TBMD

Spring weddings may be the more universally accepted version of beautiful with blooming flowers everywhere, but I think fall weddings are equally gorgeous, especially when timed just as the leaves are changing colors. DH and I went to a wedding at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens over the weekend. Um, how is it that I've never visited this place until now?! I'm ashamed to call myself a local :(

My pictures really do not do the "gardens" justice. I use the term loosely because Meadowlark is more like a mini-National Park with trails, wildlife, and just beautiful natural scenery all-around. I'm guessing we were a few weeks early because trees were still mostly green. I plan to go back soon to catch the leaves at peak foliage and will be wearing sneakers so I can freely roam about!

[photo below]: My idea of being one with nature. I literally could've sat out here all day. Darn the wedding reception for pulling me away from this view ;)

Photos thanks to DH!

I seem to switch between two dresses when it comes to wedding guest wear: a By Malene Birger embellished dress or a Lanvin x H&M black ruffled dress. The Malene B. dress has an open back and feels more summer-y to me (though the sparkly embellishments would fit well for NYE.) So I crossed that dress off my potentials list when I saw the mid-November date for my friend L's wedding. That left the Lanvin x H&M black ruffled dress. Black is always a safe choice and I figured the thicker material could help keep me somewhat warm (random justification on my part because any warmth is probably negated by the one-shoulder design?)

Before I fully committed to the Lanvin x H&M dress, I couldn't help but give in to the idea of shopping for a new dress to wear for a special occasion. I gave the Ann Taylor feathered hem dress a shot (runs large, tried on 00P), but sided with the majority and went with the Lanvin x H&M dress as the final pick.

The wedding was held at DAR Memorial Continental Hall, the smaller and older sister of the more famous Constitution Hall. Parts of the building were undergoing renovations when we were there (see random ladder in last pic), but that didn't detract from the beautiful architecture and elegant detailing found throughout. Case in point: the Pennsylvania foyer for the couple's first dance [photo below].
I loved L's entire look for her wedding day. The hair, the makeup, the dress (!) She looked gorgeous. The dress very much reminded me of old Hollywood glamour, which also complemented the venue perfectly. After I uploaded a couple photos to social media, one of my male coworkers (who doesn't strike me as someone who cares about fashion at all) made it a point to tell me that my "friend who got married looked so pretty. Some girls pick dresses that aren't flattering, but hers was perfect for her." What a nice thing to say :) Congrats L+S!

Outfit photos thanks to DH!

DH and I met up with friends for lunch at Founding Farmer's (highly recommend!) over the weekend. Afterwards, I asked him to quickly snap some photos in succession when there was a break in foot traffic around us. Hair blowing in every which direction, me with my hands full of bags, trying to smile normally but failing miserably... these are the most non-embarrassing and about as "real" as it gets for my outfit photos.

[photo above]: My other alma mater that doesn't get much love. Still need to buy my first GW gear...

Photos thanks to DH!

Inquiring minds wanted to know (hi Yesenia and Anon!) what I packed for my 2.5 week European spring vacation, so maybe others would find this helpful as well.

What I had in mind was to be practical and pack as efficiently as possible, while being somewhat-stylish.

1) I packed light because dragging our luggage in and around 4 different cities is not fun. We didn't rely on cabs because most of the hotels we stayed in were within walking distance/easily accessible from transportation hubs. I was able to fit everything into one carry-on sized suitcase (rolled items to reduce wrinkles and save space) and a Longchamp Le Pliage large tote. I also stored a folded tote in one of the pocket compartments of my suitcase, just in case I needed extra storage on my return flight home. My one suitcase worked out for the best because we often had to go up and down flights of stairs (no elevators/escalators around.)

2) To dress appropriately for the weather. I learned my lesson the last time I went to Japan in December and had only packed a leather jacket and a sweatshirt as the heaviest layers (face palms.) From my research, I was prepared for colder weather in England and France, but warmer weather in Italy. Expected May temperatures ranged from 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit across those three countries. There was also a high probability for rainy days.

- Cold weather days: sweaters, sweatshirt, long-sleeve tops, jeans, scarf. I avoided packing duplicate items in the same colors (ie: didn't pack two pairs of blue jeans), figuring I wouldn't have a problem re-wearing items.

- Warm weather days: t-shirts, shorts, skirt, dress, flip-flops. As much as I love light-colored bottoms, I knew it would be hard for me to keep them clean for a long duration, so I stuck to dark colors. One pair of shorts and one skirt ended up being sufficient. I packed three t-shirts because they're great layering pieces under long-sleeves or would work as standalone tops on warmer days.

- Rainy days: small-sized umbrella, water-resistant jacket with a hood. I chose a lightweight jacket because I didn't mind layering sweaters and long-sleeves underneath for extra warmth. The thin jacket could also be easily rolled up and tucked away in my tote when I don't need it. The most important thing for me was choosing a jacket with a hood because I don't like getting my hair wet.

