Surviving Winter 101

{Fuzzy Pink Socks from Korea}

It's never fun having cold feet, especially on your wedding day.  If you haven't heard already, Winter in regions other than California has been unusually chilly.  Regardless of where you live though, the winter air gives you the shivers.  No one wants to walk around in marshmallow coats or thick socks.  But what must be done must be done.  In fact, fuzzy socks with cute designs and funky colors can commit no wrong.  Adorn your feet with a pair at home and pop a tangerine or two into your mouth for a dose of Vitamin C.  Thankfully, my parents have a tangerine tree, so I have the luxury of just visiting their backyard.

Tangerines

LOVE, pristine christine

Where's Wednesday?: It's Gettin' Cold, Baby

Oh, baby, its getting cold outside!  Let's turn on the lights and revel the scintillating beauty of Christmas as we help ourselves to a generous serving of Pat Jook (Red Bean porridge) and oven-roasted/baked golden sweet potatoes.  For me, nothing speaks Winter than bundling up and merrily downing a spoonful of Pat Jook.  Personally, I'm not too keen on sweets, so I prefer my porridge without sugar; but if you're more of a sweets person, then add a moderate amount of sugar to the boiling pot. PAT JOOK: Sweet Rice Flour (for the rice balls), Red Bean, Water, Glutinous Rice, Salt [optional: sugar]

And a cold, winter day wouldn't be complete without hot golden sweet potatoes, freshly out of the oven.  My favorite parts are the caramelized areas that you find after peeling the skin.  How can you go wrong with roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts? :)

Stay warm and cozy, everyone.  However, I must still ask, "Do you want to build a snowman?"  (yes, that was a reference to the movie Frozen. Please don't actually jump into a pile of snow in this weather.) Enough of my banter.  Have a good night until tomorrow...

LOVE, pristine christine

Monday Musings: Patterns and Textures

{Max & Co. Bonded Wool Peacoat | Vince Stretch Skinny Jean | ZARA Leather Bermuda | Topshop Khaki Bermuda Shorts | Theory Burgundy/Wine Wool Skirt}

For the past month, I've been on a hunt for some type of outerwear, and I thought I had failed in my search until yesterday.  Knowing that I am a rather fastidious and resilient client, I enter stores with apologies already welling in my heart.  Sales representatives who recognize me immediately play a game of "I-Spy," searching for clothes that are perfect for me.  They know that neither my mom nor I buy a piece that is not a 100%  match.

I initially had no intentions of dropping by Max&Co., since nothing stood out to me during my visit the week before, but my mom nudged and gave me the "It doesn't hurt to see, again" look.  To my surprise, this beautiful peacoat grabbed both of our attention.  Chic, versatile, and wonderfully constructed.  One jacket left in my size--my name was written all over it.  The 20% discount was the extra cherry on top.

At home, my mom put on another mock fashion show in her bedroom: we coordinated various pieces that I own with the coat.  Denim, jeans, flared mini skirt, high-wasted bermudas, and winter shorts--they all complemented the newest addition to my wardrobe.  This gem will definitely be a keeper for years, and as Mama and Daughter Kim like to say, "Good investment."

Sometimes, peacoats can cause much dilemma because they may look "too wintery" or "too short for dresses."  But really, I find them to be much easier to mix-and-match with than most other outerwear.  You can never go wrong with jeans but any of these bottoms will do: a mini skirt (think slightly flared), something leather, structured ankle pants (for formal events), solid-colored knee-length dresses, or fall/winter bermudas.  Take a chance, and explore your closet.  There's no need in squandering money on unnecessary things.  Have fun, playing, and I'll meet you tomorrow for a case of Tough Tuesday: Indulging in Dem Vitamin C.

LOVE, pristine christine

Tough Tuesday: Fight for Joy

Somewhere in the crowd exists a defeated smile, weary eyes, or hunched shoulders.

As we dropped off a bundle of mac n' cheese boxes for a local Thanksgiving meal donation fundraiser in front of Sam's Club last week, I wondered how a parent must feel for not being able to provide his/her child a warm, hearty Thanksgiving dinner.  With the exception, no parent ever wants to say, "I think we'll have to skip Thanksgiving this year."  Even for those who are privileged, it becomes a daily battle to fight for joy when disheartening moments blind us from seeing the blessings surrounding us.  Fight for joy.  Turn that frown upside down and smile.  I'm sure Uncle Kracker would beg the same.

