Minding my p's and CURLY q's

Wait...what's different about this picture?  What's going on here?  Why is my hair beyond just "wavy"?

It's because the good people over at Misikko gave me the opportunity to test out one of their

 Professional Curling Irons.

You might recall, just last month I tested out one of their professional flat irons as seen here, being that it worked out well for me, I thought of course it would be awesome to review another one of their products  for your consideration.

When I received the clipless curling wand, I was a at first a little worried about just how this asymmetrical hairstyle of mine would fair when curled.  I mean asymmetry in hairstyles is not usually best shown with texture like curl upon the mane, right?  

And I'll admit, the end result-while much more pleasant than I imagined, was a little odd but only because of my cut...

the curling wand itself worked like a fast-action curling iron; 

a dream curl it created just soooooo right if I do say so myself!

Ok, so as usual, I started fresh out of the shower, dried my hair as usual with my paddle brush and professional hairdryer.

This is what I typically look like immediately after unplugging my dryer.

(Not too wavy, not too straight, but definitely nooooo curl)

While drying my hair, I plugged in the curling wand to let it heat up.

Well slap me and call me crazy...but this thing heated up to perfection in a matter of mere seconds!

Amazing, such little wait time!

So I went about clipping up sections of my hair so as to get to the bottom layer first.

And then a curling I went.

I took about 2" sections on each layer until the full head was curled (sans bangs, no curl needed there).

I alternated curling direction with each strand--one curled clockwise, the next curled counter-clockwise...all curled in a ringlet type style.

I'll admit, I initially found the curling wand a little awkward to use.  After a few tries, and a few minutes into it, I think I got the hang of it.  

It's a little difficult at first being that there is not clamp to it-but I found taking the end of the strand of hair and wrapping it loosely around the barrel of the iron, then gently pulling the end of the hair would allow for it to easily wrap around the iron and within seconds I could release and have a near perfect ringlet ready to rival that of Nelly Olsen's 'do 

(yeah...I referenced "Little House on the Prairie" just now; why not that is one fine show I grew up with and still love it to this day!)

About 10min later (I don't have tons of hair ok, as if it wasn't already apparent) I end up with lots and lots of texture, curls abundant everywhere!  And you know what...I think I like it!

Um yeah...I like it!

Now this review went down on a Friday evening...do you think I was going to just stay home after that? NO!

I have a boyfriend these days--AKA a life outside of the blogosphere--so I was off to his house for some Netflix and hangout time.

Of course, as soon as I arrive for a lowkey evening with him and the roomate(s), the hair is the subject of conversation.  To be fair, they only have ever seen me for the past 5 months with straight hair, maybe slightly wavy 1-2x when I was accidentally caught in the rain, but other than that never have they seen such a 'do on this girl.

And although I told BF beforehand that I curled it, for some reason they all kept asking where I went earlier that evening, all the while complimenting the curly style of course.  But really? Do curls automatically equate to actually having a social engagement besides just me dolling myself up for no reason other than to review a product?  Silly boys...I went nowhere before their house so I found it silly they kept asking where I was at.

Eh, regardless, I guess it was cool I didn't get laughed at--least it got compliments from them.  

Sounds like the clipless curling wand and its finished product are boy approved-just sayin'.

In conclusion, if in the market for a new curling iron, or a change in hairstyle, give a clipless curling wand a try.  You'll grasp the technique without the clamp in no time, and you'll be amazed at the dreamlike ringlets you can create in no time at all.

Consider checking out Misikko.com; I've come to love their products.

It's not just the two products like I've reviewed, they've also got travel hair dryers - perfect for summer vacations friends! And brands like Corioliss Flat Irons-interesting looking philosophy/item.

And on that note...feel free to laugh at me too if you so desire, its a pretty crazy look for me I'll admit.

I laugh when I see it, so you can too!

Leave It to the (hana) Professional!

I'm slightly obsessed with hair, specifically MY HAIR.  If you know me, you know I'm one to comb thru magazine after magazine, hair site after site, constantly seeking out the perfect-slightly edgy, hairstyle for my noggin'.  As soon as I walk out of the salon I'm thinking of what I'll do to it when I walk back in there 8wks later for a trim. (er....totally new cut as is usually the case).

So, it was much to my delight when Misikko (a leading online store of professional styling tools, such as The Babybliss Pro and Professional Hair Dryers) contacted me to try out one of their best selling professional Flat Irons.

Most of my hairstyles require razor sharp edges, sleek tresses, and STRAIGHT hair in order to fully bring out the angles of the style I sport. 

