladies look like a dream. They look like what I think of when I think of the Met Gala.

Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope it's okay that I'll be posting so late! Have a lovely Wednesday tomorrow. :)