Monthly Archives: September 2012

LONDON: to the Palace

(MUUBAA leather jacket, Vintage dress, Dr. Marten’s boots, Rebecca Minkoff camera bag, monogrammed by Logan Real, and handbag)
Visiting Buckingham Palace was like a complete dream. Dylana and I literally ran through the giant park leading to the palace and I really did feel like a little girl again, with thoughts floating in my head of being a princess. Reckon it’s too late? Every tourist in the city was peering in through the gates, snapping that one last picture to remember that royal moment. I sat back at the steps, looking in from afar. Clouds hovering overhead, with just random peeks of sunshine, London’s history and charm makes it just so beautiful. I cannot even explain how much I love this city! Black quickly became my go-to color. The gloomy weather, carefree attitude of the Brits, sort of changed me and my style as I traveled through Europe. I’ve grown to love the disheveled look and unbrushed hair…the little vintage dresses with high colors paired with rock n’ roll boots. Can you believe I didn’t brush my hair once in the past 10 days? I arrived back in NYC with dreadlocks, literally. I honestly don’t think I can ever do the “put-together” look after visiting London. The city’s got it’s beauty and it’s got it’s grime. Mixed to perfection. Did I mention it’s magical? I’m going to bed tonight dreaming of this city.
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The Real Punks of Camden Town

It’s nearly 2 am and all my bags are packed and ready to head back to NYC! These days in Europe have been life changing. We kept to our word and made that spontaneous trip to Paris, and I’ve got to admit, I haven’t really slept much all week (yikes). Surprisingly, I feel just fine. Traveling with Dylana has been refreshing. It’s reminded me why exploring a new place keeps me alive. Our adventures gallivanting through London and Paris felt like it was out of a book. Though we didn’t even have time to make a proper itinerary, everything sort of fell into place. I literally hopped on a plane with a giant suitcase of the things I’ve always dreamt up of wearing in Europe, arrived in London, jumped on the tube…and honestly didn’t even have the address to my hotel. It’s called “winging it” and I can say, my sister and I have completely mastered the art of it.

Luckily, we found our way through Europe and discovered so many hidden gems throughout both London and Paris. Camden is just one part of London we knew was worth visiting.  I’ve always really dug the punk scene and so seeing it’s birthplace was kind of a must. We were even super close to purchasing a pair of creepers. I’m dying for them, only didn’t want to pack them in my suitcase back to the States. Figured I’d find them elsewhere. But yeah, all I packed were JETTS and DOCS, both of which have been so worn-in to the point where I need replacements. All complete with a pair of overalls, a staple my mom told me to pack. She used to wear them as well when she lived in London. So there you have it: overalls, boots, and a button-down. Here’s to you, MUM. 

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Shoreditch Through my Lens

(Vintage dress and military jacket, Free People sweater, Dr. Martens boots, Rebecca Minkoff camera bag, monogrammed by Logan Real, and handbag)
There’s just so much life and energy to Shoreditch. It reminds me so so much of NYC, except that everywhere you turn, every single person has fantastic style. Honestly, I don’t think East Londoners could get more effortless and eclectic. There’s this real rebellious, youthful attitude in the air that I just love.  I found it hard for me to put my camera with all the colors, food, and people. Shoreditch happens to be sort of the grimy bit of town, but it’s also been the most inspiring. For lunch, we literally plopped a squat on the sidewalk to eat food from the Sunday market, and never ever have I seen rows and rows of so many well dressed hipsters fill the entire sidewalk. Only on Brick Lane I guess! It was genius, and absolutely delicious. Not only have Dylana and I been eating quite well (trying out everything from British pub food to Turkish food,) we’ve also been thrifting like mad. Can we talk about the vintage shopping? It’s the best I’ve seen yet! I snagged this military jacket for 20 quid and I can’t seem to take it off. With the slight chill making it’s way through London, I’ve been layering like crazy! Knit sweaters over mini-dresses, over tights, over socks. That slight punk/rockabilly look was born in London. I’m dying to try out a beehive and some black lipstick!
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On a Shop Crawl through London

(Vintage dress, GAP denim jacket, Dr. Martens boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag)
Hello from London! After just one day in the city, I’ve already fallen deeply in love with it. Our hotel reminds me of an old British castle, and I honestly don’t want to get out of bed. Dylana and I spent our first day on one crazy shop crawl through London. And not to just any stores…we went to a bunch of hidden underground spots that I never would have found! LN-CC, House of Liza, Beyond Retro. Thank goodness for my pals at Shopikon for taking us on a day’s tour to so many amazing spots. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without them…Shopikon’s become my travel go-to guide. I’m really getting back into vintage and so picked up a few new pieces along the way. By the way, my British friends were so right about London style. It’s very grungy, dark, and gloomy… everyday I feel like wearing more black along with my chunky Docs. I love how the style here is always slightly punk..the girls never look perfect and the boys are pure rock n’ roll. We ended our night over in Dalston, at a real British pub…with the Stones blasting at the bar, and electro playing in the back. Let’s just say it was the perfect start to one incredible trip. Here’s to day 2!

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