So giving me a flat iron to test out is a no brainer!  I LIVE for flat irons!  I pack mine up with me and take it everywhere--vacation, photoshoots, etc.

Up until I got the Hana Professional from Misikko (shown above) I was content using my typical department store inexpensive flat iron (shown below).  I was curious to see how the professional styling tool stood up against is less pricey version...and to see if spending a large percentage more on a professional tool was really worth it.

(I have recently purchased a professional hairdryer to which I can attest that it makes a world of difference...it was well worth the hefty price tag in comparison to the crappy Conair dryer I had used before.  Soooooooo with that being said I had high hopes for the Hana Professional and the wonders it might do for my coif)

So let's begin with a little background info on how I go about styling my hair.

First off, I start by blow drying my hair...to which it is left in this wavy natural state...not so great if I want to really show the cut my stylist gave me.

Before the Hana Professional, I had been using a Remington w/ceramic tourmaline plates. 

I would turn it on and set it at 320degrees. 

(I have babyfine locks, not thick at all, so I don't need to go very high in the temperature unless I want to risk disasterous damage)

Generally, I was always pleased with the efficiency of the Remington...it heated up in a timely fashion, did its job, never caused frizzy fried hair...just after a few weeks my hair would have its typical split ends and wear and tear...but nothing I could blame on cheapie flat iron.

Then, along came my Hana Professional (also with ceramic tourmaline plates).

The instruction booklet (which I read front to back, thank you) instructed me 302 degrees would be an ideal setting.

Done and done!

(although I was a little skeptical about the results considering the temp setting was a whole 18degrees less than my usual...but I trusted the professional advice and went with it for this test).

And here are the results:

The cheapie store-bought version

-I had deep conditioned my hair that morning as I do every Saturday.

-In the end, I have sleek hair and some volume

-This is my version of a good hairday...inexpensive flat-iron does the trick!

The Hana Professional Version

-Again, I deep conditioned my hair as this was a Saturday

-I achieved extreme poker straight hair, but little volume

-I start to notice more frizzies than usual too.  Hmmmmm

Overall, I am pleased with the Hana Professional...it heats up really fast, within seconds I swear!

It really does straighten hair, and I mean STRAIGHT!

It doesn't hurt that Misikko offers lots of free perks with the purchase of the flat-iron either; I got a pouch for it-a heat pad to protect the surface where I'd be laying the iron-and it has a 2yr warranty.  Not too shabby!

Oh.....and let's not forget to point out the "INSTANT HAPPY FACTOR"--I got it in PINK!!!!!!!!

I will continue to use my Hana Professional, but I will also hold on to the Remington perhaps for travel just in case I am to lose it I won't be heartbroken--were I to leave behind the professional tool, then yes, I'd be a bit heartbroken.

So ladies and gents, if you're in the market for a new flat-iron or other professional styling tool I would suggest checking out Misikko.com.  They have a great selection and huge deals, price cuts galore! However, if you do not have cash to throw down on a professional styling tool at this time, then by all means stick with the store-bought inexpensive flat iron. 

After my little test-run with both irons, I cannot honestly say the inexpensive version is horrible...not at all--I think the Remington completely holds its own to the Hana Professional. 

And, I cannot honestly say the Hana Professional blew the cheapie version out of the water...No, it did its job, but nothing of epic proportions.

Basically, I would be happy with either iron, oh wait...I have both!

(but please...take my advice on the professional hair-dryer thing, seriously...the professional dryer I bought does wonders...dries my hair so much faster, less damage, and just overall a much more wonderful experience and tool to hold in my hand)

Style Crush: the ever so classic GWYNETH PALTROW

Ok, safe to admit that 

I've had a huge mega girl crush on Gwyneth Paltrow 

for over a decade!

You probably don't understand it right, a girl like me...what do I see in a girl like Gwyneth?

Oh I see everything I probably never will be able to pull off.

I simply think she's a true classic, a real lady, an always put-together beauty and I admire that quality even if I may never possess such myself.

(let's face it folks, I'm not that all-american blonde with the sunny disposition that somehow epitomized minimalism Calvin Klein in the '90s so well--ok off tangent, but you get the drift.)

My thing for Gwyneth started when I watched Se7en the first time.  

She was beautiful and I liked that she just had this friendly fresh faced appearance.  Even though she was new to the scene, I knew she had staying power and stuff that classy types are made of.