Of the 24 items* I packed, I ended up wearing every single piece at least once; many I wore several times by either repeating outfits or by slightly changing an item here or there. The key was to pick basics from a color scheme that are easy to layer and mix-and-match. Along with "neutrals" (denim, white, gray, black), I stuck to variations of reds/yellows/blues -- any combination of the three are colors I could create outfits around.

So many cities visited, so much to take in. Every day was a new experience in sensory overload. The immediate and lasting impressions I had of each city were: Loved London. It's a more refined version of the US, and I may actually prefer to live there over any other US city. The accents alone are enough to convince me to move. Disappointed with Paris. The city didn't live up to its "romantic" billing -- perhaps we didn't stay in/visit the right areas? I felt like it was the NYC of Europe -- dirty, smelly, had their share of unsavory characters. LOVED Venice. So charming and picturesque. Its laid-back vibe and slower pace of life meshes well with my personality, so I'm a bit biased there. It was so apparent the passion Italians have for their craft. Rome was my least favorite city of the four. Crowded, aggressive people everywhere. Hated how there were hidden costs in practically every restaurant we ate at.

Just a warning, a ton (compared to the usual) photos ahead.

Over the weekend, DH and I went to a friend's wedding at the charming and historic Hollin Hall. The ceremony was held at the outdoor garden -- an intimate setting with the afternoon sun as the perfect backdrop.

Tourists from all over descend upon DC every spring to see the famous cherry blossoms. I imagine it's difficult for out-of-towners to plan ahead and time their visit during peak bloom, which unfortunately only lasts about a week (love this handy guide for reference). As a local, I don't have an excuse for skipping besides pure laziness. But not this year!

When my cousin was in town last weekend, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and schlepped around the city. We walked from Georgetown, followed the path along the river, to the Tidal Basin. As we began to see cherry blossom trees, I wondered out loud, What happened to all the trees? There seems to be less this year, only a scattering here and there. DID THEY DIE?! And where are the mob of tourists? When we reached the Tidal Basin [photos below], everything made sense. This is where the majority of the trees and crowd are, and is the scene used on many postcards.

Over the weekend, DH and I went to a wedding held at the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown DC. The venue was absolutely gorgeous, with a traditional neoclassical exterior and contemporary interior complete with high ceilings and glass everywhere. I wish I had taken more photos, but was too preoccupied with making sure we didn't get lost (one of the few times a smartphone sure would've been handy!) The building is open to the public though, so we'll have the chance to visit again. Just a heads up that IDs are checked and people/cars are screened by metal detectors upon entrance.

[photo above]: On the Pavilion room balcony overlooking the Woodrow Wilson plaza

DH and I have been talking about going on a honeymoon for what seems like forever. Fast forward a year, and we're still at the same spot in the planning stage as back then (!) Sigh. What we are able to make decisions on are short trips, preferably to places we've been to before. So I guess our recent trip to Charlottesville fills that void until we go someplace more exciting.

UVA was our home away from home for four years, so it holds a special place in our hearts. There are a few spots we make a point to stop at every time we visit, which includes Bodo's Bagels, a dining hall, and more Bodo's. Sadly, dining hall hours are irregular in the summer, but I did manage to eat enough bagels to last me until the next visit. I'll never tire of their smoked turkey on an everything bagel [photo below]. We even brought some back with us for lunch the next day. Bagels for three consecutive days? No complaints here.

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

I miss my mom, the side of her that loved clothes. She's the one in our family who is always put-together for every occasion. I remember the few times when she'd excitedly show me items she had purchased, usually something bold and bright. I'd nod and smile but soon turn back to whatever-a-teenager-who's-not-interested-in-clothes would rather do. Probably chatting with friends on AIM. I also remember times when she had to literally drag me to the mall for new clothes because the ones I had were so old and worn. She had no problem bulldozing me into buying things that I wouldn't had picked out for myself.

I didn't really become interested in clothes and fashion until a few years ago, around the time she became sick. By then, her priorities have shifted and understandably so, as her health is her primary concern now. No longer is she wearing the colorful clothes she used to love. She also hardly ever goes shopping anymore. You could say she passed on her love of clothes to me at the right time, but I miss what I took for granted and what could've been -- us shopping together because we both enjoy it, or giggling over new purchases. Every now and then, she'd surprise me by commenting on my outfits, and we'd chat and laugh about my choices. The important thing though, is that she's still a part of my life. I'll take that any day and every day. I love you, mom.

Wishing all the moms and moms-to-be a very happy Mother's Day!

I blog about my travels, but don't really talk about my hometown. That's because I tend to stay in the suburbs and don't venture inside the city often. It's such a shame because DC is just a short metro ride away and really has a lot to offer.

