Spring 2015 Top Picks

Creating a collage without Photoshop or a more sophisticated editing program proves to be a challenge, but I managed to compile my favorite items for this spring. My mantra is always, "Simple and classy."

Part of the fun in maintaining a blog like mine resides in the ability to introduce readers to talented designers who produce stunning pieces. Ming Yu Wang aka Jennifer Wang encapsulates boldness and beauty in the small details--width of band, geometric shapes, material, texture. Often times, people overcomplicate things, hiding all raw charm. Ming Yu does the opposite, for example, by accentuating a rectangle's sharp edges or a circle's infinite smooth surface.

I would hope to interview designers such as Ming Yu and Jennie Kwon in the near future. As someone who enjoys learning about people and their stories, the journalist within me craves to venture out and help craft narratives. At the same time, a part of me does not miss laboriously transcribing interviews.

It's during these moments--at 4 or 5 am--when I ask myself, "What inspires you to wake up every morning and start fresh? Why haven't you give up yet? Why hasn't discouragement crushed your spirits?" Eternal hope. On that note, I challenge you to live today with excitement. For the weary-hearted, persevere and endure for a brighter tomorrow. For those with uncontrollable zeal, continue persevering and enduring.

Happy Wednesday, folks.

Monday Monsoon: Before Summer's Over

This summer, things have been--for the lack of a better word--unpredictable. Then again, as someone once said to me, my career epitomizes unpredictable. The two weeks spent in Atlanta are 14 days I would not exchange for anything else in the world. Admittedly enough, I was slightly overwhelmed by the overbearing humidity upon walking out of the airport. However, I loved every moment of my time in Georgia. I met some of the best colleagues, whom I now call my friends, during training and I feel blessed to have met them. While saddened that we'll be in different parts of the country, I do look forward to our reunion and our chats online.

LovePristineChristine

Sending monsoonic love from India,

Tuesday Thoughts: Tea and Cake

Birthday card

Mother’s Day prep

Mother’s Day spread

Birthday cake

Thursday Tip: Just a Simple White Tee

The one thing that I appreciate about Southern California weather is that it rarely hinders me from visiting a Farmer's Market.  In Chicago, such was not the case.  Los Angeles and I share a love-hate relationship, as I constantly teeter-totter between, "Los Angeles, I love how you calm my soul," and "Why are you so superficial?"  But when it comes to sharing cultural wealth, this city does a commendable job of doing so.  And having a brother who attends USC, I seize opportunities to indulge in such wealth.  A while back, I took a trip to the Trojan Farmer's Market on campus and enjoyed visiting each booth.  I returned home with a bag full of berry kettle popcorn and rustic loaf of bread (no preservatives!) while my brother feasted on his very first pupusas.

For me, Farmer's Market means dressing down than up.  A simple white tee and perfect pair of denim does the trick. Since cat's eye sunglasses are coming back next season, ditch those overrated aviators and grab these feminine sunnies instead.  And if you're anything like me at the Farmer's Market, do yourself a favor and carry a Lo & Sons bag (fashionable + utilitarian).  Whether you're a college girl or working woman who travels, you will find the bag to be useful (space for camera, laptop, and/or shoes + attachable to suitcase).

LovePristineChristine

Happy Thursday, and I'll see you, soon.  

Spring from Head to Toe

I literally feel and taste spring every day now, which hypersurges--yes, this is a made up word--my happiness level by a factor of at least 10!  From the luscious strawberries to the gangling but sweet chrysanthemum coronariums, spring gives joy to my palate.  However, changing seasonal produce isn't the only exciting part of the sun-filled quarter.  Transition in colors add to the thrill as well.  This Spring, we shift to pastels and gold.  From my humble perspective, it's not wise to splurge on pastel-tone clothes for two main reasons.  One, not everyone can rock pastels (figure out whether your face is warm-tone or cool-tone).  Two, they're less likely to be classics that will endure several seasons.  Instead, consider redirecting the focus to your extremities--fingers, toes, hands, head.  Check out my guide to Spring/Summer'14 Must Haves.   