And at the age of 17 like I was, you're still trying to define yourself, still trying to figure out what style says about you, and well I told myself Gwyneth had that something-something that real sophisticated women possess.  At the time I wasn't sure if I'd go down that road or where I was going, safe to say I took a wrong turn somewhere between 17yrs old and now.

Now I will admit half of my girl crush came about due to the fact that I had (and still do) a full blown crush on Brad Pitt (my infatuation with Brad was going on about 5yrs at the point of this photo).  So to see the two people I adored as a silly teenager together, well that was the bees knees!  I thought they were spectacular...although now, looking thru their pics I don't really see anything, no chemistry

  (clearly I was still green and naive in the relationship realm of life at 17 too).

And if things couldn't get better, they go and take a pretty good story (Great Expectations) and turn it into a movie full of symbolism, green clothing (my favorite color at that time in my life), and Gwyneth as lead.  

Gah!  I loveeeeeee this dress!  I think it was a velvet burnout if my memory serves me well.  She played the part of Estella so well, just cold and aloof, I was determined to be that woman 

(again I think I took a wrong turn in life, instead I ended up just being "one of the guys"...zing)

So friends, just when you think its all about her style that lured me in and made me want to consider being that girl...oh no.  Style is one thing, but what really got me and still gets me to this day is 

her impeccable hairstyles!

No one should ever die without having first seen the best "Makeover Scene" in any movie EVER.  

You know the one, where Gwyneth gets in the stylist's seat and chops her long mousy hair in favor for this amazing short 'do--Sliding Doors for those that have never seen the movie.

(you can believe that right before I left for college I too went to the hairstylist and off with the hair, I took copies of these very photos to my stylist--and I adored that look.  It went so well with my love of turtlenecks and slim fitting jackets--pretty certain she wore an outfit just like that on her date w/the new guy in Sliding Doors.  Yes, I was copying her.)

From short-short to cute,

to perfect bob,

to a slightly messy updo...this girl never has bad hair!

She even looks great and well put together toting around the tot.  Seriously, I would die to layer up like that and not look like a total mess.  Somehow it never quite works out for me like it works for her.  

Everytime I pack this much on, well I look like I've packed on the pounds in the form of a homeless person.  I like to layer, but can't do it with such ease.

Let me just ogle everything about this photo below.

Balmain! Black! Long appendages!-sounds like something I'd like to wear.

I've tried, I've done what I could to be that girl...and my wallet doesn't let me do the Balmain :(

From sky high hemlines, to prim and proper princess I say she can't go wrong!

But I've come to a point in my life to realize that I am not that girl.  She will always be the epitomy of class and sophistication in my eyes, 

and yet its something I don't know that I aspire to be these days.

However, even if not for me, I always appreciate a style that's well put-together with the air of confidence such a look brings about.  So congrats to you girls out there that just have that something-something; I'll always think highly of your style.

I probably won't have a Gwyneth Paltrow worthy girl crush on you, but hey you're not Gwyneth.

Sooooooo yeah....girl crush on Gwyneth.  

Who's with me on this one?

Or moreso, who's with me at the movie theater when this doozie, Country Strong, comes out

  (early January)?  Am I possibly the only one double stoked-Gwyneth and Country?

And she sings!

Until the movie though, I plan on getting my Gwyneth fix on my flight to my sister's next week for the holiday.  It's InStyle's 200th cover, and Gwyneth is their lady.

Sooooo gonna buy a copy!

She's gorgeous! And I give two thumbs up to this girl and her hair and her chic look.

So who've you obsessed over for more than a decade?  Or am I just wierd?

(PS-obviously, I do not take credit for any of the photos used in this post. )

Daily Wear: + an upcoming haircut

Today was just like every other day, I just happened to wear a dress. No reason really, other than I wanted to give the jeans a rest and mix up the routine a bit.

Oh, and I missed my Bi-Monthly laundry chore last weekend since I was out of town-so its putting a damper on my wardrobe; some serious laundry time is in great need.

The weather is fickle, I never know how layered up I need to be or vice versa.

After putting on the dress I realized I had no spring topper that worked with the proportions and swing of the dress. Yep, had to go with a Fall item again--why don't I just rotate my closet already so I don't even have these fall items at my fingertips? It would really help out with my wardrobe conundrums--I mean if it wasn't readily available, then I'd just have to go coatless, thus saving myself a good 5min. that I usually waste trying on a million of my outerwear items.

I'm planning a good, full blown, closet rotation this weekend; fingers crossed I stop wearing my fall stuff already!