My cousin was in town over the weekend and asked if I could take Friday off so we can spend a day inside the city. I happily agreed as I already had plans to be off from work. She wanted to check out Union Market, then also casually mentioned that there's a ramen shop inside. Umm... no need to ask this glutton twice!

I fell for J.Crew's recent sale again (40% off PLUS free shipping?! unheard of) and picked up a yellow turtleneck. I figured this would be a practical addition because I've started to get some side-eye at work from wearing my red turtleneck multiple times a week. The only problem is, the dark shade of yellow isn't as easy to style as red. Side note: Perhaps a different ways to wear red turtleneck post soon -- any interest?

When I was backing up photos over the weekend, I came across one of my pre-teen self wearing what I dubbed "my McDonald's outfit." What else does red/yellow/white remind a kid of besides delicious fast food reserved only for special occasions?

So for today's look, I drew inspiration from my childhood photo by using updated clothing items for a more grown-up look. I kept the same theme of stripes with red and yellow accents, but didn't let patterns nor colors dominate the outfit.

A few months ago, bf and I finally decided to make it official after ten years of dating. The day was everything we could have hoped for: relatively low-stress, simple, just the two of us with our families. For two laid-back souls, it couldn't have been any more perfect ♥

All photos by the talented Leah @ Studio Juno. Note: Most are originals, but some have been cropped for a closeup.

Warning: Long and image heavy post ahead.

I experienced some of the most fun and worst times during my trip abroad. We were constantly on the move, not spending more than 3 nights at one location. I've come to appreciate the meaning of "living out of your suitcase." Kudos to those of you who travel often for work; I know I would be in one foul mood all the time. For this trip, I was lucky to travel with my cousin(s), who not only put up with my slacker ways (last minute planning among my many offenses), but also had to constantly wait for me while I took pictures*. Thank you S and T!

First stop: Japan. This was easily my favorite of the whole trip. I had an idea of what to expect thanks to helpful suggestions by SS and katattack2000 prior to landing, but the culture, the people, and the food all blew me away. If asked to describe the Japanese in 3 words, I would say: efficient, clean, and welcoming. Those are some serious praise in my world :)

Cousin S and I landed in Osaka around dinnertime. We were sleepy, famished, and cold, so our first order of business was to eat some hot ramen. While walking to our hotel, we happened to pass by one with a short line and decided to give it a try. Of all places, this shop turned out to be Ippudo! We quickly devoured our $10 bowls of ramen, which were as good (if not better) than NYC's. I didn't see pork buns on the menu, but we did see many locals eating what looked to be a fried rice dish.

Bf and I took a trip to Charlottesville recently, home of our alma mater (go Hoos!) It was a reach school for me, a safety school for him, but once we stepped foot onto the Grounds, it was inevitable that we would meet. School was where we became friends, started dating, and spent the best four years of our lives. Sappy much? :) Whenever we return to visit, we make a point to stop by our old stomping grounds, to simply marvel at the changes over the years, but also to reminisce about the good times. Just to name a few, must-see places include our old dorms, the Corner, and the picturesque lawn that Thomas Jefferson designed.

While we hardly took the time to seek out new local food spots back then, we make a point to do so now. What was wrong with us in college, you wonder? We both enjoyed dining hall food. And still miss it sometimes, hahaha. It's too bad they're closed over the summer, or we would've definitely made a stop :) So instead, on our must-eat itinerary was Bodo's (best everything bagels ever), La Michoacana Deli (I'm still sad we missed tacos by 20 minutes!), Marco & Luca (mmm dumplings and sweet & spicy noodles), and The Flat (light and doughy, salty and sweet crepes).

Good day, good times. I miss Cville already.

What do you miss the most about your alma mater?

Picture overload ahead. Mouse over photos for descriptions.

I was tagged by Elle @ Fast Food & Fast Fashion to share my baby pictures awhile back and I finally found the time to dig up and scan a few.

In the bottom left image, I'd guess I was practically a newborn. My mom likes to tell the story that my eyes were my best feature, the thing she first noticed when I was born. (Were being the key word because I have terrible eye sight now). Just curious, how much did you weigh at birth? I was average, a little over 6 lbs. And now I've grown to an average height of a little over 5'4". That's me, average to a T.

Growing up, I always had medium-to-long hair. (Thank you Mom for never subjecting me to the Chinese bowl haircut!) Since I didn't really had a say (or didn't really care?), I sported bangs for a good 2/3 of my life. Blunt cut bangs, side-swept bangs that looked like a cowlick gone wrong, you name it, I probably had it. Since I have thick, wavy, and frizzy hair, they didn't fall nice and silkily and definitely didn't frame my face. Ahh! I'm getting a mental nightmare just thinking about it. So I'll leave you with a not-so-horrible pic of me with bangs from when I was a child.