1. Color-blocked pastel clutches 
2. Bucket bags (similar)
3. Glitter & mint nail polish (Opi, Jamberry)
4. Gold cocktail rings, statement necklaces, bangles
5. Baby blue espadrilles (Zara)

I'm rather ecstatic to share these next series of posts.  Stay tuned to catch a glimpse of a day at USC's Farmer's Market and to learn about my ideal outfit on casual days. :)

Daily Delights: Feast for the Eyes

I've always been a morning slash breakfast hyphen brunch type of person.  From elementary to freshman year of college, I woke up at 6 am every day.  Beginning my sophomore year of college, my daily start began even earlier, and soon, 5 am became 4 am.  For a while, after graduating, I trained myself to not rise at the crack of dawn.  Now, I start my day at 5 am or 6 am.  Apparently, the creative types are most productive at odd hours--mine just happens to be before sunrise.  The Huffington Post article spoke my heart, as I tend to enter my "flow state" and block out my surroundings when my painting or writing absorbs me. What I love the most about the AM (am, A.M., a.m...) is being able to enjoy a warm brew of coffee and hearty breakfast with my mom after morning prayer.  Over easy egg, sliced avocado, cracked pepper, and proscuitto--all on toasted whole wheat bread or English muffin.  We bond over our hobbies and life.  She reads the newspaper, while I dig through an avalanche of news from Wall Street and Washington Post.  I undergo my daily ritual of morose and nostalgia when staring at my dying friend, who goes by the name of Print Journalism.  Coffee does the bare minimum to temporarily assuage such grief.  Three months from now, my mornings will consist of a different routine.  Breakfast won't be the same when I move into my new place.

{Proscuitto, over-easy egg, avocado, pepper cracked open face sandwich}

{Gifts from Paris, sent by a good friend}

I'm loving this spring/summer's color swatch--pastels and brights--and hoping I can incorporate them somehow into my wall decor.  For those who normally stick to dark solids, be bold and play around with this season's varying patterns and tones.  From floral to tribal to houndstooth,  and from seafoam to sand to coral, I don't think I've seen a more exciting spring/summer since 2008 or 2009.

TGIF, everyone!

LOVE, pristine christine

Friday Fave5 and a Belated Valentine Update

1. I left a piece of my heart with the croissants at Tartine.

2. Brian Williams raps like a master (The Late Night Show)

3. Mil & Bird's deep royal blue tote (millandbird.com)

4. Pointed skimmer flats are the rage this spring and summer.  You can find a cute pair from Madewell!

5. Flare jeans steal the spotlight this spring.  Fashion repeats itself.

6. We're winding back to the 90s with style.  Flare jeans, check. Crop tops, check.  Zara's black knit crop top flatters all body types (pear, hourglass, apple), and they'd look absolutely adorable with jeans, skirts, and shorts. (Zara.com)

Esther_Lee_Letter

Happy belated Valentine's Day!  Whether you're single or in a relationship, I hope all of you enjoyed last Friday regardless.  In fact, there's nothing sinful about indulging in rich fondue as a single lady unless you're coddled by both decadent chocolate fondue and bewitching cheese fondue simultaneously.  Guilty enough, my family and I treated ourselves to chocolate fondue made with 100% Belgian chocolate and to a heavenly mixture of white wine and gruyere and swiss cheese fondue.  Tyler Florence and Nigella Lawson share recipes I personally love, but as an avid Nigella follower, I can't help but to show a slight bias toward hers.

I wish I could elucidate on the details of my pitch perfect Valentine/President's Day Weekend in San Francisco because every aspect of the trip was truly a blessing.  We left the quaint, winding city with a newfound fondness for two things--Gialina Pizzeria and Tartine Bakery.  Crazy to say, we--lovers of bread and Italian cuisine--willingly waited 30 minutes to grab a bite of both and left not a bit disappointed.  We concurred that Gialina ranks at the top with Gjelina in terms of serving fantastic pizza baked the right way and that Tartine's buttery croissants will have anyone vying for more.

Happy Friday!  

LOVE,

pristine christine 

Fave Fours/Fives: Foodie's Life & V-Day Gifting

Who says Valentine's Day can't be a time when single girlfriends gather and share gifts with each other?  For both the single ladies and those who eagerly hope to be surprised by their men on V-day, I impart these words: Happy Gifting and Happy Dining!  Gather food inspirations from Stacey Sun and Zoe Nathan and gifting ideas from below.  

1. The Photo Journey of a Food Connoisseur Stacey Sun (Instagram)
2. Following Baker and Restauranteur Zoe Nathan--genius behind Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery, and Milo + Olive in Santa Monica (Instagram)
3. Your lady friends will appreciate this light, citrusy scent from fresh (30 mL for $48, 100 mL for $88)
4. Enjoy the night with some wine and sweets on Valentine's Day (Champagne Petit Fours, $55)
5. Monogram that bag with personal initials to make it one of a kind ($258 with monogram)

I personally wouldn't mind receiving a box of Champagne Petit Fours from a charming fella, but that's just my single-soul speaking.  Have a beautiful Friday, and I'll see you back here in a couple hours with more Super Bowl shareable snack tips.

LOVE,
pristine christine