(Oh but that just means more stuff on Swappy Seconds; I'm planning on lots of dresses, and before long i'm going to put up some of my treasured vintage frocks I bought when I was on vacation in LA a few years ago--I just have to start parting with some of my stuff already...so yeah, check out Swappy Seconds sometime in the next 2 weeks for new items up for swaps)

Wearing:

*Trench Coat, Alberto Makali

*White jersey dress, H&M

*Black tights, HUE

*Black booties, Nine West

*Black scarf, H&M

*Black necklace, Forever 21

So you know what else I've got in the horizons???

A new haircut!

I know, I know....didn't I just get a trim and stuff about 3 weeks ago?

Yes, I did.

But this is a special circumstance--you see, my old college friend is moving to NYC from Orange County. She's a wonderful stylist, trained thru the very awesome Aveda Institute--well she's got a final interview at a salon on the Upper West Side next Wednesday; in order to conduct said interview, she's gotta bring a hair model and show them that she can do any sort of cut and color (they're asking for highlights preferably).

So in comes me...woot woot--I get any new hairstyle and any sort of dye job I want.

(I'm going with the highlights, maybe some lowlights too, but major peek-a-boo blonde pieces sticking out from my layers.)

So my dear readers--any suggestions on the style? What do you want to see?

I'm up for almost anything, but it did take way too long (we're talking 3 years!) to grow out my hair from my chin to my shoulders for me to consider anything short-short.

Right now I'm opting toward a really rocker-ish shag--after this I'm off to look at hairstyles on the internet until I find the exact shag I shall covet.

But until then, if you've got something in mind-please share your thoughts!

Yeah, I'm almost certain I'm just not really into this hairstyle I've got going on now...its just very "BLAH". BRING ON THE SCISSORS!

Daily Wear: Deja Vu

It's a case of deja vu?

Nope, I really did wear this skirt like 2 wks ago (see?)--along with keeping the outfit about 95% the same. Sometimes a girl has no time to be creative.

To make it slightly different this time around, I changed up the top portion from last time, but kept the same color palatte.

This time I paired a lightweight, sheer turtleneck with a slouchy-fit tencel cardi.

My "creativity" comes in with the tying of the cardigan. I felt the front knot not only gave it a much needed fitted shape to my bodice (considering this is a way to balance out the full skirt) and it also lent itself to having a bit of a ballerina inspired look.

(or am I just completely dillusional on that last part?)

Now I understand I lured a lot of you in tonight with yesterday's mention of a new haircut. Sorry to let you down, nothing drastic took place.

It looks the same, just like this outfit, maybe 95% the same. So much so that you probably can't even tell a "new haircut" is at hand, can you?

I'll tell you what I did.

I went in there after work and said, "I want this hairstyle, specifically the piece-y bang, the rest you can leave as it is-just a trim on the split ends please. Oh...and I'll take a few little short layer pieces here and there at eye level."

Now I also have to tell you, these pictures are from yesterday. My stylist does not put any product in my hair, and that's fine--I think we both prefer him to just blowdry it so I don't catch pneumonia and then we'll both be on our merry ways.

I however, on a daily basis, put about 3-5 products in my hair. Therefore, the texture and look of my hair is always much different than what I leave the salon with.

So what you see here is not exactly an accurate depiction of what I have managed to achieve today. You'll see it soon enough, I tend to gunk it up and make it much more piece-y and "edgy" shall I say? My stylist tends to go a more classic route opting for curled under edges, shine, and flat hair. (again this probably goes back to the fact that he never puts any product in it)

I am also not extremely thrilled with it at the moment--ask me again next week. I've come to know my hair quite well-it takes nearly 1 week after the cut to get it to be what I want.

So let's say by next Thursday its going to be what I intended.

Now its just kinda, "eh".

And there you have it...all that hair hoopla I promised, and you only get this!

I'm sure you're already over it.

Wearing:

*Black cardigan-Uniqlo

*Black turtleneck-Target

*Pink skirt-H&M

*Black opaque tights-HUE

*Black suede shoeties-BCBGgirls

__________________________________________________________________

Ok, now I'm so excited about what I came across today...it makes me smile, it makes me proud, it makes me super giddy--and completely ready for summertime.

SewMeSomeLove (she's come to be like a little sister after all these years of knowing her) is working on putting together a portfolio. I've completely recruited her as my summer intern

and hopefully one day my full-blown assistant!

(lucky girl...hahaha-yes, I'm tooting my own horn. Toot-Toot)

And she's hinted at having a Giveaway on her blog very, very soon. All we have to do is help her reach 20 followers--not too hard, just follower her and before we know it she'll be having her giveaway (oh I'm soooooooo entering! Did you see those beautiful rings--talented I tell you!)

