Little Black Romper

Taking advantage of the sweet joys of a fleeting summer

These days you'll find me doing everything I can to make this magical summer feeling last forever. That includes impulse buying lace trimmed rompers (on Amazon of all places!) that I know I will only realistically be able to wear once or twice before fall snatches my tan away from me.

"For less than the price of a Chipotle burrito with guac (always with quac), there was no justifiable reason not to get this romper..."

I tried not to buy this romper on account of the fact that I really didn't need it—I'm trying to be an adult and save my dollars—but Amazon's prices can be ridiculously affordable. For less than the price of a Chipotle burrito with guac (always with quac), there was no justifiable reason not to get this romper, even if I would only wear it a few times.

I know the joy I get from this summery romper is fleeting, with September right around the corner, but it's one I think we all should experience sometime: the joy that comes from something being made sweeter by its impermanence. Summer, along with this super cheap romper, won't last forever, but I'll celebrate them both while they're here.

photos by Brian Cheung

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Finally Carefree

A story about how a hair change can change your life

If you've read any of my previous posts this summer you'll know there was one thing I wanted more than anything. More than a tropical vacation, more than a summer filled with rooftop parties, I wanted to simply feel carefree, however that feeling came about.

"...but with one small change, I finally figured it out: hair. It always comes down to hair, doesn't it?"

It was a hard feeling to get a grasp on, between working odd writing shifts and the continued career search. How was I supposed to feel carefree when I in fact had so much to care about? But, with one small change, I finally figured it out: hair. It always comes down to hair, doesn't it?

I've never tried any hairstyle like this before, but with the addition of boho locks a la Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz (major hair inspo), I feel like I have not a care in the world. Nothing has changed, fundamentally — I still have two jobs — but when I whip my hair around, all feels right in the world.

photos by Brian Cheung

Finally Carefree

A story about how a hair change can change your life

If you've read any of my previous posts this summer you'll know there was one thing I wanted more than anything. More than a tropical vacation, more than a summer filled with rooftop parties, I wanted to simply feel carefree, however that feeling came about.

"...but with one small change, I finally figured it out: hair. It always comes down to hair, doesn't it?"

It was a hard feeling to get a grasp on, between working odd writing shifts and the continued career search. How was I supposed to feel carefree when I in fact had so much to care about? But, with one small change, I finally figured it out: hair. It always comes down to hair, doesn't it?

I've never tried any hairstyle like this before, but with the addition of boho locks a la Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz (major hair inspo), I feel like I have not a care in the world. Nothing has changed, fundamentally — I still have two jobs — but when I whip my hair around, all feels right in the world.

photos by Brian Cheung

Almost Athletic

Some say sporty, I say lazy

Getting dressed is a labor of love as of late. If I cared just a little bit less (and I mean a just a little bit, because I'm on the border right now), you'd see me walking around the literal firepit that is New York in moo moo that allowed for maximum ventilation. Y'all, this heat is just a different devil.

"I'd like to take this moment to thank the human who decided that "athleisure" was a thing."

But, because I am a functioning member of society I have gone in an alternate direction: this all-in-one jumpsuit. It allows me to be as lazy as this heat requires, while still sort of maintaining the appearance that I actually tried. I'd like to take this moment to thank the human who decided that "athleisure" was a thing. 

While I have not a sporty bone in my body, wearing a jumpsuit makes my life easy. And if I have to pretend to be active, then I'll do it. 

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Just Right

I finally, finally feel like I've got it together...ish

I'm in the middle of my first New York summer. It's sticky, humid, and to make matters sweatier, the old house I live has no central air system—I've been surviving with a fan and windows opened wide. Hell-like temperatures aside, I finally feel like I've got my feet firmly planted.

That's not to say everything is perfect, but everything is...right. Things feel like they are as they should be.

That's not to say everything is perfect, but everything is...right. Things feel like they are as they should be. And on the topic of things being as they should be, I wouldn't ever make it through a summer without these shorts. You've seen them for years, here and here, and though I do love a good new addition to my closet, sometimes it's just right to stick with the classics.

photos by Brian Cheung

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Real Life Magic

The right flared denim can be a kind of magic, no?

Fun fact, you guys: it's May. Don't ask me how that happened because I honestly don't know. What I do know, though, is that there's some kind of magic buzzing around this month like an electric current, and I can't wait to see what all comes of it.

So, you see it's hard for me not to see magic in the world. How else could I explain such a perfect thing happening?

For starters, my best friend in the whole wide world, no exaggeration, is moving to New York this week. In an unplanned series of events, his new career moved him to the city. So, you see, it's hard for me not to see magic in the world. How else could I explain such a perfect thing happening?

And, if this can happen, what can't? I'm open to the wonderfulness of the world, whether it be a small bit of joy (like finding a pair of fantastic flared jeans ) or a grand happening. And here's to some of that wonderfulness heading your way, too.

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Ready & Set

The slow and steady march 'til spring

While I was here complaining about how the last month really did a number on me, something in the cosmos was cooking up to make March open up like a flower in bloom. Except since winter here knows no end, no actual flowers are blooming. Yet.

...But if things can just make like this outfit—a slow but certain transition—I'd be set.

As it goes, I'm using my wardrobe to usher in spring. This paisley dress you see peeking through was my stand against the somber colors of fall/winter.  I've worn it here and here before, and there is no retirement date in sight for it. Don't you live for dresses that live on from season to season?

I'm not getting my hopes up for too much too soon in regards to a speedy spring, and if I think about it life in general, but if things can just make like this outfit—a slow but certain transition—I'd be set.

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Finally Winter

So, winter is a real thing and I am not prepared.

If you're wondering how or why I'm wearing this outfit in the middle of New York's battle against #blizzard2016 a.k.a. #stormJonas, let me assure you that this is not what I've been wearing. This is. I wore this during my last few days as a southern belle in Atlanta, where winters are reasonably cold, which is to say, not cold at all.

"And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters?"

And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters? I mean, if I wanted to make this combination work for a northern winter I would need a couple of very important additions.

First things first, I would need to do something about the bare legs. A pair of leggings maybe? No, two pairs for sure. Then, all the things my mother warned me I would need: gloves, a scarf and a heavier coat. As far as the hat, I listened to you on that one, mom. I regret ever doubting you. Please send help.

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