LOVE, pristine christine

Monday Musings: A Piece of Seattle

There is a season for work, and there is a season for rest.  With the holidays approaching, everyone seems to be rushing to finish errands so that they can fully enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas.  From these California freeways to grandiose shopping malls, activity flourishes.  In the midst of all the bustling, I'm learning to make time for peace... with some freshly brewed coffee.

As coffee snobs, our family has come to realize that we, unfortunately, appreciate the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee the most.  My mom and I casually sip our daily cup of Joe in a Lenox or Villeroy Boch cups in the morning.  However, I can now do so in a special mug from Seattle's Pike Place!  A dear friend of mine who works at Microsoft up in Washington sent me an endearing card and adorable Pike Place Starbucks mug.  I guess you can say that I have a part of Seattle and her with me here!

I truly feel thankful to have met her in college because she is, without a doubt, a valuable sister and friend.  It still feels strange to think that I can no longer grab lunch with her or run in the rain to watch a movie.  But I hope to visit her sometime and that we update each other about our lives face-to-face...

Hope you all have a good night.

LOVE, pristine christine

Friday Fun: Just Being a Book Worm

Sandro Quilted Jacket | Max&Co. Skirt | Marni Shoulder Bag | Oxford Shoes | DKNY Opaque Tights | Beanie

My copy of The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking arrived today thanks to Amazon Prime (the annual $79 fee is such a steal!).  I am guilty of my gluttony for books--buying numbers of them without realizing that I may not actually have the time to go through all of them in a year.  But this time, I promise the end result will be different!  I'm rather excited to dig into the nitty-grittiness of Susan Cain's insight as she explores the cultural aspect of introvertedness as well... all on a Friday night.  Yes, folks, today is Friday, meaning we are less than a week away from sharing our thanks over a homey, hearty meal!  My mom and I have been checking off items off our list as we slowly finish shopping for Thanksgiving.  And what better way to beat the rainy weather than to go out cheerily in style.  You may or may not remember that I wore my Max & Co. skirt with my knit sweater last week, but this weekend, I'm zipping up with my Sandro jacket, oxfords, and beanie.  Although California prides itself in being the sunny state, it too experiences the seasonal lows.

Given the drop in temperature, I very much prefer hanging out with my book tonight.  Happy Friday, everyone!

LOVE, pristine christine

Where's Wednesday: In my bag!

Vintage Cartier Shoulder Bag | Max & Co. Skirt | Chloe Cat's Eye Sunglasses | Pointed Pumps | Cable Knit Sweater | Fedora Hat

My mom "passed down" her Cartier shoulder bag to me 2 years ago, and the whole backpack craze makes slinging this gem over my shoulder rather hip. My winter Fedora and Max & Co. skirt all come together with the outfit as well. Personally, I'm not a fan of the patent leather shoe trend, but by all means, if you have clothing that is perfect for patent leather, then play mix-and-match!

In the meantime, I'm going to wash up and prep for bed. Good night!

LOVE, pristine christine

Weekend Whims: Play it Cool

PHOTO CREDITS: StreetPeeper (Phil Oh), COLLAGE: pristine christine (me)

I spy hats, leather, and coats.  Three of my favorites spotted by StreetPeeper Phil Oh!  These ladies know how to coordinate classic with trendy so adeptly, and I would hope that these fashionistas inspire you a much as they inspired me.

If there are two things that occur naturally to me, they would be abridging and analyzing (doubleA!).  Breaking down today's fashion report, I am going to offer you the highlights: 1. BRIGHT SHOES (booties or pumps! Please save yourself the embarrassment from wearing tall boots in grotesque colors) 2. KNEE-LENGTH SKIRTS (perfect with knit sweaters and pumps this Winter) 3. LEATHER PANTS (yes, tuck in the blouse or shirt, girlfriends) 4. HATS (not everyone can pull of hats, but if you love and can kill hats as much as I do, then find your "it" Fall/Winter fedora) 5. COATS (ppsssttt... Isabel Marant x HM...)

I hope all of you find the weather's "cooling down" somewhat pleasant (hopefully, not too troublesome).  I, for one, finally have a reason to cozy up in bed at night.

Happy Veteran's Day!

LOVE, pristine christine