Weekend Rewind: November 28th-29th, 2009

Yea! The Weekend,

and my regular REWIND is here!

Saturday: November 28, 2009--

I finally had that hair appointment I had been talking about for a while.  Thank Goodness!

Just look at my haphazard self, the haggard look in my face, and the overgrown bang...not to mention the microscopic split ends that were driving me crazy!

Now, when I say this--it might all be in my head, but seriously--lately I was feeling so intensely bitchy looking, very unapproachable, and very much my age.  And I attribute this to the HAIR.  I think it was just doing something to my appearance that made me look like a "not so nice" person.  (Although I will admit, I usually like it that way--the less approachable I appear, the less annoyed with others I have to be).

I chose to go with a very basic, all-American getup for the day.  Knowing I would be doing some more shopping and jaunting around the city after the hair appt. I figured a plain-white-tee would be the perfect backdrop for a shiny new 'do.

Wearing:

*Black bomber jacket-H&M

*White V-neck T-shirt-Uniqlo

*Dark Denim straight leg jeans-DKNY

*Black leather booties-Daffy's

*Silver vintage necklaces-Leproust Vintage and Thrift Store

*Black leather purse (new purchase!!)-Giani Berninni

--The purse, I've been dying to get a black Across-Body bag for schlepping around on the weekends.  And alas, I purchased one on my "after work Black Friday shopping excursion"--

After the hair appointment, I found myself in Soho (mainly because I thought I was meeting BF at the Best Buy there later in the day) where I continued on with some weekend shopping.

Side Note: I found a great bandage skirt at Express.  It's Black and very what I was looking for!

(I had a coupon/reward for $10 off...thankfully a jackass manager rang me up.  Being that he was too busy worrying and concerning himself with who was going to help him on registers, he did not realize he swiped the $10 reward TWICE!  Yea--I saved $20, SCORE FOR ME-LOSS FOR EXPRESS!  I'm sure they'll get over it.)

And I took a moment in the dressing room to snap a shot of my new hair!  (gone is the assymetry, back to my old look of heavy bang, and two matching sides--or as much as possible at this growing out state I'm experiencing)

Honestly, again maybe in my head, but I look so much more refreshed, nicer, and dare I jinx it--but perhaps a year or two younger? (could  this my first mid-life crisis I'm going through?)

Back to shopping...

Turns out I was NOT supposed to meet BF at the Soho Best Buy.  WHOOPS!

So upwards I trekked to meet him at another Best Buy.  (Remember folks--he kept me from posting all last week because he was researching flat screens.  Well he purchased one and needed help carrying it.)

At Best Buy, not only did we purchase a tv, but I was a lucky girlfriend who snagged (on BF's wallet)

a new Wii game!

Side Note: You know what I'll be doing in my free time for the next 1-2weeks

And, a LAN ADAPTER so I can do things on the internet via the Wii (like showing BF the blog-reading capabilities on the new tv at 1:00am)

If you've got one kind ounce in your soul--you'll forgive my pajama ensemble and late night make-up and hairdo mistakes.  

Side Note: this is SOOOOO a typical "Christmas at Nickie's house" photo--which indeed it felt like with all of BF's tech purchases, I mean...who doesn't love an X-mas in November?

Sunday: November 29, 2009--

Laundry Day....Boo!  I skipped out on it last weekend though, so I had an overly large amount of clothing needing a good wash.  I hate when I wait 3wks to do laundry, it's the pits!

And that's also about the time where I stare blankly into my closet and utter those familiar words,

"I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR"

And yeah--not quite sure what I chose to wear today, a total mish-mash of nonsense for sure!

Wearing:

*Pink vintage Jordache blouse-Beacon's Closet

*Camel scarf-H&M

*Brown braided belt-Thrift Store

*Blue straight leg jeans (cuffed)-DKNY

*Brown booties-Steve Madden

BF also set out to purchase more items all revolving around his new tv.  Soooo, I came home and helped him put together the new stand.  It cleaned up clutter, hid some ugly wires, and overall just made our space a bit more livable--Thank Goodness!

So.....lots of shopping, lots of Wii fun, and a new haircut....that was my weekend.

Now excuse me, I'm in desperate NEED of a Mario Bros. FIX before I go to bed.

HAIR

Wait...didn't I mention getting my hair trimmed like 2-3weeks ago?

What happened?

