My oh my, it has been awhile. This whole "school" thing has got me trippin'. Summer...how I miss thee. Popsicles, long afternoons in the sun with a book, transcendent afternoons, summer boys. Back to reality, right?
Going back to school sort of makes me want to stand on the roof of my house and scream. I don't think I'd ever actually do that; the more likely event is that I'd call Katherine and we'd sit up there for hours, talking about philosophy and the universe and infinity and watching the stars until both of us got hungry. Maybe we'd sing a little.
As I write this, I'm thinking about how utterly grateful I am for everything and everyone in my life. Thank you all so very much for being yourselves. I wouldn't want you to be any other way.

sweet sixteen

It is a big day in a girl's life! I love birthdays--I get to be a princess for the day, feel just a little spoiled. Being the center of attention has its benefits (and pitfalls--I hate restaurant happy-birthday serenades). And, I'll admit, I enjoy a little present now and again. My lovely parents have bought me a laptop for my birthday! Love and thanks to all those who took time out of their day to wish me a happy birthday.

These photos pretty much describe my mood today. Despite the raging sunburn on my shoulders, I feel very...whimsical and happy. Plus, I'm planning a little soiree for my birthday. That will make any girl smile!
Photos: Teen Vogue and Katya Ford

Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, makes me want to dye my hair pink and buy lots of flowers. Plus, the clothes are GORGEOUS. Love love love.

Today was a cloudy, gray, drizzly, perfect day. Leanne is best. She makes me smile like no other person can. Plus, the fantastic shoes we tried on helped to heal yesterday's semi-depression. There is nothing that Eegees, designer shoes, giggles, Cosmo, and the OC can't cure.

Images: Vogue Australia.

nostalgia

I miss the days where every little thing made me over the moon with happiness, and when the whole world was unspoiled and magical, and when joy was simply based off of whether or not I could wear my tiara to school, or something ridiculous like that. As compelling as knowledge of the world is, I fear it is turning me into a somewhat jaded and judgmental human being. Pessimism suddenly overrides any ideas of fresh starts or newfound faith. I want to be positive--but when I pick up the newspaper or read a magazine, I can't help but feel a little bit nostalgic for a time when politics and suffering were not at all on my emotional radar. Maybe this cynicism is just an aspect of growing up?
Sometimes, I don't want to grow up.

the windy city

My oh my, I love Chicago. I've been here not even one day, and already I am in love with the buildings, the food, the people, the fashion. Yesterday was a gray, cold day, which allowed me to wear my trench coat and jeans (something that never happens in the summer in Tucson). Today, I woke up to sunshine pouring in through every window. I'm eager to see the city in the sunshine.

As I look out towards the old cemetery across the street (the Romantic in me does not find cemeteries to be eerie in the least), golden light seems to spill out beyond the shadows of the trees. Two chic girls in airy summer dresses and cardigans just walked down the street with a little prancing Pomeranian. I imagine that they are headed out to do something incredibly Parisian and stylish. I'm enchanted!!

Tomorrow, I begin my class at the art institute. I'm not sure whether or not to be nervous. I am a decent drawer/painter. I'm more nervous about the people in the class.
This week, while I'm taking my class, I get a free pass to the Chicago Art Institute. That means I am free to meander through the galleries. Museums bring out a certain wanderlust in me; I am desperate to explore every corner.

Mom, if you're reading this, don't worry about me, I'm having a lovely time!

Stay tuned for photos from the Art Fair.

the simple life

today, I am utterly grateful for..

1. Working at a kids art camp today. I'm just so grateful for the opportunity/fun. As in, I was reluctant to leave my newfound friends at quittin' time. Tomorrow is another day of collaging and running mundane errands!!

2. Solo bike rides through my neighborhood. Honestly, there is no better way to clear your head. It was nice to soak up the sun and stop thinking about anything but the sky and the birds and the coasting sounds of your bike on the pavement. Phyllis, my darlin sky-blue cruiser bicycle, was delighted to be taken for a ride, I think.

3. Swedish fish with Lindsey. They're the only food allowed in her fancy schmancy new sports car..justifiably so...

anne boleyn

I just became a fan of her on Facebook. My life is complete.

bathrooms

I'm getting kind of obsessed with pretty bathrooms. We recently redid ours (it's soo lovely) and now I go to friend's houses and analyze their powder rooms. Creepy, I know. I can't help it that my mother is an interior designer!

paris

I want to go back...

Looks like summer, feels like summer

Untitled by beatriiicee featuring Sonia Rykiel

last days

Summer begins in one day. Just one more day. Then freedom!

Photos: Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2009 (style.com); Paolo Roversi

The Selby's shots of Julia Roitfeld's lovely NYC aparment make me want to reorganize, get rid of stuff, and paint my walls white. I'm fairly sure that this will never happen; however, it's nice to dream of de-cluttering. Simplicity is a utopian ideal.

I'm a hopeless romantic. Photos: here and here

summer inspiration

Images: Vogue, Vanity fair, weheartit, vintagesnapshots

hooray

today, I'm grateful for....

1. Best friends. I'm flipping through my yearbook and getting all misty-eyed reading the wonderful notes people have written. My dear friends are just so eloquent, each in their own ways. They have managed to sum up our relationships in a few words (or in some cases, a few paragraphs). I love friends. I love love.

2. "Arts under the stars", the end-of-year fine arts presentation at my school. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was kind of fun watching the band/orchestra/choir perform songs from Pirates of the Carribean and Les Miserables.. Plus, a few of my paintings and sketches were displayed in the visual arts gallery. I'm so proud.

3. Lazy days that come only at the end of the school year. Finals are fast approaching...but no one seems to care. Locker clean out was today; I ignored advice and chose to leave my clutter in my locker securely until the last day of school. All that stuff is going to be difficult to clean out.

4. Um, SUMMER. It's divine. Need I say more? I'm especially looking forward to getting the heck out of here for a few weeks.

I'm still pretty convinced that I was supposed to be born a princess.

Photos: Mario testino for Vogue, Italian vogue, weheartit, domino magazine

Today, I'm grateful for...

1. Early morning starbucks runs with Lindsey, Mel, and Mitch. Coffee is more fun than constructions, any day. It was a sweet morning.

2. Every Henry VIII book ever written. I just can't even describe my fascination with this man and the women he doomed. I'm a little obsessed.

3. Sequestering myself in the library during lunch, then being pleasantly surprised by my sweet best friend Jennifer. Honestly one of my favorite people on earth. We're going to my school's fine arts display tomorrow, and I'm so excited!

4. Funny little ironies in the Target parking lot. My mom and I get to gossiping, and there's nothing that can really stop us. Except possibly running into the person we were talking about. Whoops.

5. Color-coding my closet and gabbing with Katherine. she's having boy problems. I want to help, but I don't really know what I'm talking about.

"Ophelia"/Millais

reminds me of this...

Liv your life

I think Liv Tyler is just so classy. Lately I've been stumbling across photos of her out on the town with Kate Hudson and Stella McCartney (One of my top favorite designers!), and every time I see a shot of her, all I can think about is how flawlessly posh she looks! Her style is quite classic and simple--she looks impeccably dressed all the time. Minimal accessorizing is working for her. Definitely a style icon....and, she's wearing Stella, which means she has some conscience about environmentally-friendly attire. Sigh. I'm so channeling her this week. Glossy hair, simple-yet-chic ensembles...I'm excited.