Oh yes, I got sick, time got the best of me, and my hair started behaving--therefore I simply forgot to make an appointment

Until, ( picture: mini-freakout) I saw Steve (the stylist) on the street corner in passing.

And then I realized

"YIKES--he just saw my deadly split ends!"

So, with this picture in tow, I will be making my way over to him sometime next week

(probably after turkey day).

While I know my hair is still asymmetrical, and I'm missing a huge chunk of it on my right side; I'm convinced he can get it to look like this, or at least set it up so it grows right into place.

I mean really, it's just adding some textured layers to the left side, blending in the shorter right side, and cutting my bangs into this...and I'll be good to go.

I do love layers and a whole lotta texture--that's my tried and true look.

Daily Wear:

Ever had one of those days?  By the time you're walking down the street you realize everything about your outfit is going to drive you crazy?

Welcome to my world!

As I made my way the 1/2 block from the front door to the subway entrance, discomfort had completely set in.  However, being 3 minutes late leaving my house (I have a very strict routine that puts me to work by 9am, throw it off and I throw off my life)means no time to go back and take care of issues.

Soooo.....

*I spent all day dealing with a dress that fits larger than it did last year at this time--so I was drowning in it, mostly in the sleeves. 

*I spent all day tugging up my leggings--they felt like slipping down around hip level everytime I took a step.  

*And, the worst of all, the slipping leggings, managed to aid in my skivvies contastly slipping too!  

Sorry maybe a little "TMI"--but yeah, all the slippage and the excess of dress--just not my day!

Wearing:

*Purple printed jersey dress-H&M

*Black leggings-Wet Seal

*Black boots-Anne Klein

*Brown wool scarf-homemade, by yours truly!

*White vintage flower brooch-Birthday Gift, 

   (from BFF and A-Man-Duh's 'rents)

Better luck tomorrow?

On another note, my asymmetrical cut is on it's way out...just FYI.  I'm done!  

I need a trim, but I'm over the upkeep of having one short side.  So wish me luck as I enter the long task of growing it out and getting back to symmetry.

(I've already got the picture in my hands--it's from the Sebastian Haircare ads, the one with Mickey Green.  I'm convinced for now, the shorter side can be worked into her messy 'do.  Plus I swear Steve--the stylist--is a magician!)

I think I'll go sometime next week.   Yep, that's the plan--get these little split ends outta here and let the growing begin!

Ok, back to the Yankees game--does anyone else get into this stuff?  We're about to freakin win the World Series!!!!!

HighSchoolMusical

Overall, I'm reminded of High School Days....

and the songs that made up the soundtrack of my long ago teenage life

*Wide leg dark denim jeans, Uniqlo

*Light Blue v-neck tshirt, Target

*Beige vintage belt, Thrift Store

*Yellow multi-color scarf, Thrift Store

*Brown necklace, Street vendor in Soho

*Gold octupus earrings (my favorite pair), Boutique in Philly

I have totally, officially, become that girl I always deemed "cool" back in High School.  Now "cool" is all in the eyes of the beholder, but I can honestly say if I saw myself walk by as I am now, yet I was my highschool self, I'd probably tell my H.S. BFF

"That girl is sooooo cool".

 I finally have the HAIR, the CASH FLOW, the FREEDOM, to do whatever and be whatever; and I'll admit, that's a huge part of it.  (It's hard to be it all when you're still living under your parents' laws-my hairstyle, spending sprees, and late night romps till 4am would never fly w/the moms and pops)

It takes a lot of time to finally become that person; and high school is when you start to work it out.  Little by little, eventually you evolve, yet hold on to some basic principles of style you set for yourself so very long ago.

A quick look back:

Basically, eliminate my longer layered pieces of my hairstyle, give it a bit more of a 90's alterna-teen Delia's catalog twist to it, and that's me at 17yrs old (one of my best years, that and maybe 21).

These jeans (reminiscent of JNCOs), The tshirt (reminiscent of the quintessential thrift store kid tshirt), The scarf/necklace/belt (reminiscent of all the crap I'd pile on back in the day), and there you go, it might as well be 1997 all over again.  

Do you find certain aspects of your dress remind you of your past?

Or, if you're just now finding your personal style, or you're still young, what bits of it do you hope you'll hold onto thru the upcoming years?

Random picture of the week:

"Mr. Beetle Bug"

-found him in the back garden.  I tried to get him to climb on a leaf, he suction-cupped himself to the concrete.  He was very pissed with me as I continued to poke and prod him.  Cutie!